geekhack
geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: baboo on Tue, 11 November 2014, 14:29:39
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I lurked a little on the forum looking for some advice on a new keyboard, but maybe a dedica thread can gibe me even better suggestions.
I'm looking for an Mx clear KB, after i tried those switch i felt in love, unfortunatly there are thing that i don't understand about kb and have to clear my mind.
My immaginary of an ideal keyboard are the same:
Standard caps layout so i can put on most keysets out there (I love to customize my things)
TKL or Full
Simple design, a black rectangle with small borders is perfect for me, no strange shape etc.
ANSI US layout
This is how i end with those conclusions:
First i wanted a KB with the italian ISO layout, but after something like 30seconds i understand that its a layout that only 2 o 3 kb have, none in clears, and there's no keyset for it.
Than I start looking for UK iso, but its also hard to find them in clears, and most keysets are not fully compatible.
So, i thought, if i have to use a different layout than the italian, why i cant just switch to the US one?
As far i know US layout are the most compatible with keysets, its easier to find a keyboard with clears, and in general there's more variety.
I will use the keyboard with blank (or ninja) key most of the time (even if I don't look at the KB much, i find legends confusing becouse i will use the US layout mapped as IT) and the uses will be coding and gaming (lol/dota).
There's a note, i'd like to spend not more than 150€ shipped for KB and a blank keyset (if they are the not the standard caps).
I saw 2 models that seems to fit what im looking, kbparadise v80 and the varmillo thats on massdrop, unfortunatly even if the initial price is quite good, after shippings and customs fees will be way higher than 150€, so i'd like to find something in europe.
Im planning to buy it after christmas holidays (another reason i can't buy the massdrop one) so i've time for look around (and maybe change my mind again!).
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KUL ES-87 sounds almost like what you want, but it'll probably be over 150EUR shipped since there's no EU distributor yet. Look into it.
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These are the two I'd recommend most, but they're both going to cost more due to shipping and customs duties.
https://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=keyed_up_labs,tenkeyless&pid=es87u_cc_bbb_al
http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/products/code-keyboard/code-87-key-mechanical-keyboard.html
In terms of keycaps with legends, I use Finnish ISO layout, UK ISO layout and US ANSI layout boards, all with stock legends for each and I find it easy to switch between them. I don't think blank caps are necessary, to be honest. I actually like US ANSI layout the most out of the 3.
If you can solder, you could try to find a good board with US ANSI layout locally, but Reds or Blues and swap out the switches. Not sure it'll end up any cheaper, though.
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Another vote for KUL or CODE.
Or a Ducky if you can find any in stock anywhere.
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I forgot to mention that my first thought was to make a full custom board (with higher budget than this) but in those days I dont have much time for DIY and i know it will end in some box unfinished (like my home made arcade stick that I'm using as decoration cuz i can't find time/im too lazy for solder it).
So i have to find something ready to use.
I forgot to mention the wasd code in OP, unfortunatly its the same thing as other keyboard, they are all from outside europe, so they have to cost <100$ if i want to spend less than 150€ after shipping and custom duties (that here are usually around 30% of goods value!) and I'm pretty sure there's no kb with those features with that price!
Anyway I'm considering the KUL a lot, maybe I'll find some deals near the holidays for it!
Elitekeyboard also sells blank keyset?
Whats the most appreciate one?
I know its not necessary for all, but i find the different legends near the return key confusing using a different layout thats why i prefear blank caps.