I read that some have had issues with Glorious hardware (mice/keyboards) after 1-2 years. Has anyone else had this experience with hardware in general (not specific to Glorious)? I am replacing my Corsair board not because the board isn’t good, it’s solely because the LED’s keep failing (after 1-2 years) and I want something that I can use for at least 5 years.
I came across this inexpensive hot-swappable board, it’s not a 100% metal shell like I want, but replacing it every 2 years if needed wouldn’t be the end of the world. It would just need a set of shine through keys: Amazon.com
I am a budget minded individual and I’ve owned lots of cheaper mechanical keyboards before I discovered the custom side of this hobby. I had a Glorious board that lasted a little more than a year, the PCB shorted. I’ve had some RK (Royal Kludge) boards that lasted longer but most of the lesser known brands that I’ve used are junk.
Currently, I own three Keychron boards, a V6, a K10 Pro and a C2. For the money, Keychron is a top choice in my opinion. If you need all metal, go with the Q6 Pro or Max. My V6 is polycarb but has good weight and feels great to type on. I do not have experience with Keychron encoders or knobs, my boards are basic 104 - 108 layouts. I know one could replace a cheap board, well, cheap but I find that wasteful. Get a good board once.
“Get a good board once” - This is/was my initial plan and reason for this thread to seek advice to build a “final” keyboard.
The problem, as you pointed out in your own experience, even good/recognized brands are good for 1-2 years. So it’s not really get a “good board once” situation, it’s pay more for a disposable board - in the end you will get a better experience, at a higher cost, for the 1-2 years.
However, you mention good experience with Keychron. I had my eyes originally on the Keychron Q6, but then discovered 2 ‘issues’.
The RGB led is south facing, and I prefer to have top sided print on my keys. Do they make shine through/top keys that function with south facing RGB?
The knob is in an awkward position. Do they not seek real user feedback when designing their boards?
I read a review that said the knob did not function very well. Granted , this was a single review and the problem may have been between the chair and keyboard (the user).
I don’t think Keychron offers anything with north facing LEDs that also has an encoder. My K10 is north facing and the LEDs are nice and bright for shine-through caps. But if the knob is a deal breaker, that won’t work for you. The V6 LEDs are also bright and could possibly provide enough light to shine your top printed caps. The Q6 would be a similar PCB with similar components.
I agree with your comment on knob placement and honestly don’t know what they were thinking when these designs were approved.
Wish I could give you some insight on the functions, apologies. My bet, agreeing with you again, is that one review had a bad board or just buyer’s remorse.
I have a Keychron Q1 pro. I’ve not had any problems with the knob. Both turning left and right and pressing on it are programmable. No issues with it not working or rubbing against the case.
My Corsair RGB issue has resolved itself so I am going to roll with it until if/when it breaks again and it is permanent.
Coincidentally, Corsair denied my RMA, stating that the warranty replacement I received last year does not extend the warranty time of my original purchase from Amazon. I get it, I guess, but disappointing that they do not stand behind their products. They offered me a $10 off coupon as a gesture of goodwill.