shopping for board with light switches + programmable + TKL

[allthumbs]

Hi, looking for a keyboard with very light switches (cherry red 45g or lighter) that is as programmable as the Royal Kludge RC930-87 (one extra layer on Fn or better) and is TKL.

Willing to consider split ergo if not TKL. But the main thing is that the switches (whatever they are) are a VERY comfortable and easy set compared to regular rubber domes on membranes.

If it's not split ergo and if it doesn't help my mild RSI, I think it will be an indication to me that I need a split after all.

[Art of Payce]

Monoprice MP-GBL4 w/ MX Reds.

About $125 shipped (US) on Amazon; the only reason I haven't bought it yet is because I'm waiting on switch replacements to come in (Gaterons from the recent Group Buy). RavenII owns three of them and you can read his review here. I've been discussing it with him and it's a bang-up board with a dim (positive imo) orange backlight. You should check it out.

[allthumbs]

Monoprice MP-GBL4 w/ MX Reds ... that might be it, the bit  i wrote earlier about non removable wrist rest was just me getting confused about which tab I was reading on my little phone 

[allthumbs]

Deleted

[allthumbs]

Rosewill Apollo RK-9100xRRE Red Backlit Mechanical Keyboard might be another possibility. .. oops wait wrong layout,  not TKL

[Oobly]

Hi, looking for a keyboard with very light switches (cherry red 45g or lighter) that is as programmable as the Royal Kludge RC930-87 (one extra layer on Fn or better) and is TKL.

Willing to consider split ergo if not TKL. But the main thing is that the switches (whatever they are) are a VERY comfortable and easy set compared to regular rubber domes on membranes.

If it's not split ergo and if it doesn't help my mild RSI, I think it will be an indication to me that I need a split after all.

Have you considered other factors of your setup in alleviating your RSI, such as desk / chair height, wrist angles, etc? You can read / post in the Ergonomics section if you want advice about this.

I think Reds or Browns are both fine to use, but preferably with orings (or trampoline mod) to reduce bottom-out shock. It's harsher / more sudden than on rubber dome boards.

If you're okay with a little soldering I recommend a QuickFire Rapid and a Frosty Flake controller or a Filco TKL with Pegasus Hoof. I assume you don't want to spend too much on this board, but the only other programmable TKLs I can think of are Korean Customs.

[allthumbs]

Yes I've read up on ergonomics. I have a Varidesk

Unfortunately no time to make mods or solder

Is there anything wrong with Korean Customs?

[Art of Payce]

Is there anything wrong with Korean Customs?

They're rather expensive. You should be pretty sure about what you want. For about $400-500 shipped you can get your target specs (incl. fully progammable keys) through GON or Apollos. Oobly is pretty good with those links... There are a couple customs on sale in Classifieds from time to time too.

[allthumbs]

Oh. And here I thought $300 was expensive Haha... so far I'm only aware of one choice then that is under $150, programmable,  TKL, and "original" (not copy cat) branded switches, and doesn't require soldering or modding.

Unless there are any other ideas, I might go ahead with the Monoprice MP-GBL4.

[davkol]

There's no soldering involved in installing a Frosty Flake. Simply open the case, remove the stock controller, insert the Frosty Flake. Done.