hello to all Geekhack members

[Starbly]

Good day everyone!

I recently discovered this site due to my research of mechanical KBs since i was quite intrigued to see what else is out there around the world as far as keyboards are concerned. I am currently in search so as to buy a new mechanical keyboard since my pretty old Logitech 350 internet keyboard is starting to die out gradyually after 6.5 years of intensive use. I wanna make the leap from rubber domes to mech switches since i quite think that there is no reason of buying rubber keyboards when there are so much better kbs with some extra money. On the downside, since i live in Greece i dont have much access to the more special models that most of you have since the hype about mech keyboards isnt widely spread here in Greece.

Until this moment i have tested some mechanical keyboards of the mainstream market (mostly Razers, CMs and Corsair ones) plus the Logitech 710 one and the steelseries 6gv2 which i fancied quite a bit if u exclude my dislike about the smaller (in my opinion) keycaps compared to other keyboards.

So, i would like to get some help about your thoughts and ideas about buying a new KB. My preferences are as following:

I would prefer switches that are not really loud since my office work involves a lot of people working next to me and i would prefer not to bother them with tactile clicks all the time.
Since i am quite a fast typer and i do a lot of typing due to my work, i would like a keyboard that i could type on for hours with great ease.
Backlit led is something i fancy but if i find the right choice, i can live without it.
Be pleasant for gaming. I am a gamer, my work involves it and is based on it and i need to be able to game as comfortably as i can.
TKL or 75% is something i would prefer since i dont have too much space and i would like to be able to move it around efficiently.
Be my jewel! When it comes to my peripherals, i want to be able to use them as well as look at them while i dont use them. it just makes my day to feel proud and happy about my purchases while it feets my aesthetics.

My budget is around 150 USD and i hope u can help me out with my loooooong search.

Since the list of Mech KBs is quite long from what i have read and saw in this forum, i would like to give u a headsup. I have been liking the Filco Majestouch 2, Ducky 3 TKL , KBT Race 2 white edition and Topre Realforce although i aint quite happy about Topre's price. So plz provide me with ur knowledge Keyboard Gurus!

thanks a lot in advance, Alex.

[Belfong]

For US$150, why don't you take a look at WASD V2 keyboards. They have an advantage of being about to choose the switch you like and you could design the key caps - colour / blank / printed. Just playing around with the design tool is quite fun. Check them out.

[Starbly]

WASD v2 looks quite attractive with all the personalization options for the keycaps.  it definitely is now into my consideration list. By the way is there any chance u can get the Realforce Topre key sound in any other board?

[Defect]

Hello and welcome!

Personally I LOVE my choc mini's layout.  Honestly the only reason I can't recommend it is because in order to get it in this layout, they had to use some weird cap sizes.  For instance, the spacebar is a 5.5 that you cannot find a replacement for.

I gave my KC84 to my brother but was really impressed with that board.  IMO these boards (mini/75/84 seen 'em called many things) are my favorite "smart" layout.

I prefer my 60% just because of aesthetics.

My recommendations:

1. Build your own board!  I am biased here because I had a BLAST building my board, and I got all the pieces I wanted (lubed, 62g [maybe shoulda gone 65...] clears and another one with Ghost blacks).  PCB's are about 30-50 bucks, switches are 50ish for 110, cases vary depending on quality but can be as low as 25 (or make your own out of wood like I am doing!), and this gives you the option to justify your expense as "learning and educational."  Absolutely recommend everyone try getting out of their comfort zone and building a mech.  You'll respect your board/every board so much more!

2. Choc Mini/KC84/KBT Race.  Seen some threads about choc mini issues but have not had problems with mine.  Other than you know, replacing the spacebar

3. QFR.  I think everyone will recommend this.  Great value for money.  Personally I don't like TKL layout, but I respect this board.  You can find them pretty cheap in classifieds.

4. If you need backlighting just get a Ducky and call it a [very well lit] day.

[Starbly]

tb i kinda need-like my F row of keys so thats i prefer a 75% over a 60% one.  so i am quite hesitant of looking at 60% ones