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andrew.ycl
10
Feb 14, 2017
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Hi Jessica, I have always been interested in owning a mechanical keyboard. Sorry if my questions seem extremely rudimentary - will I be able to plug and play this beautiful keyboard straight away? Does it come as a bluetooth keyboard? Or will I need an existing layout to put these keycap in? If so, could you recommend any?
kevinkyoo
62
Feb 14, 2017
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andrew.yclYou're not purchasing a keyboard. You're purchasing keycaps. You can pick which layout you want in the checkout for this keycap set, depending on which keyboard you buy.
t0rk
154
Feb 14, 2017
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andrew.yclIf you're looking for a starting board I'd recommend the Magicforce 68 with Gateron Brown switches. $63 for a decent quality board with good switches. Do some research on switches, see what you might be interested in.
Vira
4117
Feb 14, 2017
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kevinkyoo"You can pick which layout you want in the checkout for this keycap set"
What?
There isn't anything to pick/choose with on this drop apart from your payment choice and address...
@andrew.lyc1 As already mentioned to you, this drop is for a keycap set, not keyboard. This set will go nicely on any compatible keyboard. If you're looking for a new mech board, a good starting point to look at first are switches that you'll be comfortable using along with the keyboard size. The budget and other preferences will follow. My personal recommendation is the KUL ES-87 or the IKBC MF-87. They're both ANSI standard layout TKL size keyboards.
@andrew.lyc1 As already mentioned to you, this drop is for a keycap set, not keyboard. This set will go nicely on any compatible keyboard. If you're looking for a new mech board, a good starting point to look at first are switches that you'll be comfortable using along with the keyboard size. The budget and other preferences will follow. My personal recommendation is the KUL ES-87 or the IKBC MF-87. They're both ANSI standard layout TKL size keyboards.
andrew.ycl
10
Feb 15, 2017
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t0rkThis is a great recommendation. Thank you so much. What about those with wireless/bluetooth capability?
andrew.ycl
10
Feb 15, 2017
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ViraThanks for your recommendation, will definitely check these out.
Nick68
10
Feb 15, 2017
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andrew.yclIf you're looking for wireless/bluetooth keyboard but for a reasonable price, there are Anne Pro and Drevo Calibur keyboards that you can buy off Banggood (Anne Pro and Drevo) or Aliexpress (Drevo). They both go around $70 - 80ish USD if memory serves me correct, and for the Drevo one can go for cheaper depending on the switch brand (cheapest ones come from Outemu, while the more expensive one can come with actual Cherry MX if I remember).
If you are used to normal keyboard layouts then I suggest the Drevo Calibur would be better fit for you as it is essentially a normal TKL keyboard (no numpad) but with no Function row (F keys). This should be a better choice for you especially if you still need dem arrow keys. IF you are confident of leaving out arrow keys then the Anne Pro is a great choice for a starter keyboard, though keep in mind that it is a 60% layout that you might need some adjustment period if coming from normal keyboard layouts. BTW, I just remembered that there is the RK61 keyboard that can be counted as an Anne Pro alternative, but personally I would recommend the Anne Pro better due to the more known support by the MK community for it.
There are other wireless/bluetooth MK-s out there from other big brand manufacturers, but usually they cost a lot more. Filco has their Convertible 2 (both TKL and fullsize) line (capable of both BT and wired mode), and the Minila Air keyboard (bluetooth only), and Varmilo has their VB87M (TKL, BT only) keyboard, for example.
Another important note about these BT keyboards however, is that there have been reports on wonky BT connection with these keyboards. I have never personally tried one before but based on what I have read there have been reports of words being 'dropped' during high speed typing and lag issues when you use these Keyboards in wireless mode. Though then again there are also many that said that they have not experienced such problems so I think it is more like dependent on whether you're lucky or not hehe. Try to remove any interference (other 2.4GHz radio signal source) that could interfere with the BT signal to mitigate these problems if you encounter them.
