yeah! just got back into it after a couple years. decided im building a silent alpaca build with granite keycaps, its coming out at about $350 bahaha
Yeah the prices haven't went down all that much since a few years ago, although availability of parts for building your own board have become much easier to get at least! Spending that much I'm sure it'll be a solid build, what case/kit you going with? Also I've heard nothing but good things about Alpacas (both regular & silents), so you should be happy with them. The only complaint I've heard consistently about Alpacas is that the top & bottom housings fit kinda loosely together so switch films are a must with them (that's pretty much with all JWK/Durock switches though). Waiting for a restock on the regular Alpacas before I grab some myself, but I just picked up some Linjars (custom colored Gateron linear) & have 120 Gateron Yellows (clear top, black bottom ones) on their way so that should hold me over for now. Anyways GL with the build & I look forward to seeing some pics of it when you get it all finished!
Edit: BTW feel free to ask any questions you might have about building here, there is many very experienced & talented builders on GH that can give you great advice if needed!