Buying My First Mechanical Keyboard

[red_magic]

As the title, says I am going to be buying my first mechanical keyboard quite soon. I am still not 100% sure on what to get though, so I thought I would get some input from you guys. My choices so far are as follows:

• Filco Ninja Majestouch-2 Cherry MX Browns
• Ducky Shine II w/ Cherry MX Browns
• WASD v1 Keyboard w/Cherry MX Browns
• Leopold Tactile (Cherry MX Browns)

I am leaning towards the Filco but I am still not sure. Any help with this is appreciated, thanks.

[tp4tissue]

If you're getting full size... go with filco.. it has a better pcb that's more durable to work with when "the time comes"

and it will............... 

[jabar]

Have you tried MX switches before? Are you sold on Browns? What are you planning on using the keyboard for (typing, gaming)?

I'd recommend either the Filco or Ducky, if you want backlighting. WASD is coming out with V2 keyboards which we'll have to see how those are (and at what cost). I do like the Leopold FC700R, but that isn't available stateside yet.

[red_magic]

I have only tried the browns before. I liked them a lot. I was unfortunately unable to find a keyboard with blue switches at my local electronics store so browns are the only switches I have tried. I will be using the board for general computing, programming, gaming, and occasional writing.

[Halverson]

Browns are great! And if you want non-backlit, the filco is solid and great. I would say Ducky if you decide you'd like some light up action

[lazerpointer]

Good choice of switch. But... Nobody mentions QFR? Or other CM Storm boards? Better choice than any of those boards IMO and cheaper I believe. Don't go with Leopold / Ducky IMO because of the Cherry-style stabilizers.

[rowdy]

As above - Ducky if you want backlighting, Filco if not.

Also consider that WASD is developing a V2 keyboard - if you want to explore that option it would be well worth waiting until the V2 is out.

Plus the Leopold, although a fine keyboard, does have an unusual spacebar, and you might find it slightly more difficult to find a replacement spacebar.

[red_magic]

Alright, first of all, I decided to go with the Filco Ninja Majestouch-2 TKL w/Browns. Unfortunately I can't seem to find it anywhere other then Amazon and that is sold for over $200 which is dumb. I posted a thread in the KeyboardCo board asking when Bruce would get new stock in his Amazon store, but in the time being it would be great if you guys could point to a place where I could buy it right now. Please note that I am in the US.

-red_magic

[singaporean123]

I wouldn't suggest you to get one that is too expensive.. People in this forum tend to start with A keyboard.. and end up with a dozen of them..

start small, then grow.. BIGGER

[Kmynis]

I wouldn't suggest you to get one that is too expensive.. People in this forum tend to start with A keyboard.. and end up with a dozen of them..

start small, then grow.. BIGGER

Why so? I just bought a Filco and I know I will not buy CM, Leopold or any other "lesser" board. The only way up now is topre and custom boards.
However if I bought a CM, I would probably end up buying Filco anyway.

[jabar]

Why so? I just bought a Filco and I know I will not buy CM, Leopold or any other "lesser" board. The only way up now is topre and custom boards.
However if I bought a CM, I would probably end up buying Filco anyway.

That's pretty presumptuous of you to call those brands and others "lesser"

[simingma]

Are you sure you only want MX Browns? I suggest buying a few of different switches from where you can return like Amazon.

[rowdy]

If you are not sure about MX browns, why not get a Quickfire Rapid?  Similar quality, much lower price.

[tp4tissue]

Are you sure you only want MX Browns? I suggest buying a few of different switches from where you can return like Amazon.

f-ing don't do this... ugh... sigh.................. 


freaking... people have the nerves to tell me to "not torrent" then they blatantly scam amazon...

[Burz]

I just ordered what will be my first New mechanical keyboard: Matias Mini Quiet Pro, a compact version of the Quiet Pro. $130 delivered.

You seem to like tactile switches, so I thought I'd mention that Matias switches are regarded as some of the best. These keyboards also have 3-port USB2 hubs built in.

[deepthawt]

I just ordered what will be my first New mechanical keyboard: Matias Mini Quiet Pro, a compact version of the Quiet Pro. $130 delivered.

You seem to like tactile switches, so I thought I'd mention that Matias switches are regarded as some of the best. These keyboards also have 3-port USB2 hubs built in.

let us know when you get it!


I'm waiting my Jan. purchase to ship.

[OnTheBrink]

I thought I loved Browns too. Until I played with Reds.

Although, I play WoW and I like tactile for different classes (one less ability spammy).

So I plan on using Reds for my Rogue and either Greens or Topre for my Priest (healer).

I know you love Browns, but you won't be satisfied until you try them all. And when you do, you will like each switch for different tasks. At least I do and no matter which keyboard I type on (Have blues, browns and Reds) I get a warm and fuzzy feeling every time.

I'm definitely not the most knowledgeable here, but let me know if you need any help!

[keymaster]

QFR is definitely a great first board. I love its design more than my Leopold. Blue/brown is still selling for $65 on Amazon. At that price, there is no competition.

