This thread gave me the boost to stop lurking and join. I second the suggestion for the Francium Pro.
A week ago I replaced my beloved Steelseries 6gv2 with a Hassium Pro (same as the Francium, only not TKL) and couldn't be happier. My Steelseries fell victim to a rookie solder job on my part in which I damaged the lead while removing the old solder and could make a fix last. I really liked the 6gv2, but it wasn't perfect. The legends on WASD and left shift key starting wearing off within a couple
weeks resulting in my getting a new shift key and blank red caps for the WASD. The result was a cool look IMO, but the need to do it, and so soon, irritated me enough to make the PBT double shots on the Hassium a very strong selling point. Plus, the 6gv2 replaced a Saitek Eclipse that was backlit, and to my surprise, I really missed backlit keys when in the dark on the 6gv2. So a desire for durable backlit keys, doubleshot if possible, led me to Deck.
I can see where the unconventional font would turn off some, but I rather like it quite a bit and would have chosen it over another if given the choice. I know that's not a popular opinion around here. I believe you can get the APAC version with Helvetica keycaps, (and additional LED colors, and a lit space bar) for a little over $200 shipped from
www.mechkb.com. However you then give up the PBT double shots for ABS laser etched caps. For me, the keycaps really helped sell the Hassium over the Ducky Shine that I was also considering. I've had backlit legends wear through on me several years before, and I was disappointed to see someone say that still happened after a year or so on Ducky's. But then I suspect the Ducky's backlighting shows through more evenly than the Deck's due to the double shot design of the Deck keys, so pick your priority.
Beyond that, the Francium has the reds you're seeking. On my Hassium they're quite smooth and not the drastic change I was expecting coming from Cherry blacks. The Deck's media keys need two hands, unlike the Steelseries, but I supposed I could change the key binding if it really bugged me. It has fold out feet that I don't use, the board's incline is perfect for me. The lighting effects are as nifty as the Ducky's I believe, and programmable if you're so inclined. The cord is nicely braided and routable, but not removable. It has full NKRO with USB (that's actually really cool, imo)
You said you're eager to buy. Right now
www.mechanicalkeyboards.com has four Francium Pro with red switches and blue or white LED for $168.88 shipped. I've had occasion to interact through email with both mechanicalkeyboards.com and Deck and they've been more than helpful.
