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jacobffeldman

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    DrHubblePhD

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  1. Never posted here with my latest workhorse keyboard...
  2. Yeah sorry, as I said I dont come here too often. I could have sourced you something custom or perhaps a TEX alu case from mechanicalkeyboards but im sure you will be happy with what you have!
  3. Send me a drawing, picture or diagram of what you would like and im sure we can make it happen! The WASD keyboards are relatively sturdy but their key caps are shunned upon because they are thin ABS.
  4. Okay I see, I have only heard secondary testimonials, I don't personally own one. Ill update it now.
  5. Well as I mentioned in my post I do keyboard modding, my services page is over at geekhack, I could mod you whatever you would like if you are still interested!
  6. This Sorry haven't responded to this thread in a while. The reason why I can't recommend the corsair boards is because they have non standard spacing on their modifiers so you won't be able to use custom keycaps. The KUl has a much better build quality, though mx Reds or topre aren't great for typing if that is what you plan on doing. I think you answered your own question but yes, although the ducks boards don't have the best build they are great if you enjoy backlighting. I should add to the guide though that you should only get backlighting if you like the effect because people should learn to touch type and not rely on backlighting to see the keys. The reason why I can't recommend that price range is because the kind of board you will get is often something you won't be satisfied in the long term with. It will be better for you to save a bit more and get something that really has a more solid build and doesn't skimp out on simple design characteristics.Cooler master is the only one included because that is the only one I can recommend myself. The other brands have a lot of frills but will skimp on things like kaihl switches instead of cherry mx or even rubber dome in some cases. As for the corsair line you can see my response above. And just to be clear these are my recommendations, so they should be taken as such.
  7. Okay great, I decided to include prices because too often people post asking for boards withing a certain price range with certain features so I just wanted to clear up that clutter.
  8. These are my recommendations, you probably have your own and I am not trying to copy anyone. Honestly as I said, I dont spend a ton of time on these forums because of the overcrowded nature of the peripheral sub forum, and I had no clue that this was a similar topic.
  9. Hello LTT community, this sub forum is flooded with repetitive questions asking for keyboard recommendations at a certain price range with certain features. I thought I would put together a solid, updated, list of keyboard recommendations at different price ranges with different features. I haven't utilized LTT forums as much as I would like to because of how annoying it is to answer the same questions over and over again, primarily you can find me over at GeekHack under the username DrhubblePhD, hence the topic title. Quick rundown of Cherry MX switch types: (taken from Dinky_x on tomshardware forum) Cherry mx blue - firmer tactile and clicky noise @50g actuation force Cherry mx brown - softer tactile, no click noise @45g actuation force Cherry mx red - linear, go straight down and up without any tactile bump @ 45g actuation force Cherry mx black - linear, linear, go straight down and up without any tactile bump @ 60g actuation force Note that as STRMfrmXMN pointed out, all prices are subject to fluctuation and in many cases buying used is your best option. There are great marketplaces on both Geekhack and Deskauthority that will have an abundance of used keyboards for sale. This thread assumes that you have a basic idea of what switch type you are looking for. So here we go: $50-99 range (not recommended for most users) Unicomp classic $80 buckling spring (IBM model M type switch) Dye sub PBT keycaps An interesting choice if you want to try a vintage feeling board. Produced by one of the shops responsible for making the old IBM model Ms Cooler Master Quick Fire Rapid (TKL) $90 available in MX blue, brown or red no backlighting ABS laser etched keycaps A solid starter board for trying out switch types as well as the TKL form factor. This board is pretty solid and has a somewhat annoying rubbercoated finish. Cooler Master Storm Quickfire TKL $100 avalible in blue brown or red backlighting available in red white and blue ABS laser marked keycaps Similar to the rapid but with backlighting. Note that this backlighting will not have the same functionality or effects as the Ducky shine 3/4. Ducky Zero (full sized) $86 availible in MX blue, black and brown no backlighting ABS laser marked keycaps A beginner Ducky board, only recommended if you cannot afford more expensive keyboards. $100-150 (best entry category) Filco Majestouch 2 (TKL or full sized) $150 available in MX blue, brown, black and red no backlighting ABS laser etched keycaps A staple of most keyboard enthusiast collection. Extremely sturdy, reliable, and flexible. This board with a set of PBT keycaps is a great way to start off your MK collection. Ducky Shine 3 (4 just released) $150 available in MX green, black, brown, blue, and red Full