Author Topic: Best TKL nowadays ? (Read 9487 times)

vincentk14 · « **on:** Wed, 02 March 2016, 20:15:27 »

Hi guys, im new here

i just want to bought mechanical keyboard, can you guys suggest me a good starter mechanical keyboard
the price max $120(im poor

) , brown switch, and TKL
i do some research and i got some choice like filco majestouch 2 tkl, leopold fc750r, Ducky 1 TKL, CMQ rapid i.

so what do you guys think ? do you have any suggestion
thanks by the way
*sry for my bad english, its not my 1st language, not even my 2nd language,or 3rd or whatever, i think you got the point

saturnotaku · « **Reply #1 on:** Wed, 02 March 2016, 20:28:37 »

You can't go wrong with a CMStorm as a first mechanical keyboard. The other ones you mention are good, too. It all depends on what's available in your area if you want to avoid paying import taxes to get something more "exotic."

pesky brat · « **Reply #2 on:** Wed, 02 March 2016, 20:39:21 »

My first board was a Filco MJ2, and I definitely do not regret it; it's a very solid, minimalist board. I feel like many people who are new to mechanical keyboards buy something that is super flashy, and come to regret it later when it becomes an eyesore.

That said, the CM QFR is basically the same thing for less, and the leopold is quite similar too. I'm probably just biased toward the Filco because it's what I bought and loved so much.

Jokrik · « **Reply #3 on:** Wed, 02 March 2016, 20:41:53 »

I would go for a KUL for their dip switches or Leopold for their keycaps
Filco is good but a bit outdated

pesky brat · « **Reply #4 on:** Wed, 02 March 2016, 20:43:28 »

Quote from: Jokrik on Wed, 02 March 2016, 20:41:53

I would go for a KUL for their dip switches or Leopold for their keycaps
Filco is good but a bit outdated

aesthetics are never out of date

derb2k2 · « **Reply #5 on:** Wed, 02 March 2016, 20:44:25 »

Quote from: Jokrik on Wed, 02 March 2016, 20:41:53

I would go for a KUL for their dip switches or Leopold for their keycaps
Filco is good but a bit outdated

This. Ctrl being easily reachable with the pinky is essential! I think most older TKL's don't have DIP. You might also consider a Realforce although I'm not sure about your pricing range.

xtrafrood · « **Reply #6 on:** Wed, 02 March 2016, 21:12:52 »

I've yet to read about functionality problems regarding KUL keyboards

Leslieann · « **Reply #7 on:** Wed, 02 March 2016, 23:31:29 »

Quote from: Jokrik on Wed, 02 March 2016, 20:41:53

I would go for a KUL for their dip switches or Leopold for their keycaps
Filco is good but a bit outdated

So is a Model M and yet people pay good money for them.

A good keyboard is a good keyboard, lights, and other "features" are just lipstick.

TalkingTree · « **Reply #8 on:** Thu, 03 March 2016, 04:03:48 »

Filco with The Pegasus Hoof.

The Hobbiest · « **Reply #9 on:** Fri, 04 March 2016, 00:29:42 »

Best TKL nowadays comes down to the Leopold FC750R or the Kul ES87 imo. Depending on where you live though the FC750R seems difficult to find. At the time I was searching for a tkl there was only one available in the switches I wanted and it was $175 off ebay. The Kul on the other hand was $109 and offered more versatility with the dip switches. I was even able to buy a set of thick dye sub pbt keycaps and keep the price under the Leopold.

A question for the OP. What type of switches do you want on your board (ex. cherry red, blue, etc)? There have been a couple reviews of heavier tactile switches developing a ping, possibly caused by tactile switches being plate mounted onto an aluminum plate on the Kul. Haven't seen any reviews or reports of ping with the linear switches. I have cherry reds on my Kul ES87 and haven't had any ping issues in the two months i've had it so far.

Don't think you would go wrong with either one of these though and if you can find the Leopold for under the $120 mark then jump on it because straight up stock that will be the most bang for your buck.

appleonama · « **Reply #10 on:** Fri, 04 March 2016, 00:31:13 »

leopold fc750r best stock board I've tried

henz · « **Reply #11 on:** Fri, 04 March 2016, 07:29:22 »

i always recommend WASDv2, was my first tkl

vincentk14 · « **Reply #12 on:** Fri, 04 March 2016, 08:48:25 »

Quote from: saturnotaku on Wed, 02 March 2016, 20:28:37

You can't go wrong with a CMStorm as a first mechanical keyboard. The other ones you mention are good, too. It all depends on what's available in your area if you want to avoid paying import taxes to get something more "exotic."

i heard a rumour about the Led that dead in a few month

Quote from: The Hobbiest on Fri, 04 March 2016, 00:29:42

Best TKL nowadays comes down to the Leopold FC750R or the Kul ES87 imo. Depending on where you live though the FC750R seems difficult to find. At the time I was searching for a tkl there was only one available in the switches I wanted and it was $175 off ebay. The Kul on the other hand was $109 and offered more versatility with the dip switches. I was even able to buy a set of thick dye sub pbt keycaps and keep the price under the Leopold.

