Jump to research

Composed by

Profile picture

w. l.

Views

55

Version history

w. l., 679d ago

March 30, 2023

What's the best 75% custom mechanical keyboard

I conducted research on the best 75% custom mechanical keyboards by examining various sources, including Reddit discussions, websites, and blog posts [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10]. There was a range of opinions and recommendations, but several keyboards were consistently mentioned as top choices. In this response, I'll discuss some of the most recommended 75% custom mechanical keyboards and their features. Keep in mind that individual preferences and needs might differ, so the "best" option will vary for each person.

Have an opinion? Send us proposed edits/additions and we may incorporate them into this article with credit.

Words

0

Time

2m 37s

Contributors

270

Words read

16.9k

GMMK Pro

GMMK Pro

The GMMK Pro is a popular choice for a 75% custom mechanical keyboard [1] [3] [4] [5] [7] [8] [9] . It has a unique case design, hot-swappable capability, and a configurator to customize parts [3] . The GMMK Pro also features an aluminum frame, gasket mounting, and south-facing LEDs [4] . However, some users have mentioned that this keyboard has more muted sound and mediocre stabilizers [8] . Modding and foam can help improve the sound acoustics [9] .
Keychron Q1 Pro

Keychron Q1 Pro

The Keychron Q1 Pro is another highly recommended 75% custom mechanical keyboard [3] [4] [5] . It has a high-quality build, fully modded and assembled in the quality of a custom keyboard [4] . This keyboard comes with pre-lubed switches, a PC (polycarbonate) plate, and a gasket-mounted case to improve sound and feel on each keypress [4] . The Keychron Q1 Pro also offers Bluetooth compatibility and various color options for the case, keycaps, and switches [3] .
ID80v2

ID80v2

The ID80v2 is a solid option for a 75% custom mechanical keyboard and is frequently recommended [1] [2] [8] [9] [10] . It has an aluminum frame, hotswap capability, and RGB underglow [8] . The ID80v2 also offers a hefty build with a brass weight on the bottom [8] . Some users have mentioned that the stock stabilizers are not great, and the keyboard is plate-mounted with only white backlit [8] . However, it has an affordable price, making it a good choice for those getting into custom keyboards [9] .
KBD75

KBD75

The KBD75 is another option for a 75% custom mechanical keyboard [3] [6] . It features a full aluminum frame with RGB underglow and QMK software for full control [3] . This keyboard is compact but comfortable, although soldering is required [3] .
Akko MOD 007

Akko MOD 007

The Akko MOD 007 is a potential choice for a 75% custom mechanical keyboard [5] . It features hotswap capability and a knob, making it a versatile option [5] .

Other Notable Options

Several other keyboards were mentioned in my research, including the Satisfaction75, LZ-CLSm, Xeno, Singa, Keydous NJ80, and Royal Kludge RK84 [2] [4] [6] [9] . These keyboards offer various features such as lighting, spacing between the function key row and number row, hotswap capability, and different build materials [2] [4] [6] [9] . It's essential to consider individual preferences and needs when selecting the best 75% custom mechanical keyboard. In conclusion, the GMMK Pro, Keychron Q1 Pro, ID80v2, KBD75, and Akko MOD 007 are some of the most recommended 75% custom mechanical keyboards based on my research [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] . Each keyboard offers different features, and individual preferences will ultimately determine the "best" option.

Jump to top

Research

Source: "My First Custom Mechanical Keyboard! (ID80 v2)" (from reddit, r/MechanicalKeyboards)

  • ID80 v2
    • Comes with Armygroup PBT Carbon Fiber keyset
    • Switches: Drop Holy Panda’s (Lubed with Tribosys 3204 + Deskey Film), Glorious Panda’s (Lubed with Tribosys 3204 + Deskey Film), Novelkeys Creams (Lubed with Kytox 205g0)
    • Stabs: Durock (Smoke Black)
    • Artisan: Darth Vader
  • GMMK Pro
    • No specific details given
  • Rama Kara
    • No specific details given
  • Ducky One 2 Phantom black
    • Switches: Zilents, Bobas (cheaper than Zilents, with less post-bump travel)
  • IDBAO ID80v2
    • Plate is 4.5 mm think on v2 vs 1.5 on v1
    • Improved QC
    • Includes foam cutout due to noise complaints
  • Armygroup store
    • Click the blue button (ships out of Taiwan) and make an account to order
  • Transparent side print keys
    • South facing LEDs
    • Switches: Not specified

