Need help buying a 60% Keyboard

[esko997]

Hey GH,

I'm looking to get a new keyboard, specifically one thats good for traveling with/using in crowed places. I've been looking at the Poker II but I cant seem to find it in stock anywhere with the switch type I would like (MX Blacks). The other one I was looking at is the Tex Beetle, but I've never heard of it before, not sure if anyone has any experience with this board? Does anyone have any recommendations for 60% keyboards? I'm open to pretty much anything in terms of switches, but would like to hear GH's experience/recommendations. I'd rather not spend above $200, but if its really worth it I would be OK with springing for it.

Thanks in advanced!

[Linkbane]

Get an HHKB, it's the only keyboard worth getting. Full size is for the proletariat scum and TKL is for hipsters who think that they're unique by having a smaller board. HHKB4lyfe.

[CPTBadAss]

Mashby made this great list of 60% keyboards. I like the Poker 2 and Pure personally.

[mashby]

Thanks for the link CPTBadAss! 

In my experience, one of the tipping points on if a 60% board is going to work for you comes down to a couple of issues:

1. Do you need cursor/arrow keys?
You can of course use the Fn key and then access cursor keys that way, but some people prefer dedicated keys. If you do, then you'd be looking at the Tex Beetle or Pure Pro.

2. How short can the right shift be?
Unfortunately, in order to add those keys, the right shift key gets quite a bit shorter and that can present a problem for some. I know it did for me. My first mechanical was the Race and I found the right shift to be way too short and I kept miss hitting the key and then deleting text that I was typing. It was maddening.

If you don't need dedicated arrow keys, then it's really not an issue, the Poker X (several in the classifieds) and the Poker II have a standard ANSI layout. The Pure adds one key, the "~" key to the right of the shift key, and I've found no issues typing on them.

The only issue with the Pure is that if you ever want to replace your key cap set, you'll have to find one with a Tsangan set to include the short right-shift key. Most group buys here have this set, but many commercial sets do not.

Other Options
Happy Hacking Keyboard (HHKB) - If you're willing to look outside of Cherry-MX, the HHKB is a really nice board. It has a much different layout, which is a deal breaker for some, but it also has a reputation of converting people over to the layout and making zealots out of them (as Linkbane can attest). They are expensive, but they are very well made. If you're looking to tweak out your board, there are fewer options. No metal cases and very not as many key caps sets.

Leopold FC660 - this is a little bigger than 60%, but is a nice compromise between having dedicated cursor keys in a standard ANSI layout. They come in Topre and Cherry-MX versions.

GH60 - this is a project board that you'll have to build yourself, or have someone build for you. We're a couple of months away from seeing the kits ship, so you might as well get a board for now.  However, once you've gotten your first 60%, if you find you like the form factor then I think this board will give you pretty much any Cherry-MX option you heart could dream of.

Hope that helps!

[esko997]

Mashby made this great list of 60% keyboards. I like the Poker 2 and Pure personally.

Thanks for the link CPTBadAss! 

In my experience, one of the tipping points on if a 60% board is going to work for you comes down to a couple of issues:

1. Do you need cursor/arrow keys?
You can of course use the Fn key and then access cursor keys that way, but some people prefer dedicated keys. If you do, then you'd be looking at the Tex Beetle or Pure Pro.

2. How short can the right shift be?
Unfortunately, in order to add those keys, the right shift key gets quite a bit shorter and that can present a problem for some. I know it did for me. My first mechanical was the Race and I found the right shift to be way too short and I kept miss hitting the key and then deleting text that I was typing. It was maddening.

If you don't need dedicated arrow keys, then it's really not an issue, the Poker X (several in the classifieds) and the Poker II have a standard ANSI layout. The Pure adds one key, the "~" key to the right of the shift key, and I've found no issues typing on them.

The only issue with the Pure is that if you ever want to replace your key cap set, you'll have to find one with a Tsangan set to include the short right-shift key. Most group buys here have this set, but many commercial sets do not.

