That "final" keyboard (opinions needed)

[GenKaan]

First post so I hope this is in the right section.

Ive had a few keyboards over the years (6Gv2, MK50, Ducky Mini) and currently a G2Pro at work / K65 at home.
Looking to buy or mod a new keyboard to use at home. Im looking to spend ~$230 (USD) and want a Mx Red TKL board, wife dislike Bronw and Blue. The main things Im looking for are a keyboard thats easy to replace the caps with (having standard sizes) and would like to be able to change the case as well.

I was thinking about getting a QuickFire, using the money to get PBT caps and painting the case (or replacing it with a low profile alu case). Or to pick some used keyboard up and just throwing away the caps, painting the case and just making my own keyboard essentially. Just going for something that has standard sizes and case.

Or getting a Shine 3 TKL, because it has LED, I belive is standard sized and has media keys.

My first idea was to get a custom custom Filco board, but after sending a few mails to them it seems that I would have to pay like $380-400 and... Then I think I could get a cooler board for a lot less. Was looking at a "white carbon" case.

Could also go for a Filco TKL with "Ninja" (side printed) caps, assume its standard size but lacks media keys (not super important). Then again I could get a Shine 3 insted and just buy "ninja" caps and go with the LED off, so Im not totaly sold on the Filco boards even tho I really want one.

Is there any other keyboard I should look into? Im not that into 60% anymore, found them too limited. Going to pick up a HHKB this winter if I get to keep / stand my job til then but other then that there arent really that appealing to me.

For the interested, this is my K65
Pre to me painting space

In place:

With some custom caps:

[vivalarevolución]

There is no such thing as a final keyboard.  You will just keep buying and buying to try things out.

[GenKaan]

There is no such thing as a final keyboard.  You will just keep buying and buying to try things out.

I dont agree, Id rather have one keyboard and mod it instead of buying new less attractive keyboards.

[rowdy]

There is no such thing as a final keyboard.  You will just keep buying and buying to try things out.

I dont agree, Id rather have one keyboard and mod it instead of buying new less attractive keyboards.

And which keyboard will you use while your one and only keyboard is pulled apart?

Need a second keyboard for that.

And a third one in case the second one breaks.

And a fourth one for that extra keycap set you couldn't live without.

[jalaj]

I'm not really clear on why you want to go with another keyboard over what you currently own.
Is it solely to try another Cherry stem type?
If any of your currently owned Cherry MX KBs have a mounting plate for the Cherry switches, then you are in luck.
For the non-LED switches, you can easily remove the switch cover and swap out the Cherry stem for another type if you want to test the various Cherry stems and/or springs.
This mod does not require any de-soldering, so it is fairly easy without purchasing any additional tools.
There are plenty of videos on youtube instructing on how to modify keyboards, so the DIY route is very accessible.
You can acquire different Cherry stems and springs, considerably cheaper than before, from various vendors here or other sources.

Otherwise if your reason for a new KB is other than trying out different Cherry switch types, go for a custom that you build from scratch. Since you already have a lot of experience with several mass manufactured cherry KBs, I don't believe another pre-manufactured KB will be a drastically better experience for you. You can source many of the parts in group buys, personal sales, or sponsored vendors also through here.
Most importantly, build a cherry MX KB with a mounting plate as you can modify the switch housings first so that you can easily swap out for different Cherry stems in the future without desoldering the switch itself even if it has a LED. The custom route can be laborious if you build it yourself, so you can instead commission another person to build it for you if you do not have the time. But either way, this is a slippery slope into an expensive hobby. So the more time you spend researching prior to your build, you'll be more knowledgeable about the process and can lessen the money bleed by avoiding common costly newbie mistakes.

-- The search function on this forum is your friend, abuse it.

[GenKaan]

There is no such thing as a final keyboard.  You will just keep buying and buying to try things out.

I dont agree, Id rather have one keyboard and mod it instead of buying new less attractive keyboards.

And which keyboard will you use while your one and only keyboard is pulled apart?

Need a second keyboard for that.

And a third one in case the second one breaks.

And a fourth one for that extra keycap set you couldn't live without.

In case of emergency, Ill go rubber dome 
Currently Im looking to have my K65 as backup

[GenKaan]

I'm not really clear on why you want to go with another keyboard over what you currently own.

