Looking for a new keyboard, few requirements

[jcoffin1981]

To date the Anne Pro II is my favorite KB. The only thing that drives me crazy is the steep incline which is fixed.  I am looking for a new one and have only a few criteria.

1.  Flat/Neutral or even a slight decline case.
2.  Plate mounted switches
3.  RGB or LED-  if so needs to be hot-swappable.   ​If no switch lighting then I don't care about hot swap-  I am just not going to de-solder all of those LED's.
4. Budget-  up to $250,  even $300.  If something economical for under 100 bucks meets these then fine.
5. 60-65% format

-If the keycaps are PBT great. If they are subpar they are getting replaced.
- Switches can be any- they are getting replaced/modded anyway.
- Can be DIY/barbones with no switches/keycaps

The ONLY one I have found to meet this is the Drop Alt.  I don't mind spending $200, I just can't believe this is the only option.
Almost every case has a minimum of 5% incline-  really bothering my wrists. I don't understand why this is the norm.
I have spent many hours searching and am about to say Fu*% it and get the DROP.
I've been looking at KBDfans and every case is inclined. 

[F eq ma]

Not to diss the search for a new keyboard,  but have you thought about some 3M clear rubber feet for the front to alter the incline?

[jcoffin1981]

Not to diss the search for a new keyboard,  but have you thought about some 3M clear rubber feet for the front to alter the incline?

I have.  And I am going to do this. The only issue is that it will raise the board even higher which I'm not crazy about, but it's an improvement.  But, I also just WANT a new one, lol.  I'm sure you understand.

[F eq ma]

When I think about a flat keyboard, I immediately think about the basic setup.   Something like a custom acrylic stack mount or a wooden case that has a flat profile[1].    Thought about a hand wired setup?   Get a FR4 plate built, some simple stand-offs from a base plate and you can have whatever layout you desire.


[1] https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001877858861.html?spm=a2g0o.store_pc_groupList.8148356.1.101861abClbLY2

[jcoffin1981]

I don't have much of an interest in wiring a board or in wooden cases.  A case I really like that would be perfect is the Tex 60%, but it's sold out everywhere.  This fits the bill perfectly.



HA!  Just nabbed one on eBay. Open box- What are the odds??   I didn't even mess around with make an offer, just paid full price.  My Anne Pro should fit in there, but I still want a NEW board, so I'm back to square one.

[F eq ma]

Ok, that case is really nice.   Nice find for the temporary workaround.   Happy hunting!

[tp4tissue]

Ergodox, it's exactly what you're looking for.