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Help with my first mech keyboard!

Sep 1, 2022

Hi everyone, so I have finally done the research and looked into a keyboard that I want and have decided to make a 65% keyboard! I want one that's super quiet as I'm in an apartment with 4 other people and plan on lubing and other mods so I can get max value and was wondering if everything looked good and if I'm going in the right direction! So for the keyboard, I plan on entirely remodding and adding in all of my own stuff (switches, PCB (I've had difficulty with this I don't know if it's right), stabilizers, keycaps, and lube). KEYBOARD: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01E8KO2B0/ref=ewc_pr_img_3?smid=A3DP4U0YSMI802&psc=1 It's the (60%) Gaming Wired Keyboard Magicforce by Qisan. They have a small layout of 60% but have arrow keys which I love, and they come at the low price of $40! A bundle deal is recommended with a keycap puller and O-rings coming in at about $52 total that I'm planning on snagging. SWITCHES: https://www.primekb.com/products/silent-alpaca-linears?variant=37633202290851 For the switches, I fell in love with the silent alpaca linears after seeing some modded videos and I could barely hear them! I'm planning on getting 70 switches for $50 and can't wait to lube and test them out, I've been set on these for a while but am open to other suggestions. LUBE: https://kineticlabs.com/lube/krytox/205-grade-0 For lube, I plan on getting what is recommended by everyone, the Krytox 205 grade 0 lube syringe, and a palette as I have brushes to use for them. The total for these 2 combined is $11. STABILIZERS: https://drop.com/buy/drop-phantom-plate-mounted-stabilizer-pack/reviews?search=quiet For the stabilizers, I was looking for the durocks v2 as everyone recommends that but I found these drop "Phantom" stabs that are supposedly super quiet and I've seen a bunch of reviews saying that they're actually quieter than the durocks which has me sold. They are $25. PCB MOUNT: https://kprepublic.com/products/bm65rgb-bm65-rgb-65-hot-swappable-custom-mechanical-keyboard-pcb-programmed-qmk-via-firmware-full-rgb-switch-underglow-type-c?variant=37709324288163 The PCB Mount is what I am the least certain about and most confused about. I looked for a 5-pin PCB for my build as the switches require them. The stabilizers I was originally going to go for, I believe, were screw-ins which should be the easiest, but the Phantoms are "Plate-mounted". I don't totally understand that and was wondering if I need a specific drop mount or if any particular kind will do. This Mount I found from an article saying it was 5-pin and good costs $51 getting the PCB-only. KEYCAPS: https://www.amazon.com/HK-Gaming-Mechanical-Keyboard-Switches/dp/B084ZT4L2J?th=1 I like blue and pink a lot so I was planning on getting these cheap ones from amazon that come with 108. The price is $25. WRIST REST: https://kbdfans.com/products/quartz-stone-black-gold-wrist-rest?variant=39640221679755 I know it's not really a necessity but my wrist rest is worn and I've had it for a while so I was going to upgrade to a new one, this one costs $23. EXTRA MONEY: If I have any extra saved over, I would like to deck out and have a coiled cable that would look nice on my build, I found these, Tez Cables E-Series Coiled Cables, for around $30. Although, if none is left, or I can't find a cheaper option in the meantime, I will just use the default cable until I can make more money. https://www.amazon.com/Tez-Cables-Custom-Aviator-Keyboard/dp/B08RMS8MXT?th=1 Racking up the total, Everything (w/out tax and the cable) will be: $238 ($268 w/ cable) My budget was $250, but I understand I'll be spending around $300 because tax and shipping will be a b**** and I get paid next week so I can make it work. Thanks for taking the time to read and look at everything, please let me know if everything will work or look good, advice, tips, and tricks for lubing and setting things up, as well as what you may do differently trying to get something as quiet as possible!

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V1CT1N1

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Fiveshooter

Sep 4, 2022

V1CT1N1, The model you mentioned to start with is a good price indeed but it's not a hot swappable keyboard. You may want to look for a deal on a hot swapable keyboard or 65% keyboard kit to start with. I'm not even sure you can get a PCB to fit that model. The Magicforce 60% has a very unique layout. It's actually wider than a standard 60% keyboard. It would be possible to swap switches only by desoldering the current switches and resoldering new ones in. If you do by it, I recommend you buy it with the switch type you want as changing them would be a big chore. If you want to play around with different PCBs and switches you may want to look for a 65% kit. If you just want a budget hot swappable keyboard, the RK68 (65%) is a real bargain. Look for the "pro" model for an aluminum case. I just bought an RK61 Pro (aluminum case) without dedicated arrow keys. There is a way to toggle the arrow keys on and off without needing to press the Fn key every time you use them. I find it's almost as good as having dedicated arrow keys. If you can live with arrow keys requiring the Fn key, the DROP Tokyo60 is a beautiful keyboard. Be wary of the space bar size if you buy a Tokyo60 as it is 7u. You would need to be certain the keycaps you buy have a 7u space bar keycapcap for that model.

(Edited)

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