iOne Xarmor U9BL

[Otterclock]

First off, hi.

I recently emailed iOne inquiring about the release of the backlit Scorpius M10BL, and got a response saying that they had no plans to release it in the U.S. However, he said that they were going to release the Xarmor U9BL, a backlit board with cherry blues, usb and av ports, and oddly including 4 extra keys and a key puller (the ESC key is even lit red, possibly an homage?); so far as I can tell, no mechanical board claims all those features. Seemed rather spiffy, despite the fact that the first mechanical board I've ever used is an M10 that is currently lying on my bed with six dead keys. The silly pranksters 'accidentally' sent me a previously RMA'd one that was of an earlier generation that had soldering issues. They apologized and are sending another, but that is neither here nor there. Well, more here than there.

However, in what may be a testament to the power of Cherry, I've become quite fond of the board. Its purchase punctuated six weeks and 19 keyboard acquisitions that led to a fortuitous Google search, that in turn led me to a couple places including here. When I started my quest, I knew zilch about mechanicals; I just knew that no keyboard felt right. The M10 arrived like a stray border collie at my doorstep: filthy and limping, but lovable.

I've dived into this, and am familiar with all the big players and tech now. I've been tormenting my coworkers with unsolicited commentary on Filco and Das, etc. I have three more mechanical boards en route (a Dell AT101, Cherry 11900, and IBM model M that I hope isn't rubber dome, ha), and sense a habit brewing.

Hope everyone is doin' swell.
-otter

[rdjack21]

First off welcome to GeekHack!

I have to admit one of my first cherry boards was the Scorpius M10 as well but also have to admit that I've sold it off. I have found that I prefer the Cherry Browns over the Blues and Topre over the Browns

If iOne has actually fixed there solder problems I know quite a few people will be excited by the Xarmor U9BL but I find that I much prefer a simpler keyboard with out all those added keys.

[Phaedrus2129]

If iOne really can deliver a backlit mechanical keyboard, and if it's under $100, I will be very excited. Deck is great and all, but $150 is really a bit too much, especially when you're trying to convince someone not to pay $70 for some POS Logitech G110 or some such.

[itlnstln]

I like the Xarmor better than the M10BL.

[Manyak]

lol otter, welcome to Geekhack

[Otterclock]

Oh hey it's familiar faces, er avatars. Huzzah.

Looks like others had a similar reaction to the board as I: cautiously intrigued. Assuming the soldering issues of the M10 were labor issues rather than materials and iOne manages to put out a good board, it does show that decent mechanical switch boards don't need to be $130+. Quite honestly, I don't think I'm off base in speculating that much of the price of 'premium' boards is based on supply/demand within a niche market (which isn't really the fault of those manufacturers, who are probably forced to keep prices at that level due to lower volume).

I had a chance to check out a coworker's Filco. I got the impression of a "good" board elevated to "premium" status due to a lack of decent alternatives. Was the $120 Filco better than the $60 M10? Yeah. Was it twice as good? I actually prefer the typing feel of the M10, which seems to have higher quality keys. The difference between any other electronics item where one is double the price is generally far more pronounced.


Mind you, I still want one.

[itlnstln]

I'm torn on the Filco vs. alternatives. I like the feel and keycaps of Cherry-made 'boards, but I like the looks and weight of the Filco. That said, I shelled out for an HHKB, sold my Filcos and kept my Cherry. I choose keyfeel over looks and layout/efficiency over feel (to an extent). Now, I want another HHKB for home, but with the detachable cable and size, I can tote it back and forth without much trouble, especially with the carrying case I have now.

[Otterclock]

The topre boards look/sound magnificent.  I wish there were a larger variety of them, color options and so forth. My ideal would be a white Realforce with black qwerty keys/spacebar, but I imagine that would require over $300. When I first heard one in use, the sound called up some kind of genetic memory from my keyboreal ancestors. I could feel the typing.

[itlnstln]

If I were to pick the better of the Topre lineups based on keyfeel, I would go with the Realforce series.  The HHKB, due the layout, is where it's at, though.  What's a little puzzling, for me anyway, is why the same switches feel so different between the Realforce and the HHKB (45g.).  The RF (numpad) feels all light and buttery while the HHKB is still buttery, but it's more tactile and feels a little stiffer.

[Viett]

My ideal would be a white Realforce with black qwerty keys/spacebar, but I imagine that would require over $300.

Fill out a classified for someone who wants a black Realforce with white keys and swap .

I actually prefer the typing feel of the M10, which seems to have higher quality keys.

