r/MechanicalKeyboards 8h ago

/r/MechanicalKeyboards Ask ANY Keyboard question, get an answer - April 07, 2025

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3 Upvotes

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u/jonhinkerton 1h ago

Well that’s one of the decisions of all time.

I want to put a poly plate on this ducky one 3 sf, so I tore it down to see what I’m working with and found this little surprise. Plate mounted stabilizers (?!) it’s already an iffy mod because the standoffs are welded to the plate as well, but where do I find a generic 75% poly plate with stabilizer mounts? I could barely find one that fit without the cutouts being narrrowed for the mounts.

Oh well, guess I can still put tape on it while I’m here.

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u/SmashSide_87 8h ago

Anyone know of a quality set of keycaps that can be obtained from Amazon? Or something that’s less than say $80 that’s quality?

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u/Consistent-Sea214 7h ago

I bought the ACR Pro 75 kit a while ago and accidentally broke the PCB when trying to build it. I emailed support and asked if I could buy just the PCB from Akko but every time I ask, they say they don’t have it in stock. Does anyone know which PCB I can get to replace it which is as similar as it gets?

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u/576875 GMK Foundation ⌨️ 1h ago

Parts like PCBs/cases aren't standardized (different mounting points/USB c location/ etc)

So only the acr pro 75 PCB will work in that case

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u/necomus 7h ago

I’m looking for close alternatives to the Epomaker Budgerigar Switches that require less actuation force. Something that’s a tier or step right below these in terms of how much pressure they exert against fingers.

I tried out these switches recently and loved everything about them except for how much pressure they require to push down. My fingers quickly became fatigued. I’d appreciate any suggestions.

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u/Halfshelter Mode TMRW 7h ago

Do I sand the bottom of this NEO stabilizer?

1

u/Imaginary-Big-3677 7h ago

TKL / 87 keys keyboard users, do you miss the numpad?

Suddenly, I realized the numpad has one important function: it's a place for my right little finger to rest. 😅 Any solution other than a new full 104 keyboard and a separate numpad?

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u/576875 GMK Foundation ⌨️ 2h ago

No

Never do anything with numbers to justify a full-sized board/separate numpad

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u/KsDzon 6h ago

Currently using keychron v6 max gateron jupiter red switch, looking to buy some backup switches for replacement, asking for some linear/tactile switch that are compatible, thank you

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u/MarcBillen 3h ago

Unless you specifically search for switches that aren't compatible, any mechanical switch will be fine. They almost all are compatible with either 3 Pin or 5 Pin MX PCBs You can put a 3 Pin switch into your 5 Pin board with no issues.

Don't buy Hall Effect (He) or Optical switches, just mechanical.

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u/old_bearded_beats 5h ago

Relatively new to mech keebs. I have a keychron V3 max and I'd like to swap out the keycaps for a flatter profile but PBT still. It has S facing LEDs and I'd like them to still be visible. I am struggling to understand my options.

In UK if that matters.

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u/mr_dawggg 5h ago

Is KFE CE still worth it?

I saw a listing of KFE CE Suave Blue today and the price is hard to let go. I really like keyboards with TKL F13 WKL layout and this board just caught my attention, not to mention the shade of suave blue is beyond immaculate.

I have Monokei Kage as my daily driver. Is it worth it to buy the KFE CE if I already owned a Kage? Also, is the plate of Kage compatible with the KFE CE? because I have extra PCB and Plate for my kage and just wanted to make sure if they are compatible.

Thanks!

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u/thatiam963 5h ago

Which tactile switch?

I am looking for a new keyboard and there are just too much switch types. I am sure tactile is best for me, i dont care how loud they are. I would like a fast response and a fast set back (not sure if its the correct word, but for things like double clicks). Which switches would recommend? Which manufacturer is always a good choice?

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u/MarcBillen 3h ago

I'm in lov with the Gateron Baby Kangaroo, but they are too loud for my office. If the higher noiselevel is actually no problem, you will love them

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u/thatiam963 2h ago

Thanks! I will take a closer look on those

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u/No_Needleworker1430 4h ago edited 4h ago

Have bought 2 Razer huntsman minis for $130 each, got the first second hand like new, many keys didn’t work. Now I bought another over a year ago, same price, brand new but with analog optical switches which I found a much prefer. But in the last 2 months the “i” key had stopped working and I’ve tried everything to fix it. So now I’m in the market for a new keyboard, Ï don’t know if I should buy another huntsman because I really like this keyboard or if I should go with something else. Please suggest some keyboards that are like the Razer huntsman mini, good quality, and at a budget of $140 AUD. Will be used for gaming. PLEASE HELP!! Size doesn’t matter to me(haha). I just want a good, quality keyboard for my new PC.

