/r/BudgetKeebs

Photograph via snooOG

Keyboards of all budgets welcome! Budget does not mean "cheap", it means working within a reasonable price range but still purchasing quality items, or the best available within your range.

We also love DIY boards; 3D printed, hand wired, whatever you have, we love the creativity of the community and the wonderful and amazing projects that are created every day.

No GroupBuys, Indiegogo, or Kickstarter links!

Try our Discord server: https://discord.budgetkeebs.com/ for quick help!

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Discord

Why BudgetKeebs?

r/BudgetKeebs is a place where everyone can feel comfortable sharing their work, regardless of price tag, and asking questions without fear of ridicule or insult. Let's keep it nice, we're here to share about a hobby which many of us love. Let's keep the vibe positive and just like the old saying goes "If you've got nothing nice to say, then best to say nothing at all". Keep Calm and Keyboard On (KCKO - Just, I know Keto uses it too, but why can't we?). Please avoid using language or phrases that may have negative social or political connotations. Please, no low effort or questions without context/details/information. Be thoughtful about what you are trying to communicate before posting. Posts that remain below 1 karma can be removed by moderators at anytime. NO GBs!

Please ask all "Which keyboard should I buy?" questions in the weekly thread pinned at the top of the sub.

Do not advertise or share affiliate links without permission from a moderator.

(Chat and PMs are meant for sub related issues. If you have a keyboard question, please post it in the weekly question thread or ask on our DISCORD SERVER) - This way the question and subsequent answers remain for posterity

If you are sharing your video content, you must be a regular user of the sub. Users who do post drive bys will be removed.

Sister Subs

/r/BudgetKeebsMarket - Our own marketplace which is still in it's nascent form. Looking for volunteers to help make this sub come to life

/r/CustomKeeb - Dedicated to all custom projects; hand wired, 3D printed, different materials, etc. Creativity is the name of the game

r/Kmonad - Kmonad is an OSS tool that allows the end user almost limitless configurability of their keyboard at the OS level

/r/KeySwitchTrades - Got a bag of switches from a mystery buy? Wanna trade them for others you would like? Want to trade switches one for one and each cover shipping? This sub is for users looking to trade switches without cash, just even swaps. (Looking for mods)

TRUSTED VENDORS

PullingKeys

https://pullingkeys.com - Family owned web store that carries storage containers for switches/keycaps, switches including Gazzew - use code 'BudgetKeebs' for a 5% discount on your order.

Redragon

https://redragonshop.com/ - A budget gaming brand who has stepped up their game lately by adding support for practically all 3/5 pin switches. When they are not running sales the code 'BudgetKeebs' will get you a 10% discount from their shop.

Skyloong

https://skyloongtech.com/ - One of the originals. A brand that is truly coming up with some interesting designs, as well as their first QMK/VIA keeb! When shopping their store, use the discount code 'BudgetKeebs' for a 15% discount!

KPRepublic

https://kprepublic.com/ - Is a Chinese based vendor that carries many products, from kits, to switches, to practically anything needed for keyboards. They have a good track record with fulfilling orders on time and correctly, though as with anything in life, some time there are issues. Their support is very helpful in finding solutions. Much better than they were in the past.

Milktooth.nu

https://milktooth.nu - Know what switches feel like before buying them Try 10 switches for 5 days. Discover your favorite switch—right at your fingertips—before making a purchase.

KeebMats

https://keebmat.com - Ever needed a keyboard mat sized exactly to the footprint of your keyboard? Keebmats have you covered! High quality products from a trusted vendor. All BudgetKeeb members get a 10% discount with the code BUDGETISBEST (We do not receive a kickback, the entire discount goes to the customer)

Dangkeebs

https://dangkeebs.com/ - A store with unique selection of product sand excellent customer support. You can use the code 'BudgetKeebs' for a discount if you place an order.

