Filco Majestouch (Browns) and XArmor U9BL-S Review and Comparison

[@ultraconsumer]

@EACru2002 Build quality is excellent on both, feel of keypress is what's different. One thing I noted after I did this video was that the rubber feet on the XArmor are really bad (hard rubber in front, plastic in back). This seems to affect the sound of the board (dampened different), and allow it to slide on my desk when I get too aggressive on it. I'd still highly recommend it, but suggest sticking something grippy on the bottom to help with both issues.

[@ultraconsumer]

@25251147 Unfortunately, I don't think you can wash off "shiny". That's just some of the matte finish getting worn away by your skin/oils.

[@ultraconsumer]

@rtc778 They are both excellent boards for different reasons and I can see why someone might prefer either one. I like a back-lit keyboard for the few times in the dark when I want to see what I'm doing, plus I like the look. Plugging USB into the computer may be better, but who cares if you're plugging in, for example, a memory card to offload photos? It's still a handy option for many. I also really like media keys. Btw, I've switched to the Ducky Shine now.

[@ultraconsumer]

@Revelatus I donno...my XArmor today has less visible wear in 6+ months than my Filco did after a month. Maybe it just depends on your skin type? =)

[@ultraconsumer]

@aquablade I guess I might describe it like that. Some people have compared it to the wider grip of a Logitech G9 mouse, which is a good comparison. It is also a lot like the "soft touch grip" used on some cell phone backs (like the Droid Incredible).

[@rtc7788]

I'd choose the filco over the xarmor. The extra features aren't really needed. Who looks at their keyboard when they type anyway? I'd get blank keycaps. Also i'd rather plug my usb directly into the PC anyway, apparently its better response time. Filco is also well known for their good build quality.

[@Revelatus]

@ultraconsumer As an owner of both a Filco Ninja and the U9BL-S, I will point out that he was probably referring to the tendency of the xArmor caps to get shiny because of oil. I know you were talking about the Filco caps, which don't seem to have the same problem, But I guess it could if you are eating some KFC or something XD Otherwise, I think there was some mention on GH about using a magic eraser on worn caps to bring back their matte texture (only use this for otaku or ninja keys)

[@slytown]

Did the keycaps on the XArmor feel rubbery at all? I didn't get a good sense of the feel, even though you mentioned they were sturdier.

[@ultraconsumer]

@EACru2002 Also, I think the keykaps are actually better on the XArmor (so far). Filco seemed to wear pretty darn fast (I have clammy hands). Will follow up on the XArmor longevity later on.

[@EACru2002]

Is the build quality of the XArmor comparable to the Filco? It sounded like you were implying that the Filco is better quality build but how much so? Is it slight or noticeable? I just got a Leopold Cherry MX blue keyboard which I hear is very similar to the Filco (original designer of the Filco moved to a different company and designed the Leopolds) and I'm loving it. Was possibly looking into a cherry brown keyboard for gaming and was wondering what your take was.

[@rtc7788]

Yeah but do you really look at the keyboard when you're on the computer? Even in the dark I dont need to look at my keyboard when I type. My keyboard is still where it is, and my hand still finds the homerow keys. I just think backlit keys are just for looks, and not really necessary unless you actually are a person who requires to look at your keyboard when you type.

[@ultraconsumer]

@hyogen82 Or keyboard for cool people?

[@MadCrokodile1]

they sound sssoooo high quality when you're typing!!

[@ultraconsumer]

@hyogen82 "Elite Keyboard" and "Elitist Keyboard" are two very different things =P

[@Geek107]

Lol i recently had a Filco Majestouch 2 with Cherry mx Blue the keys :) they felt great to be honest. I don't know about the Majestouch :P only Majestouch 2.

[@ultraconsumer]

@stevowonders Glad it helped! Take a look at the bottom of the review on my web page for links. I actually bought my Filco through Elite Keyboards, but they no longer stock them nor would I recommend purchasing from there. ultraconsumerDOTcom/?p=139

[@lewisoninc]

@ultraconsumer exactly what i said :D

[@Nowiamdennzo]

2:44 A CAT!

[@ultraconsumer]

I think that may have been a nutria..

[@lewisoninc]

elitist keyboard!