Computer Keyboard Modding

[Braff Zacklin 13672]

Relatively certain this qualifies as the nerdiest thing I've ever done. About a year ago, I dipped my toe into the keyboard modding hobby.

This basically involves replacing the stock keycaps, switches, stabilizers, USB cable--you name it--with custom after-market parts. The aim is to create a typing experience tailored to your tastes. For example, some folks prefer very quiet keys, others prefer louder, clicky keys, while many obsess over the amount of pressure required to activate the key.

Aesthetics are also a factor. Does your keyboard have LED? Does the light shine through the keycap legends? Do you prefer a retro 80s IBM beige look or Anime? Maybe Halloween- or space-themed keys are your thing. The options are endless.

 Anybody else geeky (dumb?) enough to waste time on this?

[thunderlounge 8029]

Dumb enough? No. 
 

I would be if I could make a 2024 version of the keyboard below, that worked 100%. Best keyboard I’ve ever used. It was what shipped with the G4 iMac, aka lamp shade. This shit Cooks got now is trash.

 

 

[Braff Zacklin 13672]

Ups for being a fellow 104-keyer. I'd wager you could make something similar or better. There really is that much flexibility.

Do you know the keycap profile of that board? Looks kinda flat, so I'm guessing something similar to XDA or DSA.

For my board, I'm using a cheap K556 from Reddragon.

https://www.amazon.com/Redragon-K556-Mechanical-Keyboard-Aluminum/dp/B01NAI2TXC?th=1

But there are better (more expensive but generally more favorably reviewed and looked upon by "enthusiasts") options, starting with Keychron.

https://www.keychron.com/

Back to my board, everything under the plate, including the PCB, is stock, but I've replaced the switches, stabs, keycaps and cord. If you know what to look for, you can pretty much achieve any look, feel or functionality that you desire.

[thunderlounge 8029]

Board had a natural curve to it, that made typing very comfortable.

It was a solid build, and a shame it went away with the next gen. But everything has to be new and flashy, whether it’s good or not. 

[Braff Zacklin 13672]

They still make understated, utilitarian boards these days. In fact, most "enthusiasts" frown upon shinethru keycaps and 104-key layouts like what I'm using. And they wouldn't be caught dead with a Redragon product. Haha.

Edited November 18 by Braff Zacklin

[MadTrapper 153]

I'm here for it but didn't realize the extent to which you can customize.  A couple months back I was tired of the same old Logitech keyboard and picked up this Cherry KC 200 mechanical. Relatively quiet, solid, comfortable and definitely worth it imo.

[MonkeyDoughnut 10439]

Damn this IS nerdy as hell... and for some reason I am now drawn to it like a moth to a flame.  I didn't realize how large the mod market was.  I'm one of those that finds a mouse or keyboard they like and stock up, buying 2-3 extra. Now I'm thinking I have been missing out. Typically go through a keyboard every 1-2 years (once a chunk of keys no longer have the letter on them or the space bar (typically) starts to fail on me.