OCAU Mechanical Keyboard Thread (No selling here, please use the Trading Forums)

I sorted it - kinda. Used AutoHotKey to assign a macro to Alt-W, then assigned Alt-W to Key1 on the board. Kludgey, but it actually works.

 

Only one mech keyboard thread? Wow. Anyway... As my budget won't stretch to a Keychron Q5 Max, I need to work with what I have.

I have COUGAR ATTACK 2 (Red switches, soldered).

It's "OK" but it is
1. Loud
2. Loud
3. Space bar stability is poor and it sounds shite.

I'd welcome any tips as to mods I could do to improve this board - perhaps people have experience with it?

link to Cougar Attack2 specs

 

Guess foam and tape mods are your best bet, I wouldn't put any more money into it otherwise.

 

It's been a while but I think my keyboard has two record modes. One of them plays back the key presses sequentially. The other one will record key press length and pauses. The only way to get it to record 'hold a key' would be to actually hold a key for an extended. While recording in the proper mode. There was no software for the PC side. Maybe you have some equivalent for your thing.

My keyboard is an AZIO one. For the money it is incredibly underwhelming. The keycaps were particularly horrid and I think print screen or scroll lock was mislabeled. I replaced all but the macro keys with some cheap eBay pudding top double shot caps and put it in my workshop to get solder and swarf flung at it.

 

I've had an AZIO keyboard early on down the rabbithole - it was a retro-looking thing, lots of very tacky chrome (I didn't buy it). Supposedly mechanical, but I'd say it was an over-marketed dome thing - nothing like a Cherry/Gateron switch feel. The software was terrible.

The software for this little macro pad is very limiting - it'll let you record and assign a keystroke, or sequence of keystrokes (ctrl-alt-del, for example), but there's no way to let it 'record' for a time period and then assign that to a key.
But, for eight bucks delivered I'm definitely not going to grizzle - in conjunction with the AutoHotKey software, it's working fine.

I got the three-key, one-knob unit. It's got a Type C input, a very nice pot on the knob, and RGB LEDs under each key - which you can have light up when you press, or constant cycle. You can't select colours.
Switches are red, likely a Gateron clone as they have dustproof stems. They are 'Drinkey' branded - I'm guessing bottom-barrel stuff, although they feel alright and there's a healthy 'thwomp' to them on the little board.
The base is too deep for the switches - they home nicely, but the retention clasps don't engage so when you pull the cap you pull the switch, too. They seem to be hot-swappable.

I replaced the switches with my beloved Akko Purples, and swapped the blank keycaps for labelled ones. Aside from the lights, all is working as I'd hoped

 

So just generic? No particular kits or anything out there I assume.


Now I just gotta hunt for a KB to use while I have this one apart
1st world problems.

 

picked up this set off Temu for $23ish (Zero machine PBT keycaps)

 

Hey guys, I am new the to keyboard game,
I have a modified keycron k6 that a mate did some work on. Where are some good reputable places to get decent/wide range of key caps from
Cheers

 

it's growing on me

 

Switchkeys. PCCG. Amazon if you're willing to take the risk of fakes.

 

I've got 2 nice sets off Temu.

 

Not sure where else I can post this (maybe time for a dedicated gaming mice/peripheral thread?), but I just had a pair of carbon fibre Finalmouse UltralightX Tigers (large) arrive at the door step.



These are my 3rd and 4th FM mice, first two were both the previous generation magnesium Tenz but I sold them because the scroll wheels on them weren't aligned properly.

These two ULXes though are a step above in terms of fit and finish. We'll see how long they'll last over time, but with first impressions, very happy with them so far.

 

Goes well with the office set-up

 

Finally got around to getting a proper keyboard dust cover.

 

This looks amazing! I need a 60% kb however I've never modded/built one. Apart from the keys what would I need - on absolute budget?

 

You can buy pre-built units from China, or even Kmart for cheap, but I think investing a little bit more, maybe up to $100 or so is a nice sweet spot in getting a quality board, switches and keycaps for a good price. Really depends on what you are looking for, but you can definitely find anything that you want. Only thing holding you back is your inagination and of course, budget.

 

Thank you. I'f I can locate a set of the same keycaps I'm in . Step 1...

 

I can see it on AliExpress for $28.



Looks like you can get in on Temu, but I'm still sus on them.

 

Cheers. Seems Aliexpress uses an assortment of odd names and their parametric search isn’t great. Image search located then.
Having only searched beeiflothe gmk67 looks ideal. Still has arrow keys and a media knob!

However, keyboard, keys and switches all sold seperate. Adds up quickly and more search than I thought I’d need ;-)

 

I just ordered a GMK87, which has knob, screen, arrows etc, and everything included.
Haven't yet received so can't comment on quality, but someone else here recently posted one up too.