The Mechanical Keyboards Club

[J7SC_Orion]

I still have some of the original 'IBM clickclack' in storage downstairs, but it has no RGB, so there is that   ...a few months ago, I picked up the Asus Flair for 70% off (last one in the store) - it is actually a great keyboard to work and play on, and feels and sounds 'very mechanical' 

 

[neurotix]

9 hours ago, J7SC_Orion said:

I still have some of the original 'IBM clickclack' in storage downstairs, but it has no RGB, so there is that   ...a few months ago, I picked up the Asus Flair for 70% off (last one in the store) - it is actually a great keyboard to work and play on, and feels and sounds 'very mechanical' 

 

Cherry MX Red switches. Yeah, my first mechanical keyboards were two Corsair K70 Lux with Cherry Reds. Then I got an OCN Ducky with Cherry Blue (clicky) switches (that were very worn out), then one with Kailh Clone Blues in it, then finally built my own, my first one which is a GMMK v2 full size with custom plastidip and Kailh Box Jade switches because the OCN Ducky made me realize I like clicky and hate linear switches.

 

If it was 70% off, what did you pay? I just got a YUNZII YZ98 98% layout that is gasket mounted, has sound dampening foam as well as silicone in it, full RGB, hot swappable for $61. Normally the board is $89. Got keycaps and O-rings for it, just waiting for my switches to arrive. The stock keycaps and switches have already been pulled out so once I have my switches the board is ready for them.

Edited July 28 by neurotix

[neurotix]

My new build is done!

 

 

 

 

 

@Supercrumpetplease add my newest keyboard to my list please.

 

YUNZII YZ98, Kailh Box Summer switches, XVX plum blossom keycaps, Captain O-Ring Blue O-Rings. Cost about $160.

 

Big thanks to @bridgypoo for helping me put it together. The keycaps and switches were all pulled out ahead of time, but she helped me get switches in and o-rings and keycaps on. Flash Gordon style. What would have taken me 4 hours tomorrow, she helped me do it in a little more than an hour today.

Edited July 28 by neurotix

[Fluxmaven]

On 27/07/2024 at 11:31, Sir Beregond said:

I don't know. I'm supposed to think linear are "garbage" by the mech keyboard folks, but I like them for reasons you described. I still think I want to find a tactile but I'm not worried about it right now until the car is fixed lol. Got a few to look into though.

 

As I am learning more about keyboards and switches, I realized I hated the Pandas because they felt great as a tactile, but they were so loud and clacky it was very annoying to my ears. Something more low pitched would be better for me.

 

So far linear are quieter than any of the tactile I've seen.

 

Actually a lot of mech people love linears which is why there are so many different ones on the market. I just personally cant stand them. 

 

Your noise ceiling for switches eliminates a lot of options. If I locked you in a room with Box Navies, I think your head might explode . The Panda's are probably the quietest switch I use lol. that said, the keyboard itself makes a difference also. The Pandas in my Rama are quieter than the ones in the cheapo board I have on the desk right meow.  There are various factors like if the switches are lubed or not, case material, plate material, if there's any dampening in the case etc. 

 

There are more boutique options that are designed do be silent like Zilents or Boba U4, but they tend to be more expensive and harder to find in stock. The Akko penguin is something I just came across that looks like a decent option to consider. 

 

On 27/07/2024 at 16:30, neurotix said:

Yeah Sir B I have some really nice linears I could send you for free, check your Discord DMs.

 

Tactiles may as well be linears to me as it's rare I even feel the tactile bump at all. So you might want to consider linears instead.

 

You still trying to give away them Gateron yellows?  

 

Have you ever typed on a tactile other than Browns? Plenty of tactiles have a more pronounced bump than average clicky switches like blues. Poking at one key in a switch tester isn't a great way to actually get a feel for switches. Unfortunately, the only way to properly demo switches is in a board and most stores only have basic switch options in prebuilts. The nerd option is to attend keyboard meetups and try other people's boards. Outside of that you just have to buy lots of different switches to try out. 

