Jump to content

New mechanical keyboard reccomendations

Yoyohoneywasp
 Share
Posted

I would like to build a new mechancial keyboard my current keyboard is the corsair k70 mk2, with silvers. Im in the market for a new keyboard but the prices seem a little nuts to me. I would like to build a keyboard from the 150 - 200 canadian dollar range. I think I want my keyboard to have either gateron ink blacks or ink yellows, and a hotswap pcb would be preferable. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted
4 hours ago, Yoyohoneywasp said:

I would like to build a new mechancial keyboard my current keyboard is the corsair k70 mk2, with silvers. Im in the market for a new keyboard but the prices seem a little nuts to me. I would like to build a keyboard from the 150 - 200 canadian dollar range. I think I want my keyboard to have either gateron ink blacks or ink yellows, and a hotswap pcb would be preferable. 

Ahhh I've met up in the same place I think! 😂 I was thinking I would go for the SteelSeries Apex 3 which looks pretty fast to me! I'm not so sure how much it costs if its in dollars but as I'm in U.K its just £60 on Amazon

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted

I'm on the same hunt. Thinking about MSI Vigor GK50, with Kailh Blues... Never had a mech before (using dome rubber right now) so I have no reference other than Cherry good, Kailh pretty good. That's what I gather from LTT videos. Since I'm the ultimate MSI fan girl figured I'd start with that.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted

Hey there.

On 11/13/2021 at 9:28 PM, Yoyohoneywasp said:

I would like to build a new mechancial keyboard ... from the 150 - 200 canadian dollar range. I think I want my keyboard to have either gateron ink blacks or ink yellows, and a hotswap pcb would be preferable.

Note: Unless specified, prices below will be in USD, not CAD.

 

Hm. CAD$150 - $200 is around USD$120 - $160. Recommending keyboard kits without knowing your preferences (e.g. size, material, RGB, mounting, other gimmicks) makes the exercise a bit of a shot in the dark. Regardless, below is a non-comprehensive list for the under $160 range (not accounting for shipping, taxes, import duties):

  • GMMK Barebones ($70 from Glorious): Full-Sized / TKL / Compact Layout. Hot-Swappable. Aluminum Faceplate, Plastic Bottom. RGB. Proprietary Software.
    • Only compatible with 3-pin switches. Gateron Inks are 5-pin switches, but may be modded to irreversibly convert them to 3-pin switches.
  • Epomaker GK108 / GK108S ($89+ from Epomaker): Full-Sized Layout. Hot-Swappable. Plastic ABS Chassis. RGB. Bluetooth Connectivity. Proprietary Software.
    • Compatible with both 5-pin and 3-pin switches.
  • Epomaker GK96X / GK96XS ($89+ from Epomaker): 1800 Layout. Southpaw Layouts Available. Hot-Swappable. Plastic ABS Chassis. RGB. Bluetooth Connectivity. Proprietary Software.
    • Compatible with both 5-pin and 3-pin switches.
    • Southpaw layouts have the numpad to the left of the keyboard.
  • Keydous NJ80 ($95 from Drop): 75% Layout. Hot-Swappable. Plastic Chassis. RGB. Bluetooth Connectivity. Rotary Knob.
    • Compatible with both 5-pin and 3-pin switches.
    • ETA Shipping: January, 2022. Drop has notoriously long wait-times for pre-order items.
  • Keychron Q1 ($149 from Keychron): 75% Layout. Hot-Swappable. Gasket-Mounted. Aluminum Chassis. QMK/VIA Compatible. RGB.
    • Compatible with both 5-pin and 3-pin switches.
    • QMK / VIA compatibility will allow any key to be re-programmed to any other key / function / macro, and can accomodate multiple layers on one board.
  • IDOBAO ID87 ($159 from IDOBAO): TKL Layout. Hot-Swappable. Aluminum Chassis. QMK Compatible.
    • Compatible with both 5-pin and 3-pin switches.
    • QMK compatibility will allow any key to be re-programmed to any other key / function / macro, and can accomodate multiple layers on one board.

 

Note that Gateron Ink Blacks / Ink Yellows will run you about $0.75 - $0.85 per; so, around $45+ for 60+ switches (Compact), $60+ for 80+ switches (TKL), or $75+ for 100+ switches (Full-Sized). For Canadian vendors that carry Gateron Inks:

 

If you'd like a list of Canadian vendors for custom keebs and keeb parts:

The vendors above carry a decent selection of keyboard kits, switches, and custom keeb parts / tools beyond what's already been mentioned above. Taking a look at their inventory might give you a idea of what's currently available and/or currently popular. If you'd like a more comprehensive list of vendors, https://keebvendorlist.com/ has a list.

正直に生きる、一度きりの人生だから

Keeb Weeb Links: Custom Mechanical Keyboards | #KeebWeebClub

'Chew Builds: Hoshī (PC) | Okashī (PC) | K-4398 (Keeb) | Eighty #391 (Keeb) | R2-968 (Keeb) | MGK64 (Keeb)

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted
  • Author
16 hours ago, Punk Rock Princess said:

I'm on the same hunt. Thinking about MSI Vigor GK50, with Kailh Blues... Never had a mech before (using dome rubber right now) so I have no reference other than Cherry good, Kailh pretty good. That's what I gather from LTT videos. Since I'm the ultimate MSI fan girl figured I'd start with that.

Switches for mechanical keyboard have come a very long way in the last couple years. Cherry in many peoples mind including linuses is no longer the gold standard 

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing Peripherals

×