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ufarn
May 30, 2009
Got my brown-key Filco, and it's pretty drat neat. My old, cheap keyboard was rubberdome and didn't last more than a year's time, before I had worn it out to the point where I had to hammer the keys to get any input. Not so with the Filco at all.

I will still have to get used to using the new keyboard, but my typing seems to be going quite well; the keyboard doesn't punish me for imprecision as much as I had originally thought, and going from laptop keys to mechanical keys after around ten years hasn't made it that hard to go back.

My only beef is that the cord is incredibly short, so much so that it wouldn't even be able to reach the back of my computer, if I wanted it to. Fortunately, I use my monitor's USB ports to plug my peripherals into, but it could be a pain in the rear end for other people.

Another minor pickle is that the Filco key pullers available at keyboardco are likely to scratch your keys, which almost defeats the purpose. Instead, I've heard that dental floss works great. Paper clips can also be fitted to every key, I am sure, but I will go with the floss option, once I decide to swap the keys for blank ones.

So far, the keyboard seems perfect, and my only challenge will be to remember not to type so hardly anymore and that I am no longer typing on laptop keys.

Feeling pretty drat great about making the purchase, ridiculous price and shipping charges and all.

If I don't make Diamond league in a month, I'll be asking glompix for a refund, though. :colbert:

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vty
Nov 8, 2007

oh dott, oh dott!

Tornhelm posted:

I don't know if this is a problem with other Razer Blackwidows, but mine has this annoying problem where if I need to get into the BIOS or anything like that, I need to plug in another keyboard because it hasn't powered on for some reason. By the time windows has booted its on, but yeah reinstalling Windows was fun until I worked out why I couldn't get my boot menu up to boot from my dvd drive.

This is motherboard based. Your system just doesn't have USB drivers for input until Windows/whatever is loaded. Has nothing to do with the keyboard model or brand.

Was your old keyboard USB and worked properly to get into the BIOS?

vty fucked around with this message at 06:38 on Jun 28, 2011

ufarn
May 30, 2009
How do you guys remove Filco keys without scratching them? The key puller I bought from keyboardco are made of metal which scratches the keys, which seems like the stupidest tool conceivable.

I have tried bending a paper clip to a hook, but I don't have any tool to bend the angle properly. I have also tried using dental floss, but it is too thick to fit inside. I might try to find some sewing thread around the house later, but what have you done, when you have had to remove keys while protecting them from scratches?

moron izzard
Nov 17, 2006

Grimey Drawer
I've not really had a problem scratching my keys with the filco key puller. maybe hold it open slightly to begin with so it starts moving down the sides instead of pressing against the top first?

ufarn
May 30, 2009
I managed to get it working by wrapping tape around the metal.

Now, my problem is that the blank keys are uneven for some reason, and that I am about to punch a hole through my monitor, because I can't snap that goddamn backspace key to the stabilizers.

glompix
Jan 19, 2004

propane grill-pilled

ufarn posted:

I managed to get it working by wrapping tape around the metal.

Now, my problem is that the blank keys are uneven for some reason, and that I am about to punch a hole through my monitor, because I can't snap that goddamn backspace key to the stabilizers.

For the stabilizers, move the white things over to the new kwycap first, hook one side on, then sorta "force" the other one in. I pray to god you don't encounter a stuck white hook thingy.

You might just need to type on it a bit to settle the caps in.

ufarn
May 30, 2009

glompix posted:

For the stabilizers, move the white things over to the new kwycap first, hook one side on, then sorta "force" the other one in. I pray to god you don't encounter a stuck white hook thingy.

You might just need to type on it a bit to settle the caps in.
Yeah, the caps aligned pretty well after I pushed them hard into the switch; I still have a feeling that the number keys are higher than normal, but that's fine by me.

I got a stuck white hook thingy, so help me God, and as it finally turned out when I yanked out the motherfucker, it's was a weird, malformed one. I had two times where I thought I had broken the keyboard; once, I pried the backspace key off too eagerly, but nothing happened. Another time, I unhinged a part of that part of the keyboard that is not meant to be unhinged, but fortunately, I could pry it back in with some brute force.

