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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: quaffle on Sun, 24 January 2016, 21:52:25

Title: Help out a newbie to mechanical keyboards
Post by: quaffle on Sun, 24 January 2016, 21:52:25

I recently got a Keycool Hero 84 (https://www.massdrop.com/buy/keycool-hero-84?mode=guest_open) from Massdrop. However, the unit is defective and I'm sending it back for a refund.

Instead of waiting for another unit I'm going to try something else as I think the build quality was a little lacking on the Keycool.

I'm in the UK and I'm looking for a ten keyless, 60%-75% (I think that's right?) but with arrows keys. LEDs would be really nice but I could be talked out of them. Cherry MX Blues. I don't mind importing an ANSI layout instead of the UK ISO layout we have over here.

I'm thinking about the Magicforce-68 (https://www.massdrop.com/buy/magicforce-68-key-mini-mechanical-keyboard?mode=guest_open) because of the standard key size, the nicer backlight. The font is a bit crap, but never mind.


I also quite like the look of the Varmilo VA68M (https://www.massdrop.com/buy/varmilo-va68m-mechanical-keyboard?mode=guest_open). I like the arrow keys and the TKL form. Is there anywhere I can get this reliably in the UK without going through Massdrop? Surely somewhere else must sell them too.

I've also been looking at the WASD V2 88-Key ISO Custom Mechanical Keyboard (http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/products/mechanical-keyboard/wasd-v2-88-key-iso-custom-mechanical-keyboard.html). It's ISO format, TKL form factor and offers some cool options. No back light though.

I've also considered the Filco Majestouch-2 (http://www.keyboardco.com/product.asp?PRODUCT=805) which can also be easily found with the UK ISO layout and with blue LEDs.

Cooler Master Quick Fire Rapid-I. I can't find this with Cherry MX Blues though?

What should I get, guys? Really need your expert advice.

I'd also be open to any suggestions.

Title: Re: Help out a newbie to mechanical keyboards
Post by: Oxid on Sun, 24 January 2016, 22:58:06

I got a VA87M through eBay. You can try that route for Varmilo, or check this thread  (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=79009.msg2023984#msg2023984)out. It suggests a few places where you can get Varmilo boards.

Sorry I can't be of much help for the rest.

Title: Re: Help out a newbie to mechanical keyboards
Post by: rowdy on Mon, 25 January 2016, 02:04:27

If you're in the UK, The Keyboard Company is usually the first store that people recommend: http://www.keyboardco.com/

And look, they have a new web site!