Getting my first mechanical keyboard

[AverageHybrid]

So I joined geekhack a week ago hoping to find more keyboard enthusiasts like me. I made a introduction post along with my problem of deciding between keycaps in my post there. I don't know whether this is the right section to post but I need help deciding which keyboard to get.

I have already went to the shops in my area to try out all the 4 common Cherry MX switches and came down to a conclusion that linear switches are not for me and I need the tactile feedback for me to type, so I have decided to go for the blues as I really like the tactile feeling and the click sound it makes.

I did research on the net and found out that the two top quality keyboard brands now are Filco and Ducky. I personally do not prefer backlight and I have came down to two keyboards: Ducky Premier Yellow PBT keycap edition and the Filco Majestouch Ninja. The problem now is, I cannot decide between the Yellow PBT keycaps of the Ducky or the unique printing style but ABS printing on the Filco Ninja. Do the ABS keycaps shine after sometime as compared the the PBT keycaps? I do not mind the number pad and it is an optional thing for me as I am used to having a number pad and I have enough desk space for it. I am looking for a keyboard that will last me long and has the highest build quality so can I hear your opinions about which one would you get and your reasons?

I am willing to spend for my mechanical keyboard and both cost similiar in my area: Filco Majestouch Ninja costs USD$150(Converted from Singapore Dollars) and the Ducky Premier costs $160 so it only a difference of $10 at my place. I have looked at the prices on various websites and did the currency conversions and found out that the Filco is actually cheaper here and Ducky does not actually cost as much. I also need help and I want the most cost efficient keyboard. As I said before I do not really mind the number pad but I am getting the tenkeyless version of the Filco and the Ducky Premier only comes in a full 107 key version. Tell me which one you guys will get: Filco Majestouch Ninja 107, Filco Majestouch Ninja tenkeyless or the Ducky Premier

Also another thing to note is that if I get the Filco Ninja I am going to replace my keycaps to PBT or Doubleshot ABS keycaps which costs quite a lot in my place. And can you guys tell me more about PBT and doubleshot keycaps and which keyboard should I just go with?

[Novus]

Get them both.

[AverageHybrid]

Get them both.

nah only got money for one and I want one that lasts long.

[Novus]

Then PBT is the way to go.

[AverageHybrid]

Then PBT is the way to go.

But I wanted to get the Filco and replace it with blank PBT keycaps. I wanna know which one is the best bang for the buck. Just the Ducky Premier + few exclusive switches OR Filco + Custom blank PBT keycaps. So now I want to know which keyboard has better interior build and durability.

[Novus]

Then PBT is the way to go.

I wanna know which one is the best bang for the buck

I think the answer to that is actually quite self evident and you've answered it yourself.

[Sent]

You honestly can't go really wrong with either.  There isn't enough difference in their build quality where one is a clear winner, in my opinion.  And while I can understand the funds may not be available now, I'll bet that later on, you'll see a groupbuy or an interest check for some caps and you'll want to jump on those.  In the end, you'll probably replace the caps on both boards once the bug bites you.  This is a hobby and the worth that each of us assigns to any keyboard or keycap is probably going to be different.  The question you're asking is a very hard one to answer.

[Novus]

They're both good boards.

Filco has a slightly higher rep because it's been screened more extensively (at least here in the USA).
Ducky's kinda been known as sucky ducky for a while.
****'s changed in 2014 though ... well probably.

If you look at the forums ducky and filco have all had their share of problems.

You'll also want to compare the stabilizers and stuff.
If you want costar go Filco.
If you want cherry go Ducky.
I've only used the Filco ninja myself and I don't know how great the new Ducky Premier is or isn't

Quality/$value is just too intangible of a thing to talk about.
In terms of decision making.
If you're going for the bang for buck approach and you want it to last long, it makes more sense to get the board that comes with thick the PBT keycaps.
Buying another thick PBT keycap set will basically set you back around another 40-60% the cost of an entire keyboard.
That's definitely not great on the bang for buck scale.
So get the Ducky.
If you disagree, reject this line of reasoning or put Filco on a higher pedestal then get the Filco with another keyset.

You have take a risk either way because as a first timer you won't know if you prefer costar or newer cherry stabs.
You don't know if you like thin pbt, thick pbt or doubleshot abs among the many other keycaps you can buy.

[Oobly]

Filco:
TKL
Thin ABS keycaps
Costar stabilisers
Fixed cable

Ducky:
Full size
Thick PBT caps
Cherry stabilisers
Removable cable

A lot of the differences will come down to preference. I prefer:
TKL - Allows your mouse to be closer to the main typing area of the keyboard and brings the main typing area closer to the centre of the screen.
thick PBT caps - more durable, wears slower, much better feeling due to the weight of the caps
Cherry stabilisers -  easier to change keycaps, less rattly, less fiddly (no little inserts), compatible with more spacebars (Costar can stick on spacebars with thick material or different interior angles)
removable cable - so I can uplug the cable at the keyboard instead of at the computer, mostly useful for smaller keyboards

So the only thing that attracts me to the Filco is the TKL size.