I think it only took me around three hours to switch all the keys, and I feel sorry for the people who inevitably end up breaking a white hinge, because those motherfuckers are meant to be broken.

I am getting the impression that the new space bar needs some grease, because it sounds a little weird.

All in all, I managed with all sorts of weird tools, some atheist prayer, and the meticulousness of a vascular surgeon.

net cafe scandal
Mar 18, 2011

Could anyone recommend a keyboard that

1. is appropriate for gaming without looking like a neon cyborg

2. is relatively quiet but with nice tactile feedback

3. has volume control keys?

I'd rather not spend more than 70 or 80 bux, price is kind of an issue for me right now.

Tornhelm
Jul 26, 2008

vty posted:

This is motherboard based. Your system just doesn't have USB drivers for input until Windows/whatever is loaded. Has nothing to do with the keyboard model or brand.

Was your old keyboard USB and worked properly to get into the BIOS?

Yeah, my other keyboard was USB too (logitech illuminated). Fairly sure its more a BlackWidow problem than anything.

In other news for fellow Aussies, PC Case Gear now stock the Das Model S with cherry brown/blues and with/without lettering. In about two weeks they're getting the replacement WADS keys and red escape key in too.

glompix
Jan 19, 2004

propane grill-pilled

Hanks Lust Cafe posted:

Could anyone recommend a keyboard that

1. is appropriate for gaming without looking like a neon cyborg

2. is relatively quiet but with nice tactile feedback

3. has volume control keys?

I'd rather not spend more than 70 or 80 bux, price is kind of an issue for me right now.

Filco/Leopold/Anything with brown switches. SteelSeries 6Gv2 is good as well, but no tactile feedback, and does have volume control keys. The best gaming keyboards aren't gaming keyboards.

I wouldn't worry about any kind of media keys or anything. If it is really important you can set up a global hotkey for anything in any OS I would imagine. My keyboard has media keys like the SteelSeries, but I still use Ctrl+Shift+Up/Down for volume because I'm more used to it.

Edit for links:
http://www.amazon.com/Majestouch-2-Tenkeyless-Keyboard-FKBN87M-EFB2/dp/B004ZJPSGI/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1309366278&sr=8-3
http://www.amazon.com/S-Professional-Silent-Keyboard-Wired/dp/B003M549A2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1309366383&sr=8-2
http://www.amazon.com/SteelSeries-6Gv2-Mechanical-Gaming-Keyboard/dp/B0038X3ZVM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1309366372&sr=8-1

glompix fucked around with this message at 17:54 on Jun 29, 2011

net cafe scandal
Mar 18, 2011

I definitely like the 6Gv2. Can anyone attest to the quality of the Steelseries Shift? It looks a little dumb but I'm curious if anyone has any experience with one.

Also, another totally unrelated question: for gaming purposes, is a wireless keyboard reliable? Specifically, Logitech's solar keyboard. That thing is just elegant as gently caress and pretty affordable.

ufarn
May 30, 2009

Hanks Lust Cafe posted:

I definitely like the 6Gv2. Can anyone attest to the quality of the Steelseries Shift? It looks a little dumb but I'm curious if anyone has any experience with one.

Also, another totally unrelated question: for gaming purposes, is a wireless keyboard reliable? Specifically, Logitech's solar keyboard. That thing is just elegant as gently caress and pretty affordable.
Lucky you, a decent review was recently written. Should answer most of your questions.

Stabby McDamage
Dec 11, 2005

Doctor Rope
Okay, after much research, I think I'm settled on getting a keyboard with Cherry browns. I almost got this iOne XArmor U9 before seeing that it's 2KRO only.

Basically, I want a Filco Majestouch-2, full-size Cherry brown US Keyboard or equivalent, but the linked site is in the UK, and apparently the usual US seller for this, elitekeyboards, switched to stocking Leopolds recently, which are tenkeyless only.

So can someone tell me how to buy the linked Filco or point me to a decent equivalent?

