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geekhack Community => New Members => Topic started by: thestateofmay on Tue, 19 May 2020, 20:42:57

Title: Greetings
Post by: thestateofmay on Tue, 19 May 2020, 20:42:57

Hi everyone,

I'm looking to build my second board. The previous board I built was using stock parts from KBDFans, which was fine but I'm look for a bit more customization this time around. Namely, I'm looking for a HHKB layout that isn't aluminum. I'm willing to wait for the exact parts I need so here I am :)

Title: Re: Greetings
Post by: Maledicted on Wed, 20 May 2020, 11:15:55

Hi thestateofmay. Welcome to Geekhack.

Have you seen the HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDS GB? (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=106072.0)

They'll be made of sheet steel, in Germany, and they're relatively affordable to boot. Interesting finish options, and they've got an HHKB variant.

I wouldn't know any others, I don't really look at group buys, etc.

What switches have you tried? Which do you like?

Title: Re: Greetings
Post by: thestateofmay on Wed, 20 May 2020, 12:47:25

I've tried most of the Cherry MX switches, Gateron yellows, Topres. I like Topres the best but want to try something different, so I preordered some Holy Pandas ;D

The heavy metal GB looks good but I want something light, so none of the metal materials. The material I'm eyeing right now is FR4 but non-metal cases with a HHKB layout seems hard to come by, so I'd be happy with anything light I guess.

For my PCB I'm trying really hard to find a wireless USB C board. The very few I've found are all out-of-stock, like BIOI G60BLE. If I can't find one I'll have to make do with something like the HS60.

Title: Re: Greetings
Post by: switchnollie on Wed, 20 May 2020, 14:12:22

Welcome :)

The Topres are a good one for sure :cool:

Title: Re: Greetings
Post by: Maledicted on Wed, 20 May 2020, 14:19:22

Quote from: thestateofmay on Wed, 20 May 2020, 12:47:25

I've tried most of the Cherry MX switches, Gateron yellows, Topres. I like Topres the best but want to try something different, so I preordered some Holy Pandas ;D

The heavy metal GB looks good but I want something light, so none of the metal materials. The material I'm eyeing right now is FR4 but non-metal cases with a HHKB layout seems hard to come by, so I'd be happy with anything light I guess.

For my PCB I'm trying really hard to find a wireless USB C board. The very few I've found are all out-of-stock, like BIOI G60BLE. If I can't find one I'll have to make do with something like the HS60.

I like the weighting and smoothness of Gateron yellows vs authentic cherries and run-of-the-mill clones. Good switches. People do seem to rave about holy pandas. I haven't tried those, or Topre. Kailh box jades and navies are my favorite modern switches.

You may want to post about those requirements in the Keyboards (https://geekhack.org/index.php?board=31.0) section of the forum. It would get more exposure, and would probably be more focused. Good luck finding what you're looking for.