Mainly because the K65 has a space that is 6.5 units and Ive been looknig high and low for a repalcement, Corsair refuse to sell me one and Im sick of finding nice/cheap PBT caps that is standard while I have a non standard keyboard.

Ive tried all switches, the Mx Red is what I like the best so its going to be a TKL with Mx Red.

Im posting here hoping that there are some keyboard Ive missed in my hunt for a new one. Also to make sure that what ever I end up buying has standard measurements when it comes to caps.
A perfect keyboard for me would have been the golden Ducky keyboard (Tuhaojin), but it seems only to come in full size.

Ive seen the "phantom" (I think) kit, like build it yourself but Im not that into putting that much effort and time into it. I make good money so Id rather spend some of it and save myself the time.

[Defect]

Ive seen the "phantom" (I think) kit, like build it yourself but Im not that into putting that much effort and time into it. I make good money so Id rather spend some of it and save myself the time.

The excessive extra income part is actually how I justify spending money on soldering iron + parts and turning this into an a hobby of crafts rather than one of collection (you get way more out of it that way, too IMO).  Not bragging, but to put it in perspective, I drop maybe 200-400 a month on parts for laughs and giggles.

There will never be a final keyboard, especially if you make good money.  You'll start to think, reds are nice.  How about if I lube them?  Then korean springs start showing up in your search history.  Then keycap upgrades.

But, in your search for TKL, it's easy to recommend QFR.  (This is all from US Buyer perspective)  You can find them on sale pretty often for 60 or so USD.  Filco's you can snag for around 100-120 average.  Do not get pulled into those 210-220 USD filcos...people charge you for all the mods they've done but do not include the switches/original parts that they swapped out (and yet still charge you for it), and do not depreciate the board for its age or the fact that its been tampered with. 

A modded Filco with no extra parts should never be more than 150, tops.

[GenKaan]

But, in your search for TKL, it's easy to recommend QFR.  (This is all from US Buyer perspective)  You can find them on sale pretty often for 60 or so USD.

QFR, iso layout, does it have "standard measurements"? I dont want to end up with a spacebar from nightmare again
Because Ive done a lot of modding on my arcade stick and it turned out hella nice, so I bet since the keyboard travels a lot less, less friction against it and overall less wear on it I bet I can make it look awesome.

Also can you use the PCB (or whatever the circuit board is called) for other, like low profile alu cases?

[Game Theory]

There can almost be a final keyboard after you switch to vintage keyboards and clean them up/repair them. There will always be more of them you want but you'll never find them.  Most of the time anyway.  But then someone will find a stash of Kishsavers then it all starts again:)

[GenKaan]

There can almost be a final keyboard after you switch to vintage keyboards and clean them up/repair them. There will always be more of them you want but you'll never find them.  Most of the time anyway.  But then someone will find a stash of Kishsavers then it all starts again:)

Well, I know that I will always use a TKL keyboard with Mx Red, so after I find "the one" Im not even going to be looking at keyboards. Only cases and caps.

Will replace my G2Pro with Mx Clear tho, not a big fan. Going to use Blue or Brown at work, but for now Mx Clear work for now.

[Zombly]

I'd get a korean custom, and get it fully modded, what I'm doing once everything comes there will still be more purchases and I literally just joined this site to make this custom keyboard and so far have spent ~800, and I don't even have the keyboard yet...

Then I'm just buying the wife some random mechancical keyboard, throwing on some caps, and be done with it

[GenKaan]

I'd get a korean custom, and get it fully modded, what I'm doing once everything comes there will still be more purchases and I literally just joined this site to make this custom keyboard and so far have spent ~800, and I don't even have the keyboard yet...

Then I'm just buying the wife some random mechancical keyboard, throwing on some caps, and be done with it

Yes... Go on... After a few pics on google Im almost sold on a korean custom, but $800 seems much.
How custom can you go? I wouldnt mind having F1-F12 in a layer under the number keys!
How about media shortcuts? Like Play/forward/back?

[Oobly]

There can almost be a final keyboard after you switch to vintage keyboards and clean them up/repair them. There will always be more of them you want but you'll never find them.  Most of the time anyway.  But then someone will find a stash of Kishsavers then it all starts again:)

Well, I know that I will always use a TKL keyboard with Mx Red, so after I find "the one" Im not even going to be looking at keyboards. Only cases and caps.