VENDORS TO AVOID OR TO BE CAUTIOUS OF

(Note, these are only suggestions based on personal or second hand experience; these vendors are known to have issues with customer support issues and/or product quality issues)

Keychron

Not only have reports of defective/DOA units increased significantly, they no longer seem to be responding to their post sales support emails, and it has now been revealed that their database was hacked and all of the credit cards used on their site are now at risk, and they have made no statement, so their site could still be compromised. Please be cautious and if possible, avoid completely. (https://www.reddit.com/r/Keychron/comments/1dya8tb/keychron_billing_hacked/ https://www.reddit.com/r/Keychron/comments/1dnuyq5/cc_fraudulent_activity_after_keychron_purchase https://www.trustpilot.com/review/keychron.com)

Keeb-Finder

Be cautious when using this site, it is fully funded via affiliate links which could affect their rating system.

diykeycap(dot)com

Spamming communities across Reddit, drop shipper that sells items from AliExpress at inflated prices.

KeebMonkey and WOBKEY

KeebMonkey/WOBKey is no longer a trusted vendor, complaints have been coming and and we've made the decision to move them to vendors to avoid. We highly advise to not buy anything from this outfit. Though they were once a respected vendor, they have failed many customers and are now not delivering on their promises. Avoid at all cost!

BerserKeys

Vendor to avoid as they are known for breaking set rules to spam their "store" all over the Internet, so much so they have been banned from Reddit altogether. There are much better vendors to choose from in AU.

NuPhy

We are seeing an increased amount of reports of faulty NuPhy keyboards, as well as poor and non-existent customer service and after sales support. Also, many report of shipping via third party unknown courier and many lost packages which NuPhy fails to correct. Caution is advised if choosing to spend money with this business.

Epomaker

Is snatching up all manner of kits, even bad ones (Looking at you Eclair), and now is refusing to honor warranties. We recommend either avoiding Epomaker products, buying the original model (Epomaker is only a reseller/ TH66 = Dukharo66, TH68 = LK67, TH80 = NJ80, etc.), or purchasing from a trustworthy vendor who will accept returns.

Keygeak

New store that has representatives spamming their overpriced by as much as 300% products. Anything they list can be found cheaper elsewhere, even on Amazon.

HK Gaming

This company has been caught doing numerous unscrupulous things including cyber squatting. We highly recommend avoiding this vendor and their products.

Nuovolo

Besides spamming their drop shipped products across numerous subs including here, there are multiple reports of severe customer service issues, DOAs, and receipt of cheaper incorrect orders.

RESOURCES

((Feel free to suggest more))

65% Mechanical keyboards (MechTech)

https://youtu.be/uRky2LSCAbo

75% Mechanical keyboards (MechTech)

https://youtu.be/97OyvAxptTg

Mechanical keyboards: everything you need to know

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8jX2DpHA5E

How to Choose the RIGHT Keyboard Size (60%, 65%, TKL, 100%)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWYxofVGIB0

How to Choose The BEST Mechanical Keyboard For You!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wimjq3SHmJA

Mechanical vs Membrane Keyboards: Are Mechanical Keyboards Worth It?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVtjCbpW7as

ULTIMATE Key Switch Comparison - Which is Best for You?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_N7adWvQDM

Ultimate Guide to Custom Keycap Sets for Mechanical Keyboards | ABS vs PBT, GMK, Profiles, and more!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkXZLs7zzHk

Plastic Vs Aluminum (Tofu60) Keyboard Case Sound Comparisonhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVD31ZTo-z4


Switch List

A very comprehensive list of switches.

Open Source Projects

Curated List of Open Source keyboard projects

Member YouTube Channels

(Message mod if yours is not listed)

MechTechKeyboards - /u/badmark

SamBoga - /u//Mr-Boga38

KtotheB - u/frontzer0

CaviteTech - /u/cavitetech

KeebDude - u/Airmaxrr

Ken - u/DjangoCornbread

Joe Scotto - u/Joe_Scotto

Member Written Blogs

MechTechKeys - /u/badmark

NeroKeys - /u/monkeyofficeboy

ScottoKeebs - u/Joe_Scotto

Budget Keebs Marketplace

/r/BudgetKeebsMarket

Software

KPRepublic has a great collection of budget board software downloads.~~

/r/BudgetKeebs

42,600 Subscribers

13

BOOOOOOOO!

