Author Topic: 68 keyboards (Read 5321 times)

Auxo · « **on:** Wed, 10 August 2016, 15:06:38 »

Hey guys,

I was wondering if anybody knew about any 68-style keyboards that are an alternative to the RS68, Smart 68, and the TADA68?

Right now I am contemplating the RS68, as it offers alternative layouts (1.5/1.5/7u) but I have an RS84 which is a newer platform than the RS68 (RSIII vs RS2+). Also I heard that the RS68 had an issue with a bit of flex in the PCB when typing. Not sure what anybody else has to say about it though.

Any input?

SBJ · « **Reply #1 on:** Thu, 11 August 2016, 02:06:33 »

Varmilo VA68M - pretty sure it's running on Massdrop right now.

Auxo · « **Reply #2 on:** Thu, 11 August 2016, 02:29:36 »

Quote from: StickyBlueJuice on Thu, 11 August 2016, 02:06:33

Varmilo VA68M - pretty sure it's running on Massdrop right now.

I was looking at that kb, but it doesn't offer full customization :\

feralfoo · « **Reply #3 on:** Thu, 11 August 2016, 08:48:26 »

I recently built one of the RS68 II+ kits available from taobao. There is some twist, and/or flex if you hold the unmounted board and ali plate length wise, but this is way more force than you would or should apply while typing. There are also 8 mounting points spread out across the board, so when mounted this thing is as solid as the aluminium case its mounted to

Auxo · « **Reply #4 on:** Thu, 11 August 2016, 15:49:51 »

Quote from: feralfoo on Thu, 11 August 2016, 08:48:26

I recently built one of the RS68 II+ kits available from taobao. There is some twist, and/or flex if you hold the unmounted board and ali plate length wise, but this is way more force than you would or should apply while typing. There are also 8 mounting points spread out across the board, so when mounted this thing is as solid as the aluminium case its mounted to

Ahh, thank you for that info, I'm really leaning towards trying to trade/sell my RS84 towards one.

potatobot · « **Reply #5 on:** Thu, 11 August 2016, 19:37:03 »

RS68 looks really good!

I was looking at Taobao and i couldnt understand the pricing.

how much would a kit cost (case + PCB + plate)?

Auxo · « **Reply #6 on:** Thu, 11 August 2016, 20:27:25 »

Quote from: potatobot on Thu, 11 August 2016, 19:37:03

RS68 looks really good!

I was looking at Taobao and i couldnt understand the pricing.

how much would a kit cost (case + PCB + plate)?

This is quoted from Feralfoo's previous post in another thread

Quote from: feralfoo on Wed, 13 July 2016, 08:54:37

USD $124.14 for the keyboard kit
USD $45.38 for shipping and their fee (to australia)

Unfortunately where I purchased from, see a few posts above for the link, is no longer in stock.

potatobot · « **Reply #7 on:** Thu, 11 August 2016, 21:06:12 »

Quote from: CJD_Anthony on Thu, 11 August 2016, 20:27:25

Quote from: potatobot on Thu, 11 August 2016, 19:37:03
RS68 looks really good!

I was looking at Taobao and i couldnt understand the pricing.

how much would a kit cost (case + PCB + plate)?

This is quoted from Feralfoo's previous post in another thread

Quote from: feralfoo on Wed, 13 July 2016, 08:54:37

USD $124.14 for the keyboard kit
USD $45.38 for shipping and their fee (to australia)

Unfortunately where I purchased from, see a few posts above for the link, is no longer in stock.

Woah THANKS!

now i have a good idea on much i need to spend on this project

i really need keycaps that fit on it tho.(the r.shift 1.75) coz my granite kit doesnt have that key

I think they are out of stock because orders from the last MD drop is being prioritized?

ebacho · « **Reply #8 on:** Thu, 11 August 2016, 23:43:32 »

If you're willing to "go big or go home" consider a 22mini (see: http://22kbd.com/). You can email Kaliet/Apollos directly via the email on his site and he takes custom requests. Last I heard he was a bit unresponsive, but I'm not really privy to Korean drama so caveat emptor.

SBJ · « **Reply #9 on:** Fri, 12 August 2016, 00:07:14 »

Quote from: ebacho on Thu, 11 August 2016, 23:43:32

If you're willing to "go big or go home" consider a 22mini (see: http://22kbd.com/). You can email Kaliet/Apollos directly via the email on his site and he takes custom requests. Last I heard he was a bit unresponsive, but I'm not really privy to Korean drama so caveat emptor.

Oh this could be interesting!
Any idea of switch choices?

ebacho · « **Reply #10 on:** Fri, 12 August 2016, 00:11:24 »

Quote from: StickyBlueJuice on Fri, 12 August 2016, 00:07:14

Quote from: ebacho on Thu, 11 August 2016, 23:43:32
If you're willing to "go big or go home" consider a 22mini (see: http://22kbd.com/). You can email Kaliet/Apollos directly via the email on his site and he takes custom requests. Last I heard he was a bit unresponsive, but I'm not really privy to Korean drama so caveat emptor.
Oh this could be interesting!
Any idea of switch choices?

