Hi OzBargain Keyboard Enthusiasts, looking for some suggestions for a mid-range custom keyboard ($300) that will suit all these requirements:
I have been using a modded IK75 for about half a year and am wanting to make the jump to something better. This is mainly because plate mount stabs are such a pain to mod and I just want to get something that support screw in stabs.
65% or 75% crap?
Is the purple shirted eye stabber on the loose again?
OzBargain probably isn't the most knowledgeable field, ask around on r/BudgetKeebs or r/MechanicalKeyboard's daily threads.
I may be wrong, but I think Akko has a board that'll fit your spec sheet? I may be wrong. Keychron has a few boards that might also suit you too.
I've been using an Epomaker TH80 for the last month or two, it's been working well and only comes in at around $100AUD barebones off Amazon. Doesn't support screw in stabs, it is plate mount.
Thankyou, probably a good idea
Akko boards are usually either wireless or with screw in stabs, really can't seem to find one with both. Keychron has a few options but non in white :(
I would wait for another round of the QK65. Ticks all your boxes and is very customisable. With the R2 release they introduced Bluetooth Hotswap PCBs.
If this doesn't interest you consider buying a second hand board under $300. As interest rates and inflation hits people are letting stuff go. Just be sure you can inspect it or get detailed photos from all angles.
I have too been looking for another round for QK65, JRIS65 and ZOOM65. Do you have a rough estimation as to where the second round will be coming for these? If they aren't going to be back in the near future I have also considered waiting for QK75.
No idea. It is rolling though. Check the difference in time between R1 and R2. That should be a good estimation. The issue is they are forcing purchases from the local vendor which takes longer. It looks like a legit board though so I would make do and wait.
As far as your stabs go the most important thing is that the wire is balanced and the stab housings are plugged with 205g0. For this do the wildcat technique i.e bend the stab using a two needleless syringes. Check its balance against a flat surface like a glass backed iphone or the weighing surface of digital kitchen scales.
Yeah, I will try that for my plate mount stabs. Honestly though, I just don't want to have to deal with plate mount stabilizers anymore.
@TinyTimmy: Maybe try durock plate mount stabs?
https://www.switchkeys.com.au/products/durock-plate-mount-st…
Who else has no idea wtf this is about?
Custom mechanical keyboards.
if anyone does it would be keychron
I have a Zoom65 EE. It fulfills all the requirements, but is sold out - thats the problem with the keyboard community.
Do you know how big the battery is on the Zoom65 and how does it hold up in real life?
Not too big I haven’t actually used it wirelessly yet, waiting 3 months for it was a pain though.
what is a screw-in stab?
Is it like the purple shirt eye stabber?