Leopold FC700R vs Filco Majestouch 2 Tenkeyless (Browns)

[robertsig]

I want to buy one of these two TKL keyboards in Cherry browns.  I'm very torn which one to get.

From what I'm reading, Leopold has the better key caps since they are PBT, but the Filco might be built better overall.

So...overall...which is the better keyboard?  Bonus points if the MX Browns feel slightly heavier (dislike Reds) on one or the other.

[atlas3686]

I  don't think you will go wrong either way. That being said PBT caps are awesome so if you don't plan on upgrading your Filco to PBT maybe go for the Leopold. I have browns from both Filco and Leopold and I think the Leopold ones are slightly heavier but really just slightly and even that could just be my imagination.

[zoolzoo]

I want to buy one of these two TKL keyboards in Cherry browns.  I'm very torn which one to get.

From what I'm reading, Leopold has the better key caps since they are PBT, but the Filco might be built better overall.

So...overall...which is the better keyboard?  Bonus points if the MX Browns feel slightly heavier (dislike Reds) on one or the other.

They are both built well, thats not really an issue. Out of the box the Leo has better caps, but the legends will fade. When they begin to fade, you will have a tough time replacing the caps because the keysizing of some of the keys is non standard. The Filco's sizing is standard and so you can replace the keys with any of the many, many sets available.

While they are both nice, if this is your first mech I would go for the Filco.

[robertsig]

I've read that that Filco have harder caps to remove because of the stabilizers?

[Tony]

Leopold 700R 9,99 versus Filco MJ2 10. You can choose either.

If you are going to get a pbt keycap set anyway, I suggest Filco since it has better typing feel and generally well built.

If you don't want to buy keycaps, try a Leopold with a built-in pbt.

I've read that that Filco have harder caps to remove because of the stabilizers?

You need to follow the Youtube video's instructions when removing Filco big keycaps (Enter, Space, Tab, Backspace). It takes you five minutes to watch to get the hang of it. Once you understand it, it's easy.

[robertsig]

OK, looks like I want to try that FKBN87M/EB2.  Seems darn expensive though on Amazon.
Any other sources?

[ynrozturk]

Filco.

[zoolzoo]

OK, looks like I want to try that FKBN87M/EB2.  Seems darn expensive though on Amazon.
Any other sources?

Filco's are expensive cant really get around that, unless you buy used from ebay or here on the forums.

[ekirayuki]

+1 for fc700r

[fuzzybaffy]

This video might be too late, as it seems the OP has already decided on what keyboard to get, but I really wish somebody would've shown me this video, which highlights the difference between the Leopold FC700RT, and Filco TKL perfectly, when I was deciding on whether I should get a Filco or not:

The video is perfect for the OP. =P The camo keyboard is the Filco.

But, yes, if I would've seen this video sooner, I would've picked up a Filco instantly. Instead, I had to deal with picking up a no-name brand, finding out it was defective, and then returning it back to Korea to get a refund. =/

[mrmillsy]

Wow, the filco sounds sooo much better.

I just got a filco mj2 tkl w/mx red and that's pretty much spot-on for how it sounds.  It's very satisfying, if a little loud for my tastes.

[Grim Fandango]

The biggest difference between the experience you will have with the Filco vs the Leopold will probably be the stabilizers, which do affect the way a keyboard feels quite significantly. Not everyone has the same preferences, but I for one strongly prefer the Costar stabilizers on the Filco. I like how the feel more snappy, and more similar to the other keys on the keyboard. On the other hand, some find them wobbly, rattling annoying things. Some people feel the Cherry stabilizers have a more solid feel, and it is easier to swap out keycaps on them. On the other hand some find them "mushy" in comparison the the Costar stabilizers.

I must say though that while I like the stabilizers on the Filco, the stock keycaps on them are really crap. Not just because of the fact that they are ABS (which is not a big deal as far as I am concerned), but the pad-printing on them is really ugly and inconsistent. Imo no filco ever really looks good without a change of keycaps. But that is just aesthetics. The ugly pad-printing is quite durable.

Personally I would probably be happy with either one. I went for the Filco based on availability (in Europe) and reputation.

[Candyflip]

I'd say go with the Filco and upgrade to PBT caps.

[robertsig]

I'd say go with the Filco and upgrade to PBT caps.

Egads.  That takes an expensive keyboard and makes it more so.  OK, so what are the best PBT cap recommendations if I decide to go hog wild?

[Candyflip]

I'd say go with the Filco and upgrade to PBT caps.

Egads.  That takes an expensive keyboard and makes it more so.  OK, so what are the best PBT cap recommendations if I decide to go hog wild?

