this post was submitted on 02 Mar 2024
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Mechanical Keyboards

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Looking for a keyboard (sh.itjust.works)
submitted 8 months ago by csm10495@sh.itjust.works to c/mechanicalkeyboards@lemmy.ml
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It's a sad day: My previous mechanical keyboard more/less died. Multiple keys just stopped working and even upon replacing them with new switches: still dead.

So anyways I'm looking for a keyboard with some specific features:

Anyone know of one that is:

  • full size (extra macro keys would be a bonus!)
  • rgb backlit
  • has at least one usb port on it (so it has a builtin hub of sorts) Super bonus if it also has a type c passthrough port.
  • user-swapable cherry-mx compatible switches. (bonus if it comes with browns)
  • bonus points if it can run open-source firmware
  • bonus points if it has a volume spinner-thing

I know its asking a bunch, but hey if someone has seen one of these, or has ideas: let me know.

Budget: idk, but I'd be willing to pay probably $200 ish if it was a perfect match and seemed legit.

Thanks in advance

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[–] bloopernova@programming.dev 9 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago) (1 children)

Check out the keychron site. Multiple keyboards that fit your requirements except the USB hub.

https://www.keychron.com/

[–] csm10495@sh.itjust.works 5 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago) (3 children)

The usb port is really close to a requirement. I use a yubikey for work often, and liked having it easily press-able. I don't really have another usb port within arms reach of the keyboard/mouse.

I guess I could add a switch somewhere but it would be kind of ugly on my desk. Still: Thanks for the suggestion.

[–] dubyakay@lemmy.ca 4 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago)

I second Keychron. Don't let the lack of USB port dissuade you. Keychron, even in the enthusiast sphere, is known as a very good entry to mid range level manufacturer. Keychron V6 QMK in a budget, Keychron Q6 / Q6 Pro or Max w/ QMK/VIA if you have some more $. Or the V5/Q5 if you want to try something more compact.

Get a USB hub and/or an extender.

Edit: to add, even just the extra $20-50 compared to Amazon shit or ducky and DAS keyboard make the V-series worth it. QMK and VIA programmability make all the difference compared to all the shit that other manufacturers would make you install to even just remap some of your keys. And the Q-series if you have the cash to spare is a delight compared to plastic cases.

[–] bloopernova@programming.dev 3 points 8 months ago (1 children)

I use a yubikey daily too. I have a USB hub that clamps to the edge of my desk, so I can leave the yubikey in there with no extra mess.

Not this specific one, but you get the general idea: https://www.amazon.com/HYWHUYANG-USB3-1-10Gbps-Computer-Transmission/dp/B0CNKQMXFD/

[–] csm10495@sh.itjust.works 5 points 8 months ago

Fair enough. If all else fails, I'll try something similar.

[–] otter@lemmy.ca 3 points 8 months ago

I had almost the same requirements as you, and keychron is what I got recommended (from this community actually). It's been nice, so I second the recommendation.

In my case I wanted multiple Bluetooth connections over USB, which keychron did have. The one USB port is for the keyboard only I assume, but you might be able to add the hub along that chain if ports are limited.

[–] csm10495@sh.itjust.works 7 points 8 months ago (1 children)

After reading my own post over it sounds like a weird erotic 'personals ad'.

[–] otter@lemmy.ca 1 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago)

When your online profile says you're a 'passionate bear looking for love,' you get a lot of wrong responses. Well not wrong, wrong for me.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=DbZhX0XTBEs

[–] altima_neo@lemmy.zip 4 points 8 months ago (1 children)

Damn, are you me? lol

My Das Keyboard Ultimate S died recently and I miss it. MX Browns, full size. It was a good keyboard. But it started doing this "eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee" lately and the switches aren't swappable. Been using an old CM Storm 60% with MX Blues, and damn, I miss my Browns. I hate having to bottom out the key to get it to register.

But yeah, I was looking for the same thing as you.

But yeah, I was looking at getting another, but the newer version. It unfortunately doesnt have swappable switches, or RGB. They have an RGB version, but its not in stock at amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Das-Keyboard-Professional-Cherry-Mechanical/dp/B00JG01QTY/

Another one I was looking at was the Keychron K10 Pro. This one has swappablekeys , programmable firmware, but no RGB, just white backlight.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B2DP88SD/

Mind you, I haven't done a whole lot of research and I've been out of the mech keyboard game for years. A few friends on a discord I post regularly on suggested just grabbing whatever cheap Chinese keyboard on amazon that can do swaps, and just install your own switches and caps.

[–] csm10495@sh.itjust.works 4 points 8 months ago

I'm completely fine with buying one and doing random swaps.. but man its tough to search to find exactly what I'm after.

[–] Reverendender@sh.itjust.works 2 points 8 months ago (1 children)

What kind was the previous?

[–] akincisor@sh.itjust.works 1 points 8 months ago

Not sure if it maps to your requirements exactly, but check out the UHK:

https://ultimatehackingkeyboard.com/

I have a v1 and a v2. Very happy with both.

[–] SinningStromgald@lemmy.world 1 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago)

Das 4Q and Prime 13 seem closest to what you want and in budget.

Personally I like Keychron better but I'm not aware of any with a USB hub, which could be overcome with a USB extension cable for the Yubikey.