Beginner to custom mechanical

[denym_]

Hey there,

for now I was ok with my thinkpad keyboard for working and my corsair strafe for gaming. I didn't even know a community and so many possibilities to custom mechanical kb are there and that I need one.
Well to be honest. The whole topic is somewhat accessible but still confusing. And maybe someone can help me out a bit to my first custom keyboard. I have bit of a trouble to find the correct parts to buy.

Well requirements are:

- 65%
I guess thats the 60% plus arrowkeys with page up/down and delete integrated into the main block like https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=209
Although maybe I would get rid of the F keys and make them as modifier into the numbers?

- ANSI Layout
Hope that's right? The ones that are sold usually as US layout with the 1u return key height.

- My only long using experience so far are Cherry MX red. I guess I will get a test kit with all the switch types to figure out which I want for  work. Since I uses the thinkpad keyboard (old and new) for quite a long time I cant tell exactly for now.
But for the sake of narrowing it down for a bit I guess Cherry MX but not reds, since they are not so nice for writing. Based on the switch decision tree its either brown or blue I guess

- Keycaps
Initially I came to that idea because of the SA Carbon Keycaps on Massdrop, but there is no chance for me now to get these. So I guess I go for a custom print from maxkeyboard or wasd? But even on their sites I am confused about all sorts of products and cryptic naming.

- Casing
Some metal/aluminium sized like the key set itself. Maybe a couple of mm are ok. After searching for a while I stumbled upon 1upkeyboards they look quite nice especially when I get a closed back casing. But I cant figure out if my 65% work there.


Any ideas or suggestions where to start? It feels like every decision has to be made correct before ordering anything since everything needs to fit.
Hope someone give me some guidance or hints.



best regards
denym_

[Hyde]

To be honest in my opinion you don't need to rush into custom keyboards, you're still new to all this gotta take it slow and explore a bit.  Most custom kits starts at $300 then you still have to buy keycaps and switches and it's a huge investment I think you should aim to try a few different switches and layouts first before committing to such huge investment.

That being said I think based on your requirement you should start with Leopold FC660M.  It come in a variety of switches and it's a solid keyboard.

If you're feeling adventurous there's also custom aluminum case available if you're up for it later.

Just my opinion. 

https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/search.php?keyword=fc660m&show_kb=on&show_acc=on&&page=1

On page 2 you can pre-order certain models.

[denym_]

To be honest in my opinion you don't need to rush into custom keyboards, you're still new to all this gotta take it slow and explore a bit.  Most custom kits starts at $300 then you still have to buy keycaps and switches and it's a huge investment I think you should aim to try a few different switches and layouts first before committing to such huge investment.

That being said I think based on your requirement you should start with Leopold FC660M.  It come in a variety of switches and it's a solid keyboard.

If you're feeling adventurous there's also custom aluminum case available if you're up for it later.

Just my opinion. 

https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/search.php?keyword=fc660m&show_kb=on&show_acc=on&&page=1

On page 2 you can pre-order certain models.

Sure its expensive but money is not that much of a problem (Working and no kids).
I was looking at these leopold's it only has the space for Page Up/down, not delete and home/end. My go to layout is like the Vortex Race I linked in my previous post since it reassembles what I want although F keys are optinal.

Where do I get those kits? Only "kits" I was able to find where on massdrop and not available and 1upkeyboards but the longer I look at their cutouts I believe the layout I want is not possible.


Don't get me wrong I dont order just random stuff to figure it out afterwards. Before I make the final order I borrow blue and brown keyboards and run them for some days. But for getting to some final order I have to figure out still other stuff.

[Hyde]

To be honest in my opinion you don't need to rush into custom keyboards, you're still new to all this gotta take it slow and explore a bit.  Most custom kits starts at $300 then you still have to buy keycaps and switches and it's a huge investment I think you should aim to try a few different switches and layouts first before committing to such huge investment.

That being said I think based on your requirement you should start with Leopold FC660M.  It come in a variety of switches and it's a solid keyboard.

If you're feeling adventurous there's also custom aluminum case available if you're up for it later.

Just my opinion. 

https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/search.php?keyword=fc660m&show_kb=on&show_acc=on&&page=1

On page 2 you can pre-order certain models.