I have to admit, I prefer Cherry keys over Filco ones, but other than the keys, the Filcos are superior.


This is the first "gaming" keyboard I've ever seen with Blue Cherries, though. In my opinion, a brown or black board is better for any game that requires multiple key repeats (FPS). It's interesting that they went the Blue Cherry route for this board.

[itlnstln]

Fill out a classified for someone who wants a black Realforce with white keys and swap .

QFT.  I have seen this happen several times.  iMav has done it to his own HHKBs, too.

[Otterclock]

That is kinda odd that they went blue, over a linear switch. I guess they figured a lot of people buy these boards for non-gaming as well. But then it would seem the browns would have been a better middle ground.

Maybe it has something to do with iOne being out of Taiwan. Seems like mechanical switch boards are more common for daily use in Asian markets, so they would be less inclined to alienate customers. Whereas say, ABS is out of California and relies more on a pure gaming crowd? Just guessing.

Fill out a classified for someone who wants a black Realforce with white keys and swap .

Awesome idea. I'll keep it in mind should the time come. I kinda wish the black keys had regular white lettering, though, instead of the dark on dark. Or at least lighter. So picky.

[itlnstln]

From what I understand, the blues aren't very popular in Asia; I think the browns and reds are more popular there. I get what you're saying, though.

[Otterclock]

From what I understand, the blues aren't very popular in Asia; I think the browns and reds are more popular there. I get what you're saying, though.

Oh. I kinda pulled that theory outta my butt.  I've been intrigued most by the browns since discovering mechanical. I like the blues, but until I try the browns it's gonna be buggin me. Sadly I haven't seen any way to try them at a cost that wouldn't be equal to, or a large chunk towards a new one.

[Arc'xer]

From what I understand, the blues aren't very popular in Asia; I think the browns and reds are more popular there. I get what you're saying, though.

Yeah I think this is correct considering I saw this on a couple threads a few months ago.

Blues are more of a America/European thing. While browns or tea axis as they like to call it are much more popular. My guess is either they are trying to appeal to the markets on the other side, trying to raise the popularity of the blues in Asia or both.

[Phaedrus2129]

People in America buying Taiwanese keyboards with switches made in Czech that were designed in Germany.


Ain't the global economy great?

[nijikon5]

Two E-Mails direct from Ergogeek:



1)      Scorpius M10 – if use on USB support up to 6 keys simultaneously

2)      Scorpius M10 PLUS – Not going to be available in USA

3)      Xarmor U9 BL – will be available around end of March 2010 (cherry Blue MX)

4)      Xarmor U9 – available after 4 weeks of launching xarmor U9 BL (Cherry Blue MX)

 

Thanks

Jerry

____________________________________________________________________________

 

The Xarmor U9BL will be at $149.95

Xarmor U9 will be at $99.95

 

Xarmor U9 Plus will not be available due to close price range with U9BL

 

 

Thanks

jerry

[itlnstln]

Did they explain what the "Plus" models add to the standard models?  I can only guess NKRO, but who knows.

[Otterclock]

No longer in the bargain league at 150 bucks. I'm kinda leery of spending that on a board with the M10 issues in its ancestry. I'd almost be willing to be a guinea pig, though.

[Phaedrus2129]

That may just be the MSRP; the retailers may stock it for anywhere from 100% of that to 60%.

At $150 I'd rather get a Deck, unless the iOne is really amazing.

[neptunebadger]

At least the U9BL somewhat differentiates itself from the Deck by offering MX blues. Currently, the Deck only comes with blacks or clears. However, considering the fact that the Scorpius M10 with blues can be had for $50-60, $150 seems like a high premium to pay for backlighting.

[Otterclock]

Seems like it wouldn't even compete with the Deck, considering the difference of switch offerings. A person would need to think the Deck was so much better that it was worth trading blues for clears. I've never tried cherry clear, so no idea on that end. Tried blacks in a Filco and a Cherry and can't say I'm a fan.
True about MSRP. Not sure why I didn't think of that. The M10 is probably listed on their site a lot higher than $60. I can't find it for some reason.

Did they explain what the "Plus" models add to the standard models? I can only guess NKRO, but who knows.

I think the Plus has USB/AV.

[itlnstln]

I think the Plus has USB/AV.

Oh.  Well, that was kinda anti-climactic.

[Otterclock]

going by usual product release times, end of March means sometime between September and never. Looks like they have a wireless one as well that's gonna be released somewhere. meh wireless.

