Looking for a 65

[Absoluteolly]

Are there any 65s on the market currently like the dz65rgb? Ive been trying to get one for almost a year now, however every time i have the budget or the time to check its sold out. I tried mechmarket for a dz65 and was just laughed at. generally speaking i’d like a board with hotswap and rgb backlighting with a full compact 68 key ansi layout. Every pcb ive looked at is either lacking the rgb backlighting or seems to be consistently sold out, unless its winkey less or something. Im pretty much sold on having the 6 key layout on the bottom right.

I dont mind a pcb i can try soldering mil max sockets to, but id like the rgb backlighting, this obly seems to be a customisable option If its through switch (unless ive understood incorrectly)? Which would defeat the purpose of hotswap.

I‘ve also struggled to find where i would buy mil max sockets or rgb leds for that matter.

[♾Ḋḯṩⱥṩẗḝṟ]

Hey Absoluteolly,

recently I bought a Ducky x Miya Pro and soldered in a few Cream switches. I noticed that the Varmilo VA68 PCB which is inside does have rgb led headers even if my board only came with white leds soldered.
I think you could use 4 pin rgb leds like these https://kprepublic.com/products/4pin-rgb-leds-diffused-rgb-led-for-mechanical-keyboard-such-as-keycool-87-104-108-71-rgb-light.
I was thinking about putting in rgb leds but I'm not that big of a rgb guy so I added no leds at all.
Hope that helps

[Absoluteolly]

Im fairly certain those leds are through switch which as i said sort of defeats the purpose of hot swap. The ducky miya also isnt a full compact board

[Leslieann]

Are there any 65s on the market currently like the dz65rgb?

We're in a moment of transition so manufacturers are dropping old stock and bringing in new designs, as those new designs come out they're being bought up as fast as they're released. Mainstream stuff always lags.

I think Drop is about to release another buy on the Alt soon (not sure how their timers work so I could be wrong), otherwise, it could be a fight for some time. I expect the DZ65v2 hotswap to return soon as I don't think people bought it out in a matter of a couple hours (I was watching, I don't think it was ever an option). Might want to email KBDfans and just ask. I think they have a rep on Reddit as well you may be able to message.

If you are willing to desolder, which is not a bad thing to learn anyhow, look for the Durgod Hayes. It's a really good value, and not very expensive so if you mess up at least you won't be out hundreds of dollars. Chances are even if you mess up it can be fixed, keyboards are pretty simple devices and as long as you haven't damaged the controller they can usually be salvaged.

Edit, forgot about the Keychron K6 going general release. Apparently it's available on their site as a preorder for shipping any day now but if you wait it will be on Amazon soon I would imagine.

[Absoluteolly]

ive looked into the keychron quite a bit, the placement of the usb port seems a bit annoying, especially considering i dont really use bluetooth. i guess im just doomed to wait. I know the keenwerk mega is coming out with unannounced release date. So i guess ill have to wait for that or for the dz65 to come back in stock, the waitlist on kbdfans has gone up to 2k now so im sure itll get the point where its instantly sold ojut out this time around.

[pdc]

Here's a possibility: I am typing this on a Quefrency

• Option for split backspace and some other layout variations
• Split spacebar
• Split
• No LEDs
• No case (but there is a recipe for 3d printing one…)

There is a new revision coming out soon (eta June) with RGB and it looks like there might be an acrylic case in the pipeline