"SFF" Keyboards

[3lfk1ng]

@iFreilicht
Sure, although my line of thought was that I could put away the numpad until I absolutely needed to use it- saving desk space.
I actually have the Leopold FC660C bookmarked as well so it's ultimately between those too, although I like the different weighting of Topres on the 87U. That single keyboard would be a more affordable compromise.

@Phuncz
Thanks, it was a lot of fun. I saw that there were little to no reviews so I jumped at the opportunity. Now I am proud to say that it's the #1 search result.

 

[iFreilicht]

ure, although my line of thought was that I could put away the numpad until I absolutely needed to use it- saving desk space.
I actually have the Leopold FC660C bookmarked as well so it's ultimately between those too, although I like the different weighting of Topres on the 87U. That single keyboard would be a more affordable compromise.

Meh, between these two you gain a single row of keys of space.

 

[cmyk78]

What keyboard is this?

It's from a keycap drop on Massdrop, but it looks really interesting.

 

[iFreilicht]

What keyboard is this?

It's from a keycap drop on Massdrop, but it looks really interesting.

ZZ96. Don't know whether there are any similar boards, but I do agree that the layout is pretty damn awesome. No idea why something like this doesn't exist on the consumer market. All the keys and smaller size, that could easily be marketed towards gamers and professionals alike.

 

[SumGhai]

I think CM makes a keyboard with a similar layout by combining the arrow keys into the numpad

 

[XeaLouS]

I think CM makes a keyboard with a similar layout by combining the arrow keys into the numpad

Yes CM storms version is called the CM Storm quickfire tk. However it doesn't have dedicated arrow keys.

 

[Josh | NFC]

Personally the point of a small computer for me is to make room for a big keyboard.

However as a keyboard enthusiast...I love all shapes and sizes.

 

[iFreilicht]

Yes CM storms version is called the CM Storm quickfire tk. However it doesn't have dedicated arrow keys.

Jup, you have to switch between the arrow keys and the numpad, which can get annoying.

 

[Soul_Est]

Been looking on MassDrop and found this Magicforce 49-Key Mechanical Keyboard. Not bad for the price ($79.99 -> $52.99).

Spoiler

 

[iFreilicht]

Been looking on MassDrop and found this Magicforce 49-Key Mechanical Keyboard. Not bad for the price ($79.99 -> $52.99).

Spoiler

The idea of a 45% board is interesting, but this one is not programmable at all and the enter key is way too large and sacrifices one sign key that would've been handy to have. The split spacebar is probably the dumbest thing on this board, because both keys just act like a spacebar! The only reason they did choose a split one is because there are no molds for this size of spacebar available, but it's hardly a feature worth advertising if it doesn't have any useful functionality whatsoever.

I'd even recommend a Vortex Core over this, but if you have a bit of money to spare there are much better and longer-lasting alternatives like the MiniVan or JD45. Probably tons more.

 

[Soul_Est]

The idea of a 45% board is interesting, but this one is not programmable at all and the enter key is way too large and sacrifices one sign key that would've been handy to have. The split spacebar is probably the dumbest thing on this board, because both keys just act like a spacebar! The only reason they did choose a split one is because there are no molds for this size of spacebar available, but it's hardly a feature worth advertising if it doesn't have any useful functionality whatsoever.

Yup, saw this in the discussion thread.

I'd even recommend a Vortex Core over this, but if you have a bit of money to spare there are much better and longer-lasting alternatives like the MiniVan or JD45. Probably tons more.

While I really like those keyboards you suggested, they are way above my current budget . I'll probably go for a Magicforce 68 and this later on.

Been looking at this site and especially, the Gherkin keyboard. Not my size but it is SFF.

 

[GuilleAcoustic]

Been tempted by the Plank on massdrop, but it is a bit on the expensive side. I'd love a version without the CNC machined aluminum case, to get a more interesting price.

 

[iFreilicht]

While I really like those keyboards you suggested, they are way above my current budget . I'll probably go for a Magicforce 68 and this later on.

Ah that's a very good choice!

Been looking at this site and especially, the Gherkin keyboard. Not my size but it is SFF.

I haven't heard of anyone using a 30% as a daily driver yet, but it seems to be a thing now. Even RAMA posted renders of one on his instagram. With keyboards there really is such a thing as too small.

Been tempted by the Plank on massdrop, but it is a bit on the expensive side. I'd love a version without the CNC machined aluminum case, to get a more interesting price.

If past drops have shown anything, jack will sell leftover stuff on OLKB.com, so I'm sure you'll be able to get a PCB soon enough.

 

[GuilleAcoustic]

If past drops have shown anything, jack will sell leftover stuff on OLKB.com, so I'm sure you'll be able to get a PCB soon enough.

Oh cool, that would be awesome. By the way, do you know if I can use the Alps switches from an Apple M0110 on the Matias variant of the PCB ? I really love those vintage Alps.

 

[iFreilicht]

Shouldn't be a problem, complicated (some of the vintage) Alps and simple Alps both have the same plate mount and pin dimensions. The only difference is the mechanism inside, from what I recall.

 

[Soul_Est]

Ah that's a very good choice!

Thanks. The only other one that I'm considering is the Drevo Gramr for around the same price.

I haven't heard of anyone using a 30% as a daily driver yet, but it seems to be a thing now. Even RAMA posted renders of one on his instagram. With keyboards there really is such a thing as too small.

Agreed. I had my head tilted for a minute when I saw it.

If past drops have shown anything, jack will sell leftover stuff on OLKB.com, so I'm sure you'll be able to get a PCB soon enough.

#mkbgoals

 

[Curiosity]

I've got a pok3r, but I really wish I'd been paying attention when the sentraq TK78 happened.
It's everything I want in a keyboard and I missed it.
Realllly sad I missed it. :'(

Edit: may as well throw in a picture of my pok3r:

 

[iFreilicht]

I've got a pok3r, but I really wish I'd been paying attention when the sentraq TK78 happened.
It's everything I want in a keyboard and I missed it.
Realllly sad I missed it. :'(

I'm sure that will be coming again in the future, and you can always try to find one on mechmarket or the likes.

 

[TinyAudio]

Oh well, my kids won't be eating again next week.

I need one of these in my life.

 

[BirdofPrey]

I don't know how you people live without cursor control keys.

I don't always use the numpad, and I'll very begrudgingly give up my F Keys, but you can't take my nav keys.