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geekhack Projects => Making Stuff Together! => Topic started by: DonnyD on Fri, 16 February 2018, 10:40:34

Title: First mechanical keyboard pick/DIy !!??
Post by: DonnyD on Fri, 16 February 2018, 10:40:34

So I never used mechanical keyboard/switches, probably never even saw one IRL !! Only used chicklet ( laptop) and cheap rubber domes in schools.
My idea is not just buy from the store shelf, but to opt for higher quality. I like 60-75% keyboard size, minimal look (DSA profile is a plus from me !!). I quite like vortex line up (Core, Vibe, Race 3).
My decision ended up building it myself, as hobby and new area to discover. What is your advice on first MK ? What is the safest bet in terms of switches, considering that I always used chicklet/laptop keyboard ? Would it be linear or tactile ?
I like side profile DSA keycaps and they are closest to laptop keyboards, so I think my choice is decent.
Maybe share your first MK story, or even you also switched from laptops !!

Title: Re: First mechanical keyboard pick/DIy !!??
Post by: suicidal_orange on Fri, 16 February 2018, 11:56:09

Any advice will be personal opinion, the only way to know for sure what switches you like is to get your fingers on a board full of them (switch testers can give you an idea but it's not perfect as it's one finger at a time) so try and find a shop to try some - any experience will help.

There are basically four variables in switches - tactility, noise, travel length before and after actuation.  Which of these do you like in the chicklet board, and which makes you want a mech?

Personally my first mech had MX reds (light linears) and I hated them, too light so I kept bottoming out and hitting the key next door as well as the one I wanted.  Swapped all the alpha keys to clears which made it usable...