75% Keyboards?

[chuckster]

I really like the KBT Race, but was looking for something with a larger R Shift key. Are there any 75% boards out there that fit the bill? I con't find many 70/75% models period.

Also, what is this? Is it custom? I think this is just about perfect (or at least as close to perfection that any kind of TKL board can be):


If it isn't custom, I must have it! It would pretty much end all issues I have with Full size vs. 60% boards.

[Heliosphere]

Reverse Google image search revealed it as a LZ MX Mini: https://dangwang.wordpress.com/2012/11/16/420-reviews-lz-mx-mini-by-lifezone/

Correction: It's a LZ MX Mini SE https://dangwang.wordpress.com/2013/05/20/order-keyboard-in-january-get-in-may-lz-mx-mini-se-21/.

Edit2: The original owner of the specific keyboard in your photo (#21) actually just sold it on mechmarket for $700 http://www.reddit.com/r/mechmarket/comments/2u0hm1/wts_selling_90_of_my_remaining_collection_kmac_lz/

[flaming_june]

I think many of us would like one like that but with more spacing.  Atm you either go TKL or 80% with numpad and no arrow keys.

[Oobly]

I really like the KBT Race, but was looking for something with a larger R Shift key. Are there any 75% boards out there that fit the bill? I con't find many 70/75% models period.

Also, what is this? Is it custom? I think this is just about perfect (or at least as close to perfection that any kind of TKL board can be):

Show Image

If it isn't custom, I must have it! It would pretty much end all issues I have with Full size vs. 60% boards.

For me, TKL or 60% are best. 75% has a few disadvantages:

1. Non-standard layout - requires retraining your muscle memory for finding keys like the arrows.
2. Non-standard keycap sizes - means most aftermarket sets won't fit, in some cases none at all will fit. The one in the picture you posted is about the most compatible I have yet seen, but even that has mismatched legends on the keys above the right arrow.

The only disadvantage to TKL is the size, and it's very close to 75% in width, which is the dimension that matters most on a desk.

60% you have to use a Fn layer for arrow keys, edits and F keys and sometimes the Fn key is in an awkward place, but it's the most compact and there are some with great Fn layers and key placement options (original KBT Pure) or programmability (Poker II, GH60, GON NerD60, Infinity, etc).

Out of all the "compact" layout boards I've seen, the one I like best is the Leopold FC660M:

[Data]

My Octagon should be shipping soon-ish.  It's 75%.



Key caps shouldn't be a problem depending on which bottom row layout you pick, assuming you've got options.  Most key sets have a Tsangan kit.  That should cover the odd sizes you might need.  And you may have a slight profile mismatch on the far right column depending on which keys you want there, but that isn't really a big deal for me.

All the 75% boards I've ever seen are customs.  I don't know of any commercial versions -- but that doesn't mean they don't exist. 

[blighty]

75% production boards?  Noppoo choc mini and Keycool 84. 

[Jotokun]

1. Non-standard layout - requires retraining your muscle memory for finding keys like the arrows.

Not entirely true. For a long while, 75% was very common on laptops. I've owned three laptops in a row, all of different manufactures (Toshiba, Compaq, Dell), with almost exactly the same 75% layout in the past. It seems to be less common now as everyone tries to copy the macbook's 60% layout on their laptops, but I still wouldn't call it non-standard. There are people with muscle memory built up for it.

Caps are a pain, though. IMO that's the only drawback aside from not enough options existing for the layout.

[blighty]

1. Non-standard layout - requires retraining your muscle memory for finding keys like the arrows.

Not entirely true. For a long while, 75% was very common on laptops. I've owned three laptops in a row, all of different manufactures (Toshiba, Compaq, Dell), with almost exactly the same 75% layout in the past. It seems to be less common now as everyone tries to copy the macbook's 60% layout on their laptops, but I still wouldn't call it non-standard. There are people with muscle memory built up for it.

Caps are a pain, though. IMO that's the only drawback aside from not enough options existing for the layout.

Caps aren't that hard to find for 75%. 



MX mini has an old Cherry 1800 set on it, while the Keycool 84 has the Skull Squadron DSA on it. 

[Evrycard]

My Octagon should be shipping soon-ish.  It's 75%.

Show Image

Key caps shouldn't be a problem depending on which bottom row layout you pick, assuming you've got options.  Most key sets have a Tsangan kit.  That should cover the odd sizes you might need.  And you may have a slight profile mismatch on the far right column depending on which keys you want there, but that isn't really a big deal for me.

All the 75% boards I've ever seen are customs.  I don't know of any commercial versions -- but that doesn't mean they don't exist.  :P

I soooo want one.  :thumb:

[flaming_june]

I really like the KBT Race, but was looking for something with a larger R Shift key. Are there any 75% boards out there that fit the bill? I con't find many 70/75% models period.

Also, what is this? Is it custom? I think this is just about perfect (or at least as close to perfection that any kind of TKL board can be):

Show Image

If it isn't custom, I must have it! It would pretty much end all issues I have with Full size vs. 60% boards.

For me, TKL or 60% are best. 75% has a few disadvantages:

1. Non-standard layout - requires retraining your muscle memory for finding keys like the arrows.
2. Non-standard keycap sizes - means most aftermarket sets won't fit, in some cases none at all will fit. The one in the picture you posted is about the most compatible I have yet seen, but even that has mismatched legends on the keys above the right arrow.

The only disadvantage to TKL is the size, and it's very close to 75% in width, which is the dimension that matters most on a desk.

