What is your opinion of the Fujitsu Peerless and/or Acer Accufeel Switch?

[EscapeVelocity]

Trying to understand them a bit better? 

[user 18]

Fujitsu Peerless is the worst keyboard I've ever used. Definitely worse than a standard rubber dome or scissor switch. I used it before I used a Cherry or BS board, and it very nearly made me not want to try one -- as I'd heard the Peerless were considered mechanical. I don't believe anymore that they fall into that category, at least not any more so than torpe.

[False_Dmitry_II]

And if by "Acer Accufeel Switch" you mean "Acer Switch" then they are probably why I like alps so much. The only difference between it and alps is that instead of electrical contacts, the slider levers something that pushes down onto a membrane. Still has a click leaf and everything though, so it's pretty good. I was handed one with those, plugged it in on a lark, and used nothing else for about three years - it was much better than the $3 dome I had been using - before I stated googling about other mechanical keyboards.

[Blaise170]

Personally I think Fujitsu Peerless are okay. If you get them for less than $20 shipped I consider them to be an improvement upon standard rubber domes. I actually have seven that I'm going to sell off for $10 each + shipping.

[user 18]

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=4107.0

Apparently the accufeel line of keyboards varies depending on the model as to what's actually in it.

[chyros]

I have video reviews on both:

Acer switch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1eKR2SdKdo&index=2&list=PL285ATFsHGY9JnaQemdjRLEMmLRKpmbfB

Fujitsu Peerless:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBbaOXe4-Sk&index=12&list=PL285ATFsHGY9JnaQemdjRLEMmLRKpmbfB

Acer switches are super clicky and very tactile. The clicky sound would've sounded better if it had been in a thick metal case instead of a thin plastic one, but it's much better than Cherries. Their tactility is more like a wall than a bump; all the force comes in all at once so it's almost like an on/off switch rather than a typical keyboard switch. I've yet to find a switch that feels anything like it.

And then Fujitsu Peerless, the clicky switch whose greatest virtue is that they're not clicky. These are incrediawful. Not because of the switch per se, but because of the stabilisers. It's simply impossible to use them. The normal keys feel like inferior buckling springs and are not so bad,  but all stabilised keys are so bad that they just ruin the whole keyboard single-handedly.

[davkol]

I like Fujitsu Peerless. The KB4700 is a Model M clone with a standard layout, curved metal plate and PBT dyesubs (except spacebar). That's kinda nice. The switches are relatively smooth (me likes), nearly linear (me likes) and clicky, but quiet (me likes).

Clicky Acer switches… I like them too. More than genuine clicky Alps SKCM switches, actually. In particular, the peak resistance isn't nearly is big. I think they're closer to vintage MX Blue in a way. Too bad quality isn't on par.

[chyros]

Clicky Acer switches… I like them too. More than genuine clicky Alps SKCM switches, actually. In particular, the peak resistance isn't nearly is big.

In that case, you might like Monterey Blues or Type OA2 Alps clones.

[trillobite]

I own a Fujitsu Peerless, and it is the very first keyboard I ever touched. They are okay keyboards, but they have many flaws, mostly with the shift keys, as you have to hit the key dead center or else the key sticks.

On a standard rubber dome keyboard I average 90 WPM on 10fastfingers, and on the Peerless, I will average around 80 - 85WPM, mostly because the space bar is incredibly heavy and very difficult to force down rapidly.

When you first get the peerless, all of the keys will probably feel just like a rubber dome, and this is probably due to all of the lubrication being dried out. Get some airsoft 100% silicone spray and lube EVERY SINGLE SWITCH (it took me forever, a whole day). Then on the shift keys, put some PTFE grease on the stabilizer shafts, this will allow them to be more forgiving.

TL;DR:
Overall, even with lube, this keyboard is not the best, but with lube it will feel mechanical and smooth. The shift keys will still be very sticky even with lube. When the keys work properly, the spring will force the rubber dome down at about 90% of the key travel, and produces a tactile click. The keyboard is quiet and heavy utilizing a steel curved metal plate, and would be a very good keyboard if better stabilizers were utilized on the shift keys.

[davkol]

They are okay keyboards, but they have many flaws, mostly with the shift keys, as you have to hit the key dead center or else the key sticks.

because the space bar is incredibly heavy and very difficult to force down rapidly.

