Unique keyboards?

[Dedayog]

I'm about done with my G910.  I find I just don't type on it that well, and I never use the macros.   So I would like suggestions of keyboards to check out (I have Microcenter and Frys as well) that are unique or "cool" or aesthetically different (read: good looking).  Linus' aluminum keyboard is very  sharp, but I think it's nearing $500?  I'd like to stay under $250 if I can.

 

More of an impulse buy but I'd really just like a new keyboard/showpiece if it can look good and type well.

 

Thanks for any suggestions!

[Ominous]

Are you just looking at full size keyboards or are 60% keyboards also an option?  The most unique and nicest looking boards usually come from the 60% market but they are quite expensive.

[Dedayog]

Just now, Ethan_ said:

Are you just looking at full size keyboards or are 60% keyboards also an option?  The most unique and nicest looking boards usually come from the 60% market but they are quite expensive.

Honestly I am willing to give them all a chance.  I prefer a number pad but that's just for working and I would like to not work from home all that much

 

[geo3]

11 minutes ago, jstudrawa said:

Linus' aluminum keyboard is very  sharp, but I think it's nearing $500? 

If you are referring to his build your own keyboard video, he super over paid for that. What he built really only costs around $300. And you can actually build a custom 60% for around $120 on the low end. 

 

I've been building keyboards for several years now so I'm pretty familiar with what's available. Let me know if any of these look appealing. Some of them are mine, others are from around  the internet. 

[Dedayog]

I came across this Normia Rita:

 

https://www.amazon.com/Normia-Rita-ZJB05001-NR58BlackRed-Typewriter-Mechanical/dp/B077FLZZBJ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1521128697&sr=1-14&keywords=retro+led+keyboard&linkCode=sl1&tag=deskdeck-20&linkId=dbe11e66acfc458d23746d0461f91fc3

 

and this Azio:

 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079V1YBLL/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=sl1&tag=deskdeck-20&linkId=f65bd5b59ff9548187c716ba4aeb781e&th=1

 

I love the looks, need to find them locally to see how they type.

[Origami Cactus]

Building your own would be the best way to make the most "unique" keyboard. It doesn't even seem that hard, it should be like building a computer.

 

@seoz and @Den-Fi know more about that subject, and you can check out both of their's awesome keyboards.

[Origami Cactus]

3 minutes ago, jstudrawa said:

 

and this Azio:

 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079V1YBLL/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=sl1&tag=deskdeck-20&linkId=f65bd5b59ff9548187c716ba4aeb781e&th=1

 

I love the looks, need to find them locally to see how they type.

Linus looked at that azio, seems like a good keyboard, it even has bluetooth and a battery inside.

Edit: the amazon one is same cost, but a different version. Might have to order straight from azio to not get scammed.

[Boinbo]

While what everyone said above makes sense, I'd like to add the massdrop alt/Ctrl, just because of how many features it has. It may not be the answer you are looking for so sorry about that

[seon123]

I really doubt you'll find any particularly unique or nice keyboards at Microcenter or Fry's. If there's a mechanical keyboard meetup (yes, they are apparently an actual thing :3) near where you live, that could be a better place. To try different switches, get some switch testers. They won't really be like an actual keyboard, but they should help give a rough idea of different switch options. You can find some kits e.g. on KBDFans and KPRepublic. It's just simple through hole soldering that anyone can do. You can also get a hot swappable PCBs if you don't want to solder, or a preassembled one. You can of course also mix and match parts that you like (as long as they are compatible).

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I like the look of the KBDFans 5° 60% case, especially if you get one in a fancy colour.

https://kbdfans.com/collections/60-layout-case/products/pre-orderkbdfans-5-60-case

Then, you can add the rest of the parts, e.g. these.

https://kbdfans.com/collections/60/products/dz60rgb-ansi-mechanical-keyboard-pcb

https://kbdfans.com/collections/plate/products/cnc-60-aluminum-plate

https://kbdfans.com/collections/kailh-switches/products/switch-68-cherry-gateron-zealio?variant=3295420317709

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33047055115.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.445e569bNL9tYz&algo_pvid=1c3e9cfe-a65e-4fa2-ba45-be022e71da48&algo_expid=1c3e9cfe-a65e-4fa2-ba45-be022e71da48-0&btsid=6ca0db46-46af-4d3f-b701-712f951ca6d1&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_7,searchweb201603_53

 

Just an example, there are plenty more options.

[Dedayog]

Damn,thanks all!  While I can't use split keyboards (I have tried and I type one hand much more dominant), I will definitely look into the build my own keyboards.

 

 

[Guest]

3 minutes ago, jstudrawa said:

 

I love the looks, need to find them locally to see how they type.

 

I have the Azio. Key spacing takes some getting  used to, but I did like it.

[Guest]

The GK64 kit is also nice. With the switches and key caps it was well within your budget.

[Dedayog]

@Den-Fi have you seen this site?  https://www.retrothing.com/2009/11/build-your-own-retropunk-keyboard.html

 

Thanks for the other options as well!  I like the small one, that's 60%?

[Guest]

4 minutes ago, jstudrawa said:

@Den-Fi have you seen this site?  https://www.retrothing.com/2009/11/build-your-own-retropunk-keyboard.html

 

Thanks for the other options as well!  I like the small one, that's 60%?

Yeah, that's neat. I got away from the retro styles though. Was hard to find a switch I liked going that route.

The GK64 is a 60%.

I also have an Input Club Kira 96% that I'm quite fond of. My daily drivers at home and at the office.

 

I want to do an Ortholinear build next, but those kits seem to be a pain to get a hold of.

[Radium_Angel]

This is what you need

 

Full details here

 

http://xahlee.info/kbd/chinese_drum_keyboard.html

 

 

[jiyeon]

2 hours ago, Den-Fi said:

The GK64 kit is also nice. With the switches and key caps it was well within your budget.

Especially since the GK64 - and additionally my own GK61 - comes with pre-installed alu plate, casing/chassis, and stabs.

 

It's such a fool-proof kit where you only need to buy switches and caps like you said.

 

[b emoji]

10 hours ago, jstudrawa said:

Linus' aluminum keyboard is very  sharp, but I think it's nearing $500?

No, his build would cost somewhere around 200$, this build is just stupid. Linus did no research on the topic beforehand. No sane person would buy Mx Browns for 1$ per switch, for that price you may as well get the much superior zealio switch. 

[b emoji]

A very good option right now is the Polaris keyboard on KBDFANS right now. https://kbdfans.com/collections/polaris/products/gb-polaris-60-keyboard?variant=29306576896048
It is a gasket mounted 60% with an anodized/electrophoresis aluminum (or polycarbonate) with a brass weight, the kit also allows you to select either a full or half plate in either a universal or fixed layout with 3 materials available (FR4, Polycarb, Brass). The kit also comes with a very nice 1.2mm flex cut pcb. These specs will normally cost you around 500USD with boards like the Keycult No.1/60 but this board only costs 225-250$ during group buy. The group buy will last for another month and will not run again. Delivery is around Jan-Feb. Do note that you will need to buy your own switches, stabilizers and keycaps and you will need to know how to solder. 

[b emoji]

Since everyone else is posting their boards I will post my own as well

This is my Rama M65-a that I bought from keyclack.com, the kit comes with a Black PVB coated 1.5mm top mounted brass plate and weight. The kit also includes an ancient ps2avrgb pcb with under glow. The keycap set is GMK Solarized Dark also from keyclack.com. The switches are ZealPC Zilent switches, in retooled cherry housing with 68G Sprit "s" spring, lubed with 3204. Stabilizers are ZealPC V2 stabs lubed with GPL206.