EDIT: ...without trying to to import from a Taiwanese storefront blind using directions like these crazy people.

Stabby McDamage fucked around with this message at 04:18 on Jun 30, 2011

ufarn
May 30, 2009
From what I read everywhere, it sounds like Filco is a pain to come by outside Europe. (At least for Americans.) I wouldn't be surprised if your best bet is to have a Brit goon ship the keyboard to you.

I say Brit goon, because the shipping inside Europe is insane - ~40 bucks for the bloody thing! Must be the heavy weight or something.

NihilCredo
Jun 6, 2011

iram omni possibili modo preme:
plus una illa te diffamabit, quam multæ virtutes commendabunt

Is there any reason why so few high-end keyboards have wrist/palm rests? I know I can grab a separate one from the store for 100 SEK, but since it's such a basic ergonomic feature I can't see why they are so seldom included.

Oh, and does anyone have any experience with this thing, or other Cherry-brand keyboards? It's the cheapest US layout, Cherry black switch on the Keyboard Company's website by far, so that right now seems to be my choice.

Full Circle
Feb 20, 2008

Stabby McDamage posted:

Okay, after much research, I think I'm settled on getting a keyboard with Cherry browns. I almost got this iOne XArmor U9 before seeing that it's 2KRO only.

Basically, I want a Filco Majestouch-2, full-size Cherry brown US Keyboard or equivalent, but the linked site is in the UK, and apparently the usual US seller for this, elitekeyboards, switched to stocking Leopolds recently, which are tenkeyless only.

So can someone tell me how to buy the linked Filco or point me to a decent equivalent?

EDIT: ...without trying to to import from a Taiwanese storefront blind using directions like these crazy people.
You can always just get a daskeyboard silent. The refurbs are like $95.

404notfound
Mar 5, 2006

stop staring at me

Stabby McDamage posted:

Okay, after much research, I think I'm settled on getting a keyboard with Cherry browns. I almost got this iOne XArmor U9 before seeing that it's 2KRO only.

Basically, I want a Filco Majestouch-2, full-size Cherry brown US Keyboard or equivalent, but the linked site is in the UK, and apparently the usual US seller for this, elitekeyboards, switched to stocking Leopolds recently, which are tenkeyless only.

So can someone tell me how to buy the linked Filco or point me to a decent equivalent?

EDIT: ...without trying to to import from a Taiwanese storefront blind using directions like these crazy people.

KeyboardCo also sells through Amazon, including support for Prime: http://www.amazon.com/gp/browse.html?me=A104717BI2VJF7

They ran out of the 104-key regular brown Majestouches a few days ago, and it looks like it got delisted. Dunno how long it takes them to restock, but you could also get the Ninja one for $10 more. It has the letters printed on the front of the keys instead of on the top, and it comes with a key puller and an alternate set of Windows keys.

glompix
Jan 19, 2004

propane grill-pilled
Yeah if you want a Filco in America you just have to keep a watchful eye on Amazon and be patient. They'll eventually put the one you want on there, maybe.

NihilCredo posted:

Is there any reason why so few high-end keyboards have wrist/palm rests? I know I can grab a separate one from the store for 100 SEK, but since it's such a basic ergonomic feature I can't see why they are so seldom included.

Separate wrist rests are usually better than the kind they give you with a keyboard. Filco makes a pretty slick one for like $60. :pwn: Leather wrist rests are the only thing fancy enough to compliment such a fine, executive keyboard, and it doesn't make sense to attach leather to a keyboard I guess!

ufarn
May 30, 2009

NihilCredo posted:

Is there any reason why so few high-end keyboards have wrist/palm rests? I know I can grab a separate one from the store for 100 SEK, but since it's such a basic ergonomic feature I can't see why they are so seldom included.

Oh, and does anyone have any experience with this thing, or other Cherry-brand keyboards? It's the cheapest US layout, Cherry black switch on the Keyboard Company's website by far, so that right now seems to be my choice.
I think there are many different ways to use a keyboard that is still ergonomic. If a manufacturer create a keyboard with a palm rest, they might deter the people who don't want one (such as me). If they provide a modular solution, where you can buy it at the side, then they probably maximize their sales.

Goo
Aug 30, 2002

Hello Drippy
A good palm rest is expensive, and most consumers (as shown by what they actually purchase rather than what they say they want) prefer that the manufacturer spend money on the keyboard portion of the product rather than drive up the final price point. Since many people don't like the palm rest, or throw it away, it gets to the point where it doesn't make sense to include one.

ufarn
May 30, 2009
New keyboard reddit, for what it's worth. It'll probably be run over by tossers from /r/starcraft eventually, though; it's already turning into a fanboy war between blue-switch and red-switch users. :eng99:

blowingupcasinos
Feb 21, 2006

NihilCredo posted:

Is there any reason why so few high-end keyboards have wrist/palm rests? I know I can grab a separate one from the store for 100 SEK, but since it's such a basic ergonomic feature I can't see why they are so seldom included.

Oh, and does anyone have any experience with this thing, or other Cherry-brand keyboards? It's the cheapest US layout, Cherry black switch on the Keyboard Company's website by far, so that right now seems to be my choice.

High-end keyboards are supposed to last much longer than a wrist/palm rest. Also, picky users like both the customization of multiple parts and the freedom of a smaller keyboard.

Bimmi
Nov 8, 2009


someday
but not today
My diNovo Mac Edition has poo poo the bed, which makes me very sad since they don't make them anymore.

So, can anyone suggest something that:

– has a proper Mac key layout, or optional key caps for same?

– has wireless or BT connectivity

– will not look like complete and utter poo poo when paired with a 2010 iMac

– is not made by Apple?

I've done a fair amount of searching, and by god there is just nothing good out there.

vty
Nov 8, 2007

oh dott, oh dott!
disregard

vty fucked around with this message at 08:21 on Jul 3, 2011

Furb
Apr 17, 2001
I pulled the trigger on a Zowie Celeritas. The mechanical keys are fantastic to type and game on. The only complaint I have is that not too long after I got it the most heavily used keys already show wear on the lettering. :S

Shugyousha
Sep 24, 2007
Just (s)trolling by...
I have a question for the more knowledgeable in here: I bought a Cherry G83-3000 with blue switches and shortly after that a Filco Tenkeyless with browns. Loving the Filco build quality, I am now wondering whether the blues in a Filco would have different type characteristics than the ones in the (cheaper built) G83, since I heard that Filco mounts the switches on a separate plate (which Cherry does not seem to do with the G83-3000 model).

In other words: Has anyone here experienced plate- and not-plate-mounted Cherry blues and cares to enlighten me regarding possible differences?

antimatter
Feb 14, 2005
I have an Kinesis Freestyle Split keyboard on an incline and split at 30 degree, they are really lovely, however they are sadly one of those mushy dome and I was hoping to see if I could find some Cherry Blue or Brown keyboard that are split also...

The only one that I know of is the Kinesis Advantage but its odder layout plus the function keys are apparently really mushy which is no go because I'm using them all the time...

Any advice? :( I tend to type with my arms resting on the desk at an angle thus my hands are coming in at about 30 degree so the split keyboard really really makes things much more comfortable along with helping keeping my RSI manageable. A long session of gaming will still bring back some pain on my left wrist however.

shrughes
Oct 11, 2008

(call/cc call/cc)

antimatter posted:

I have an Kinesis Freestyle Split keyboard on an incline and split at 30 degree, they are really lovely, however they are sadly one of those mushy dome and I was hoping to see if I could find some Cherry Blue or Brown keyboard that are split also...

Any advice? :( I tend to type with my arms resting on the desk at an angle thus my hands are coming in at about 30 degree so the split keyboard really really makes things much more comfortable along with helping keeping my RSI manageable. A long session of gaming will still bring back some pain on my left wrist however.

Get two regular keyboards and put them next to each other on ramps.

ufarn
May 30, 2009
What do you peeps use to extend your keyboard to have volume control? I know AutoHotkey, but there are a million billion scripts, and it's going to be close to impossible to sift through all of them.

I just want a shortcut for Volume Down, Up, and Mute in Windows 7 on my Filco.

Salt Fish
Sep 11, 2003

Cybernetic Crumb
I'm pretty sure I used keytweak to setup multimedia keys on my filco.

http://www.tucows.com/preview/327616

I used the / and * and + and - on the keypad and it works great.

Salt Fish fucked around with this message at 17:45 on Jul 6, 2011

HalloKitty
Sep 30, 2005

Adjust the bass and let the Alpine blast
I always liked Volumouse but in 64 bit windows, due to the way input is handled, you have to run a 32 bit and 64 bit version, but it's being worked on, it seems

NihilCredo
Jun 6, 2011

iram omni possibili modo preme:
plus una illa te diffamabit, quam multæ virtutes commendabunt

ufarn posted:

I know AutoHotkey, but there are a million billion scripts, and it's going to be close to impossible to sift through all of them.

This is the one I use and it's been working flawlessly. If you don't want the graphic bar, just put a comment mark (;) before the line that says "Gosub, volShowBars".

Taima
Dec 31, 2006

tfw you're peeing next to someone in the lineup and they don't know
I am in an unfortunate situation. My rather new filco majestouch 2 has been the victim of a splash of margarita (not even that much! nooooo) is there any way to fix this? I think I'm hosed but just wanna make sure.

Right now I just put it aside and am hoping it will dry in like a week or something.

Oh and to elaborate, it seems like some of the keys are misregistering (a few on the right hand side). If I press the backspace button my computer shuts off, pretty sweet.

Taima fucked around with this message at 05:57 on Jul 8, 2011

weapey
Jun 11, 2003

stomp stomp stomp
Best bet is to give it a week. Some of the circuitry might be shorting out.

Probably won't do any harm to pop all the keycaps off and put it in a bowl of rice.

For Loop
Apr 12, 2005
The Word on the Street.
I killed my leopold last night. dumped a small bowl of worchestshire sauce on the enter key area. I flipped it over right away and emptied the bulk of it, but in pulling off the keycaps, I yanked out one of the side pieces for the shift key that connects the keycap to the metal bar.

I don't know if I can repair it. It is a sad, sad day.

Vinlaen
Feb 19, 2008

Can anybody recommend a wireless keyboard/mouse (one device with device) that I can use to control my PC from my living room?

It will only be used to launch games (and then I'll use my wireless 360 controller) but I need a mouse and full keyboard in case I need to click something, etc.

Right now I have the Google TV keyboard which has a touchpad and keyboard but it doesn't have all the keys so it doesn't work that great.

Tedronai66
Aug 24, 2006
Better to Reign in Hell...

For Loop posted:

I killed my leopold last night. dumped a small bowl of worchestshire sauce on the enter key area. I flipped it over right away and emptied the bulk of it, but in pulling off the keycaps, I yanked out one of the side pieces for the shift key that connects the keycap to the metal bar.

I don't know if I can repair it. It is a sad, sad day.

I'm pretty sure you can re-seat those (I dont have a leopold to go by), if the side pieces are anything like the ones that a space bar stabilizer goes on.

For Loop
Apr 12, 2005
The Word on the Street.

Tedronai66 posted:

I'm pretty sure you can re-seat those (I dont have a leopold to go by), if the side pieces are anything like the ones that a space bar stabilizer goes on.

I was able to mostly get it back together. I don't ever use the right Shift key so it's ok. The keyboard is once again functional for the most part. However, the enter and Ctrl keys are very sticky. Any advice on how to safely clean these switches?

Taima
Dec 31, 2006

tfw you're peeing next to someone in the lineup and they don't know

weapey posted:

Best bet is to give it a week. Some of the circuitry might be shorting out.

Probably won't do any harm to pop all the keycaps off and put it in a bowl of rice.

Thanks. Could you elaborate- a bowl of rice?

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Mr. Fix It
Oct 26, 2000

💀ayyy💀


Taima posted:

Thanks. Could you elaborate- a bowl of rice?
Uncooked rice sucks up moisture.

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