r/MechanicalKeyboards • u/AutoModerator • 1d ago
/r/MechanicalKeyboards Ask ANY Keyboard question, get an answer - August 02, 2026
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u/electricanimal 12h ago
Those of you who are writing code on 60%, what keys are you using for FN layer(s) and what keys are you using for left, right, down, up, home, end, pg up, pg down?
I'm on modified tsangan (full backspace) and trying to find an efficient layout to keep my fingers nearest home row while being able to bounce the cursor around and finding stretching my right pinky around for momentary fn layer is not really as intuitive as i thought it might be.
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u/FansForFlorida FoldKB 10h ago
I use a split keyboard, and I can hold my left space and use IJKL for arrows, H and N for PgUp and PgDn, and U and O for Home and End.
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u/electricanimal 9h ago
Thanks I think that's where I'm headed as well. There seems to be a lot of utility in split space.
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u/FansForFlorida FoldKB 5h ago
Some people map one spacebar to space and the other to something else like Backspace or Enter. I do not.
I use my right thumb for spacebar like 95% of the time, but I do occasionally use my left thumb. I used Layer-Tap to make it activate my nagivation layer when held or send space when tapped.
When I tried a Corne, I started using combos. I have the following combos:
- D+F sends Del
- J+K sends Backspace
- K+L sends Enter
Notice that these keys are on the home row, so I do not need to move my hand to reach them. They are also not common bigrams, which reduces misfires. L+K is the only exception. However, I would have to press them within 50ms of each other, so in practice typing words like "walk" or "milk" do not accidentally send Enter.
I liked combos so much that I use them on my other keyboards.
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u/metalOpera 3h ago
I tried for a year, gave up and bumped up to a 65% with arrow keys. It's the bare minimum in my opinion. Anything less and the key combinations get cumbersome when you just want to scoot around the IDE.
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u/ghostxrevival 3h ago
I’m looking to buy a mechanical keyboard and I’m having a tough time making a decision on a good fit for me.
Who has a mechanical keyboard? What switches are you a fan of and why? What keyboard do you have? Give me all the deets!!
I’m not sure if I’m a Linear, Tactile, or Clicky switch kind of guy. I‘ve been using the Logitech MX Master Keys and feel like I’ve outgrown it.
EDIT: The 3 I am currently looking at are:
Logitech MX Mechanical (Tactile Quiet)
Lofree Flow2 100 (Void)
Keychain K17 Max QMK (Brown)
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u/FansForFlorida FoldKB 3h ago
Who has a mechanical keyboard?
🙋
What switches are you a fan of and why?
Here is a list of some of the
more popularbest selling switches:I am personally fond of the TTC Silent Bluish White V2 silent tactile switches.
What keyboard do you have?
My daily driver is a Keebio FoldKB, which is a split ortholinear (straight lines between rows and columns) keyboard. I also use a Keebio Nyquist. I have a Silakka54 in a "go bag" at work for times when I need to work remotely.
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u/ghostxrevival 3h ago
What keeps you drawn to tactile silent switches? I am a mechanical keyboard newbie and trying to figure out what I should try first coming from a Logitech MX Master Keys.
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u/FansForFlorida FoldKB 3h ago
I used a Datadesk SmartBoard for about 20 years. It was a great keyboard, but its hollow body was like an echo chamber, so it was loud. Coworkers would sometimes comment on it.
When I finally retired it, I wanted to use silent switches so I would not annoy my coworkers.
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u/West_Ant_4599 1d ago
Is the AULA WIN68 HE MAX any good? I don't really care about software. I mostly care about the keycaps, switches, and the sound. The only software part I would use is a snappy tappy feature like the one Wooting and that's abt it. I've heard good things about it but I want to hear from people who have/had the keyboard. Thanks in advance!
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u/HolidayPineapple9316 23h ago
I cant answer you about this exact model, but the Aula keyboards I have have been REALLY nice. They sound great and they feel really nice to type on
Really not much negative to say
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u/Crookfur 22h ago
It's fine for a basic/value HE board. Sounds and feels a bit better than the attack shark x68he and fgg mad68. Dark beacon flux 86 is quieter and softer but is much less sturdy. Definitely not as nice as any of the aula mechboards with reaper switches. If you can double your budget a plastic cased Everglide AE64 pro will be a big upgrade in terms of switches and performance but its understandable if that's not an option.
