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.

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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.

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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?