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geekhack Community => Keyboard Keycaps => Topic started by: kbuild on Sat, 16 January 2021, 07:13:44

Title: Help me choose new keycaps + where to buy in EU?
Post by: kbuild on Sat, 16 January 2021, 07:13:44: I decided to build a keyboard instead of buying one because I just can't find one that I truly like... So I delved deep into everything keyboard!

So far I've been using standard keycaps of Ducky Shine 3 and some new model of Shine (tried at a friend's). They're fine. But if I'm building a keyboard, I want to choose great keycaps, not fine keycaps.

What are my choices? I know that PBT is the material I should go for as opposed to ABS. I don't think there are any other materials that are any better?

I'm getting GMMK plate, so I only need keycaps and switches. That's the cheapest option and it seems to be well built. I'd prefer a bit different layout but that would raise the price by extra €150-200 because I'd need to get a casing, plate, etc separately. I'm going for their TKL option. I couldn't stand ISO format because of my typing style, so I'm going for ANSI.

I know there are different keycap profiles but I have no possibility to try them: OEM, Cherry, DSA, XDA, SA. But I really don't know which ones I should get and why - I've heard that SA is a good choice, and Cherry and OEM are the standard ones.

I'm going with clicky Kailh switches if it matters. And the GMMK plate will have LED, although I'm not 100% if I want to use it or not. I probably will because I like low lighting in my work room. Although high contrast keycaps might work too - I really love the old school keyboards. I haven't decided yet.

What are your suggestions? Any other materials? Which profile? Anything else that would help me choose keycaps?

Additionally, I've been having a hard time finding keycaps to buy within the EU (excluding UK) - customs add 50% to the price, and I'd prefer to not spend more than €50 on keycaps.
Title: Re: Help me choose new keycaps + where to buy in EU?
Post by: Faceman76 on Sat, 16 January 2021, 07:28:56: Candykeys.com is out of Frankfurt.

As for the rest, it's personal preference. I prefer OEM or Cherry profile. I only use PBT as I hate how ABS feels once it is shiny.

FYI, Amazon in the US has a decent selection, you may find the same by you.

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Help me choose new keycaps + where to buy in EU?
Post by: rinkaan on Tue, 19 January 2021, 05:03:59: If you don't want to spend too much starting off and like the old school look, maybe u would like the retrovibe of durgod fusion in the Nintendo - esque red black cream colorway

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Title: Re: Help me choose new keycaps + where to buy in EU?
Post by: rinkaan on Tue, 19 January 2021, 05:09:55: Maybe drop ALT if u want hotswap and a 65% layout.
Alternatively you can always buy kbdfans. They have various models that are more budget friendly.
Other Chinese vendors that carry xd65 are also options you can consider.

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Title: Re: Help me choose new keycaps + where to buy in EU?
Post by: JohnWoodward on Fri, 29 January 2021, 04:03:22: Quote from: kbuild on Sat, 16 January 2021, 07:13:44
Additionally, I've been having a hard time finding keycaps to buy within the EU (excluding UK) - customs add 50% to the price, and I'd prefer to not spend more than €50 on keycaps.
https://www.achieveessays.com/essay-writer.html (https://www.achieveessays.com/essay-writer.html)

Order online, not a big deal. You can find cheap.
Title: Re: Help me choose new keycaps + where to buy in EU?
Post by: Unregistered on Fri, 29 January 2021, 10:27:23: Candykeys has the EPBT Spectrum set ready to order. Base is 109€.
Title: Re: Help me choose new keycaps + where to buy in EU?
Post by: Rx003 on Fri, 19 February 2021, 02:02:31: Candykeys.com or best bet would be after market in reddit. In any cases good luck with this I hope you can get one! :thumb: :thumb: