Looking to get my hands dirty, this seems like a good place to start!

[scott.stamp]

I just picked up a Razer BlackWidow Ultimate (2015 with Razer's new rebranded Kailh clackers) and IT SUCKED. Brought it back earlier today. (I actually lost a keycap in the process of checking it out, tearing it down, checking out the build quality... sorry BestBuy!)

It was a learning experience at least. I'm definitely sure now that I want Cherry MX Blue switches. Maybe Browns for my spacebar (can I get an opinion on this? I'm thinking of going without stabilizers and using those little half-switches because of the nightmare the Costar's were on the Razer).

I WANT to get my hands dirty. I'm a programmer and sysadmin, I want a board I can hack, and I'd like to build it myself if I can on my budget. I'd like to fetch a TKL/80% since desk space is rather limited, I'll probably get around to picking up a separate numpad eventually but I'm not going to worry about it for now. Winkeyless isn't an option as I use Windows on the daily, and I'd like keys on either side of the spacebar. (Thumb+Arrow keys == Window Management heaven, imo)

A metal case would be nice, I have a slick surface for my keyboard tray. It's not glass, but it's a lightly textured vinyl that likes to let things slide. I'd like a metal plate construction also, but of course that comes down to price. If it comes down to it I'll take an acrylic case with a metal plate over a metal case and no plate. This is the kind of layout I'm looking for: http://tinyurl.com/qdagya2

Most I'm willing to spend is $180 USD. I'm in Canada, so whatever parts I can source locally, I'd like to. If I can get it all locally that'd be ideal. Shipping fees are a pain in the ass.

tl;dr:
On a budget, want a DIY 80%, needs Windows keys, metal case optional, metal plate not. Cherry MX Blue (no substitute unless they've got Cherry stems and rave reviews). Must be fully programmable. And I'd like to source it within Canada, if at all possible.

[tp4tissue]

Ergodox ez..

$200,  all the good ness..

[scott.stamp]

As tempting as it is, I'm not looking to switch up my keyboard layout. I meant to specify in my post that I was specifically avoiding "ergonomic" keyboard designs. For now anyways. Maybe the next one.

[iAmAhab]

The budget and specifications you want will probably not align well. A metal tkl case alone will run you about 150$. If you forgo the metal case things should become manageable. A phantom build might be your best bet: http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=536. The case will be the hardest part to get hold of, I think the pcb is compatible with both stock Filco and QFR cases so that is one option, going for a layered acrylic case is another one(albeit horrible ugly). 

[scott.stamp]

Thanks, I had actually been looking at the Phantom and I think it might be a good fit. Bonus is that it uses the Teensy, a platform I'm familiar with. Does anyone sell just the Filco or QFR cases? I'd hate to salvage a new and working keyboard just for the shell.

Like I said, the metal case is definitely optional. I didn't realize cases went for so much! Makes sense I guess seeing as most are milled.

[scott.stamp]

Huh, I might be able to get metal after all. On the subject of plates I asked my Dad if he could suggest any local machine shops, and apparently I needn't look far. My second-cousin is a machinist! Now I just need to find CAD files for a case. Or specs and draw one up myself... but my CAD skills are far from respectable.

Decided to opt for Gateron switches after reading positive feedback on Reddit (apparently their blues are a perfect copy), shaved $80 off my BOM and for the price I ordered enough extras to make a numpad (and spares, to have on hand for future use).