Will replace my G2Pro with Mx Clear tho, not a big fan. Going to use Blue or Brown at work, but for now Mx Clear work for now.

1. Does it have to be TKL, or are you also considering 60% boards? For 60%, I recommend a Poker 2. Standard caps and case, lots of options to personalise / mod. It only has vol up, vol dn and mute for media controls, though, no forward, back, etc, but you may be able to use AutoHotKey to create scripts for that and program some unique key combinations onto some of the Pn layer keys of the Poker to activate them. For TKL, Filco are good, as are Ducky (and they both have standard keycaps and case design), so a Ducky Shine 3 is not  bad choice. You can find custom plates, cases, etc. that fit them easily enough.

2. What don't you like about the Clears on your G2Pro? If they're just too tiring / too strong springs, swap the springs for 62g.

[GenKaan]

1. Does it have to be TKL, or are you also considering 60% boards? For 60%, I recommend a Poker 2. Standard caps and case, lots of options to personalise / mod. It only has vol up, vol dn and mute for media controls, though, no forward, back, etc, but you may be able to use AutoHotKey to create scripts for that and program some unique key combinations onto some of the Pn layer keys of the Poker to activate them. For TKL, Filco are good, as are Ducky (and they both have standard keycaps and case design), so a Ducky Shine 3 is not  bad choice. You can find custom plates, cases, etc. that fit them easily enough.

2. What don't you like about the Clears on your G2Pro? If they're just too tiring / too strong springs, swap the springs for 62g.

1. Im not that into 60% anymore, tried Ducky Mini out and it was fine but... Yeah I want arrow keys. Media keys arent that important at all really, its just a nice bonus. The reason I am looking at a Shine 3 TKL is because it has all the things Im looking for and LED for about $200 here in Sweden. Not a big fan of the caps but thats a minor flaw since Im already going to pick up new one asap.
Always wanted a Filco but I really see no point in getting one since all I get thats different then a shine 3 is the brand. I dont get LED or media keys for about the same price.

2. I think they are too stiff and Im not a big fan of tactile feeling or sound, just dont see any point in having it. Mby looking into changing the springs for something else, just want to avoid soldering since I dont have the equpiment or space really to do it.

[Defect]

If you want to pursue cases and caps for your focus in modding, I'd suggest filco or phantom.  Might as well have a very solid board as your base.  Especially if you're gifted in already knowing your favorite switch (I'm cursed with constant keyboard rotations   )

If I had one favorite switch and knew I'd be fine with it, I would go and throw money at a phantom with custom case/plate or korean custom. (But I don't like tkl and I love all switches so the only korean custom I'm getting is a 60, rest of my boards are under 200 each).  I'd even recommend phantom over filco, but that's with my builders bias.  Filco is my 3rd choice.

Sprit also has tkl pcbs in his round 2 GB.

Edit: to address your backlighting concerns, ducky is good for a stock board with backlighting.  Personally I think it's bling that's unnecessary.   Makes modding more annoying (careful not to lift LED traces...), hindrance to gaming performance, and can make elegant boards look tacky.

Some korean customs that uses have on here have nice backlight settings,  and I solder LEDS on all my compatible boards.  But I always leave them off.

That being said, don't think I'm hating on you for wanting backlighting.  I just don't think you should dismiss phantom and filco as final boards in your chase for light.

[Oobly]

1. Does it have to be TKL, or are you also considering 60% boards? For 60%, I recommend a Poker 2. Standard caps and case, lots of options to personalise / mod. It only has vol up, vol dn and mute for media controls, though, no forward, back, etc, but you may be able to use AutoHotKey to create scripts for that and program some unique key combinations onto some of the Pn layer keys of the Poker to activate them. For TKL, Filco are good, as are Ducky (and they both have standard keycaps and case design), so a Ducky Shine 3 is not  bad choice. You can find custom plates, cases, etc. that fit them easily enough.

2. What don't you like about the Clears on your G2Pro? If they're just too tiring / too strong springs, swap the springs for 62g.

1. Im not that into 60% anymore, tried Ducky Mini out and it was fine but... Yeah I want arrow keys. Media keys arent that important at all really, its just a nice bonus. The reason I am looking at a Shine 3 TKL is because it has all the things Im looking for and LED for about $200 here in Sweden. Not a big fan of the caps but thats a minor flaw since Im already going to pick up new one asap.
Always wanted a Filco but I really see no point in getting one since all I get thats different then a shine 3 is the brand. I dont get LED or media keys for about the same price.

2. I think they are too stiff and Im not a big fan of tactile feeling or sound, just dont see any point in having it. Mby looking into changing the springs for something else, just want to avoid soldering since I dont have the equpiment or space really to do it.

Great, in that case I reckon a Ducky Shine 3 TKL will be a very good choice.

Y, you need to desolder the switches on a G2Pro to change springs, so.... Browns are a good balance, I find the little tactility they have to be helpful, it improves my typing accuracy over Reds. But, if you use Reds at home and are very used to them, it may be a good idea to use the same at work. Personal choice, like many keyboard-related decisions.

[osi]

There is no such thing as a final keyboard.  You will just keep buying and buying to try things out.

I agree. "Final Keyboard" is blashpemy!!

I liked the black spacebar setup in your pics better

[berserkfan]

There is no such thing as a final keyboard.  You will just keep buying and buying to try things out.

I dont agree, Id rather have one keyboard and mod it instead of buying new less attractive keyboards.

You are right in theory. In practice, this is a wallet hacking website and almost nobody here has only one super modded keyboard.

[00zeRO]

There is no such thing as a final keyboard.  You will just keep buying and buying to try things out.

I dont agree, Id rather have one keyboard and mod it instead of buying new less attractive keyboards.

You are right in theory. In practice, this is a wallet hacking website and almost nobody here has only one super modded keyboard.

I'm with GK on this one!

+1

I have very secure firewall settings on my wallet.bin. For those who don't, I recommend clicking on wife.exe and allowing it to expand to your monetary directory. Then you will only have one keyboard to mod, no problem.

[aref]

I have a couple K65 keyboards. Where did you find a space bar and other bottom row caps to fit the Vengeance? The K65's bottom R1 row, as you know, has several odd-size key caps. Thanks.

By the way, 'final keyboard'? Man, how many times have I said this is my final keyboard purchase? Many.

[Puddsy]

More

There is no such thing as a final keyboard.  You will just keep buying and buying to try things out.

I dont agree, Id rather have one keyboard and mod it instead of buying new less attractive keyboards.

You are right in theory. In practice, this is a wallet hacking website and almost nobody here has only one super modded keyboard.

I'm with GK on this one!

+1

I have very secure firewall settings on my wallet.bin. For those who don't, I recommend clicking on wife.exe and allowing it to expand to your monetary directory. Then you will only have one keyboard to mod, no problem.

Wife.exe not found! Error 17, user too young to be married.

OT: If you want one final board, a Kustom of some kind is the way to go. A KMAC 2 that's been built already sits around the $350-$400 mark, but can go over $500.

Or you could build one yourself for the low low price of $600+! But it's so very worth it. I miss dorkvader's skeldon Phantom... Probably the best MX board I've ever typed on.

[histevenhere]

I ended up with a realforce 87u 45g . Game/type , I find it perfect . I use to really enjoy reds on KBT pure , QFR , a couple of other boards but ultimately ended with the RF.

[BucklingSpring]

There is no such thing as a final keyboard.  You will just keep buying and buying to try things out.

I dont agree, Id rather have one keyboard and mod it instead of buying new less attractive keyboards.

Good luck with this. Many tried very few succeeded.

Lots of good guys has fallen trying. Some were hit harder than others.

[Defect]

There is no such thing as a final keyboard.  You will just keep buying and buying to try things out.

I dont agree, Id rather have one keyboard and mod it instead of buying new less attractive keyboards.

Good luck with this. Many tried very few succeeded.

Lots of good guys has fallen trying. Some were hit harder than others.

Sometimes its cheaper (monetizing hours spent) to buy a second board rather than spend 1-2 hours re-purposing your only one to get a different switch to type on.

Also PCB's can last for a long time but I'd be careful with too many solder jobs.  Sometimes those buggers just wanna lift traces just because it's Tuesday.

