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. Ducky Mecha Mini 60% - perfect if it had arrow keys
Filco Majestouch Minila (Air)? (no lighting as far as I can tell though) Tex Beetle TKL is along the same lines too.
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.
I rather like that middle one, is that the 65%? I like having home and end keys for selecting stuff and navigation.
Would a separate set of arrow keys be an option? https://techkeys.us/collections/accessories/products/sixkeyboard
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.