Source: "Favorite 75% or TKL keyboards?" (from reddit, r/MechanicalKeyboards)

  • Feker IK75
    • Described as “the best budget 75% keyboard”
    • Good looking entry keyboard
  • GMMK Pro
    • Described as a “decent board” with “good potential”
    • Modding and/or foam helps improve sound acoustics
  • idobao id80
    • Described as a “solid option”
    • Affordable for someone getting into custom keyboards
  • Keydous NJ80
    • Described as “super budget”
    • User loves it
  • Akko 5075b
    • Essentially the mod007 75% except with a plastic case instead of aluminum
    • Easier to achieve beautiful acoustics
  • Keychron Q1
    • User loves it
    • Easier to get acoustics than GMMK Pro
  • Sat75
    • Described as the “endgame”
    • Shiny and cool
  • Mammoth75
    • Described as cool
    • Prefer knob on Sat75
  • Calice 75% Alice keyboard
    • Described as the “coolest”
    • Still in prototype phase
  • Thera75
    • Described as a 75% option
  • HelixLab Aaru
    • Described as a TKL option
  • K63
    • User’s entry board, has a special place in their heart
  • RK68
    • User’s main board

Source: "Your thoughts on Idabao Id80 v2 vs GMMK Pro?" (from reddit, r/MechanicalKeyboards)

  • Idabao Id80 v2 ($180)
    • Pros:
      • Aluminum frame
      • Hefty - contains brass weight on bottom
      • RGB acrylic underglow (vs on GMMK case sides)
    • Cons:
      • Stock stabilizers aren’t good
      • Plate mounted
      • Only white backlit
  • GMMK Pro ($170)
    • Pros:
      • Aluminum frame
      • Contains knob
      • Gasket mounted (although stiff)
      • RGB backlit
      • Multiple plates available
    • Cons:
      • Sounds more muted
      • Stabs aren’t good (they’re especially not GOAT)
      • GMMK keycaps aren’t great, if you go full Glorious route
  • MW75 ($150)
    • Pros:
      • Aluminum frame
      • Gasket mounted
      • RGB backlit
    • Cons:
      • Pcb satellites
      • Plate mounted stabilizers

Source: "What's the best hot swappable tkl keyboard (dis..." (from reddit, r/keyboards)

  • Glorious GMMK TKL
    • Has 3 pin hotswap
    • Not sure if you can get it in white
  • ID80
    • Solid aluminium case
  • Falcon Elite
    • Comes as a barebones board
    • Has features like USB passthrough and a volume wheel
  • GMMK Pro
    • Shaping up to be a pretty good hotswap 75% whenever it releases

Source: "Budget hot swappable 65% / 75% or TKL boards?" (from reddit, r/MechanicalKeyboards)

  • Kbd67 lite
    • Getting good reviews
    • Hot swappable in 65%, 75%, and TKL sizes
  • Ducky one 3
    • Just came out
    • Getting good reviews
  • NJ80
    • Hot swappable
  • Akko ACR series
    • Hot swappable
  • FLZ eSports MK870
    • Hot swappable
  • KBD67 r3
    • Hot swappable

💭  Looking into

What are the most budget-friendly 75% custom mechanical keyboards?

💭  Looking into

What are some of the most popular new 75% custom mechanical keyboards?

💭  Looking into

Does GMMK Pro have pre-lubed switches?

💭  Looking into

Is ID80v2 fully programmable?

💭  Looking into

Does Bounce 75 have Cherry MX switches?

💭  Looking into

Does Bella have RGB lighting?

💭  Looking into

Does ESN TKL have hot-swappable sockets?

💭  Looking into

Is NK87 Alum fully programmable?

