Author Topic: Ducky or Filco? Still wondering. (Read 8744 times)

The_G_of_Lee · « **on:** Mon, 03 January 2011, 21:41:05 »

I know this has many posts already, but I don't really have an idea which company is good. The main thing I see are arguments between Panda-R and Ripster, which isn't very informative. From What I have seen, Ripster said that Filco is better, and that Ducky was just copying them. I'm not sure what Panda-R's point of view is, he/she seems to have a love/hate view towards Ducky. I have seen good and bad views on both keyboards.

Filco: Heavier, good rubber padding (non-slip), great for touch typist, but keycaps get dirtier and wear down more easily.

Ducky: Comes with many items that Filco does not normally have such as keycaps, key puller, and bag, More sturdier than most other keyboards, but poor assembly and a filco rip off.

It seems like these keyboard companies are like burgers. Whopper or a Big Mac?

Nadger · « **Reply #1 on:** Mon, 03 January 2011, 22:14:42 »

http://duckychannel.com.tw/en/products1-4.html

Will you use those special features it has? If yes, get ducky, if no, get filco.

iMav · « **Reply #2 on:** Mon, 03 January 2011, 22:25:30 »

I've been impressed with the Archiss/Leopold I recently purchased. I really like having removable USB cables as I switch keyboards quite often.

BTW, welcome to geekhack!

The_G_of_Lee

j_r · « **Reply #3 on:** Mon, 03 January 2011, 22:29:10 »

Nice wood ceiling; the window trim is top notch too.

Moogle Stiltzkin · « **Reply #4 on:** Mon, 03 January 2011, 22:40:16 »

Filco (unless you intend to use doubleshot replacements of your own) < Ducky < Leopold

The Ducky and Leopold come with better quality keycaps. But Leopold's has a cleaner look to the Duckys golden laser etched keys.

In terms of extras, Leopold seemed impressive that you get 4-5 doubleshot extra keys like the escaping man.

all 3 brands come with either blue, brown or black cherry mx switches. However the Ducky seems to have much more options like different keycap quality with different price points (abs silk screened, abs lasered, pbt lasered) and switches (they have a mixed cherry kb as well as cherry red option)

Pretty much comes down to the pricing.

The_G_of_Lee · « **Reply #5 on:** Tue, 04 January 2011, 14:02:54 »

Quote from: iMav;272727

I've been impressed with the Archiss/Leopold I recently purchased. I really like having removable USB cables as I switch keyboards quite often.

BTW, welcome to geekhack!

The_G_of_Lee

Show Image

There was this notion that I had to get a creative name, and I was thinking about watching a Bruce lee movie at that moment. Go figure? Lol. And it rhymes, why not.

The_G_of_Lee · « **Reply #6 on:** Tue, 04 January 2011, 14:04:49 »

Quote from: iMav;272727

I've been impressed with the Archiss/Leopold I recently purchased. I really like having removable USB cables as I switch keyboards quite often.

BTW, welcome to geekhack!

The_G_of_Lee

Show Image

From Nadger's web link, I saw that Ducky also has removeable USB cables, what is your opinion on Ducky and Filco?

iMav · « **Reply #7 on:** Tue, 04 January 2011, 14:57:44 »

Quote from: The_G_of_Lee;273091

From Nadger's web link, I saw that Ducky also has removeable USB cables, what is your opinion on Ducky and Filco?

I like the softer edges of the Archiss over the Filco (in addition to the removable USB cable). The build quality of the Archiss is equal to (if not better then) the Filcos I owned previously.

I owned a Ducky only briefly...not long enough to compare them other then to say I would buy the Archiss over the Ducky. Like the look better and the fit/finish is better IMHO.

That being said, I think all three are fine 'boards.

The_G_of_Lee · « **Reply #8 on:** Wed, 05 January 2011, 13:41:45 »

Quote from: Nadger;272722

http://duckychannel.com.tw/en/products1-4.html

Will you use those special features it has? If yes, get ducky, if no, get filco.

Do you know any general problems either of the boards have? Seems like iMav is taking the neutral way out and choosing a different key board. ripster says that Ducky's key board keycaps is more fried than KFC. Although they have better key caps in general.

The_G_of_Lee · « **Reply #9 on:** Wed, 05 January 2011, 13:43:36 »

Quote from: ripster;272743

Lol - that PandaR isn't very informative is he/she?

