ALT keyboard - Opinion

[Merranza]

I own a MF68 with gateron clears (first dive into the 60-65% realm and thanks to geekhack I'll never look back ).

I'm considering a new keyboard in that size range and the ALT ticks a couple boxes (noticeably aluminum, hotswap, backlit, floating keys).

I'm partial to that model though. I know finding keycaps will be harder and for aesthetic reasons, that thick case border, the clear silver color (prefer greyish or black aluminum) and the gap between the nav cluster and the lower keys keeps drawing my attention for bad reasons.

I am also considering going to pure 60% eventually...

So what are your opinions? Is the ALT overhype mainstream keyboard or worth it?

[moh18one]

A custom keyboard with a DZ65 RGB PCB

[Merranza]

A custom keyboard with a DZ65 RGB PCB

Thank you

[shadowku]

I always thought that a 65% would be the perfect size for me until I got my NightFox.
The layout is practical and I think it works well for most because an arrow cluster is useful.

But coming from an HHKB, where I've daily'd it for over a year before my fox, I just find 60% more useful. The main reason is that I never look at my keyboard, so knowing that the backspace and enter is at the very edge of the keyboard helps me get my hand oriented faster. For this reason, the FC660C was actually better for me than a 65%, but without a split backspace, it wasn't perfect. I could have hasu'd it but I didn't want to put more money into it.

I've long considered building a 60% with a modified arrow cluster at the bottom right, but I think I'll still prefer a HHKB. The default arrow cluster on the function layer is fine for me, even when coding.

I think the build quality of the ALT is fine, my coworker right by me daily's one. I personally don't like LEDs and floating keys (not sure why I got my NightFox), and I don't particularly like hot-swap because of durability, but the ALT has a lot of things that people want.

[Merranza]

I always thought that a 65% would be the perfect size for me until I got my NightFox.
The layout is practical and I think it works well for most because an arrow cluster is useful.

But coming from an HHKB, where I've daily'd it for over a year before my fox, I just find 60% more useful. The main reason is that I never look at my keyboard, so knowing that the backspace and enter is at the very edge of the keyboard helps me get my hand oriented faster. For this reason, the FC660C was actually better for me than a 65%, but without a split backspace, it wasn't perfect. I could have hasu'd it but I didn't want to put more money into it.

I've long considered building a 60% with a modified arrow cluster at the bottom right, but I think I'll still prefer a HHKB. The default arrow cluster on the function layer is fine for me, even when coding.

I think the build quality of the ALT is fine, my coworker right by me daily's one. I personally don't like LEDs and floating keys (not sure why I got my NightFox), and I don't particularly like hot-swap because of durability, but the ALT has a lot of things that people want.

Thank you very much for your input

[Sintpinty]

Apparantly the Massdrop Alt keyboard has a lot of hardware issues, including broken keys and double tapping.

Also, it's high profile.

[Venaros]

Also, it's high profile.

Not all ALTs are high profile. The regular version is low-profile, just go to the product page and look at the pictures.