What is everyone's favorite board of each size?

[dead_pixel_design]

hey guys, just looking to crowd source some info about different preferences at different board sizes
What is your favorite for each of the standard sizes (Full, TKL, 75, 60, 40) and do you have a favorite for any sizes that fall out of the norm?

I'm excited to see everyone's thoughts

[schoolbus]

75% is just the perfect layout IMO. All the functionality of a TKL with a 60% form factor.

I get the push for smaller boards, but IMO that's less real estate for fun key caps.

edit: Misread your request clearly.

for 75% - KBD75 is my favorite MX board right now.

For TKL- V80 TKL w/ Orange alps & for Rubber Domes the RF 55g

Even though I don't use F keys a lot, I like the aesthetic much more when they're there. I don't care about "Y axis size", it's the X axis that I want to minimize as much as possible, but 75% is the smallest I'm willing to comfortably compromise on. 

I don't have a favorite for the other sizes, but I like the appeal of Let's split vs a planck for 40%.

[Findecanor]

Why would I use boards of different sizes?
I prefer TKL and therefore most of my boards are TKL ... or close to that size anyway.
I own/use some boards that have a different size/layout but that is mostly because those were not available in TKL at all, or I got a good deal. Vintage keyboards I got for collecting or for trying out more unusual switches fall into the former.

[zutroy]

hey guys, just looking to crowd source some info about different preferences at different board sizes
What is your favorite for each of the standard sizes (Full, TKL, 75, 60, 40) and do you have a favorite for any sizes that fall out of the norm?

I'm excited to see everyone's thoughts

I've used all the standard sizes you've listed except 40% (Planck is the smallest I've gone, and that's a whole different story when it comes to layout), and I've determined that 65% is the sweet spot for me. I rarely use function keys, and on the occasion that I do, they work just fine in the function layer. I do need dedicated arrow keys, however, so the extra "5%" is key. The other navigational keys (insert, delete, pg up, pg down) aren't really necessary for me, but without them, I guess a standard 65% would look a bit unbalanced. I've thought of trying out a 60% with dedicated arrow keys like the XD60, but I'm really happy with what I'm using right now—custom Alps PCB dropped in a VA68M case with AEK layout and caps.

[tp4tissue]

Ergodox Sized           

[dead_pixel_design]

I appreciate everyone's responding, but I was actually interested in what boards you guys like at each size, not what your preferred size is

[dead_pixel_design]

hey guys, just looking to crowd source some info about different preferences at different board sizes
What is your favorite for each of the standard sizes (Full, TKL, 75, 60, 40) and do you have a favorite for any sizes that fall out of the norm?

I'm excited to see everyone's thoughts

I've used all the standard sizes you've listed except 40% (Planck is the smallest I've gone, and that's a whole different story when it comes to layout), and I've determined that 65% is the sweet spot for me. I rarely use function keys, and on the occasion that I do, they work just fine in the function layer. I do need dedicated arrow keys, however, so the extra "5%" is key. The other navigational keys (insert, delete, pg up, pg down) aren't really necessary for me, but without them, I guess a standard 65% would look a bit unbalanced. I've thought of trying out a 60% with dedicated arrow keys like the XD60, but I'm really happy with what I'm using right now—custom Alps PCB dropped in a VA68M case with AEK layout and caps.

The VA68m is such a good looking board, doesn't it have arrows?

[Puddsy]

Full size: Filco 104

TKL: that I own, KUL or Filco 87, that I don't, any OTD TKL

75%: minila

60%: pure for OEM boards, but my LZCE was pretty great.

[davkol]

A 60% keyboard with a large bezel is almost the same size as a tenkeyless with a small bezel. Similarly, something like SSK is about as wide wide as a full-size with a compact case.

Why that matters? One of the few keyboards that I'm okay with using is an 120key Access-IS keypad. It has 15 columns (the same as a standard 60% keyboard), 8 columns (many more than tenkeyless) and an annoyingly large bezel, which makes it wider than a typical 75% keyboard.

Another example, the ErgoDox. It has mass similar to a tenkeyless keyboard, but with a gap in the middle.

Asking about my favorite full-size keyboard doesn't make much sense, because I don't like full-size keyboards. Some do have features (switches, keycaps, construction) that I like, but I'd rather see those in an entirely different form factor or layout.

[dead_pixel_design]

Full size: Filco 104

TKL: that I own, KUL or Filco 87, that I don't, any OTD TKL

75%: minila

60%: pure for OEM boards, but my LZCE was pretty great.