I think he does any of the standard Cherry switches with pretty much any spring type you want, lube/stickers/etc included. I had 2 boards by Kaliet, a 2TU with 60g MX Reds and a 22mini with 62g MX Browns. Build quality was really good on both of them, and I didn't really have complaints. I sold the 22mini to make room for some other stuff so I can't really answer much about the 65%'s in general anymore.

Auxo · « **Reply #11 on:** Fri, 12 August 2016, 07:57:40 »

I doubt I will be able to afford it anytime soon, but I shot him an email for a quote anyway regarding a 22mini

childofthehorn · « **Reply #12 on:** Fri, 12 August 2016, 11:11:15 »

Why not just get the 67 key WhiteFox? kinda a great layout as it gives me just enough extra dedicated keys for stuff like macros and whatnot.

mind_funeral · « **Reply #13 on:** Fri, 12 August 2016, 13:22:09 »

Quote from: childofthehorn on Fri, 12 August 2016, 11:11:15

Why not just get the 67 key WhiteFox? kinda a great layout as it gives me just enough extra dedicated keys for stuff like macros and whatnot.

It's ugly and has gaps in the keys.

I want someone to step up and do a RS68 GB

I don't have the time to do it.

Auxo · « **Reply #14 on:** Fri, 12 August 2016, 14:08:07 »

Quote from: childofthehorn on Fri, 12 August 2016, 11:11:15

Why not just get the 67 key WhiteFox? kinda a great layout as it gives me just enough extra dedicated keys for stuff like macros and whatnot.

Although the WhiteFox was a contender, I ultimately decided against it due to the fact that I prefer to have universal layouts so that I could pursue unconventional layouts (WKL, HHKB-style backspace, etc). The WhiteFox didn't have any layouts I was 100% happy with and I would have probably found myself trading it away ANYWAY. At the time, I am currently looking for the keyboard to end my search lol. After I get this next KB and possibly find a nice high profile 60% case, I'm calling it quits on KBs (I'll stick around for a possible R2 Hyperfuse, but after that its GG for me)

feralfoo · « **Reply #15 on:** Fri, 12 August 2016, 22:58:09 »

There is also the Smart 68. Unfortunately you missed the GH GB here https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=83442.0 by a few days, but they look to be available on Taobao here https://world.taobao.com/item/533688968734.htm?spm=a312a.7700714.0.0.Ri0iXB#detail. Expensive, but they look pretty sweet, have carbon fibre plates and have hot swap switches and LED's.

I will likely end up with one of these in the future, as I'm well into my journey for the ultimate form factor (65% of course

) and layout. Have the TADA68 arriving in a few weeks hopefully, and with luck a Whitefox will arrive by Christmas.

Glad someone pointed out the 22mini, now on my list

Auxo · « **Reply #16 on:** Sat, 13 August 2016, 00:56:33 »

Quote from: feralfoo on Fri, 12 August 2016, 22:58:09

There is also the Smart 68. Unfortunately you missed the GH GB here https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=83442.0 by a few days, but they look to be available on Taobao here https://world.taobao.com/item/533688968734.htm?spm=a312a.7700714.0.0.Ri0iXB#detail. Expensive, but they look pretty sweet, have carbon fibre plates and have hot swap switches and LED's.

I will likely end up with one of these in the future, as I'm well into my journey for the ultimate form factor (65% of course ) and layout. Have the TADA68 arriving in a few weeks hopefully, and with luck a Whitefox will arrive by Christmas.

Glad someone pointed out the 22mini, now on my list

I've been following the smart 68, but at the moment it isnt something that I am considering, the 22mini is much closer to what I had in mind. thank you though!

potatobot · « **Reply #17 on:** Sat, 13 August 2016, 01:15:29 »

Give me a heads up on the qoute for the 22mini mate.

A kit would be cheaper i guess. Haha i wanna try zeals 62-65 or gateron clear tactiles before i buy the kit tho

)

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

MandrewDavis · « **Reply #18 on:** Sat, 13 August 2016, 13:35:02 »

Quote from: feralfoo on Fri, 12 August 2016, 22:58:09

There is also the Smart 68. Unfortunately you missed the GH GB here https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=83442.0 by a few days, but they look to be available on Taobao here https://world.taobao.com/item/533688968734.htm?spm=a312a.7700714.0.0.Ri0iXB#detail. Expensive, but they look pretty sweet, have carbon fibre plates and have hot swap switches and LED's.

I will likely end up with one of these in the future, as I'm well into my journey for the ultimate form factor (65% of course ) and layout. Have the TADA68 arriving in a few weeks hopefully, and with luck a Whitefox will arrive by Christmas.

Glad someone pointed out the 22mini, now on my list

Be careful with those type of Taobao listings, a good amount of the time they are just Chinese GB proxies.

kingnestea · « **Reply #19 on:** Sun, 14 August 2016, 15:45:10 »

I'm sure I'll go for a smart 68 if I need a 68

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Author Topic: 68 keyboards (Read 5321 times)