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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: THX1138b on Sat, 30 September 2017, 15:09:30
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I would like a keyboard with a similar arrangement of keys to the MCK-142 Pro. In particular, a second row of function keys and some keys to the left of where keys typically stop. I really don't give a hoot what type of switches are under the keys (they can be that dome thing ya'll hate for all I care), although I do prefer full-height keys and I would like to be able to replace keycaps so a standard keycap connection is necessary. I set up some automated searches on eBay for the MCK-142 Pro but I was wondering whether there aren't any more recently-produced equivalents?
(http://cdn.overclock.net/e/e7/e7f92612_Ortekboard.jpeg)
The AmtelCo KB-163 is also cool and unobtainable:
(http://dsss.be/w/_media/kb163cut.jpg)
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This sort of layout was fairly common for "battlecruiser" keyboards back in the day, many of which share similar features such as a star nav and programmable keys.
To my knowledge, no-one makes keyboards with a double F bank anymore, but extra keys to the left, such as on the Logitech G11, aren't that uncommon.
The Ortek battlecruiser is a ton of fun, by the way. They're somewhat rare, and don't generally go very cheap (about $100), but they're cool and well-made boards. FORTY-****ING EIGHT F keys FTW!
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Thanks for your response. There is this backlit SteelSeries Apex (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SteelSeries-APEX-Gaming-Keyboard-w-16-8-Million-Color-Illumination-64145/121806334868?_trksid=p2485497.m4902.l9144) which has a second row of function keys it calls M1-M12 but I don't like that they are half the size of the other keys. I don't think it's mechanical but that's not what bothers me.
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GH122. This is mine, 100% MX Green, Nuclear Data Green caps, green lock LEDs. I think there is a buy for Rev2 now.
(https://s2.postimg.org/kybjh1lyx/20170806_101039.jpg)
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In terms of off-the-shelf boards, not a lot of options. I ride a GH-122 myself (Gateron Green, Maxkey Dolch caps) but Rev. 2 seems to be in a holding pattern.
The Cherry G80-8133 puts most of its programmable function keys in a second row above the main ones, but it has a very nonstandard editing block, and no extra left-side keys. There are also some other boards designed for point-of-sale use with similar layouts, sometimes mechanical, sometimes rubber dome.
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There is this backlit SteelSeries Apex (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SteelSeries-APEX-Gaming-Keyboard-w-16-8-Million-Color-Illumination-64145/121806334868?_trksid=p2485497.m4902.l9144) which has a second row of function keys it calls M1-M12 but I don't like that they are half the size of the other keys. I don't think it's mechanical but that's not what bothers me.
There is a mechanical Apex M800, but it has only a single column of macro keys on the left and the keys have a unique key mount. The switches are Kailh's counterpart to the Omron Romer-G switches, except linear I think.
You can get new buckling spring 122-key keyboards from Unicomp (http://www.pckeyboard.com/page/product/UB40B5A). I think the shells are in thin ABS, not built like they used to.