60% you have to use a Fn layer for arrow keys, edits and F keys and sometimes the Fn key is in an awkward place, but it's the most compact and there are some with great Fn layers and key placement options (original KBT Pure) or programmability (Poker II, GH60, GON NerD60, Infinity, etc).

Out of all the "compact" layout boards I've seen, the one I like best is the Leopold FC660M:

Show Image

Unfortunately it just doesn't work as for gamers as well.

[Oobly]

1. Non-standard layout - requires retraining your muscle memory for finding keys like the arrows.

Not entirely true. For a long while, 75% was very common on laptops. I've owned three laptops in a row, all of different manufactures (Toshiba, Compaq, Dell), with almost exactly the same 75% layout in the past. It seems to be less common now as everyone tries to copy the macbook's 60% layout on their laptops, but I still wouldn't call it non-standard. There are people with muscle memory built up for it.

Caps are a pain, though. IMO that's the only drawback aside from not enough options existing for the layout.

Caps aren't that hard to find for 75%. 

(Attachment Link)

MX mini has an old Cherry 1800 set on it, while the Keycool 84 has the Skull Squadron DSA on it.

For the more common 75% boards, yes, they are. You have the 2 easiest and still both need a 1.75x right shift and still the keycap profile or legend won't match on the keys above the right arrow.

The more common ones like Noppoo Choc Mini and KBT Race 2 have some impossible cap sizes (5.5x spacebar, 1.5x ESC and Backspace).

Admittedly, for the FC660M you need a second left shift to fit onto the right hand side, but at least it's a standard size and is just a duplicate of a key already found in normal sets.

@Data, I'm surprised you don't know of the Noppoo Choc Mini, Keycool 84 or KBT Race 1 & 2.

I change keycaps quite often and am VERY used to the standard placement of arrow and edit keys (20+ years of daily use will do that), so for me, a TKL is much more usable than a 75%. Even so, the largest board I tend to use nowadays is a 60%.

[flaming_june]

KBT Race keyboards are always out of stock.

[pr0ximity]

Like a 70% keyboard:

http://www.banggood.com/Noppoo-Nano75-s-60-Cherry-MX-Red-Switch-Mechanical-Gaming-Keyboard-p-966287.html

[Data]

@Data, I'm surprised you don't know of the Noppoo Choc Mini, Keycool 84 or KBT Race 1 & 2.

I change keycaps quite often and am VERY used to the standard placement of arrow and edit keys (20+ years of daily use will do that), so for me, a TKL is much more usable than a 75%. Even so, the largest board I tend to use nowadays is a 60%.

I've probably seen the Noppoo a time or two, but wasn't familiar enough with it to remember the name.  I've heard of the KBT Race but wouldn't be able to pick it out of a line-up. 

I love the arrow keys and use them constantly, which is probably my biggest hurdle to using a 60% (or smaller) layout.  But where they live on the board or even which side they're on hasn't been a problem so far.

[supersoul]

love my choc mini but the mentioned lack of compatible keysets really sucks

[Fragil1ty]

I really like the KBT Race, but was looking for something with a larger R Shift key. Are there any 75% boards out there that fit the bill? I con't find many 70/75% models period.

Also, what is this? Is it custom? I think this is just about perfect (or at least as close to perfection that any kind of TKL board can be):

Show Image

If it isn't custom, I must have it! It would pretty much end all issues I have with Full size vs. 60% boards.

Noppoo Choc Mini is the only 75% board you should ever buy.


/Thread

[punkpc]

1. Non-standard layout - requires retraining your muscle memory for finding keys like the arrows.

Not entirely true. For a long while, 75% was very common on laptops. I've owned three laptops in a row, all of different manufactures (Toshiba, Compaq, Dell), with almost exactly the same 75% layout in the past. It seems to be less common now as everyone tries to copy the macbook's 60% layout on their laptops, but I still wouldn't call it non-standard. There are people with muscle memory built up for it.

Caps are a pain, though. IMO that's the only drawback aside from not enough options existing for the layout.

Caps aren't that hard to find for 75%. 

(Attachment Link)

MX mini has an old Cherry 1800 set on it, while the Keycool 84 has the Skull Squadron DSA on it.

What case is that with the MX Mini?

[EscapeVelocity]

The KBT Race II was the closest to me finding a good key layout on 75%.

I use a 75% layout that is very similar on my Asus Netbook. So Im familiar with it. 60% just too small. I dont need to travel with it either. I like the Home/End Page Up/Page Down keys along the Right edge that is how my Asus netbook is set up...and I use them.

Ultimately I decided to ditch it and go with TKL.

You might look into the Leupold F660 as well.

PPS - The Noppoo Choc Mini looks like a real good layout too. Maybe even better than the Race II.

[digi]

Noppoo Choc Mini is the only 75% board you should ever buy.


/Thread

LOL, if you're a noob, yes.

[Leslieann]

There is no 75% with common keys,, there's no way to make it a perfect little rectangle without chopping out something somewhere and most keysets leave you with odd profiles at best.

It's the main reason I set out on my little adventure.
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=73282.0

[sethk_]

There is no 75% with common keys,, there's no way to make it a perfect little rectangle without chopping out something somewhere and most keysets leave you with odd profiles at best.

It's the main reason I set out on my little adventure.
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=73282.0

Well, short right shift is somewhat common, but yeah, yours is a good  improvement as far as standard goes. Reminds me a little of the alienware keyboard layouts.