Finally, I would also suggest to think whether you want to use the boards purely in wireless mode or want to be versatile and enable usage with wired mode from time to time. Some of the boards that I have listed allow this capability (usually they are listed as BT/wired mode keyboards), in particular: Anne Pro, Drevo Calibur, RK61, Filco Convertible 2. These boards have BT capability but also enables wired mode if you need more reliable connection with your PC. Other boards are usually BT only, so even when you plug them to your computer, it will function to charge the Boards, and they will still use BT for connection.
That's all I have to say if you're finding BT keyboards. They are out there, but you would need to do a lot of searching to find the one that would suit you. Good luck finding the BT board of your dreams andrew, Cheers ! :)
If you are used to normal keyboard layouts then I suggest the Drevo Calibur would be better fit for you as it is essentially a normal TKL keyboard (no numpad) but with no Function row (F keys). This should be a better choice for you especially if you still need dem arrow keys. IF you are confident of leaving out arrow keys then the Anne Pro is a great choice for a starter keyboard, though keep in mind that it is a 60% layout that you might need some adjustment period if coming from normal keyboard layouts. BTW, I just remembered that there is the RK61 keyboard that can be counted as an Anne Pro alternative, but personally I would recommend the Anne Pro better due to the more known support by the MK community for it.
There are other wireless/bluetooth MK-s out there from other big brand manufacturers, but usually they cost a lot more. Filco has their Convertible 2 (both TKL and fullsize) line (capable of both BT and wired mode), and the Minila Air keyboard (bluetooth only), and Varmilo has their VB87M (TKL, BT only) keyboard, for example.
Another important note about these BT keyboards however, is that there have been reports on wonky BT connection with these keyboards. I have never personally tried one before but based on what I have read there have been reports of words being 'dropped' during high speed typing and lag issues when you use these Keyboards in wireless mode. Though then again there are also many that said that they have not experienced such problems so I think it is more like dependent on whether you're lucky or not hehe. Try to remove any interference (other 2.4GHz radio signal source) that could interfere with the BT signal to mitigate these problems if you encounter them.
Finally, I would also suggest to think whether you want to use the boards purely in wireless mode or want to be versatile and enable usage with wired mode from time to time. Some of the boards that I have listed allow this capability (usually they are listed as BT/wired mode keyboards), in particular: Anne Pro, Drevo Calibur, RK61, Filco Convertible 2. These boards have BT capability but also enables wired mode if you need more reliable connection with your PC. Other boards are usually BT only, so even when you plug them to your computer, it will function to charge the Boards, and they will still use BT for connection.
That's all I have to say if you're finding BT keyboards. They are out there, but you would need to do a lot of searching to find the one that would suit you. Good luck finding the BT board of your dreams andrew, Cheers ! :)
andrew.ycl
10
Feb 15, 2017
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Nick68Nick68, you are my guardian angel of all things keyboard-related. I will read through your recommendations carefully and will find the BT keyboard of my dreams. Many thanks mate :]
andrew.ycl
10
Feb 26, 2017
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Nick68Hello Nick, after doing some extensive research, I realised I would not need a bluetooth keyboard (the Varmillo BT was extremely tempting but outside my price-range unfortunately - $180 after shipping overseas). Therefore, I am now looking for a mechanical keyboard (bluetooth optional but not a priority). What do you think of the Magicforce one now in the drop? I am looking for a mechanical keyboard with gateron clear switches, some nice LED back light, and around the same size as the Varmillo one in the drop. Could you recommend any?
Nick68
10
Feb 27, 2017
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andrew.yclMay I know what is your budget actually, so that I would not point you to an overpriced keyboard? lol. Also you are referring to the Magicforce82 and not the Varmilo right? (you typed Varmilo in the end, just wanna clarify about it)
Anyways, regarding the Magicforce82, it looks like a really good board for the price, especially since it keeps the F keys which means that it is basically a squished TKL board. However, do keep in mind that there seems to be some QC issues with some of the units in the last drop (rattly stabilizers, unreliable USB connections, and others are some of the ones that I have encountered so far), and the shipping date of May 2017, which means you will have to endure a VERRY LONG wait for the board.
