Rediscovering my love of keebs

[OedipusR3x]

Aloha Gents and Ladies!

Once upon a time, back in 2022, I discovered the wonders of bespoke mechanical keyboards. Back at that time I jumped down the keeb rabbit hole. I did all kinds of research and watched a ton of YouTube vids about barebones kits, stabs, sound tests, and all other manner of ASMRs, builds, and tom foolery. As a married gentleman, it was nearly impossible to convince my lovely spouse to let me spend hundreds on building my own keyboard, but she gifted me a Drop Alt low profile keyboard, which I still use. After I got it I naturally took it apart, bought my own Gateron North Pole switches, and did some mods.

I did tape mod, modded the included cherry stabs, hand lubed all the switches, and got an enjoyable typing experience out of the deal. After that my enthusiasm for the hobby wanted over time. I wanted more expensive stuff, but couldn't justify the purchases.

But, recently I reconnected with the hobby and I am in deep once again. I want to get a new keyboard to use at work, and I'm doing all kinds of research. Trying to decide on my preferred layout, and finding good barebones kits at reasonable prices. Picking a kit, switches, keycaps, stabs, the works. It's a difficult process since there are so many options! Would love suggestions. Currently I'm looking at a couple different options. Trying to keep the barebones kit below $200, closer to $100 the better. Currently eyeing Neo75, Neo98, KBDFans Tofu 65, CannonKeys Bakeneko 65. Considering going big for GMK keycaps this time, but struggling to find the right fit for my style and build. Choosing color ways and schemes is hard! I also want screw in stabs, since everyone says that's the premium option. Having a hard time choosing the right plate material, but I know I want to experience a more gentle typing experience, but anything is gentler than the hard bottom out on Drop Alt low profile. Leaning towards FR4, or PC. Not sure. I prefer more of a thocky sound to a clack, but maybe more in between.

Happy to join a community of like-minded people who are obsessed with typing on premium equipment!

[SwearWolf]

Welcome in!

[PandaKB]

Welcome back to the rabbit hole! There is no escaping this place, especially once your wallet starts burning again.

Shoutout to your supportive wife for that Drop Alt, but going from an integrated plate (stiff as a rock) to a modern gasket mount with a PC or FR4 plate is going to feel like typing on clouds.

Since you are doing heavy research on layouts and specifically mentioned wanting a "gentle typing experience" for work, allow me, an Ergo enthusiast, to whisper a dangerous idea into your ear: Split keyboards.

If you truly want the ultimate typing comfort for the office, separating the two halves to match your natural shoulder width is a game-changer. It stops your shoulders from hunching and lets your wrists rest at a natural angle. I won't tempt you with specific rabbit holes just yet, but definitely keep an eye out for ergonomic split boards while you browse. Your wrists will thank me, even if your wife doesn't!

Jokes aside, you can't go wrong with a PC/FR4 plate and screw-in stabs for that perfect balanced sound. Good luck with the build!