What layout/switch combo would you kill for?

[Melvang]

Alright guys what would you pick for your ultimate end all be all board.  Any combo of layout (including Ergo Dox), switch, caps, and case material would you kill for?

I will start.  I would have to say Ergo Dox layout with buckling spring switches, one piece PBT caps including space bar, in all stainless case.

[CPTBadAss]

Don't really know about MX and Alps but I do know that I now have my two endgame Buckling Spring boards: 6019284 aka Kishsaver aka 60% Model F and the SSK.  I would like the Wildcats keycap set from Unicomp. I'm actually quite happy with the SSK and 6019284 cases.

I feel like with MX and Alps my exploration of them isn't done yet. Plus I still haven't tried POM caps.

And there's other switches I might love and have only read about like beam spring, magnetic reed, or hall-effect. So for me, it's hard to pick *the* ultimate game-ending board.

Edit: I should add I really like machined aluminum/metal cases for Alps and MX.

[Melvang]

Don't really know about MX and Alps but I do know that I now have my two endgame Buckling Spring boards: 6019284 aka Kishsaver aka 60% Model F and the SSK.  I would like the Wildcats keycap set from Unicomp. I'm actually quite happy with the SSK and 6019284 cases.

I feel like with MX and Alps my exploration of them isn't done yet. Plus I still haven't tried POM caps.

And there's other switches I might love and have only read about like beam spring, magnetic reed, or hall-effect. So for me, it's hard to pick *the* ultimate game-ending board.

I would have to agree with you there Cpt.  From what I have read on the magnetic reed and the hall-effect is that the vast majority of them were of linear feel.

[daerid]

Topre ErgoDox

never gonna happen

[Badwrench]

GH60 winkeyless with additional function row on top (so 72%?) and dedicated arrows a la 660, pcb mounted mx blues in a one piece machined acrylic case.  Cherry/GMK double shots.  I like little boards but without having to use the function layer to do everything. 

[MOZ]

BS or atleast clicky alp switches based Ergodox (Alps ErgoDox is not far, I promise ).

[daerid]

BS or atleast clicky alp switches based Ergodox (Alps ErgoDox is not far, I promise ).

switch mod or new pcb?

[pchatterjee]

My search would be over if I could get a modernized Buckling Spring with standard US layout.  Basically something that preserve Modell F or black label M key feel with same as IBM 2 piece keys, modern Aluminum/Metal housing, backlit, USB both wired and wireless. Jesus can't Unicomp just sell those patents/molds to Coolermaster or Corsair or someone with some business sense.

For variety and queitness, I really like the Apple AEK II (M3501) too.  Same request for this as for IBM model Ms/Fs.

[AKmalamute]

the ergodox layout, while technically I have never typed on, I'm pretty sure will be my last keyboard. I have seen evolutions of it, involving bringing the thumb clusters in closer, and adding  a tent angle between the cluster and the main keys that seems valid and good. But some version of "two separate keyboards" using all-steel casing (or machined aluminum. Y'know, I'm not picky.) and probably either greens or clears.

Buckling spring ergodox using separate cases that add tent angle and include an angle between thumb and fingers. That might not exactly sweep the market ... but I would never notice because I was too content with my one true key board.

Assuming I could afford the thing

[tuxsavvy]

Maybe uTron or Ergo Dox with modern hall effect switches. I don't think I'll ever be able to wear it out but I guess I could probably use it for eternity.  )

That and HHKB Pro in hall effect so I can travel around with it. HHKB Pro with stainless steel case that is.

[rowdy]

I'm too easily pleased - I'd barely even maim for 55g uniform Topre RealForce.  Or SSK.

[Computer-Lab in Basement]

Model F SSK, Ducky YOTD w/Blues or Greens, or TKL Topre w/clicky Topre switches.

[metalliqaz]

1) 45g Topre TKL with PBT dyesubs.  Oh wait, those exist! Realforce FTW

2)  Ergo clear Epsilon 2 in solid aluminum case similar to LightSaver.  Vintage Cherry double shot beige/gray.

[Puddsy]

MINILA WITH GREENS

MINILA WITH WHITES

MINILA WITH GREEN ALPS

MINILA WITH BUCKLING SPRING

Pls filco

pls

[metalliqaz]

Ducky YOTD w/Blues

Don't have to kill for that one.  There's got to be a few floating around.

[metalliqaz]

MINILA WITH GREENS
MINILA WITH WHITES

Don't have to kill for that one either.  Step 1: buy manila.  Step 2: desolder manila.  Step 3: solder in greens/whites.  Step4: happiness.

[Puddsy]

MINILA WITH GREENS
MINILA WITH WHITES

Don't have to kill for that one either.  Step 1: buy manila.  Step 2: desolder manila.  Step 3: solder in greens/whites.  Step4: happiness.

I might end up buying another 3-4 miniLAs just to have a bunch of different switches.

[Reomero]

Mine already exists and I'm jelly of those who have it.

