Just to re-iterate, if you plan on modding the board or buying replacement keycap sets, the Choc Mini will not be your friend. If you want a good stock board with a 75 layout, I would recommend it.
Of the 75 boards (KC84, Choc Mini, Race) the old KC84's are my favorite. IIRC, the KC84's caps are the most standard. The Race's are the most odd.
The Choc has a unique and impossible to replace spacebar, but also has POM caps that I really really enjoy on linear switches. The Choc was my first board and my only regret was buying one with blues. The Choc is not backlit, which is perfect for me (a gaming board should NOT have any lights). No need to pay for unused bells and whistles.
I have heard that KeyCool is switching to MX-Compatible (clone) switches instead of Cherry for their newer boards...*sigh* why.
So if I was looking for a tenkeyless keyboard with that minimalistic look with the aims of down the road modifying it with custom kaps, what would be a good board to look at?
Also thanks for the tip on Autohotkey, i'll check that out, may save me some time and trouble.
I own a Noppoo Choc Mini with blues. It was a bad experience... the USB connector was badly soldered to the board, and as soon as that got fixed the switch for the Delete key died, possibly shoddy soldering as well. The build quality is pretty minimal on it. I also would like to draw your attention on the rightmost column of keys... It annoyed me thoroughly that Home/End were on the Fn layer, and that the Del key wasn't in the upper right corner like it should be. I suggest you avoid Noppoo unless you are really broke and cannot afford anything else, and even the Noppoo can get expensive if you go through a middleman service for buying on Taobao or the likes. You can get neat compact layouts from more reputable brands like Poker, Ducky and Leopold.
I own a Noppoo Choc Mini with blues. It was a bad experience... the USB connector was badly soldered to the board, and as soon as that got fixed the switch for the Delete key died, possibly shoddy soldering as well. The build quality is pretty minimal on it. I also would like to draw your attention on the rightmost column of keys... It annoyed me thoroughly that Home/End were on the Fn layer, and that the Del key wasn't in the upper right corner like it should be. I suggest you avoid Noppoo unless you are really broke and cannot afford anything else, and even the Noppoo can get expensive if you go through a middleman service for buying on Taobao or the likes. You can get neat compact layouts from more reputable brands like Poker, Ducky and Leopold.
Might be that you were really unlucky with your Noppoo.. I read a lot of reviews etc. and I never once read that anyone had problems with the quality. Of course, the quality isn't (from my understanding) as good as some other more high end brands, but I've only heard good things about it anyways. Also, they layout is obviously not for everyone, and I'll have to admit that End and Home not being on the main layer would actually annoy me as well :p
I also would like to draw your attention on the rightmost column of keys... It annoyed me thoroughly that Home/End were on the Fn layer, and that the Del key wasn't in the upper right corner like it should be.
I also would like to draw your attention on the rightmost column of keys... It annoyed me thoroughly that Home/End were on the Fn layer, and that the Del key wasn't in the upper right corner like it should be.
I'm a little confused, from the pictures and layouts I've seen of the Noppoo Choc mini the home/end key are along the right side of the board. From top to bottom it goes Del, Home, PgUp, PgDn, End. No function Key needed
As for the suggestion of the QFR I'm concerned about the rubberized coating. I think could rub off in places and that would bother me. Plus aside form the Stealth, CM boards are way over branded for my tastes.
And you will definitely want new key caps at some point. Once you try thicker PBT or ABS you'll be a convert.
And you will definitely want new key caps at some point. Once you try thicker PBT or ABS you'll be a convert.
Where would you recommend I look to get new caps when I decide to do that?
Hey guys I wanted to thank you for all your input and advice.
I settled on a CM Quickfire Stealth with Cherry MX Browns. It showed up the other day and I love it. Fits great on my desk, feels way better then my old full board and the mechanical switches are so satisfying to clicky clack.
Down the road I may get some new keycaps to customize it because that sounds like fun. But for now I'm just enjoying it as its a great upgrade.
Thanks again guys.