Weird. I never noticed that, and now I've just taken one of my Fujitsu KB4700s out of the closet to test it… Nope, Shift keys are quite well stabilized (same kind of mechanism as actual Model M, i.e., an extra stem) and only the very long right Shift slightly binds, when pressed on the left *edge*; spacebar isn't particularly very heavy or anything either, it's certainly a much smaller difference than with Cherry G80 keyboards that have a stiffer switch there.

[Blaise170]

I just received my seven Peerless in the mail. These actually feel a bit better than some of the others I've used which also looked yellowed and worn. I'm guessing that these don't hold up very well to abuse, but that when new(er), they do actually have a decent feel.

[EscapeVelocity]

I have video reviews on both:

Acer switch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1eKR2SdKdo&index=2&list=PL285ATFsHGY9JnaQemdjRLEMmLRKpmbfB

Fujitsu Peerless:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBbaOXe4-Sk&index=12&list=PL285ATFsHGY9JnaQemdjRLEMmLRKpmbfB


Acer switches are super clicky and very tactile. The clicky sound would've sounded better if it had been in a thick metal case instead of a thin plastic one, but it's much better than Cherries. Their tactility is more like a wall than a bump; all the force comes in all at once so it's almost like an on/off switch rather than a typical keyboard switch. I've yet to find a switch that feels anything like it.

And then Fujitsu Peerless, the clicky switch whose greatest virtue is that they're not clicky. These are incrediawful. Not because of the switch per se, but because of the stabilisers. It's simply impossible to use them. The normal keys feel like inferior buckling springs and are not so bad,  but all stabilised keys are so bad that they just ruin the whole keyboard single-handedly.

I really like your videos Chryos.

Do you think that you just got a bad example of the Fujitsu Peerless where they cut corners with the large keys?  Ill probably pass on the Fujitsu Peerless.

On another note, I have the exact Acer Accufeel keyboard that you have there, but in ANSI 6311-TW coming, new in box.   There is an older version with a larger case of this nearly same model number.

[chyros]

I have video reviews on both:

Acer switch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1eKR2SdKdo&index=2&list=PL285ATFsHGY9JnaQemdjRLEMmLRKpmbfB

Fujitsu Peerless:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBbaOXe4-Sk&index=12&list=PL285ATFsHGY9JnaQemdjRLEMmLRKpmbfB


Acer switches are super clicky and very tactile. The clicky sound would've sounded better if it had been in a thick metal case instead of a thin plastic one, but it's much better than Cherries. Their tactility is more like a wall than a bump; all the force comes in all at once so it's almost like an on/off switch rather than a typical keyboard switch. I've yet to find a switch that feels anything like it.

And then Fujitsu Peerless, the clicky switch whose greatest virtue is that they're not clicky. These are incrediawful. Not because of the switch per se, but because of the stabilisers. It's simply impossible to use them. The normal keys feel like inferior buckling springs and are not so bad,  but all stabilised keys are so bad that they just ruin the whole keyboard single-handedly.

I really like your videos Chryos.

Do you think that you just got a bad example of the Fujitsu Peerless where they cut corners with the large keys?  Ill probably pass on the Fujitsu Peerless.

It's possible, but stabiliser issues with Peerless keys is a very commonly reported issue so at least I'm not the only one experiencing it xD . The 1u keys are fine, even somewhat interesting to type on, but other designs just work so much better IMO.

One thing I have to give the FKB4700 specifically is the build quality. It's one of the best-built keyboards I own, and it's not particularly ugly.

On another note, I have the exact Acer Accufeel keyboard that you have there, but in ANSI 6311-TW coming, new in box.  There is an older version with a larger case of this nearly same model number.

Yeah, most Acer keyboards came in several designs; the one I have for the model is the ugliest IMO (and I think the lightest). Very interesting switch, I think it's underrated, but I prefer Alps. Dust can gather in the switches quite easily, but the beauty is that the switches are case-mounted so they're extremely easy to clean out and even replace - no need for soldering.

