Looking for a Solid Keyboard

[Dark_wizzie]

Hi,

I'm looking for a solid keyboard. Like, a very solid one. I think a metal case is a requirement. It also must be TKL or smaller. The Ducky Legend doesn't come in TKL, the Mini's case cannot be replaced with a Tex 60%, the Poker II does not come in red leds. I want red leds. Also, I'm afraid a lightweight, small keyboard like a 60% will compromise the typing experience. Does it change the typing experience in terms of feel? Having a keyboard that has a metal casing, metal plate, etc, makes me sleep better at night.  No lie. Anyways, I was thinking of getting a Ducky Shine 3 TKL (there is no such thing as a 4 TKL) and putting that inside a Tex TKL case (which won't be available until 'hopefully before the end of Spring' according to a Mechanicalkeyboards.com rep). The downside is that it will take months and months before I can get a new keyboard I want. Somebody suggested me a GON keyboard, but my question is, if I start whacking my brother with the keyboard at full force, will the keyboard in fact suffer damage? 

I don't need crazy lighting modes. Any keyboard with backlighting is bound to have led on, led off, led brightness adjustment. That's all I really need. However, led blending like the Ducky Mini is a bonus. My budget is flexible, but right now my target is $500 or under. If something truly amazing can be bought beyond 500 though, I'm open to suggestions

Short List:
-Super solid construction, super solid typing experience
-Red backlight
-Brown switch
-TKL or smaller
-Budget Target is <$500 but am open to suggestions beyond that price point
-Did I mention I want a solid keyboard? 

Apologies if this is in the wrong section/format/etc.

[pr0ximity]

If you budget is really <$500 and you're serious about it, personally I'd look for a Duck (not Ducky), LZ, or KMAC. There are sometimes some floating around the Classifieds section here. Probably a bit tougher to find one for sale that has specifically red LEDs and Brown switches, but they could be changed if you're into it or willing to send it to someone to do it for you.

You could also wait for a Duck group-buy and have someone assemble it for you if you're uncomfortable assembling it, it'll definitely be worth the effort and wait. It's a pretty big commitment and time-sink, but Orion and Lightsaver V2's look to be incoming.

Kind of a crazy jump (you didn't mention if this is your first board) but they meet all of your requirements (except maybe adjustable backlighting, I'm not familiar with how that could be wired up).

If you're serious about spending <$500 on a board and have the commitment for it, that's prime Korean custom budget. Depending on the deal, keycaps, etc. you may go a little over if you really go HAM.

[Dark_wizzie]

If you budget is really <$500 and you're serious about it, personally I'd look for a Duck (not Ducky), LZ, or KMAC. There are sometimes some floating around the Classifieds section here. Probably a bit tougher to find one for sale that has specifically red LEDs and Brown switches, but they could be changed if you're into it or willing to send it to someone to do it for you.

You could also wait for a Duck group-buy and have someone assemble it for you if you're uncomfortable assembling it, it'll definitely be worth the effort and wait. It's a pretty big commitment and time-sink, but Orion and Lightsaver V2's look to be incoming.

Kind of a crazy jump (you didn't mention if this is your first board) but they meet all of your requirements (except maybe adjustable backlighting, I'm not familiar with how that could be wired up).

If you're serious about spending <$500 on a board and have the commitment for it, that's prime Korean custom budget. Depending on the deal, keycaps, etc. you may go a little over if you really go HAM.

Hi,

I'm worried that I won't like the raised layout of the Ducks. My first mechanical keyboard is what I am using now, the CM Storm Trigger. I use it without the feet and it is a relatively thin keyboard. It's also basically perfectly flat. I just don't find keyboards with a slant to be good for ergonomics for my hands. The LZ EX looks interesting, the MX looks nice but it doesn't look like it has a backlight. Another good looking TKL from LZ I see is this:
http://lzlife.tistory.com/entry/LZ-Sky-Blue-Hot-Pink
But again, doesn't seem to have a backlight.

Unfortunately buying a custom Korean is not as simple as going to a website and just paying money.  For Kmacs it seems so hard to get, I don't choose Kmac, Kmac chooses me, lol. For keycaps I am thinking of getting the Vortex PBT/Pom doubleshot keycaps. They are on Massdrop right now.

Do you think that having a small 60% keyboard will compromise on the feel of the typing experience because the keyboard has less metal/is less heavy/sturdy somehow?

The Shine 3 TKL is going to go out of stock soon though. I want to make a decision.

[mougrim]

If you REALLY want a solid kb... Well, I know you want mx brown, but... There are some IBM Model F on sale in classifieds right now. Full metal case, sturdy, VERY good typing experience. But, of course, those KB are big and bucling spring could be just not your thing.

[Dark_wizzie]

If you REALLY want a solid kb... Well, I know you want mx brown, but... There are some IBM Model F on sale in classifieds right now. Full metal case, sturdy, VERY good typing experience. But, of course, those KB are big and bucling spring could be just not your thing.

