Best keyboard for Zealios

[phinix]

I would like to mod a keyboard and install Zealios.

Which keyboard would be best for it?

Could I mod Filco keyboard?
Or Varmilo?

I would prefer ISO.

[romevi]

Doesn't matter. They're both steel-plated, no?

[phinix]

I really don't know:(

[Findecanor]

Preferably something that has a well-made PCB (to minimize the risk of overheating a pad when desoldering/soldering) and which is inexpensive (so that you don't lose much if you do screw up).

Also, use a keyboard without installed LEDs (or diodes or jumpers) in the switches: if you would have to desolder those as well then that would be twice the number of solder pads.

I have lifted a few pads when desoldering switches from Cherry G80-series keyboards: those are one-sided and have four pins per switch (2 pins + 2 jumper pins). A double-sided PCB with through-plated holes should be more durable.

[ghostjuggernaut]

Preferably something that has a well-made PCB (to minimize the risk of overheating a pad when desoldering/soldering) and which is inexpensive (so that you don't lose much if you do screw up).

Also, use a keyboard without installed LEDs (or diodes or jumpers) in the switches: if you would have to desolder those as well then that would be twice the number of solder pads.

I have lifted a few pads when desoldering switches from Cherry G80-series keyboards: those are one-sided and have four pins per switch (2 pins + 2 jumper pins). A double-sided PCB with through-plated holes should be more durable.

Why not buy one of the hot swappable keyboards out these days?

[czarek]

I have 62G Zealios mounted in GH60 configured in HHKB layout. I have them PCB mounted without any plate, in a plastic case, with Gateron PBT blank keyboards (enjoy PBT set) and really like the way that keyboard feels. It's light to carry, light to type, nice sounding with bottom out feel a bit softer than with a pate. This combination is very nice alternative to a real HHKB. I would have very hard time choosing between the two really
I think I should make a video comparing this GH60 to a HHKB as those keyboards are so similar, and so different at the same time, while both being basically top class.

[zombimuncha]

No such thing. The best one is whichever one you like the best.
Case in point: at the recent London Meetup I was able to compare my FC660m with Katushkins LZ-SK. Both have 65g Zealios and GMK keycaps. I preferred the feel of the 660m, while others preferred the LZ.

I agree with ghostjuggernaut - the easiest thing to do would be to grab one of those cheap chinese hot-swappable boards.

[phinix]

I have 62G Zealios mounted in GH60 configured in HHKB layout. I have them PCB mounted without any plate, in a plastic case, with Gateron PBT blank keyboards (enjoy PBT set) and really like the way that keyboard feels. It's light to carry, light to type, nice sounding with bottom out feel a bit softer than with a pate. This combination is very nice alternative to a real HHKB. I would have very hard time choosing between the two really
I think I should make a video comparing this GH60 to a HHKB as those keyboards are so similar, and so different at the same time, while both being basically top class.

Hej Czarek!:)
Sounds good to me - I mean I'm happy to see that you compare Zealios to topre. This is kinda my plan - I've read many times that Zealios 65-67g are like topre, where tactile bump is very similar to topre.
I'm in constant search of topre like switch with heavier feel. Ordered some topre 55g to see how those feel like, but wouldn't mind some keyboard modding myself, so this is why I'm trying to think what could I do with Zealios:)

I would prefer to avoid desoldering - I heard its a pain to do it, but wouldn't mind good DIY set to solder them.
Awaiting ISO versions of Varmilo 68 - should come out any day now. I hope they will make DIY set of those too.

[skrobul]

install Zealios.
Location: Scotland

did you manage to buy Zealios in the UK? If yes, where?