tkl: Vortex or Keycool (brown)

[nickr]

The price difference between the Vortex and Keycool isn't much (https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/search.php?switch_id=2&size=Tenkeyless&keyword=&key_plastic=PBT&in_stock=on).

I just can't decide and wondered what some opinions are.  I've been leaning toward the Keycool more because there's just very little information on the Vortex.  Plus, I'd really not like to exceed the $120 mark unless there's good reason.

These aren't the only two but I'm having problems finding things in stock for mx browns in the US.  Originally I thought I had settled on the qfr stealth.

[Sifo]

I'd go with the Keycool, consistent bad news about Vortex stuff. And cheaper ^^

[rowdy]

KeyCool, he said hopefully, glancing at the elevator again to see if the courier has arrived yet with the one he ordered.

A positive review here: http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=43143.0

Other positive reviews of KeyCool boards here: http://geekhack.org/index.php?board=139.0

[nickr]

Sounds good.  The only thing not good is that the price just went up on both of those by $8.  I think the owner of that site saw that link and bumped up the prices (or the noid's got me).  Think I'll let that hot site cool down first. 

What do you guys think of the Noppoo mid 87?  It seems like it's a little cheaper even, which would give me room to play with custom keys.

[kenmai9]

Maybe you can try HPE? I just got the Full sized one but its very nice quality for the price! Find it here http://www.vendio.com/stores/E-sports-Gaming-equipments/

[TimIsABat]

If only the Keycool came in all black...black is so much sexier than white (hehehe)....

[dante]

I would only recommend Keycool if you wanted POM keycaps.

[nickr]

Maybe you can try HPE? I just got the Full sized one but its very nice quality for the price! Find it here http://www.vendio.com/stores/E-sports-Gaming-equipments/

Sure.  I'll check out the reviews.  I'm not in a rush.

I would only recommend Keycool if you wanted POM keycaps.

I've never used POM keycaps.

If only the Keycool came in all black...black is so much sexier than white (hehehe)....

I dunno about sexier but definitely scarier.   

[kenmai9]

If only the Keycool came in all black...black is so much sexier than white (hehehe)....

Maybe you can try HPE? I just got the Full sized one but its very nice quality for the price! Find it here http://www.vendio.com/stores/E-sports-Gaming-equipments/

Sure.  I'll check out the reviews.  I'm not in a rush.

I would only recommend Keycool if you wanted POM keycaps.

I've never used POM keycaps.

If only the Keycool came in all black...black is so much sexier than white (hehehe)....

I dunno about sexier but definitely scarier.   

http://www.vendio.com/stores/E-sports-Gaming-equipments/category/cateogry1-name/catId=4190075

Here is the keycool 87 in black!

[Leslieann]

While I like the look and function of KBT/Vortex, their durability stinks, especially for what they charge for them.

The Keycool does come in black, check Ebay.

[rowdy]

My KeyCool 87 arrived late yesterday (at home, not work, so all those sideways glances at the elevator at work were wasted).

So far so good - the keycaps are PBT btw, apparently with options for ABS or POM (according to the text on the box).  Mine are white PBT - feeling nice, nice texture

In fact in a world with mostly black keyboards, this white one is like a breath of fresh air (apart from my silver QFR with Filco yellow keycaps).

[TimIsABat]

If only the Keycool came in all black...black is so much sexier than white (hehehe)....

Maybe you can try HPE? I just got the Full sized one but its very nice quality for the price! Find it here http://www.vendio.com/stores/E-sports-Gaming-equipments/

Sure.  I'll check out the reviews.  I'm not in a rush.

I would only recommend Keycool if you wanted POM keycaps.

I've never used POM keycaps.

If only the Keycool came in all black...black is so much sexier than white (hehehe)....

I dunno about sexier but definitely scarier.   

http://www.vendio.com/stores/E-sports-Gaming-equipments/category/cateogry1-name/catId=4190075

Here is the keycool 87 in black!

Nice price! The shipping is not too bad...one dollar less than the filco I found and yet still cheaper than the Filco. Totally replacing those caps if I do buy it. So many brands and so many tenkeyless with so many different cherry mx swithces. I wish there were ways to really try out these different switches before committing!

[nickr]

My KeyCool 87 arrived late yesterday (at home, not work, so all those sideways glances at the elevator at work were wasted).

So far so good - the keycaps are PBT btw, apparently with options for ABS or POM (according to the text on the box).  Mine are white PBT - feeling nice, nice texture

In fact in a world with mostly black keyboards, this white one is like a breath of fresh air (apart from my silver QFR with Filco yellow keycaps).

Awesome!  I hope she treats you right.  I'm still hesitant to pull the trigger, mostly because my desk space got even smaller and a keyboard with 3 fewer keys on it is starting to look pretty good.

[IvanIvanovich]

If you like red or yellow case, then for sure the Noppoo 87 are very nice for something different. Otherwise, if you are interested in other keycap sets keep in mind the Keycools share the Leopold standard for spacebar stems and it can be a pain finding other spacebars for them.

[rowdy]

The space bar on my KeyCool has 5 stems underneath - one in the middle and two at each end.

The plate has two Costar stabiliser mounts, and two extra holes in the plate next to them that seem to line up with the extra stems underneath the space bar.

There were also a couple of extra stabiliser mounts included in the accessories bag.