Thanks for the suggestion, but unfortunately the IBM Model M fails multiple requirements of mine: It must be a brown switch, it must have red backlighting, and it is not TKL. Plus, I also do not dig the aesthetics of it at all. It's a keyboard that would be cool for me to collect, but not for me to use as a daily driver.

[mougrim]

If you REALLY want a solid kb... Well, I know you want mx brown, but... There are some IBM Model F on sale in classifieds right now. Full metal case, sturdy, VERY good typing experience. But, of course, those KB are big and bucling spring could be just not your thing.

Thanks for the suggestion, but unfortunately the IBM Model M fails multiple requirements of mine: It must be a brown switch, it must have red backlighting, and it is not TKL. Plus, I also do not dig the aesthetics of it at all. It's a keyboard that would be cool for me to collect, but not for me to use as a daily driver.

Not model M. Model F. NKRO and full metal case. But, of course, it's not TKL and definitely not silent, so, although I own one of Model F, for working at night I got myself board with Matias Silent switches and AEKII.

But, as I said, If it not your thing, it just isn't

But I still leave this link to classifieds. Maybe you'll want to add it to your collection.
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=68493.0

[Oobly]

You could save yourself a bunch of money and get a Poker 3 when they're released. The cases are seriously solid and a small board actually IMPROVES the typing experience by being inherently stiffer than a larger board with the same technology / materials used. The case does have a little slant built-in, though.

OR get a Poker II without LED's and a Tex case and install red LED's yourself. <=cheapest option.

GON's boards are awesome and don't have any slant to them if you don't add the feet, but they're not as heavy as some of the metal case boards, although they're very "solid" in every way.

[hwood34]

With that kind of budget I'd look in Korean boards. KMACs, GON, and winkeyless are going to be a little easier to find and on the cheaper end of the spectrum.

[metalliqaz]

Orion 2 is TKL and very solid.  KMACis always good

[Melvang]

Nobody has mentioned GON yet.

[hwood34]

Nobody has mentioned GON yet.

With that kind of budget I'd look in Korean boards. KMACs, GON, and winkeyless are going to be a little easier to find and on the cheaper end of the spectrum.

GON's boards are awesome and don't have any slant to them if you don't add the feet, but they're not as heavy as some of the metal case boards, although they're very "solid" in every way.

[Melvang]

Nobody has mentioned GON yet.

With that kind of budget I'd look in Korean boards. KMACs, GON, and winkeyless are going to be a little easier to find and on the cheaper end of the spectrum.

GON's boards are awesome and don't have any slant to them if you don't add the feet, but they're not as heavy as some of the metal case boards, although they're very "solid" in every way.

That will teach me to skim a thread before posting.

[qihqi]

Some dude made a list:
http://cpkey.com/keyboards/

You can check those out.
Btw the infinity keyboard is going on in massdrop, definitely checkout that one too. With your budget you can easily hire some one to put it together for you.

Another option could be Tex Yoda. A poker + aluminum case is a good choice too.

[demik]

type now solid

[Nai_Calus]

You could probably murder someone with a Ducky Year of the Horse if you don't want to wait for a Korean custom. It's a 60%, but it has red(and blue) LEDs, comes in brown, has a heavy-as-hell metal case, and felt pretty solid on the one I tried typing on at a meetup.

[KHAANNN]

The infinity set tainted me heavily, now I want a TKL or 80% set that I can program and easily fix, the infinity is pretty good on that front, but the caseless design would probably end up screwing the tables

[radish]

i am currently putting together a kmac2, and i have to say that it could probably survive a nuclear holocaust. its litterally 5lbs of solid aluminum. the pcb is suspended on a plate. its the most solid keyboard i layed my hands on.

[Dark_wizzie]

If you REALLY want a solid kb... Well, I know you want mx brown, but... There are some IBM Model F on sale in classifieds right now. Full metal case, sturdy, VERY good typing experience. But, of course, those KB are big and bucling spring could be just not your thing.

Thanks for the suggestion, but unfortunately the IBM Model M fails multiple requirements of mine: It must be a brown switch, it must have red backlighting, and it is not TKL. Plus, I also do not dig the aesthetics of it at all. It's a keyboard that would be cool for me to collect, but not for me to use as a daily driver.

Not model M. Model F. NKRO and full metal case. But, of course, it's not TKL and definitely not silent, so, although I own one of Model F, for working at night I got myself board with Matias Silent switches and AEKII.

But, as I said, If it not your thing, it just isn't

But I still leave this link to classifieds. Maybe you'll want to add it to your collection.
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=68493.0

Thanks, but I want to make sure I perfect my primary keyboard before I ever think about getting another.

Orion 2 is TKL and very solid.  KMACis always good

I'm not sure about the incline on the Orion though. I want a flat keyboard.