Other Options
Happy Hacking Keyboard (HHKB) - If you're willing to look outside of Cherry-MX, the HHKB is a really nice board. It has a much different layout, which is a deal breaker for some, but it also has a reputation of converting people over to the layout and making zealots out of them (as Linkbane can attest). They are expensive, but they are very well made. If you're looking to tweak out your board, there are fewer options. No metal cases and very not as many key caps sets.

Leopold FC660 - this is a little bigger than 60%, but is a nice compromise between having dedicated cursor keys in a standard ANSI layout. They come in Topre and Cherry-MX versions.

GH60 - this is a project board that you'll have to build yourself, or have someone build for you. We're a couple of months away from seeing the kits ship, so you might as well get a board for now.  However, once you've gotten your first 60%, if you find you like the form factor then I think this board will give you pretty much any Cherry-MX option you heart could dream of.

Hope that helps!

Get an HHKB, it's the only keyboard worth getting. Full size is for the proletariat scum and TKL is for hipsters who think that they're unique by having a smaller board. HHKB4lyfe.

Thanks a lot for the replies all, very helpful in terms of looking. I'm really torn still, but looking at the Choc Mini due to relatively low price. I also really like the Duck Viper that was posted not too long ago, would love to get in on building.

[Razor Lotus]

poker 2 has my vote

[mashby]

Thanks a lot for the replies all, very helpful in terms of looking. I'm really torn still, but looking at the Choc Mini due to relatively low price. I also really like the Duck Viper that was posted not too long ago, would love to get in on building.

Now you know why we call GeekHack, "WalletHack". Each of these boards is special in it's own way and I seem to have lost my ability to say no to any of them. I seem to have succumbed to the "Pokemon Effect" -- gotta collect them all!!! 

[esko997]

Thanks a lot for the replies all, very helpful in terms of looking. I'm really torn still, but looking at the Choc Mini due to relatively low price. I also really like the Duck Viper that was posted not too long ago, would love to get in on building.

Now you know why we call GeekHack, "WalletHack". Each of these boards is special in it's own way and I seem to have lost my ability to say no to any of them. I seem to have succumbed to the "Pokemon Effect" -- gotta collect them all!!! 

Tell me about it...I couldnt decide so I've decided to buy a Poker and a Choc Mini 
I've got the K.A.S..

[blingcaps]

it comes down to how much you want arrow keys and function keys.

poker 2 if you don't need them, and you want a standard layout so swapping out keycaps is much easier.
if you want arrow keys, then filco minila, tex beetle, or pure pro.

if you just want something smaller than TKL, then you can look at the leopold FC660, or some other boards like the keycool 84, choc mini, or race, which give you dedicated function and arrow keys.

[minho]

GH60 - this is a project board that you'll have to build yourself, or have someone build for you. We're a couple of months away from seeing the kits ship, so you might as well get a board for now.  However, once you've gotten your first 60%, if you find you like the form factor then I think this board will give you pretty much any Cherry-MX option you heart could dream of.

I was under the impression that orders for this are closed? Is there a way to still participate in the group buy? (Please say no for the sake of my wallet).

[mashby]

I was under the impression that orders for this are closed? Is there a way to still participate in the group buy? (Please say no for the sake of my wallet).

Your wallet is safe... for now. 

Orders are getting close to shipping and there will be people selling their kits on the classifieds. So although you can't participate in the group buy now, you should be able to get one.

[sth]

Get an HHKB, it's the only keyboard worth getting. Full size is for the proletariat scum and TKL is for hipsters who think that they're unique by having a smaller board. HHKB4lyfe.

HHKB is a tool for the proletariat to dismantle the capitalist bourgeois means of production. you're just using it for evil.

Full size is a format standardized by IBM, about as far from the proletariat as you can get.

your trolling has been pretty wack lately

[Linkbane]

Get an HHKB, it's the only keyboard worth getting. Full size is for the proletariat scum and TKL is for hipsters who think that they're unique by having a smaller board. HHKB4lyfe.

