Ranked Keyboard Collection

Case:
Safa 5.88

Keycaps:
Epbt Kavala

Switches:
Cherry MX Black Hyperglide (62.5g)

Actuation:
Linear

Plate:
Aluminium

Layout:
ANSI

Size:
TKL

Sockets:
Soldered

Mount:
Top

Weight:
Brass, Internal

Mods:
Spacers around row 3 switch stems.

Spares:
Any Hineybush H87/88 JST style PCB. Any TGR Jane style plate. Soldered PCB, Alu plate, FR4 plate, PP plate.

Theme:
A small scale, simple, lightweight, but high quality project. Plates are also compatible with Jane v2, KFE and other similar mounted boards.

Problems:
Some scratches around the screw holes on the inside.

Score:
-
Case:
Geonworks F1-8X 722

Keycaps:
Shenpo Simple Grey + BoB

Switches:
Cherry Nixies (62gx18mm TX)

Actuation:
Linear

Plate:
Aluminium

Layout:
ISO

Size:
TKL

Sockets:
Soldered

Mount:
Hotdog

Weight:
Brass, Internal

Mods:
Replacement PCB, Polyfill

Spares:
Any Hineybush H87/88 USB-C style PCB. Hotswap PCB, PP plate, Alu plate.

Theme:
But does it come in black?

Problems:
The typing angle is a little bit steep. The skeleton plate impacts the sound.

Score:
-
Case:
Luminkey LX60

Keycaps:
JKDK Grey and White

Switches:
Gateron X

Actuation:
Linear

Plate:
POM

Layout:
ANSI

Size:
60%

Sockets:
Hotswap

Mount:
Gaket Mount

Weight:
Copper, Full bottom

Mods:
Fairholme PCB

Spares:
Any Hineybush H60 JST style PCB. The spare Dolphin 60 PCB.

Theme:
The extravagant raw alumininium and copper version of an otherwise cheap consumer keyboard.

Problems:
The universal daughterboard was hot-glued, because the holes in the case don't line up.

Score:
-

Case:
Thocc Supply XOX70

Keycaps:
Epbt 6085S

Switches:
Cherry MX Black Hyperglide (60g)

Actuation:
Linear

Plate:
Aluminium

Layout:
ANSI

Size:
FRLTKL

Sockets:
Soldered

Mount:
Gasket

Weight:
Brass, Internal

Mods:
No spacebar mount, rubber washers, polyfill

Spares:
Hotswap PCB. PC plate. The 80 Retros XT1981 PCB.

Theme:
A layout which omits only the least nessecary, but retains practicality.

Problems:
Spare parts are rare.

Score:
-
Case:
Kezewa Enter 80

Keycaps:
Shenpo Simple Grey + BoB

Switches:
Cherry MX Black Hyperglide (60g)

Actuation:
Linear

Plate:
Polycarbonate

Layout:
ANSI

Size:
TKL

Sockets:
Hotswap

Mount:
Top Mount

Weight:
Stainless Steel, Internal, Through

Mods:
No spacebar mount

Spares:
Any Hineybush H87/88 JST style PCB.

Theme:
An affordable TKL with an uncompromised design.

Problems:
---

Score:
-
Case:
Linworks Dolphin 60

Keycaps:
ePBT Simple Baybayin (Latin)

Switches:
Cherry MX Black Hyperglide (60g)

Actuation:
Linear

Plate:
Aluminium

Layout:
ANSI

Size:
60%

Sockets:
Hotswap

Mount:
Top Mount

Weight:
Brass, Internal, External

Mods:
Tofu 60 V2 PCB

Spares:
Any Hineybush H60 USB-C style PCB. Pre-soldered PCB, 2 PC plates.

Theme:
Impressive curves, but no nonsense internals.

Problems:
The spare alu plate has been soldered into an assembly.

