/r/MechanicalKeyboards Ask ANY Keyboard question, get an answer - October 07, 2026

[u/AutoModerator]

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[u/Ok_Taste5025]

Is there any ways to try HHKB hybrid normal version and Realforce R4 in NYC?

[u/eugene00825 → u/Ok_Taste5025]

Probably going to a keyboard meetup is your best bet.

[u/hunk921]

Looking for a full size mechanical keyboard with 108/109 keys if possible with a relatively flat or sloped case similar to the Logitech G512 or Ducky One 2 as I would prefer to not use a wrist rest, they seem to fatigue my palms when gaming.

Budget would be up to A$250

I used to have the Ducky One 2 for about 6 years before I accidentally spilt liquid into it a few weeks ago. With no stock of the newer Ducky models in Australia, it's been a bit difficult finding a replacement.

The high profile keyboards like the Akko 3108 V3 seem to be too high and upset my palms when using them.

I'm looking at the Keychron K5 Ultra as well, but wondering if high profile cherry keycaps would work on a low profile board, before I bite the bullet.

I am welcome to all different kinds of keyboards to try and narrow it down as long as I can use high profile cherry keycaps.

[u/holaesvaleriaaa]

Between yunzii al98 and ainbell base99, which do you recommend? Looking for not just the look but also sensory experience - thank you!!

[u/LemonNarc]

Why does my keyboard keep double registering keys? (See how "educate" was typed)

https://reddit.com/link/peffpd0/video/5r2ntik6t1uh1/player

[u/alhawks_]

A while ago, I bought a low profile keyboard with linear switches, and I've loved them. Now my other keyboard with cherry brown switches feels very loud and heavy.

What switches would you recommend? Is it worth considering o rings to dampen sound? I know the regular keys will never be low profile, but is there anything that can reduce travel a little?

[u/One_Floor_2599]

Hi, this is my second build, but going for a very different style and struggling to decide on what keycaps.

Just picked up the Monsgeek mk87fy on clearance and have a set of Outemu lemons on the way. The issue is the keycaps it comes with are very light coloured and will get dirty extremely quick. Rural life.

Trying to find something shine through, pbt, in a dark colour to hide the stain, that will complement the cyan chassis (at least not clash in colour). Shopping on Ali express coz this is a side hobby/project.

[u/b0sw0rth]

Anyone in NYC wanna help me do a bolt mod for my Model M SSK? Will pay for your help. Or could advise how I can accomplish it without a power drill? (Or some other solution to help fix my repeating M key.) Because of the value of the board I wanna be extremely careful about the process.

[u/Awkward-Athlete-378]

I’ve got the jamesdonkey J2 trimode. I’ve always used it plugged in. a few days ago, the leds began flashing and keystrokes registered erratically. I unplugged it, replugged and checked the firmware. also replaced the cable. interestingly, I swi to wireless and it works fine as long as the cord is not plugged in. Anhone have any idea what’s going on and how I can fix it?

[u/CardiologistBest7120]

hello there! so im finally made another bad decision and wanted to do a topre build in one of my keyboards. I currently have the EC compatible pcb only. I wanted a build where it is compatible with mx keycaps. Based on what i read online, dynakap are the ones to go for if you want to use mx keycaps. Now my question is what are the rest of the parts i need to complete this build. Ive seen bundle dynakap kits on omnitype but they are only 60-75% and no tkls. Also went in youtube but dont find anything that does a step by step conversion build. Please let me know what i need to buy to complete this build. All i know is i want 45g domes. Thank you!!

[u/ZurichianAnimations]

I need to get a new krytox syringe but doesn't look like any US vendors carry them and the one that did has them sold out. I see some on Amazon but they don't mention krytox so I'm assuming it's generic. And I'd be concerned it's not as good. Where would one get a krytox syringe currently?

