Custom Keyboard HELP!

[StaticKC]

Hello!

I’m just getting into the Custom Keeb space (not sure if that’s a normal term, but I saw someone say it earlier lol). I recently built my PC and I’m working to upgrade peripherals — first stop: KEYBOARDDDDD.

 

I know the basic structure of a custom keyboard and I’m just wondering if anyone knows any good kits I’d love to get a 75 percent or smaller keeb. Budget: 150.00 USD ishhh (flexible). I’ve seen the Keychron V1 with knob and think that’s a pretty cool look, so anything similar heck maybe even that kit would be nice (Maybe ZONEX75). And then switches wise I was hoping to buy the Akko Haze Pink for the switches and probably give them my own coat of lube, that’s about it for my knowledge and wants haha!

 

Any suggestions are appreciated

[GarlicDeliverySystem]

Hello, I don't know how to call this space either, but welcome.

 

First question: have you tried a 75% or smaller keyboard yet, or do you use the numpad at all? Might be personal bias, but I never realized how much I used it until I got a TKL a few years back and suddenly found myself tapping the desk out of muscle memory. Not saying that will always be the case, but it can happen.

 

In any case, I don't think you can do much wrong with the V series: nice to mod, but not required. Great price for barebones kit, so you would be able to put a lot budget on switches.

 

I just saw that the Sense75 fully build is on sale for 150$ as well:https://drop.com/buy/drop-sense75-mechanical-keyboard?defaultSelectionIds=970026 You won't have a choice of keycaps or switches though, but it appears to come with pretty decent ones if you like tactiles.

 

My recommendation from my own experience starting this hobby would be to go with an affordable keyboard kit (~60-80$) and switches. The Akko Haze Pink seem reasonable, but consider that at some point you might want something different (i.e. stiffer springs with yellows or blacks, tactiles that are not browns, etc.). So leave a bit of budget for that down the line.

 

Luckily switch testers exist, so you can buy a variety pack of sorts, where you can get a feel for how different switches actually feel and sound.

 

One thing I had to learn the hard way is that keycaps can actually be really expensive, and no, you don't need to buy those fancy expensive ones. However, I found that quality with keycap sets can really vary, I had some rather bad ones for 50-75$, whereas some cheap 25$ set is one of my favorites.

But your mileage may vary, and a lot of reviews exist on those.

[StaticKC]

2 minutes ago, GarlicDeliverySystem said:

Hello, I don't know how to call this space either, but welcome.

 

First question: have you tried a 75% or smaller keyboard yet, or do you use the numpad at all? Might be personal bias, but I never realized how much I used it until I got a TKL a few years back and suddenly found myself tapping the desk out of muscle memory. Not saying that will always be the case, but it can happen.

 

In any case, I don't think you can do much wrong with the V series: nice to mod, but not required. Great price for barebones kit, so you would be able to put a lot budget on switches.

 

I just saw that the Sense75 fully build is on sale for 150$ as well:https://drop.com/buy/drop-sense75-mechanical-keyboard?defaultSelectionIds=970026 You won't have a choice of keycaps or switches though, but it appears to come with pretty decent ones if you like tactiles.

 

My recommendation from my own experience starting this hobby would be to go with an affordable keyboard kit (~60-80$) and switches. The Akko Haze Pink seem reasonable, but consider that at some point you might want something different (i.e. stiffer springs with yellows or blacks, tactiles that are not browns, etc.). So leave a bit of budget for that down the line.

 

Luckily switch testers exist, so you can buy a variety pack of sorts, where you can get a feel for how different switches actually feel and sound.

 

One thing I had to learn the hard way is that keycaps can actually be really expensive, and no, you don't need to buy those fancy expensive ones. However, I found that quality with keycap sets can really vary, I had some rather bad ones for 50-75$, whereas some cheap 25$ set is one of my favorites.

But your mileage may vary, and a lot of reviews exist on those.

thank you for this! I actually used a custom 65% keyboard my friend lent me for a year and loved it, that’s where the size and switch influence came from. 
 

got a road ahead of me, but I can’t wait. Once again thank you!

[SorryBella]

4 hours ago, StaticKC said:

150.00 USD ish

You need the rest of the part or just the keyboard chassis?

[StaticKC]

On 7/23/2023 at 10:12 PM, SorryBella said:

You need the rest of the part or just the keyboard chassis?

just saw your reply, I need the rest of the parts. but the more I look into this the more flexible my budget is becoming haha

 

[saintlouisbagels]

26 minutes ago, StaticKC said:

just saw your reply, I need the rest of the parts. but the more I look into this the more flexible my budget is becoming haha

 

Yeah 150 USD is enough for a very good pre-built keyboard.

Nowhere near enough to build a keyboard unless you go cheap-as-possible.