[berserkfan]

More

There is no such thing as a final keyboard.  You will just keep buying and buying to try things out.

I dont agree, Id rather have one keyboard and mod it instead of buying new less attractive keyboards.

You are right in theory. In practice, this is a wallet hacking website and almost nobody here has only one super modded keyboard.

I'm with GK on this one!

+1

I have very secure firewall settings on my wallet.bin. For those who don't, I recommend clicking on wife.exe and allowing it to expand to your monetary directory. Then you will only have one keyboard to mod, no problem.

Wife.exe not found! Error 17, user too young to be married.

OT: If you want one final board, a Kustom of some kind is the way to go. A KMAC 2 that's been built already sits around the $350-$400 mark, but can go over $500.

Or you could build one yourself for the low low price of $600+! But it's so very worth it. I miss dorkvader's skeldon Phantom... Probably the best MX board I've ever typed on.

can you give me more information on the skeldon Phantom? Am curious what constitutes 'best MX board ever'

[Novus]

Hhkb

[Lu_e]

www.gonskeyboardworks.com is what I would get

[GenKaan]

I have a couple K65 keyboards. Where did you find a space bar and other bottom row caps to fit the Vengeance? The K65's bottom R1 row, as you know, has several odd-size key caps. Thanks.

By the way, 'final keyboard'? Man, how many times have I said this is my final keyboard purchase? Many.

Space bar I painted but realize now that it wont work in the summer, will try to coat it with a primer and hope it works out.

The bottom row has 3 "**** you" parts, left CTRL but you can replace that with 4th Row tab (same size, looks funky but works great), the FN/right win but they are size 1 so any cap will do and space. Space Ive yet to find a replacement cap for. Tried begging on my knees over at Corsair support but they said "**** you buddy, its a 6.5 piece and if you want to replace it **** you, also **** you for asking us" (not actual respons).

This is why Im moving to a new keyboard

[Tony]

The FINAL keyboard??? Are you broke?

[GenKaan]

The FINAL keyboard??? Are you broke?

Not really but I can only use one at the time (plus one at work) and I believe there is a optimal keyboard for me, so anything beside that would be a downgrade.

Currently looking close at Shine 3 TKL, Mx Red, white LED, Vortex silver case and white blank PBT caps. With some GasmMask caps and other fun caps

[allocerveau]

If you really want it, go for it. But imo there's no such thing as a final board

[ideus]

If you have the money you can pay someone to design and build your dreamed keyboard, if you have skills, and time, along with money, you should do it yourself, because of the simple reason that commercial available boards may not meet all your needs. Besides you can always source switches, diodes, leds, custom plates, controllers, and the wiring could be direct wiring, or pay the price for a single unit custom made pcb prototype. If you choose to go the MX route caps are always available, and you can even run your very own GB with the caps you want, again if money is available you can even put some to reach MOQ easily.

Most of the available keyboards have been designed to appeal to wide markets, for business reasons, that I think are clear as crystal, but you should not expect them to fit specific needs as yours 100%. Thus, why bother with commercial offers if you can build your own.

Final keyboard = 100% Custom made keyboard.

[Tony]

I believe there is a optimal keyboard for me.

Same with a woman, once you're married you'll likely to seek new pastures.

[LouisHjelmslev]

Of course there's such thing as a final keyboard... and also a final-final keyboard... as well as a final-final-v2 keyboard... then there's final-final-FINAL keyboard ← caps makes a difference

[GenKaan]

Of course there's such thing as a final keyboard... and also a final-final keyboard... as well as a final-final-v2 keyboard... then there's final-final-FINAL keyboard ← caps makes a difference

Meh, I can replace caps n switches but once I find that one case with that sick PCB and the right color LEDS. Im no longer going to come here and see a keyboard and think "I NEEEEED that", its just goign be "nice, but I wouldnt trade mine for that".

My plan is to have a TKL at home (Mx Red, white LED, alu case), a full size at the office (Mx Clear, no LED, standard case) and a HHKB just for fun. Got my office keyboard, even got some custom caps for it. About to replace my home keyboard and thats why I made this post

The HHKB is going to be a christmas present for myself if I can stand keeping my job til then