Howsit and welcome! These are the droids you are looking for.Hey all! I am new to the forum and kinda wish I had discovered this community before I embarked on my mechanical keyboard adventure. If I am posting in the wrong area of the forum, my apologies.
I just recently (this weekend) finished this build.
Tofu65 keyboard case
with copper weight and plate
KBD67 Rev2 soldered PCB
Cherry MX Browns lubed with 205g0
Durock V2 stabilizers lubed with 205g0 and band-aid mod
PBT Retro 80s Keycaps
Most of everything came from KBDFans except for equipment and lube which I sourced from the states.
I realise I chose pretty noob switches but my lord they feel better than anything I have ever typed on. Nevertheless, the bug has bitten and I am planning my next build.
Are there better ways to get parts to South Africa? This exercise was incredibly expensive, with just under 50% of the costs going to shipping and customs.
How are enthusiasts enjoying this hobby in South Africa without taking out a second morgage?
Also is there a second-hand market for this level of custom mechanical keyboards? I see a bunch of commercial mechanical boards on here being resold, but is there a market for luxury boards?
Firstly, there is nothing wrong with MX Browns. If you enjoy using them, that is all that matters.
To address some of your other questions. The keeb community in south africa is small and limited. The only real places you can get parts locally is Control Shift Escape and Keyn Keyboards | DIY Mechanical Keyboard Kits. Warren and Vincent are great gentleman and a godsend for the community.
We all cry and struggle with shipping and getting more unique parts here. We try and organise group buys (buy together) now and again to share some of the shipping, but it is tedious and takes quite a bit of time from whoever is running it. I don't want to know how much I've personally spent on shipping for switches. Regardless of the shipping, it is an expensive hobby. Some components are expensive due to artificial scarcity, others are expensive due to their manufacturing process. It is what it is unfortunately.
To avoid disappointment, consider the used market non-existent for the most part.
Welcome to the group of degenerates. Don't forget to pay your photo tax with a picture of your new build.