A question for the OP. What type of switches do you want on your board (ex. cherry red, blue, etc)? There have been a couple reviews of heavier tactile switches developing a ping, possibly caused by tactile switches being plate mounted onto an aluminum plate on the Kul. Haven't seen any reviews or reports of ping with the linear switches. I have cherry reds on my Kul ES87 and haven't had any ping issues in the two months i've had it so far.

Don't think you would go wrong with either one of these though and if you can find the Leopold for under the $120 mark then jump on it because straight up stock that will be the most bang for your buck.

in my country leopold fc750r is cheaper than the Kul one (about $120)
can you explain about the dip switch

oh, i want to use cherry brown

Quote from: appleonama on Fri, 04 March 2016, 00:31:13

leopold fc750r best stock board I've tried

can you give me mini review about your keyboard pal ?

fuzzybaffy · « **Reply #13 on:** Fri, 04 March 2016, 13:50:06 »

Leopold FC750 in the US can be found for under $120 at mechanicalkeyboards.com.

appleonama · « **Reply #14 on:** Fri, 04 March 2016, 15:50:53 »

Fc750r is just a plain solid built keyboard I don't know what else to tell you about it.

rowdy · « **Reply #15 on:** Sat, 05 March 2016, 04:38:30 »

Welcome to Geekhack!

QFR is good - I have two of those that are both still going strong.

Ducky is also good, although it's surprising if you can find a Ducky Shine 1 these days, that model is a few years old. They are up to Shine 5 or something now. I also have two Ducky Shine 1 that are both still going strong after several years.

I have heard good things about KUL.

The Filco also would be great, but are you sure you can find one for under $120? They are usually a bit more than that.

vincentk14 · « **Reply #16 on:** Sat, 05 March 2016, 06:56:09 »

Quote from: rowdy on Sat, 05 March 2016, 04:38:30

Welcome to Geekhack!

QFR is good - I have two of those that are both still going strong.

Ducky is also good, although it's surprising if you can find a Ducky Shine 1 these days, that model is a few years old. They are up to Shine 5 or something now. I also have two Ducky Shine 1 that are both still going strong after several years.

I have heard good things about KUL.

The Filco also would be great, but are you sure you can find one for under $120? They are usually a bit more than that.

nice point but,
if you choose between KUL ES-87 , Filco MJ2 tkl , Leopold fc750r with the same price range , what would you choose ?

gabba-gool · « **Reply #17 on:** Sat, 05 March 2016, 07:08:43 »

I still have my QFR from years ago and the thing is just as good as when I got it. It's a workhorse for sure. It's unbranded too so it looks very minimalist and elegant with most key sets. I'm inclined to recommend this guy or a KUL board.

rowdy · « **Reply #18 on:** Sat, 05 March 2016, 23:36:55 »

Quote from: vincentk14 on Sat, 05 March 2016, 06:56:09

Quote from: rowdy on Sat, 05 March 2016, 04:38:30
Welcome to Geekhack!

QFR is good - I have two of those that are both still going strong.

Ducky is also good, although it's surprising if you can find a Ducky Shine 1 these days, that model is a few years old. They are up to Shine 5 or something now. I also have two Ducky Shine 1 that are both still going strong after several years.

I have heard good things about KUL.

The Filco also would be great, but are you sure you can find one for under $120? They are usually a bit more than that.

nice point but,
if you choose between KUL ES-87 , Filco MJ2 tkl , Leopold fc750r with the same price range , what would you choose ?

I'd be torn between KUL and Filco, but probably lean towards ... KUL, simply because it is a newer design (assuming the Filco is the same traditional design that was around a few years ago, which is a long time in the keyboard world).

