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Keyboard Nut Thread

Hey all, been reading some comments here, and hopefully looking to get some help.
I'm looking for my first mech keyboard and been doing some homework. Was looking at Tactile (MX Browns initially) but see a lot of recommendations here and with keyboard enthusiasts, to opt against them.

I currently work of a Lenovo 13s laptop, which has a `squished` 75% keyboard on a 34" UHD. Looking at sizes and functionality, I seem to be set comfortably on a 65% as I don't really need direct access to function keys for work (emails, and editing configuration files in nano).

So my query to this group would be:
1. Which switches would you guys recon to be good Tactile for a starter
2. Is there some reasonably priced way to test options before pulling the trigger (I'm based in Grahamstown, EC)
 
Hey guys, thought Id just make a post to let you know that Evetech is now stocking GMMK Pros: Evetech

They also have various Glorious plates, switches, keycaps etc. I dont like supporting Evetech, but If you've been wanting a GMMK Pro or any 75%, its a nice option to have. 👌

Good morning,
I'm in the same boat for wanting to get a 75% keyboard, pretty hard for me to find in SA. Would you recommend the GMMK Pro?
 
Good morning,
I'm in the same boat for wanting to get a 75% keyboard, pretty hard for me to find in SA. Would you recommend the GMMK Pro?
It's a fairly decent board, good and heavy, which is helpful for the sound. I very briefly got to handle one and I was impressed by the build quality.

Couple things I did notice though:

The GOAT stabs are decidedly not the greatest of all time (more like go out and throw in the bin stabs)
The board is very stiff and would lend itself to an aftermarket plate, it really doesn't feel like a gasket mount board right out the gate.

That being said, if I set my impossible standards aside, at the price point and in terms of availability and accessibility to newcomers, it's an excellent board to dip your toes, and you might even like it enough to stay there!
 
It's a fairly decent board, good and heavy, which is helpful for the sound. I very briefly got to handle one and I was impressed by the build quality.

Couple things I did notice though:

The GOAT stabs are decidedly not the greatest of all time (more like go out and throw in the bin stabs)
The board is very stiff and would lend itself to an aftermarket plate, it really doesn't feel like a gasket mount board right out the gate.

That being said, if I set my impossible standards aside, at the price point and in terms of availability and accessibility to newcomers, it's an excellent board to dip your toes, and you might even like it enough to stay there!
Thank you very much for taking the time and replying. I do believe that I should purchase this and look at modding it more like you recommended (Maybe Durock stabs as the first thing). I'm really new to this but I look forward to it!
I will check out CtrlShiftEscape for switches.
 
Can confirm the GMMK Pro with Durocks is quite nice. Only thing I would mention that Cujo hasn't is that even though it's a gasket mounted plate, it really is quite stiff still. There's a few videos out there detailing how to get more gasket performance out of it, but just know that out the box it's still basically a hard mount board.
Also be weary that the polycarb plate sold by Glorious doesn't fit perfectly... I learned the hard way.
 
Can confirm the GMMK Pro with Durocks is quite nice. Only thing I would mention that Cujo hasn't is that even though it's a gasket mounted plate, it really is quite stiff still. There's a few videos out there detailing how to get more gasket performance out of it, but just know that out the box it's still basically a hard mount board.
Also be weary that the polycarb plate sold by Glorious doesn't fit perfectly... I learned the hard way.
Thank you for the extra information! Yes I've seen a lot of reviewers complaining about being gasket mounted yet there is no flex.
I see you are using the Akko Wave keyset, that is what I plan on taking from my Keychron K6 to add to the GMMK Pro. Do you have the black or "white" body on your GMMK?
Would these keys work with the GMMK pro? CtrlShiftEsc Gateron SMD
 
Thank you for the extra information! Yes I've seen a lot of reviewers complaining about being gasket mounted yet there is no flex.
I see you are using the Akko Wave keyset, that is what I plan on taking from my Keychron K6 to add to the GMMK Pro. Do you have the black or "white" body on your GMMK?
Would these keys work with the GMMK pro? CtrlShiftEsc Gateron SMD
I've got the Black body. I really need to learn how to take better photos.
1651141333577.png


And yes, 3 pin and 5 pin switches work on the GMMK Pro.
 
That looks amazing, now I can't wait! Was planning on going with the white one, but black does look better with the green colour scheme.
Thank you for your assistance, I really do appreciate it!
 
Hello everyone, I'm looking to get a new keyboard, and I wanted to know if all keycaps are compatible with any board in general? What do I look for to ensure compatibility?

I'm looking at a board from Akko probably, but I want to get shine-through keycaps that light up the letters
 
Hello everyone, I'm looking to get a new keyboard, and I wanted to know if all keycaps are compatible with any board in general? What do I look for to ensure compatibility?

I'm looking at a board from Akko probably, but I want to get shine-through keycaps that light up the letters
Hey! The main hurdles are that shine-through aftermarket caps are kind of rare, unless you're willing to settle for rather rubbish quality.

The main incompatibilities I've seen lately were the short right shift needed on 65% boards as well as e.g. Corsair's weird bottom row with the 6.5u spacebar
 
If I'm not mistaken you will also have to look at whether the switches are north facing / south facing if you want the shine through to be underneath the legend. I've seen a lot of people preferring the south facing switches to ensure MX compatibility.
 
Thanks for the assistance. Any recommendations for 65%-75% keyboards either available here or from places that ship here currently? Looking for something that won't require a ton of work from my side, preferably an all-in-one but I'm happy to swap out some switched/keycaps if necessary.
 