Thank you, this is a perfect response and exactly what I was looking for. Can't wait to get more responses

[tp4tissue]

I appreciate everyone's responding, but I was actually interested in what boards you guys like at each size, not what your preferred size is

I Prefer in the FULL SIZE category :

Ergodox Sized           

I Prefer in the TKL category :

Ergodox Sized         

I Prefer in the 40% category :

Ergodox Sized           

I Prefer in the 60% category :

Ergodox Sized           

I Prefer in the 75% category :

Ergodox Sized           

I Prefer in the 80% category :

Ergodox Sized           

[Tactile]

60%: HHKB
TKL: Ducky One RGB - because of the Cherry RGB switches, which are really nice.
  [EDIT]
    OK - I also have a 55 gram Realforce TKL which I like a whole lot. So... one of those two.
  [/EDIT]
Fullsized: no preference
Other: F122 or my TG3, which is hard to explain so here's a photo:

[flashquark]

40%  -  AMJ40

Ortho- Let's Split

[alienman82]

removed.

[chyros]

122% - F122
100% - NG OmniKey
TKL - none
NL - 5251
75% - none
60% - Apple IIc
40% - none

[alienman82]

removed.

[dead_pixel_design]

Awesome!! Some really great boards, I love seeing the differences and similarities between people. Keep em comin'!

[klennkellon]

Favorite full sized is a hard one. Model M is very good looking but so is the Focus FK-2001. Tie between these two.

[chyros]

Favorite full sized is a hard one. Model M is very good looking but so is the Focus FK-2001. Tie between these two.

The 2001 is one of the best-looking boards out there IMO. Always like taking mine out for a spin.

122% - F122
100% - NG OmniKey
TKL - none
NL - 5251
75% - none
60% - Apple IIc
40% - none

I prefer M0110 SKCC over SKCM ambers tbh, but they all loud.

You're a fan of the numperpad I see

Yes, a numpad is almost essential for me, at least at work.

I prefer SKCL green to SKCCs, myself. SKCCs are pretty good though.

[SBJ]

Full Size - Model F
TKL - Only really ever had one TKL board and it's a VA87M with tactile gray switches.
40% - None
60%~ - VA68M
75% - None

[Lazylewis]

40% : vortex core (only one I've tried)

60% : HHKB

65% : 660C

80% : Filco

100% logitech G15

[_PixelNinja]

Only including production keyboards:
• 40% — None
• 60% — PFU HHKB
• 66% — Leopold Mini M or C
• 80% — Leopold FC750R
• 100% — None

[ShishKabobJerry]

65% : Magicforce 68
60% : HHKB - I don't own one, but I love the layout
40% : Planck - I just love it and can't wait until I get one.

I'm not really interested with the other sizes so I never really looked in them.

[moh18one]

I'm waiting for a 75% made by Topre. After that, I will have my favorite keyboard.

[chyros]

Full Size - Model F

There are no fullsize Models F .

[SBJ]

Full Size - Model F

There are no fullsize Models F .

Why does that even say F? It should be M.
I have no excuse. FeelsBadMan.

[dgneo]

60 - HHKB
TKL - 55g RF

[ideus]

60% XT ISO
60% HHKB


I am now considering to 'upgrade' to an 85, with number-pad and arrows included. I have no regrets being a 60 user, but having dedicated arrows and a number pad will make my typing experience more efficient.

[zutroy]

hey guys, just looking to crowd source some info about different preferences at different board sizes
What is your favorite for each of the standard sizes (Full, TKL, 75, 60, 40) and do you have a favorite for any sizes that fall out of the norm?

I'm excited to see everyone's thoughts

I've used all the standard sizes you've listed except 40% (Planck is the smallest I've gone, and that's a whole different story when it comes to layout), and I've determined that 65% is the sweet spot for me. I rarely use function keys, and on the occasion that I do, they work just fine in the function layer. I do need dedicated arrow keys, however, so the extra "5%" is key. The other navigational keys (insert, delete, pg up, pg down) aren't really necessary for me, but without them, I guess a standard 65% would look a bit unbalanced. I've thought of trying out a 60% with dedicated arrow keys like the XD60, but I'm really happy with what I'm using right now—custom Alps PCB dropped in a VA68M case with AEK layout and caps.

The VA68m is such a good looking board, doesn't it have arrows?

Indeed, it does—that's what I meant by "the extra 5% is key"

And since I didn't properly answer your question, here's a simplified version—

60%: I haven't tried it yet, but I think I would really like the XD60. Most 60% don't cut it for me because of lack of dedicated arrows.
65%: VA68M
TKL: I love a basic Filco (with custom caps, of course), but I've also never had the chance to try any expensive custom TKLs.
Full-size: I'm really into the look of 1800 style boards (CPSQ 1800, Leopold FC980 series, Cherry G80-1800), but I don't think I could ever go back to a full-size board.

