I randomly got recommended Hipyo Tech on YouTube one day and since have been watching his videos. I haven’t got a clue about mechanical keyboards, but I have strong tastes in terms of aesthetics. Long story short, I kept checking shit out and stumbled across a keyboard he hasn’t reviewed yet and I think I’m in love. But I don’t know if it’s any good or is even Linux compatible. So… is the ATK V75X a decent purchase? Or does it suck?

https://www.atk.store/products/atk-vxe-v75-x-mechanical-gaming-keyboard

The look I’m interested in, is the all matte black oka Gunmetal. I don’t have the foggiest about the difference between the switches.

  • @[email protected]OPEnglish
    2•4 months ago

    Looking up the keyboard on AliExpress, it claims to be hot swappable, but you’d still recommend a different base?

    Also red switches? Brown switches?

    Anything that requires a Chromium browser makes me sceptical.

    • @[email protected]
      3•4 months ago

      Via uses chromium for the WebUSB api which firefox didnt implement because its a security nightmare. Vial is not as polished but is an open source standalone software

      Red/brown/etc originate from Cherry MX switches (the style of keyswitch) and each color is a different kind of swotch with different tactile feel and sound. Red are linear. Imagine a mushy rubber button with no feedback. Brown has a tactile bump that is more typical of a keyboard where theres a bit of force before it actually actuates. I settled on holy pandas for now which were similar to browns but a stronger tactile feel.

      I’m not 100% sure how good it is but as long as you read reviews to understand what the shortcomings and strengths of the board are, most keyboards should be fine. From what I’ve seen in a quick google search, this particular keyboard is probably ok, but some people have reported this company’s keyboards randomly dying and little to no support. Reputable brands will obviously guarantee no funny business but with the tradeoff of cost. I would recommend joining some communities (e.g. the discord communities like MechGroupBuys) and asking around for more peoples experience with budget keyboards if the cost is a concern.

      • @[email protected]OPEnglish
        2•4 months ago

        This is a magnificent response. Thank you so much. I felt like you walked me through a used car lot and let me sit behind the wheel for the first time in my life. Thank you so much.

    • @[email protected]
      3•4 months ago

      My suggestion is to get a keyboard with the features you want, then the keycaps you want. Then you can experiment with small switch sets to find one you like. Search for Outemu switches on Ali Express, they have very adorable affordable packs of 10. If you’re unsure whether you’d like a linear, tactile or clicky, get one from each at least. Get both regular and silent versions of tactile to try out. I really like the Silent Lemon tactile V3. People rave about the Panda.

      Note that keycap material and to a lesser degree geometry will affect the sound too. You can also add o-rings to the caps to decrease high frequency sounds.

      Edit: adorable/affordable. Autocorrupt made a funny.