Information about Filco FKBN87M/EB?

[shrimphead]

Hi

I am wondering if anyone has got one of these boards and if so where did you get it from and what's the cost. I can only find one at beNippon.com and their price is a little bit prohibitive for me (including shipping to the UK)

What value do these have on the second hand market and how do they compare to the HHK Lite2?

thanks in advance, and Hi from a new user

[Ulysses31]

The price has indeed jumped, by about $30 in the last few months.  I believe iMav has one of these.

[wellington1869]

Dont forget the dsi modular mac is also a compact layout with option of brown or blue cherries. its $150 but might be easier and quicker to get (I believe they have an office in arizona). There's a black pc version coming out in a few months, as well.
 
On ebay in the US there's only one listing of a filco (in 'completed listing' - probably one of the geekhackers), so they're definitely rare.

[Korbin]

I also have one of these as well.

Not sure how much they are the second hand market.

In terms of how they compare to the HHKB lite 2, they are quite different. The FKBN87M has brown cherry switches. The HHKB lite 2 is a membrane board. The HHKB lite 2 is still subject to the disadvantages of a membrane board (inconsistent key feel after consistent use and you have to bottom out the key to actuate the key).

The mechanical switches in the FKBN87M are like everyone describes the brown cherry switches here on this board.

[shrimphead]

thanks for the info.

is there anywhere that anyone knows of where I could get hold of one of these keyboards outside of Japan? I already know about beNippon, are there any alternative places that are common knowledge round here?

forgive the nooby questions, I'm looking to buy my first relatively decent keyboard (after many years of putting up with some truly terrible sub £15 boards)

thanks

Matt

[Chloe]

You could use Crescent Trading or purchase from Diatec directly. It looks like Gmarket only have 104 key models.

What value do these have on the second hand market and how do they compare to the HHK Lite2?

I don't think they are as well known as the HHKB. I expected the last two (both 104 key models) on Ebay to fetch alot more than they did.

[bigpook]

shrimphead, I just ordered this keyboard from crescent trading for 144 US, benippon wanted 209 US for the same board. YMMV.

I may need to get back to you on this, I need to determine what the shipping is going to be as I do not think crescent has posted that yet.