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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: rickwest on Wed, 16 January 2019, 12:33:58

Title: Reasonably priced TKL
Post by: rickwest on Wed, 16 January 2019, 12:33:58
Hey guys, just looking for suggestions on a reasonably priced TKL board? For work/coding so not bothered about anything fancy or highly customizable, just a nice solid board. Any suggestions?
Title: Re: Reasonably priced TKL
Post by: Puddsy on Wed, 16 January 2019, 12:43:58
Leopold/Varmilo
Title: Re: Reasonably priced TKL
Post by: Altis on Wed, 16 January 2019, 15:44:51
Mechanical Keyboards has the Ducky One TKL for $85 with Cherry MX switches.

The KUL ES-87 is a great inexpensive board too but doesn't seem to be available these days.
Title: Re: Reasonably priced TKL
Post by: barrel on Thu, 17 January 2019, 08:00:38
Quote from: Altis on Wed, 16 January 2019, 15:44:51
Mechanical Keyboards has the Ducky One TKL for $85 with Cherry MX switches.

The KUL ES-87 is a great inexpensive board too but doesn't seem to be available these days.

Basically my best recommendation for reasonably priced, or a KBParadise V80 With whatever switches you happen to want.
Title: Re: Reasonably priced TKL
Post by: snurrebassen on Thu, 17 January 2019, 08:06:02
If you want a high quality build I also recommend Leopold/Varmilo. Got a Leopold 750R for around $120, and I'm very satisfied with the quality.
If you want something cheaper, you could try the XD87, but it's a kit. Perfect if you like to solder :)

https://kprepublic.com/products/xd87-xd87-xd80-custom-mechanical-keyboard-kit80-supports-tkg-tools-support-underglow-rgb-pcb-programmed-gh80-kle (https://kprepublic.com/products/xd87-xd87-xd80-custom-mechanical-keyboard-kit80-supports-tkg-tools-support-underglow-rgb-pcb-programmed-gh80-kle)
Title: Re: Reasonably priced TKL
Post by: tradercreep on Thu, 17 January 2019, 08:12:53
I used filco for coding at my workplace. Go for silent red switch if you need to be quiet.
Or leopold/varmillo as other recommend
Title: Re: Reasonably priced TKL
Post by: clacktalk on Sat, 19 January 2019, 16:29:37
what's the going rate for a reasonable custom tkl

i want a custom tkl
Title: Re: Reasonably priced TKL
Post by: Sup on Sat, 19 January 2019, 18:15:10
Quote from: clacktalk on Sat, 19 January 2019, 16:29:37
what's the going rate for a reasonable custom tkl

i want a custom tkl

All depends from what maker. I have seen custom tkl's going from 350 dollar to - 5k after market.
Title: Re: Reasonably priced TKL
Post by: ander on Mon, 21 January 2019, 21:58:57
Quote from: Altis on Wed, 16 January 2019, 15:44:51
Mechanical Keyboards has the Ducky One TKL for $85 with Cherry MX switches.

I agree—it's what I was going to suggest.

You didn't say what you considered "reasonable", but let's say below $100. Ducky is a major, well respected, long-term MK player. Sure, you could spend $20–30 less and get an off-brand MK, even one with the same switches—but it probably won't have a Ducky's solid build or dependability.

(You can pay more than that, too—but fashionable logos aside, the differences between Ducky and brands like Varmilo and Leopold are negligible.)

The guys at MechanicalKeyboards.com are great. They're always glad to answer any question or solve any problem (though it's unlikely you'll have problems with the keebs they carry). They also offer a good choice of switches on most of the Duckys they sell.

If you're like most of us, the main reasons you want an MK are:
In other words, a board that feels and performs the same way for a long time. So considering how long you'll use it—and spreading out the initial cost over that period (something called "amortization"), you may as well spend a bit more and get one you'll enjoy the most.
Title: Re: Reasonably priced TKL
Post by: Puddsy on Mon, 21 January 2019, 22:17:03
Quote from: clacktalk on Sat, 19 January 2019, 16:29:37
what's the going rate for a reasonable custom tkl

i want a custom tkl

kbdfans 8x is readily available, decent quality, and about $220
Title: Re: Reasonably priced TKL
Post by: Gepriester on Tue, 22 January 2019, 10:00:12
If you have a chance to get your hands on a Ducky Shine 3 TKL, take it. Second hand Shine 3s usually go for a cheap price like 40-60$ and they're really worth it. The quality is really close to the much more expensive filcos and leopolds. The lighting is something I'm not really into but might be a plus for others.
The design of the Shine 3's case is much more elegant in comparism to the newer Ducky models imo.