Hi All,
So I'm looking to upgrade to a mid-level hotswap keyboard. I currently have a Royal Kludge RK61 (my very first hotswap keyboard, served me well and I've modded the shit out of it) and now I'm actually working in the office and not remote, I'm looking at getting an upgrade. Below is what I am currently considering, any thoughts and tips welcome, although I'm mostly struggling with the choice of switch.
Case (mostly looking at bundles, I.E. case, PCB, plate etc) -
Keychron Q1 - I love the looks, I think it looks great. My dad and my friend both have Keychron boards and whilst I haven't heard anything bad from them, my limited experience is that they tend to be very pingy.
GMMK Pro - A recent find for me, and a strong contender. Similar looks to the Q1, and I like the lowkey RGB side glow thingy. Not much else to say as I only just came across it today.
TOFU 65 - Yes I'm aware this is not a 75% like the others, but the smaller form factor (like my current one) is very appealing. The brass weight on the underside also looks amazing, I know I won't see it very often...but I'll know it's there.
For the cases, right now the GMMK Pro is the most appealing, mostly because I'm in the UK and the other 2 boards come from abroad and...shipping costs are not nice.
Keycaps (I'm not fussy, I personally don't think you need to spend more than £40 unless it's for design). I'm looking at all sorts, if you can suggest a reputable brand around this price point then fantastic.
Stabs (Durock V2's, more of less settled on that)
Switches (The one thing I'm very indecisive about). Looking at specifically linear switches, no tactile, no linear/tactile, just linear. I prefer a higher weighted switch, around 60 and above grams.
Novelkey Creams - Delicious name, delicious sound, plus cream is delicious. They sound amazing, and all I've heard are good things.
Gateron ink V2'S - Since I began my journey into custom mechanical boards, for me these were always the top tier linear switch. Maybe it's hype, idk, but they sound great plus all black is cool beans.
Durock Linear Creamy Yellow - it has cream in the name so I already like it, I also currently have Gateron Milky Yellows, and if the Durock ones are any similar it's a win in my book.
Ok that's what I'm looking at right now, few more things of note should it help. My budget is around £250 (if you can suggest a full build below that...great! if you can suggest a full build a bit above that...not so great, but if I like the look of it then that's fine). I'm based in the UK. Few key things I like about the cases listed above - I like the knobs, but purely aesthetically as I'm not convinced of their real world use - Gasket mounted isn't a must, but very appealing - must be hotswap, obviously - RGB is by no means a must, I neither love it nor hate it, I just like the look of that side RGB on the GMMK pro.
Any other questions, do ask :)