 

Of course that leads to having all the switches you don't like piling up lol. 

 

 

[J7SC_Orion]

9 hours ago, neurotix said:

Cherry MX Red switches. Yeah, my first mechanical keyboards were two Corsair K70 Lux with Cherry Reds. Then I got an OCN Ducky with Cherry Blue (clicky) switches (that were very worn out), then one with Kailh Clone Blues in it, then finally built my own, my first one which is a GMMK v2 full size with custom plastidip and Kailh Box Jade switches because the OCN Ducky made me realize I like clicky and hate linear switches.

 

If it was 70% off, what did you pay? I just got a YUNZII YZ98 98% layout that is gasket mounted, has sound dampening foam as well as silicone in it, full RGB, hot swappable for $61. Normally the board is $89. Got keycaps and O-rings for it, just waiting for my switches to arrive. The stock keycaps and switches have already been pulled out so once I have my switches the board is ready for them.

 

I paid ~$US 40; it was the last one they had before stocking the Flare II 

[neurotix]

That's a really good price, I imagine because it's ASUS it was probably originally $200.

[neurotix]

On 28/07/2024 at 20:53, Fluxmaven said:

 

Actually a lot of mech people love linears which is why there are so many different ones on the market. I just personally cant stand them. 

 

Your noise ceiling for switches eliminates a lot of options. If I locked you in a room with Box Navies, I think your head might explode . The Panda's are probably the quietest switch I use lol. that said, the keyboard itself makes a difference also. The Pandas in my Rama are quieter than the ones in the cheapo board I have on the desk right meow.  There are various factors like if the switches are lubed or not, case material, plate material, if there's any dampening in the case etc. 

 

There are more boutique options that are designed do be silent like Zilents or Boba U4, but they tend to be more expensive and harder to find in stock. The Akko penguin is something I just came across that looks like a decent option to consider. 

 

 

You still trying to give away them Gateron yellows?  

 

Have you ever typed on a tactile other than Browns? Plenty of tactiles have a more pronounced bump than average clicky switches like blues. Poking at one key in a switch tester isn't a great way to actually get a feel for switches. Unfortunately, the only way to properly demo switches is in a board and most stores only have basic switch options in prebuilts. The nerd option is to attend keyboard meetups and try other people's boards. Outside of that you just have to buy lots of different switches to try out. 

 

Of course that leads to having all the switches you don't like piling up lol. 

 

 

 

I agree, a switch tester doesn't give you much to go on compared to a fully populated board.

 

I tested the Box Summer on my switch tester first, and it felt like a Box Jade but not as sticky if that makes sense. Built a board with them, totally different feel from the switch tester. I love them, they're awesome. Thanks @bridgypoofor funding and helping build this build. Flux, I highly recommend you get some Box Summer if you don't have them already.

 

Regarding tactiles; I have used them on a fully populated board before because they came with my GMMK, Gateron Browns. I could somewhat feel the tactile bump but not really. I mean sure, they were different than my Cherry Reds in a couple Corsair boards we had, but blindfold me and I probably couldn't tell the difference between the two. I type really heavy and usually bottom out the keycaps so maybe that's why.

 

Yes I have a bag of probably 150 Gateron Yellows as well as a bag with 100-ish Gateron Browns. Freebie for anyone who wants them, lol.

Edited July 30 by neurotix

[Sir Beregond]

21 hours ago, neurotix said:

Gateron Browns.

Having tried the Cherry Brown and Gateron Brown, I'd describe them more using Flux's term of "scratchy reds". I'd say any tactility on Browns is barely there.

 

The Panda switches I tried on the other hand are very obviously tactile. Not remotely the same as a Brown which I'd say is almost linear.

[Section31]

On 31/07/2024 at 12:02, Sir Beregond said:

Having tried the Cherry Brown and Gateron Brown, I'd describe them more using Flux's term of "scratchy reds". I'd say any tactility on Browns is barely there.

 

The Panda switches I tried on the other hand are very obviously tactile. Not remotely the same as a Brown which I'd say is almost linear.