7 Comments
2024/10/31
21:31 UTC

7

Leaf-spring mounted 98%!? | Kzzi K98 Review

2 Comments
2024/10/31
13:45 UTC

2

Tsangan is for Windows users.

OK, I've been using this keyboard in Tsangan layout on my Mac for a few hours now and damn it's annoying hitting the little tiny OS key, and I'd be even more stuck if I used the trad Mac layout since there isn't a 1.5u OS key at all.

Windows hardly uses the "Win" key at all, it's only a shortcut for Ctl-Esc anyway. That's why disabling the Win key is no big deal and why WKL keyboards are actually a thing.

Mac OS uses Cmd (the Apple name for the OS key) all the time, it's the go-to shortcut key for copy and paste and menu shortcuts and everything. But I have to pass up a significant number of keycap sets because they don't have an alternate legend or even a 1.5u novelty to use instead of "Win", yet they still manage to include a 7u spacebar and 1.5u control and alt keys.

Discuss.

11 Comments
2024/10/30
14:12 UTC

58

Dang it!! Why did I build it left to right!?

Ali express caps ruined my pre Halloween post! This was going so well, until it wasn’t. Whomp Whaaaa…

A holiday PSA to always check your modifiers before building

Brought to you by: Savin a Buck, Inc.

11 Comments
2024/10/30
13:26 UTC

12

Converted Y&R 6095 to Tsangan layout.

6 Comments
2024/10/30
00:38 UTC

49

Budget trifecta (and regrets?)

14 Comments
2024/10/29
19:50 UTC

5

Kinetic Labs Black on Chalk PBT Keycaps and Latte Switches | Review & Sound Test

5 Comments
2024/10/29
19:13 UTC

91

First alu65% keyboard build (Lucky65 V2)

Keyboard is too clean, everything I need in a keyboard except for a knob unfortunately. Was thinking of getting better switches for a more thockier/creamier/deep sounding. Any recommendations for a budget switch?

Specs: Lucky65 V2 Gateron Reds Black Lotus Keycaps

30 Comments
2024/10/29
16:39 UTC

18

Record Alice V2 might be the best budget aluminum board that actually sounds good foamless [HMX Xinhai & GMK Metropolis]

16 Comments
2024/10/29
09:55 UTC

11

Aula F75 Pro: 3 Mode Plastic 75% with a knob | Review and Sound Test

9 Comments
2024/10/28
20:45 UTC

11

Akko Botany Switch Review

3 Comments
2024/10/28
15:09 UTC

25

MOA planck with Hokusai (36 views of Mount Fuji) keycaps.

6 Comments
2024/10/28
08:50 UTC

86

Found this in a drawer, played dress-up today with it.

I sharpened my focus based on use case to 65s and 96s. So this one sat in a drawer, ignored for a cupola of months and has gone unused. Tonight, after using it and putting it together i realized it badly needs a force break and some tape on the PCB. Prob remove the foams as well. So while it looks pretty good, it won’t stay this way for long. I’ll be moding it this week so I can add it to the rotation again.

21 Comments
2024/10/28
03:46 UTC

75

I upvote bigger keyboards, and just saw this: Hyper 7 R4

15 Comments
2024/10/27
17:49 UTC

8

Elec Fox Inky75: 75% 3-Mode $69 Aluminum Mechanical Keyboard | Review and Sound Test

11 Comments
2024/10/26
16:13 UTC

128

My first keyboard build!

Garuda Gear GG68B with KTT Kang Whites, the keycaps are cheap ones from shopee. The total amount I spent is around 45 dollars, 25 dollars for the keeb itself, 10 dollars each for the keycaps and switches

25 Comments
2024/10/26
14:22 UTC

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