Welcome to Geekhack!

And Ducky keys looks more burnt than a German tourist fresh from the beach.
Show Image

P.S. The asians dominate Geekhack in the evening so look at Ducky Ebay ratings. 4 feedback. DoubleLol. ಠ‿ಠ

So Filco is better? In what ways is it better and worse? And are you talking about the crown royal bag? You didn't post a picture of it, but I HAVE seen it from other posts/arguments.

The_G_of_Lee · « **Reply #10 on:** Wed, 05 January 2011, 13:45:02 »

Quote from: Moogle Stiltzkin;272733

Filco (unless you intend to use doubleshot replacements of your own) < Ducky < Leopold

The Ducky and Leopold come with better quality keycaps. But Leopold's has a cleaner look to the Duckys golden laser etched keys.

In terms of extras, Leopold seemed impressive that you get 4-5 doubleshot extra keys like the escaping man.

all 3 brands come with either blue, brown or black cherry mx switches. However the Ducky seems to have much more options like different keycap quality with different price points (abs silk screened, abs lasered, pbt lasered) and switches (they have a mixed cherry kb as well as cherry red option)

Pretty much comes down to the pricing.

What is you opinion on Filco? What makes it a better key board? This thread isn't very popular, so I am trying to ask whoever I can get.

Nadger · « **Reply #11 on:** Wed, 05 January 2011, 13:58:22 »

Filcos are higher quality boards, but with less built in "features".

Most of the features like media keys, windows lock, caps/ctrl swap and all be achieved with software/autohotkey scripts, so they are really not that important unless you use your keyboard on many different computers or are not allowed to install software on them.

Duckys build quality was called into question after geekhackers posted pictures of big gaps in the seams, being able to see the PCB around the edges, mis-aligned plastic fitting squarely/tightly together, and in one case the plastic actually breaking on the top frame between the ctrl and left arrow key.

These things have left a sour taste in everyones mouth, especially given that duckys are not inexpensive boards.

The main difference between the filco and ducky is the detatchable usb cord. Thats not a feature you can add with software. And fixing design flaws and cheap plastic isnt something you can fix with software either.

If it were me, i would go with Leopold/Archiss like iMav said, but if i had to chose between a filco or ducky?

Id buy a filco and put ducky black on black/engraved keycaps on it. Install autohotkey and program my F1-F8 keys to do media functions, program capslock to right ctrl and shift+capslock to capslock, and program a hotkey to change left windows key to right alt.

kidchunks · « **Reply #12 on:** Wed, 05 January 2011, 14:02:22 »

I'm surprised with all these choc mini buyers, no one has mentioned it. choc! choc! choc!

Nadger · « **Reply #13 on:** Wed, 05 January 2011, 14:06:32 »

I thought about it but this dude seems to get pissed off if you talk about anything other then filco or ducky.

fssbzz · « **Reply #14 on:** Wed, 05 January 2011, 14:07:59 »

to be honest.
Ducky 9008 quality are solid and 100% comparable to filco

except for the 1087 model.

The_G_of_Lee · « **Reply #15 on:** Wed, 05 January 2011, 14:08:07 »

Quote from: Nadger;273572

Filcos are higher quality boards, but with less built in "features".

Most of the features like media keys, windows lock, caps/ctrl swap and all be achieved with software/autohotkey scripts, so they are really not that important unless you use your keyboard on many different computers or are not allowed to install software on them.

Duckys build quality was called into question after geekhackers posted pictures of big gaps in the seams, being able to see the PCB around the edges, mis-aligned plastic fitting squarely/tightly together, and in one case the plastic actually breaking on the top frame between the ctrl and left arrow key.

These things have left a sour taste in everyones mouth, especially given that duckys are not inexpensive boards.

The main difference between the filco and ducky is the detatchable usb cord. Thats not a feature you can add with software. And fixing design flaws and cheap plastic isnt something you can fix with software either.

If it were me, i would go with Leopold/Archiss like iMav said, but if i had to chose between a filco or ducky?

Id buy a filco and put ducky black on black/engraved keycaps on it. Install autohotkey and program my F1-F8 keys to do media functions, program capslock to right ctrl and shift+capslock to capslock, and program a hotkey to change left windows key to right alt.

