My Keyboard died... Help me replace it?

[CBK]

Hey guys! Over two years ago I signed up and asked for recommendations on what keyboard I should buy based on my personal preferences and uses (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=54669) and I got pretty good answers and found the keyboard I wanted.

Unfortunately, last week my keyboard suffered an unfortunate accident while going to a LAN party at a friends houses and well... let's just say the PCB is not longer one sole part. I had a Black Keycool 84 MX Red Lasered ABS back-lit Keyboard... and I LOVED it and it's form factor.

So, with 2+ years having passed... what keyboard may I replace it with? Having the 84 form factor is a MUST cause' it works wonders and I've gotten super used to it both when gaming and typing (I got so used to it, I carried my keyboard to work). Also, last time I asked for helped the Kailh switches weren't available...  mechanicalkeyboards.com doesn't have the Keycool 84 back-lit with MX Reds available anymore (only non-lit PBT)... So... Should I get the 84 one with Red Kailhs? Does any other brand have the 84 factor (other than Keycool and Noppoo) that you'd recommend?

Thanks a lot once again geekhack community!

[dorkvader]

hmm, how badly damaged is the PCB? You could probably repair it as long as he controller works.

That said the 84 layout (75% + fn keys) isn't super common. I'm not as well up on current developments so that might have changed. You might be better served by getting a 75% and the function keys on the number row, depends on how much you use fn keys I guess.

switches, etc can all be changed pretty easily, you could harvest the ones you had off the old board and use them on the new one, even recoup some loss by reselling the ones that came with the "new" board.

[merlin64]

If you're within the United States I would recommend MK84 from mechanicalkeyboards.com.

[pixelpusher]

well well well.  I have a treat for you.  Prepare your wallet, but this might be your lady.  The best things in life are worth waiting for, right?

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=86076

Meanwhile, in reality land where you need a keyboard now and probably don't want to sell your right arm to get it, I agree with the Merlin64.  The MK84 is pretty darn nice for the price.  Yeah yeah... Greetech, but it's only $90.

[CBK]

hmm, how badly damaged is the PCB? You could probably repair it as long as he controller works.

That said the 84 layout (75% + fn keys) isn't super common. I'm not as well up on current developments so that might have changed. You might be better served by getting a 75% and the function keys on the number row, depends on how much you use fn keys I guess.

switches, etc can all be changed pretty easily, you could harvest the ones you had off the old board and use them on the new one, even recoup some loss by reselling the ones that came with the "new" board.

The PCB is broken.. I can't really save it.

If you're within the United States I would recommend MK84 from mechanicalkeyboards.com.

I took a look at the MK84, and has most of the features my Keycool had, except no windows lock key, and it doesn't look as if it has the num lock or num lock keys (like laptop keyboards).

What do you guys think about the Keycool 84 with Kailh switches? Are those switches any good? Any other brands I could look into? Thanks!

[jcoffin1981]

well well well.  I have a treat for you.  Prepare your wallet, but this might be your lady.  The best things in life are worth waiting for, right?

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=86076

Very nice, but wow that sucker is heavy!  Need to add an extra support beam to your desk.  I don't know if I could justify spending 350 buckaroos on a board.  I'm more of a 100-120 kind of guy.

[CBK]

Still not sure about what Keyboard to get. Haven't found anything on the Kailh switches and another board that fits my needs would be the Noppoo Choc Mini. I really like the 84 layout and I hope someone out there that knows about these switches could jump in the thread and help me out.

Edit: I am have it nailed down between the previously recommended MK 84 with Greentech Reds or the Keycool 84 with red Kailhs.. But between the two, will I feel any difference in the switches? Anyone prefers any of two for a reason? (quality/build/caps/cost) (or even the Choc Mini)

[atarione]

So.... I'm not really sure about this keyboard other than it is QUITE freaking inexpensive $40~

Drevo Gramr 84 Oetumu switches

https://www.amazon.com/Drevo-84-Key-Tenkeyless-Mechanical/dp/B01H6DANI2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1481009921&sr=8-2&keywords=84+keyboard

[merlin64]

The store behind MK84 are very easy to talk to and you'll have no problems returning and exchanging. I can't say the same for Keycool unless you happen to find one from a reputable US seller.

[CBK]

So.... I'm not really sure about this keyboard other than it is QUITE freaking inexpensive $40~

Drevo Gramr 84 Oetumu switches

https://www.amazon.com/Drevo-84-Key-Tenkeyless-Mechanical/dp/B01H6DANI2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1481009921&sr=8-2&keywords=84+keyboard

I saw it too, but I don't think I wanna go for such a low priced mechanical keyboard. I prefer paying a premium for something to last longer.

I think I will be going with the MK 84. Thanks everyone for the help.

[atarione]

I saw it too, but I don't think I wanna go for such a low priced mechanical keyboard. I prefer paying a premium for something to last longer.

I think I will be going with the MK 84. Thanks everyone for the help.

fair enough...I saw that it had the num pad (lappy style) and win lock like the keycool..  the keycaps are terrible however... no idea why these type of china boards insist on this type of font for the keycaps...