If all these keyboards were $100, which would you buy and why?

[Lunartuna]

Having some trouble choosing a work keyboard. There is just so much information on GH about these boards, I'm having trouble figuring out what really will be a good buy. All I know is I would like a compact size that will stand the test of time and Cherry MX Blues.

So I was Wondering. If all these keyboards were $100, which would you buy and why? If you could choose one of these boards for free and not have the option to resell it. Which would you choose and why?

CM Storm Quickfire Rapid

Vortex KBT ONI

Ducky DK9087G2 PRO TKL PBT

Filco Majestouch 2 87 Key

I'm also open to suggestions for other compact boards.


Thanks for your feedback.

[The_Beast]

Filco Majestouch 2 87 Key for $100 is a great deal.

[AKIMbO]

Filco for it's resale value.

[Lunartuna]

Hmm let me try again.

If could choose one of these boards for free and not have the option to resell it. Which would you choose and why?

[Halverson]

Lotta people love filcos, they are nice. I would say the ducky. I love Ducky's and if it comes with stock PBT caps, even better.

[AKIMbO]

Hmm let me try again.

If could choose one of these boards for free and not have the option to resell it. Which would you choose and why?

Filco because they are the standard to which other mass produced, modern cherry boards are judged.

[The_Beast]

Hmm let me try again.

If could choose one of these boards for free and not have the option to resell it. Which would you choose and why?

Couldn't have said it better. + you get more street cred than with a CM storm (even tho they are the same board)

Filco because they are the standard to which other mass produced, modern cherry boards are judged.

[Vintage]

Probably the ducky for PBT and I think it has WASD backlighting too.

[tp4tissue]

Hmm let me try again.

If could choose one of these boards for free and not have the option to resell it. Which would you choose and why?

Couldn't have said it better. + you get more street cred than with a CM storm (even tho they are the same board)

Filco because they are the standard to which other mass produced, modern cherry boards are judged.

What kind of street cred are we talking about with respect to keyboards.

[Lunartuna]

Probably the ducky for PBT and I think it has WASD backlighting too.

Wait... you mean this Ducky has back lighting around WASD or do you mean WASD keyboards? I couldn't find a TKL WASD keyboard on their site.

[tp4tissue]

Probably the ducky for PBT and I think it has WASD backlighting too.

Wait... you mean this Ducky has back lighting around WASD or do you mean WASD keyboards? I couldn't find a TKL WASD keyboard on their site.

Show Image

why would they release back-lighting with white caps.. that's silly

[jabar]

G2 Pros have backlit WASD clusters. They also come with Red Ducky backlit WASD keycaps if you're so inclined.

Personally, the Ducky is probably the best choice. Even though the Filco has arguably the most consistent, high quality production, it doesn't have stock PBTs like the G2 Pro does.

[tp4tissue]

G2 Pros have backlit WASD clusters. They also come with Red Ducky backlit WASD keycaps if you're so inclined.

Personally, the Ducky is probably the best choice. Even though the Filco has arguably the most consistent, high quality production, it doesn't have stock PBTs like the G2 Pro does.

Pretty sure backlit isn't on any of the PBT G2s.

[Lunartuna]

I must know! Backlit WASD cluster or not?

Personally I think it would be nice if it was. Just to have the option if you want to get some WASD keys that are made for backlighting.

[jabar]

G2 Pros have backlit WASD clusters. They also come with Red Ducky backlit WASD keycaps if you're so inclined.

Personally, the Ducky is probably the best choice. Even though the Filco has arguably the most consistent, high quality production, it doesn't have stock PBTs like the G2 Pro does.

Pretty sure backlit isn't on any of the PBT G2s.

I own one. They have backlit WASDs. You're really making me grab it out of the closet?

e: here:

[verbhal]

I love my Filco.  I don't have any experience with the Duckys however and getting stock PBT keycaps would be amazing.  I would say I prefer my Noppoo Choc Mini, but I have been having some problems with it recently.

[volatilecoffee]

ducky

[Lunartuna]

G2 Pros have backlit WASD clusters. They also come with Red Ducky backlit WASD keycaps if you're so inclined.

Personally, the Ducky is probably the best choice. Even though the Filco has arguably the most consistent, high quality production, it doesn't have stock PBTs like the G2 Pro does.

Pretty sure backlit isn't on any of the PBT G2s.

