Recommend a replacement for RK61

[silk186]

I have tried a number of Chinese mechanical keyboards including a KeyCool hero 87, AJAZZ AK33S and Royal Kludge RK61. After using an RK61 for a few years I have grown to love the 60% layout which was previously a necessity due to limited workspace. I have decided to upgrade to a more premium keyboard partly because of noise and partly because my Ctrl key only works when it wants to. 

I thought I had found the perfect replacement with the Ducky Mecha Mini, a 60% board with Cherry switches, full aluminium casing, PBT double-shot seamless keycaps, USB Type-C detachable cable, RGB lighting and a reasonable price point (£125). The board looks perfect … except it lacks arrow keys. I can wait for a Mecha 65% it has wasted space and unnecessary home keys. Does the perfect 60% mechanical keyboard exist for me, is one expected to come out later this year, or due I need to compromise?

[treeleaf64]

If you would like a more premium keyboard, why not build one? If you would like a prebuilt, you could get a GK64.
It is not actually a prebuilt, but it is not very hard to assemble. You only have to put in switches and keycaps (hotswap).


https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000118775277.html?src=google&src=google&albch=shopping&acnt=494-037-6276&isdl=y&slnk=&plac=&mtctp=&albbt=Google_7_shopping&aff_platform=google&aff_short_key=UneMJZVf&&albagn=888888&albcp=9317063908&albag=94962804715&trgt=296730740870&crea=en4000118775277&netw=u&device=c&gclid=Cj0KCQiAv8PyBRDMARIsAFo4wK3oEHzls5dzp2jBF12JZvFilFgZTXIt1KEo61Au2Z3d6EGwwCAjh0caAvRGEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

The aluminum version is available, and there is no need to solder. With the GK64 you can get whatever switches and keycaps you want. It is a small form factor, and it has dedicated arrow keys.

[silk186]

If you would like a more premium keyboard, why not build one? If you would like a prebuilt, you could get a GK64.
It is not actually a prebuilt, but it is not very hard to assemble. You only have to put in switches and keycaps (hotswap).


https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000118775277.html?src=google&src=google&albch=shopping&acnt=494-037-6276&isdl=y&slnk=&plac=&mtctp=&albbt=Google_7_shopping&aff_platform=google&aff_short_key=UneMJZVf&&albagn=888888&albcp=9317063908&albag=94962804715&trgt=296730740870&crea=en4000118775277&netw=u&device=c&gclid=Cj0KCQiAv8PyBRDMARIsAFo4wK3oEHzls5dzp2jBF12JZvFilFgZTXIt1KEo61Au2Z3d6EGwwCAjh0caAvRGEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

The aluminum version is available, and there is no need to solder. With the GK64 you can get whatever switches and keycaps you want. It is a small form factor, and it has dedicated arrow keys.

An overwhelming amount of possibilities.
Out of curiosity. If I wanted something like a Mecha SF with aluminium, RGB, no Bluetooth and battery needed, and double-shot caps how much would I be looking at?
I've seen some videos of solderless and it doesn't look challenging. I want something solid and quiet, with Cherry brown switches or similar.
My current board is noisy. I think the sound echos and the keys wobble. I don't mind putting something together if it works out cheaper for equal or better quality.
I'm in the UK so don't have access to all the US vendors.