Author Topic: Minimalist keyboard for a newbie (Read 10449 times)

killyou · « **on:** Tue, 01 March 2016, 06:44:53 »

Hello. I've been using only membrane and scissor keyboards so far and lately I started to wonder why not invest some money if I spend most of my day in terminal or office apps. During last couple of days I've read about various switches, watched numerous videos and here are my conclusions:
- I'm leaning towards Cherry MX brown switch. The keyboard doesn't have to be silent, but I don't want something as loud as Cherry MX blue
- I have no idea if Topre would be a better choice or not
- I will be mostly typing, I'm not a gamer anymore
- currently I'm using Lenovo T450 keyboard and I'm "happy" as far as laptop keyboards go ...
- I'd like to spend up to 150$
- I want TKL version with as little things to break as possible (no backlit)
- no gaming keyboards! I like them plain and simple, no stickers, usb hubs, macro keys etc.

Here are the keyboards I'm considering based on my findings:
- Filco Majestouch 2 TKL Ninja with Cherry MX Brown (~110 USD) - looks like no-nonsense keyboard praised for quality. I can get it for as low as 110 USD but I will have to wait until June and won't have any warranty as I will need to travel abroad to get it.
- CM Novatouch TKL (~140 USD) - I've read that it's the best bang for the buck if it comes to Topre switches but I have no idea how that compare to MXs but on the other hand some of the opinions are negative. Also I can get right now and I will have valid support.
- CM QF Rapid-i Cherry MX brown (~104 USD) - they only upside is that I can get it right now as well and I would have the support but I've read so many negative opinions on the LEDs dying that I probably should delete it from the list. Also I feel like additional few bucks for Filco or Novatouch would be a much better investment. They used to offer QFR ninja with no backlit I believe for ~80 USD so probably that's what I would buy if it would be still sold by CM

Would you please help me choose between the keyboards listed? Or maybe there is something similar/better available that I've missed?
Thank you very much in advance!

sth · « **Reply #1 on:** Tue, 01 March 2016, 06:45:54 »

Lurch · « **Reply #2 on:** Tue, 01 March 2016, 06:47:47 »

Quote from: sth on Tue, 01 March 2016, 06:45:54

hhkb

killyou · « **Reply #3 on:** Tue, 01 March 2016, 06:58:45 »

I did mention that I'd like TKL keyboard, not 60%. I need arrows and insert key without having to use funcion key.

jaffers · « **Reply #4 on:** Tue, 01 March 2016, 07:01:01 »

Quote from: killyou on Tue, 01 March 2016, 06:58:45

I did mention that I'd like TKL keyboard, not 60%. I need arrows and insert key without having to use funcion key.

CP-SQ1800 is almost teh same size as my TKL boards, and heaps better with the numpad, if you don't use the numpad just reprogram it to make the home, end, pg up, pg down, insert, del keys closer to teh arrow cluster and prevent rsi.

Bucake · « **Reply #5 on:** Tue, 01 March 2016, 07:03:40 »

THE REALFORCE 87U 55G WITH HYPERSPHERE RINGS AND OPTIONALLY SOME EXTRA SILENCING FOR THE SPACEBAR

OR THE 45G EK EDITION IF YOU THINK 55G IS TOO HEAVY

TalkingTree · « **Reply #6 on:** Tue, 01 March 2016, 07:10:59 »

Quote from: killyou on Tue, 01 March 2016, 06:44:53

- Filco Majestouch 2 TKL Ninja with Cherry MX Brown (~110 USD)

This, and unless you strictly want a new in box keyboard, you could try your luck on eBay for used ones.

killyou · « **Reply #7 on:** Tue, 01 March 2016, 07:21:52 »

Quote from: TalkingTree on Tue, 01 March 2016, 07:10:59

Quote from: killyou on Tue, 01 March 2016, 06:44:53
- Filco Majestouch 2 TKL Ninja with Cherry MX Brown (~110 USD)
This, and unless you strictly want a new in box keyboard, you could try your luck on eBay for used ones.

Do you know how it compares to Novatouch? I don't care for that 30$ difference. I'd rather get the keyboard earlier.

Vittra · « **Reply #8 on:** Tue, 01 March 2016, 07:23:02 »

Don't get a Novatouch. If you want a Topre TKL get an 87U. It's possible you'd like a 45G or 55G 87U Realforce, but you'd really have to try them to know for sure.. if you live in the US, resale should net you a fairly small loss should you not like them.