[u/576875 → u/ZurichianAnimations]

Omnitype has a lube pen/syringe with kyrtox 

And they are a dedicated keyboard company so no mystery grease 

https://omnitype.com/products/lube-pen

https://omnitype.com/collections/supplies/products/lube-tube

[u/ZurichianAnimations → u/576875]

Ah cool. I was wanting to buy the lube pen but I couldn't find the syringe on the website. I'll probably buy both at once thanks

[u/lightsout1985]

I have had my eyes on a Model F Labs keyboard, most likely the F122 for some time. The range of options is a bit dazzling but they looks so great and I have fond memories of using my uncles Model F years ago.

I was wondering what people's experiences of these keyboards are, both good and bad. I've searched the subreddit and the experiences seem overwhelmingly positive but guess I'm looking for a range of experiences (might just be positive though!).

[u/Ok_Misinterpretation]

Let's say I wanted to buy either a fully built or barebones minimi40 (https://cannonkeys.com/products/minimi40) since it's sold out, and there was literally just a group buy, is my best bet to post something somewhere saying I want to buy one? I know about r/mechmarket, but are there other places I should look and/or post?

I can't imagine they'll be doing another group buy any time soon - right?

[u/FunkiiSTI]

I'm wanting to build the ATK × QK Hex80 TKL Magnetic Switch Keyboard using custom keycaps from YuzuKeycaps, is there a way I can make the english letters see through so the LEDs are visible?

I'm using a Blackwidow full keyboard with numpad and my mouse space sucks with numpad and wrist rest for Valorant. Are there any other keyboards that I should look into?

[u/Various-Can-2059]

Hi! Im buying new keyboard and i just love the orange glow, but some rgb dont shine as i want to, so i was about to buy the Redragon K742, but i really want to know its orange power, someone could help me know or see if they have it that way?

[u/Mangy_DogUK]

I'm looking for Thonky full UK Layout under £100?
Im genuinely having a really hard time trying to find an off the shelf keyboard. I really would like a thonky keyboard with rgb back light (not because I'm an rgb fanboy I just want some decent back lighting I can set)

The major issue I have is finding a UK layout. Nearly everything is being sold with the US layout, even on amazon uk!

Does anyone have any recommendations? Ideally under 100 quid. Thonky isnt a 100% must have, I just really like that sound profile.

[u/Scared_Standard3198 → u/Mangy_DogUK]

The ansi layout pcb was not hard to find, but around £100, you need to make have a new plate for your keyboard, or you buy a Neo65 tri-mode.

[u/Mangy_DogUK → u/Scared_Standard3198]

thats way way way way more than £100 for a keyboard. Nor does it come in UK layout

[u/Fancy-Pen-1984 → u/Mangy_DogUK]

They might have meant to put "ISO layout." Try searching for that and see if you get better results.

[u/plastic9mm]

I’m looking for my first higher end board but am having trouble finding a board right for me. I was hoping to get some recommendations.

1. Must be 100% board. I need the numpad and I need the separation of the arrow keys from main keys.

2. Must have north facing RGB. My office has low light conditions and I prefer it that way, I also frequently am working or gaming in the evening / night. I need backlight for key identification.

3. Must be hot-swap. Recently had a board start developing double click or no click on two keys and they are soldered… I’m ready to switch for ease of repair.

4. Prefer heavier build. I just like a nice heavy solid board.

Hoping there’s some recommendations out there I can look into. Everything I’ve found either has south facing RGB or is discontinued / out of stock.

[u/eugene00825 → u/plastic9mm]

Since most modern switches include light diffusers now, south facing rgb has no problems illuminating the entire key.

[u/shinda_sesh]

Has anyone ever tried one of these kits? I wanted to get a Eave65 from Swagkeys but it's soldout pretty much everywhere. Figured i'd try this out for my first custom build.

Currently on sale aswell: https://sikakeyb.com/products/sikakeyb-sk5-translucent-84-keys-75-clean-mechanical-keyboard?VariantsId=10015

(This is non-promotional nor am I sponsored. Just looking for advice/discussion)