I own one. They have backlit WASDs. You're really making me grab it out of the closet?

e: here:

Show Image

Very nice, I also found this album http://imgur.com/a/mMQad
Looks pretty good, I wonder how fast the white keycaps get dirty? I'm a clean guy but those are white white!

Leaning towards the Ducky....

[LollyWater]

Hmm let me try again.

If could choose one of these boards for free and not have the option to resell it. Which would you choose and why?

Filco because they are the standard to which other mass produced, modern cherry boards are judged.

The Filco for free. The Quickfire for price.

[jabar]

Very nice, I also found this album http://imgur.com/a/mMQad
Looks pretty good, I wonder how fast the white keycaps get dirty? I'm a clean guy but those are white white!

Leaning towards the Ducky....

It really depends if you eat and type. I'm pretty hygienic when it comes to my computer equipment so all the keyboards I've owned stay white.

I'll admit backlit WASDs are pretty gimmicky... I'm considering a Ducky 9087 TKL Shine II for full backlighting, but otherwise PBT is king.

[tp4tissue]

G2 Pros have backlit WASD clusters. They also come with Red Ducky backlit WASD keycaps if you're so inclined.

Personally, the Ducky is probably the best choice. Even though the Filco has arguably the most consistent, high quality production, it doesn't have stock PBTs like the G2 Pro does.

Pretty sure backlit isn't on any of the PBT G2s.

I own one. They have backlit WASDs. You're really making me grab it out of the closet?

e: here:

Show Image

This is the TKL version?

[jabar]

This is the TKL version?

No, it's not, however the DK9087 G2 Pro features the same WASD backlit cluster, as documented here: http://imgur.com/a/mMQad

I don't know why that was ever in doubt: http://www.duckychannel.com.tw/en/DK9087_G2pro.html

[swagpiratex]

Out of the ones that you mentioned I would go with the Filco. Doesn't look flashy, feels nice.

[singaporean123]

ducky.

I already have a QFR, would be swag/yolo whatever kids say these days to have some flashy led

[Leslieann]

I would probably go Filco or Ducky. The Ducky has PBT, personally I think PBT is over-rated, but odds are they are dye-sub or laser etched. The Filco has printed keys, while not great, they supposedly last a while, however the rest of the keyboard is pretty much second to none.

KBT (ignoring all else) you have little to no customer service (I am working with them about the issues with my Race), and the CM, while an excellent deal and an excellent keyboard, is more or less a cheaper Filco. Why have a copy when you can have the real thing.

If you want lighting, and great keys from the start, go Ducky.
If you intend to swap keycaps, and can live without lights (which are a bit gimmicky), it's truly hard to go wrong with a Filco (especially if price isn't a factor). As mentioned, it's the standard others are measured against and for good reason, they look good (classy), work great, and are really well made.

[bardomudo]

From my own personal experience, it would go like this:

1) Filco Majestouch 2 87 Key
2) Vortex KBT ONI
3) Ducky DK9087G2 PRO TKL PBT
4) CM Storm Quickfire Rapid

[Finwens]

I just pulled the trigger on a kbt oni with cherry mx browns. I was trying to determine if I wanted this, a filco or a ducky. The oni was the cheapest one (I paid 110 bucks on mechanicalkeyboards.com), the ducky was a little bit more expensive (depending on the model) and the filco was by far the most expensive.

I decided to get the oni based on some user's opinions here on geekhack, even PMed a guy about the keyboard and he said that, compared to his filco, the kbt was better. I asked some guy at 4chan and he said the same. So I was between the ducky and the oni. I didn't like the ducky models that came with PBT keycaps, I thought they were ugly.

My Oni has not arrived yet, but as soon as it does, I'll write a review here.

[Hyde]

While Ducky has PBT caps but I can't stand cherry stabilizer.

So I'd say Filco.  CM Storm is good for the price, but if price is not involved then Filco has higher quality.

[tp4tissue]

I just pulled the trigger on a kbt oni with cherry mx browns. I was trying to determine if I wanted this, a filco or a ducky. The oni was the cheapest one (I paid 110 bucks on mechanicalkeyboards.com), the ducky was a little bit more expensive (depending on the model) and the filco was by far the most expensive.

I decided to get the oni based on some user's opinions here on geekhack, even PMed a guy about the keyboard and he said that, compared to his filco, the kbt was better. I asked some guy at 4chan and he said the same. So I was between the ducky and the oni. I didn't like the ducky models that came with PBT keycaps, I thought they were ugly.