HHKB is a tool for the proletariat to dismantle the capitalist bourgeois means of production. you're just using it for evil.

Full size is a format standardized by IBM, about as far from the proletariat as you can get.

your trolling has been pretty wack lately

Sometimes I forget the date, sometimes sth does also.

[RESPRiT]

The FC660M is my personal favorite, while I can live without arrow keys, I dislike the Poker layout and WASD arrow keys and much prefer the HHKB fn arrows.

[minho]

The FC660M is my personal favorite, while I can live without arrow keys, I dislike the Poker layout and WASD arrow keys and much prefer the HHKB fn arrows.

Does the nonstandard layout ever bug you though?

[esko997]

Hey all,

My Choc Mini with MX Blacks came in the mail today -- totally loving it. The switches feel great for typing and gaming, definitely very pleased with the Chocs quality and feel.

Thanks again for all the input on 60%'s. Also, for others reading the thread, would definitely recommend the Choc Mini as a great keyboard for working/gaming on the go. Great size without sacraficing function keys and great build quality.

Some pics:

[ideus]

The FC660M is my personal favorite, while I can live without arrow keys, I dislike the Poker layout and WASD arrow keys and much prefer the HHKB fn arrows.

Welcome to the club! 

[mougrim]

it comes down to how much you want arrow keys and function keys.

poker 2 if you don't need them, and you want a standard layout so swapping out keycaps is much easier.
if you want arrow keys, then filco minila, tex beetle, or pure pro.

if you just want something smaller than TKL, then you can look at the leopold FC660, or some other boards like the keycool 84, choc mini, or race, which give you dedicated function and arrow keys.

Got myself Poker II - because I can live without dedicated arrow keys perfectly, and wanted to have a keycaps swapping option (I'll stick with stock keycaps for now - as them don't have Cyrillic layout, I'll try to perfect my blind writing). Also, it's nice to have easily programmed keyboard. Especially if you're working in Linux. Well... it's OK for Windows too

[dustinhxc]

Pure limited or poker

[Linkbane]

Show Image

An excellent purchase, I remember that Noppoo were really popular when I first joined eight months ago. Things seem to have quieted down about them, but that doesn't make them any worse. Hope you can get some cool custom caps to put on.  :D

[tribade]

Hey all,

My Choc Mini with MX Blacks came in the mail today -- totally loving it. The switches feel great for typing and gaming, definitely very pleased with the Chocs quality and feel.

Thanks again for all the input on 60%'s. Also, for others reading the thread, would definitely recommend the Choc Mini as a great keyboard for working/gaming on the go. Great size without sacraficing function keys and great build quality.

Some pics:

Show Image

Nice choice!  How do you like the format?  I've been loving the modded black I'm typing on right this very minute.  Lighter springs really makes them come alive.

[Hypersphere]

Having tried virtually every board made from full-size to 60% and a number in between, I have settled on my two all-time favorites, the IBM Model M SSK and the HHKB Pro 2. These are two very different boards, but each is excellent in its own way.

The HHKB Pro 2 layout is so good that I have recently remapped my IBM to the HHKB layout. This approximates my dream board, which will probably never be made -- a 60% with buckling springs and dye-sub PBT keycaps (like the IBM and HHKB Pro 2).

I've tried the Poker II with Cherry blues, but I didn't like the layout or feel.

Other small boards worthy of consideration are the Tek Beetle and the Filco Minila, which comes in a Bluetooth version. Each of these is very solid, but they have some quirks in their layouts that did not work for me -- each has a small right shift, and the Minila has non-standard staggering in the z-row.

[Quardah]

To my good friend OP;

All i can say is that i am currently running a Poker II with browns and it is a very good choice price-wise. For an hundred dollars keyboard you really get a good quality build and a fully-programmable 60% board.

