KBDFans Gaming Keyboard options (local options?)

GLO on 28/09/2021 - 16:32

Hey!

My son has just told me he wants to order a customisable keyboard from KBDFans.

Apparently this stuff is worth it and he is prepared to drop some serious coin on it.

Starts off with a Tofu65 DZ65RGB V3 Hot Swap Customized Mechanical Keyboard DIY KIT US$199
then all the accessories he thinks he needs.

Anyone else gone down this path and was there local suppliers or does it all have to come from the USA direct?

And another item from else where he wants is the Everglide EG Aqua King Water King Linear Switch V3 4pin 5pin RGB 55g 62g 67g force mx switch for mechanical keyboard 50m clear body
EG Aqua switch / 62g / *70 switch US$52.90

Keen to hear how fellow OzB users have found more value for these mechanical keyboards.

Thanks in advance.

Gaming Computer Peripheral Keyboard Mechanical Keyboard

Comments

  • terrence123 on 28/09/2021 - 16:47

    Hi GLO,

    I am rolling with a GMMK Pro which is hot-swappable also and am loving it, solid build. Would recommend some more research into it before purchasing as there are a lot of alternatives out there available a lot easier.

  • Jasonissm on 28/09/2021 - 17:41

    This stuff is definitely not worth it (as someone who has sank way more money than what you are looking at). It's more of a luxury nice-to-have thing. GMMK Pro is a pretty decent option though. Some Chinese options are also okay, such as YMDK, TOFU65 is also pretty good, if you have soldering skills I would recommend that over a hotswap board. Another option is buying off community members on the AUMK Facebook group, you can get good deals there often.

    • [Deactivated] on 28/09/2021 - 17:44

      https://youtu.be/lXhU9zacjzw

    • GLO on 29/09/2021 - 09:05

      yeah, he is looking at a Tofu65 custom build. Think this build tallies up to $700+

      I dont get it, but when i was his age, i was dropping $$$ into my car instead.

      I didnt know Keyboard clacking is a thing and Im using a quiet keyboard, but then again im not a gamer.

  • iridiumstem on 28/09/2021 - 17:47
    +2

    Daily Clacks, SwitchKeys, AllCaps, CustomKBD are all basd in Australia, if you want to source them from Australia. That isn't an exhaustive list, but meh.

    I think CustomKBD has Tofu65, Everglide Aqua King is available in AllCaps (out of stock I think). I think all of them has some kind of Discord server and many of them have a presence in Mechanical Keyboard group on Facebook.

    KBDFans I think is based in China.

  • [Deactivated] on 28/09/2021 - 17:51
    +1

    I'd recommend he develop a cocaine habit instead, will end up costing him less in the long run.

  • nsta8487 on 29/09/2021 - 10:01

    I have purchased from SwitchKeys, DailyClack and CustomKBD multiple times and shipping is always super fast, I would recommend any of them. They have different stock so that will be your main deciding factor. I would also recommend getting on some of the Discord or FB groups and browsing the market channels there to see what is available. Many people sell brand new or near-new products for decent prices. Discord links:

    As for general advice, I would actually say stick with hotswap if it's his first time building, since it makes it easier to try different switches down the line. There is a bit of shortage on PCBs right now so you might have to take what you can get. Tofu + Aquaking means I assume he just wants to blast RGB everywhere so RIP his eyeballs. Apart from that I would say have fun building, and try not to spend hundreds on keycaps!

    • GLO on 01/10/2021 - 15:56

      thanks nsta8487,

      Ill share the links with him.

      Whilst im on my PC working 16hr days, i think these KB are pretty noisy and I thought he wanted a mechanical kb for the linear response, but all the stuff he has shown me, they sound simlar to the DELL KB he is using now.

      • nsta8487 on 01/10/2021 - 17:56

        The noise will depend a lot on the switch type, case material and a few other things like foam padding. You can get 'silent' versions of many switch types (e.g Cherry Silent Reds, Boba U4 or Silent Alpacas) which can be more quiet than a "normal" keyboard if this is a major concern.
        My advice would be to check the market channels above as there are always Tofus or similar entry models such as NK65 or KBD67 Lite going for reasonable prices if you don't mind buying 2nd hand. Patience really is the name of the game in this hobby, I think that in a week or so when states start to open up (depending on where you are) you may be able to drive to inspect/buy something very good much quicker than it would take to ship from a supplier.
        They do feel great to use and personally I would never go back to a regular membrane keyboard. Maybe once you try your son's one you will get jealous and want to purchase one for yourself!

        • iridiumstem on 01/10/2021 - 18:38

          There are also Topre :D

          My wife does prefer to use silent switches (MX Silent Black is what she has at work, she has MX Silent Red at home) because she cannot handle anything noisy and she finds mechanical keyboards to feel better than membrane keyboards. So I can definitely say that if noise levels are your concern, silent switches can be wonderful.

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