The Mechanical Keyboards Club

[Supercrumpet]

On 06/12/2023 at 15:00, neurotix said:

"Have you looked into Unicomps? I think that's what I'm leaning towards as far as finally pulling the trigger on a buckling spring board one day, but I'm not 100% set on that over an actual Model M just yet. "

 

I have in the past. They're the company that makes brand new Model M keyboards using the exact same remanufactured parts and switches as IBM did in the 80s, right?

 

I should look into that because most of the cheaper Model Ms I saw on eBay yesterday were discolored from UV radiation. One in good shape that is the original color is like $150-200.

 

This one looks great and the price is decent:

 

Unicomp, Inc.: Classic 101 White Buckling Spring USB

WWW.PCKEYBOARD.COM

 

 

Yep, that's exactly why I'm looking at Unicomps. I've heard that the original, from-factory build quality isn't always as good as the OG Model M (granted, that was years ago, so that may have changed), but considering the quality of what's currently out there from each manufacturer, and considering the price, I think the Unicomp makes a lot more sense unless you're seeking a Model M in good condition and you're willing to pay the price, or you're up for some keyboard restoration.

 

22 hours ago, neurotix said:

 

Alright, so the custom build for my wife for Christmas is finished. I could post a bunch of pics of the build process, but I don't want to clog the thread up more than I already have so I'm just posting the finished pic. This one will definitely be shared between the two of us. It's going to be wrapped up to be opened on Christmas, so I'll do a typing/sound test video at the end of the month.

 

YUNZII/Keynovo IF98, Kailh Box Pale Blue switches, POPKEEY *Cinnamoroll keycaps, ThreeBulls red o-rings.

 

Please add it to my list in the spreadsheet, @Supercrumpet

 

* Cinnamoroll is a Sanrio (Hello Kitty) character. He is a puppy with a Cinnamon roll shaped tail. He has very long ears that let him fly. Being with a Sanrio fan for 17 years, you become one too, lol. Cinnamoroll is my favorite Sanrio character next to Keroppi the frog.

 

Looks nice, added!

[neurotix]

I agree 100% on the Unicomps. If you want, you can even get them in other colors like black. But for me, the OG model that's just gray is what I'd want because it's almost like woodgrain and brushed aluminum on a stereo, or woodgrain in a very old car. It's classy and classic.

[Fluxmaven]

With mechanical keyboard stuff if you get the parts within a year of ordering it, I call that a win lol. It's a niche hobby run by small shops. On top of that, look at a calendar. This is the busiest time of year for shipping things. 

 

As far as buckling springs go... If you want to try those, buy a Unicomp. Don't care what you've heard or remember from back in the day. A brand new Unicomp will be much nicer than some clapped out old board. If you managed to find a unicorn new old stock model M that's been hiding in a climate controlled storage for a couple decades, it would set you back more than buying a whole stack of fresh Unicomps would. 

 

This is coming from someone who actually owns a Unicomp. I have typed on an IBM model M, but never side by side. I was also a child back when I last had access to an original. 

[neurotix]

3 minutes ago, Fluxmaven said:

With mechanical keyboard stuff if you get the parts within a year of ordering it, I call that a win lol. It's a niche hobby run by small shops. On top of that, look at a calendar. This is the busiest time of year for shipping things. 

 

As far as buckling springs go... If you want to try those, buy a Unicomp. Don't care what you've heard or remember from back in the day. A brand new Unicomp will be much nicer than some clapped out old board. If you managed to find a unicorn new old stock model M that's been hiding in a climate controlled storage for a couple decades, it would set you back more than buying a whole stack of fresh Unicomps would. 

 

This is coming from someone who actually owns a Unicomp. I have typed on an IBM model M, but never side by side. I was also a child back when I last had access to an original. 

Thanks Flux. You're right about the time of year too, and getting something within a year (which is why I don't do group buys or drop).

 

Yeah, I used a Model M as a kid in typing class when I was a kid. We had a Macintosh at home. I can vividly remember the sound and feel because it was SO better than the Macintosh keyboard at home.

 

You are also very right about the Unicomp and they would be better than even the cleanest Ebay board that would set you back $200 from what I saw. New springs.

 

I've asked for a lot this year PC wise from my girl, so I'm thinking of waiting like til my birthday next year to ask (July).

[Alex]

I just don't really want to get into those long shipping delays, ended up getting a Keychron Q6 Pro + Kailh box jade + keychron keycaps because it was not going to take years to get anything.

