Peripherals Looking for mechanical keyboard advice

Discussion in 'Hardware' started by silk186, 24 Feb 2020.

  1. silk186

    silk186 Derp

    Joined:
    1 Dec 2014
    Posts:
    1,954
    Likes Received:
    152
    I have tried a number of Chinese mechanical keyboards including a KeyCool hero 87, AJAZZ AK33S and Royal Kludge RK61. After using an RK61 for a few years I have grown to love the 60% layout which was previously a necessity due to limited workspace. I have decided to upgrade to a more premium keyboard partly because of noise and partly because my Ctrl key only works when it wants to.

    I thought I had found the perfect replacement with the Ducky Mecha Mini, a 60% board with Cherry switches, full aluminium casing, PBT double-shot seamless keycaps, USB Type-C detachable cable, RGB lighting and a reasonable price point (£125). The board looks perfect … except it lacks arrow keys. I can wait for a Mecha 65% it has wasted space and unnecessary home keys. Does the perfect 60% mechanical keyboard exist for me, is one expected to come out later this year, or due I need to compromise?

    Alternatively, I can build one or buy a kit but I don't even know where to start. Basically, something like a Mecha SF with aluminium - 60-65% with arrow keys, cherry brown or better switches, USB-C, LED RGB (because why not), A solid case with aluminium backplate, good stabilisers, solderless because I don't have the equipment and don't want to learn on a keyboard, no Bluetooth, Doubleshot caps. Basically, something solid, reliable and quiet to type on. I have no idea if this would work out cheaper or cost a lot more.

    My current board is the bottom one, a 60% with arrow keys.
    [​IMG]
    Ducky Mecha Mini 60% - perfect if it had arrow keys
    [​IMG]
     
  2. wolfticket

    wolfticket Downwind from the bloodhounds

    Joined:
    19 Apr 2008
    Posts:
    3,557
    Likes Received:
    647
    Filco Majestouch Minila (Air)?
    (no lighting as far as I can tell though)

    Tex Beetle TKL is along the same lines too.
     
    Last edited: 25 Feb 2020
  3. BeauchN

    BeauchN Multimodder

    Joined:
    5 Apr 2011
    Posts:
    1,449
    Likes Received:
    547
    Not cheap, but the ALT from Massdrop (or is it just drop now?) might fit your requirements, I’m pretty sure that’s about 60% with arrow keys.
     
  4. The_Crapman

    The_Crapman World's worst stuntman. Lover of bit-tech

    Joined:
    5 Dec 2011
    Posts:
    8,311
    Likes Received:
    4,645
    I rather like that middle one, is that the 65%? I like having home and end keys for selecting stuff and navigation.
     
  5. MadGinga

    MadGinga oooh whats this do?

    Joined:
    19 Mar 2009
    Posts:
    2,791
    Likes Received:
    593
    Dont most 60% KBs provide arrow keys via a function key/layer? The Poker II i have does...
     
  6. silk186

    silk186 Derp

    Joined:
    1 Dec 2014
    Posts:
    1,954
    Likes Received:
    152
    AJAZZ AK33, £22. Good bang for buck option to try a mech keyboard.
     
    The_Crapman likes this.
  7. silk186

    silk186 Derp

    Joined:
    1 Dec 2014
    Posts:
    1,954
    Likes Received:
    152
    I prefer dedicated arrow keys.

    The alt looks nice but £200 is too much.
     
  8. Dr. Coin

    Dr. Coin Multimodder

    Joined:
    13 Sep 2013
    Posts:
    1,102
    Likes Received:
    296
  9. silk186

    silk186 Derp

    Joined:
    1 Dec 2014
    Posts:
    1,954
    Likes Received:
    152
    Not nearly as good as a keyboard that includes them. I do use them fairly frequently and they are present on my current 60% 61 key keyboard.
    Unfortunately, it seems that this layout is not common and I will need to look at 65% options.
     

Share This Page