 

They have new Mx2a version of all there traditional cherry switches now too. Haven't tried them but most people go really cheap on switches now. Heavy push towards HMX Brand. 

 

I am experimenting with the wooting switches (hall effect switches) myself now. They still are not same as traditional linear. It is nice to no longer having to buy another board just to use wooting switches, just need an hall effect pcb.

Edited August 2 by Section31

[Section31]

On 30/07/2024 at 13:52, neurotix said:

That's a really good price, I imagine because it's ASUS it was probably originally $200.

 

Asus has an 500USD one now too. Though that one is really an custom keyboard (still probably cheaper than building one through NEO + Keycap + Switches + Etc assuming Brand New Stuff). I am just waiting for more stuff to come in and have some new target keycaps i am watching for. So hopefully sometime in early 2025 will have one big dump of excess.

 

This set might actually interest you if your into Anime. One of the nice ones to be honest and will be instock sale.

 

 

80-100USD Shipped. Since your in Europe, going through Keykobo.com will result in you saving taxes. Contact of mine bought from Keykobo.com based in Europe and they reported that they paid little to no taxes on the goods. Likely 2025 Release. There is full kitting including optional Numpad, Novelty, Space Bar.

 

 

Edited August 3 by Section31

[Section31]

The actual new trend on almost all budget board (under 100usd) is super easy to build and super quick to dissemble boards. So the whole connection is done through magnetic connection point now and the there are ball latch mechanism to remove/install the lids. Gotten almost way too easy to do now. The longest part is just any stabs and any switch lubing at this point. You can probably just skip switch lubing by buying pre-lubed cheap HMX Switches. I can see more prebuilt within the next year having these features.  Getting quite boring to build at this point.

 

Edited August 3 by Section31

[Supercrumpet]

On 28/07/2024 at 17:33, neurotix said:

My new build is done!

 

 

 

 

 

@Supercrumpetplease add my newest keyboard to my list please.

 

YUNZII YZ98, Kailh Box Summer switches, XVX plum blossom keycaps, Captain O-Ring Blue O-Rings. Cost about $160.

 

Big thanks to @bridgypoo for helping me put it together. The keycaps and switches were all pulled out ahead of time, but she helped me get switches in and o-rings and keycaps on. Flash Gordon style. What would have taken me 4 hours tomorrow, she helped me do it in a little more than an hour today.

 

Added! Sorry for the delay.

[bwalker36]

I have had mechanical keyboards for years but they have always been your generic razer, das......whatever.  Finally just finished up my first custom build a few weeks ago. 

 

 

QwertyKeys neo80

I thought they were Gateron Switches but I'm not sure now:

Roller Linear Switches

KBDFANS.COM

---

ROLLER LINEAR SWITCHES The inspiration of the design is to capture a brand-new level of smoothness and minimize the stem wobble. It...

GGMK Keycaps

[Supercrumpet]

On 29/08/2024 at 08:59, bwalker36 said:

I have had mechanical keyboards for years but they have always been your generic razer, das......whatever.  Finally just finished up my first custom build a few weeks ago. 

 

 

QwertyKeys neo80

I thought they were Gateron Switches but I'm not sure now:

Roller Linear Switches

KBDFANS.COM

---

ROLLER LINEAR SWITCHES The inspiration of the design is to capture a brand-new level of smoothness and minimize the stem wobble. It...

GGMK Keycaps

 

What keycap set is that exactly? Reminds me a lot of GMMK Nautilus but it doesn't quite match.

[bridgypoo]

Love the color combination. Not too gaudy and quite refined.

[Section31]

I finally got this beauty in after two years wait. Old technology for keyboards (no magnetic connector, ball latch, fancy metal spring mounts, etc). The typing experience is second to my Geon F1-8X-722 (which wins because of its plateless).

 

 

Edited September 13 by Section31

[Supercrumpet]

3 hours ago, Section31 said:

I finally got this beauty in after two years wait. Old technology for keyboards (no magnetic connector, ball latch, fancy metal spring mounts, etc). The typing experience is second to my Geon F1-8X-722 (which wins because of its plateless).

