Mechanical Keyboard Club!

[geo3]

Brutal 60 in navy with ink blacks.

[geo3]

[GDRRiley]

I've got 2 boards right now and I'm so temped to build my first.

my main right now is a Ducky One2 Midnight TLK, the older board is a rosewell RK-9000V2, both with MX blacks.

I've always really like heavier switches so I'm really temped to build a TLK board based around Kailh BOX Ancient Gray

[Dat Guy]

15 hours ago, GDRRiley said:

I've always really like heavier switches

 

I warmly recommend Buckling Springs. Not really made for custom builds though. But MX is not really "heavy". (Nor good.)

[GDRRiley]

15 minutes ago, Dat Guy said:

 

I warmly recommend Buckling Springs. Not really made for custom builds though. But MX is not really "heavy". (Nor good.)

issue is I'm not a fan of feeling the key activating. if I was I would have tried greens on a full board

thats why the Grays appeal to me because its a heavier linear switch

 

I know people like other switches more than Cherry thats fine, I just don't care enough to spend time lubing switches and doing all the little things needed to make some of the other switches feel great.

[DailyProcrastinator]

On 2/16/2022 at 4:48 PM, GDRRiley said:

thats why the Grays appeal to me because its a heavier linear switch

Consider the Kailh Box Heavy Dark Yellows, they are smooth even un-lubed, and the box switches add a lot of key stability. 

[Aranwe]

Hello,

 

I'm looking to get my first mechanical keyboard but it encountered a problem : it seems impossible to find any good keyboard that's azerty... I did quite some research on the topic but most forums are full of haters that just say you should learn to type on qwerty. Of course this makes no sense because azerty is way more optimized for french than qwerty, but I digress. Could anyone give me some advice on what my best options are ?

 

I'm looking for a 75% or 60% layout with arrow keys, rather minimalist or a bit retro with linear switches. I kinda liked the akko 9009 retro keyboard (it's so pretty ) but it's only qwerty.

 

Thanks in advance !

Tchüss

[Dat Guy]

You should find AZERTY Model M keyboards in good condition on eBay.

[rikitikitavi]

12 hours ago, Aranwe said:

Hello,

 

I'm looking to get my first mechanical keyboard but it encountered a problem : it seems impossible to find any good keyboard that's azerty... I did quite some research on the topic but most forums are full of haters that just say you should learn to type on qwerty. Of course this makes no sense because azerty is way more optimized for french than qwerty, but I digress. Could anyone give me some advice on what my best options are ?

 

I'm looking for a 75% or 60% layout with arrow keys, rather minimalist or a bit retro with linear switches. I kinda liked the akko 9009 retro keyboard (it's so pretty ) but it's only qwerty.

 

Thanks in advance !

Tchüss

You need to know the physical layout you want (for classic staggered kbs):

- ISO (short left Shift with extra button, vertical Return/Enter)

- ANSI (long left Shift, horizontal Return)

AZERTY/QWERTY - is a software layout that can be changed either in keyboard firmware (QMK or similar) or/and in your OS (Win/Mac).

 

Most keyboards you probably encounter (available online, internationally) are ANSI with QWERTY.

You can buy whichever you like and then change the software layout.

 

If you are bothered visually that letters are mismatched you can change the caps.You should make sure that the cap profile is matched, otherwise you will have uneven/mismatched level of the buttons.

 

Concerning the 60-70 and arrow keys.

Even if you don have physical arrow keys, you can use other buttons as arrow keys (QMK-like firmware or an app installed).

So a tap on right Shift is arrow up, tap on right Ctrl is right etc, or while holding right alt you can make WASD transform to arrow keys, or anything else.

[rikitikitavi]

13 hours ago, Aranwe said:

I'm looking for a 75% or 60% layout with arrow keys, rather minimalist or a bit retro with linear switches. I kinda liked the akko 9009 retro keyboard (it's so pretty ) but it's only qwerty.

As for the suggestion… I have little knowledge of Akko look-a-likes, but I suggest you check out something different - OLKB Preonic:

- a grid layout (sounds weird, but give it a chance)

- qmk (so you can customize the layout)

- hotswapable - put any switch you like without soldering

- comes without switches or caps

 

[Aranwe]

9 hours ago, rikitikitavi said:

You need to know the physical layout you want (for classic staggered kbs):

- ISO (short left Shift with extra button, vertical Return/Enter)

- ANSI (long left Shift, horizontal Return)

AZERTY/QWERTY - is a software layout that can be changed either in keyboard firmware (QMK or similar) or/and in your OS (Win/Mac).

 

Most keyboards you probably encounter (available online, internationally) are ANSI with QWERTY.

You can buy whichever you like and then change the software layout.

 

If you are bothered visually that letters are mismatched you can change the caps.You should make sure that the cap profile is matched, otherwise you will have uneven/mismatched level of the buttons.

 

Concerning the 60-70 and arrow keys.

Even if you don have physical arrow keys, you can use other buttons as arrow keys (QMK-like firmware or an app installed).

So a tap on right Shift is arrow up, tap on right Ctrl is right etc, or while holding right alt you can make WASD transform to arrow keys, or anything else.

