Author Topic: Recommendations for 60% keyboard  (Read 1963 times)

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Offline blcksqrrl

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Recommendations for 60% keyboard
« on: Tue, 02 June 2015, 18:28:22 »
Hi guys,

I'm looking to add to my collection with a 60%; I think I've got it down to either a Pok3r or a Ducky Mini. Any suggestions on these? Anything else I should be looking at? I want something to throw (or rather, place gently) in my backpack for around that $120 price-point. Switch-wise, I'm thinking MX browns or blacks, that way I don't disturb those studious people in the silent section of my library.

Thanks for your suggestions! 
  
  
  
Poker II MX Blue
  
KUL ES-87 MX Blue
  
Apple Standard Keyboard
  
Apple Extended Keyboard II

Offline dndlmx

  • Posts: 339
Re: Recommendations for 60% keyboard
« Reply #1 on: Tue, 02 June 2015, 18:38:25 »
That poker 3 is nice I did the latest drop for the inifinity kit though. If you think a DIY project like gh60 would be fun, and are decent with an iron. They had the MX clear option too which is a brown-like.

Offline Hypersphere

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Re: Recommendations for 60% keyboard
« Reply #2 on: Tue, 02 June 2015, 18:45:10 »
If you are looking for a standard layout and Cherry switches, your choices look okay.

For me, the ultimate 60% is the HHKB Pro 2. I also like the KBP V60 with Matias Click switches -- I am typing on one now that I have remapped to a HHKB layout.

Offline blcksqrrl

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Re: Recommendations for 60% keyboard
« Reply #3 on: Tue, 02 June 2015, 18:50:54 »
I'd love an HHKB; sadly, they're are out of my budget. As for the Infinity kit, I saw that and was close to joining the drop, but decided against it as I am going on a trip in two weeks and would like to have something to take with me.
  
  
  
Poker II MX Blue
  
KUL ES-87 MX Blue
  
Apple Standard Keyboard
  
Apple Extended Keyboard II

Offline Lain1911

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Re: Recommendations for 60% keyboard
« Reply #4 on: Tue, 02 June 2015, 19:25:10 »
Poker II or 3

Offline Oobly

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Re: Recommendations for 60% keyboard
« Reply #5 on: Wed, 03 June 2015, 01:25:26 »
Pok3r with Clears.

It's programmable so you can set up the main and Fn layers however you like, plate mounted, metal case, etc. Tough, durable, solid. Plug and type, everything is stored in the keyboard firmware, no drivers needed. Great board for the money. You can even install dual colour LED's and program individual switches to light up any of the three colours.

Clears have the best tactility of all stock Cherry switches and are still "quiet".

If you're looking for something a bit lighter the Poker II has a plastic case (and almost as much flexibility in programming), but I'd rather sacrifice a little extra effort to carry the board for the solidity of the metal case on the Pok3r.

If you have the skills and are okay with spending a bit more, an even better option is to get a GON NerD60 PCB and 60% plate, Vortex aluminium case and separate switches and build it up yourself. Can modify the switches and really customise the board for yourself then. Perhaps as a future option :)
« Last Edit: Wed, 03 June 2015, 01:38:03 by Oobly »
Buying more keycaps,
it really hacks my wallet,
but I must have them.

Offline livingspeedbump

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Re: Recommendations for 60% keyboard
« Reply #6 on: Wed, 03 June 2015, 14:19:20 »
Pok3r with Clears.

It's programmable so you can set up the main and Fn layers however you like, plate mounted, metal case, etc. Tough, durable, solid. Plug and type, everything is stored in the keyboard firmware, no drivers needed. Great board for the money. You can even install dual colour LED's and program individual switches to light up any of the three colours.

Clears have the best tactility of all stock Cherry switches and are still "quiet".

If you're looking for something a bit lighter the Poker II has a plastic case (and almost as much flexibility in programming), but I'd rather sacrifice a little extra effort to carry the board for the solidity of the metal case on the Pok3r.

