Tenkeyless/Mini Brown Keyboard

[Ezaraku]

I'm assuming you guys get a lot of passer-bys through here, not trying to contribute to that but I thought you might be able to help me to find a new keyboard.  I didn't get the memo before I bought my first mechanical, now looking to replace it.

To replace this monstrosity of a Razer Blackwidow I am looking for a tenkeyless or a mini with brown switches.
If possible, backlights would be nice. Something I have grown fond of with razer products... can't go wrong with flashy lights.
It doesn't matter if the letters are printed on the front of the keys, or the top, because I could buy a new set of caps off wasdkeyboard from what I hear. Though, I would prefer them to be printed on the front.

Here are a few I've been looking at. If you can suggest something different, or a cheaper/more reliable vendor it would be very appreciated.

CM Storm Quickfire Rapid
http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=72

Ducky Shine II
http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=168

Filco Majestouch 2 NINJA (Backordered) Really wanted this one.
http://ncix.com/products/?sku=70728

Filco Majestouch 2
http://ncix.com/products/?sku=70720&vpn=FKBN87M%2FEB2&manufacture=Filco

[esoomenona]

Out of those, if you're looking for backlight, the Ducky Shine II is probably your choice.

The nice thing is you can choose between many colors of backlight.

[zarnce]

I'm not sure about the other keyboards but I have a tenkeyless Filco. I use it everyday at work an I would highly recommend it.

Brian

[vun]

I'd recommend the QFR; cheaper than the Filco and just as solid, the caps are better as well, although doesn't matter that much if you're looking to replace them.
Doesn't have backlight though, but I don't really see how backlight can be a make-or-break point for a purchase. It is, however, another part of the board that can go wrong.

Edit: To clarify a bit; I have both a QFR and two Filcos and right now I see no reason to recommend the more expensive Filco over a QFR, although the branding on the QFR isn't really all that pretty.
The QFR also has media keys, which is nice, and I really like having the Lock LEDs under the cap instead of separate.

[Ezaraku]

Is there a board with Browns or reds that looks like the QFR, but the segment with the arrow keys and ins/del rows are missing? Essentially just the main section of the keyboard

[esoomenona]

Is there a board with Browns or reds that looks like the QFR, but the segment with the arrow keys and ins/del rows are missing? Essentially just the main section of the keyboard

Look at the KBT Race or Noppoo Choc Mini. There are others, I'm sure. For instance, Korean custom ones, like the MX Mini

[WhiteFireDragon]

If you absolutely must have a backlit keyboard, then you're pretty much stuck with Ducky Shine II TKL or Ducky Year of the Dragon. There is also a non-mainstream TKL, the KBT oni that is also LED backlit, but I can't personally vouch for the quality of that one. CM quickfire is a very solid keyboard, it's essentially the same as Filco for the most part, although there are a few minor differences. Filco is a tried and true brand, very few complaints on this one. Here are some of my video reviews on all the keyboards you mentioned. They're pretty detailed so hopefully that can help you pick which one to spend your money on:

Ducky Shine TKL

Filco vs CM quickfire

[WhiteFireDragon]

Is there a board with Browns or reds that looks like the QFR, but the segment with the arrow keys and ins/del rows are missing? Essentially just the main section of the keyboard

If you want something smaller TKL size, then you can consider Poker, Pure, or HHKB, which are commonly referred to as "60%" keyboards. Ones with dedicated function keys and arrows like noppoo choc mini and Race are considered "75%" size keyboards.

[gameaholic]

If you really must have the Filco you can get one shipped from The Keyboard Company like I did. 

http://www.keyboardco.com/keyboard_details.asp?PRODUCT=996

For the price of a Filco and the shipping you could almost get two Quickfire Rapids though. 

[Ezaraku]

You all have been most helpful, I appreciate everyone's input

[HybridCore]

If you really must have the Filco you can get one shipped from The Keyboard Company like I did. 

http://www.keyboardco.com/keyboard_details.asp?PRODUCT=996

For the price of a Filco and the shipping you could almost get two Quickfire Rapids though. 

That and the possibility of a pinging issue (I didn't have one at first until my sister's friends smashed the keys), but there's also the new issue of the Left Alt key that's popping up in the Quickfire Rapid.

@OP

I love Filco keyboards and they're great (and I have one), but the CM Storm QuickFire Rapid is just as good. If you don't like the color and still want that sort of rubberized feel, get some Plasti-Dip at Home Depot or Lowes, disassemble the keyboard (carefully), and apply a few coatings (after sanding, and maybe priming, or course). You probably wouldn't be able to tell the difference at a distance. You also get the plus of a detachable USB cable on the QuickFire Rapid and media keys.

Also, I'm not sure if WASD offers keycap printing on the front. I've looked at the keycap options and I think they're all printed on the top. You'll probably have to go to Signature Plastics to get printing on the front, or maybe taobao or ebay.

[Guillairmo]

From what I understand there is no difference between CM Storm QFR and Filcos. Also, I'm aware that the "newer" produced QFR do not have as much ugly branding all over it. So if I were you I would definitely try and get a QFR which is "newer", in order to avoid that branding.

However, if you need backlighting I would say a Ducky Shine would be your best bet as previously stated.

[HybridCore]

From what I understand there is no difference between CM Storm QFR and Filcos. Also, I'm aware that the "newer" produced QFR do not have as much ugly branding all over it. So if I were you I would definitely try and get a QFR which is "newer", in order to avoid that branding.

However, if you need backlighting I would say a Ducky Shine would be your best bet as previously stated.

IIRC the newer branding was noticed somewhere around November (looking at the month of the thread that was the first I believe to point this out. Link below) so it's been around 2 months and since this is a rather popular keyboard, retailers probably have most of the newer boards without the logos plastered all over it. Thumbs up to CoolerMaster for listening to their customers.

Thread: http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=35226.0

There also was a thread saying that it might still be a gamble right now. I honestly don't mind because I would take it apart and repaint it anyways.

Other thread: http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=37257.0

Apparently there are also going to be Cherry MX Green versions of the QFR so maybe until then you can get it without all of the logos and branding?

[alaricljs]

There are Green versions of the QFR and Trigger if they have not already sold out.  (available on the  company store)