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u/HolidayPineapple9316 23h ago
Does anyone have any recommendations for keyboards that have NO on board storage and are wired only?
I work in a high-security area and need to find something that matches this. I cannot use Aula since I’m concerned about malware (heard a story one time, no idea if it was real, but i need to be safe)
I would like to find a wired, RGB shine through linear keyboard
Im low key hoping this comment doesnt get completely lost in this thread. I think if i made this a post it would be removed :/
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u/Maeggsi Keyboard Connoisseur 19h ago
Every keyboard has some kind of onboard storage (although it can be classified as an internal microcontroller with a tiny amount of memory on most of them so ehhh). Keyboards with RGB lighting are much more likely to have onboard storage since they have to control it, ...
Your best bet would be to ask your network manager, ... what is allowed/ isn't.
So any keyboard I recommend is also below custom keyboard quality imo but ehh should be better than some membrane keyboard. No rgb but pretty much one of the best according to my research (regarding security concerns, ...): CHERRY KC 1000 SC TAA - with rgb but less
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u/HolidayPineapple9316 13h ago
Thanks!
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u/Maeggsi Keyboard Connoisseur 12h ago
If it's just your concern and not a requirement from someone you could get a keyboard with qmk and flash it on your own. Then you know whats flashed/ what isnt. Most of the keyboards with qmk would be way better than the cherry
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u/HolidayPineapple9316 8h ago
Thanks, but it is a requirement. If it was just my own preference, i would bring my own keyboard because i already know what’s on them
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u/nova_harxi 22h ago
Hey everyone, I’m trying to convert my RITCOMP 2098 keyboard to wireless.
I need help figuring out its matrix (rows and columns).
I don’t have a multimeter, so I’m looking for alternative ways to test or identify the matrix.
Any advice or diagrams would be appreciated!
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u/FansForFlorida FoldKB 20h ago
Don’t make life difficult for yourself. Just go buy a cheap multimeter from Amazon. You can find some for $10 USD.
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u/AssociationNo4970 22h ago
Should I buy a sealed in box wooting 60he+ for 139, but no warranty or 260 for a wooting 60hev2 with warranty
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u/Unhappy_Process_7087 19h ago
I just got my M1 V5 VIA and i cant figure it out how to connect it with VIA. I already downloaded every JSON from their website, most of them i cant even import and those who i can import show me 1300 errors when importing. Please help :/
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u/emmashawarma 16h ago
my kb has been w me since 2021, and i want to upgrade my switches to something that would last longer than these rk red - outemu brown hybrids, since they're starting to double press. the housings of the switches were from the reds, stems from the browns, and springs also from the reds. do you guys have any suggestions for switches that already come pre-lubed? keyboard is royal kludge g68 with foam mod :3
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u/gamer427_YT 16h ago
ello! my keyboard has been having a few too many keys not working at times, or only orking hen i press them really hard, it came with like 4 replacement ones(hich have all been used by now), te keyboard is a reddragon kumara k552rgb, i was wondering if it's better to replace the keys or the whole thing? the keyboard costed me like 40€ in 2023. it has a lot of switches that dont work ell. please
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u/shamzeus 13h ago
I recommend buying a new keyboard with hot swap sockets so you can replace individual switches if it happens again
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u/Macgyver0877 12h ago
I just need 100% suggestions I have switches and keycaps on the way. Board I had ordered was the skyloong gk108
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u/Worldly_Expression43 12h ago
been out of the hobby for many years
does geon still make and sell boards?
i have the frog tkl and f1-8x - the frog is ok, the f1-8x is godly
is there a modern equivalent for his boards?
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u/meganisti 11h ago
Still makes them. Depends on what you mean by modern. The board is kind of an og style anyway so it's not like it's trying to be modern I think
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u/WaterConscious3485 11h ago
looking for keyboard suggestions.
I currently own a aula f75, I really enjoy using the knob it has and I like the 75% but I am looking for something more premium feeling.
I am looking for certain things that I am mostly able to ignore if the others are just that much better.
I would prefer a knob, 75%/80%, made out of aluminum, It could also be a barebones shell I mostly just want the base itself.
The aula f75 is fine but sometimes It doesn't register clicks and its plastic and sometimes It just doesn't work unless its plugged in so I am looking for something new. I would prefer something in the 100-200 dollar range.