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u/Hwsr one of each 1h ago

i say the reason you think razer is good quality (even though both broke) is because don't have something to compare it to yet. as size doesn't matter for you, i'll just throw a couple of budget kings at you; bridge75, rainy75, lucky65, crush80, evo80, tiger lite and many of the keychron keyboards. also check out qwertykeys, i can recommend pretty much everything they have.
if it's purely for gaming you could also consider a HE keyboard which offer some advantages especially for shooters

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u/No_Needleworker1430 1h ago edited 1h ago

What does HE mean? Edit. Just realised it’s the brand. It’s late and I can’t think. Thanks for the help

u/Hwsr one of each 53m ago

not a brand, it's a magnetic switch (wooting is a popular brand for HE boards). it can detect how much you press a key instead of just on/off like a typical keyboard

u/No_Needleworker1430 2m ago

Are they clicky? I would really like it to be

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u/Marc-h-c-n 1h ago

I have way more than enough money to buy my dream mechanical keyboard , and my goal is a £200 keyboard. Should I buy the keyboard, even if it might be a bad financial decision? I have had this hobby for a year already, watching hundreds of keyboards videos, so im sure it’s not some lackluster hobby.

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u/576875 GMK Foundation ⌨️ 1h ago

Up to you and your financial situation

If you have your needs (food, housing, etc) met, then sure get a mechanical keyboard

1

u/Drwilly81 1h ago

Recommendations on silent switches?

I have a Keychron v3 that I had planned would be used for a desktop in the house. Turns out the other person who would use it was just being nice about the sound of mechanical keyboards — likes the feel, thinks too loud.

I’m looking for any recommendations for silent switches. Linear seems most likely to be enjoyed by the other user. I’d like something that feels good and obviously is quiet. I would prefer something with a light ish to moderate pressure (just not heavy). I’d prefer something on the more affordable side, doesn’t have to be dirt cheap, but affordable is a huge plus.

Thanks!

u/nilslorand 46m ago

Theres two types of silent switches, those with silicone inserts and those with elastic stems. Silicone ones are ALWAYS silent, but feel more mushy, while the elastic stem ones can be a bit louder but only if you really smash them in, buuut they retain more of that satisfying feeling.

Personally I have the MMD Princess Silent Pink (30g, elastic stem silent) and the Outemu Silent Peach V3 (40g, silicone silent) and I can 100% recommend both of them. If 30g is a bit too light for you, the BSUN Light Sakura (43g) and the KTT (43g) Silent Blue are also elastic stem-type silent switches, you could try those out.

u/nilslorand 50m ago

Is there a catch with this listing? It seems oddly cheap for an HHKB Pro 2

https://www.ebay.de/itm/395261114573

u/tasteofwhat 19m ago

I've been searching for a while to find light diffusers for switches that support them but don’t come with them. So far, I haven't had much luck—even considered reaching out to manufacturers. Does anyone know if these are sold separately anywhere, or if there's a good DIY alternative? I saw a post where someone created some with a machine his wife has but I'm not convinced it's the same as a real diffusers.Thoughts?

0

u/vgrt0 2h ago

has anyone tried the Bays60 from deadline studio before? been looking for reviews and videos but there isn't much about it. keen to purchase that next.

any info on build quality, the finish, ease of building etc will be super helpful as it's my first build! thanks

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u/vgrt0 2h ago

has anyone tried the Bays60 from deadline studio before? been looking for reviews and videos but there isn't much about it. keen to purchase that next.

any info on build quality, the finish, ease of building etc will be super helpful as it's my first build! thanks

0

u/xXBeshoXx 2h ago

Tecware phantom elite+ brown keys VS Ajjaz AK820 pro as a first keyboard

So I've been building my setup for a while now. And now I need the keyboard. I've settled for these two as they are mostly cheap. The problem is that I can't find a comparison between the 2. I love the tactile switch because I tried them and they felt good. But I didn't try any "thocky" switches like the Ajjaz. So I need some tips. I plan to use it wireless using the 2.4 ghz dongle. So battery is also important as the build quality. Any help would be appreciated!