My Oni has not arrived yet, but as soon as it does, I'll write a review here.

You're gonna wanna try costar... make sure your second keyboard is costar.

[Lunartuna]

Is the ONI a costar board or just the Filco and QFR?

[Hyde]

Is the ONI a costar board or just the Filco and QFR?

While I'm not 100% sure, but I have a feeling that the Oni is probably OEM by Ducky and use Cherry Stabilizers.

[Binge]

I would buy a different brand because the more expensive the mech keyboard the better it has to be... AMIRITE?

lol sorry but I saw none of my fav boards in the OP

[MattBuzzy]

For free I would choose the Filco or the Ducky as they seem very popular due to the quality.

[Finwens]

I just pulled the trigger on a kbt oni with cherry mx browns. I was trying to determine if I wanted this, a filco or a ducky. The oni was the cheapest one (I paid 110 bucks on mechanicalkeyboards.com), the ducky was a little bit more expensive (depending on the model) and the filco was by far the most expensive.

I decided to get the oni based on some user's opinions here on geekhack, even PMed a guy about the keyboard and he said that, compared to his filco, the kbt was better. I asked some guy at 4chan and he said the same. So I was between the ducky and the oni. I didn't like the ducky models that came with PBT keycaps, I thought they were ugly.

My Oni has not arrived yet, but as soon as it does, I'll write a review here.

You're gonna wanna try costar... make sure your second keyboard is costar.

I read everywhere on the internet that the Oni is costar made, but have cherry stabilizers. And this is my second keyboard. I have a steelseries 6gv2 with faulty switches... and although I didn't try costar stabilizers, yet, cherry ones are easier to remove the keycaps and do the cleaning. I always **** up with delicate things.

[spaceship]

The Filco, because I love all of my filcos. By far my favorite boards.

[laffindude]

While I'm not 100% sure, but I have a feeling that the Oni is probably OEM by Ducky and use Cherry Stabilizers.

Nope. Ducky is a Costar.

Oni isn't a Costar board. Oni is made at one of the contract manufacturing factory Costar uses, but it is unclear which one. A distributor says it is built in Tucheng, which is where the factory that build Filco is located.

[metalliqaz]

Missing Leopold

[Lunartuna]

Missing Leopold

I'm completely unfamiliar with Leopold.

Is there a model i should be checking out that is similar to the others mentioned?

[jabar]

Nope. Ducky is a Costar.

No, Ducky features Cherry stabs. Its OEM is unknown, if not themselves.

[metalliqaz]

Missing Leopold

I'm completely unfamiliar with Leopold.

Is there a model i should be checking out that is similar to the others mentioned?

FC200R
$99, NKRO over USB, good quality.  I have one in my collection.

[uJalled]

Filco. Think of the value!

[Hyde]

Nope. Ducky is a Costar.

No, Ducky features Cherry stabs. Its OEM is unknown, if not themselves.

Yeah last I heard Ducky is Ducky OEM.

Missing Leopold

I'm completely unfamiliar with Leopold.

Is there a model i should be checking out that is similar to the others mentioned?

FC200R
$99, NKRO over USB, good quality.  I have one in my collection.

I think I would've root for them if it weren't for cherry stabilizer + weird spacebar stem spacing + rounded edges (sharp edge look better).

[laffindude]

Nope. Ducky is a Costar.

No, Ducky features Cherry stabs. Its OEM is unknown, if not themselves.

Yeah last I heard Ducky is Ducky OEM.

Nope. Costar. Sauce = Ducky employee.
@jabar: Costar makes boards with Cherry stabilizers.

[tp4tissue]

Filco. Think of the value!

I believe this to be the WRONG approach, because reselling keyboards is pointless.. What's $100-300 going to net in the long run.. jack-Nothing... you're better off keeping it for the "collection" and "variety"

[BimboBB]

Best value is the Ducky here. For yr $100 you get a keyboard which is close to Filco-quality (but having more gimmicks like part back lit, swapping keys via microswitches) AND PBT-caps which alone would cost you minimum $40.

[bardomudo]

I just pulled the trigger on a kbt oni with cherry mx browns. I was trying to determine if I wanted this, a filco or a ducky. The oni was the cheapest one (I paid 110 bucks on mechanicalkeyboards.com), the ducky was a little bit more expensive (depending on the model) and the filco was by far the most expensive.

