1800 layout by Leopold & Keychron K4 is so good. Why aren't more manufacturers making them? Well technically Tecware had it for their Phantom 96 but it's more of a hassle with the toggle keys than anything.

What's your opinion guys?

it's about demand and economy mainly.

a full-size is still the most familiar layout for everyone. they have very affordable options, easy to obtain, and cover all sorts of needs. because of this, beginners will get exposed to this layout first. this creates sustainable demand. manufacturers can make a lot of them, without worrying about market demands (economy)

the reality is, only a very puny fraction of users decide to explore options other than full-size.

edit: in short, without sustainable demand and economy, it's not really viable for manufacturers to invest in making them.

This post has been edited by horns: Apr 7 2020, 09:32 AM

The Leopold FC980 is a 1800 layout.
Keychron K4 is a 96% layout.

I don't like the 1800 layout much. For the sake of 3 inches table space, you need to live with a 1.75U right shift and 1U numpad zero. Might as well go full size unless you really really need that 3 inches.

Newbie here, where can I get cherry key switches? Which online website/store or seller do you guys recommend? I plan to swap out the key switches of my 7 year old KB

you can look them up at taobao/aliexpress.

however, if you wished to try out gateron key switches, e.g., ks-3 and gateron ink, there is an up-coming groupbuy at mymkb fb page, https://www.facebook.com/groups/MalaysiaMechanicalKeyboard/

what switches are you using now? why do you need to swap them out?

Hi all, need a little advice from the more experienced folk here.

Been eyeing to get an Anne Pro 2 off Shopee for around RM240 w/ shipping.

However, after some research on reddit I realized I could get a GK61 kit for around RM150+ without switches and keycaps. The switches ive been thinking of getting are the Kailh Box Navy's which will be around RM100 for 64 switches (all sourced from Taobao). The total cost with keycaps should be around RM300++.

Can anyone advise if it is worth it to go through the extra hassle of getting all the parts and assembling it for hot swappable sockets?

if you're new to mkb modding, would like to try out different key switches and mods from time to time, i suggest you start with gk6x (e.g., gk61, gk64). it's worth it, because you can test, learn, and experience almost everything with the same board.

.. and you shouldn't call it a 'hassle'.

Thank you for the opinion!

Forgive me for calling it a hassle, was just comparing it to something prebuilt!

it's fine haha

hot-swap boards are mainly meant for convenience of experimenting stuff to find out better typing experience (e.g., typing sound and feel). however, it's not meant to replace soldered builds.

Asking all the sifu's here for a good recommendation for pre-built with Gateron Optical Blue, Brown or anything similar with Bluetooth (a must as i use multiple devices i.e IPad, Surface and Desktop)

Using Anne Pro Gateron Brown now and wish to move on to try others.

Looking at Keychron K2 or IQUNIX F96 (Expensive )

Or anyone know any shops which deal in custom keyboard in Malaysia is highly appreciated.

im a big fan of 96 layout mkb, but not many choices. Those custom build models by China manufacturer are so much more expensive than ready build ones.

hi, do you know what is the closest gateron switches to cherry mx brown?

Using brother's cherry blue now, so heavy.

Gateron Brown. Gateron common switches are like Gateron White, Red, Yellow, Black, Brown, Blue and Green.

Gateron brown is similar like Cherry MX brown, but with a little lighter compared to Cherry Brown, but smoother.

I was about to say the same thing, except that to my fingers the Gateron brown feels slightly heavier than Cherry MX brown?

Understandable. No wonder it's niche.

For me it's mainly due to aesthetic purpose without the long-ish look of a full size keyboard.

I guess I either go 64 or full size.

That's why I am reconsidering my choices now.

Hi all.

Just sharing my latest project. 40% Daisy PCB.




This post has been edited by asch901: Apr 9 2020, 04:56 AM

what our friends said

if possible, tune them for better experience.

yeah, hence the obvious difference in price also, especially those with better qualities of parts, and nicer keyboard constructions.

very nice

hello. i`m thinking of getting a custom mechanical keyboard. xd84 is in my mind right now.

i just want to ask, how much should i spend for it including assembly service? i don`t think i have time to assemble it.

thanks.

If you get everything from KPrepublic, including assembly, about RM540 on Aliexpress.

Got myself a Logitech k845
saw few guys suggested here sometime before

Hi sifus, asking for your opinions on these two budget mkb's i found:
1. Maibenben DMK01
https://www.lazada.com.my/products/maibenbe...s971872917.html

2.Royal Kludge Rk61
https://shopee.com.my/Royal-Kludge-RK61-blu...8234.1505543878

Would like to try mkb's and replace my old logitech membrane keyboard.