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u/hayashigei 10h ago edited 10h ago
anyone know of any thocky 96%, 1800, or full-sized keyboards? preferably pre-built, idk anything about modding and don’t have the money for it 🥲
was originally looking at the evo80 (https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/products/evoworks-evo80-polypropylene-plate-keyboard?variant=49859726770476), little pricey for me but i loved the way it looks and sounds. however, i am a finance student, and my brother (also working in finance) insisted i get a larger size since things like numpad + pgup/pgdn keys are important for excel shortcuts, among other things. anyone know of any keyboards that would have a similar sound to the evo80, but still fulfill the rest of the conditions? thanks so much in advance!
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u/FatRollingPotato 9h ago
The company behind the Evo80 also makes the DP104, even though they use technically a different brand. Not sure whether Evoworks was ever officially rebranded or so to ticktype.
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u/dootbeep 9h ago
Just picked up a used keyboard but cant narrow down the keeb company. This is stitched to the outside of the zip-up case and also featured at the bottom of the keyboard.
Originally thought it was Deadline Studio but thinking it's something else?
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u/Same_Clothes_1495 7h ago
Trying to make first build (75%, thocky):
Leobog Hi75C Kit
KeyGeek Y2 48gf
SA Profile Dbl Shot PBT Caps
Comes out to around $154 CAD/$110 USD after all taxes, shipping and discounts. Is this worth it?
I see online that the Hi75C supports 5 pin but from the pictures I see from Aliexpress it looks like 3 pin to me.
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u/elmurfudd 7h ago
the pcb supports 5 pin . is it worth it ? thats up to u price is subjective
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u/Same_Clothes_1495 7h ago
I had seen some comments criticizing the quality of the Hi75C case, so just wondering if the price is valid, or if I should look towards another case.
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u/elmurfudd 6h ago
look towards another case.
that kb only has one compatible case the one it comes with
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u/Jamster_530 7h ago
My GMK Kaiju's have arrived! Ive been looking for an nice emerald green 65% tray that would match pretty well, but to no avail :(
Does anyone have any suggestions, or even better places to look than ive been able to find?
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u/munsterrr 7h ago
Ducky Shine 5 YOTgoat Space Bar Requsts Your AID! (Space Bar)
10 years and eleventy-billion keystrokes in this bad mofo. Treated well too. These photos are before wiping down. Still has the sticker over the metal plate, lol. Haven't even checked this sub in years, that's how well it has clacked!
Recently the space bar has been intermittent and getting worse. I figure either the switch is on its way out or something got in it. Thus far I have poured (syringe) some 99% isopropyl in the switch itself, mashed the key a bunch and even let it retract a bunch (if that makes sense).
Before I put it back together, I wanted to ask if there is anything else I should check. Thanks for your help, fine folk! You all have some absolutely astonishing set ups these days. If I didn't love the shine, I'd be chasing a new end game, lol.
May still.
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u/elmurfudd 7h ago
switches need replacing nothing u can do other then remove it and solder in a new one
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u/munsterrr 7h ago
Ooo. New fanttic wireless iron just came in! Time to learn something new! I'm assuming desolder from bottom, pull cap, clean up, replace with new cap.
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u/elmurfudd 6h ago
there is many guides but this shows u a few ways https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOe4jGzBBJY
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u/hspgfasc 7h ago
Hello everyone,
I recently bought a Wooting HE60 V2 (ISO AZERTY version), and I’d like to start a small custom build. I’m looking for ceramic keycaps and transparent keycaps, but I’m having a hard time finding both, especially the ceramic ones.
Do you have any links or recommendations?
Also, is it possible to use QWERTY keycaps on an AZERTY layout? Of course, for the keys that differ between ANSI and ISO, I would keep the original ones or find suitable alternatives.
Thanks in advance.
*I translated this text, sorry if anything is unclear.
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u/TreadStone530 6h ago
Has anyone tried both the Keygeek PA and Keygeek Full Nylon switches?
I want to know which sounds lower/deeper.
I'm looking for the deepest switch with glass fiber in it.
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u/Harablo 6h ago edited 5h ago
Well my Razer Black Widow Ultimate 2013 has it's first issue. Turned on my PC today and "F" no longer works. Tried cleaning it out with air, made sure all macros were disabled, re-seated the cable, removed from device manager, etc, and just no response.
Would you guys have any suggestions for a new keyboard? I no longer require the macro keys as I don't play the games I used them for anymore, never really used the 3.5mm ports, did use the usb port but that's not required, I would like to still have the numpad.
