1) Does your friend like linears in particular, and/or this is specifically for gaming?
It's more geared towards gaming. He streams games like Rocket League and R6S, so I felt some reds would suit him. I'm willing to take suggestions tho!
I'm not a linear guy myself. I still use Cherry MX reds with my gaming rig, although they wouldn't be my first choice. Kailh box reds feel much smoother, and the design is probably objectively better. Unfortunately, I don't know how those compare to any regular MX clones like Gaterons, although people generally like that brand for the price. I think the most praised linear switches are usually Novelkeys Creams, Tealios, and Alpacas (and even that can depend on whether or not you plan to lube them before assembly). I know, personally, I would really like something just a bit heavier than MX reds. They're so light that you can accidentally actuate them just resting your fingers on them.
2) For linears, people seem to prefer plates that result in deeper thock sounds. Such plates supposedly include brass, various plastics, and carbon fiber. Aluminum plates can ping more than other options (if that matters).
I'll make sure to take note of this, thanks! I've still got a lot to learn and I want to build one for myself in the near future so this is a great insight.
I have plenty to learn myself, if I ever do. I'm a clicky guy, and I mostly use long-dead switch types and/or repurposed boards that I swapped box jades or navies into.
3) I'm no expert on stabilizers and plates yet, but the plate only mentions pcb-mounted stabilizers and the stabilizers you linked sound like they're plate-mount. It does appear that they may be incompatible, but others would know better than I.
I'll look into this a lot more too. Maybe it wasn't such a good idea to source the parts from different vendors lol.
For sure I'll post this on the Keyboard section here but even this is of great help, I really appreciate it. I've never even done any soldering before, but I already bought a practice
kit online. Thank you
I do the same thing all of the time, be it car parts, computer parts, or whatever else. I think it is just universally true that you have to be 100% sure that you know what it is that you need. I posted in the Keyboards section myself about the parameters I used for a 65% board I plan to assemble if the apocalypse ever allows the parts to arrive.
Keyboards are probably the best modern practical place to learn soldering. The solder pads are huge and spaced out greatly compared to other modern electronics. If you follow a good tutorial and be patient until you get the hang of it, you'll do fine. You may even like it. Another option may be to go the hot swap route, then if your friend might want to try some different switches down the road, he can just swap another set in. The only thing is hot swap sockets have their own unique detriments as well. They'll never be as durable/reliable as directly soldering to the board. Just something to consider.
You're very welcome. I'm glad to help.