Score:
-
Case:
Geonworks Mini Frog

Keycaps:
Hammer CRP Purple Base

Switches:
Purple Potato

Actuation:
Tactile

Plate:
Polycarbonate

Layout:
HHKB

Size:
60%

Sockets:
Hotswap

Mount:
Tadpole

Weight:
Brass, Internal, External

Mods:
Polyfill

Spares:
Any Hineybush H60 USB-C style PCB. Hotswap PCB, 2 Alu plates.

Theme:
A minimalist style that lets the custom Korean metalwork speak for itself.

Problems:
The low case height impacts the sound of the bottom row keys.

Score:
-
Case:
Geonworks Frog TKL 8K

Keycaps:
Shenpo Minimal White + Simple Grey

Switches:
NK_ Cream Tactile (65g)

Actuation:
Tactile

Plate:
Aluminium

Layout:
ANSI

Size:
8K

Sockets:
Hotswap

Mount:
Tadpole

Weight:
Brass, Internal, External

Mods:
Polyfill, LED's taped shut

Spares:
Soldered PCB

Theme:
A minimalist style that lets the custom Korean metalwork speak for itself.

Problems:
The firmware makes Vial crash: Backlight cannot be turned off.

Score:
-
Case:
AE Constellation

Keycaps:
ePBT Grand Tour

Switches:
Cherry MX Black Hyperglide (60g)

Actuation:
Linear

Plate:
Aluminium

Layout:
ANSI

Size:
65%

Sockets:
Soldered

Mount:
Top

Weight:
Brass, Internal, External

Mods:
Polyfill

Spares:
Soldered PCB, EC PCB, Alu plate, PC plate.

Theme:
A versatile classic in a rare colourway.

Problems:
Scratch on bottom of board.

Score:
-
Case:
Smith + Rune IRON Alice

Keycaps:
Hammer CRP Fujin/Wind God

Switches:
Cherry MX Brown Hyperglide (60g)

Actuation:
Tactile

Plate:
Aluminium

Layout:
ANSI

Size:
Alice

Sockets:
Soldered

Mount:
Gasket

Weight:
Brass, Internal, External

Mods:
Gakets on plate

Spares:
Soldered PCB, Alu plate.

Theme:
Very exotic in every sense.

Problems:
The USB-C cable channel is slight off centre. A spare PCB remains to be ordered.

Score:
-
Case:
Cannonkeys Brutal V2 1800

Keycaps:
Omnitype Modo Light

Switches:
SP Star Meteor (62g)

Actuation:
Linear

Plate:
FR4

Layout:
ANSI

Size:
1800

Sockets:
Hotswap

Mount:
Bottom Gasket

Weight:
Zinc, Internal

Mods:
Bandaid, Insulator under PCB, No spacebar mount

Spares:
PC plate, Alu plate.

Theme:
An affordable 1800 with an uncompromised design.

Problems:
Requires being plugged in several times before it will work.

Score:
-

Case:
MM Studio Class80

Keycaps:
Hammer CRP Korean + Tulip

Switches:
Cherry MX Ergo Clear

Actuation:
Tactile

Plate:
Polycarbonate

Layout:
ANSI

Size:
TKL

Sockets:
Hotswap

Mount:
Top Mount

Weight:
Brass, Internal

Mods:
Removed screw under spacebar. Boba U4T switch on spacebar.

Spares:
Soldered PCB, EC PCB, Hotswap PCB, PC plate.

Theme:
Retro tribute to classic Cherry keyboards, with buzzer and solenoid.

Problems:
The internal wiring is fiddly and fragile. The board was not primarily designed for its acoustics.

Score:
-
Case:
Monstargears Sangeo65

Keycaps:
Shenpo Terminal

Switches:
Gateron Ink Black v2 (62g)

Actuation:
Linear

Plate:
Aluminium

Layout:
ANSI

Size:
65%

Sockets:
Soldered

Mount:
Gasket

Weight:
Brass, Through

Mods:
Removed spacebar gasket

Spares:
KBD67 PCB. Pre-soldered PCB, 3 Hotswap PCBs, 2 FR4 plates, 1 POM plate.