Thanks for explaining Iso and ansi! Now I know I need to look out for an ansi layout. I am aware that the keyboard layout can be changed through software but it's always nicer if the keyboard matches

[cluelessgenius]

hey guys, so after typing willi nilli all my life i finally learned the proper way and noticed my keyboard at home is shit for typing fine for gaming but when typing its eay too sensitive also the play in the keys throws me off so im looking into proper mechanical keyboards...

but also i do have a g513 lying around that work properly anymore and i thought i might just cahnge the switches on that one as i do like the layout.

but no matter if i get a new board or modify the g513 i have a hard time figuring out what switches to get... from reviews alone i think tangerine 62g sound interesting but without being able to test any i feel kinda lost any tips for new comers?

[Admiral Shark]

1987 IBM Space Saving Keyboard (SSK)!
* 84-key Model M
* PBT dye-sub keycaps, PVC case
* Buckling spring switches
* Typing demo: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frKW-ckLrm8>

 

[sub68]

So I have a packard bell FDA-1021 and some of the keys are a bit sticky does anyone have any recomandations on what to do.

[Leek Soup]

Hi, I am new to the mechanical keyboard space. I really like the look of this keyboard, but it seems to be on pre order, are the estimated wait times generally accurate? Can you guys suggest any alternatives that fit the same criteria? (Full size, simplistic beige design) https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=3563

Thanks!

[IPD]

8 minutes ago, Leek Soup said:

Hi, I am new to the mechanical keyboard space. I really like the look of this keyboard, but it seems to be on pre order, are the estimated wait times generally accurate? Can you guys suggest any alternatives that fit the same criteria? (Full size, simplistic beige design) https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=3563

Thanks!

https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=8800

 

https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=3529

 

https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=8679

 

Maybe?

[Leek Soup]

10 hours ago, IPD said:

https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=8800

 

https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=3529

 

https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=8679

 

Maybe?

I’ll look into these, thanks!

[geo3]

Freebird60, Gat Ink, Drop MT3 WoB caps.

[DrFrito]

...

[misterpumpy]

On 3/20/2022 at 6:40 PM, geo3 said:

Freebird60, Gat Ink, Drop MT3 WoB caps.

How are you liking the Freebird60? It looked like a pretty neat deal when it ran--I wasn't in the market because I have already spent my keyboard budget for the year, but it looks slick. 

[geo3]

6 hours ago, misterpumpy said:

How are you liking the Freebird60? It looked like a pretty neat deal when it ran--I wasn't in the market because I have already spent my keyboard budget for the year, but it looks slick. 

It's pretty nice, It feels much more premium than other things in its price clas. It has beveled edges, includes a silicone dampener, and the tolerances pretty really tight.

[IRMacGuyver]

So I don't know what took so long but it seems that tangerine switches are finally back in stock at places.  Is $90 for 110 key switches really the best or am I missing some cheap mechanical keyboard parts source? 

[darknessblade]

A Question, has anyone used Gateron/Cherry Green "clicky" switches?

 

I am gonna buy some for my keyboard "Xbows Knight Plus [with blue switches]" just to use on keys like {Caps lock, middle CRTL, Enter, Shift, Backspace keys} and looking for feedback,

 

I might also mod the gateron green into "Satanic" Green switches, so the switches are even heavier than normal green, [150gram bottom out force]. {did anyone try this before, if yes, does it work nicely? }

 

Why I want to do it: often I hit those keys by accident, thus I want to have them heavier, just to get a actual psychical feedback on that they are different.

[Alvin853]

I've been using a Logitech G910 for a couple years now, and I'm annoyed how much the spacebar rattles, all the big keys wobble, the keycaps don't feel fresh anymore and it's impossible to get custom keycaps because Logitech is using their own switch style. So I've been thinking about going full custom for my next keyboard. I'm looking for a 75%, so F-keys and arrow-keys are a must, volume wheel/knob would be nice, needs to come in ISO layout, and backlight is appreciated. Is the GMMK Pro a solid barebone or anything I should know about before ordering one?

[Mina Darsh]

On 4/18/2022 at 2:06 PM, darknessblade said:

A Question, has anyone used Gateron/Cherry Green "clicky" switches?

They're okay, the Gateron ones are even smoother in my experience. However, these switches are click-jacket, so, the click is generated using a plastic jacket that sits around the stem and slams down after a certain point to generate the clicky noise, pro: Hysteresis (if you care about that.) Con: Not a very pleasant kind of clicky sound. 

 

You could also consider Kailh Box click-bar switches, which uses a metal click bar that a lot of people find to sound much cleaner, and can actuate a lot heavier too if desired. Also it does another click on the way back up. This kind of switch does not have hysteresis, which would be better in gaming usage, I suppose.

On 4/19/2022 at 5:23 PM, Alvin853 said:

Is the GMMK Pro a solid barebone or anything I should know about before ordering one?

The GMMK Pro has received mixed reviews, a competing keyboard, the Keychron Q series, the Q1 specifically, seems to be better in a few key areas, especially after doing a little modding.