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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Sprite on Sat, 25 January 2020, 04:08:36
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Hello everyone reading this :D
I'm creating this Topic because I'm looking for a new Mech which I want to use for several Years. So far I only bought pre build Boards but I was never really satisfied with them.
List of Boards I already owned:
Cherry G80 3000
Razer Blackwidow (MX Blue)
Ducky One
Logitech G610 (Browns)
GMMK (Kailh Box Browns) and currently in use
I had to replace every one of them after few years of use. Thats why I'm thinking of doing a Custom Build. But since there are so many Cases/PCB's I need some help from you Guys!
My Requirements:
Quiet when typing
somewhat "heavy" so no Plastic Case, but I'm not sure if Aluminum is better or maybe Acryllic? I think Aluminum enhances the sound level?
If possible Lighting, no need for RGB just White would be fine
TKL or Fullsize (Availability is bad for Fullsize?)
Regarding switches: I really like tactile switches except for the Kailh Browns I currently use. They have almost no bump and are waaaay to loud for me. So maybe Zilents? Or any other Recommendation?
I will decide on Keycaps once I figured out the "base" build.
I'm clueless on a PCB
Since I'm from Germany I'm used to ISO Layout but I can live with ANSI aswell. But the Problem with ANSI is that it doesnt provide "Ü,Ö,Ä. But maybe I can solve that Problem with editing the PCB Firmware? I'm not sure if thats possible so maybe you can help me with that aswell :)
I'm willing to spend around $300 maybe more. Is a custom Build possible with my Budget? Or should I look for pre build Boards?
If you have any further Question pls ask them, I'm sure i forgot some Important things :(
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A clarifying question I'd like to ask as well to help others provide recommendations:
Could you go through the list of keyboards you previously owned and explain why each didn't fit the bill? Or did they all break?
This will help narrow down recommendations.
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First of all - thanks for the reply! :)
Cherry G80 3000 (MX Black) - I dont like Black switches. The 60cn is just too much.
Razer Blackwidow (MX Blue) - Liked the feedback of the Blues but couldnt stand the click.
Ducky One - Cant remember the switch Type but were probably Browns. This one broke after a short time. Some Switches just died.
Logitech G610 (Browns) - Lighting died, Keycaps broke aswell.
GMMK (Kailh Box Browns) and currently in use.
The GMMK i currently use is not bad. But I dont like the Switches at all. I didnt test them and thought they would be like Cherry Browns. But they are too loud compared to the Cherry Browns and i dont feel the tactility at all - even worse than cherry.
So thats why I'm thinking of building my first Custom Board. Soldering should be no Problem for me. But like I said.. there are so many choices and I dont know why I would pick one Board over the other.
I would love to get some recommendations :)
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Sounds like you like smooth, tactile switches. In that case, I would recommend Durock T1. A good alternative to the expensive Zealios, these will be smoother than Cherry MX Brown, while still being more tactile.
I suggest you look on KBDfans for some DIY kits. Here is their website. I think they offer fullsize as well as TKL. Fullsize will probably be the 1800 layout, though.
https://kbdfans.com/
Here are the T1 switches. I recommend you get the 65g weighting.
https://www.primekb.com/products/tactile-switches?variant=20237356171360
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Sounds like you like smooth, tactile switches. In that case, I would recommend Durock T1. A good alternative to the expensive Zealios, these will be smoother than Cherry MX Brown, while still being more tactile.
I suggest you look on KBDfans for some DIY kits. Here is their website. I think they offer fullsize as well as TKL. Fullsize will probably be the 1800 layout, though.
https://kbdfans.com/
Here are the T1 switches. I recommend you get the 65g weighting.
https://www.primekb.com/products/tactile-switches?variant=20237356171360
Thanks for the reply.
Yes Smooth and tactile would be great. That's why I am considering Zilents 62g/65g. They sound great in my opinion.
Regarding the Keyboard itself - The KBDfans Kits look interesting. But I did some research and they are more of an "entry level" Custom. Is that correct? If so what would be a step up to the KBD ones, in regards to overall Build Quality?
Oh and I decided against Fullsize because there are almost no kits out there. So TKL or similiar is fine, as well as Ansi without ö,ü,ä.