Theme:
Elegant curves complemented by elegant keycaps.

Problems:
Scratch in anodisation near blocker. Challenging acoustics. Inflexible mounting system.

Score:
-
Case:
AE x Ivery Praxis

Keycaps:
Shenpo Red Alert

Switches:
Aeboards Blaeck

Actuation:
Linear

Plate:
Impact Modified Acrylic

Layout:
ANSI

Size:
Alice

Sockets:
Soldered

Mount:
Top

Weight:
Brass, Internal

Mods:
Bandaid, Plate foam glued down to work as offsets.

Spares:
Any TGR Alice USB-C style PCB. Hotswap PCB, Pre-soldered PCB, EC PCB, Alu plate, POM plate, PC plate.

Theme:
An Alice variant with a polycarbonate base and internal weight, that fits standard Alice parts.

Problems:
The Blaeck switches are very fragile.

Score:
-
Case:
Niz N87 Alu

Keycaps:
JKDK Retro

Switches:
EC 45g

Actuation:
Tactile

Plate:
Aluminium

Layout:
ANSI

Size:
TKL

Sockets:
Topre

Mount:
Gasket

Weight:
Brass, Through

Mods:
Lubed sliders, Lubed stabilisers, Removed silencing rings, Stabiliser shims, Replaced gaskets, 20g stab springs

Spares:
---

Theme:
A Chinese implementation of electro cacitive rubber domes (like Topre).

Problems:
The mounting system has poor tolerances. The Costar stabilisers are cumbersome.

Score:
-
Case:
Taco Pad

Keycaps:
ePBT 6085S

Switches:
Cherry MX Black Hyperglide (60g)

Actuation:
Linear

Plate:
Aluminium

Layout:
ANSI

Size:
Numpad

Sockets:
Hotswap

Mount:
Tadpole

Weight:
Brass, External

Mods:
---

Spares:
---

Theme:
An overly elaborate numpad.

Problems:
The daughter board cable barely fits under the PCB.

Score:
-

Case:
Mekanisk Fjell

Keycaps:
Shenpo Retro Blue

Switches:
EC 45g

Actuation:
Tactile

Plate:
Stainless Steel

Layout:
ANSI

Size:
60%

Sockets:
Topre

Mount:
Tray

Weight:
Brass, Through

Mods:
---

Spares:
Any Hineybush H60 USB-C style PCB. Any Poker style plate.

Theme:
An EC conversion of a classic heavy tray mount housing.

Problems:
It's still a tray mount.

Score:
-
Case:
YMDK 60% v1

Keycaps:
EPBT Winter's Breath

Switches:
H1 Linear

Actuation:
Linear

Plate:
Carbon Fibre

Layout:
ANSI

Size:
60%

Sockets:
Soldered

Mount:
Tray

Weight:
Brass, Internal

Mods:
---

Spares:
Any Hineybush H60 USB-C style PCB. Any Poker style plate.

Theme:
A case intended to be a replacement one for the Wooting 60.

Problems:
It's still a tray mount.

Score:
-
Case:
Frog TKL Leggera

Keycaps:
Hammer CRP Blue White ANSI Black TKL

Switches:
Durock Shrimp (60g)

Actuation:
Tactile (silent)

Plate:
Aluminium

Layout:
ANSI

Size:
TKL

Sockets:
Hotswap

Mount:
Tadpole

Weight:
None

Mods:
---

Spares:
Any Hineybush H87/88 USB-C style PCB. Alu plate.

Theme:
A weight reduced version of the Frog TKL.

Problems:
Being this light makes it feel insubstantial and sound hollow.

Score:
-
Case:
Hex 3Cv2 60%

Keycaps:
Epbt Fall

Switches:
Gateron Black Milky Top

Actuation:
Linear

Plate:
FR4

Layout:
WKL

Size:
60%

Sockets:
Soldered

Mount:
Gasket, PCB

Weight:
None

Mods:
Poker style plate for switch alignment.