Sure its expensive but money is not that much of a problem (Working and no kids).
I was looking at these leopold's it only has the space for Page Up/down, not delete and home/end. My go to layout is like the Vortex Race I linked in my previous post since it reassembles what I want although F keys are optinal.

Where do I get those kits? Only "kits" I was able to find where on massdrop and not available and 1upkeyboards but the longer I look at their cutouts I believe the layout I want is not possible.


Don't get me wrong I dont order just random stuff to figure it out afterwards. Before I make the final order I borrow blue and brown keyboards and run them for some days. But for getting to some final order I have to figure out still other stuff.

Actually Leopold only has Insert and Delete, then rest is accessed through FN layer.

That being said, just off my head you can browse around these sites first.

https://kbdfans.myshopify.com/collections/keyboard
http://keyclack.com/store
https://en.zfrontier.com/collections/keyboards

Pretty sure there's more so people feel free to chime in.  Also browse around Massdrop and geekhack's group buy sub forum.

[denym_]

Actually Leopold only has Insert and Delete, then rest is accessed through FN layer.

That being said, just off my head you can browse around these sites first.

https://kbdfans.myshopify.com/collections/keyboard

I guess the leopold isn't the right for me. Its pricey even pricier with custom caps for a layout I am not so fond of.

Thanks for the kbd link. I remember I was there but somehow lost the tab and the way to it. The TADA68 MECHANICAL KEYBOARD looks quite like what I am looking for.
Any idea about the Gateron switches? Is it like cherry just different name or are they someting else?


regards

[p_blaze]

There tend to be nuances to every switch. The best in each category for mx compatible switches is usually:
Tactile: zealio 67g
Clicky: kailh box jade or navy (very loud)
Linear: cherry mx black, vintage or brand new since cherry did some retooling recently
Linear switches are highly based on preference, and I can't speak much for them. But swapping out springs and stems are easily on switch top opening supported keyboards, so look for one of those.

[Puddsy]

There tend to be nuances to every switch. The best in each category for mx compatible switches is usually:
Tactile: zealio 67g
Clicky: kailh box jade or navy (very loud)
Linear: cherry mx black, vintage or brand new since cherry did some retooling recently
Linear switches are highly based on preference, and I can't speak much for them. But swapping out springs and stems are easily on switch top opening supported keyboards, so look for one of those.

i disagree with this list

switches being "good" is subjective and there is no catchall best

[p_blaze]

There tend to be nuances to every switch. The best in each category for mx compatible switches is usually:
Tactile: zealio 67g
Clicky: kailh box jade or navy (very loud)
Linear: cherry mx black, vintage or brand new since cherry did some retooling recently
Linear switches are highly based on preference, and I can't speak much for them. But swapping out springs and stems are easily on switch top opening supported keyboards, so look for one of those.

i disagree with this list

switches being "good" is subjective and there is no catchall best

IS USUALLY
IS USUALLY
IS USUALLY

Edit: got triggered pudds but my wording isn't the best so I apologize

General consesnsus of reddit and gh for beginners are those

[Signature]

Actually Leopold only has Insert and Delete, then rest is accessed through FN layer.

That being said, just off my head you can browse around these sites first.

https://kbdfans.myshopify.com/collections/keyboard

I guess the leopold isn't the right for me. Its pricey even pricier with custom caps for a layout I am not so fond of.

Thanks for the kbd link. I remember I was there but somehow lost the tab and the way to it. The TADA68 MECHANICAL KEYBOARD looks quite like what I am looking for.
Any idea about the Gateron switches? Is it like cherry just different name or are they someting else?


regards

Gateron switches are a really good alternative! Cheap and good quality

[denym_]

Just FYI after digging through hundreds of sites and not available products I think I narrowed it down a bit
The Tada68 is unfortunately to tilted. I like to have that more flat

https://switchplate.co/collections/parts-and-components/products/xd84-kits
Found this through the group buy but another model. Couldn't find out anything about the PCB. Someone?


https://www.candykeys.com/product/vortex-race-3/
Thats like perfect but somehow only pre-order without any info. Maybe someone knows anything about it?
Edit: mhm I guess this one is out again. Although I it fulfills all requirement there is no chance no get custom keycaps printed for this. The backspace and escape are 1.5u ...