Otherwise, the Filco board you have chosen is a fairly solid option - alternatively you could get a KUL from Elitekeyboards for a more modern interpretation of the basic Filco/Diatec design with a few additional configurations view dip switches - swapping ctrl with capslock and the like.

jaffers · « **Reply #9 on:** Tue, 01 March 2016, 07:25:02 »

The real conspiracy is: has topre paid off geekhack members???

killyou · « **Reply #10 on:** Tue, 01 March 2016, 07:26:25 »

Quote from: Vittra on Tue, 01 March 2016, 07:23:02

Don't get a Novatouch. If you want a Topre TKL get an 87U. It's possible you'd like a 45G or 55G 87U Realforce, but you'd really have to try them to know for sure.. if you live in the US, resale should net you a fairly small loss should you not like them.

Otherwise, the Filco board you have chosen is a fairly solid option - alternatively you could get a KUL from Elitekeyboards for a more modern interpretation of the basic Filco/Diatec design with a few additional configurations view dip switches - swapping ctrl with capslock and the like.

I guess Realforce is outside of my budget. From what I've read Novatouch uses Topre 45G. Is it worth getting then for 140 USD?

appleonama · « **Reply #11 on:** Tue, 01 March 2016, 07:28:02 »

Quote from: killyou on Tue, 01 March 2016, 07:26:25

Quote from: Vittra on Tue, 01 March 2016, 07:23:02
Don't get a Novatouch. If you want a Topre TKL get an 87U. It's possible you'd like a 45G or 55G 87U Realforce, but you'd really have to try them to know for sure.. if you live in the US, resale should net you a fairly small loss should you not like them.

Otherwise, the Filco board you have chosen is a fairly solid option - alternatively you could get a KUL from Elitekeyboards for a more modern interpretation of the basic Filco/Diatec design with a few additional configurations view dip switches - swapping ctrl with capslock and the like.

I guess Realforce is outside of my budget. From what I've read Novatouch uses Topre 45G. Is it worth getting then for 140 USD?

why settle for something cheap go big or go home Realforce topre 55g will suit you well.

novatouch is blasphemy topre

evangs · « **Reply #12 on:** Tue, 01 March 2016, 07:58:43 »

Wasd v2 87 with Browns. I have one and really like it. You could even add o-rings if you want.

sth · « **Reply #13 on:** Tue, 01 March 2016, 08:01:14 »

Quote from: killyou on Tue, 01 March 2016, 06:58:45

I did mention that I'd like TKL keyboard, not 60%. I need arrows and insert key without having to use funcion key.

hhkb

Frizer · « **Reply #14 on:** Tue, 01 March 2016, 08:17:50 »

Leopold would be my choice for your requirements.

1391406 · « **Reply #15 on:** Tue, 01 March 2016, 09:33:24 »

I've never tried the Novatouch so I can't comment on it, though I'd normally recommend Topre if the primary use is for typing. However, if I had to choose between the CM QF Rapid-i and Filco, I'd buy a Filco. Overall, the reviews for the CM QF Rapid-i leave something to be desired, and I've actually owned a Filco with Browns and can vouch for the quality.

killyou · « **Reply #16 on:** Tue, 01 March 2016, 09:51:33 »

Thanks for the input. I guess I'll wait and get Filco in June.

quasistellar · « **Reply #17 on:** Tue, 01 March 2016, 10:10:29 »

If you want the best TKL board for just typing and just want to use it as is out of the box, I'd go with the realforce.

The novatouch is great if you want to use different keycaps and don't mind adding silencers to the sliders. The flaw with the Novatouch is that the sliders clack against the switch housing on the up stroke in an unpleasant manner. You can use ironed landing pads (cheaper, but more annoying to get just right) or find hyperaphere's rings on eBay (more expensive, but easier and don't have to worry about inconsistencies). And while you have the case open, add a dab of grease to the stabilizers.

Of course, this is all assuming you will like Topre. I have a suspicion that you will, though, since you've been using scissor switches.

KRKS · « **Reply #18 on:** Tue, 01 March 2016, 14:07:12 »

Quote from: killyou on Tue, 01 March 2016, 06:58:45

I need arrows and insert key without having to use funcion key.