You could save yourself a bunch of money and get a Poker 3 when they're released. The cases are seriously solid and a small board actually IMPROVES the typing experience by being inherently stiffer than a larger board with the same technology / materials used. The case does have a little slant built-in, though.

OR get a Poker II without LED's and a Tex case and install red LED's yourself. <=cheapest option.

GON's boards are awesome and don't have any slant to them if you don't add the feet, but they're not as heavy as some of the metal case boards, although they're very "solid" in every way.

Ohhh, you're saying a smaller keyboard feels more solid? That's interesting. The Poker 3 looks like it will be out in a bit, not too far off.

With that kind of budget I'd look in Korean boards. KMACs, GON, and winkeyless are going to be a little easier to find and on the cheaper end of the spectrum.

I don't think Gon or Winkeyless does metal casing though. The Gon style is eye catching but right now I'm searching for something like the Kmac. (More on that and link at bottom of post.)

Nobody has mentioned GON yet.

Gons have been mentioned multiple times, including in the OP.

Some dude made a list:
http://cpkey.com/keyboards/

You can check those out.
Btw the infinity keyboard is going on in massdrop, definitely checkout that one too. With your budget you can easily hire some one to put it together for you.

Another option could be Tex Yoda. A poker + aluminum case is a good choice too.

Infinity looks cool but it's not really my thing.
Don't like the bottom 3 keys on the Yoda.
I've seen the list but haven't thoroughly checked it out yet. Will do it soon.

type now solid

I only see one thread linking to one ebay link for a keyboard which has sold. Not digging the orange... Prefer to grab a smooth-looking Kmac instead.

You could probably murder someone with a Ducky Year of the Horse if you don't want to wait for a Korean custom. It's a 60%, but it has red(and blue) LEDs, comes in brown, has a heavy-as-hell metal case, and felt pretty solid on the one I tried typing on at a meetup.

That's good to know! I'm not sure about the aesthetics of the YOTH though. 
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm...
Unfortunately the keyboard community is too small to host large keyboard-testing-meetups. 

i am currently putting together a kmac2, and i have to say that it could probably survive a nuclear holocaust. its litterally 5lbs of solid aluminum. the pcb is suspended on a plate. its the most solid keyboard i layed my hands on.

...
...

Dude... The things I'd do to that keyboard... Would probably get me banned if I say it on Geekhack.             

http://www.overclock.net/t/1236288/kmac-keyboard-mania-attic-craft/0_100

When I pull off all the switches I want to see that ^. Aluminum, metal everything.
That's the way it was meant to be meng.

...So uh, how does one procure a Kmac, because I feel like at this point I don't pick Kmac, Kmac picks me.

Hell, for that, if I can get it done and sent to me... with a few tweaks... I'd pay $600. Maybe more. Dunno.

[saturnotaku]

Realforce 87U + Novatouch sliders + Digilog aluminum case

[Melvang]

Unfortunately the keyboard community is too small to host large keyboard-testing-meetups. 

KeyCon is in Chicago this year/spring.

[mougrim]

Unfortunately the keyboard community is too small to host large keyboard-testing-meetups. 

KeyCon is in Chicago this year/spring.

Great meetup if you live in USA, sure

[Dark_wizzie]

Unfortunately the keyboard community is too small to host large keyboard-testing-meetups. 

KeyCon is in Chicago this year/spring.

Great meetup if you live in USA, sure

Great meetup if you live near Chicago. There's no way to drive there from here and I'm not willing to fly there and back for a keycon. I live near SF, and we don't need a major Keycon... Just a local meetup of folks with some keyboards would be nice.



So uh...
About that Kmac...
How get?
Very concern. 

[mougrim]

Unfortunately the keyboard community is too small to host large keyboard-testing-meetups. 

KeyCon is in Chicago this year/spring.

Great meetup if you live in USA, sure

Great meetup if you live near Chicago. There's no way to drive there from here and I'm not willing to fly there and back for a keycon. I live near SF, and we don't need a major Keycon... Just a local meetup of folks with some keyboards would be nice.



So uh...
About that Kmac...
How get?
Very concern. 

Classifieds thread

[Melvang]

Unfortunately the keyboard community is too small to host large keyboard-testing-meetups. 

KeyCon is in Chicago this year/spring.

Great meetup if you live in USA, sure

Great meetup if you live near Chicago. There's no way to drive there from here and I'm not willing to fly there and back for a keycon. I live near SF, and we don't need a major Keycon... Just a local meetup of folks with some keyboards would be nice.



So uh...
About that Kmac...
How get?
Very concern. 

You did specify "large keyboard-testing-meetups", and I would consider local meetups "small".  Plus you don't have location listed under where your avatar image so I don't know how far it would be for you nor financial situation.  Driving wouldn't be that difficult, I have drove from north east Iowa to Jacksonville, FL straight through without stopping aside for gas a couple times.