As for alternatives, if you still want that BT capability, there's the Plum Nano75 which you can buy of Aliexpress or Banggood. Keep in mind though that it has an Electrocapacitive switch that is basically a clone of Topre (but with somewhat less premium feel and less tactility from what I heard) that is very light at 35 g of actuation force. It might sound like a good alternative to a Gateron Clear, however do keep in mind that future upgradability of the switches themselves is very poor, as you would need to cannibalize other similar types of keyboard just to replace yours, and also you cannot swap it out with an MX switch type if you so desire in the fuutre. If you really want to get the BT capability though, this has somewhat been a recommended board by the community, though do keep in mind the things you give up as I mentioned above. Also don't forget the Drevo Calibur (or its alias KC71 as seen in some retailers), which is a TKL but with the F keys chopped. It might not function greatly in BT mode, but you have the option to plug it wired into the PC for that (plus I think there are some retailers which do provide Gateron as an option, though you need to search for it I believe)
Other alternatives that I can drop here are some of the 75% boards that have been floating around on Youtube or MK reddit, such as the Ajazz AK33, Drevo Gramr 84, MK MK84, Plum Nano 84 (bigger brother of the Plum Nano75, but no BT capability), Noppo Choc Mini, and Keycool 84. All of them basically have the same layout and similar prices, which you can try and check on Aliexpress, Amazong, or Banggood (some of them are available at all the places I listed, and some of them are not, you gotta check them yourselves I guess).
This is also a good list of keyboards that you can refer to: https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/4sa3wo/help_what_are_some_decent_75_keyboards/ Though do note that in the list are some very expensive custom 75% keyboard that is certainly out of your price range (but is certainly a delight to be seen, since they are all pretty keyboards), considering VB87M is already beyond your budget. I would also ad KBD75 as another 'reference' keyboard, but unfortunately at this timing the GB for it is already finished and I dunno whether there is going to be another similar GB in the future.
Do note one thing though that most of the other alternatives I have listed in the last 2 paragraphs DON'T have Gateron Clears. The first paragraph keyboards in particular mostly either have other clone types or actual Cherry Switches (Ajazz --> Zoro swtich, a cherry Clone; Drevo Gramr --> Kailh; MK84 --> Greetech; Noppo Choc Mini and Keycool84 --> Cherry MX), but no Gateron. As you can see, this is lack of Gateron is unfortunately true for most budget 75% keyboards in particular, especially rarer types such as Gateron Clears. I would still suggest you to consider hese keyboards if you really like the layout though. If you really need the Gateron Clears, you can also still get it by buying one of the keyboards and replace the switches yourself (don't worry you can buy Gaterons online for quite cheap price). Of course, it will require desoldering , however I personally think it would give you a good experience and should add more connection with your board.
Well sorry if that was long, but that was all the help I can give for now. Good luck in finding the board that you want andrew :)
Anyways, regarding the Magicforce82, it looks like a really good board for the price, especially since it keeps the F keys which means that it is basically a squished TKL board. However, do keep in mind that there seems to be some QC issues with some of the units in the last drop (rattly stabilizers, unreliable USB connections, and others are some of the ones that I have encountered so far), and the shipping date of May 2017, which means you will have to endure a VERRY LONG wait for the board.
As for alternatives, if you still want that BT capability, there's the Plum Nano75 which you can buy of Aliexpress or Banggood. Keep in mind though that it has an Electrocapacitive switch that is basically a clone of Topre (but with somewhat less premium feel and less tactility from what I heard) that is very light at 35 g of actuation force. It might sound like a good alternative to a Gateron Clear, however do keep in mind that future upgradability of the switches themselves is very poor, as you would need to cannibalize other similar types of keyboard just to replace yours, and also you cannot swap it out with an MX switch type if you so desire in the fuutre. If you really want to get the BT capability though, this has somewhat been a recommended board by the community, though do keep in mind the things you give up as I mentioned above. Also don't forget the Drevo Calibur (or its alias KC71 as seen in some retailers), which is a TKL but with the F keys chopped. It might not function greatly in BT mode, but you have the option to plug it wired into the PC for that (plus I think there are some retailers which do provide Gateron as an option, though you need to search for it I believe)
Other alternatives that I can drop here are some of the 75% boards that have been floating around on Youtube or MK reddit, such as the Ajazz AK33, Drevo Gramr 84, MK MK84, Plum Nano 84 (bigger brother of the Plum Nano75, but no BT capability), Noppo Choc Mini, and Keycool 84. All of them basically have the same layout and similar prices, which you can try and check on Aliexpress, Amazong, or Banggood (some of them are available at all the places I listed, and some of them are not, you gotta check them yourselves I guess).
