"Affordable" WKL TKL w/Aluminum Case?

[lightsout714]

Whats up geekhack, I've been gone for years but got the itch again for a new board, so here is my inquiry for those that keep up with this hobby.

So my dream keyboard has always been a TKL that is WKL with an aluminum case. I just like the look of the larger mods with the gaps in between.

Is there a source for a keyboard like this that isn't super expensive, needs to be fully assembled.



$250 range?

[Leslieann]

You are entering sort of a black hole of keyboard pricing.
Too much for a high end, too low for a full custom with aluminum case.
Anything in the too low for a full custom is going to appeal to a wide audience, and that means "Windows compatible" stickers and claims and that means a Windows key. I;m not saying what you are after doesn't exist, but it's not going to be common by any means. Not as common also means finding keycaps will be more of a challenge.

That said, I get the look thing, but learn to use keyboard shortcuts and you might regret not having that modifier.

[lightsout714]

You are entering sort of a black hole of keyboard pricing.
Too much for a high end, too low for a full custom with aluminum case.
Anything in the too low for a full custom is going to appeal to a wide audience, and that means "Windows compatible" stickers and claims and that means a Windows key. I;m not saying what you are after doesn't exist, but it's not going to be common by any means. Not as common also means finding keycaps will be more of a challenge.

That said, I get the look thing, but learn to use keyboard shortcuts and you might regret not having that modifier.

How about non WKL options?

[Puddsy]

KBD 8x is the cheapest option

less that, you can always buy a filco and put an alu case on it

[lightsout714]

KBD 8x is the cheapest option

less that, you can always buy a filco and put an alu case on it

Didn't think about Filco option, thanks.

[Leslieann]

I will second the Filco, it can be easily customized and parts are easy to get.

Regarding the case, I would aim for the Tex case.
The Oni or Tex comes with feet and a cable and a similar mounting system to the Vortex (this case is probably made by the same manufacturer as the Vortex).
The Vortex usually comes minus feet or a cable, but is not bad overall if you can get feet for it, which are not hard to find.

I would not buy the newest case being sold out of China, it goes under a few names however it's easily identified by the removable bottom plate and removable cable. While it's cheaper, looks nice and has a removable cable included, the method of mounting the plate is inferior to the others. The Vortex and Tex clamps the entire length of the plate between the upper and lower case halves, making for a SUPER stiff plate. The new Chinese model bolts the plate to the top half using screw heads, it works, but is nowhere near as solid.

Keep in mind, all of these require a stock Filco plate or some adapters to make a universal plate work, but it can be done. Mine has a universal plate as do a few other people on here.
There are also some Chinese customs that will fit your price range (Ali Express), beware, support can be a hassle due to language and ship times.

[lightsout714]

I will second the Filco, it can be easily customized and parts are easy to get.

Regarding the case, I would aim for the Tex case.
The Oni or Tex comes with feet and a cable and a similar mounting system to the Vortex (this case is probably made by the same manufacturer as the Vortex).
The Vortex usually comes minus feet or a cable, but is not bad overall if you can get feet for it, which are not hard to find.

I would not buy the newest case being sold out of China, it goes under a few names however it's easily identified by the removable bottom plate and removable cable. While it's cheaper, looks nice and has a removable cable included, the method of mounting the plate is inferior to the others. The Vortex and Tex clamps the entire length of the plate between the upper and lower case halves, making for a SUPER stiff plate. The new Chinese model bolts the plate to the top half using screw heads, it works, but is nowhere near as solid.

Keep in mind, all of these require a stock Filco plate or some adapters to make a universal plate work, but it can be done. Mine has a universal plate as do a few other people on here.
There are also some Chinese customs that will fit your price range (Ali Express), beware, support can be a hassle due to language and ship times.

Thanks a lot for all your help.

[iNViSiBiLiTi]

You could try to pick up a damaged Mech27 V1.  I see those go for sub $300 occassionally.