Which TKL board should I get?

[Hblcats]

Hi!

I'm trying to find a tenkeyless board in the $200-$350 price range. I've not been having too much luck on my own, so I've turned here for guidance. The boards that I could find that look great for me are all out of stock (namely the KBD8x MII). Previously, I've used an Input Club Whitefox, a Planck, and a KBD Tofu 60% board. After being very happy with those for several years, I've suddenly found myself with the insatiable urge to have function keys. As a result, I've decided on a nice, crispy TKL. Are there any recommendations for something worth buying?

[lakeboredom]

Look through the interest checks, there are some great tkl boards coming up. Forget about buying something in stock from a store. With your price range, you could pay just a teensy bit more and get an endgame custom.

[jamster]

What are your requirements beyond TKL? That's probably the most common enthusiast board form factor so you are spoilt for choice.

Far as I can tell, going past $200 for a custom board mainly gets you a pretty case- is that what you're looking for? If it's the typing experience, you're really looking at choice of switches first, and caps second.

Looks like you've a fair bit of keyboard experience already, so you should have a pretty good idea of what it is you're looking for, beyond form factor.

[Hblcats]

I think I'm looking for something with a brass weight and maybe a top-mounted plate, although I don't really have much that I'm looking for beyond the TKL layout.

I forgot to mention it, but I've already set myself up with some switches and caps, so the budget just applies to the case, plate, and anything else that I may need.

Also, sorry if I sound rude or pushy during any of my posts. I'm pretty new to all this.

[Leslieann]

Not only has Covid and the stimulus wiped out inventory, everything you're wanting tends to be limited edition exclusive stuff, which is almost always group buy.

Also, be prepared, what you're asking for, while occasionally one does come along in that price range, it's essentially a black hole. The Chinese customs (which typically lack a bras plate) tend to come in a little lower and the other customs (that do have brass plates or weights) tend to start around $400 (keep in mind that's a starting price). There are some boards in that range but they tend to be few and far between, it could be months before one you like falls into that rage and it could be 6months to 2 years before it's in your hands.

If you can't wait, start looking at used, however used actually tends to cost MORE than a group buy.