geekhack

geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: bendon on Thu, 26 March 2015, 19:05:48

Title: Can Anybody Recommend a Good 60% Keyboard (that can be acquired pretty quickly)?
Post by: bendon on Thu, 26 March 2015, 19:05:48
I got a blue/red LED v60 arriving tomorrow to use at work while I'm waiting on a Poker II (taking forever I might add).  I'm trying to find one with white casing/keycaps and cherry switches (blue).  Everything I've come across is either out of stock, hasn't been released, or would take a looooonnng time to be delivered.  Any pre-made or diy kits out there?
Title: Re: Can Anybody Recommend a Good 60% Keyboard (that can be acquired pretty quickly)?
Post by: KHAANNN on Fri, 27 March 2015, 05:56:45
I got a blue/red LED v60 arriving tomorrow to use at work while I'm waiting on a Poker II (taking forever I might add).  I'm trying to find one with white casing/keycaps and cherry switches (blue).  Everything I've come across is either out of stock, hasn't been released, or would take a looooonnng time to be delivered.  Any pre-made or diy kits out there?

I bought 2x V60's recently, but the import process takes long, so I haven't tested them yet

I think it would make sense to buy another V60 if you find out that you like it, it's definitely better than a Poker2 in terms of stock behaviour, imo, yet you might also wait for a poker3, they say it's arriving in a month

I think DIY/fully-programmable 60%'s is the way to go, so I got all my final hopes on the infinity keyboard, yet it has the unknown delivery issue you mentioned

Check this out too: http://zealpc.net/products/gb (seems out of stock for the most part)

It's a shame there are no decent DIY 60% kits that you can just buy and DIY :(
Title: Re: Can Anybody Recommend a Good 60% Keyboard (that can be acquired pretty quickly)?
Post by: spiceBar on Fri, 27 March 2015, 09:13:28
I got a blue/red LED v60 arriving tomorrow to use at work while I'm waiting on a Poker II (taking forever I might add).  I'm trying to find one with white casing/keycaps and cherry switches (blue).  Everything I've come across is either out of stock, hasn't been released, or would take a looooonnng time to be delivered.  Any pre-made or diy kits out there?

I think mechanicalkeyboard.com have a few 60% in stock, and as you are in the US delivery should be fast.

I ordered a FC660M from them last week and it was sent the next day. I'm still waiting for it because USPS takes ages to deliver where I live, but that's another story...
Title: Re: Can Anybody Recommend a Good 60% Keyboard (that can be acquired pretty quickly)?
Post by: bendon on Fri, 27 March 2015, 09:45:27

I think mechanicalkeyboard.com have a few 60% in stock, and as you are in the US delivery should be fast.

I ordered a FC660M from them last week and it was sent the next day. I'm still waiting for it because USPS takes ages to deliver where I live, but that's another story...

Yeah that's who I'm getting the v60 from.  I've dealt with them a lot over the past month copping ergodox casing and carrier bag as well as some blue cherry mx switches.  There in Tennessee so it usually takes less than a week to for a shipment to arrive here in Mississippi :thumb:.  My main problem here is I don't know particular 60% models/names to look for.  Poker IIs and v60s are names commonly tossed around on forums for example so I looked into those first.  You just put me up on the FC660M for example so I'll check out the specs on that model.
Title: Re: Can Anybody Recommend a Good 60% Keyboard (that can be acquired pretty quickly)?
Post by: FrostyToast on Fri, 27 March 2015, 09:50:11

I think mechanicalkeyboard.com have a few 60% in stock, and as you are in the US delivery should be fast.

I ordered a FC660M from them last week and it was sent the next day. I'm still waiting for it because USPS takes ages to deliver where I live, but that's another story...

Yeah that's who I'm getting the v60 from.  I've dealt with them a lot over the past month copping ergodox casing and carrier bag as well as some blue cherry mx switches.  There in Tennessee so it usually takes less than a week to for a shipment to arrive here in Mississippi :thumb:.  My main problem here is I don't know particular 60% models to look for.  Poker IIs and v60s are names commonly tossed around on forums.