And what is it about with mechanicalkeyboards.com ? THE domain you can have as trader and they have like nothing in stock.


Edit: Ohh yeah got the hands on MX Blue from someone in the house. Blue ALLLL THE WAY

[p_blaze]

Just FYI after digging through hundreds of sites and not available products I think I narrowed it down a bit
The Tada68 is unfortunately to tilted. I like to have that more flat

https://switchplate.co/collections/parts-and-components/products/xd84-kits
Found this through the group buy but another model. Couldn't find out anything about the PCB. Someone?


https://www.candykeys.com/product/vortex-race-3/
Thats like perfect but somehow only pre-order without any info. Maybe someone knows anything about it?


And what is it about with mechanicalkeyboards.com ? THE domain you can have as trader and they have like nothing in stock.

the Vortex Race is a prebuilt, not custom. I don't personally have one, so I can't give you an actual opinion on it.

[denym_]

the Vortex Race is a prebuilt, not custom. I don't personally have one, so I can't give you an actual opinion on it.

Yeah I had to rule it out. Did an edit a few seconds ago

Edit: mhm I guess this one is out again. Although I it fulfills all requirement there is no chance no get custom keycaps printed for this. The backspace and escape are 1.5u ...

[p_blaze]

You like mx blue? Wait till you try box navies... just watch chyros's video on them. Just telling you doesn't do them justice.

[floristfran]

I built my first keyboard about 4 months ago, and I went with a tada68 with kailh pro linears and love them.

also if you dont like the normal tada case kbd makes another one thats more flat
https://kbdfans.myshopify.com/collections/case/products/kbdfans-tada68-aluminum-case
as for switches id definitely invest in a switch tester and would check out https://novelkeys.xyz/ theyre the best site for switches imo.

[denym_]

You like mx blue? Wait till you try box navies... just watch chyros's video on them. Just telling you doesn't do them justice.

I think if chyros voice does alot in this video. With this voice he could even say box navies are bad but you have to use them instead of mx blue and I would do it.

I built my first keyboard about 4 months ago, and I went with a tada68 with kailh pro linears and love them.

also if you dont like the normal tada case kbd makes another one thats more flat
https://kbdfans.myshopify.com/collections/case/products/kbdfans-tada68-aluminum-case
as for switches id definitely invest in a switch tester and would check out https://novelkeys.xyz/ theyre the best site for switches imo.

Oh cool didnt see that will have a look into that. Just have to find a way to get rid of the logo... seriously... What did they think?



Anyone an idea about Varmilo VA69M ? I know its prebuild but is also a nice looking option. Cant find much about it.


OMG just realized that switching to a custom mechanical changes also other things. For work I use https://www3.lenovo.com/us/en/accessories-and-monitors/keyboards-and-mice/keyboards/KEYBOARD-US-English/p/0B47190 And I really like it, especially to have the easy access to mouse. I guess I have to retrain my hands after 6 years of extensive working on this setup oO

[p_blaze]

You like mx blue? Wait till you try box navies... just watch chyros's video on them. Just telling you doesn't do them justice.

I think if chyros voice does alot in this video. With this voice he could even say box navies are bad but you have to use them instead of mx blue and I would do it.

I built my first keyboard about 4 months ago, and I went with a tada68 with kailh pro linears and love them.

also if you dont like the normal tada case kbd makes another one thats more flat
https://kbdfans.myshopify.com/collections/case/products/kbdfans-tada68-aluminum-case
as for switches id definitely invest in a switch tester and would check out https://novelkeys.xyz/ theyre the best site for switches imo.

Oh cool didnt see that will have a look into that. Just have to find a way to get rid of the logo... seriously... What did they think?



Anyone an idea about Varmilo VA69M ? I know its prebuild but is also a nice looking option. Cant find much about it.