backlighting in red and blue ABS laser etched keycaps A great ducky board with complicated and amusing lighting effects. A solid board for anyone looking for a full sized flashy gaming or typing board. Poker II (60%) keyboard $110 available in all Cherry MX flavors (clears massdrop exclusive) backlighting available for $10 extra PBT or ABS keycaps (depending on backlighting) laser etched keycaps A common favorite 60% keyboard. It is compact, sturdy and extremely customizable with widely available aluminum cases and LED options. Ducky Mini (60%) $120 available in MX brown, black, red, blue full red and blue backlighting Laser etched ABS keycaps A very fun 60% keyboard for those who want LED lighting effects in a compact form factor. KUL ES-87 TKL keyboard $130 avalible in all Cherry MX flavors no backlighting ABS laser etched keycaps An extremely solid typing experience all around. If you are looking for something with a no frill-solid build then this is the board for you. Cooler Master Storm Quickfire TK (Full sized) $100 (full sized) available in MX blue, brown, red, and green red backlighting ABS laser etched keycaps Similar to other CM boards but with backlighting. I would only purchase this if you cannot spare the extra funds for a majestouch or KUL IBM Model M $110-150 (full sized) on clikeykeyboards.com buckling spring (IBM model M type switch) PBT keycaps I would suggest doing more research before buying one of these. Das Keyboard Model s Professional (full sized) $135 available in MX blue or brown no backlighting ABS laser etched keycaps Another solid full sized board, perfect for the office. Has restricted switch choices and has a glossy finish that some people will not want to deal with. WASD custom $145-150 (TKL-Full sized) Availible in all MX switch types no backlighting Full keyset customization ABS laser etched keycaps Highly customization, for those who want a unique keyboard from the start. Not quite as solid as the filco or KUL. $150-200 (For those looking for an enthusiast keyboard) CODE keyboard $150-170 Available in MX clear and green White backlighting ABS laser etched keycaps For those who are looking to experiment with MX clears or greens, has a very classy white backlighting. CM Novatouch TKL $180 Topre electrostatic switches with mx compatible stems no backlighting ABS laser etched keycaps A great option for those who want to try a Topre board but also want the flexibility of adding their own cherry MX compatible keycaps, which are more available and cheaper than custom Topre keysets. Realforce 87u EK edition (TKL or Full sized 104) $200 Topre electrostatic 45g switches no backlighting PBT black on black or black on white keycaps not cherry mx keyset compatible For those who want an extremely solid, well built, keyboard to explore the true Topre experience (at least in my opinion). Does not contain variable weighting which some people may not like in comparison to the standard 87u. There is also a full sized version of this board which is great for any professional's desk. Honestly this is an awkward price range, your best bet is choosing something from the previous price range and adding some custom caps. Let me know if there are any glaring choices I missed $200-$300 (Going above and beyond) Realforce 87u variable weighted (TKL) $215 Topre electrostatic switches with variable weighting no backlighting PBT black on black or black on white keycaps not cherry mx keyset compatible SImilar to the EK edition RealForce board, extremely good built quality, comes with PBT caps and the variable weighting system which some people may prefer. Ergodox (ergonomic split design) $200 and up Only sold through Massdrop not backlighting compatible must be assembled full customizability full programability Great for anyone who wants a fully custom, ergonomic option. This will stand out on any desk but it is great for anyone who has frequent wrist pain or wants something unique. Can be used efficiently for gaming unlike some other ergonomic options. Happy Hacking Keyboard Pro 2 (60%) $260 Topre electrostatic switches with 45g actuation unique layout no backlighting PBT black on black or black on white keycaps not cherry mx keyset compatible An enthusiast favorite for its optimal layout and full features. Easily the best 60% Topre board available (not that there are many). Extremely light as well, some people may be turned off by its lack of solid feeling build because it has a plastic plate instead of the standard steel plate found in most topre boards. There are many custom options within this price range including custom Phantom, TEX metal case and more. While I dont think that it is appropriate for this forum to list the details here if you are interested these are some terms to get you started with your research. $300 and above If you are looking for something truly custom and awsome I can highely recommend GON over at gonskeyboardworks.com. He is based out of South Korea and can make almost anything happen. Otherwise this price range is filled with many aluminum or custom boards. If you are looking for someone to build you some custom keyboards you can check out my services thread at https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=65125.0
  10. It's classic styling, if you look at all the pioneering mechanical boards like the model m, they are all the same way.
  11. Most people actually prefer the 84 key style!
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