 

Also, funny I bought MX Blues as well because I was worried I wouldnt like the Kailh switches... but the MX Blues feel so plastic and inconsistent in comparison.

[neurotix]

1 hour ago, Alex said:

I just don't really want to get into those long shipping delays, ended up getting a Keychron Q6 Pro + Kailh box jade + keychron keycaps because it was not going to take years to get anything.

 

Also, funny I bought MX Blues as well because I was worried I wouldnt like the Kailh switches... but the MX Blues feel so plastic and inconsistent in comparison.

Got any pics?

 

How do you like the Box Jades?

 

My first custom build was a GMMK with Box Jades. Now I have one with Box Whites, Box Navy, Box Pink and Box Pale Blue.

Edited December 12, 2023 by neurotix
missed something

[neurotix]

Here's some more high-quality photos of the Keynovo IF98. You can also get this board in solid white and solid black instead of translucent blue like ours.

 

 

 

Blue lighting as it matches it:

 

 

The top has this:

 

 

The bottom has this:

 

 

Sound test:

 

 

Edited January 1 by neurotix

[Sir Beregond]

Hey all - I was looking at the barebones Glorious boards that Flux mentioned looking at at Micro Center. Unfortunately not really finding any of those to my liking. I prefer full size keyboards and have no interest in tenkeyless, or 96% boards where there are still compromises on some key sizes like a short shift key, etc.

 

Does anyone have a good recommendation for a solid full size board? I want to try to build something that has a tactile switch but is not clicky, so am looking for something that would also not be too loud.

[neurotix]

@Sir Beregond if you saw this previously, I edited it because I realized the GMMK full size I linked was no longer available on Amazon.

 

As for switches, if you're interested in linear quiet switches at all, I have a big ass bag of Gateron yellows I would be willing to send you in the mail for free. Probably at least 150+. I also have Gateron Browns (tactile)that were pulled from my original GMMK v2 full size board, but not quite 104. I think my GMMK has a couple in it, for example on the caps lock key, so if I hit it by accident trying to press tab I instantly know. I could pull those and replace them with some yellows, to send you some Gateron Browns (these are very popular and solid tactile switches that I've heard are better than Cherry Browns and some of the best tactile switches you can get...)

 

The yellows are linear but feel kind of tactile to me. When I first did my Mini Cat for my fiancee I thought they were tactile until I looked them up this year. They are extremely smooth and quiet, throw some red o-rings on your keycaps and they'll be even quieter.

 

Hope this helps.

 

EDIT: try this board maybe? I can vouch for Keychron quality. Should be padded with noise dampening foam inside and lubed stabilizers.

 

 

Keychron K10 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard

WWW.KEYCHRON.COM

---

Keychron K10 Wireless mechanical keyboard has included keycaps for both Windows and macOS, and...

 

Edited January 8 by neurotix

[pio]

Please update my submission on the list to ALSO include now a Rosewill Neon K85 with Kailh Blue switches.

 

It's not the MX Blues board I was hoping for to be honest, but for the $30 price tag on newegg, I have to say this is quite a nice board.  I feel like actual Cherry MX Blue switches are more clicky and that tactile "bump" is more pronounced.  This Kailh Blue switch board is a lot more tame than MX Blues I feel like?  It's a lot better than the MX Browns I had before, that's for sure though (my MX Blues Redragon is a 60% and I can't use 60% boards daily driver).

[Sir Beregond]

3 hours ago, neurotix said:

@Sir Beregond if you saw this previously, I edited it because I realized the GMMK full size I linked was no longer available on Amazon.

 

As for switches, if you're interested in linear quiet switches at all, I have a big ass bag of Gateron yellows I would be willing to send you in the mail for free. Probably at least 150+. I also have Gateron Browns (tactile)that were pulled from my original GMMK v2 full size board, but not quite 104. I think my GMMK has a couple in it, for example on the caps lock key, so if I hit it by accident trying to press tab I instantly know. I could pull those and replace them with some yellows, to send you some Gateron Browns (these are very popular and solid tactile switches that I've heard are better than Cherry Browns and some of the best tactile switches you can get...)

 

The yellows are linear but feel kind of tactile to me. When I first did my Mini Cat for my fiancee I thought they were tactile until I looked them up this year. They are extremely smooth and quiet, throw some red o-rings on your keycaps and they'll be even quieter.

 

Hope this helps.

 

EDIT: try this board maybe? I can vouch for Keychron quality. Should be padded with noise dampening foam inside and lubed stabilizers.