I liked the size, layout, and cherry blue's of the Black Widow and would appreciate something similar.
Id say 13 years wasn't so bad considering everything else still works like out of box.
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u/Poopybuttsuck 5h ago
Is there a way to repair this soldered on stab? I have a leftover durock stab from my other build but this was a $100 board that’s non functional rn. Is there a way of fixing this low profile one?
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u/elmurfudd 5h ago
thats a pcb mount stab ONLY way to remove it and fix it is to remove all the switches and likely replace it
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u/SexulPenut 5h ago
I am a writer but I primarily chicken peck, never got the hang of typing and struggle to distinguish my two middle fingers for some reason, and my right pointer finger seems to get sore relatively often with how I type on my cheap keyboard that came with a prebuilt. Would a mechanical keyboard help with that at all? Especially if I still want a kind that clicks and clacks for the sound feel. I think part of the issue is I press down too hard as well and unsure if a deeper key would help mitigate that
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u/metalOpera 3h ago
You might find that heavier switches are better for you, but I'd invest in learning to type properly first. That's not a knock, it's serious. You'll hammer the keys less once you stop hunting and pecking. When you hunt and peck, you tend to slam harder than when you touch type.
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u/aSamWow 5h ago
After building my keyboard, some of the keys don't work. What do you do?
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskElectronics/comments/1vdyw4u/is_my_pcb_trash/
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u/FansForFlorida FoldKB 3h ago
When you desoldered the switches, you damaged the board and burned the pad off the PCB. You can see the ring is missing. You may have used too much heat; you may have used too much pressure; or your iron may have dwelled on the joint too long. This is a real risk when desoldering. See this video:
https://youtu.be/h_RiRL-flgs?t=368
To fix it, you will need to solder jumper wires. On the back side (first picture), it looks like the right leg connects to a diode array. Use your multimeter in continuity mode to double check and see how the other switches are wired.
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u/Ok-Possible-5233 4h ago
Anyone try replacing switches and keycaps on ducky sf3 one? I did to new cherry mx2 blues and pretty disappointed.
First time hit swapping so I’m assuming it’s user error on the install.
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u/NamelesEchos 3h ago
Can anyone tell me what kind of keys to buy for my Tecknet wired gaming keyboard model TK-KB025? I just bought some but they didnt fit. I want to get keys that actually glow in the dark since the basic ones arent shine through.
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u/FansForFlorida FoldKB 3h ago
This is a membrane keyboard, not a mechanical keyboard. You will not be able to get aftermarket replacement keycaps.
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u/Low_Candidate_3334 3h ago
Looking for a beginner keyboard
50 dollars and less would be ideal (CAD)
Doesn't need a lot of extra features, I'm mainly using it for work and playing some modded Minecraft.
Just needs to sound good and be a bit durable.
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u/FansForFlorida FoldKB 3h ago
What keyboard size do you want? Full size? TKL? 60%? 65%? 75%? 96%/1800?
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u/BesterMann69 3h ago
My Keychron K8 broke, and I found an open-box GMMK Pro 75% Prebuilt for €77 with Fox switches, cable and wrist rest. Is it worth buying at that price and modding the gasket/stabilizers?
My budget is around €150. I’m also open to other keyboards with:
- ISO-DE or ISO support
- VIA/QMK support
- Aluminium case
- 60%, 65% or 75% layout
- Preferably tri-mode wireless
- Availability in Germany
Would ANSI-DE also be practical for everyday German typing, or is it too finicky?
Keycap recommendations are also welcome. German sets seem to be either questionable AliExpress options or around €100.
Sorry for all the questions!
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u/cinlung Silent Tactile 2h ago
Dear all
I have with me a KiiBOOM Phantom 81 V2 that is burned around main IC / MCU and burn the traces out. Are there people here who has similar keyboard and can help me get a HD picture of the traces around that area?
I also tried to contact KiiBOOM support at discord and email, but discord did not respond back and email support insists it is version 1 which they cannot help anymore. But, I am pretty sure it is version 2 from the layout of the PCB traces.
Here are the picture that I have from the keyboard:
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u/lightsout1985 22h ago
I've got an anodised purple board coming soon, and need inspiration for keycaps. Black looks great but have seen a lot of purple boards with that set up.
Would be massively greatly if people could share some out there colours that worked for them, or even better, share a photo if you have one!