This is also a good list of keyboards that you can refer to: https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/4sa3wo/help_what_are_some_decent_75_keyboards/ Though do note that in the list are some very expensive custom 75% keyboard that is certainly out of your price range (but is certainly a delight to be seen, since they are all pretty keyboards), considering VB87M is already beyond your budget. I would also ad KBD75 as another 'reference' keyboard, but unfortunately at this timing the GB for it is already finished and I dunno whether there is going to be another similar GB in the future.
Do note one thing though that most of the other alternatives I have listed in the last 2 paragraphs DON'T have Gateron Clears. The first paragraph keyboards in particular mostly either have other clone types or actual Cherry Switches (Ajazz --> Zoro swtich, a cherry Clone; Drevo Gramr --> Kailh; MK84 --> Greetech; Noppo Choc Mini and Keycool84 --> Cherry MX), but no Gateron. As you can see, this is lack of Gateron is unfortunately true for most budget 75% keyboards in particular, especially rarer types such as Gateron Clears. I would still suggest you to consider hese keyboards if you really like the layout though. If you really need the Gateron Clears, you can also still get it by buying one of the keyboards and replace the switches yourself (don't worry you can buy Gaterons online for quite cheap price). Of course, it will require desoldering , however I personally think it would give you a good experience and should add more connection with your board.
Well sorry if that was long, but that was all the help I can give for now. Good luck in finding the board that you want andrew :)
t0rk
154
Feb 27, 2017
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andrew.yclThe magicforce is a good board. It's a good deal, if you like the layout I'd definitely recommend it. I'd just say that you may be able to get the 68 or 108 key variant off amazon for slightly more, but with much faster shipping. Worth considering.
The only other thing I'd say is that Gateron clear switches are EXTREMELY light. Unless you know that that is what you are looking for I'd recommend going with Gateron red or black instead to start.
The only other thing I'd say is that Gateron clear switches are EXTREMELY light. Unless you know that that is what you are looking for I'd recommend going with Gateron red or black instead to start.
Nick68
10
Feb 27, 2017
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t0rk@andrew.lyc1 @t0rk Agree with what t0rk said about the Gateron Clears btw.
@t0rk : I also agree that the Magicforce boards have been great, but unfortunately it seems that the Magicforce82 is right now exclusive to MD is it? If that is the case have you seen the discussion for the board? From the first few pages it seems that unfortunately for this one Magicforce has some severe QC issues that I personally do not see in their other products (namely Magicforce68 and 108). Could you help us clarify on this matter if you know it (perhaps you also own the 82-key board and can provide first hand experience) ? It would be great info, thanks :)
@t0rk : I also agree that the Magicforce boards have been great, but unfortunately it seems that the Magicforce82 is right now exclusive to MD is it? If that is the case have you seen the discussion for the board? From the first few pages it seems that unfortunately for this one Magicforce has some severe QC issues that I personally do not see in their other products (namely Magicforce68 and 108). Could you help us clarify on this matter if you know it (perhaps you also own the 82-key board and can provide first hand experience) ? It would be great info, thanks :)
andrew.ycl
10
Feb 27, 2017
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Nick68@t0rk You both are a great source of knowledge in regards to these keyboards. I'm still trying to absorb it and all reconsider all the options available. My budget is actually USD120 to start with (the Varmillo was perfect, loved the size and layout but the shipping killed me price-wise). The Gateron Clears was to enjoy that "buttery smooth" feeling. However, you all also bring up a good point (I wouldnt want something extremely light - maybe something slighly heavier but still fairly quiet (would not want to make too much of a noise in the office). Would you all recommend the red, brown or black? (I'm leaning towards the brown).