So far you have provided me with the most information, so thank you. Which one has the detachable USB? Ducky? It seems like it would be a good thing, but it could aslo be bad.

fssbzz · « **Reply #16 on:** Wed, 05 January 2011, 14:11:16 »

Quote from: The_G_of_Lee;273580

So far you have provided me with the most information, so thank you. Which one has the detachable USB? Ducky? It seems like it would be a good thing, but it could aslo be bad.

ya, ducky got detachable usb.
features in Ducky 9008 that don have in Filco:

WIN KEY LOCK
CTRL/SHIFT SWAP location
ALT/WIN key SWAP location
Media Player Features -Play/pause/stop/forward/rewind/volume up/down/mute
your Browser shortcut key
Calculator Key
My Computer Key
Email key.
Detachable USB

The_G_of_Lee · « **Reply #17 on:** Wed, 05 January 2011, 14:12:18 »

Quote from: Nadger;273577

I thought about it but this dude seems to get pissed off if you talk about anything other then filco or ducky.

Me? I don't mind other people suggesting keyboards, it's just that Ducky vs. Filco is a hot topic. And I heard that the Ducky vendor forum was removed?

fssbzz · « **Reply #18 on:** Wed, 05 January 2011, 14:15:23 »

Quote from: Nadger;273572

Filcos are higher quality boards, but with less built in "features".
Duckys build quality was called into question after geekhackers posted pictures of big gaps in the seams, being able to see the PCB around the edges, mis-aligned plastic fitting squarely/tightly together, and in one case the plastic actually breaking on the top frame between the ctrl and left arrow key.

those are only happen on 1087
u can't say that to a ducky 9008.
in my own opinion. very honest to tell you that Ducky 9008 quality are very solid.

fssbzz · « **Reply #19 on:** Wed, 05 January 2011, 14:16:36 »

Quote from: The_G_of_Lee;273586

Me? I don't mind other people suggesting keyboards, it's just that Ducky vs. Filco is a hot topic. And I heard that the Ducky vendor forum was removed?

http://geekhack.org/forumdisplay.php?f=60 still there

Nadger · « **Reply #20 on:** Wed, 05 January 2011, 14:26:37 »

Quote from: The_G_of_Lee;273586

Me? I don't mind other people suggesting keyboards, it's just that Ducky vs. Filco is a hot topic. And I heard that the Ducky vendor forum was removed?

Ill copy and paste something i wrote to another member who was asking about a good gaming keyboard:

If you can wait 15 days to a month or so, you will have a lot more options. Leopold will be available on elitekeyboards, and duckys will be more readily available in the US as well.

The rosewill mechanical keyboard available on newegg is relatively inexpensive and fits the bill, its downside is that its got a giant ugly logo on it.

Razer black windows are not too bad for the money. They dont have full nkey but the wsad cluster optimizations make up for it somewhat for gaming. Major downside for me is the ugly font they use on their keycaps & shiny dust/scratch/fingerprint magnet finish.

Duckys have some extra features that gamers typically like windows lock and caps/ctrl swap, media keys, windows/alt swap, detachable usb cord etc. But there have been some questionable reports of build quality on the 1087.

Ducky's tenkeyless kinda sucks, if you are going to go for tenkeyless i might suggest the Leopold FC200R, or even the Noppoo Choc Mini Though that might break away from your standard layout requirement too much.

If you are going full board i would suggest a ducky 9008

Das Keyboard is another good option for a full sized board, especially if you can use their student discount. But these too need maintenance due to the shiny finish.

As to which switch, id say brown or blue. Or if you're made of money an all 55g realforce board.

Quote from: fssbzz;273588

those are only happen on 1087
u can't say that to a ducky 9008.
in my own opinion. very honest to tell you that Ducky 9008 quality are very solid.

Ah i knew the misaligned plastic on the back where the cord comes out was a 1087 specific problem but i didnt know the other boards didnt have the same brittle plastic/seams/pcb visible issues.

btw fssbzz, you should do a ducky 9008/rosewill/choc mini/1087 showdown and rate each board from your favorite to your least favorite.

fssbzz · « **Reply #21 on:** Wed, 05 January 2011, 14:35:39 »

and i got a new hint from ducky that their coming release, detachable USB+ NKRO over USB.

fssbzz · « **Reply #22 on:** Wed, 05 January 2011, 14:37:34 »

