geekhack
geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Carthik on Sat, 06 February 2016, 23:06:10
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Switch type doesn't matter as I'm still on the fence. Would like to know what all my options are.
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The Noppoo Choc Mini seems to be a fairly popular 75% board.
I can't speak for the quality of the switches or keycaps, but its worth looking into.
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kbt race (2) is an option
never owned one myself, no idea if it's any good in terms of quality
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Thanks guys, keep em coming.
Considering there are multiple Noppoo Choc Minis on ebay for parts/not working, I'm not going to bother with it. Looking into the KBT RACE II.
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Here's my experience with the Race 1.
The Fkeys are very close to the the number row, something most are not used to, and while it sounds like a minor problem, the FN key happens to be just above the Backspace and it's very easy to clip the FN key when using backspace. This triggers a modifer, opening the calculator and steals focus. If you tend to use backspace a lot, it can really be a problem. I like my Race, but after weeks of trying to adapt, I finally had to put a shorter key cap on the FN key to stop it from happening. Also, beware, the keycaps may very well be garbage, they were on the original Race (painted over clear), I know they have made advances there, but I don't know if they are included. My legends lasted through one week of hard use (they sent me non-backlit replacements). The originals were also known to have LED problems, and they are not very stiff due to the lack of a plate (not sure if the new one has one). The cases were also painted on the original, which flaked off. Like I said, I liked the keyboad, but considering how much I paid, it wasn't worth it. Oh, and don't base your ideas of reliability on availability of parts, you don't see Race parts for sale because not many have been sold as they were/are hard to find and can cost quite a lot.
You also may want to take a look at the 68key Magicforce keyboards. So far, I'm liking it more than my 75% and my TKL. I posted a review in the Review section. It's cheaper than 75% boards and better made than any I've seen. I could have bought 4 Magicforce for what I paid for my Race.
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Look at the Mk84 on mechanical keyboards.com
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FYI the VE.A is a 75% (for the most part). Price and availability will be the hard part about this board.
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FYI the VE.A is a 75% (for the most part). Price and availability will be the hard part about this board.
Don't forget non standard keycaps for that bottom row!
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Came across the Keycool 84. Does anyone still stock this board with MX switches or have they been discontinued for the Kailh switches?
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Came across the Keycool 84. Does anyone still stock this board with MX switches or have they been discontinued for the Kailh switches?
Massdrop group buys seem to have access to Cherry switches.
For example: https://www.massdrop.com/buy/keycool-hero-84
That means waiting, however, for the next drop. So far as I'm aware, they're only available in Kailh from retailers.
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Bump, still haven't found a quality 75%. Other options?
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The only other board I've seen that is readily available is the Cherry G84-4100, though it uses ML switches which I have no experience of. If you don't mind the DIY route, there is the Winkeyless B.Mini (http://winkeyless.kr/product/b-mini-x2-pcb/) [ref (https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/2zyn8w/help_looking_for_a_good_75_keyboard_with_iso/)].
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Matias Mini boards. They use Matias switches which are a lot of fun to type on imo.
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Have you seen the Winkeyless.kr B.mini?
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Anyone have experience with winkeyless? I'm really liking the design, and I wanted a matching number pad so that works well. Seems to be very similar to the very expensive GON (out of Korea too?), is winkeyless a knockoff of them?
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Winkeyless are regarded as great quality, however it is acrylic so you have to remember that. I wouldn't say it's a knock off, just an alternate brand. WKL are good boards from what I can tell, reddit loves them.
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Can you elaborate on the cons of the acrylic composition?
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I'm surprised no-one has yet mentioned the Deck 82.
http://deckkeyboards.com/product/deck-82
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Since someone mentioned the Winkeyless, I'm assuming customs aren't off the list?
In that case I would recommend the GON mx-mini and Duck Octagon
Another non custom option would be: http://www.amazon.com/DSI-Modular-Mechanical-Keyboard-Cherry/dp/B00E6EIY90