Of course the choice is yours but my final vote is a Poker II. I'm a sellout haha.

[mougrim]

To my good friend OP;

All i can say is that i am currently running a Poker II with browns and it is a very good choice price-wise. For an hundred dollars keyboard you really get a good quality build and a fully-programmable 60% board.

Of course the choice is yours but my final vote is a Poker II. I'm a sellout haha.

I second this. Good quality for reasonable money.

And even if you don't need programmable keyboard, it's better to have one - you don't know when you'll want to program crazy macro

[esko997]

To my good friend OP;

All i can say is that i am currently running a Poker II with browns and it is a very good choice price-wise. For an hundred dollars keyboard you really get a good quality build and a fully-programmable 60% board.

Of course the choice is yours but my final vote is a Poker II. I'm a sellout haha.

I second this. Good quality for reasonable money.

And even if you don't need programmable keyboard, it's better to have one - you don't know when you'll want to program crazy macro

Honestly, would really love one of these but I'm having a hard time finding on the internet -- waiting for one to show up in the classifieds!

[mougrim]

.

[mougrim]

To my good friend OP;

All i can say is that i am currently running a Poker II with browns and it is a very good choice price-wise. For an hundred dollars keyboard you really get a good quality build and a fully-programmable 60% board.

Of course the choice is yours but my final vote is a Poker II. I'm a sellout haha.

I second this. Good quality for reasonable money.

And even if you don't need programmable keyboard, it's better to have one - you don't know when you'll want to program crazy macro

Honestly, would really love one of these but I'm having a hard time finding on the internet -- waiting for one to show up in the classifieds!

http://www.banggood.com/KBC-Poker-2-Mini-Mechanical-Gaming-Keyboard-Cherry-MX-Black-Switch-p-85373.html

Black Poker II with Crerry MX Black

[Quardah]

To my good friend OP;

All i can say is that i am currently running a Poker II with browns and it is a very good choice price-wise. For an hundred dollars keyboard you really get a good quality build and a fully-programmable 60% board.

Of course the choice is yours but my final vote is a Poker II. I'm a sellout haha.

I second this. Good quality for reasonable money.

And even if you don't need programmable keyboard, it's better to have one - you don't know when you'll want to program crazy macro

Honestly, would really love one of these but I'm having a hard time finding on the internet -- waiting for one to show up in the classifieds!

http://www.banggood.com/KBC-Poker-2-Mini-Mechanical-Gaming-Keyboard-Cherry-MX-Black-Switch-p-85373.html

Black Poker II with Crerry MX Black

^^^^^^^ This ^^^^^^^

I was about to post some other link but this guy is faster than speedy gonzales.

Don't forget to come back and tell us what you think of the Poker ii after buy.

[mougrim]

Second this But don't expect it to arrive earlier than 2 weeks after order. Because, China post. Of course, you can pay some extra for faster shipping, but...

Got my Poker II from this shop. Had to wait about three weeks, but it was totally worth it

[mr67volks]

I started with a KBT pure , but couldn't get used to the small right shift , got in on a massdrop for the poker 2 with blues and i am in love.

been using it as my daily and I still bust out my dell at101 for gaming , and since messing with the 60% boards I have started making my own 60% out a busted dell AT101. Getting a teensy to set it up and might program it close to how the poker2 is set up.

speaking of 60% boards ... anyone know if any one has made a 60% with the option of a 7bit layout?

even a PCB would do , I have no problem building it myself but I would really like to have it be a plate mount with a real PCB.

I know there is the phantom but its a 75% but I'm wanting a 60%

[mougrim]

I started with a KBT pure , but couldn't get used to the small right shift , got in on a massdrop for the poker 2 with blues and i am in love.

been using it as my daily and I still bust out my dell at101 for gaming , and since messing with the 60% boards I have started making my own 60% out a busted dell AT101. Getting a teensy to set it up and might program it close to how the poker2 is set up.

speaking of 60% boards ... anyone know if any one has made a 60% with the option of a 7bit layout?

even a PCB would do , I have no problem building it myself but I would really like to have it be a plate mount with a real PCB.

