Bulletproof Keyboard

[Kev]

Hi Guys,

I am currently using a Filco MJ2 from ~2011 and its fantastic, does everything I need, backlighting would be nice but isn't essential. I also have a Ducky Shine 2 TKL (purple aka pink backlit  ) and it's ok but doesn't feel as solid as the Filco does. Don't get me wrong its fine, its only side by side that you really notice. I want to replace the Filco with a TKL, I wouldn't mind to build a TKL but if there is one already available then I don't mind buying.
What I want is a TKL that feel solid. Weight is not an issue in fact the heavy the better. I want a KB that makes the Filco feel like a childs plastic toy. Other KB features like backlighting is optional, the only requirement is that it has a standard/no bevel, no Ducky Mini lookalikes. I've only used these 2 keyboard so anyone with advice on what to buy/build would be great. I've heard the CODE's a pretty solid, I also would like to build a Winkeyless/GON but I suspect the acrylic cases might be a step backwards. I'm assuming using a plate as opposed to PCB is essential.

Cheers

[fknraiden]

you can always find metal cases for the more popular keyboards. I've always thought the plastic case of the realforce made it feel like a tank.

[Erzegovaz]

I think a leopold fc750 will be your dream

[Almost]

You could go crazy and buy a full metal case for a TKL Filco. TEX does a fine one on MK.com available here (and in other colours).

Filco and other Costar boards feel like tanks for a reason; double plated PCB, thick metal plate, soulder-through design, blah blah blah... Without building your own, there's not many consumer boards that feel that tanky! 

If you have a couple of grand spare to wave around you could look for a KMAC, OTD 356, LZ, Duck Orion or any other heavy-weight custom. Most of which take LEDs where ever you want them. 

[Ciemnika]

I've got a Filco MJ2 with a metal TEX case that I plasti-dipped. Love it. Weighs about 3 kg or so. Strong recommendation to go this route if you're prepared to sustain the wallet damage.

[FrostyToast]

What relevance does "bullet-proof" have here?
Do you mean to say that you want a keyboard that can hold itself against abuse?
Or do you just want rock solid build quality?

Metal keyboards are fine and all for solid feeling, but they cannot be abused in any way whatsoever. They are very prone to denting and scratching.

[FLFisherman]

What relevance does "bullet-proof" have here?
Do you mean to say that you want a keyboard that can hold itself against abuse?
Or do you just want rock solid build quality?

Metal keyboards are fine and all for solid feeling, but they cannot be abused in any way whatsoever. They are very prone to denting and scratching.

I don't understand what people are doing with keyboards that they need them to be built like tanks. 

[pwade3]

What relevance does "bullet-proof" have here?
Do you mean to say that you want a keyboard that can hold itself against abuse?
Or do you just want rock solid build quality?

Metal keyboards are fine and all for solid feeling, but they cannot be abused in any way whatsoever. They are very prone to denting and scratching.

I don't understand what people are doing with keyboards that they need them to be built like tanks. 

You don't use your board to smack any stray bugs that dare approach your desk?

[Kev]

I've got a Filco MJ2 with a metal TEX case that I plasti-dipped. Love it. Weighs about 3 kg or so. Strong recommendation to go this route if you're prepared to sustain the wallet damage.

So the Aluminium cases feel significantly more solid? Sounds good, I was never sure if it was for aesthetics or feel.

What relevance does "bullet-proof" have here?
Do you mean to say that you want a keyboard that can hold itself against abuse?
Or do you just want rock solid build quality?

Metal keyboards are fine and all for solid feeling, but they cannot be abused in any way whatsoever. They are very prone to denting and scratching.

Bullet-proof is just a figure of speech, I just want it to be rock solid. If I cleaned my 5 yr old Filco it would look brand new, I don't plan to abuse it...more than usual 

I don't understand what people are doing with keyboards that they need them to be built like tanks. 

It's just for the feel, I have a hard wood desk and am a heavy typer (always bottom out). I can feel the difference between the Ducky and the Filco, the Filco being more solid (less flex).

You could go crazy and buy a full metal case for a TKL Filco. TEX does a fine one on MK.com available here (and in other colours).

Filco and other Costar boards feel like tanks for a reason; double plated PCB, thick metal plate, soulder-through design, blah blah blah... Without building your own, there's not many consumer boards that feel that tanky! 

If you have a couple of grand spare to wave around you could look for a KMAC, OTD 356, LZ, Duck Orion or any other heavy-weight custom. Most of which take LEDs where ever you want them. 

Thanks! Might be time to try the TEX case.

I think a leopold fc750 will be your dream

Is the leopold similar/better/worse than the competitors? Anyone know if the TEX "Filco" cases are a one size fits all TKL?

[Bucake]

IBM Model F or some other vintage abomination.

[Almost]

Anyone know if the TEX "Filco" cases are a one size fits all TKL?

Moderatly yes, mostly no. They fit Filco Majestouch TKL, Vortex's ONI, KBParadise TKL, and a few others. Some brands have funny shaped plates, controllers in strange places or LEDs in a different position that makes them incompatable with the TEX case. If you feel like building your own with that case, the Phantom plate allong with a Phantom PCB will fit that case and gives you a nice coloured backplate option.

You could ask the shop if a certain TKL keyboard fits, or ask here on GeekHack, somebody may know the answer.

I swear I dont work for Mechanicalkeyboards.com, they just have nice things in stock 

[kekman]

What relevance does "bullet-proof" have here?
Do you mean to say that you want a keyboard that can hold itself against abuse?
Or do you just want rock solid build quality?

Metal keyboards are fine and all for solid feeling, but they cannot be abused in any way whatsoever. They are very prone to denting and scratching.

I don't understand what people are doing with keyboards that they need them to be built like tanks. 

when i tried swimmingbird's 100kg duck keyboard i fell in love
i don't know why but heavy keyboards just make everything feel so much better