Source: "The Best Custom Mechanical Keyboards [2023] - S..." (from web, switchandclick.com)

  • Keychron Q1 Pro
    • Pre-lubed switches, so no extra lube needed
    • Bluetooth compatible
    • Comes in different colorways for case, keycaps, and different switch types
    • 75% size, has function row, arrows, nav keys, and option for knob
  • Keychron V1/V2
    • Budget friendly
    • Hot-swappable
    • 1000Hz polling rate
    • Option for RGB
    • Can come pre-assembled with pre-lubed switches and durable PBT keycaps
  • GMMK Pro
    • Unique case design and aesthetic build
    • Hot-swappable
    • Configurator to customize parts
    • Pre-lubed Glorious Lynx switches
    • Celestial Fire keycaps
    • Wooden wrist rest and red coiled cable for contrast
  • KBD75
    • Full aluminum frame with RGB underglow
    • QMK software for full control
    • Compact but comfortable
    • Soldering required
  • Drop CTRL Barebones
    • Tenkeyless size
    • Full aluminum frame, multiple power ports, full RGB lighting
    • Hot-swappable, no soldering required
    • Variety of cases and colors
  • TOFU96
    • 96% layout, ideal for data entry
    • Aluminum case and brass plate
    • Soldering required

Source: "The Best 75% Keyboards [2023] - Switch and Click" (from web, switchandclick.com)

  • Keychron Q1 Pro
    • Extremely high-quality build
    • Fully modded and assembled in the quality of a custom keyboard
    • Comes with pre-lubed switches
    • PC (polycarbonate) plate is thinner and more flexible
    • Gasket mounted case to improve sound and feel on each keypress
    • Has a Delete key
  • Keychron V1
    • Cheaper options
    • Quality keyboard without any assembly
    • USB-C, Bluetooth 5.0, and fast 2.4ghz wireless
    • Pre-assembled with pre-lubed switches and durable PBT keycaps
  • iQunix L80
    • Space-themed keyboard
    • Premium options in a prebuilt offering
    • Case made of premium Polycarbonate plastic
    • Tri-mode connectivity
    • High-quality keycaps
    • Hot-swappable sockets
  • GMMK Pro
    • Full-aluminum case with gasket-mounting
    • Case and plate foam
    • PCB-mounted stabilizers
    • Encoder knob
    • South-facing LEDs
  • Royal Kludge RK84
    • Budget board packed with features
    • Convertible ABS plastic case
    • Tri-mode connectivity
    • Per-key RGB
    • Hotswappable sockets featuring TTC switches
  • Epomaker EP84
    • Hotswap sockets
    • RGB lighting
    • Gateron optical switches
    • Larger, textured keycaps
    • Aluminum frame

Source: "Need help finding a 75% keyboard kit" (from reddit, r/MechanicalKeyboards)

  • NK87 Alum
    • Available for pre-order from NovelKeys
    • Recommended by reddit user with 6 karma
  • ESN TKL
    • Available from MechGroupBuys
    • Recommended by reddit user with 6 karma
  • Bella
    • Available from KBDFans
    • Recommended by reddit user with 6 karma
  • Bounce 75
    • Available from KBDFans
    • Recommended by reddit user with 6 karma
  • ID80v2
    • Available from various sources
    • Recommended by reddit users with 2, 1 and 3 karma
  • GMMK Pro
    • Available from various sources
    • Recommended by reddit user with 1 karma

Source: "Best 75% Keyboards?" (from reddit, r/MechanicalKeyboards)

  • Satisfaction75
    • Has lighting
    • Has spacing between the function key row and number row
  • LZ-CLSm
    • Has lighting
  • Xeno
    • Has lighting
    • Has spacing between the function key row and number row
  • Singa
    • Has lighting
  • KBDfans75v2 75%
    • Low-mid range
  • Id75 (Idobo)
    • Has RGB Underglow
    • Hotswap
    • QMK
    • Ortholinear
  • E element z88
    • Hotswappable PCB
    • Each switch is RGB addressable
  • Ajazz ak33
    • Cheap
  • GK84
    • Hotswappable PCB
    • Each switch is RGB addressable

Source: "Best 75% Kit 2022? : r/MechanicalKeyboards - re..." (from web, www.reddit.com)

  • GMMK Pro
    • “GMMK Pro, Keychron Q1-Q2 and Akko MOD 007” are mentioned as potential 75% custom mechanical keyboards
    • Hotswap and having a knob is a plus
  • Keychron Q1-Q2
    • “GMMK Pro, Keychron Q1-Q2 and Akko MOD 007” are mentioned as potential 75% custom mechanical keyboards
    • Hotswap and having a knob is a plus
  • Akko MOD 007
    • “GMMK Pro, Keychron Q1-Q2 and Akko MOD 007” are mentioned as potential 75% custom mechanical keyboards
    • Hotswap and having a knob is a plus

💭  Looking into

What is the best 75% custom mechanical keyboard?