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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: liquidvel on Sat, 20 July 2019, 01:48:32
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Hi,
I'm looking for a good 80% Kit. The KBD8x (ANSI) seemed reasonable but is out of stock.
Do you guys know any other manufacturers or active group buys which sell 80% sets at a reasonable price (< 250 Euro).
Greets
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What are you looking for, first off?
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I don't think there's an active group buy for a TKL right now, but I can tell you it's hard to beat the kbd8x's quality for that price. I think you should wait a bit.
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What are you looking for, first off?
I want to build a 80% keyboard for max. 250$. I don't mind soldering but I've read you can mod any PCB to make it hotswappable. Is this true?
I've found the XD87 (http://"https://kprepublic.com/products/xd87-xd87-xd80-custom-mechanical-keyboard-kit80-supports-tkg-tools-support-underglow-rgb-pcb-programmed-gh80-kle") The price seems OK, I don't know if it is any good?
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If you're not looking to build, you can look at Drop CTRL and Hexgears Dusk/Dawn. They're pretty cheap for what they can do.
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I want to build my own.
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Hmm, what are some other features?
e.g. weight; do you like a very heavy metal keyboard (3+ kilos)? In terms of angle, do you like an inbuilt positive (closer end lower) or negative (closer end higher) tilt? What sort of layout do you like; if you like 60% or in between it and TKL, what sort fits your uses and aesthetics? If you're getting a TKL, it's a moot point however. Are you a fan of keyboard lighting? You can get one with a diffuser (lit on the PCB itself, with a translucent piece inside the case to show off the lighting better) or per-key LEDs, and even both. It'll be much easier for you to find your ideal keyboard (or at least one you're eager to try out) if you know what you want.
For me, I got a keyboard from KBDfans; they sell the kits as well as assembly services. Their prices are very reasonable for the quality they offer (~$200 or less for aluminum cases+brass weights and diffuser/backlighting, as well as a huge variety of switches), so I'll vouch for them.
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The KBD8X is now regularly available on KBDFans. Surely a great pick up.
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The KBD8X is now regularly available on KBDFans. Surely a great pick up.
Totally agree with you. Although, when is the next restock, if you know?
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The KBD8x mkii (R1) will ship in early August. At that point, the extras will be made available for purchase. They will go quickly, and then you will have to wait for the next GB.
[I shouldn't be telling you this, because I will be competing with you for the extras. ;D]
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The KBD8x mkii (R1) will ship in early August. At that point, the extras will be made available for purchase. They will go quickly, and then you will have to wait for the next GB.
[I shouldn't be telling you this, because I will be competing with you for the extras. ;D]
Haha, thanks for letting me know.
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If you're okay with an integrated plate and are looking for some budget options, I think there are a few TKL groupbuys that are going to open soon that are under $200.
Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk
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Well I bought the XD87 HS PCB a few weeks ago. The PCB looks nice.
I also bought the stainless steel case with acrylic diffusor (https://kprepublic.com/products/stainless-steel-bent-case-for-xd87-xd87-87-xd87hs-hs-custom-keyboard-acrylic-panels-acrylic-diffuser?_pos=1&_sid=65976dd3a&_ss=r) and I regret it. It looked like a regular case with acrylic bottom. But the case is not fully enclosed. The sides are totally open and the acrylic plate does not cover the whole bottom or even stands on it. Imo the picture does not show this clearly. Now I have the PCB and can't even use it. :( Will never buy cheap again!
Are there any updates on TKL boards/group buys?
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If you are EU, the CU80 is currently running which also support ISO and hotswap.
Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk
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CU80 is weird.The rear foot is way too short.
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CU80 is weird.The rear foot is way too short.
That's peculiar, I didn't notice it
After the gh60, a new gh80 is the only solution:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=102444.0