Finding the right TKL PCB.

[Ajchauvet]

Hey everyone! Im currently on the lookout for a new TKL PCB to start a new build, but I’ve been having a difficult time deciding which one would be best for my desired build. I really enjoy the TKL style, but I’ve been worried most about finding a decent case that would fit the PCB correctly and wouldn’t break my bank (not trying to be cheap, but I’m sure most know how much some cases can run.) if anyone has any suggestions of a TKL PCB/ TKL cases that are compatible and is QMK compatible I would be eternally grateful!

Thank you!

[Fnzzy]

TKL are not nearly as common as 60%. This means that you won't likely be able to just buy a TKL case off the shelf like you could with a Tofu or similar 60% tray mount cases.

That said, if you're looking around on the aftermarket for TKL boards you will most likely find kits that already come with a PCB. If you're trying to make a case yourself (for example stacking laser cut acrylic) your best bet would be an H87A pcb since it will probably fit most cases you can either make or buy.

Here's a handy TKL PCB compatibility chart that covers quite a bit. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1GpM--fKeDw_tIDZj4m2jmbMavSyXeOu3QHzfTJwz-IM/edit#gid=0

[Ajchauvet]

TKL are not nearly as common as 60%. This means that you won't likely be able to just buy a TKL case off the shelf like you could with a Tofu or similar 60% tray mount cases.

That said, if you're looking around on the aftermarket for TKL boards you will most likely find kits that already come with a PCB. If you're trying to make a case yourself (for example stacking laser cut acrylic) your best bet would be an H87A pcb since it will probably fit most cases you can either make or buy.

Here's a handy TKL PCB compatibility chart that covers quite a bit. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1GpM--fKeDw_tIDZj4m2jmbMavSyXeOu3QHzfTJwz-IM/edit#gid=0

Thank you so much! I really appreciate the response. The goal was to either buy an aftermarket TKL set or buy a PCB and make my own custom case for it. I’ll keep the H87A in mind, it looks like a decent mid range board.

[treeleaf64]

Wow, thanks for the spreadsheet. This could help the future me...

[hasagi]

You can look at KBDFans' KBD8x, but from what I heard in their discord channel the next round of group buy will only run in March. Would instantly jump on this if I were not looking for a hotswappable TKL myself haha.

[mode]

I'm a big fan of LFKeyboards PCBs, You can always get them, and they work nicely with the YMDK case which is cheap and clean looking.