Time for a New Keyboard (Looking to build 65% Custom)

[vastvosau]

Hello, I've owned a Corsair mech with Cherry Blues for 5+ years and loving it. The problem now is, I have a 2 month old daughter who will be staying in the room that I use as an office, and my typing sounds like a machine gun going off (I have a heavy type style). I use my keyboard for gaming and writing, basic stuff.

I'm looking to build a custom mech from parts. My budget is around $150. I've heard you can get parts on the cheap from Aliexpress and other similar websites if you know how to navigate it. So here is what I'm looking for:

65% Aluminum or Steel frame

Tangerines or Healios or Cherry Silent Reds

Hot Swappable PCB

Basic Keycaps (quality does matter, but nothing flashy).

Any tips or advice on parts that I can gather to cobble together a custom keyboard for $150 or less would be greatly appreciated.

[Sup]

For 150 dollar its not going to be possible maybe on Mech market you have more chance to find someone selling it for that price but no choice in switches. I would recommend getting it second hand since all the parts you need are out of stock and wont be restocked for a while because of the corona virus.

Tada68 with a low profile aluminium case would be your best and cheapest option but it will exceed the 150 dollars wish it was that cheap  .

Cheapest configuration would come out to 194 dollars.

Low profile aluminium case 55 dollars
PCB 35 Dollars
plate 18 Dollars
Stabilizers GMK screw in stabs 14 dollars
Cherry MX red silent 70x 38 dollars
Epbt Tada68 key-caps 34 dollars <- you can change this to what ever you want so long it supports the Tada68 lay out. standard key sets wont work.
 

[typo]

I have built many 65%. No way $150. Cheapest junk $300. Really good $450. Outstanding $600+. I do not mean to be a jerk as many people think I am. Just reality.  The case alone is going to run you $60 for so-so. Then maybe $80 for the switches. You do not want Hot Swap! See the thread here. So, if you need someone to build it too, add another $75.

[gnho]

For this price range I think you get more from a pre-built. Get a keychron K6 and use the rest of your money to buy switches or a metal case.

[typo]

Honestly, if you look on Amazon there are seemingly very nice boards for $150. I certainly cannot vouch for them. Even Anne 2 can be had for that much there.

[envyy24]

In what world is anne pro 2 $150? Buy them here in UK for almost half the price then sell it there then

[ElectricKaibutsu]

Drop Alt is 65% hot swap for $180. They don't have the switches you want, but you could buy them separately, swap them out, and sell the originals.

[Sup]

I have built many 65%. No way $150. Cheapest junk $300. Really good $450. Outstanding $600+. I do not mean to be a jerk as many people think I am. Just reality.  The case alone is going to run you $60 for so-so. Then maybe $80 for the switches. You do not want Hot Swap! See the thread here. So, if you need someone to build it too, add another $75.

Lol price does not always = quality. Some people charge way to much for stuff then they are worth. Its like pre build computers

[typo]

No Sir! anne Pro Is $89USD!

[subluxe]

$150 is a bit of a tight budget for aluminum case. If you go plastic case it's pretty doable. If you shell out a bit more money you can get something pretty lasting for $225 or so.

Healios and Tangies will definitely push you out of the budget range you're aiming for. Instead of MX Silent Red, maybe Gateron Yellows might be nice?

Could get the low profile case like someone mentioned, with the pcb and plate. Upgrade out of GMK Screw-Ins and look into getting Gateron Yellows?

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Do some shopping on KBDFans and you might be able to get a better idea of what price it might come out to.