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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Auxo on Wed, 10 August 2016, 15:06:38

Title: 68 keyboards
Post by: Auxo on Wed, 10 August 2016, 15:06:38
Hey guys,

I was wondering if anybody knew about any 68-style keyboards that are an alternative to the RS68, Smart 68, and the TADA68?

Right now I am contemplating the RS68, as it offers alternative layouts (1.5/1.5/7u) but I have an RS84 which is a newer platform than the RS68 (RSIII vs RS2+). Also I heard that the RS68 had an issue with a bit of flex in the PCB when typing. Not sure what anybody else has to say about it though.

Any input?
Title: Re: 68 keyboards
Post by: SBJ on Thu, 11 August 2016, 02:06:33
Varmilo VA68M - pretty sure it's running on Massdrop right now.
Title: Re: 68 keyboards
Post by: Auxo on Thu, 11 August 2016, 02:29:36
Varmilo VA68M - pretty sure it's running on Massdrop right now.

I was looking at that kb, but it doesn't offer full customization :\
Title: Re: 68 keyboards
Post by: feralfoo on Thu, 11 August 2016, 08:48:26
I recently built one of the RS68 II+ kits available from taobao. There is some twist, and/or flex if you hold the unmounted board and ali plate length wise, but this is way more force than you would or should apply while typing. There are also 8 mounting points spread out across the board, so when mounted this thing is as solid as the aluminium case its mounted to :thumb:
Title: Re: 68 keyboards
Post by: Auxo on Thu, 11 August 2016, 15:49:51
I recently built one of the RS68 II+ kits available from taobao. There is some twist, and/or flex if you hold the unmounted board and ali plate length wise, but this is way more force than you would or should apply while typing. There are also 8 mounting points spread out across the board, so when mounted this thing is as solid as the aluminium case its mounted to :thumb:

Ahh, thank you for that info, I'm really leaning towards trying to trade/sell my RS84 towards one. :)
Title: Re: 68 keyboards
Post by: potatobot on Thu, 11 August 2016, 19:37:03
RS68 looks really good!

I was looking at Taobao and i couldnt understand the pricing.

how much would a kit cost (case + PCB + plate)?
Title: Re: 68 keyboards
Post by: Auxo on Thu, 11 August 2016, 20:27:25
RS68 looks really good!

I was looking at Taobao and i couldnt understand the pricing.

how much would a kit cost (case + PCB + plate)?

This is quoted from Feralfoo's previous post in another thread



USD $124.14 for the keyboard kit
USD $45.38 for shipping and their fee (to australia)

Unfortunately where I purchased from, see a few posts above for the link, is no longer in stock.
Title: Re: 68 keyboards
Post by: potatobot on Thu, 11 August 2016, 21:06:12
RS68 looks really good!

I was looking at Taobao and i couldnt understand the pricing.

how much would a kit cost (case + PCB + plate)?

This is quoted from Feralfoo's previous post in another thread



USD $124.14 for the keyboard kit
USD $45.38 for shipping and their fee (to australia)

Unfortunately where I purchased from, see a few posts above for the link, is no longer in stock.

Woah THANKS!  :thumb:

now i have a good idea on much i need to spend on this project

i really need keycaps that fit on it tho.(the r.shift 1.75) coz my granite kit doesnt have that key


I think they are out of stock because orders from the last MD drop is being prioritized?
Title: Re: 68 keyboards
Post by: ebacho on Thu, 11 August 2016, 23:43:32
If you're willing to "go big or go home" consider a 22mini (see: http://22kbd.com/).  You can email Kaliet/Apollos directly via the email on his site and he takes custom requests.  Last I heard he was a bit unresponsive, but I'm not really privy to Korean drama so caveat emptor.
Title: Re: 68 keyboards
Post by: SBJ on Fri, 12 August 2016, 00:07:14
If you're willing to "go big or go home" consider a 22mini (see: http://22kbd.com/).  You can email Kaliet/Apollos directly via the email on his site and he takes custom requests.  Last I heard he was a bit unresponsive, but I'm not really privy to Korean drama so caveat emptor.
Oh this could be interesting!
Any idea of switch choices?
Title: Re: 68 keyboards
Post by: ebacho on Fri, 12 August 2016, 00:11:24
If you're willing to "go big or go home" consider a 22mini (see: http://22kbd.com/).  You can email Kaliet/Apollos directly via the email on his site and he takes custom requests.  Last I heard he was a bit unresponsive, but I'm not really privy to Korean drama so caveat emptor.
Oh this could be interesting!
Any idea of switch choices?