[christophocles]

Where can I buy this thing?  I cant find anyone that stocks it and there is no "buy it now" link on the Ione website...

I was interested in a Deck Tactile but I think I would like the blue switches better.  This Xarmor has blue switches and everything else including the kitchen sink, so I would be all over it if they would take my money ^^

[christophocles]

from   Kevin Hung
to   Christophocles
cc   Derrick Wong ,
ione@ione.com.tw,
info@ione-europe.com,
beijing@itron.com.tw
date   Mon, Jun 28, 2010 at 1:13 PM
subject   Re: Ione Xarmor U9BL
   
hide details Jun 28 (2 days ago)
   
Dear Christophocles,

thank you for contacting us,
new shipment of iOne Xarmor U9BL will be available sometime in Mid July,
it will be available on Amazon and other etailer.

thank you
kevin hung

[christophocles]

LOL.  No, I hadn't.. They have a great sign

[rawc]

So has anybody bought one of the XArmor U9BL keyboards yet?  They're available at:

XArmor USA ($169.99) - They say they throw in a free mouse, but I think the price comparison with ErgoGeek proves otherwise...you are paying an extra $20 for an iOne mouse.
ErgoGeek ($149.95)
Amazon via ErgoGeek ($149.95)

I'm interested to know how they compare to other similar keyboards with Cherry MX switches. The only nagging thing in my mind that would prevent me from getting one of these is the durability of the keys...I just discovered they are rubber coated.  The rest of the top, sides, and wrist rest are rubber coated as well.  Do you think they will wear out quickly and start peeling?  If not, I think I'm all for getting one of these.  They have the nice simplistic design of a Filco, but the added benefits of backlighting, usb hub, and audio passthrough.

[christophocles]

So has anybody bought one of the XArmor U9BL keyboards yet?  They're available at:

XArmor USA ($169.99) - They say they throw in a free mouse, but I think the price comparison with ErgoGeek proves otherwise...you are paying an extra $20 for an iOne mouse.
ErgoGeek ($149.95)
Amazon via ErgoGeek ($149.95)

I'm interested to know how they compare to other similar keyboards with Cherry MX switches. The only nagging thing in my mind that would prevent me from getting one of these is the durability of the keys...I just discovered they are rubber coated.  The rest of the top, sides, and wrist rest are rubber coated as well.  Do you think they will wear out quickly and start peeling?  If not, I think I'm all for getting one of these.  They have the nice simplistic design of a Filco, but the added benefits of backlighting, usb hub, and audio passthrough.

I'm seriously thinking about it...  Been watching this keyboard since it was first announced a few months ago.  It's expensive, but it's cheaper than a Deck, and it might be the last keyboard I ever buy

All I worry about is the build quality, since the ione scorpius sounds like it had soldering issues...  I'd really like to hear from someone who has it already..

[microsoft windows]

Wow. A "fancy" keyboard with a normal layout!

[elbowglue]

Nice.  It's not vaporware!  Deck, eat your heart out.

[rawc]

Well, I guess I'm going to brave it and be a guinea pig.  I had some Amazon gift money that had been sitting/burning in my account for a while so I decided put in an order for one of these. It will probably arrive next week so I'll give some of my impressions when I receive it.  However, I haven't ever used a Das, Filco, etc and it has been quite a few years since I used an IBM Model M keyboard, so I'm not sure how much insight/comparison I'll be able to provide.

I have seen several people mention they are concerned about build quality because of the iOne Scorpius heritage...that may not be quite fair since this keyboard is in a different price range and separate from the Scorpius line. Scorpius does not just refer to the Scorpius M10, there are tons of keyboards in the Scorpius line.  iOne has released or is going to release a backlit version the Scorpius M10 (the M10-BL) which is further evidence that the XArmor U9BL isn't just a backlit version of the Scorpius M10 at a much higher price point. The higher price point for the XArmor probably allowed them to avoid shortcuts they may have taken with the M10...at least that is what I am hoping.  Hopefully I'm not getting screwed :-P I've never been an early adopter with anything so we'll see how it goes.

[rawc]

You go first.  I'm wary of their engineering department.

Yeah, I saw that and chuckled.  I attribute that to the marketing department, not engineering. That kind of misinformation is all too common these days, especially for cables/connectors (e.g. USB cables) sold in department stores these days.

[washuai]

If only I liked clicky.  It isn't like Déck does browns or reds, so I hope this works well and does well.  Nice to see it actually launched.  I chuffed at the marketing speech, myself.

