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Showing 1 of 988 conversations about:
Specte
131
Oct 30, 2017
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Any suggestions on keycap replacements that are good quality and not super expensive? Maybe $40ish, all the drops I see add up to ~70+ for all the required keys. I can't see spending that much on keycaps. At least not yet... ;)
Oct 30, 2017
Cyphre
2708
Oct 30, 2017
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SpecteSounds about the right range for Vortex double PBT keycaps. Just note that they and other manufacturers who make 'shine-through' type caps often have uglier legends than what appears here. Just look closely at pictures to see what you're getting into.
Oct 30, 2017
Specte
131
Oct 30, 2017
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CyphreThanks. Any suggestions for non-shine through ones? Haven't decided which I'd prefer yet. I'd still get the side and between caps glow, right? This is my first expensive keyboard, upgrading from a Quickfire TK.
Oct 30, 2017
Cyphre
2708
Oct 30, 2017
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SpecteNot a whole lot to suggest, everything about keycaps is just buying a good brand which are doubleshot or dye-sub, the rest is color scheme preference. You would definitely see light everywhere around a keycap without shine-through legends!
Oct 30, 2017
Specte
131
Oct 30, 2017
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CyphreCool, thanks for being so helpful. The keyboard community is great. If I could bother you once more, which brands are considered good?
Oct 30, 2017
Cyphre
2708
Oct 30, 2017
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SpecteWith regards to mechanical keyboards as a whole, the high end of the spectrum would be GMK (original Cherry profile) and Signature Plastics (SA, DSA and select other profiles), however those sets generally cost as much or more than this keyboard.
On the more affordable front, there are quite a few. I wouldn't say there are any particularly bad sets, and some are rarely branded. I recommended Vortex because they have been consistent and are easy to find, but Tai Hao isn't bad. Though I've yet to hear if they have improved their weird coating that people don't like on their caps. EnjoyPBT and JTK are other quality brands, but might not be seen as often. Certain keycap profiles like DSA and XDA have various manufacturers but haven't ever been considered 'bad' by any means, although generally only come dye-sub rather than SP's doubleshot version. If you think you want to give SA profile a try, Maxkeys has been producing pretty good sets at much more affordable prices in the aftermarket.
In generally, you're looking for anything doubleshot or dye-sublimated, as bother will last a long time. Only difference is dye-sub can only accomplish dark legends on lighter colors.
If you're just getting into it, I would surf through /r/mechanicalkeyboards and see what others have come up with and what sort of colorways exist in the world. Once you have a preference, it's a lot easier to go searching for that perfect keyset!
Oct 30, 2017
Specte
131
Oct 30, 2017
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CyphreThanks again for the detailed write up.
Oct 30, 2017
Cyphre
2708
Oct 30, 2017
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SpecteNo problem! Just uh.... be forewarned, this is definitely not a cheap hobby at the end of the day.
Oct 30, 2017
Specte
131
Oct 30, 2017
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CyphreOh I know. I'm hoping this is the only keyboard I'll have to buy, but I'm probably kidding myself. The swappable switches will hopefully prevent me from buying new keyboards. I just have to keep an eye out for some clears (hopefully they release the halo clears at some point even with the drama). The Halo Trues I ordered aren't quite as clicky as I was hoping. I'm still gonna give them a chance though, maybe I'll end up liking them more than my greens :).
Oct 30, 2017
Cyphre
2708
Oct 30, 2017
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SpecteIt should definitely tide you over on key switch options, thats for sure! None of the previous hot-swappable keyboards have been of sufficient quality to me. If you're hoping to find some Halo Clears, you may want to keep an eye out on /r/mechmarket as I imagine there will be people selling off Halo switches once most of these have been delivered. Although I'm sure they'll sell real quick, so it might be difficult.
On the other hand, there are always other interesting options out there. I'm still waiting on a batch of Kailh BOX browns as everyone seems to find them to be the most stable switch they've ever typed on. Hopefully the bump isn't as weak as Cherry switches. Lot of people have really been liking the recent Kailh clicky switches as well. Definitely cheap enough to pick up a batch to try for yourself!
Oct 30, 2017
Ye11ow
62
Oct 30, 2017
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SpecteI strongly recommend Mod-M switches over MX Clears. They're a lubed Ergo Clear (MX Clear slider in a MX Brown/Red jacket). They are fucking excellent. You can get them on Originative, if I recall.
Oct 30, 2017
Specte
131
Oct 31, 2017
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Ye11owThanks for the input. I've heard the Halo Clears (or maybe just khail clears) are much smoother than the cherry ones. Have you tried those as well?
Oct 31, 2017
shadowkreep
515
Oct 31, 2017
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SpecteGet Tai-Hao keycaps. they are about $40 and are wonderful. They come in PBT and ABS. MD sells them every so often and you can also get them online
Oct 31, 2017
shadowkreep
515
Oct 31, 2017
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CyphreTai-Hao has stopped manufacturing their keys with the antibacterial coating so they are perfectly fine now. I have 2 sets, one for my work board and another on my other personal one and i love both.
Oct 31, 2017
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