TKL Dilemma: KUL ES-87 vs Varmilo VA87M vs Filco Majestouch 2

[riko]

I want to buy a TKL keyboard for gaming. This are my three picks KUL ES-87, Varmilo VA87M, and the Filco Majestouch 2. Any recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Seriously]

Why these three? This seems like the sort of situation where you should just pick whatever you think looks coolest. Myself, I own four Filcos and wouldn't dare pick up a KUL ES-87 because of the way they look. The Varmilo looks great, and has backlighting if you're into that thing.

[ThoughtArtist]

I have both the KUL and Varmilo. For just gaming, I would recommend the Varmilo. It is a bit more compact, has less to no ping (probably less empty space in case), and the Cherry stabilizers aren't mushy (I'm guessing they are pre-clipped??).

Also, it comes with thick PBT caps that thock really well, and feel very crisp and solid when gaming. (However, I still like ABS for the WASD cluster since it provides more friction than PBT and I like using a WASD cluster that is raised higher than the rest of the keys)

That being said, I actually like the KUL a bit better overall since it has more long term modding potential for me and a nicer finish, but for a pure, out-of-the-box gaming board, I have to recommend the Varmilo. Mine is actually my DEDICATED gaming board, now.


 

[riko]

I know there are other TKL on the market like ozone, ducky, WASD. But I'm not into the backlighting. I have heard that the TKL from duckys are not that good. Is that true? Corsair has a nice TKL, but it only comes in cherry mx reds. I like cherry mx blue and clear.

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[aaron6301]

I have no experience with Varmilo or Filco but can recommend the KUL. That thing is built like a tank and feels solid. The heft and weight keep the keyboard grounded and it doesn't move around at all.

One thing to note though, you might hear some resonating pinging noises depending on the surface your keyboard is on.

[dante]

Out of those three choices I would go with Varmilo just because it doesn't have costar stabilizers (Filco) and doesn't have a fat ass (KUL).

[Data]

I have the KUL and the Varmilo.  No experience with Filco.

I'd have to give a slight edge to Varmilo in that match-up.  Varmilo has a better case and backlighting options.  KUL has dip switches to accommodate funky layouts.  I put my Varmilo in the MKC aluminum case and it's majestic as ****.

[Seriously]

I thought the Varmilo was costar?

Fake edit: it can be both?
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=72956.0

[riko]

I thought the Varmilo was costar?

Fake edit: it can be both?
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=72956.0

Good question.

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[riko]

Has anyone tried kbparadise keyboards? How do they compare to the others I've picked?

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[Seriously]

V80 looks nice, love the Century Gothic legends. Detachable cable, NKRO over USB (neat). If I were given the choice, I'd grab that over the KUL and Varmilo based on aesthetics alone.

Can someone chime in on whether or not the other boards here are programmable or moddable to be?

[riko]

V80 looks nice, love the Century Gothic legends. Detachable cable, NKRO over USB (neat). If I were given the choice, I'd grab that over the KUL and Varmilo based on aesthetics alone.

Can someone chime in on whether or not the other boards here are programmable or moddable to be?

How is the quality of kbparadise board compare to the other two?

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[dante]

Has anyone tried kbparadise keyboards? How do they compare to the others I've picked?

Based on personal experience as well as those on MassDrop the KBP have higher than average incidences of keychatter as well as mushier stabilizers (MX models.)

I thought the Varmilo was costar?

Initially Varmilo did costar and then backfilled with Cherry stabs when they ran out.  Now it looks like they are trying to stick with Cherry stabs for entire production runs.

[riko]

Has anyone tried kbparadise keyboards? How do they compare to the others I've picked?

Based on personal experience as well as those on MassDrop the KBP have higher than average incidences of keychatter as well as mushier stabilizers (MX models.)

I thought the Varmilo was costar?

Initially Varmilo did costar and then backfilled with Cherry stabs when they ran out.  Now it looks like they are trying to stick with Cherry stabs for entire production runs.

This there a way to change cherry stabilizer to costar or vice versa?

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[dante]

Has anyone tried kbparadise keyboards? How do they compare to the others I've picked?

Based on personal experience as well as those on MassDrop the KBP have higher than average incidences of keychatter as well as mushier stabilizers (MX models.)

I thought the Varmilo was costar?

Initially Varmilo did costar and then backfilled with Cherry stabs when they ran out.  Now it looks like they are trying to stick with Cherry stabs for entire production runs.

This there a way to change cherry stabilizer to costar or vice versa?

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Anything is possible given enough money and time.

[xtrafrood]

I have none of those boards but I can say that the Varmilo imo has the best sound out of all three. Something about the low profile case and pbt make for a wonderful sound stage. Not to mention the Varmilo will most likely have a Gateron switch option whereas the KUL and Filco probably won't.

[riko]

I have none of those boards but I can say that the Varmilo imo has the best sound out of all three. Something about the low profile case and pbt make for a wonderful sound stage. Not to mention the Varmilo will most likely have a Gateron switch option whereas the KUL and Filco probably won't.

I only stick to the original cherry mx. I do not trust Gateron switches. I been reading bad reviews on them.

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[SpAmRaY]

You might also consider the Leopold FC750

https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1565

[xtrafrood]

I have none of those boards but I can say that the Varmilo imo has the best sound out of all three. Something about the low profile case and pbt make for a wonderful sound stage. Not to mention the Varmilo will most likely have a Gateron switch option whereas the KUL and Filco probably won't.

I only stick to the original cherry mx. I do not trust Gateron switches. I been reading bad reviews on them.

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You should be able to find older versions (Comic Sans on the spacebar) with cherry mx switches. I think Massdrop offered the Varmilo VA87m with cherry mx, maybe the next drop will have them as well. Varmilo keyboards are a little more difficult to get hold of when compared to Filco and KUL. Leopold is essentially the same aside from the case. Leopolds are just as solid and they too come with pbt keycaps and they're usually side printed (front print). SpAmRaY's link should help you out a bit regarding Leopold keyboards

[riko]

You might also consider the Leopold FC750

https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1565

What stabilizer do they use?

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[SpAmRaY]

You might also consider the Leopold FC750

https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1565

What stabilizer do they use?

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Cherry

[demik]

Filco.

Let us experience the summer of ping once more.

[dante]

I only stick to the original cherry mx. I do not trust Gateron switches. I been reading bad reviews on them.

Provide reviews please.  The only complaints I hear are Gateron Clears being too light.

I even read good reviews about Greetechs and everyone **** their pants once they found out the DAS 4C had them.