 

 

Keychron K10 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard

WWW.KEYCHRON.COM

---

Keychron K10 Wireless mechanical keyboard has included keycaps for both Windows and macOS, and...

 

Thanks for the suggestion, will take a look.

 

I appreciate the offer. Will let you know what I end up going with, but will probably go for new.

[neurotix]

15 hours ago, Sir Beregond said:

Thanks for the suggestion, will take a look.

 

I appreciate the offer. Will let you know what I end up going with, but will probably go for new.

 

The Browns are old but never used. From around 2019.

 

The Yellows, some of them are actually brand new and were pulled from the YUNZII IF98 board I just built in December. The rest are a year old and were pulled from a YUNZII numpad and a Mini Cat 64.

 

None of these have seen any use at all, they were removed immediately and never typed on.

 

Sorry I just have all these in storage and no use for them, if anyone else wants them let me know. Otherwise eventually they'll probably go in the bin.

[neurotix]

19 hours ago, pioneerisloud said:

Please update my submission on the list to ALSO include now a Rosewill Neon K85 with Kailh Blue switches.

 

It's not the MX Blues board I was hoping for to be honest, but for the $30 price tag on newegg, I have to say this is quite a nice board.  I feel like actual Cherry MX Blue switches are more clicky and that tactile "bump" is more pronounced.  This Kailh Blue switch board is a lot more tame than MX Blues I feel like?  It's a lot better than the MX Browns I had before, that's for sure though (my MX Blues Redragon is a 60% and I can't use 60% boards daily driver).

Would love to see/hear a comparison video between your MX Blue board and the K85 with Kailh Blues.

[pio]

13 minutes ago, neurotix said:

Would love to see/hear a comparison video between your MX Blue board and the K85 with Kailh Blues.

Not going to happen.  

[neurotix]

Fair enough. I'm sorry it didn't meet your expectations and I over hyped it.

Edited January 9 by neurotix

[pio]

1 minute ago, neurotix said:

Fair enough. I'm sorry it didn't meet your expectations and I over hyped it.

I'm only going to say this once......

Quit apologizing. 

 

The keyboard is fine.  It's not quite MX Blues level of clicky / tactile feeling for me, compared to my old Redragon, yes.  But it was a $30 gamble, and I took the bet.  Honestly, it was well worth the $30, maybe even more as I like this board 100x better than the MX Browns switch board I just got rid of off my desk.  It's just not QUITE as "clicky" as I'd have hoped for.  But its a ton better than MX Browns.  Why'd I ever think I'd like MX Browns?  

[neurotix]

4 minutes ago, pioneerisloud said:

I'm only going to say this once......

Quit apologizing. 

 

The keyboard is fine.  It's not quite MX Blues level of clicky / tactile feeling for me, compared to my old Redragon, yes.  But it was a $30 gamble, and I took the bet.  Honestly, it was well worth the $30, maybe even more as I like this board 100x better than the MX Browns switch board I just got rid of off my desk.  It's just not QUITE as "clicky" as I'd have hoped for.  But its a ton better than MX Browns.  Why'd I ever think I'd like MX Browns?  

Clicky all the way brother! Yeah MX Browns aren't that great, I've seen a lot of people over the years recommending Gateron Browns instead.

 

If you ever get the spare cash, you should build a custom board, maybe a Keychron, and if you want clicky use Box Jades- they're the loudest and most clicky switch I have.

 

 

[pio]

4 minutes ago, neurotix said:

Clicky all the way brother! Yeah MX Browns aren't that great, I've seen a lot of people over the years recommending Gateron Browns instead.

 

If you ever get the spare cash, you should build a custom board, maybe a Keychron, and if you want clicky use Box Jades- they're the loudest and most clicky switch I have.

 

 

Yup, that sounds closer to what my Redragon sounds like.  It very well could just be that my Redragon is worn out, and / or it could be something to do with the bottoming out noise too.  I noticed this Rosewill keyboard almost sounds "softer" when bottoming out compared to the Redragon.  Maybe the keycap material or something?  Not sure.  But yeah, that video you showed is basically the level of "clicky" I was hoping for.

Like I said, for a $30 board, this Rosewill is really good.  I paid $55 for the "Ajazz" Chinese MX Browns board 4 years or so ago.  My Ajazz board still works absolutely great, like new (its just filthy dirty now).  I just didn't like the MX Browns switches on it.  So I'm confident this Rosewill K85 will probably last me for another good few years.  I'm in no hurry for an expensive board, I have other hardware to buy.   