A TKL w/ alu case, tuned 62g Clears, thick PBT (imsto or BSP).

Yeah, sounds like a (Korean) custom.

[Jack]

Buckling spring HHKB. No biggie though, I can just find an SSK and remap the rest. Close enough. Never will get that portability with buckling springs though.

[CPTBadAss]

Buckling spring HHKB. No biggie though, I can just find an SSK and remap the rest. Close enough. Never will get that portability with buckling springs though.

60% Ms and Fs do exist, but not in the HHKB layout. Wcass made a custom 60% M, which might be able to be tweaked to be in the HHKB layout, and the 6019284 keyboard (Kishsaver) is a stock 60% IBM Model F.

[Jack]

Oh, sweet. I guess I really just want a 60% because I can do the rest in software, and I'm not married to the HHKB way of things like the arrow keys and so on. Thanks.

[gameaholic]

GH60 winkeyless with additional function row on top (so 72%?) and dedicated arrows a la 660, pcb mounted mx blues in a one piece machined acrylic case.  Cherry/GMK double shots.  I like little boards but without having to use the function layer to do everything. 

I would like a 60% width but with function keys as well.  Winkeyless and stepped caps.  Low profile aluminum case in titanium.  Full backlighting with effects like a Ducky.  Cherry mx is fine for me but a buckling spring 60% would be awesome as well.  Still haven't tried Topre, Alps, or model F Buckling Springs. 

[metalliqaz]

GH60 winkeyless with additional function row on top (so 72%?) and dedicated arrows a la 660, pcb mounted mx blues in a one piece machined acrylic case.  Cherry/GMK double shots.  I like little boards but without having to use the function layer to do everything. 

I would like a 60% width but with function keys as well.  Winkeyless and stepped caps.  Low profile aluminum case in titanium.  Full backlighting with effects like a Ducky.  Cherry mx is fine for me but a buckling spring 60% would be awesome as well.  Still haven't tried Topre, Alps, or model F Buckling Springs.

I was actually thinking of making something like that.  Something like this layout

[Hak Foo]

My search would be over if I could get a modernized Buckling Spring with standard US layout.  Basically something that preserve Modell F or black label M key feel with same as IBM 2 piece keys, modern Aluminum/Metal housing, backlit, USB both wired and wireless. Jesus can't Unicomp just sell those patents/molds to Coolermaster or Corsair or someone with some business sense.

The thing is, even CoolerMaster and Corsair-- they're generally not manufacturing so much as "commissioning a largely catalog-based product."  The CoolerMaster QFXT is just another Costar CST-104 with a few options set differently... just like a Rosewill 9000 or old Filco Majestouch 104.

[terran5992]

Backlit TKL Topre

[noisyturtle]

A clicky linear 55g switch.

Never gonna happen, but that's the holy grail.

[phatdood9]

primary layer programmable 60% 55g topre switches and a short right shift 

[bueller]

Here's mine.

Would ideally have a Hammer/Duck style machined casing, 62 lubed ergo Clears and a GMK Toxic set. Bottom right hand modifiers act as arrow keys.

[TacticalCoder]

My HHKB Pro 2 but: a) split and b) with a tiny space bar (say 2x or 3x) so that I can easily press the keys at the right and the left of the space bar without needing to bend my thumbs (on typical QWERTY keyboards alts are usually between z and x and between , and . while I badly want my alts underneath v and m or close to that).

I'm considering buying a japanese HHKB to fix b).

Yeah. A split staggered 60% with a tiny space bar and either Topre or buckling sping switches.

staggered because after 30 years and countless try on matrix boards I simply cannot type on non-staggered boards : (

[Badwrench]

GH60 winkeyless with additional function row on top (so 72%?) and dedicated arrows a la 660, pcb mounted mx blues in a one piece machined acrylic case.  Cherry/GMK double shots.  I like little boards but without having to use the function layer to do everything. 

I would like a 60% width but with function keys as well.  Winkeyless and stepped caps.  Low profile aluminum case in titanium.  Full backlighting with effects like a Ducky.  Cherry mx is fine for me but a buckling spring 60% would be awesome as well.  Still haven't tried Topre, Alps, or model F Buckling Springs.

I was actually thinking of making something like that.  Something like this layout

I like that setup quite a lot.  Only change I would make, would to do a true 1.5 mod setup and make the esc and delete keys 1x1 to keep them more common: My setup
Done in Toxic 

[HolidaySHRIMP]

Model M 87 key. HHKB + OEM reprogrammable. The second is possible now but wasn't when I sold mine.

[czarek]

More choices of BS board. Ergodox / HHKB layout especially. Also more up to date quality control for BS keyboards. Let's say Topre / Filco quality level.