Quote from: ripster;273597

I'm not particularly big on detachable cables for keyboards that you're not gonna lug around. Panda-R's had failures. I suspect a loose connector with all the junctures the Ducky has. Poor design IMHO. Not sure how the Leopold will work out long term.

im not sure if i had that problem, but i swap my ducky 9008 btw 1087, i remember they work fine, i would have to try again.

fssbzz · « **Reply #23 on:** Wed, 05 January 2011, 14:40:13 »

Quote from: Nadger;273595

btw fssbzz, you should do a ducky 9008/rosewill/choc mini/1087 showdown and rate each board from your favorite to your least favorite.

i would like to do that. IF i had time. = =
from like to least favourite here
1. noppoo
2. ducky 9008
3. rosewill
4. 1087

Nadger · « **Reply #24 on:** Wed, 05 January 2011, 15:09:03 »

Quote from: fssbzz;273602

and i got a new hint from ducky that their coming release, detachable USB+ NKRO over USB.
Show Image

hint by walrus

as far as OCR software, my eyes, and google translation can tell

the top 2 say this:

USB interface, all key non-red (which from my experience "non red" means rollover

Double-circuit, high-end materials

so yeah it looks like duckys been been sitting idle either

woody · « **Reply #25 on:** Wed, 05 January 2011, 16:27:07 »

Quote from: ripster;273597

I'm not particularly big on detachable cables for keyboards that you're not gonna lug around.

+1

Ripster is my alter (L)ego.

The_G_of_Lee · « **Reply #26 on:** Wed, 05 January 2011, 17:12:31 »

Quote from: fssbzz;273589

http://geekhack.org/forumdisplay.php?f=60 still there

But it's not Ducky, it's some other topic. Did the Ducky guy quit or something?

The_G_of_Lee · « **Reply #27 on:** Wed, 05 January 2011, 17:19:25 »

Quote from: ripster;273597

Well, from a practical viewpoint I expect Ducky versus Leopold to be the hot topic, at least in the US.

At least until some enterprising Ebayer starts shipping Filcos from Japan.

I'm not particularly big on detachable cables for keyboards that you're not gonna lug around. Panda-R's had failures. I suspect a loose connector with all the junctures the Ducky has. Poor design IMHO. Not sure how the Leopold will work out long term.
Show Image

I guess it's the notion that Ducky is copying Filco? It seems that since they are so comparable, the only thing that people see in Ducky is the free things they give when you buy one of their boards.

stuiees · « **Reply #28 on:** Wed, 05 January 2011, 17:19:31 »

Quote from: The_G_of_Lee;273681

But it's not Ducky, it's some other topic. Did the Ducky guy quit or something?

http://stores.ebay.com/Ducky-Keyboard

Broncosoozie · « **Reply #29 on:** Wed, 05 January 2011, 17:22:22 »

Quote from: The_G_of_Lee;273681

But it's not Ducky, it's some other topic. Did the Ducky guy quit or something?

He sent you to the link to the ducky vendor part of this forum. It is ran by the user with the name DuckyKeyboard. Anyone can post there, thus someone posted a topic there to ask a question. DuckyKeyboard (the user) can moderate the forum by deleting topics, replying, or whatever else he wants. It seems he hasn't gotten around to responding to the topic that was created, though.

The forum you're thinking of that got removed was for Elitekeyboards, and the moderator of that forum asked for it to be closed down (at least that seems to be the story, I don't know the full details).

The_G_of_Lee · « **Reply #30 on:** Wed, 05 January 2011, 18:50:09 »

Quote from: ripster;273695

Have you read the Ducky/Filco reviews in the "Geekhack Mechanical Keyboard Guide"?

Until you do it's like we're going in circles here.

I know quite a few things on Mechanical keyboards. And that's not really what this thread is about. It's about What are good and bad problems about Filco and Ducky, because it is a hot topic.

laden3 · « **Reply #31 on:** Wed, 05 January 2011, 19:25:12 »

It depends on what you are looking for, as stated in previous posts (#19), Ducky has some extra features.

like extra features: ducky
dislike extra features: filco
indifferent: $$ goes to Japanese company or Taiwanese company

my recommendation: ducky, for ~$150, you get pbt keycaps (I personally prefer pbt over abs, but, you might like abs more than pbt)

safest choice: get both, sell the one you dislike

News:

Author Topic: Ducky or Filco? Still wondering. (Read 8744 times)

woody