andrew.ycl
10
Feb 27, 2017
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Nick68Nick, what is your opinion of this one? ˘https://www.aliexpress.com/item/James-Donkey-619-Mechanical-Keyboard-104key-MX-black-blue-switches-Backlight-Gaming-Keyboard-cool-lighting/32763838453.html?spm=2114.01010208.8.25.HGau5S
andrew.ycl
10
Feb 27, 2017
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andrew.ycl@Nick68 @t0rk https://www.massdrop.com/buy/nixeus-moda-pro-mechanical-keyboard Gents, I am quite interested in the one. Aluminium finish with gateron switches.. at a very good price-point. I think this will be one I might be getting (with Gateron browns). What do you all think of this keyboard from a quality perspective?
Vira
4117
Feb 27, 2017
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andrew.yclGo for it.
It has simple and minimalistic look so you can't really go wrong with it. It also utilises a Standard layout so it should make life easier when you ever decide to look for replacement keycaps. Browns are a fine choice to go for.
It has simple and minimalistic look so you can't really go wrong with it. It also utilises a Standard layout so it should make life easier when you ever decide to look for replacement keycaps. Browns are a fine choice to go for.
andrew.ycl
10
Feb 27, 2017
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ViraMaking an order now. Thanks Vira :) And everyone, Nick, t0rk for your feedbacks and taking the time to share your opinions with me. The keyboard community is awesome and I'm glad to be a part of it now.
Vira
4117
Feb 27, 2017
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andrew.yclYou're welcome. Now you're on the next stepping stone to finding your next keyboard/dream keyboard as I don't think you'll be stopping here with this purchase from how eager you seem :)
andrew.ycl
10
Feb 27, 2017
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ViraVira... I think this is very worrying for my wallet.. but SO true (this will likely not be my last purchase) haha! By the way out of curiosity, what keyboard are you using at the moment? Would like to have a look for inspiration haha (I cannot wait to start customizing my keycaps and maybe add some LEDS.
Vira
4117
Feb 27, 2017
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andrew.yclI can say my wallet isn't in a healthy position either.....I believe I speak for many others here too.
Currently switching between two. The Plum84 is currently my main one as I'm moving around a lot, at my desk it's the Topre 87U.
My Plum84 https://www.massdrop.com/buy/plum84-electro-capacitive-keyboard/talk/1576467
A lovely warrior board for daily use. It'll be replaced soon, not fully but I'll be swapping it out for the Clueboard.
I don't have any photos of my Topre but it's nothing fancy looking at the moment. It looks the same as any stock model but with blank MX keycaps as I swapped the stock sliders to MX sliders.
t0rk
154
Feb 27, 2017
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andrew.yclGlad you found a board you like Andrew! Hope you enjoy it!
Nick68
10
Feb 28, 2017
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andrew.yclCongrats on finding the board you want Bro! And yes, once you step into this hobby your wallet might thin out quite fast. If you think the guys here at Massdrop is already quite ridiculous with their spending, wait till you see the guys on r/MechanicalKeyboards! They are even crazier in with their spending (talking about USD $400 or more for just one custom keyboard here, which is insane even for me lol), so they sure as hell do love their keyboards with a passion! XD. Enjoy your new keyboard and let's hope that you will not be tempted to empty your wallet for quite a while now! Haha
andrew.ycl
10
Feb 28, 2017
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ViraWhat a beautiful looking keyboard (nice touch with the cable too).. Haha i'm looking forward seeing your other (and future) keyboards ;-)
andrew.ycl
10
Feb 28, 2017
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Nick68Haha so true... was nearly tempted to buy the GMK Plum Keycaps straight after the keyboard... I find myself back on this drop looking at the keycaps everyday hahaha. Not a good sign for the wallet definitely :P
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