Hello all, (don't really know how many custom mech keyboard enthusiasts there are on OzBargain, so here goes)
Own an E-Element Z88 mechanical keyboard and want to upgrade the switches to a higher end Outemu switch. This includes the Ice's and Dark's and all the other fancy enthusiast Outemu switches.
I want to ask: What is your favourite Outemu switch in terms of feel and sound? Not too many reviews of them on YouTube which is a shame.
Many thanks,
Justin
By the way only just started interest in "Mechanical Keyboard" witch craft, maybe just few weeks or reading and watching YouTube.
(I am still using a old wireless Logitech membrane keyboard with mould under the keys)
But after short time I already arrived at a "fantasy build".
I like the look of HHKB layout, and also I like "floating key design", and after searching online for such a board there is only 1 I can find.
https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1j6nzXtfvK1RjSszhq6AcGFXa0.jpg
It is Shenzhen YMD Keyboard's HHKB aluminium sandwich case (apparently sold for US$40 with PCB).
I would get this board with Kailh Silent Pink switches ($6 per x10 pack or 60c each) (linear / short travel + actuation / silent dampened dust & water resistant design), and probably Durock screw-in stabilisers.
And still need to decide which keycaps (HHKB layout keycaps are very limited selection).
I was hoping for under US$100 or under AU$134 for whole keyboard (much cheaper than real HHKB which is around AU$450-$600).
So I found the actual product page for the board on aliexpress, but it says "no longer available".
I messaged them but seems like they stopped making it.
Oh well I guess I saved money by having dream crushed straight away eheh.
Anyway just thought to share thought you might be interested.
Just found this post, but thought to share that from what I have read / watched in the last few months of “Mechanical Keyboard” information.
Outemu is regarded as the cheapest and worst quality switch (basically the keycaps can pop off just by pressing on the keys too hard or picking up your keyboard so I guess quality control is pretty bad).
I guess some still like them for subjective reasons.
I would probably go with Gateron over Outemu, but I think they have slightly different fit when installing (something about pins being longer or thicker), so you may need a whole new board if changing to Gateron.
Also would probably go Gateron over Cherry. Cherry can be a little rough feeling apparently even linear ones, they say Gateron is just smoother overall (probably the smoothness of the plastic they use) than Cherry with all switches (tactile Clicky linear).