The keycaps on both are standard layout, so you will be able to replace them with any aftermarket keycap sets. If you don't mind the full size of the Ducky and you don't have extra to spend on keycaps yet, buy the Ducky.

[Sent]

You have take a risk either way because as a first timer you won't know if you prefer costar or newer cherry stabs.
You don't know if you like thin pbt, thick pbt or doubleshot abs among the many other keycaps you can buy.

This is a very good point.  With mech boards, you just have to sort of play the field for a while.  Figure out what you prefer and narrow down your choices over time.  It's pretty much impossible to have it be one and done.  Keep in mind, you can also resell the board here if you end up disliking it.  That'll at least let you recoup some of your investment and you can try again. 

[rowdy]

I'd go for the Ducky.  And not just because it is yellow

Oobly summed it up nicely.

But bearing in mind your comment about wanting to get the Filco and replace the keycaps, do you realise you'll be up for another $80+ for a decent set of PBT keycaps?

[dustinhxc]

Ive never tried a Filco but Ive heard good things. I have a Ducky and its a nice board. 

[margo baggins]

I don't really like Filco.

they are pretty old fashioned these days, and the pcb is a bit junk considering the price you pay for them. The only reason I can see anyone wanting a filco is to get a aftermarket controller for it - but even then I would just buy a CM as that is fairly junk but has a price that reflects that, where as the Filco commands a premium, where to be honest, I don't think it's due.

There are better keyboards than a filco. KBT Oni, Kul87 - these two are amongst my favourite stock tkl's.

[frosty]

If I'm correct, you are from Singapore and are going to buy these keyboards from Xtreme Solutions?

[frosty]

Also, doesn't the ducky have a shine 3 in TKL and yellow in colour?

[AverageHybrid]

If I'm correct, you are from Singapore and are going to buy these keyboards from Xtreme Solutions?

Do you happen to be the guy working there?

Still can't make up my mind, might just get the Filco Majestouch ninja and save up for a full PBT keycap set. But still for $10 more you get a Ducky with PBT keycaps already which I can choose to replace afterwords. So I guess it's down to the design and build quality of the body and the board then. And also I don't really mind Costar or Cherry stabs as I think the difference is negligible.

[frosty]

If I'm correct, you are from Singapore and are going to buy these keyboards from Xtreme Solutions?

Do you happen to be the guy working there?

Still can't make up my mind, might just get the Filco Majestouch ninja and save up for a full PBT keycap set. But still for $10 more you get a Ducky with PBT keycaps already which I can choose to replace afterwords. So I guess it's down to the design and build quality of the body and the board then. And also I don't really mind Costar or Cherry stabs as I think the difference is negligible.

sent you a pm, and no I am not the guy working there

[ynrozturk]

Filco>

[HebrewHammer]

I prefer TKL over full sized personally, but even now I am still using full size and don't really mind it. The Ducky is going to be better bang for buck, as replacing with thick PBT is going to cost quite a bit.

If you're going to want to get custom caps and want the filco, go for it. I had a filco for a little while and it was great, browns just weren't my thing.

[AverageHybrid]

I prefer TKL over full sized personally, but even now I am still using full size and don't really mind it. The Ducky is going to be better bang for buck, as replacing with thick PBT is going to cost quite a bit.

If you're going to want to get custom caps and want the filco, go for it. I had a filco for a little while and it was great, browns just weren't my thing.

So is it right to say if I'm getting custom keycaps the filco is much better not considering the price?

[FrostyToast]

Isn't the kul-es 87 the new fad?

[AverageHybrid]

I just found a retailer in my area which sells cheap Blank PBT keycaps, will have to go down and have a look, if I like the keycaps I think I'm just gonna go with the filco with PBT keycaps.

[Puddsy]

Isn't the kul-es 87 the new fad?

It should be the new standard.

[frosty]

I just found a retailer in my area which sells cheap Blank PBT keycaps, will have to go down and have a look, if I like the keycaps I think I'm just gonna go with the filco with PBT keycaps.

gasp where?

[AverageHybrid]

I just found a retailer in my area which sells cheap Blank PBT keycaps, will have to go down and have a look, if I like the keycaps I think I'm just gonna go with the filco with PBT keycaps.

gasp where?

An online forum which is based in Singapore, sells full set PBT for $40 if I'm not wrong.