There is a pretty neat GB IvanIvanovich is running at the moment you can find it in the group buy section, it is black thick PBT caps with Cherry profile you can choose lettered or blank keycaps which are cheaper.
Also if you are not into spending more than the initial keyboard and you are worried about the letters fading out you can check the Filco Ninja version it has the side printed legends which might work for you.

[strict]

I went with a Filco for my first mechanical and I absolutely love it. I put a set of the $20 BangGood PBT caps on it and it feels even better now. Ive never tried a Leopold but I would be amazed if you bought a Filco and were disappointed. Filco is one of the most recommended boards around here for a good reason.

[robertsig]

I have a Realforce now and I think if I got the preferred Filco with aftermarket PBT caps, I'd be in Realforce price territory again.  This was supposed to be a backup keyboard and now it'll cost as much as my Realforce!

The WASD CODE keyboard has really caught my eye too.  I'm not sure how Cherry clears feel, but I do know I hate Cherry Reds.  Too light.

[IPT]

I have a Realforce now and I think if I got the preferred Filco with aftermarket PBT caps, I'd be in Realforce price territory again.  This was supposed to be a backup keyboard and now it'll cost as much as my Realforce!

The WASD CODE keyboard has really caught my eye too.  I'm not sure how Cherry clears feel, but I do know I hate Cherry Reds.  Too light.

wait, if this is a backup keyboard then just get whichever is cheaper.
That being said, im curious how much you can get a 700R for.

I own basically all 3 of the keyboards you mentioned in this thread (realforce, filco, leopold 700)  I paid $150 for my 700R graphite new, Paid $135 for my filco new (when i was in taiwan so that doesn't count), paid $140 for a used filco, and paid $190 for a used realforce 87.

If you're looking for "cheap", get the CM Quickfire rapid.  Its similar to filco using co-star stabs, PCB isn't as thick as filco, and the case isn't finished as well imo.
But still its MSRP is like $70.00 and goes on sale for around $50.00 frequently.

[robertsig]

If you're looking for "cheap", get the CM Quickfire rapid.  Its similar to filco using co-star stabs, PCB isn't as thick as filco, and the case isn't finished as well imo.
But still its MSRP is like $70.00 and goes on sale for around $50.00 frequently.

Yeah, I'm reading too much into this.  Sounds like a good idea, but...

I own basically all 3 of the keyboards you mentioned in this thread (realforce, filco, leopold 700)  I paid $150 for my 700R graphite new, Paid $135 for my filco new (when i was in taiwan so that doesn't count), paid $140 for a used filco, and paid $190 for a used realforce 87.

I don't like anything as light as Cherry reds.  I feel the Topre 45g is between a Cherry red and a Topre 55g.  Any idea how the browns vs clears feel?  Might help me decide on the CM Quickfire in Browns, or hold out for the CODE keyboard with clears.  I can't do clicky, so unfortunately blues are out.

[IPT]

If you're looking for "cheap", get the CM Quickfire rapid.  Its similar to filco using co-star stabs, PCB isn't as thick as filco, and the case isn't finished as well imo.
But still its MSRP is like $70.00 and goes on sale for around $50.00 frequently.

Yeah, I'm reading too much into this.  Sounds like a good idea, but...

I own basically all 3 of the keyboards you mentioned in this thread (realforce, filco, leopold 700)  I paid $150 for my 700R graphite new, Paid $135 for my filco new (when i was in taiwan so that doesn't count), paid $140 for a used filco, and paid $190 for a used realforce 87.

I don't like anything as light as Cherry reds.  I feel the Topre 45g is between a Cherry red and a Topre 55g.  Any idea how the browns vs clears feel?  Might help me decide on the CM Quickfire in Browns, or hold out for the CODE keyboard with clears.  I can't do clicky, so unfortunately blues are out.

asking the wrong person sorry, im a big fan of reds and my topre 45g is great lol.
I pretty much only have MX Red boards except 1 filco that's MX Blue.

[Puddsy]

Clears are heavier and are more tactile.

I personally prefer the filco, but I don't own 2 QFRs for nothing...

[rowdy]

Why not both?

One for home, one for work.

[robertsig]

Crap, the CODE keyboard is going to be in Greens next time.  Clears aren't on schedule for awhile.

[Ghetto Caps]

Leopolds wont fit in alot of Aftermarket cases.

[IPT]

and their spacebars suck!
stupid 700R non universal placing...

[Puddsy]

Crap, the CODE keyboard is going to be in Greens next time.  Clears aren't on schedule for awhile.

You can always mod the clears in yourself!

[lilky]

I have two Filcos (blue and brown) and my friend owns two Leopold FC200Rs. I like both brands, but I think Filco boards just have that teeny extra something special. Their keyboards are a dream to type on.