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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: BankforBoards on Wed, 20 June 2012, 02:14:35
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Hello all, I have been a long time forum lurker and understand that you guys are the most knowledgable people on the subject of keyboards. I got my first keyboard from Elite buying a black leopold otaku with Cherry MX browns.
Having done a bit of research into it myself and coming up empty handed I am left to ponder whether modding or ordering custom work done for me is the way to go. Price is not an object under 600$ I really just want this dream to come together.
The general aesthetic look of my system is using the white version of Thermaltakes Lvl 10 chassis (and mouse come q2 this year) with blue leds. However since function is as important to me as form I'm having difficulty making decisions about the correct compromises to make.
Ideally this keyboard would be cherry reds (will use clears, blacks, browns or blues in order high to low of preference, I really dislike the clicky blues) with white frame and keys/blue backlighting/blue wasd, escape, f5, f9, m, j, i, and arrow keys key caps.
Obviously with the futuristic look of the lvl 10 aesthetic I would prefer an aggressive keyboard design eschewing the frankly frumpy look of many of the premier keyboard manufacturers. That last sentence again is a preference issue and if I could hit all my other bases I'd be a happy man.
I am willing to spraypaint the case of the keyboard white but am wondering if this would rub off easily or look shoddy? What would be the best way to do that?
If there isn't a specific company or board I could be pointed toward (I really doubt this is a common request) are there any suggestions for places I should be looking from you guys? Any direction received would be much appreciated!
-A
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For those wondering:
[ATTACH=CONFIG]53386[/ATTACH]
I am guessing you would want something to match the stark white and black combo.
One of the cheaper options would be to get a good looking board with the switch you like and replace the keycaps.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]52895[/ATTACH]
That is what I did, and will do later. A Filco has the sharp lines and it's quality will accent your case nicely.
Replace them with blank or side-printed keycaps and you have a really nice combo, but without the blue leds.
I think I saw a replacement case for Filco with White-blue(translucent)-white case. I'll see if I can dig it up.
EDIT: I found something similar (http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?28673-A-bunch-of-new-stuff-Milestone-TKL-wristrest-amp-the-upcoming-KMAC) (scroll down a bit)
That is a custom board though.
And then there is the KBT Race limited edition white (http://forums.vr-zone.com/singapore-marketplace-garage-sales/2222054-kbt-race-limited-edition-white-race-limited-edition-pink.html) with backlighting.
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Litsters acrylic cases would match quite nicely:
http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?25973-Acrylic-Tenkeyless-Keyboard-Cases
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If you want something off the shelf, I think the Race in white would be a good choice. If you want something with a more standard physical layout I hear there is going to be white version of Ducky shine soon. Both should be available with switch choice and a few color of led for backlight. If you don't mind some light soldering going with white backlight and replace those few keys you mentioned led with blue would get you a nice result.
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Litsters acrylic cases would match quite nicely:
http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?25973-Acrylic-Tenkeyless-Keyboard-Cases
Those were the ones I was looking for, Thanks.
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I plan to spray paint my board soon and can show you the results if you are interested.
My procedure is to sand off the soft-touch coating on my CM Rapid, lay down primer, put a few coats of color, then add a clearcoat layer.
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Thank you all this has been enormously informative and helpful. All these options are really cool and I've been very impressed by Jacco, lysol, zifle and Grant's advice in this matter.
Lister's acryllic in the blue and white is bold and beautiful and I am leaning towards that just based on the elegance of his work. But the fantasy of blue led backlight remains nestled in my brain. Maybe all that black widow advertising finally got to me :p... As to that, I did not see in the thread with the Race a picture that showed the whites looking not yellow and I am wondering how white they really are.
Lastly, the first and foremost thing that I am buying right now is a Yamakasi Catleap 2b (for 120mhz oc) which is about to go extinct, this will run me between 400 and 500 dollars, significantly sapping my cash reserves. But working up the 165 for Lister's isn't insane it just might be a few more weeks. I shouldn't be worried about supply on that should I?
Thanks again, that design was EXACTLY what I had in mind.
-A
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Supply? There is no supply as far as I am aware. Litster made a limited run and has stated he won't be making more. You'd need to get it off someone who has it and somehow doesn't want it.
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Welcome to the wonderfull world of mechanical keyboards: where everything nice is either expensive, limited edition or unavailable. :P
race (http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?30643-Group-Buy-KBC-Poker-and-KBT-Race-Limited-Edition-Deadline-6-30&p=610396&viewfull=1#post610396) + with leds (http://www.overclock.net/t/1180204/i-want-a-tenkeyless-keyboard/10#post_15876812)
White keyboards tend to be very difficult to photograph, especially with leds.