board with media keys

adolf hamster

adolf hamster

adolf hamster

Soldato
Joined
18 Oct 2012
Posts
8,390
hi guys

so my aging k95 is starting to get switch failures, the x key has been iffy for a while but now the w key is getting intermittent which means it's time to replace.

taking a look seems the keyboard world has moved on a bit since my last foray, hall effect, analogue switches, silent switches and prices that run the whole range.

tbh rgb lighting has become a gimmick to me, and i'm not too concerned about how loud the board is for typing, but analogue does intrigue me for gaming if it's any good, or is it a case of basically no games supporting it?

the only feature i definitely want is a proper numpad and media keys (play/pause, next, and a volume wheel) as i do use those somewhat regularly. and i've grown used to cherry reds so a light linear keypress would be preferred over the clicky variety.

i suspect everything is at least backlit these days and as mentioned i kinda don't care so much about rainbow vomit now.

budget wise i'm not really sure, whatever i need to spend to get something good.

any reccommendations to shortcut the decision process would be greatly appreciated.
 
49fbb8586a65.jpg
I like the simple X pattern media keys on my Magi 65, they also do a 75 in ISO too. Backlights can be turned off, so is that tiny light bar.

The volume wheel is sideways to most other ones out there but this makes 1 finger operation much easier. You don’t put sidesway stress on the stem either.
 
Raymond Lin said:
49fbb8586a65.jpg
I like the simple X pattern media keys on my Magi 65, they also do a 75 in ISO too. Backlights can be turned off, so is that tiny light bar.

The volume wheel is sideways to most other ones out there but this makes 1 finger operation much easier. You don’t put sidesway stress on the stem either.
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£∞ though amirite

Actually upon looking, not that bad.
 
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Zefan said:
£∞ though amirite
Click to expand...

$160 but exchange rate is good at the moment so about £120? IMO the value of this board is off the charts, the entire thing is solid aluminium, even the media X key is aluminium. The back is aluminium. The keycaps are thick PBT, there is flex, a lot of flex for a keyboard this thin. It’s hot swappable too so you are not stuck with the switches, but the standard red is already great. It sounds nicer than my Keychron Q1 with oil kings which costs 3x as much to put together.

The only nitpick is there is no adjustable feet so it’s only 1 angle. The wrist rest I got separately from Nuphy.

This is the 75/96 with numpad and with iso UK layout.

iqunix.com

IQUNIX Magi75/96 Aluminum Low Profile Mechanical Keyboard

Discover the upcoming Magi75/96 low-profile mechanical keyboard—featuring aluminum chassis, hot-swappable switches, VIA support, and multi-mode wireless. Building on the Magi65 Pro’s legacy with refined portability, style, and performance.
iqunix.com iqunix.com

Edit, the 96 pro with numpad is sold out at the moment.
 
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I'd look at the Bequiet dark mount, num pad is detactable and has keys you can setup for anything like a elgato built in.
 
Raymond Lin said:
Can always do what i do and get a separate one and use when required. It won't be "matched" style wise but it works.
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Eh, my whole setup is a mixed bag at best.

Detatchable numpad is an idea, although i'm definately used to the good ol' fashioned layout.

Glanza said:
I'd look at the Bequiet dark mount, num pad is detactable and has keys you can setup for anything like a elgato built in.
Click to expand...

that's a bit more the conventional layout i'm used to (when it's together at least), although i'm not sure the programmable keys are doing enough for me to justify the pricetag.
 
Separate numpad is the future! You can put it in the same spot as normal keyboard and have the same workflow when you need it, remove when you are gaming or surfing or just leave it in place.
 
You could get something like a keychron Q6, which has a knob for volume, as well as a few extra keys above the numpad, all of which (as well as every key) being re-bindable.
With QMK you can also program layers, so you can toggle layers with, for example, the right 'Alt' button, and then have that change the functionality of any other key.... Having tasted the QMK goodness, I'm now a huge evangelist :P (I will probably never buy another board that is't QMK/VIA compatible!)

I am tempted by a QMK numpad to sit aongside my 75% KB though, seems like the better solution (compared to my current setup where I have an old 100% KB sat behind the 75, for when I occasionally need the numpad!)
 
Raymond Lin said:
Separate numpad is the future! You can put it in the same spot as normal keyboard and have the same workflow when you need it, remove when you are gaming or surfing or just leave it in place.
Click to expand...

I don't really have any rational reason to put forward, but i think i'm just too used to a single monolithic keyboard.

TrojanWhore said:
You could get something like a keychron Q6, which has a knob for volume, as well as a few extra keys above the numpad, all of which (as well as every key) being re-bindable.
With QMK you can also program layers, so you can toggle layers with, for example, the right 'Alt' button, and then have that change the functionality of any other key.... Having tasted the QMK goodness, I'm now a huge evangelist :P (I will probably never buy another board that is't QMK/VIA compatible!)

I am tempted by a QMK numpad to sit aongside my 75% KB though, seems like the better solution (compared to my current setup where I have an old 100% KB sat behind the 75, for when I occasionally need the numpad!)
Click to expand...

i think style wise that's definitely more my wheelhouse, price is a thing but i does look like they're justifying it with build quality.

i suppose if i think about averaging it over the 12 years i've had the k95 (bought it basically on release) it's not too horrendous.
 
adolf hamster said:
I don't really have any rational reason to put forward, but i think i'm just too used to a single monolithic keyboard.



i think style wise that's definitely more my wheelhouse, price is a thing but i does look like they're justifying it with build quality.

i suppose if i think about averaging it over the 12 years i've had the k95 (bought it basically on release) it's not too horrendous.
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It is pricey, it was just the first that came to mind that had all those extra keys.
The V6 Max is more affordable (and currently on a lightning deal!) and has all the same. It doesn't have a metal base but I'm sure the build quality is otherwise very good too.
There are also bound to be other options from other makes, I'll have a bit more of a look later when I'm on my PC.

And I'm the same with my qpad mk 85, had it close to 15 years and it's still in use as my work keyboard as it's been totally reliable and feels nice to type on :)
 
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