Well I fell down the custom keyboard world.

Noxia · Tuesday at 09:31

I just remembered what time of year it is and if my KB is going to receive a decent discount in the next few weeks. Dumb question but if you buy any barebones and equip it with those Gateron HE switches, does that make it the same as the Q6? Or not because it has to have something on the PCB oto recognise those type of switches too, actually now I've typed it out that must be it.
I kind of wanted a white one (so I'm not 1:1 copying mrk

)but doesn't seem to exist in ISO layout.

I looked at the Nuphy Field HE one too but got put off by the ugly controls on the left and also I want at least 96% this time, as I had to swap keyboards for certain games.

mrk · Tuesday at 09:42

Not sure about via as never used it but in kc launcher web app it's:

Noxia · Tuesday at 09:47

~~Sorry what do you mean by 'via'~~? edit, weren't responding to me

Is it right I can use pretty much any keycaps I want if they are for 100% keyboards and cherry compatible? I feel there are a few I need to get out my system but I like the look of the shape with the default ones tbh.

t2na · Tuesday at 10:10

Noxia said:
~~Sorry what do you mean by 'via'~~? edit, weren't responding to me Is it right I can use pretty much any keycaps I want if they are for 100% keyboards and cherry compatible? I feel there are a few I need to get out my system but I like the look of the shape with the default ones tbh.

Yeah, as long as it's a cherry keycap it'll fit on a regular cherry style switch. It's worth looking at both the switches you're using and the keycaps - you can find things like Topre caps which wouldn't fit on a regular cherry switch.

Majority of stuff available is cherry format though, you have to look for the non-standard.

Noxia · Tuesday at 10:37

t2na said:
Yeah, as long as it's a cherry keycap it'll fit on a regular cherry style switch. It's worth looking at both the switches you're using and the keycaps - you can find things like Topre caps which wouldn't fit on a regular cherry switch.

Majority of stuff available is cherry format though, you have to look for the non-standard.

Good to know thanks, and 'PBT Double-shot' are the ones most people go for in terms of durability?

Raymond Lin · Tuesday at 10:40

Noxia said:
Good to know thanks, and 'PBT Double-shot' are the ones most people go for in terms of durability?

On paper, yes, but it's case by case. Not all PBT keycaps are made equal.

Noxia · Tuesday at 11:05

Raymond Lin said:
On paper, yes, but it's case by case. Not all PBT keycaps are made equal.

I'll probably just stick with default for now, just see loads of interesting colours and stuff and I get distracted.

Jenz · Wednesday at 14:59

So I took delivery yesterday of a Keychron Q3 Pro Special Edition yesterday (ISO Barebones in Olive Green no less). Fitted it with a nice set of Keychron Keycaps and Banana Switches.

Sadly after using it for two days it's rather "Meh" and not the premium product I am used to from Keychron.

Firstly whilst it's nice to have a relatively HUGE knob (no sniggering) I am just not using it. Why? Because all my audio volume is on my DAC/Amp.

Secondly the 4 large Macro keys on the left side are visually a different shape to the keycaps, only have one switch so do not feel great when pressed, and truthfully again I am not using. Also strangely, and I didn't expect this, I am finding that I catch my fingers on them when reaching for left ctrl and left shift.

I can't see it being a keeper. I'm already looking at the K10 HE and Q6 HE full size keyboards on the rainforest :eek:

Noxia · Friday at 10:25

I decided I don't need a 100% so I sent it back and will get smaller. There is like one game I play that uses numpad,and that's my main use. So I ordered an 80% so I at least get function keys back.

Raymond Lin · Friday at 10:29

Noxia said:
I decided I don't need a 100% so I sent it back and will get smaller. There is like one game I play that uses numpad,and that's my main use. So I ordered an 80% so I at least get function keys back.

Wise choice

75% here + numpad. Once paired, when I need it I just turn it on and use it straight away. Turn it off once finished what I need it for.

Noxia · Friday at 10:30

Raymond Lin said:
Wise choice

75% here + numpad. Once paired, when I need it I just turn it on and use it straight away. Turn it off once finished what I need it for.

Glad I didn't but I nearly got one of those Everest Max keyboards where you could attach a numpad to either side. It can be useful for sure at times but I don't think I've really noticed not having one for years. Didn't think of getting a wireless one tbh.

Raymond Lin · Friday at 11:23

Noxia said:
Glad I didn't but I nearly got one of those Everest Max keyboards where you could attach a numpad to either side. It can be useful for sure at times but I don't think I've really noticed not having one for years. Didn't think of getting a wireless one tbh.

Oh yeah, I know those but they are not necessary unless you want it matched 100%.

My Numpad is silver, i guess it will match my QK Alice but not the others. It's fine, since I only take it out when I need it, like doing my yearly self assessment.

Jenz · 2025-10-25T10:30:47+0100

After my disappointment with the Q3 Pro SE (specifically the SE) I’ve ordered iso barebones of the Monsgeek M1 V5 and a navy blue barebones iso knob Lemokey P1.