If you have the skills and are okay with spending a bit more, an even better option is to get a GON NerD60 PCB and 60% plate, Vortex aluminium case and separate switches and build it up yourself. Can modify the switches and really customise the board for yourself then. Perhaps as a future option :)

This is what I'm typing on now. Good recommendation, totally agree with Oolby
<- My Collection (so far)

Offline heedpantsnow

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Re: Recommendations for 60% keyboard
« Reply #7 on: Wed, 03 June 2015, 15:08:04 »
I have 3x Poker X's (the first Poker) and still love them. I prefer their Function layer to the 2 and 3, but that's mainly personal preference.

Another nice thing about the Poker series is that they can take pretty much any standard keycap set from group buys, eBay, etc. Some of the other 60's can't.

Of course the ultimate in customizing is diy with a NerD60 or GH60.
I'm back.

Espresso machine overhaul: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=78261.0

Carbon Fiber keyboard base: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=54825

Offline blcksqrrl

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Re: Recommendations for 60% keyboard
« Reply #8 on: Wed, 03 June 2015, 15:34:16 »
I convinced, I shall go with a Poker.

I think I'm leaning towards a 2 over a 3 because, at the moment, the 2 has support for LEDs. I don't have much experience when it comes to DIY, but I think that a Poker II is a good place to start.

Thank you all for your suggestions, you have been immensely helpful.
  
  
  
Poker II MX Blue
  
KUL ES-87 MX Blue
  
Apple Standard Keyboard
  
Apple Extended Keyboard II

Offline heedpantsnow

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Re: Recommendations for 60% keyboard
« Reply #9 on: Wed, 03 June 2015, 15:46:54 »
I convinced, I shall go with a Poker.

I think I'm leaning towards a 2 over a 3 because, at the moment, the 2 has support for LEDs. I don't have much experience when it comes to DIY, but I think that a Poker II is a good place to start.

Thank you all for your suggestions, you have been immensely helpful.

Rock on, dude.  And welcome to GH.

BTW, I love NC.  My wife is from there, and we got married in Pinehurst.
I'm back.

Espresso machine overhaul: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=78261.0

Carbon Fiber keyboard base: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=54825

Offline blcksqrrl

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 62
  • Location: Tobacco Fields of NC
  • I'm afraid that I just blue myself
Re: Recommendations for 60% keyboard
« Reply #10 on: Wed, 03 June 2015, 16:15:19 »
I convinced, I shall go with a Poker.

I think I'm leaning towards a 2 over a 3 because, at the moment, the 2 has support for LEDs. I don't have much experience when it comes to DIY, but I think that a Poker II is a good place to start.

Thank you all for your suggestions, you have been immensely helpful.

Rock on, dude.  And welcome to GH.

BTW, I love NC.  My wife is from there, and we got married in Pinehurst.

Thanks for the warm welcome. I am far too familiar with Pinehurst; I used to live there. Small world, huh?
  
  
  
Poker II MX Blue
  
KUL ES-87 MX Blue
  
Apple Standard Keyboard
  
Apple Extended Keyboard II

Offline heedpantsnow

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Re: Recommendations for 60% keyboard
« Reply #11 on: Wed, 03 June 2015, 16:17:49 »
I convinced, I shall go with a Poker.

I think I'm leaning towards a 2 over a 3 because, at the moment, the 2 has support for LEDs. I don't have much experience when it comes to DIY, but I think that a Poker II is a good place to start.

Thank you all for your suggestions, you have been immensely helpful.

Rock on, dude.  And welcome to GH.

BTW, I love NC.  My wife is from there, and we got married in Pinehurst.

Thanks for the warm welcome. I am far too familiar with Pinehurst; I used to live there. Small world, huh?


Cool.  Man we are getting quite a few NC members; I might have to organize a meetup the next time I am up there.  Enjoy your new Poker!
I'm back.

Espresso machine overhaul: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=78261.0

Carbon Fiber keyboard base: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=54825

Offline Bucake

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Re: Recommendations for 60% keyboard
« Reply #12 on: Thu, 04 June 2015, 00:37:58 »
enjoy your feeling

IBM Model F XT // Realforce 87U 55g Type-S // HHKBP2 45g Type-S // KBT Pure Pro Cherry MX Red

Offline Oobly

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Re: Recommendations for 60% keyboard
« Reply #13 on: Thu, 04 June 2015, 01:31:17 »
Buying more keycaps,
it really hacks my wallet,
but I must have them.