Thanks for the assistance. Any recommendations for 65%-75% keyboards either available here or from places that ship here currently? Looking for something that won't require a ton of work from my side, preferably an all-in-one but I'm happy to swap out some switched/keycaps if necessary.
CtrlShiftEsc has a few boards coming in soon! Keyboards
 
Hello everyone, I'm looking to get a new keyboard, and I wanted to know if all keycaps are compatible with any board in general? What do I look for to ensure compatibility?

I'm looking at a board from Akko probably, but I want to get shine-through keycaps that light up the letters

On 75% boards, watch out for the 1.75u shift (as mentioned by @Cujo26 ) , 1u right ALT and CTRL keys . Most "mainstream" keycap sets that usually support shine-through don't include these. Sets like GMK (if you plan on spending as much on caps as your board) and Akko do however usually include them. If you do end up going 75%, GMMK do make a pudding set but it won't be as lit up as usual gaming boards if you get a south facing led board (something like the GMMK Pro). LTC did make a set with center legends but it's probably impossible to find

There are also other factors that influence LEDs abilities to "light" up your board, such as switches or plate materials. Polycarbonate will give better diffused lighting than something like a aluminium or copper plate. Switches on the other hand if not milky or clear will either block most LEDs or discolour them.

CtrlShiftEsc has a few boards coming in soon! Keyboards

@AgentPooky That Mod007 looks good, same layout as the GMMK Pro but has north facing LEDs so should be a good buy if shine-through caps are an absolute must.
 
Can confirm the GMMK Pro with Durocks is quite nice. Only thing I would mention that Cujo hasn't is that even though it's a gasket mounted plate, it really is quite stiff still. There's a few videos out there detailing how to get more gasket performance out of it, but just know that out the box it's still basically a hard mount board.
Also be weary that the polycarb plate sold by Glorious doesn't fit perfectly... I learned the hard way.

ctrlshiftesc is bringing in the fr4 hype plate which might be an option
 
After more deliberation I think I've decided on a 65% board. I would like one with a knob for volume control I think.

The Keychron Q2 looks perfect, but it's new so out of stock everywhere it seems.
 
Somewhat off-topic so sorry about derailing. Just wanted to share my latest creation - Pantofle.
It's a machined acrylic case for the Sofle v2 kit being manufactured and brought in by homie over at keyn.co.za. I will have a few of them going up for sale soon with a restock already in the works.

 
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Are there any recommendations for lube available currently in SA? Or is importing the only way to go?
 
Does anyone know if it's feasible to replace a single Outemu Red on a non-hot-swappable board (CM CK350)? One switch has failed on my kb, just after the two year warranty expired :rolleyes:

And, related, any opinions on the Cherry Viola switches, in the context of cheap non-clicky switches? I probably won't buy an Outemu keeb again after this experience.

Lastly, any recommendations on cheapish (< ~R 1 000), 104-key, non-Outemu, non-clicky keebs, ideally using the standard Cherry profile? Looking at Corsair K60 (Cherry Viola) from @Oj0 but open to other suggestions.
 
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Where can I get a nice cable that ISN'T coiled? Something like this (although I don't need that aviator joiner thing, and also it could just be black:

Screenshot 2022-05-05 145517.png
 
Where can I get a nice cable that ISN'T coiled? Something like this (although I don't need that aviator joiner thing, and also it could just be black:

View attachment 61457
Any C-Type USB should do (assuming it's a c-type connector).


or even

 
Does anyone know if it's feasible to replace a single Outemu Red on a non-hot-swappable board (CM CK350)? One switch has failed on my kb, just after the two year warranty expired :rolleyes:

And, related, any opinions on the Cherry Viola switches, in the context of cheap non-clicky switches? I probably won't buy an Outemu keeb again after this experience.

Lastly, any recommendations on cheapish (< ~R 1 000), 104-key, non-Outemu, non-clicky keebs, ideally using the standard Cherry profile? Looking at Corsair K60 (Cherry Viola) from @Hobbit but open to other suggestions.
You can definitely replace one switch in a board, do you have a replacement switch?
 
Does anyone know if it's feasible to replace a single Outemu Red on a non-hot-swappable board (CM CK350)? One switch has failed on my kb, just after the two year warranty expired :rolleyes:

And, related, any opinions on the Cherry Viola switches, in the context of cheap non-clicky switches? I probably won't buy an Outemu keeb again after this experience.

Lastly, any recommendations on cheapish (< ~R 1 000), 104-key, non-Outemu, non-clicky keebs, ideally using the standard Cherry profile? Looking at Corsair K60 (Cherry Viola) from @Hobbit but open to other suggestions.

I had a similar thing happen to me on a corsair board where my one mx speed silver didn't want to work all of a sudden, luckily it only needed some love. Also replaced a mx silver on a ducky board that stopped working. Thisi is one of the biggest reasons I moved to hot-swop boards, also the ability to try different switches.

Desoldering one switch and soldering on another is pretty easy. I've done it more than once. Only requirement is that you own a soldering iron. It's a lot less intimidating than you think. You can also check the switch itself with a multimeter to check if it's just dry solder or the actual switch that is dead.
 
Where can I get a nice cable that ISN'T coiled? Something like this (although I don't need that aviator joiner thing, and also it could just be black:

View attachment 61457
 
I'm sure there will be a few carbies with loads spare. I do have a brown Gateron switch for you if you are interested 👌 Based in Northcliff and work in Strydompark
 
Any idea of how to get my hands on a Keychron Q1 v2 brown switches? I see Keychron don't ship to SA. Use a forwarder I guess?
 

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