KnivesM · « **Reply #19 on:** Sun, 06 March 2016, 00:59:47 »

Haven't tried a Filco or KUL but I've had a Ducky and Leopold and my Leopold is better quality overall if you don't want LEDs which it seems you don't care about. I can't seem to find a KUL with Browns online in stock anywhere, and one thing to note that I've heard people complain about the KULs are the pinging issues people have been having with them. Leopolds definitely don't have that or you can't hear it because of the sound absorbing mat in the case.

KRKS · « **Reply #20 on:** Sun, 06 March 2016, 04:44:49 »

I'm just gonna +1 recommendations for CMStorm and Filco, and add one for Ozone Strike Battle myself.

Also I've heard about quality problems with KUL/WASD v2(same company) but I never owned either.

xtrafrood · « **Reply #21 on:** Sun, 06 March 2016, 08:59:31 »

Quote from: KnivesM on Sun, 06 March 2016, 00:59:47

Haven't tried a Filco or KUL but I've had a Ducky and Leopold and my Leopold is better quality overall if you don't want LEDs which it seems you don't care about. I can't seem to find a KUL with Browns online in stock anywhere, and one thing to note that I've heard people complain about the KULs are the pinging issues people have been having with them. Leopolds definitely don't have that or you can't hear it because of the sound absorbing mat in the case.

Pinging issues huh? I'll have to keep that in mind, cheers

Waateva · « **Reply #22 on:** Sun, 06 March 2016, 09:29:49 »

I'm looking a little bit as well and the KUL ES-87 is looking the most appealing to me, as it seems to have a wider variety of switch offerings and also seems to be very solid board.

kekman · « **Reply #23 on:** Sun, 06 March 2016, 16:51:58 »

End-game TKL would be probably either Realforcce 87 or Leopold FC660C if that counts. The Leopold MX keyboards are also really high quality.

Metalogic · « **Reply #24 on:** Tue, 15 March 2016, 03:38:18 »

Hi - newbie here. In my case the problem was that my choice was much more limited, as Leopold keyboards (which I'm otherwise very interested in) don't seem to come with ISO layouts, unless I'm mistaken? I've not seen any ISO layout Leopolds for sale anywhere. I'm from the UK and it just feels weird for me to use an ANSI layout.

So I recently ordered an ISO (UK) Filco Majestouch 2 TKL (Brown MX), and Tai Dao Dolch double-shot ABS replacement ISO UK keycaps to replace the stock set (the original Filco keys aren't great). Hope I've made the right choice!

I would have liked double-shot PBT keycaps, but haven't been able to find a UK ISO set in a colour I like yet...

LiquidEvilGaming · « **Reply #25 on:** Tue, 15 March 2016, 11:08:04 »

Quote from: csmertx on Wed, 02 March 2016, 21:12:52

I've yet to read about functionality problems regarding KUL keyboards

Have owned four KUL's total (Still own 2) All four have been consistently well built and would recommend in a heartbeat. Very very well made.

Only reason i have sold any (and still selling one more locally) is due to my switch change preference of Topre. Far as Cherry MX boards go they are still my favorite TKL though and i will always hang onto one (Which is where my black PBT caps from Originative will be going once they ship)

The fact they have available replaceable top cases makes for some really cool visual options also.

This is one of my KUL's with a blue top case and Bi color Ducky PBT.

http://imgur.com/JKlmm7B

The only reason i could see to skip out on a KUL is if you hate Cherry Stabilizers.

LiquidEvilGaming · « **Reply #26 on:** Tue, 15 March 2016, 11:19:33 »

Quote from: Metalogic on Tue, 15 March 2016, 03:38:18

Hi - newbie here. In my case the problem was that my choice was much more limited, as Leopold keyboards (which I'm otherwise very interested in) don't seem to come with ISO layouts, unless I'm mistaken? I've not seen any ISO layout Leopolds for sale anywhere. I'm from the UK and it just feels weird for me to use an ANSI layout.

So I recently ordered an ISO (UK) Filco Majestouch 2 TKL (Brown MX), and Tai Dao Dolch double-shot ABS replacement ISO UK keycaps to replace the stock set (the original Filco keys aren't great). Hope I've made the right choice!

I would have liked double-shot PBT keycaps, but haven't been able to find a UK ISO set in a colour I like yet...

Sadly if you insist on sticking to ISO finding great caps can be rough (and expensive when you do) it's a shame how many keycap sets skip over ISO entirely. The FILCO is a fairly solid board just priced very high for what it is. I see no real difference between it and the 60-70$ USD Ganss G.S 87 Keyboard. That said it should last you a long time if you take care of it

If you have not dealt with Costar style stabilizers yet now may be a good time to readup on dealing with them while replacing keycaps as they require a bit more finesse than Cherry stabilizers do when replacing caps on the larger keys that use them.

