Looking for solid TKL with backlight, MX browns

[wordfool]

Didn't want to hijack the very similar thread about replacing a Filco TKL, but I'm in a similar situation. In my case, the reason I'm looking for a replacement for my original Majestouch is that I really need backlighting (white or red).

On my list so far are the Code, Ducky Shine 3, Varmilo VA87M because they all sound like they're solidly built like the Filco, are as compact as a TKL can be, and are available with Cherry Browns (so shoot me!). I guess I should add the KBP V80 to that list. Sadly none of them seem to be easy to come by in my desired switch/light combo so I'll probably be paying over the odds. Such is life.

Any other suggestions? I'm so used to the browns that I really don't want to experiment with other switches like Gaterons for fear of upsetting my delicate fingers.

[nuzey]

Backlight and TKL layout? There is one keyboard that fits this criteria very well and it is the Ducky Shine 3 

I am using it currently and it has been my keyboard since then. I bought many other brands after I got the Ducky Shine 3 such as Filco, KUL, but in the end I still go back to using my Ducky. That's how amazing it is.

[saturnotaku]

If you're dead set on MX browns, I'd get the CODE. It's very solid, can have the hardware layout changed with DIP switches, and the keycaps are easily replaceable.

IMO, though, the brown/brown-like switches produced by Gateron and Kailh are superior to Cherry. My daily driver at home is a Razer BlackWidow TE Chroma Stealth, and I like typing on it far more than any MX brown keyboard I've ever owned, including the CODE.

[wordfool]

IMO, though, the brown/brown-like switches produced by Gateron and Kailh are superior to Cherry.

I always seem to read mixed reviews of Gaterons and Kailh. One day I'll try them, but for now the Cherry switches seem to be far more common in the models I'm considering.

Backlight and TKL layout? There is one keyboard that fits this criteria very well and it is the Ducky Shine 3

What about the Cherry stabs? Is that snakey spacebar really as mushy as they say? Sadly I cannot seem to find a shine 3 with browns and white backlight so will have to settle for second-best red. It looks like Ducky will never make another TKL again 

[Kliwon]

Corsair K65 RGB and KbParadise V80 and CM storm Rapid I it could be a good choice too

[Oobly]

Okay, first of all... "I really need backlighting (white or red)." - nobody really needs backlighting. If you can't see the keyboard legends your general lighting is too low and you're not doing your eyes any favours. There shouldn't be a great contrast between your screen and the surrounding area as it causes eye strain. Long term it can cause other problems.

If you still want backlighting, then continue reading:

Well, you've got a good selection right there in your OP. Any one of those should make you happy. I prefer Cherry stabs, so my choice would be the Ducky, since I find Costar to be more rattly, fiddly and they don't play well with some thicker caps due to the bar rubbing on the inside. If you don't like the bottom-out feel they can always be clipped, although it may require some soldering to do. If you want Costar stabs, the Code and Varmilo both use those.

The Rapid-i is another option (with Cherry stabs), but I'd hesitate to get the Corsair since it doesn't have a standard layout (and it has a 6.5x spacebar), so getting replacement keycaps is high on impossible.

[ricercar]

I love my Max Keyboard TKL with Cherry Browns and red backlight. I've been using it for about 20 months now, and it's still going strong with no meaningful wear.

http://www.maxkeyboard.com/max-keyboard-blackbird-tenkeyless-tkl-cherry-mx-backlit-mechanical-keyboard.html

[rowdy]

It also depends what colour backlighting you want.

CODE is only available in white.

Duckys tend to be available in different colours.

[Kev]

Similar situation, sorry to hijack, but I'm looking to replace my Filco Majestouch 2 with a TKL. I just want the best quality (solid) keyboard you can get as a TKL with browns. Not fussed with backlighting or keycaps since I'll replace them. Ideas?

OP, I originally replaced my Filco with a Ducky Shine 2 with browns - doesn't feel as solid as my Filco. Don't get me wrong if I didn't have the Filco I would love it but after using the Filco for ~5 years now the Ducky feels a tiny bit mushy in comparison. 

[Oobly]

Similar situation, sorry to hijack, but I'm looking to replace my Filco Majestouch 2 with a TKL. I just want the best quality (solid) keyboard you can get as a TKL with browns. Not fussed with backlighting or keycaps since I'll replace them. Ideas?

