@GFWD I know exactly what you mean. I own both an Ikki68 and a Stellar65 which both share the same «exploded» 68-key layout. I operate both keyboards with SA profile keycaps. I like the Stellar65 better, and I think I has to do with the lower typing inclination angle of 6° versus 6.5° for the Ikki68. This may sound like a small difference, but the height difference of the top row is significant. Moreover, the bottom row of the Stellar65 starts out perhaps 1mm lower in height than the Ikki68. [I will update this posting with more accurate height measurements as soon as I can.]
Nonetheless, I find both keyboards still too high to be fully comfortable with SA profile keycaps. A palm rest would definitely help, but I currently do no have the room for that on my desk. Moreover, I have not yet found a palm rest of the right length. This is the known curse of the «exploded» 68-key keyboards; finding the right sized accessories for this orphan layout…
Height and typing inclination angle are not an issue on the mother of all «exploded» 68-keyboards; the MagicForce 68, which I operate with somewhat lower AFSA profile keycaps. However, one needs to solder in a replacement PCB to make render it programmable with QMK. However, this is also a good opportunity to replace its switches. The keycaps on the Magicforce 68 are fully exposed, which is not my personal preference. The case —the only thing that remains original— also requires some sound dampening.
I recently also acquired a hotswap LTC-NB681 Nimbleback from Amazon, which looks promising in terms of height and inclination angle. However, as far as I know, programming the layout layers is only possible using its proprietary Windows™ software, which is not documented. For that reason, I have not yet succeeded in doing so. Any directions from this readership is more than welcome. QMK or VIA firmware options would be even better.
I would really love to see a company like Keychron produce a model with this «exploded» form factor. What is holding them up? They produce almost every other form factor under the sun…
Finally, another point of difference between the Stellar65 and the Ikki68 is the area of the case rim around the keyboard. I like to rest my left pinkie there when I am reading instead of typing. It is larger and more usable for that purpose with the Stellar65.
As for the differently sounding space bar, I think most keyboards “suffer” from this, which is inherent to the significantly larger volume of the space bar keycap.
I hope this helps with objectively quantifying your feelings about the Ikki68.
Their first two self-branded MX-compatible switches happen to be two of my very favorites… >.>