Edited January 9 by pioneerisloud

[neurotix]

On 09/01/2024 at 14:39, pioneerisloud said:

Yup, that sounds closer to what my Redragon sounds like.  It very well could just be that my Redragon is worn out, and / or it could be something to do with the bottoming out noise too.  I noticed this Rosewill keyboard almost sounds "softer" when bottoming out compared to the Redragon.  Maybe the keycap material or something?  Not sure.  But yeah, that video you showed is basically the level of "clicky" I was hoping for.

Like I said, for a $30 board, this Rosewill is really good.  I paid $55 for the "Ajazz" Chinese MX Browns board 4 years or so ago.  My Ajazz board still works absolutely great, like new (its just filthy dirty now).  I just didn't like the MX Browns switches on it.  So I'm confident this Rosewill K85 will probably last me for another good few years.  I'm in no hurry for an expensive board, I have other hardware to buy.   

 

Are you sure the Redragon board you have has MX Blues? How much did you pay for it?

 

The Redragon boards with blue switches generally use Outemu blues, and those are super loud. I know you're not in the hobby as much as I am so maybe you're not aware? No offense.

 

I would take a keycap off the clicky Redragon then use your phone to zoom in on the switch housing on the side facing you, and the manufacturer is generally printed there.

 

The one downside to that K85 is that the keycaps are ABS, not PBT, but they generally are ABS on the cheap Chinese keyboards, too. Recently had a Rosewill K85 as a foldathon prize and Supercrumpet won it, he put a set of PBT pudding caps on it as well as some blue o-rings.

 

It may be softer bottoming out but if you bottom out (particularly with space) with that board, you'll get a loudish metal clang. You might disagree with that though, but when I used one as my daily driver the hollow metal clang was only solved by applying o-rings.

Edited January 11 by neurotix

[neurotix]

Delete

Edited January 12 by neurotix

[neurotix]

Hey,

 

Does anyone have experience using Kailh Pro switches? I am interested in other clicky switches, the Kailh Pro Light Greens are one of the few Kailh clicky switches I haven't tried. I am open to suggestions for other switch manufacturers, I heard something about Glorious Panda switches and also Halos?

 

Any advice appreciated. Thanks.

[Alex]

On 14/02/2024 at 13:13, neurotix said:

Hey,

 

Does anyone have experience using Kailh Pro switches? I am interested in other clicky switches, the Kailh Pro Light Greens are one of the few Kailh clicky switches I haven't tried. I am open to suggestions for other switch manufacturers, I heard something about Glorious Panda switches and also Halos?

 

Any advice appreciated. Thanks.

I switched from MX Blues to Kailh box jades after trying pretty much every single clicky switch I could readily find.

 

I think they're the best clicky switch next to the Kailh box Navys, the MX Blues feel flimsy and plastic-y in comparison - and less uniform pressure across a wide range of keys.

I think the wider stem shape does help with that uniform feel to the keycap as well.

 

 

edit - also in that wide array of switch testing, I really liked the Gateron oil kings or whatever they're called. Never been a huge fan of linear switches but those are neat.

Edited February 16 by Alex

[neurotix]

3 hours ago, Alex said:

I switched from MX Blues to Kailh box jades after trying pretty much every single clicky switch I could readily find.

 

I think they're the best clicky switch next to the Kailh box Navys, the MX Blues feel flimsy and plastic-y in comparison - and less uniform pressure across a wide range of keys.

I think the wider stem shape does help with that uniform feel to the keycap as well.

 

 

edit - also in that wide array of switch testing, I really liked the Gateron oil kings or whatever they're called. Never been a huge fan of linear switches but those are neat.

 

I have a board with Box Whites (try these sometime), Box Jades, Box Navies, Box Pink and Box Pale Blue. Like 6 boards between my wife and I.

 

This is why I'm asking about others.

[Fluxmaven]

On 14/02/2024 at 13:13, neurotix said:

I heard something about Glorious Panda switches and also Halos?

 

Neither of those are clicky switches, just tactile.

 

I have the Glorious Pandas in one of the boards I frequently use at home and really like them. I think I have some Halo true and clear, but never really used them.

 

I've mostly moved away from clicky switches just because I'm constantly talking to people so tactile switches make more sense. Still love Box Navies though 

 

Haven't  been doing much keyboard stuff lately, but I did just pick up a bunch of Cherry Ergo Clears that were on sale at Microcenter. I have some normal Cherry Clears and like them so I figured I'd grab some to compare. 

[neurotix]

No experience with Kailh Pro or recommendations for any other clicky switches though, Flux?