[trillobite]

Weird. I never noticed that, and now I've just taken one of my Fujitsu KB4700s out of the closet to test it… Nope, Shift keys are quite well stabilized (same kind of mechanism as actual Model M, i.e., an extra stem) and only the very long right Shift slightly binds, when pressed on the left *edge*; spacebar isn't particularly very heavy or anything either, it's certainly a much smaller difference than with Cherry G80 keyboards that have a stiffer switch there.

I wonder if trying some new shift keys would solve my problem then. As far back as I could remember, the shift keys were always sticky. I simply learned to hit it dead center, and still do on any keyboard. (Old habits are hard to break lol)

I have the FKB4700-601.

[Blaise170]

Weird. I never noticed that, and now I've just taken one of my Fujitsu KB4700s out of the closet to test it… Nope, Shift keys are quite well stabilized (same kind of mechanism as actual Model M, i.e., an extra stem) and only the very long right Shift slightly binds, when pressed on the left *edge*; spacebar isn't particularly very heavy or anything either, it's certainly a much smaller difference than with Cherry G80 keyboards that have a stiffer switch there.

I wonder if trying some new shift keys would solve my problem then. As far back as I could remember, the shift keys were always sticky. I simply learned to hit it dead center, and still do on any keyboard. (Old habits are hard to break lol)

I have the FKB4700-601.

I just tested every key on seven Peerless boards so that I could sell them. Only one had a sticky shift issue and it was an FKB-4720-601. The other six are fine. The one with sticky shift is also really dirty so I think that plays a role in these.

[trillobite]

Sounds like it may be a common issue with the 601 boards. Someone else complained about sticky shift keys in a response to one of the threads:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=13351.5;wap2

[Blaise170]

The problem with that in my small anecdotal evidence is that I have four 601 boards, two 201, and three other. Seems to be completely random from the Peerless I've had.

[chyros]

Mine's a 4700-152.

[trillobite]

Good news!

I came up with a mod. I found a cheap mechanical pencil that can be picked up at any dollar tree in packs of eight, and they contain a spring which is slightly stiffer but of the same dimensions as the springs used in this keyboard. I decided to use the spring in the space bar, and it drastically improved my typing experience!

Basically, the stiffer spring allowed the switch to actuate much sooner, requiring much less effort to operate the space bar.


Original spring is on the left. New one on the right.

[EscapeVelocity]

The Accufeel switch is very nice. But I agree with Chryos, that Acer 6311-TW (6312-TW) build quality leaves something to be desired. It does have a metal backplate though. I didnt care for the feel of the keys themselves either.

[chyros]

But I agree with Chryos, that Acer 6311-TW (6312-TW) build quality leaves something to be desired.

Yeah, they're not particularly tough. One advantage these boards have though is their simplicity. If there's dust in it, just unscrew the back plate and clean it out. If a switch goes bad, you can easily clip one out and put a replacement in, no need for soldering. As such, in the end it's more reliable than a board of its weight would suggest.

[EscapeVelocity]

I measured the force required for a key depress on the Acer 6311-TW to be between 60-65g using the nickel test.

[False_Dmitry_II]

Good news!

I came up with a mod. I found a cheap mechanical pencil that can be picked up at any dollar tree in packs of eight, and they contain a spring which is slightly stiffer but of the same dimensions as the springs used in this keyboard. I decided to use the spring in the space bar, and it drastically improved my typing experience!

Basically, the stiffer spring allowed the switch to actuate much sooner, requiring much less effort to operate the space bar.

Show Image

Original spring is on the left. New one on the right.

So for the peerless right? Is that just for the spacebar, or?

The Accufeel switch is very nice. But I agree with Chryos, that Acer 6311-TW (6312-TW) build quality leaves something to be desired. It does have a metal backplate though. I didnt care for the feel of the keys themselves either.

I've only tried one Acer board, so I don't know if they are susceptible to condition in terms of feel like Alps are or not. Mine I like and it is consistent across the board.

[chyros]

I've only tried one Acer board, so I don't know if they are susceptible to condition in terms of feel like Alps are or not. Mine I like and it is consistent across the board.

I've had three 6312s, they were my first mechs actually. They tend to be quite consistent indeed and are nowhere near as susceptible to condition as Alps switches because they are so easy to clean out or replace if necessary; an advantage of the admittedly simple construction of the board. So while they're not sturdy boards, they're fairly reliable.