 

 

 

Interesting color layout on the keycaps lol. Not my style at all but certainly doesn't look bad. What are the full specs on the board?

[Section31]

13 hours ago, Supercrumpet said:

 

Interesting color layout on the keycaps lol. Not my style at all but certainly doesn't look bad. What are the full specs on the board?

 

Its an werk technica werkone. One of the designed in Germany boards. Very expensive brand. 650USD for base models and goes up to 1200-1300USD for Copper Bottom.

 

Neo75 is really interesting one. 

zFrontier 装备前线

WWW.ZFRONTIER.COM

---

zFrontier 装备前线 - 机械键盘、键帽、HiFi、摄影装备发烧友聚集地。用更强的装备，探索更大的世界。

 

 

Keycap is mixture of KKB C.O.L and GMK Jamon R2

Edited September 14 by Section31

[neurotix]

It's sick!

[Supercrumpet]

On 14/09/2024 at 10:36, Section31 said:

 

Its an werk technica werkone. One of the designed in Germany boards. Very expensive brand. 650USD for base models and goes up to 1200-1300USD for Copper Bottom.

 

Neo75 is really interesting one. 

zFrontier 装备前线

WWW.ZFRONTIER.COM

---

zFrontier 装备前线 - 机械键盘、键帽、HiFi、摄影装备发烧友聚集地。用更强的装备，探索更大的世界。

 

 

Keycap is mixture of KKB C.O.L and GMK Jamon R2

 

Oh very cool. I didn't get a good sense of depth of the case until looking at their website, that's interesting for sure.

 

What switches did you go with? The two mixed cap sets explains the unique color layout, but the colors work well together, I didn't expect that to be the case.

[bwalker36]

On 30/08/2024 at 22:09, Supercrumpet said:

 

What keycap set is that exactly? Reminds me a lot of GMMK Nautilus but it doesn't quite match.

 

Drop + RedSuns GMK Blue Samurai Custom Keycap Set

DROP.COM

---

Introducing the Drop + RedSuns GMK Blue Samurai keycap set: the much-anticipated counterpart to RedSuns GMK Red Samurai.

 

Its these

[Section31]

On 16/09/2024 at 18:16, Supercrumpet said:

 

Oh very cool. I didn't get a good sense of depth of the case until looking at their website, that's interesting for sure.

 

What switches did you go with? The two mixed cap sets explains the unique color layout, but the colors work well together, I didn't expect that to be the case.

 

I am using duhuk bitter v2 (buy from unikeys). Ordered in kkb cherries from same site. Really good site in terms of pricing and shipping. It functions like intl taobao store front with drop shipping from china. Pricing is China RMB to your currency.

Edited September 20 by Section31

[Memmento Mori]

Just wanted to share, pretty interesting

 

 

 

 

[neurotix]

My fiancee @bridgypoowanted her GMMK with Box Navies and Great Wave Off Kanagawa keycaps redone for her birthday. It's her favorite board because she loves heavy switches. So I went all out. I won't be narrating this, but here's the picture dump from working on it.

 

Edited October 28 by neurotix

[Fluxmaven]

The plum crazy reminded me of a keyboard I modded many years ago. It may have been the first 60% layout I owned. It was a KBC Poker II. I used it stock for a while until I built my first complete custom boards. I decided to pimp it out and give it to a friend. Desoldered the entire board and painted the plate Honda electron blue pearl. It had Cherry MX black switches and I used them to make "ghetto greens" Which is when you pair a MX blue stem with the heavier spring from the black. This was before the days of RGB so IIRC, I soldered in a mix of pink and blue LEDs in. I'll have to look through my old pictures when I'm back home to see if I have any of that board. 

 

Edit... After thinking for a second I had another prebuilt that I modded... KBParadise V60 mini was the one with the pink and blue LEDs because it was a Miami Vice themed board with Tai-Hao Miami keycaps and a clear case. The Poker probably just had all blue LEDs. 

Edited October 29 by Fluxmaven