Well there are also a ton of custom boards that you can buy.
Those two boards that you mentioned are probably the best that you can ask for stock.
However, if you are willing to pay a little more and wait a little, custom keyboards which can be programmed are better. It however all depends whether you want programming or not.
Title: Re: Can Anybody Recommend a Good 60% Keyboard (that can be acquired pretty quickly)?
Post by: bendon on Fri, 27 March 2015, 09:57:29
Well there are also a ton of custom boards that you can buy.
Those two boards that you mentioned are probably the best that you can ask for stock.
However, if you are willing to pay a little more and wait a little, custom keyboards which can be programmed are better. It however all depends whether you want programming or not.
Can you name a few of these DIY/custom 60% boards?  Besides the ones KHAANNN linked to above and the Atomic Keyboard(along with planck board) I've seen, I don't know of a lot of 'em.  Wait time is also a major factor...matter fact probably the one thing keeping me from being fully immersed into the mechanical keyboard world.  Having to wait 3+ weeks-3+ months for anything worth copping is really nags me.  I don't know how you guys do it...
Title: Re: Can Anybody Recommend a Good 60% Keyboard (that can be acquired pretty quickly)?
Post by: inanis on Fri, 27 March 2015, 09:59:54
The Ducky Shine Mini is a pretty popular 60%, though that bezel is kind of weird if you ask me. For customs you could build yourself there is the Infinity, and something like a GON. But neither of those are quick options. I can't link at the moment due to my location (sorry about that).
Title: Re: Can Anybody Recommend a Good 60% Keyboard (that can be acquired pretty quickly)?
Post by: heedpantsnow on Fri, 27 March 2015, 10:05:48
Im about to sell one of my Poker X's. Brown switches, stock unused caps and stock case. PM me if you're interested. I'm located in Florida if speed is of concern.
Title: Re: Can Anybody Recommend a Good 60% Keyboard (that can be acquired pretty quickly)?
Post by: ideus on Fri, 27 March 2015, 10:06:34
The GON's Nerd60 is great.
Title: Re: Can Anybody Recommend a Good 60% Keyboard (that can be acquired pretty quickly)?
Post by: spiceBar on Fri, 27 March 2015, 10:08:00

I think mechanicalkeyboard.com have a few 60% in stock, and as you are in the US delivery should be fast.

I ordered a FC660M from them last week and it was sent the next day. I'm still waiting for it because USPS takes ages to deliver where I live, but that's another story...

Yeah that's who I'm getting the v60 from.  I've dealt with them a lot over the past month copping ergodox casing and carrier bag as well as some blue cherry mx switches.  There in Tennessee so it usually takes less than a week to for a shipment to arrive here in Mississippi :thumb:.  My main problem here is I don't know particular 60% models/names to look for.  Poker IIs and v60s are names commonly tossed around on forums for example so I looked into those first.  You just put me up on the FC660M for example so I'll check out the specs on that model.

When you enter their website, just search for "Keyboard size: other". Most 60% are listed there.

Unfortunately I have purchased the last Leopold FC660M from them! :)

I would also recommend the Keyboard Company as a reliable seller:
   www.keyboardco.com

They are in England and have fast delivery time as well. They send the product on the same day they receive your order. I'm geographically in middle america and I receive my order in 4 to 5 days of my purchase. I expect the delivery time to the USA to be the same, or better.

On their site, the only real 60% is the Minila, but it has a strange layout. The closest to 60%, and with arrows, is Bluetooth and has a great rechargeable battery, it's the Matias Laptop Pro:
  http://www.keyboardco.com/keyboard/matias-mini-quiet-bluetooth-laptop-pro-keyboard-for-mac-usa.asp

I have one, and it's a very good keyboard.
Title: Re: Can Anybody Recommend a Good 60% Keyboard (that can be acquired pretty quickly)?
Post by: FrostyToast on Fri, 27 March 2015, 10:22:34
Well there are also a ton of custom boards that you can buy.
Those two boards that you mentioned are probably the best that you can ask for stock.
However, if you are willing to pay a little more and wait a little, custom keyboards which can be programmed are better. It however all depends whether you want programming or not.
Can you name a few of these DIY/custom 60% boards?  Besides the ones KHAANNN linked to above and the Atomic Keyboard(along with planck board) I've seen, I don't know of a lot of 'em.  Wait time is also a major factor...matter fact probably the one thing keeping me from being fully immersed into the mechanical keyboard world.  Having to wait 3+ weeks-3+ months for anything worth copping is really nags me.  I don't know how you guys do it...

Nerd60 from GON is probably the most popular.
There is also stuff from winkeyless.kr (http://winkeyless.kr)
Sprit has a face u replica keyboard and was missing for a while however he is back. I believe Zeal might also have spares of sprit's 60% PCB since he did a group buy for them.
Title: Re: Can Anybody Recommend a Good 60% Keyboard (that can be acquired pretty quickly)?
Post by: bendon on Fri, 27 March 2015, 10:32:09
Im about to sell one of my Poker X's. Brown switches, stock unused caps and stock case. PM me if you're interested. I'm located in Florida if speed is of concern.
Only looking for blue switches right now....