OP, I originally replaced my Filco with a Ducky Shine 2 with browns - doesn't feel as solid as my Filco. Don't get me wrong if I didn't have the Filco I would love it but after using the Filco for ~5 years now the Ducky feels a tiny bit mushy in comparison.

If you're refering to the stabilised keys on the Ducky, you can clip the stabilisers so they don't have that mushy feeling on bottom-out (Filco uses Costar style stabilisers, Ducky uses Cherry style). If it's just generally mushy for you:

KÛL ES-87. Very solid and well-made board.

( Then buy some Zealios and replace the switches  )

[saturnotaku]

Corsair K65 RGB and KbParadise V80 and CM storm Rapid I it could be a good choice too

The K65 is only available with MX red switches.

[Kev]

Similar situation, sorry to hijack, but I'm looking to replace my Filco Majestouch 2 with a TKL. I just want the best quality (solid) keyboard you can get as a TKL with browns. Not fussed with backlighting or keycaps since I'll replace them. Ideas?

OP, I originally replaced my Filco with a Ducky Shine 2 with browns - doesn't feel as solid as my Filco. Don't get me wrong if I didn't have the Filco I would love it but after using the Filco for ~5 years now the Ducky feels a tiny bit mushy in comparison.

If you're refering to the stabilised keys on the Ducky, you can clip the stabilisers so they don't have that mushy feeling on bottom-out (Filco uses Costar style stabilisers, Ducky uses Cherry style). If it's just generally mushy for you:

KÛL ES-87. Very solid and well-made board.

( Then buy some Zealios and replace the switches  )

Will check out the ES-87, yeah the stabilised keys are the worst culprit but just in general as well. As I said it VERY minor, probably helps that my Filco has 5 years of use compared to the Ducky as well. A keyboard that is solid enough to double as a weapon would be ideal!

[wordfool]

nobody really needs backlighting. If you can't see the keyboard legends your general lighting is too low and you're not doing your eyes any favours. There shouldn't be a great contrast between your screen and the surrounding area as it causes eye strain. Long term it can cause other problems.

I hear you and it's rare that I work in total darkness. I do, however, use an articulating keyboard tray that lowers the board below the influence of the desk light and when all other lights are off (so not to disturb my long suffering gf at night) it means my keyboard is often in total darkness down near my lap. I'm about a 90% touch typist, but still need the occasional glance down. So I don't need a backlight and I've got by for years without one, but it would on occasion make my life much easier. Oh, and one can never have too many keyboards

Anyhoo... thanks for the suggestions. I'm leaning towards a Ducky. But...

OP, I originally replaced my Filco with a Ducky Shine 2 with browns - doesn't feel as solid as my Filco. Don't get me wrong if I didn't have the Filco I would love it but after using the Filco for ~5 years now the Ducky feels a tiny bit mushy in comparison.

Is it just the spacebar that's mushy?  I wonder if the Ducky 3 TKL feels any more solid. It's nice to know I can beat an intruder at night with my tank-like Filco (a particularly big intruder would require my M13)

[saturnotaku]

Is it just the spacebar that's mushy?  I wonder if the Ducky 3 TKL feels any more solid. It's nice to know I can beat an intruder at night with my tank-like Filco (a particularly big intruder would require my M13)

Any of the stabilized keys (space bar, both shift keys, enter, backspace) can suffer from mushiness. If you're happy with your Filco, the CODE should provide a similar experience, especially since WASD started putting lube on the stabilizers. My old CODE didn't have that, and the backspace and enter keys rattled horribly. I lubed the stabs myself, and it not only solved the rattle but greatly improved the feel of those keys.

[jcoffin1981]

Okay, first of all... "I really need backlighting (white or red)." - nobody really needs backlighting. If you can't see the keyboard legends your general lighting is too low and you're not doing your eyes any favours. There shouldn't be a great contrast between your screen and the surrounding area as it causes eye strain. Long term it can cause other problems.

If you still want backlighting, then continue reading:

I think what he really meant is that he wanted the backlighting enough where he would not consider a board without it.  Personally I like it a lot.  But finding the perfect board is difficult.  To me backlighting is a bonus, but by no means a necessity.

[StormyMonday]

Not suggesting that it is "the best" choice, but I didn't see this option mentioned:

KBParadise V80. They are available with MX Brown and combo blue/red dual back lighting.