Spares:
Soldered PCB, aluminium case bottom.

Theme:
A budget implementation of a PCB mounted keyboard. The PC bottom negates the need for a weight.

Problems:
The PCBs are unique and only soldered versions are available.

Score:
-

Case:
Hollow 60

Keycaps:
??? Beige Space Cadet

Switches:
Gateron Silent Ink Black

Actuation:
Linear

Plate:
Carbon Fibre

Layout:
ANSI

Size:
60%

Sockets:
Soldered

Mount:
O-ring

Weight:
None

Mods:
---

Spares:
Any Hineybush H60 USB-C style PCB. Any Poker style PCB.

Theme:
A weight reduced version of basically everything, that still manages a satisfying sound and typing feel.

Problems:
The case appears to get bent out of shape easily.

Score:
-
Case:
Hiexa v80

Keycaps:
Xiami CLassic Purple

Switches:
Gateron Silent Aliaz

Actuation:
Tactile (silent)

Plate:
Aluminium

Layout:
ISO

Size:
TKL

Sockets:
Hotswap

Mount:
Top Mount

Weight:
None

Mods:
No mounting point under spacebar.

Spares:
---

Theme:
One of a multitude of cheap ball catch keyboards.

Problems:
Still quite noisy despite silent switches. Top mount makes opening the case difficult.

Score:
-
Case:
80 Retros XT1981

Keycaps:
Cannoncaps Big Blue

Switches:
Cherry MX White

Actuation:
Tactile

Plate:
Polycarbonate

Layout:
ANSI

Size:
FRLTKL

Sockets:
Hotswap

Mount:
Gasket Mount

Weight:
None

Mods:
Force break

Spares:
The spare XOX79 PCB.

Theme:
A cheap gasket mounted 70% inspired by 1980's IBM keyboards.

Problems:
Since the board tries to capture a legacy design, the acoustics were not a priority.

Score:
-
Case:
LM60

Keycaps:
Shenpo Minimal Red

Switches:
Keebwerk Bushi

Actuation:
Tactile (silent)

Plate:
Aluminium

Layout:
HHKB

Size:
60%

Sockets:
Hotswap

Mount:
Gasket

Weight:
None

Mods:
No gasket under spacebar.

Spares:
Any Hineybush H60 USB-C style PCB. Any Poker style plate.

Theme:
A two piece gasket mount comprised almost entirelyt of Aliexpress bargains.

Problems:
Slight colour difference between top and bottom case. The bottom row of the plate is too loose for a hotswap build. The switches chatter.

Score:
-

Case:
Fate Nozomi Arisu Stacked Acrylic

Keycaps:
DCS Paperwork

Switches:
Haimu x Geon HG Clear

Actuation:
Linear

Plate:
Acrylic

Layout:
ANSI

Size:
Alice

Sockets:
Soldered

Mount:
Sandwich

Weight:
None

Mods:
Standoffs made out of bumpons.

Spares:
---

Theme:
A self laser cut glittery stacked acrylic keyboard.

Problems:
The Jels PCB is abandoned firmware support if sketchy.

Score:
-
Case:
Freebird TKL

Keycaps:
Shenpo Black on Black

Switches:
AEBoards Naevies EC

Actuation:
Tactile

Plate:
FR4

Layout:
ISO

Size:
TKL

Sockets:
Topre

Mount:
Top

Weight:
None

Mods:
Foam stack mount to stabilise the PCB and plate. Plate foam taped down to work as offsets.

Spares:
Any Hineybush H87/88 USB-C style PCB. Any TGR Jane style plate.

Theme:
A low cost Hineybush H87/88 compatible case to house an EC build.

Problems:
There improvisedplate/pcb assembly is fragile. The right shift key seems extra unresponsive. The left shift stabilisers had to be cut down to be replaced in situ.

Score:
-