When you enter their website, just search for "Keyboard size: other". Most 60% are listed there.

Unfortunately I have purchased the last Leopold FC660M from them! :)

I would also recommend the Keyboard Company as a reliable seller:
   www.keyboardco.com

They are in England and have fast delivery time as well. They send the product on the same day they receive your order. I'm geographically in middle america and I receive my order in 4 to 5 days of my purchase. I expect the delivery time to the USA to be the same, or better.

On their site, the only real 60% is the Minila, but it has a strange layout. The closest to 60%, and with arrows, is Bluetooth and has a great rechargeable battery, it's the Matias Laptop Pro:
  http://www.keyboardco.com/keyboard/matias-mini-quiet-bluetooth-laptop-pro-keyboard-for-mac-usa.asp

I have one, and it's a very good keyboard.
Lol, yeah I saw that they're not getting any more until May....
Title: Re: Can Anybody Recommend a Good 60% Keyboard (that can be acquired pretty quickly)?
Post by: bendon on Fri, 27 March 2015, 10:36:23
The GON's Nerd60 is great.

Nerd60 from GON is probably the most popular.
There is also stuff from winkeyless.kr (http://winkeyless.kr)
Sprit has a face u replica keyboard and was missing for a while however he is back. I believe Zeal might also have spares of sprit's 60% PCB since he did a group buy for them.
I'll check it out the Nerd60...I wonder what the price difference for sourcing parts and assembling myself vs GON doing it...
Title: Re: Can Anybody Recommend a Good 60% Keyboard (that can be acquired pretty quickly)?
Post by: bahamot on Fri, 27 March 2015, 10:57:28
Maybe Ducky mini can be your temporary keyboard while waiting?
Title: Re: Can Anybody Recommend a Good 60% Keyboard (that can be acquired pretty quickly)?
Post by: FrostyToast on Fri, 27 March 2015, 11:03:35
The GON's Nerd60 is great.

Nerd60 from GON is probably the most popular.
There is also stuff from winkeyless.kr (http://winkeyless.kr)
Sprit has a face u replica keyboard and was missing for a while however he is back. I believe Zeal might also have spares of sprit's 60% PCB since he did a group buy for them.
I'll check it out the Nerd60...I wonder what the price difference for sourcing parts and assembling myself vs GON doing it...

I believe GON also sells all of the required parts on his site already.
Title: Re: Can Anybody Recommend a Good 60% Keyboard (that can be acquired pretty quickly)?
Post by: heedpantsnow on Fri, 27 March 2015, 11:04:29

The GON's Nerd60 is great.

Nerd60 from GON is probably the most popular.
There is also stuff from winkeyless.kr (http://winkeyless.kr)
Sprit has a face u replica keyboard and was missing for a while however he is back. I believe Zeal might also have spares of sprit's 60% PCB since he did a group buy for them.
I'll check it out the Nerd60...I wonder what the price difference for sourcing parts and assembling myself vs GON doing it...

GON does a fantastic job assembling. And price is not too bad either. The problem is that he is swamped with work and has a substantial waiting list.

So many folks now (myself included) are just getting his PCB and doing the work yourself. Or, there are others on here who can do it.
Title: Re: Can Anybody Recommend a Good 60% Keyboard (that can be acquired pretty quickly)?
Post by: ideus on Fri, 27 March 2015, 12:50:14

The GON's Nerd60 is great.

Nerd60 from GON is probably the most popular.
There is also stuff from winkeyless.kr (http://winkeyless.kr)
Sprit has a face u replica keyboard and was missing for a while however he is back. I believe Zeal might also have spares of sprit's 60% PCB since he did a group buy for them.
I'll check it out the Nerd60...I wonder what the price difference for sourcing parts and assembling myself vs GON doing it...

GON does a fantastic job assembling. And price is not too bad either. The problem is that he is swamped with work and has a substantial waiting list.

So many folks now (myself included) are just getting his PCB and doing the work yourself. Or, there are others on here who can do it.


I bought a Nerd60 recently, the order fulfilment was great; now, I have to start doing the SMD soldering. I will have a lot of fun doing it; while, refreshing my soldering skills.
Title: Re: Can Anybody Recommend a Good 60% Keyboard (that can be acquired pretty quickly)?
Post by: bendon on Fri, 27 March 2015, 12:58:13
GON does a fantastic job assembling. And price is not too bad either. The problem is that he is swamped with work and has a substantial waiting list.

