Javilen

Rolling release on an arch distro hasn't been an issue with me. Just have btrfs with Timeshift to undo any faulty update. If you insist on not using arch, fedora is great as well. I would still use the same file system though. As for dual-booting with windows, terrible idea. Windows does not play nice with multiple operating systems. Could you run your windows programs in a virtual machine? I do that or wine with my laptop. Some programs refuse to run in a virtual enviornment as well as in wine (SOLIDWORKS).

Hot-swapable is a nice option to have on the GMMK. It worked great with abs keycaps however, ptb keycaps did not work well for me. Feature-wise, it is a really good option if you have to have a 100%. A bare-bones option is nice to have as well. I ended up returning it due to a sticking space bar and hating the floating keycap style. 95% layout is what I went for and with QMK, I have more functionality than i had with my previous 100% layout.

Sounds like chattering which is a switch problem. I would either RMA or go with something new. As for the switches, it is kind of hard to go wrong. The only concern with browns is if Glarses shows up. I would push for a switch tester to see if you would prefer tactile or linear switches. Both types are fine for typists. If you prefer something other than Cherry, you would likely need to go for hot-swapable or dive into the customs hobby that would consume all of your money. The only hot-swapable full size I am aware of (that is not absurdly expensive or rare) is from GMMK.

They are reputable brand. It was actually reviewed by ShortCircuit a few months ago (k4 version). If you know that blues are what you want then there is no need to spend extra on hot swap.

Not a bad choice. I would push for hot swap and budget $50 for switches.

I would push for 65% layout. Arrow keys are nice to have and i would rather not have it be a function layer under wasd.

When it is in stock, his can be a good option: https://novelkeys.xyz/collections/keyboards/products/nk65-entry-edition

I was skeptical as well when came to anything other than a full size layout. I'm glad i went with a 96% layout and QMK made it very usable for me. This is coming for someone that required dedicated media and calculator keys that Ducky provided.

Make sure you have all of the tools before you start. Don't forget the stabilizers.

Cut a sandwich bag and place it in the post on the cap. It should keep them snug.

$400 is a bit tight. My best bet would be to go dual joystick (they make a left and right setup for space-sim) https://vkbcontrollers.com/?product=gladiator-nxt As for the mount they do offer some however, they appear to be out of stock. You could try making one: https://8020.net/

Haven't looked at HOTAS prices in a while. Can't believe my set up is work 1k now. I would focus on the HOTAS rather than the mounting option. Not sure what you budget is. On a desk with a usb hub has worked well for me. As for options, i am running the Thrustmaster Warthog which is effectively unavailable at the moment. Options from Logitech are a bit disappointing; overpriced for what you get. I would look at Virpil and VKB. https://virpil-controls.eu/ https://vkbcontrollers.com/

Might as well post here as well:P Melody 96 build.

melody 96 with hot-swap sockets. I did flash it with the default QMK profile before testing the leds.

I lucked out on this one. Soldered in the leds and it worked without any modification. QMK does have functions for indicators however, you are right about the address issue on some boards.

Box pinks have a nice weight to them. Louder than whites but not as loud as jades. I like them a lot.

Things have escalated quickly. This had turned into another quarantine project. Ended up going full custom with box pinks. Currently developing a modified QMK firmware in Visual Studio since IntelliSense is such a crutch. Gonna get those lock leds working.

Tell them that they are not a true computer master without one.

You should look into a better trackball or consider it a consumable based on your use case. $5 a month might not be so bad.

G502 Lightspeed is also a good option.

Turns out I like the feel of the blues more. The box whites do sound sharper though. I tend to bottom out and would probably be fine with either.

Ill try a switch tester. My pre-order wont be fulfilled until late march anyways. Pretty painless to cancel.

I'm not throwing it out. Gonna make a good macro/gaming board. Also a good excuse to also try blues since i have been using browns for a while.

Welp looks like a pre-ordered a keyboard. I may or may not get it eventually: https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1554

Not really a budget issue. Not having luck finding something I would like, Closest would be a color scheme similar to this: