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geekhack Community => New Members => Topic started by: Rumpleteazer on Sun, 24 September 2017, 15:39:15

Title: Hello folks!
Post by: Rumpleteazer on Sun, 24 September 2017, 15:39:15

Hello! I have browsed these forums as a recourse for a while now, but I have finally decided to go ahead and make an account.

I started in the hobby a few years ago with getting a Das Keyboard with MX browns.  Loved it, eventually got some replacement key caps for it.

Eventually I started to get aggravated with the thing taking up so much room on my desk. I write at my desk often, so it was somewhat difficult. I decided to pick up a Vortex Race 3 with MX clears and I love it! Perfect size. I love having a tight design, but also still having my function keys. With that said? Are there any other compact keyboards out there that still have function keys other thank TKL? Would love some recommendations.


Excited to be a member here! I plan to start putting my own keyboards together here soon and making some key caps. So I'll probably be on here often. :)

Title: Re: Hello folks!
Post by: raxander on Mon, 25 September 2017, 20:09:11

Welcome!  There are several layouts with function keys. Here are a few:
Noopoo Choc Mini: https://www.amazon.com/Noppoo-84-Technology-Mechanical-Keyboard/dp/B0091Q34EI (https://www.amazon.com/Noppoo-84-Technology-Mechanical-Keyboard/dp/B0091Q34EI)
RedScarf II+:  https://www.massdrop.com/buy/red-scarf-ii-ver-b-custom-mechanical-keyboard-kit (https://www.massdrop.com/buy/red-scarf-ii-ver-b-custom-mechanical-keyboard-kit)
KBD75:  https://kbdfans.myshopify.com/products/kbd75-keyboard-set?variant=35638534029 (https://kbdfans.myshopify.com/products/kbd75-keyboard-set?variant=35638534029)

The KBD75 is popular with enthusiasts because you can buy it as a kit and solder your own perferred switches.  The case is pretty nice too.

If you search for "75% keyboard" you'll see a lot more.  The main issue with layouts like that, in particular the Race3 (Esc & Delete), is the non-standard keycap sizes makes it difficult to swap keycaps.

Title: Re: Hello folks!
Post by: Zobeid Zuma on Thu, 28 September 2017, 22:30:15

Quote from: Rumpleteazer on Sun, 24 September 2017, 15:39:15

I love having a tight design, but also still having my function keys. With that said? Are there any other compact keyboards out there that still have function keys other thank TKL? Would love some recommendations.

I have a Matias Mini Tactile Pro and am pretty happy with it.  They also produce a Bluetooth version.

However…  I personally find little use for the function keys.  60% here I come!