OMG just realized that switching to a custom mechanical changes also other things. For work I use https://www3.lenovo.com/us/en/accessories-and-monitors/keyboards-and-mice/keyboards/KEYBOARD-US-English/p/0B47190 And I really like it, especially to have the easy access to mouse. I guess I have to retrain my hands after 6 years of extensive working on this setup oO

A 65% or 75% with f row should have the same footprint

[denym_]

A 65% or 75% with f row should have the same footprint

with mouse I meant the trackpoint.

[p_blaze]

A 65% or 75% with f row should have the same footprint

with mouse I meant the trackpoint.

Ah, the dot thingy? There is the Tex Yoda 2 which is a custom kit with that trackpoint, but it doesn't have arrow keys. However, you can just buy a macropad for arrow keys like the M-10B on massdrop right now

[denym_]

A 65% or 75% with f row should have the same footprint

with mouse I meant the trackpoint.

Ah, the dot thingy? There is the Tex Yoda 2 which is a custom kit with that trackpoint, but it doesn't have arrow keys. However, you can just buy a macropad for arrow keys like the M-10B on massdrop right now

Yeah the red thingy. Thinkpad have this certain way of lovely functioning no other brand like hp or fujitsu ever was able to reproduce. People are always looking consued but its more confusing watching people using touchpads.



Back to topic
Because of your much appreciated input I think I got closer now for my first build. And with all your input this ain't gonna be the last one.

- TADA68
https://kbdfans.cn/collections/keyboard/products/tada68-keyboard-diy-kit?variant=40440860941
with the flat alu case
https://kbdfans.myshopify.com/collections/case/products/kbdfans-tada68-aluminum-case?variant=2403415523341

- Cherry MX Blue switches
Hard to try out other switch brands in an live environment. So I go for the known.
I guess LED is always nice and if I read the product page correctly then this should be problem right?

- Keycaps custom print
GMK seems to be Big but only for group buys
maxkeyboard
wasdkeyboard
any others? Which would you recommend in terms of caps and print quality?
Somehow I want to have the top of the caps empty and the text just in front. but just slightly visible and only good visible when the leds are on.

- USB
Some nice USB cable... mhm any goto dealer for such a thing?


I hope I didn't miss something important. Its 3:30 in the morning what a night.

[denym_]

well back to the beginning I guess....

Cant find any vendor who offer caps with prints and custom colors suiting the TADA68.

I thought I had it but tried the whole day to find keycaps but no success...

[Hyde]

well back to the beginning I guess....

Cant find any vendor who offer caps with prints and custom colors suiting the TADA68.

I thought I had it but tried the whole day to find keycaps but no success...

I typically stick to standard layout so it's easier to source keycaps.  So I'd actually recommend 80% over 65% just for ease of acquiring keycaps.  Generally 65% and 75% has a lot of non-standard size keys.

That being said this just pop up on massdrop today and they have keycap options within the drop:
https://www.massdrop.com/buy/tada68-custom-65-mechanical-keyboard-kit?mode=guest_open

Otherwise you might have to look into GMK keycaps usually they offer more extra keys.
https://en.zfrontier.com/collections/keysets

JTK are basically Chinese made GMK for cheaper, only drawback is some people find the font slightly "blurrier" otherwise quality is about the same.

[phorx]

If at all possible, go to a nearby meetup and try a bunch of things out.

[denym_]

Just FYI

Mhm Meetups seems quite rare in Berlin. But I will watch out.

For now I figured it out. Ordered The Tada68 kit and mx blue and red/blue dampeners for testing. Was able to get keyset at wasdkeyboard finally. Had to go with empty modifier keys to have it nice looking with the 1.75u rshift from wasd. Also orders some empty R1 1x1 for the right bottom side. Empty modifier keys look cooler anyways with my color scheme.
Something nice to start with.

I guess for the later addiction I have to go 60% anyways but now I have plenty time to wait for suiting massdrops and find ways of testing parts that you usually don't see in the wild.

Thanks for everyone helping me to get deeper into the rabbit hole. If someone asked why I am living on the street but have like 500 keyboards I will name all of you
 I will update with a link to my in progress thread as soon some progress is made


best regards
denym_

[denym_]

First throwback...

We apologize for the inconvenience, but in processing your order we've run into an issue. We are completely out of Red Enter (R2 1x2.25) keycaps and the next shipment with these keys is not expected until the middle of April.