First Mechanical Keyboard - difficult choices

[roadysix]

Hi all, new member, I've been reading a fair few threads here over the past couple of days to get some answers and this seems like a great, knowledgeable, community to get some of those answers

I'm looking to buy my first mechanical keyboard and a couple from KBTalking, have caught my eye.
The KBT Race/Pure are the ideal keyboards for me, the small form factor is appealing (both because of the aesthetics and I intend on carry it around from place to place). However there are a few concerns I have before purchasing either one of them.

KBT Race and Pure:
Since I live in the UK (there doesn't seem to be an existing UK version) and the layout over here is slightly different than in the US there are a couple of key caps I would like to swap out, namely; the top row number keys 2/@, 3/# for 2/" and 3/£ respectively (I wont go through them all). I would like to keep the keyboard looking like I haven't bought after market parts, is there anywhere I can order such key caps and what sizes would I need?
In the case of the Pure, I would also like to swap out the enter/return key cap for the more basic lettering as opposed to the branding.

KBT Pure:
I'm quite drawn to the idea of a minimalist, unbranded keyboard, but these are quite hard to find especially with a UK layout (the KBTalking ones are amongst the few that come close). Unfortunately the KBT Pure, glorious as it is, has a few quirks that I need resolved before I purchase it over the KBT Race.
As a programmer the arrow keys are used a whole lot, and I am kind of worried that using them will be made difficult seeing as the Fn key is directly underneath my right palm!? If I was able to swap the left Windows key for another Function key would I be able to also find a key cap of the right size to replace the Windows key with?

Typing out this post kind of makes my wishes seem like insignificant details now.. I must be missing something..
Could I get your thoughts on either of these keyboards taking in to consideration that they will be used for programming and general typing tasks?

I'd also like to apologize for the poorly structured post and the fact that I'm completely new to all of this mechanical keyboard stuff

Thanks!

[Burz]

I was considering the Race but decided the lower-right section of the keyboard was wrong for me. The wide arrows would probably harder for me to use and the narrow right-shift also sub-par. What initially got my interest was the MX white switches that some Races have.

[roadysix]

Yeah I noticed that too, I think that maybe I could get used to it though. I'm still undecided between Race and Pure, both have models available with MX-Brown switches so I just need to make a decision..

[Burz]

Yeah I noticed that too, I think that maybe I could get used to it though. I'm still undecided between Race and Pure, both have models available with MX-Brown switches so I just need to make a decision..

The thing that put me off the Pure (and other 60% boards) off the bat was having to use Fn for function keys. I use functions that already require one or more modifier keys and adding Fn to the mix just wouldn't fly.

One compact keyboard that does have a nice layout is the Keycool 84. I would get one if it offered MX white switches and cost less than $120.

[TotalChaos]

My advice is don't settle for less than what you need.

Keep shopping.

I eventually just had to give up on small form factor keyboards, and I live in USA where we have a zillion different ones to choose from.

[roadysix]

Hello again, so I decided to drop the KBT Race/Pure idea (perhaps I will purchase one of them in the future) instead I went for a Filco Majestouch-2 Ninja TKL UK layout for a few reasons:

1. It seems as the keyboards from this manufacturer are considered high quality keyboards from reading about the internet which is good considering the cost and the fact that this is my first mechanical keyboard.
2. The standardized layout makes it very simple as a first timer to customize the key caps (I bought a set of blanks from WASD Keyboards for what I believe is called the "Otaku" look?)
3. The look of the board is close to what I was going for, very minimalist, with a small-ish form factor. I guess the only things that bother me is the Filco labeling but because I bought the TKL ninja version the branding is on the side and in black so not too noticeable. Also the extra plastic around the perimeter of the board and between the arrow key cluster and home, del, end, PgUp, PgDown etc..

Anyway I am happy with my purchase and will upload a picture once it's arrived and I've swapped out the keys can't wait!

EDIT: One other down side of this keyboard is that the usb wire is not detachable, which is not a deal breaker, just would have been nice to have been able to easily move it from place to place.

[rowdy]

^ Yes, yes and yes

Don't worry too much about the non-detachable cable - many people would consider that a bonus.  On my Ducky the cable is awkward to get in, and feels as if the connector on the PCB might break if I move the cable the wrong way.  And some keyboards are known for having a delicate PCB USB connector.

The biggest benefit of a removable cable is that it makes the keyboard easier to carry around.  Oh, and you can replace the cable with a custom cable.