So many folks now (myself included) are just getting his PCB and doing the work yourself. Or, there are others on here who can do it.
And so ANOTHER waiting list for something cool...it gets me every time even though I completely understand. I guess the one thing I'm getting from this post (besides the few models like I asked for to look into) is that I WILL have to assimilate like everyone else....basically leave huge chunks of cash to the side and stock up on a ****load of patience. :rolleyes:  Funny...I would have thought that my ergodox would have been harder to acquire than some of these 60% boards...weird.
Title: Re: Can Anybody Recommend a Good 60% Keyboard (that can be acquired pretty quickly)?
Post by: bendon on Fri, 27 March 2015, 13:00:13
I bought a Nerd60 recently, the order fulfilment was great; now, I have to start doing the SMD soldering. I will have a lot of fun doing it; while, refreshing my soldering skills.
How long between order placement and getting your parts? 
Title: Re: Can Anybody Recommend a Good 60% Keyboard (that can be acquired pretty quickly)?
Post by: ideus on Fri, 27 March 2015, 13:05:04
GON does a fantastic job assembling. And price is not too bad either. The problem is that he is swamped with work and has a substantial waiting list.

So many folks now (myself included) are just getting his PCB and doing the work yourself. Or, there are others on here who can do it.
And so ANOTHER waiting list for something cool...it gets me every time even though I completely understand. I guess the one thing I'm getting from this post (besides the few models like I asked for to look into) is that I WILL have to assimilate like everyone else....basically leave huge chunks of cash to the side and stock up on a ****load of patience. ::)  Funny...I would have thought that my ergodox would have been harder to acquire than some of these 60% boards...weird.


If you cannot use a stock 60%, the only way is to try some hands-on work by yourself. You may give a try to a FaceU (http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=2013.1.20141002.4.9JMso7&scm=1007.10009.3949.i44011569199&id=42520156045&pvid=1655bb42-f967-4ec8-ab53-ddc9d177a2ba), or get any of the Qtan's keyboards (http://www.vendio.com/stores/E-sports-Gaming-equipments/category/cateogry1-name/catId=3982936).
Title: Re: Can Anybody Recommend a Good 60% Keyboard (that can be acquired pretty quickly)?
Post by: FoC_Tow on Fri, 27 March 2015, 18:27:19
I bought a Nerd60 recently, the order fulfilment was great; now, I have to start doing the SMD soldering. I will have a lot of fun doing it; while, refreshing my soldering skills.

On a side note, how long did it take until you received it ideus? Did you order around the infinity group buy time?
I'm about to pull the trigger on some GON parts as well so just wondering... xD
Title: Re: Can Anybody Recommend a Good 60% Keyboard (that can be acquired pretty quickly)?
Post by: ideus on Fri, 27 March 2015, 18:37:29
I bought a Nerd60 recently, the order fulfilment was great; now, I have to start doing the SMD soldering. I will have a lot of fun doing it; while, refreshing my soldering skills.

On a side note, how long did it take until you received it ideus? Did you order around the infinity group buy time?
I'm about to pull the trigger on some GON parts as well so just wondering... xD


The order was paid the 14th, and I got it yesterday; which was, ten working days.
Title: Re: Can Anybody Recommend a Good 60% Keyboard (that can be acquired pretty quickly)?
Post by: FoC_Tow on Fri, 27 March 2015, 18:43:39
I bought a Nerd60 recently, the order fulfilment was great; now, I have to start doing the SMD soldering. I will have a lot of fun doing it; while, refreshing my soldering skills.

On a side note, how long did it take until you received it ideus? Did you order around the infinity group buy time?
I'm about to pull the trigger on some GON parts as well so just wondering... xD


The order was paid the 14th, and I got it yesterday; which was, ten working days.

Wow, thats quick... Thx ideus!
No case tho, right? Since I guess a case might add quite a bit of lead time...

I'm not really in a rush actually, have to wait for Gaterons and other parts to arrive anyway xD
Title: Re: Can Anybody Recommend a Good 60% Keyboard (that can be acquired pretty quickly)?
Post by: ideus on Sat, 28 March 2015, 00:12:21
I bought a Nerd60 recently, the order fulfilment was great; now, I have to start doing the SMD soldering. I will have a lot of fun doing it; while, refreshing my soldering skills.

On a side note, how long did it take until you received it ideus? Did you order around the infinity group buy time?
I'm about to pull the trigger on some GON parts as well so just wondering... xD


The order was paid the 14th, and I got it yesterday; which was, ten working days.

Wow, thats quick... Thx ideus!
No case tho, right? Since I guess a case might add quite a bit of lead time...

I'm not really in a rush actually, have to wait for Gaterons and other parts to arrive anyway xD


I will install Gaterons on my Nerd60, but I will have enough work soldering resistors, and diodes, while I am wating for the switches. Again, I hope to have a lot of fun with them.