[zslane]

ANSI 108: Topre RealForce RGB (runner-up: Varmilo VA108M)
ANSI 104: Filco Majestouch-2 (runner-up: Topre 104UK Hi-Pro)
ANSI TKL: CM NovaTouch
ANSI 75: Plum Nano 75
ANSI 61: Vortex Pok3r

All other sizes/formats/layouts are just a waste of good metal and plastic as far as I'm concerned. And, in fact, I could easily live with just the RealForce RGB and a 61-key equivalent (if it existed) and never bother with anything else.

[jerue]

HHKB BT:


OTD 356.2


Cherry G80-3000

[colbs]

My list:
Full: unicomp ultra classic (I know a model m gives me more street cred, but I don't have one anymore)
TKL: kbp v80 with matias quiet clicks
75: I don't have any of these
60: nerd60 pcb in a standard layout like the pok3r with 67g zealios
60 again: hhkb type-s, lubed sliders
40: planck, obv

EDIT: although I don't have a 75%, I have the leo fc660c (65%).  The layout is fine, but I think insert/delete should be pgUp/pgDn. 

And, my favorite board is the ergodox, which doesn't actually fit into any of your categories.

Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk

[dead_pixel_design]

So much good stuff, you guys are the best. I'm seeing a lot of some of my favs, and way more boards I have never even seen/heard of

[TomaHok]

Okay, I am rather new to the keyboard market so I am not familiar with all of these, and have only tried a few (But have read lots of reviews and can get a good idea of their build quality and which ones I might like to try).

Full Size: Unicomp Ultra Classic or a nice quality IBM Model M (Buckling springs feel great and honestly did not find the Unicomp one to have bad casting issues which many complain about)

TKL: Really like the looks of the KUL ES-87, that thicker case appeals to me for some reason. But, I also like the KBParadise V80 because there seems to be some possibility for an aluminum case.

I also would like to try the Cooler Master Novatouch, but cannot find a way to do so . The Realforce 87u 55g in black (Plain, understated, but kinda sexy like a Thinkpad) sounds really appealing, but once again, have no experience with topre.

75%: Not too experienced in this segment, but I like the Vortex KBT Race 3. I know the 1.5u esc and del are annoying, but I really like how it staggers the f keys. That case seems a bit thin, but aluminum and dsa caps at that price is really great. Plus, it is possible to get SA Carbon to go on this board, and I was really tempted to buy some extra packs just for this board.

60%: LOVE THE POK3R. I understand it is not necessarily the highest quality sixty percent board ever, but it has an amazing price and has so many small details which I love. The small little incline in the case I find very comfortable with some DSA caps. I really like the dip switches, the dvorak one is a life saver for me as I type in Dvorak, changing caps to fn also makes the arrow keys great to use (Better than dedicated imo) It is also worth noting that this board has great stock keycaps, which seems to be incredibly rare.

40: Do not really know a ton about this segment. I always loved the JD40, mainly because having a full size keyboard is such a small board seems so ridiculous to me.


Sorry for the long write up,but keyboards are just so amazing! I honestly do not remember what I did online before them. Though I hate the constant temptation to buy expensive things.

[Leslieann]

It depends a lot and you have to remember, most people really haven't tried a lot of boards, of a given size, I've often only had a chance to use one.


Full size/size is no object - IBM Model M, the granddaddy.
It's loud, not so great for gaming, and it's MASSIVE... But that feel! And then there is that durability... Even the newest are older than most GH members.

Slim full size - Logitech Illuminated. Very compact for a full size, light, backlit, one of the best scissor switches ever made.


TKL - Filco
It may be no frills and expensive for what it is, but it's extremely well made. There is also aftermarket cases, plates, and controllers which add programability. No, it doesn't have backlighting, but it's a solid base to build what amounts to a completely custom keyboard, without the hassle or risk. Burnt up the controller, broke the case or pcb? You can probably find a used one for a couple bucks. It may take some effort, some parts are in high demand, but at least they exist, try that on a Korean custom that had a limited production run intended for another country.


75% - Vortex Race
I loved the looks of the Limited edition white, however the quality was severely lacking, especially for the price I paid for it. Newer ones are better, and Vortex does offer alternative keycaps, but there may be better options.


65-70%  - MagicForce/Qisan
It's basically a Leopold with standard caps at a severely discounted price. Well made other than the stabs being a bit noisy.. If you like blues get it with Outemu Blues and enjoy it for probably 1/3rd the price of anything really comparable.


60% - Only one I have even seen is my GH60 which I have yet to build. It too was an impulse buy.
40% - Not even really interested in them, too many compromises in my opinion.