Have you considered something like Leopold FC660M/Clueboard/Matias Mini(if you like Alps)?

Leopolds are nice, and Clueboard is basically a reprogrammable FC660M(you can even fit the PCB in one's case AFAIK).

xtrafrood · « **Reply #19 on:** Tue, 01 March 2016, 15:51:02 »

Mechanicalkeboards.com sells aluminum cases for the filco tkl, probably a solid board

sth · « **Reply #20 on:** Tue, 01 March 2016, 16:12:35 »

Quote from: killyou on Tue, 01 March 2016, 09:51:33

Thanks for the input. I guess I'll wait and get Filco in June.

hhkb

xtrafrood · « **Reply #21 on:** Tue, 01 March 2016, 16:23:05 »

Quote from: sth on Tue, 01 March 2016, 16:12:35

Quote from: killyou on Tue, 01 March 2016, 09:51:33
Thanks for the input. I guess I'll wait and get Filco in June.

hhkb

Would it kill PFU to make a board with a metal switch plate?

Dongulator · « **Reply #22 on:** Tue, 01 March 2016, 16:27:24 »

Everyone is saying hhkb like they're the best keyboards ever made... The best keyboard is the Leopold fc660c, it's compact and one of, if not the best keyboard a factory could produce.

On that note I should be get around to ordering a hhkb type-s..Because it's a dope keyboard

sth · « **Reply #23 on:** Tue, 01 March 2016, 16:38:57 »

Quote from: csmertx on Tue, 01 March 2016, 16:23:05

Quote from: sth on Tue, 01 March 2016, 16:12:35
Quote from: killyou on Tue, 01 March 2016, 09:51:33
Thanks for the input. I guess I'll wait and get Filco in June.

hhkb
Would it kill PFU to make a board with a metal switch plate?

it doesnt matter at all

xtrafrood · « **Reply #24 on:** Tue, 01 March 2016, 16:46:35 »

If I get one, imma mod it fer sure

Rad · « **Reply #25 on:** Tue, 01 March 2016, 17:12:37 »

Quote from: Lurch on Tue, 01 March 2016, 06:47:47

Quote from: sth on Tue, 01 March 2016, 06:45:54
hhkb

USAgent · « **Reply #26 on:** Wed, 02 March 2016, 21:02:31 »

I love my Filco MJ2 - bringing it to work so I can enjoy it 40+ hours a week

xtrafrood · « **Reply #27 on:** Wed, 02 March 2016, 21:08:16 »

Quote from: USAgent on Wed, 02 March 2016, 21:02:31

I love my Filco MJ2 - bringing it to work so I can enjoy it 40+ hours a week

Enjoy your feeling

phoible · « **Reply #28 on:** Fri, 04 March 2016, 00:15:07 »

Novatouch with Hypersphere's rings is great (have one with blank PBT keycaps). The only problem is that it costs $200 and requires you to take the keyboard apart.

Cherry MX Browns are nice, but Matias Quiet Clicks are nicer. You can get the v80-MTS with ABS doubleshot keys for $130 on MechanicalKeyboards.com.

Rodgaroon · « **Reply #29 on:** Mon, 07 March 2016, 01:48:57 »

Quote from: jaffers on Tue, 01 March 2016, 07:25:02

The real conspiracy is: has topre paid off geekhack members???

They have been doing it for years.

ajx · « **Reply #30 on:** Mon, 07 March 2016, 03:37:26 »

That becomes boring for every thread, someone claims get HHKB or any Topre
OP said budget up to 150$, you cant get a Topre keyboard for this price tag (considering Novatouch needs to be silenced, otherwise it really sucks)

1swt2gs · « **Reply #31 on:** Mon, 07 March 2016, 03:52:50 »

Quote from: killyou on Tue, 01 March 2016, 06:58:45

I did mention that I'd like TKL keyboard, not 60%. I need arrows and insert key without having to use funcion key.

That's what they all say

demik · « **Reply #32 on:** Mon, 07 March 2016, 09:43:23 »

HHKB in case it hasn't been mentioned.

tp4tissue · « **Reply #33 on:** Mon, 07 March 2016, 15:06:36 »

ERGODOX

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Author Topic: Minimalist keyboard for a newbie (Read 10449 times)