I know there is the phantom but its a 75% but I'm wanting a 60%

I think you'll eventually have to build one yourself. As I didn't heard about any custom 60% keyboards allowing 7-bit layout.

[esko997]

To my good friend OP;

All i can say is that i am currently running a Poker II with browns and it is a very good choice price-wise. For an hundred dollars keyboard you really get a good quality build and a fully-programmable 60% board.

Of course the choice is yours but my final vote is a Poker II. I'm a sellout haha.

I second this. Good quality for reasonable money.

And even if you don't need programmable keyboard, it's better to have one - you don't know when you'll want to program crazy macro

Honestly, would really love one of these but I'm having a hard time finding on the internet -- waiting for one to show up in the classifieds!

http://www.banggood.com/KBC-Poker-2-Mini-Mechanical-Gaming-Keyboard-Cherry-MX-Black-Switch-p-85373.html

Black Poker II with Crerry MX Black

Thanks for the link, just dropped on one with blues -- cant wait for it to get here.

[mougrim]

To my good friend OP;

All i can say is that i am currently running a Poker II with browns and it is a very good choice price-wise. For an hundred dollars keyboard you really get a good quality build and a fully-programmable 60% board.

Of course the choice is yours but my final vote is a Poker II. I'm a sellout haha.

I second this. Good quality for reasonable money.

And even if you don't need programmable keyboard, it's better to have one - you don't know when you'll want to program crazy macro

Honestly, would really love one of these but I'm having a hard time finding on the internet -- waiting for one to show up in the classifieds!

http://www.banggood.com/KBC-Poker-2-Mini-Mechanical-Gaming-Keyboard-Cherry-MX-Black-Switch-p-85373.html

Black Poker II with Crerry MX Black

Thanks for the link, just dropped on one with blues -- cant wait for it to get here.

Got myself white one with blues - totally enjoying it.

[MiBe]

Show Image

An excellent purchase, I remember that Noppoo were really popular when I first joined eight months ago. Things seem to have quieted down about them, but that doesn't make them any worse. Hope you can get some cool custom caps to put on.  :D

That's a downside of the Choc Mini, it doesn't have standard sized keycaps which makes it hard with custom keysets. For example the spacebar is different in size.
I used to have the Noppoo Choc Mini in the past but I recently sold it and bought a Keycool 84 instead. I like the last one alot better. Besides the fact that it's easier to customize keycaps, it also has a detachable USB-cable (great for transport) which the Choc Mini hasn't. I would recommend purchasing the white version because it comes with PBT keycaps, they feel and sound a little bit nicer than ABS and POM in my opinion. You can even get them with MX Clears.

[mougrim]

Show Image

An excellent purchase, I remember that Noppoo were really popular when I first joined eight months ago. Things seem to have quieted down about them, but that doesn't make them any worse. Hope you can get some cool custom caps to put on.  :D

That's a downside of the Choc Mini, it doesn't have standard sized keycaps which makes it hard with custom keysets. For example the spacebar is different in size.
I used to have the Noppoo Choc Mini in the past but I recently sold it and bought a Keycool 84 instead. I like the last one alot better. Besides the fact that it's easier to customize keycaps, it also has a detachable USB-cable (great for transport) which the Choc Mini hasn't. I would recommend purchasing the white version because it comes with PBT keycaps, they feel and sound a little bit nicer than ABS and POM in my opinion. You can even get them with MX Clears.

Yep. Firs I thought to get myself a Choc Mini, but... I was worried about customization - all those non-standard keys make it close to impossible. Also - I wanted detachable cable, because I wanted to carry it to my work (at home I have a BS keyboard, but it's not exactly portable :)

So... Standard keycaps, detachable cable and good quality - all those brought me to Poker II :)