Laptop  - Lenovo Thinkpad, while you can argue over which generation is best, they are almost always better than anything else on the market. Older Apple are pretty good, but some are a bit shallow which is something I never expected to say about a keyboard, my Air is not that great to type on for this reason (on top of the fact that it's very low and flat).

Semi-honorable mention - Surface keyboard, the keys feels better than I ever would have expected and the Alcantara leather feels nice... When new. Alcantara is known for being horrible to clean and it will absorb oils and become a mess.

[elcubismo]

60%: Pok3r
65-70%: Leopold FC660C
TKL: CM Novatouch
Full: Model M/Unicomp

[dwarflemur]

Full - Model M
1800 - FC980C
TKL - novatouch
75% - plum nano
split - dactyl
65% - m65-A
60% - HHKB
40% - mechmini

[colbs]

Full - Model M
1800 - FC980C
TKL - novatouch
75% - plum nano
65% - m65-A
60% - HHKB
40% - mechmini

All the topre sizes....Can't say I disagree though

Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk

[dwarflemur]

Full - Model M
1800 - FC980C
TKL - novatouch
75% - plum nano
65% - m65-A
60% - HHKB
40% - mechmini

All the topre sizes....Can't say I disagree though

Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk

You gotta have your priorities in order haha

[colbs]

TKL: Really like the looks of the KUL ES-87, that thicker case appeals to me for some reason. But, I also like the KBParadise V80 because there seems to be some possibility for an aluminum case.

I quite like the KUL..It is well built, and the extensive dip switch options are great (in particular I like being able to switch backspace/backslash and control/capsLock). Not many TKLs in this price range that are this customizable out of the box.

[alienman82]

removed.

[childofthehorn]

Full Size : TI /Asus board with Crossover Alps White (couple blue in there that feel the same, not like my other whites).

💯 ish : Vintage Cherry 1800 with half-plate mod

80 :  none... Is trash size

75 : Plum84 / Choc84

70 : Plum Nano

65 : M65-A (waiting)....or Tada68

60 : HHKB w/Hasu or Zeal60

40 : Van

Sent from my FRD-L04 using Tapatalk

[klennkellon]

Issues with the Unicomp molds are inconsistent. Sometimes its great, sometimes it's iffy, sometimes its really bad. Just depends on luck I guess.

I think it happens more with the original "Classic" option since those are likely ancient IBM molds and the "Ultra Classic" uses somewhat newer molds.

[DustGod]

60%: HHKB
TKL: Ducky One RGB - because of the Cherry RGB switches, which are really nice.
  [EDIT]
    OK - I also have a 55 gram Realforce TKL which I like a whole lot. So... one of those two.
  [/EDIT]
Fullsized: no preference
Other: F122 or my TG3, which is hard to explain so here's a photo:
(Attachment Link)

This looks fantastic! I really like this layout.

[Tactile]

60%: HHKB
TKL: Ducky One RGB - because of the Cherry RGB switches, which are really nice.
  [EDIT]
    OK - I also have a 55 gram Realforce TKL which I like a whole lot. So... one of those two.
  [/EDIT]
Fullsized: no preference
Other: F122 or my TG3, which is hard to explain so here's a photo:
(Attachment Link)

This looks fantastic! I really like this layout.

The whole story is here.

[DKrause]

100% My dead, 25 year old "2001" labeled Big Ass enter keyed cheapy, that I got from a computer fair in 1994-ish?
TKL, A cheap, "geezer" branded, $40 Amazon special, with "blue" switches, that's really pretty pleasant to type on.
65% My WhiteFox that I don't have yet, but it can't possibly suck.
60% Pok3r, Cherry Clears, black, heavy. Man, that thing is just awesome to live with everyday.

[dead_pixel_design]

... TG3, which is hard to explain so here's a photo:
(Attachment Link)

I definitely want to know more about this...

Edit: Posted this before reading the comment two above it... =/

[pab]

• Full-sized: Leopold FC980{M,C}
  Very solid board at a nearly full form factor at the size of a TKL.
• TKL: Realforce 87{U,UB} 55g
  The cadillac of keyboards.
• 75%: Vortex Race 3
  A seriously complete package for the price. People might complain about the 1.5 escape and delete keys, but SA Carbon has included compatibility for the Race and I hope more sets follow.
• 65%: Whitefox {Vera, TrueFox}
  The only 65% board I know of that has a top-layer ~ key, which is important to me.
• 60%: HHKB
  For similar reasons as the Whitefox. Also the "classic" of the recent generation of keyboards.
• 40%: Planck
  Seems like the standard for the form-factor.