[elbowglue]

Heres a review: good pics:
http://www.xarmor-usa.com/trial-run-sample-review-on-xarmor-u9bl.html

[MsKeyboard]

Actually, appears to be well constructed and functions very well.  The characters are well lit and clean, with good key stability.  Extra WASD keys appear to be painted, so not sure how that will work out, time will tell.

Also, this thing is HEAVY!  All those gamers need to take extra care when swinging this board around.

Let me know if you have specific questions...............Later

[MsKeyboard]

Probably not Dye-sub, too much overspray on underside of key.  Most likely not Costar, but very trim body and decent construction.

EDIT:  I'll take that back, could be some form of Dye-sub.  Also, keys have a nice texture on top with smooth sides.  I am going to let someone else cut one up to verify the method of coating

[washuai]

This definitely makes me wish they did a tenkeyless with browns.

[Phaedrus2129]

They've got some new models coming out. They said in their switch poll that they were going to roll out an MX brown version and were looking into MX reds. Other stuff... I'll have to make sure it's not NDA, but they won't be a one trick pony.

[washuai]

Yea, I saw that you said they were likely to have browns. I look forward with hope, but I'd expect them to round out full size options first.  If I get loose cash and they get reds, then even if not tenkeyless, I might break down and get it,:smokin:

[microsoft windows]

I'm surprised they didn't make those keys double-shot.

[Phaedrus2129]

Yeah, but there's leftover flux or something all over the Adesso. And a few of the solder points look like they're going to go cold.

[Phaedrus2129]

In talking with the XArmor rep they mentioned that iOne was their "OEM". Maybe iOne manufactures their own stuff, and also OEM'd the Adesso MKB-135B. That would also explain the similarities between the Scorpius M10 and MKB-135B externally. I asked them to elucidate that situation in my last email.

[Megaweapon]

Let me know if you have specific questions...

When the LEDs are on the lowest setting is there basically no light leakage around the edges of the keys?  This is what it looked like in the video on one of the sites that is selling this, but the room was fully lit and the camera was not so great.

Cost.  Actually I'm beginning to think it's more like the G15 keys - just painted.

That would certainly kill it for me.  :ohwell:

[Phaedrus2129]

Ok, iOne is their own manufacturer and XArmor is a gaming-oriented subdivision of iOne. The rep said they can't give info on other brands' products, but that iOne does both outside OEM work and provides reference PCB design for other companies to build.

I'm guessing the Adesso MKB-135B was manufactured by iOne, but Adesso elected not to pay the extra to have the PCB cleaned, and probably asked for looser QC or some such to increase yields. Or, second most likely, they used an iOne PCB design from the Scorpius M10, but used a cheaper manufacturer.

That explains why the Adesso's PCB is so similar to the XArmor, but is much sloppier.

[washuai]

Normally key caps that are going to turn into glowing blobs are a big reason for me not to buy a keyboard.  However, I just want a gaming backlit board, so I can throw a bunch of ClickClack's keys on it, so I don't care what it comes with.  I do care about layout, switch type and LED color/settings and features, like the detachable cable.

[MsKeyboard]

When the LEDs are on the lowest setting is there basically no light leakage around the edges of the keys?  This is what it looked like in the video on one of the sites that is selling this, but the room was fully lit and the camera was not so great.

Tested out the keyboard in a dark room, then added a box over the unit to further block out light, and there is light leakage which varies based on level of illumination.

This may sound "bad", but it really is not enough to cause any issues.  If anything, it kind of gives you a better perceived understanding on where the keyboard is in relation to the darkness around you (does that make sense?).  Also, the keys are very crisp and clean (character wise) when using in a dark environment.

Hope that answers your question, let me know if there is anything else you want me to check............later

[Infinite north]

I thought this keyboard looked great untill I saw that keycap. it's too bad that one of this keyboards biggest selling points will also ruin it with time.

[teh_cactus]

Ahhh, this keyboard looks so nice. Too bad they don't have any other key switches just yet.

[Phaedrus2129]

GUYS. Great news.

It's dye sub! No wearing out!


Ok, it's a bit more complicated than that.

2) The keycap is molded with translucent ABS plastic, then we dye-sub the outer part with black color, but the effect does not look too appealing, so we added 2 layer of soft rubber coating on it. then we laser engrave the character to cut out the black part. finally we added another clear UV coating on top of the keycap (where you press the key) this should prevent the keys character to wear out and changing color.

I'd save this for the review, but I wanted to put fears in that direction to rest before they take hold.