[morpheus]

I got browns for my first ones and at first I wasn't thrilled. After a couple weeks, I'm loving them and getting used the to subtle touch and sound. Red would have probably been my next choice.

The browns will really grow on you if you let it.

[Hyde]

MX Brown was my favourite until I got MX Reds.  I'm currently using dampened ALPS from Matias can't say if I like this better than MX Reds yet.

And I suggest getting Filco, not too big on the cherry stabilizers on Ducky/Leopold.

QuickFire Rapid is good if you want tenkeyless and want to save a few bucks, also if you can wait then QuickFire XT (Full Size) will come out in April.

[lazerpointer]

QuickFire XT (Full Size) will come out in April.

I thought there was already a Quickfire Pro? Must be something else special about the XT

[Demofly]

Are you sure you only want MX Browns? I suggest buying a few of different switches from where you can return like Amazon.

f-ing don't do this... ugh... sigh.................. 


freaking... people have the nerves to tell me to "not torrent" then they blatantly scam amazon...

How is paying return shipping and restocking fee scamming amazon?

[Mountain Man]

WASD not getting much love in this thread?

I have a custom WASD with MX Browns.  It's a fantastic keyboard, and WASD's customer service is outstanding.

I use the board for general typing and gaming, and the MX Browns seem to be perfect for either.  I love this keyboard.

[Mountain Man]

If you're getting full size... go with filco.. it has a better pcb that's more durable to work with when "the time comes"

and it will............... 

I may be mistaken, but doesn't WASD source their keyboard parts from the exact same manufacturer as Filco?

[tp4tissue]

If you're getting full size... go with filco.. it has a better pcb that's more durable to work with when "the time comes"

and it will............... 

I may be mistaken, but doesn't WASD source their keyboard parts from the exact same manufacturer as Filco?

Yes but the PCB is made more durable in a filco.. it's much less prone to "peeling" from heat if you're soldering switches to it, like for when you want customized switches, ergo clear, etc..

the QFR pcb is a nightmare because if you're not FAST, the contacts WILL PEEL...

[keymaster]

If you're getting full size... go with filco.. it has a better pcb that's more durable to work with when "the time comes"

and it will............... 

I may be mistaken, but doesn't WASD source their keyboard parts from the exact same manufacturer as Filco?

Yes but the PCB is made more durable in a filco.. it's much less prone to "peeling" from heat if you're soldering switches to it, like for when you want customized switches, ergo clear, etc..

the QFR pcb is a nightmare because if you're not FAST, the contacts WILL PEEL...

Well, then, it's a good thing the guy is just looking to buy his first mechanical keyboard.

[luckynet]

If you're getting full size... go with filco.. it has a better pcb that's more durable to work with when "the time comes"

and it will............... 

I may be mistaken, but doesn't WASD source their keyboard parts from the exact same manufacturer as Filco?

Yes but the PCB is made more durable in a filco.. it's much less prone to "peeling" from heat if you're soldering switches to it, like for when you want customized switches, ergo clear, etc..

the QFR pcb is a nightmare because if you're not FAST, the contacts WILL PEEL...

Mine peeled and I ended up using copper wire to connect it back... Sobs btw I also had the same plan get a filco so I don't get any other, well I ended up buying them so called lesser brands lols T.T

[khaangaaroo]

Hey OP, dunno if you're still looking for a Filco with browns, but there's one in classifieds right now:
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=40342.0

[zoolzoo]

I wouldn't suggest you to get one that is too expensive.. People in this forum tend to start with A keyboard.. and end up with a dozen of them..

start small, then grow.. BIGGER

Why so? I just bought a Filco and I know I will not buy CM, Leopold or any other "lesser" board. The only way up now is topre and custom boards.
However if I bought a CM, I would probably end up buying Filco anyway.

I have a Filco MJ2 w/ browns. I just bought a CM QFR with blues and added a set of pbt caps....its not really a lesser board especially now that they come unbranded. Believe me the QFR is a really high quality board.

[keymaster]

I got browns for my first ones and at first I wasn't thrilled. After a couple weeks, I'm loving them and getting used the to subtle touch and sound. Red would have probably been my next choice.

The browns will really grow on you if you let it.

I had a similar experience with browns. They're not too exciting but after a few days, I became aware of how nice soft and smooth they were compared to a rubber dome. It's my favorite switch, with blues being my second favorite. I'm sure if I tried clears, they would be up against browns as my favorite.

[volatilecoffee]

-redacted

[aviphysics]

I wouldn't suggest you to get one that is too expensive.. People in this forum tend to start with A keyboard.. and end up with a dozen of them..

start small, then grow.. BIGGER

Why so? I just bought a Filco and I know I will not buy CM, Leopold or any other "lesser" board. The only way up now is topre and custom boards.
However if I bought a CM, I would probably end up buying Filco anyway.

I don't see what would make a Quickfire Rapid a lesser board. Now that they took most of the CM branding off, the main difference between them and the Filco TKL is the soldering isn't as clean. That isn't something you are going to notice while typing or perhaps ever. The case, plate and switches are practically identical. That just leaves the keycaps and whether the Filco caps are better or not is debatable and a set of custom caps is way less than $100 anyway.