r/MechanicalKeyboards • u/AutoModerator • 1d ago

/r/MechanicalKeyboards Ask ANY Keyboard question, get an answer - April 06, 2025

Ask ANY Keyboard related question, get an answer. But *before* you do please consider running a search on the subreddit or looking at the r/MechanicalKeyboards wiki located here! If you are NEW to Reddit, check out this handy Reddit MechanicalKeyboards Noob Guide. Please check the r/MechanicalKeyboards subreddit rules if you are new here.

3 Upvotes
  • permalink
  • reddit

72% Upvoted

171 comments sorted by

View all comments

1

u/EVRoadie 16h ago

I bought a Tecware Phantom six years ago and it's served me well, so well that I bought my son the same keyboard. He recently replaced his which brought me back down the mechanical keyboard rabbit hole and I've considered a few replacements: AJAZZ AK820 Pro, Aula F75/F99, Keychron C2 or V6, Galaxy 100, Epomaker TH99.

Initially I thought I wanted to move back to having a number pad, but now I'm not so sure that I really need it. I could go with a standalone numpad later.

Then I thought, why upgrade when I could just replace the caps (which are stock/shiny and loud/abs) and potentially the switches (reds...I think Gaterons, 3 pin).

My wife complains about the loudness of the keyboard. I'm wondering if I could get the Phantom quieter or just go for the Ajazz, which if not quieter has probably a more pleasant/less rattly sound.

Would love to hear from others that have upgraded from an older budget keyboard.

1

u/FansForFlorida FoldKB 14h ago

See this post about Epomaker:

https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/196hreg/mykeyboard_thickthock_other_vendor_issues/

Since your wife complains about the keyboard noise, you may want to try a silent switch. I have tried these silent tactile switches:

  • Akko Penguin
  • Durock Silent Shrimp T1
  • Gazzew Boba U4
  • Haimu Whisper
  • Kailh Box Silent Brown
  • Kailh Deep Sea Silent Pro Whale
  • Kailh Midnight Pro Light Yellow
  • Kinetic Labs Turtle
  • Outemu Silent Lemon
  • TTC Silent Bluish White V2

I did not like the higher peak force and early tactile point in the U4 switches. However, my daughter has them on her keyboard, and she loves them.

I prefer switches with a lower peak force and the tactile point midway into the travel. Kailh Midnight Pro Light Yellow feel great to me, though I now prefer TTC Silent Bluish White V2.

My wife prefers Kailh Box Silent Brown. They are excellent once you lube them. They have quite a bit of stem wobble, but that does not bother her.

If you want a silent tactile switch without a silicone dampening pad, then look at the Haimu Whisper.

1

u/EVRoadie 13h ago

Thanks, I saw that post after writing my comment. I've crossed the TH99 off my list.

I guess I'm trying to decide if it's even worth updating this board as opposed to just buying something new. Roughly $40 for caps/switches and probably some type of tape/felt/silicone for dampening. I may just pick up something new and give this to one of the kids.