I've decided to live on the edge and try linear type switches for my next keyboard (compact). That changes some of the keyboards I was looking at. Any recommendations for a great linear board?

Your purchases mirror my own recent start in this stuff. Das Silent, then a linear red from WASD. Then an Alps for a cheap work board, just today a Filco Blue.

WASD is a nice keyboard with Cherry Red linear. Light touch, probably less travel than the DAS from the feel. No tenkeyless it seems.

@grave00: Eerie. It's really such a fascinating (addictive) new hobby. The Filco is on my list (a Black, though), mostly because it's relatively easy to acquire one locally in the US. I'd like to try an ALPS at some point as well (maybe a Matias?).

Good to know about the WASD, but I think the tenkeyless is a dealbreaker (I need something that I can pair with my netbook in a small satchel and that doesn't take up too much desk space).

Keyboardco.com just got Filco TKL with red switches in stock in both ANSI and ISO.
I would recommend either Filco or CM Storm Quickfire Rapid Red (almost similar quality).

What layout and price are you looking at?

Keyboardco store at Amazon has linear red switch tenkeyless Filco majestouch in black for $139 in the US. Probably can get free shipping.

@levitha, grave00: I was hoping to spend around $100 without shipping. I did see the Filco on Amazon and actually added it to my cart already. I guess I'm a bit put off by comments that it's more beige than white. Still looking at other alternatives but I could press "Order" at any moment.

I'd say that a Quick fire is the better choice since it's almost the same board as the Filco, but for half the price.
The only difference is the ugly logos that's on the quick fire, but that is a easy fix with some paint (if it bothers you).

http://deskthority.net/photos-videos-f8/white-iso-quick-fire-rapid-with-double-shots-t2876.html

KBT Pure is awesome

Cherry Red or Black is practical for daily use, though,
Apple compact M0110 has GREAT linear switches which are very smooth... only if they are clean and in good condition

If you want something small and of good quality, take a look at these.

http://www.vendio.com/stores/E-sports-G ... d=18974485

http://www.vendio.com/stores/E-sports-G ... d=18974432

If you are only curious, I would get some cheap Cherry G80-somethingHA* off marketplace/ebay. Nice doubleshots keycaps are always good to have, and if it turns out you don't care for blacks put some blue/brown spring and try reds. It is very easy to swap the stem and spring on pcb mount, if you discover linear is not for you, easy to make it to blues, browns, or clear and keep try different switch. Once you know you like something for certain then get a nicer keyboard without have to spend lot of money and time selling or trading entire keyboard.

lysol - A "Cherry G80-somethingHA*" is not the small board that Sidereal desires\needs.

It's still an idea if they are not sure about linear, or else I would say go for a Poker for the same reasons if you want something that small. It all depends on what is small enough. Maybe an 1800 would be ok for them? It really isn't much bigger than average tenkeyless. I know when I was finding out what switches I like I found Cherry G80 a blessing for that reason. It's an easy to mod base and buying some stem and springs for little money instead of whole boards was much easier on finances. Considering you can often buy used G80 for under €25 I will stand by my advice even if the size is not completely ideal.

I can recommend Access-IS .. A shame the don't sell to normal civilians !


Here it's compared with a Cherry G80-1501, one of the huge boards in Cherrys range .

Lysol has a good point IMO, maybe you hate linear switches or maybe you like PCB- but not plate-mounted or vice versa ..
A Filco is probably the easiest one to trade or sell again if you don't like linears .