I think he does any of the standard Cherry switches with pretty much any spring type you want, lube/stickers/etc included.  I had 2 boards by Kaliet, a 2TU with 60g MX Reds and a 22mini with 62g MX Browns.  Build quality was really good on both of them, and I didn't really have complaints.  I sold the 22mini to make room for some other stuff so I can't really answer much about the 65%'s in general anymore. 
Title: Re: 68 keyboards
Post by: Auxo on Fri, 12 August 2016, 07:57:40
I doubt I will be able to afford it anytime soon, but I shot him an email for a quote anyway regarding a 22mini
Title: Re: 68 keyboards
Post by: childofthehorn on Fri, 12 August 2016, 11:11:15
Why not just get the 67 key WhiteFox? kinda a great layout as it gives me just enough extra dedicated keys for stuff like macros and whatnot.
Title: Re: 68 keyboards
Post by: mind_funeral on Fri, 12 August 2016, 13:22:09
Why not just get the 67 key WhiteFox? kinda a great layout as it gives me just enough extra dedicated keys for stuff like macros and whatnot.

It's ugly and has gaps in the keys.

I want someone to step up and do a RS68 GB :(  I don't have the time to do it.
Title: Re: 68 keyboards
Post by: Auxo on Fri, 12 August 2016, 14:08:07
Why not just get the 67 key WhiteFox? kinda a great layout as it gives me just enough extra dedicated keys for stuff like macros and whatnot.

Although the WhiteFox was a contender, I ultimately decided against it due to the fact that I prefer to have universal layouts so that I could pursue unconventional layouts (WKL, HHKB-style backspace, etc). The WhiteFox didn't have any layouts I was 100% happy with and I would have probably found myself trading it away ANYWAY. At the time, I am currently looking for the keyboard to end my search lol. After I get this next KB and possibly find a nice high profile 60% case, I'm calling it quits on KBs (I'll stick around for a possible R2 Hyperfuse, but after that its GG for me)
Title: Re: 68 keyboards
Post by: feralfoo on Fri, 12 August 2016, 22:58:09
There is also the Smart 68. Unfortunately you missed the GH GB here https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=83442.0 (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=83442.0) by a few days, but they look to be available on Taobao here https://world.taobao.com/item/533688968734.htm?spm=a312a.7700714.0.0.Ri0iXB#detail (https://world.taobao.com/item/533688968734.htm?spm=a312a.7700714.0.0.Ri0iXB#detail). Expensive, but they look pretty sweet, have carbon fibre plates and have hot swap switches and LED's.

I will likely end up with one of these in the future, as I'm well into my journey for the ultimate form factor (65% of course :cool:) and layout. Have the TADA68 arriving in a few weeks hopefully, and with luck a Whitefox will arrive by Christmas.

Glad someone pointed out the 22mini, now on my list ;D
Title: Re: 68 keyboards
Post by: Auxo on Sat, 13 August 2016, 00:56:33
There is also the Smart 68. Unfortunately you missed the GH GB here https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=83442.0 (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=83442.0) by a few days, but they look to be available on Taobao here https://world.taobao.com/item/533688968734.htm?spm=a312a.7700714.0.0.Ri0iXB#detail (https://world.taobao.com/item/533688968734.htm?spm=a312a.7700714.0.0.Ri0iXB#detail). Expensive, but they look pretty sweet, have carbon fibre plates and have hot swap switches and LED's.

I will likely end up with one of these in the future, as I'm well into my journey for the ultimate form factor (65% of course :cool:) and layout. Have the TADA68 arriving in a few weeks hopefully, and with luck a Whitefox will arrive by Christmas.

Glad someone pointed out the 22mini, now on my list ;D

I've been following the smart 68, but at the moment it isnt something that I am considering, the 22mini is much closer to what I had in mind. thank you though!
Title: Re: 68 keyboards
Post by: potatobot on Sat, 13 August 2016, 01:15:29
Give me a heads up on the qoute for the 22mini mate.

A kit would be cheaper i guess. Haha i wanna try zeals 62-65 or gateron clear tactiles before i buy the kit tho :))


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: 68 keyboards
Post by: MandrewDavis on Sat, 13 August 2016, 13:35:02
There is also the Smart 68. Unfortunately you missed the GH GB here https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=83442.0 (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=83442.0) by a few days, but they look to be available on Taobao here https://world.taobao.com/item/533688968734.htm?spm=a312a.7700714.0.0.Ri0iXB#detail (https://world.taobao.com/item/533688968734.htm?spm=a312a.7700714.0.0.Ri0iXB#detail). Expensive, but they look pretty sweet, have carbon fibre plates and have hot swap switches and LED's.

I will likely end up with one of these in the future, as I'm well into my journey for the ultimate form factor (65% of course :cool:) and layout. Have the TADA68 arriving in a few weeks hopefully, and with luck a Whitefox will arrive by Christmas.

Glad someone pointed out the 22mini, now on my list ;D
Be careful with those type of Taobao listings, a good amount of the time they are just Chinese GB proxies.
Title: Re: 68 keyboards
Post by: kingnestea on Sun, 14 August 2016, 15:45:10
I'm sure I'll go for a smart 68 if I need a 68