5. HPE 87
The HPE 87 is likely the least expensive option
for a white keyboard: Cheap caps, but that
doesn't matter because I'm getting the DSA
double-shots. I believe the HPE 87 has costar
stabilizers and reviews well. I'm not crazy
about the logo, I may try to remove or replace
it at some point.
7. If you can go up to the $200 range, Filco is a great option. They're
pretty much known for having the best build quality around. Only
thing some people might complain about is the ABS keycaps.
Filco Ninja Majestouch-2
9. CMStorm QuickFire Rapid
CM Storm QuickFire Rapid is made by the
same OEM that Filco uses (Costar).
QFR has Costar stabilizers, which are
generally considered better than Cherry
stabilizers. The QFR also doesn't have any
backlighting
17. Plus for Noppoo: POM keycaps more durable. No shininess after being used daily for over a year and half. The ABS keys on my Keycool are already starting
to get shiny after a couple months. I assume that the PBT keycaps on the white Noppoos will wear similarly.
Plus for Noppoo: wider right Ctrl key. I use this key a lot and it's nice to have the extra size.
Plus for Keycool: I like the higher-profile keycaps.
Minus for Keycool: The pad printing on the keycaps is very thick.
Minus for Keycool: I've had some problems where a key will register as stuck down if I press it only down just to the activation point.
Plus for Keycool: Better layout, with Home/End keys usable without having to press the Fn key. Having Pause/Print where it is on the Noppoo is
completely idiotic.
My perfect keyboard would have the Keycool Home/End layout, Noppoo modifier layout, and POM keycaps.
Here's a pic I took of both on the day I got my Keycool, after using the Noppoo daily for 18 months. As you can see, no wear/shininess on the Noppoo keys
at all.
Keycool 84