[mapple]

us-ansi layout + tkl with blues + white backlight  + white (translucent) signs on top on dark blue PBT keycaps + titanium case + titanium arrow keys + all F keys silver

[Aer Fixus]

Before I got my F122s, I wanted one as my end-all keyboard. Now that I have two and the IBM Model 200 / F200 / Kishsaver (the 60% Model F) has been both revealed and unleashed to some lucky keyboard nerds, that's what I want.

My search has commenced.

I will find one, and I will convert it and use it.

[hashbaz]

Model F or beamspring SSK, standard case and caps is fine
Winkeyless KMAC with Monterey blue or complicated blue Alps, Topre-quality doubleshot PBT caps in genuine Cherry font

[davkol]

I'm quite happy with my ErgoDox w/ stock clears, I only need to lube them. I hope to get another ergodox soon, this time with vintage blacks and PBT SA keycaps. However, the thumb clusters need to be fixed... ErgoGP might be the final solution for a while.

Apart from the previous, I'd appreciate a one-piece symmetrical 75% keyboard—something like my Noppoo Choc Mini w/ reds, but not staggered and hopefully completely open-source, programmable and more customizable (e.g. plate). This one for gaming.

Finally, I wish there was a new TypeMatrix. Basically just TM2030, but fully programmable and with detachable cable and PBT keycaps... and I wouldn't mind slightly columnar layout.

[czarek]

Topre-quality doubleshot PBT caps in genuine Cherry font

Better not that as you will end up with ABS space bar which gets shiny after a month

[gameaholic]

Another one I would like is winkeyless TKL with stepped caps lock and LED options in cherry mx.  Basically I want a cherry mx version of my IBM Model M SSK with either a beige plastic or titanium color aluminum case. 

[thegagne]

I want this:



Except left-hand TK and modern ANSI layout. I haven't tried enough switches yet, so far I'd say Browns or Pink Alps.

[rowdy]

I want this:

Show Image

Except left-hand TK and modern ANSI layout. I haven't tried enough switches yet, so far I'd say Browns or Pink Alps.

HP250 - interesting.  I used one of those many years ago.  It was running some sort of HP BASIC.

[C5Allroad]

Ergo clears, lubed and stickered, on a tenkeyless such as the gon NS87

[ElectricRaptor]

I really want a keyboard with MX greys.

[dorkvader]

From what I have read on the magnetic reed and the hall-effect is that the vast majority of them were of linear feel.

Most hall effects are linear (very much so) but I did find one clicky hall effect (honeywell / microswitch)  keyboard, the clicky was nothing special, and widely variable. Reeds are mostly linear, but you can hear (and feel, a little) the reed closing at actuation. It's pretty cool, but still basically linear.

Bytheway, there are a ton of reed KB's on eBay all the time. Keytronic-made magnetic reeds were very common and popular for a long while. There's some for as low as about $30 shipped last time I checked. The manufacturer has since switched to cortron inc.

60% Ms and Fs do exist, but not in the HHKB layout. Wcass made a custom 60% M, which might be able to be tweaked to be in the HHKB layout, and the 6019284 keyboard (Kishsaver) is a stock 60% IBM Model F.

60% stock M's exist. Clickclack has one. It's supposedly from a label making machine. Very rare though. Just wanted to add the specific example to your post as an alternative to DIY efforts. Hasu has also made a 60% m, and was possibly the first to do so.

I want this:

Show Image

Except left-hand TK and modern ANSI layout. I haven't tried enough switches yet, so far I'd say Browns or Pink Alps.

There's a good chance that KB uses hall effect (ferrite type) switches.

I really want a keyboard with MX greys.

Pretty easy to just make.

I use a bunch of different layouts, but I'm particularly fond of ones with tenkeys. Different keyboards and switches have different purposes, feelings, and drawbacks.

That said, my #1 keyboard that has been made is the IBM 4704-400 "administrative" 107-key keyboard, Part number (for US language) is 6020218. These used to exist at a place in Texas, but were since scrapped.

[ElectricRaptor]

I really want a keyboard with MX greys.

Pretty easy to just make.

Green spring + clear or brown stem?

In any case, buying two sets of switches with the intention combining them sounds pretty expensive

[Aer Fixus]

60% stock M's exist. Clickclack has one. It's supposedly from a label making machine. Very rare though.

I have yet to see a picture of this keyboard (or maybe I have and can't remember). I've read that it looks very nice, but reading is not seeing.

[ideus]

I am not sure if the intention of the original question was to define an exotic keyboard with a non available combination of layout and switches. My humble, and in stock, not dream but already on hand board, is a simple Leopold 660 with browns. Nothing special but using OEM black cherry DS keycaps with purple mods. It allows me to deal with my daily workload of paper writing and statistical analysis in R, totally hassle free. And even after hours of work it is always a pleasure to post at GH's threads like this.


Sorry guys but I do not need to kill for it, because anybody can have one. LOL! This may be a way too simple answer for a call that was apparently looking for the holy grail of the keyboards. It happens that my "grail" is a simple clay vessel...

[Pacifist]

40% blues and a qazpad also with blues