I decided to get the oni based on some user's opinions here on geekhack, even PMed a guy about the keyboard and he said that, compared to his filco, the kbt was better. I asked some guy at 4chan and he said the same. So I was between the ducky and the oni. I didn't like the ducky models that came with PBT keycaps, I thought they were ugly.

My Oni has not arrived yet, but as soon as it does, I'll write a review here.

I'm sure you'll really enjoy your purchase, the KBT Oni is a fantastic keyboard. Just bear in mind I never said the KBT Oni was better keyboard than the Filco. They both have a lot of similarities, such as very similar case/double layered PCB and general quality, and I simply listed pros and cons of both (Filco, for example, has better stabilizers, rubber on the feet, PS/2 support and is more compatible with custom accessories due to its popularity). Because of the prices, when money is a factor I will always recommend the KBT Oni (which has, arguably, better keycaps and a more discrete case) over the Filco. To be honest, I like my current KBT Oni quite a bit more than my Filco MJ2.

Make sure to post some pictures of it when it arrives.

[Finwens]

I just pulled the trigger on a kbt oni with cherry mx browns. I was trying to determine if I wanted this, a filco or a ducky. The oni was the cheapest one (I paid 110 bucks on mechanicalkeyboards.com), the ducky was a little bit more expensive (depending on the model) and the filco was by far the most expensive.

I decided to get the oni based on some user's opinions here on geekhack, even PMed a guy about the keyboard and he said that, compared to his filco, the kbt was better. I asked some guy at 4chan and he said the same. So I was between the ducky and the oni. I didn't like the ducky models that came with PBT keycaps, I thought they were ugly.

My Oni has not arrived yet, but as soon as it does, I'll write a review here.

I'm sure you'll really enjoy your purchase, the KBT Oni is a fantastic keyboard. Just bear in mind I never said the KBT Oni was better keyboard than the Filco. They both have a lot of similarities, such as similar case/double layered PCB, and I simply listed pros and cons of both (Filco, for example, has better stabilizers, rubber on the feet, PS/2 support and is more compatible with custom accessories due to its popularity). Because of the prices, when money is a factor I will always recommend the KBT Oni (which has, arguably, better keycaps and a more discrete case) over the Filco. To be honest, I like my current KBT Oni quite a bit more than my Filco MJ2.

Make sure to post some pictures of it when it arrives.

Sorry, I got confused. Another person, on 4chan, told me that the Oni was better than the filco, in his opinion. I'll post pictures and write a review, but it should take a while. I live in Brazil and I won't be using this keyboard until the end of February ):

[bardomudo]

I just pulled the trigger on a kbt oni with cherry mx browns. I was trying to determine if I wanted this, a filco or a ducky. The oni was the cheapest one (I paid 110 bucks on mechanicalkeyboards.com), the ducky was a little bit more expensive (depending on the model) and the filco was by far the most expensive.

I decided to get the oni based on some user's opinions here on geekhack, even PMed a guy about the keyboard and he said that, compared to his filco, the kbt was better. I asked some guy at 4chan and he said the same. So I was between the ducky and the oni. I didn't like the ducky models that came with PBT keycaps, I thought they were ugly.

My Oni has not arrived yet, but as soon as it does, I'll write a review here.

I'm sure you'll really enjoy your purchase, the KBT Oni is a fantastic keyboard. Just bear in mind I never said the KBT Oni was better keyboard than the Filco. They both have a lot of similarities, such as similar case/double layered PCB, and I simply listed pros and cons of both (Filco, for example, has better stabilizers, rubber on the feet, PS/2 support and is more compatible with custom accessories due to its popularity). Because of the prices, when money is a factor I will always recommend the KBT Oni (which has, arguably, better keycaps and a more discrete case) over the Filco. To be honest, I like my current KBT Oni quite a bit more than my Filco MJ2.

Make sure to post some pictures of it when it arrives.

Sorry, I got confused. Another person, on 4chan, told me that the Oni was better than the filco, in his opinion. I'll post pictures and write a review, but it should take a while. I live in Brazil and I won't be using this keyboard until the end of February ):

I'm also from Brazil and I might as well be the guy that talked to you about the KBT Oni on 4chan, though I don't think I ever said it was better than the Filco. Funny coincidence anyway.

Anyway, hope you enjoy the new keyboard.

[sleepy916]

Filco, I've had both the QFR and a Filco. While both are pretty similar as far as quality, the ease of reselling would steer me towards the Filco. That is if you ever decide to sell it.