Enjoy your new board and remember to post some pics once it arrives and you put the new caps on =)

demik · « **Reply #27 on:** Tue, 15 March 2016, 11:21:03 »

Technically the hhkb is tkl. So hhkb

derb2k2 · « **Reply #28 on:** Tue, 15 March 2016, 11:45:01 »

Quote from: demik on Tue, 15 March 2016, 11:21:03

Technically the hhkb is tkl. So hhkb

Metalogic · « **Reply #29 on:** Tue, 15 March 2016, 11:52:58 »

Quote from: LiquidEvilGaming on Tue, 15 March 2016, 11:19:33

Quote from: Metalogic on Tue, 15 March 2016, 03:38:18
Hi - newbie here. In my case the problem was that my choice was much more limited, as Leopold keyboards (which I'm otherwise very interested in) don't seem to come with ISO layouts, unless I'm mistaken? I've not seen any ISO layout Leopolds for sale anywhere. I'm from the UK and it just feels weird for me to use an ANSI layout.

So I recently ordered an ISO (UK) Filco Majestouch 2 TKL (Brown MX), and Tai Dao Dolch double-shot ABS replacement ISO UK keycaps to replace the stock set (the original Filco keys aren't great). Hope I've made the right choice!

I would have liked double-shot PBT keycaps, but haven't been able to find a UK ISO set in a colour I like yet...

Sadly if you insist on sticking to ISO finding great caps can be rough (and expensive when you do) it's a shame how many keycap sets skip over ISO entirely.

I bought this keyboard mainly for use at work and need to be very accurate with what I do, so didn't want to take the risk of switching over to ANSI. I'm also consider getting a Pok3r 3 for use with my laptop (good laptop, bad keyboard) for personal use, but might take the risk and actually go ANSI for that, primarily for the greater availability of key sets.

I did manage to order a reasonable-looking Tai Hao Dolch ISO UK key set for my Filco, at least, it's double shot, though not PBT, sadly. I ordered it from here: http://www.mechsupply.co.uk/product/tai-hao-abs-keycaps

Quote from: LiquidEvilGaming on Tue, 15 March 2016, 11:19:33

The FILCO is a fairly solid board just priced very high for what it is. I see no real difference between it and the 60-70$ USD Ganss G.S 87 Keyboard. That said it should last you a long time if you take care of it

One of the reasons I went for the Filco is that it can readily be ordered from a UK supplier (free shipping, no customs duty etc.) and support is also good here.

Quote from: LiquidEvilGaming on Tue, 15 March 2016, 11:19:33

If you have not dealt with Costar style stabilizers yet now may be a good time to readup on dealing with them while replacing keycaps as they require a bit more finesse than Cherry stabilizers do when replacing caps on the larger keys that use them.

Enjoy your new board and remember to post some pics once it arrives and you put the new caps on =)

Thanks for the warning about the Costar-style wire stabilisers, though I had actually read about that elsewhere and have bookmarked some web pages that show how to replace key caps with these - will soon find out how tricky or not this is when I fit the Dolch keys!

Will post some pics here once it's got the new caps!

ThoughtArtist · « **Reply #30 on:** Fri, 18 March 2016, 02:46:20 »

I just got a Ducky One TKL for $100 and I like it. The lighting is nice and has a good range of brightness. I just had one issue with the LEDs being that the led on the spacebar is pointing towards you and opposite of the others, so I had to put a bit of tape on it.

Also, the keycaps are nice and thick doubleshot ABS, but the legends aren't as consistent looking when backlighting is off (They are the same caps as on Ducky Shine 5). One thing I like a lot is the case since it is not as bulky as many of the other TKLs I see. It's easy to hold. It also has nifty dual stage feet.

Also, the stabilizers are a bit different than one the Ducky Shine 4 I have. They are red instead of black, and while being less mushy, they also rattle a bit more.

Vlada011 · « **Reply #31 on:** Fri, 18 March 2016, 04:14:17 »

One of best TKL keyboards is Deck Francium Pro.
Because I have one. I searched a lot for information for my new mechanical keyboard and priority was quality over RGB lights and software. But one color LED was welcomed. Searching and looking different models I choose Deck Francium Pro.
Fonts is one more plus. Many people complain on them but I like them very much.
New improvement on them is rubber on feet, lifter.

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Author Topic: Best TKL nowadays ? (Read 9487 times)