[HebrewHammer]

I prefer TKL over full sized personally, but even now I am still using full size and don't really mind it. The Ducky is going to be better bang for buck, as replacing with thick PBT is going to cost quite a bit.

If you're going to want to get custom caps and want the filco, go for it. I had a filco for a little while and it was great, browns just weren't my thing.

So is it right to say if I'm getting custom keycaps the filco is much better not considering the price?

Usually the consensus from what I've read is Filco if you do not care for backlighting and ducky if you want backlighting. However, many great boards exist now that aren't filco or ducky.

If those are the only options, I would go with the Filco, but picking the Ducky wouldn't be disappointing either. As some others have mentioned KUL are very good boards and show in the classifieds quite often.

[margo baggins]

Isn't the kul-es 87 the new fad?

Should be - it's much better than a filco.

[AverageHybrid]

So I finally went down to the shop and asked the salesperson for recommendations, based on what the community and my friends have recommended me I got the Filco Majestouch Ninja 107 key edition. Currently typing on it right now and it feels so good for typing. Thanks guys for the help, probably gonna buy accessories like spare keycaps and maybe O-rings as I am bottoming them out right now.
Actually I can say that I can actually live with ABS keycaps as they don't feel that much inferior. The Costar stabilizers feel great too. Build quality is superb. Thanks for your help guys!

[ynrozturk]

There's nothing wrong with bottoming out, I do it all the time. I just like typing that way.

[GL1TCH3D]

So I finally went down to the shop and asked the salesperson for recommendations, based on what the community and my friends have recommended me I got the Filco Majestouch Ninja 107 key edition. Currently typing on it right now and it feels so good for typing. Thanks guys for the help, probably gonna buy accessories like spare keycaps and maybe O-rings as I am bottoming them out right now.
Actually I can say that I can actually live with ABS keycaps as they don't feel that much inferior. The Costar stabilizers feel great too. Build quality is superb. Thanks for your help guys!

Glad you found a board you like O.o
It just goes to show you how your preferences really don't line up with a lot of us here though (not saying that's bad, preferences are completely subjective).

[AverageHybrid]

Glad you found a board you like O.o
It just goes to show you how your preferences really don't line up with a lot of us here though (not saying that's bad, preferences are completely subjective).

Yea at first when I got introduced to the mechanical keyboard world I thought linear switches were the thing for me before actually trying the keyboards out physically. However I just find myself liking the linear and that satisfying click (which some people dislike).

[Mooby]

I like clickys for typing and hate them for gaming. Ich use reds there. It's all personal preferrence.

[GL1TCH3D]

Glad you found a board you like O.o
It just goes to show you how your preferences really don't line up with a lot of us here though (not saying that's bad, preferences are completely subjective).

Yea at first when I got introduced to the mechanical keyboard world I thought linear switches were the thing for me before actually trying the keyboards out physically. However I just find myself liking the linear and that satisfying click (which some people dislike).

Too true
I originally thought the brown switches would be the ones for me since I didn't want anything loud but wanted tactile.
Then I bought blues and still didn't quite like the feel of them but it was much better.
I got topre 30g and  loved it. I learned about the "rarer" switches, bought a switch tester and really enjoyed clears.
Now I'm happily typing on a clear switch board

[AverageHybrid]

Too true
I originally thought the brown switches would be the ones for me since I didn't want anything loud but wanted tactile.
Then I bought blues and still didn't quite like the feel of them but it was much better.
I got topre 30g and  loved it. I learned about the "rarer" switches, bought a switch tester and really enjoyed clears.
Now I'm happily typing on a clear switch board

For me greens and clears would be the best for my preference, but in my area they only sell Blues, Reds and Browns which I thought the closest I could get to them was the blues. Or not I would have just went clears. Originally wanted to get greens and mod the big switches (backspace, spacebar, Enter, Control) to Blues but I figured out it was not worth the hassle and just decided to get Blues.

[GL1TCH3D]

Too true
I originally thought the brown switches would be the ones for me since I didn't want anything loud but wanted tactile.
Then I bought blues and still didn't quite like the feel of them but it was much better.
I got topre 30g and  loved it. I learned about the "rarer" switches, bought a switch tester and really enjoyed clears.
Now I'm happily typing on a clear switch board

For me greens and clears would be the best for my preference, but in my area they only sell Blues, Reds and Browns which I thought the closest I could get to them was the blues. Or not I would have just went clears. Originally wanted to get greens and mod the big switches (backspace, spacebar, Enter, Control) to Blues but I figured out it was not worth the hassle and just decided to get Blues.

Locally the only options are logitech and razer. We JUST got CM in lately as well as das in some far off corner of the city.

I guess if you don't want to import/order online then there isn't much you can do.