So I want to try out using an ANSI layout. I’ve been using ISO all my life but there just are so few keycaps supporting ISO… I was thinking of getting a Ducky One 3 Yellow SF and putting Kalih Box Navy Switches in it and combining that with a Akko Black & Bronze ASA keycap set. I initially wanted to get the Akko Starry Night keycaps but they are no longer available locally to me. What do you think about that? Is the ducky a good choice? I like how compact it is and yet it has arrow keys.
Ducky is a great choice for a prebuilt, regardless of what keycap set you use with it. Especially now that it is hot-swappable.
Yes being Hot-Swap was very important to me. All the ducky one 3’s are hot-swappable right? I have some older mechanical keyboards but they are not hot swap. For example i have one with red switches and It’s really not bad at all but I just don’t use it because i don’t love the switches. If it was hot-swap i could just try out some new switches on it instead of buying a new board.
Thanks for your advice! I always like to double check that I’m not buying a brand that is generally regarded as poor quality or something.
If you’re just interested in prebuilts, personally I like the keychron k pro series keyboards! No idea about the specific ducky, but usually they’re a good brand.
Yep.
It indeed is, especially when new to the hobby. The best way to try out different switches without worrying about time and/or money.
That’s a good practice. Back when I was looking for a prebuilt, I read that Ducky keyboards are built sturdy. The keyboard that I purchased (Ducky Tuxedo) exceeded my expectations. This was around 3 or maybe 4 years back, and the switches were soldered.
For comparison with my only other prebuilt - the Keychron K2 - the Tuxedo has less flex and creaking. Though K2 still held its own by being wireless and hotswap. Though the newer keyboards from Ducky are hot-swappable.
You may look for the keyboard that meets your requirements. The prebuilts scene has come a long way! :-)
When in doubt, feel free to drop a message here (not yet sure whether DMs are supported).
I want to like Ducky but you can’t use QMK with it.
Most prebuilt manufacturers don’t support QMK/VIA in favour of their in-house, often proprietary, configuration software.
I can see that being a show stopper for some but not everyone. Go with what meets your requirements at the time of buying. :-)