Upgradable and future-proof mechanical keyboard

[TheBinarySheep]

A couple of years ago, I picked up a Keychron K3 (75% layout) for use with my Mac. Overall, it’s been a great keyboard - compact, stylish, and satisfying to type on. However, the tops of the keycaps have started to lose their texture, and a few are even beginning to peel. I reached out to Keychron to see if replacement keycaps were available, but unfortunately, they don’t offer any and there don't seem to be any third party alternatives.

So now I’m considering replacing the keyboard entirely, and I’d really like to find something that’s more future-proof in terms of upgrade options and replacement parts.

Here’s what I’m looking for:

• 75% UK layout (with Mac key legends)
• Aesthetic: white and visually clean (not fussed about RGB)
• Build quality: solid and premium feel
• Hot-swappable switches: with a wide range of compatible options
• Common keycap profile: so replacements are easy to find
• Sound: thocky, not pingy, with a light actuation force
• Low profile: ideally, but I understand this may limit switch/keycap compatibility

For context, my current K3 uses Keychron’s Banana Optical switches (57g actuation, early tactile bump, soft sound). I’ve also added foam/tape mods to dampen any unwanted ringing.

Would love to hear any recommendations that tick most of these boxes!

[jimmyjimjim]

Knock yourself out.

https://drop.com/mechanical-keyboards/drops?sc=key...

The K3 seems to take gateron switches as well, which makes them standard MX stems, which in turn makes them take MX keycaps. Keychron themselves seem to offer replacement keysets.

Personally, I like MT3 profile, so I'd get this.

https://drop.com/buy/drop-matt3o-mt3-dev-tty-keyca...

Just need to check all your keys are covered.

[TheBinarySheep]

jimmyjimjim said:

Knock yourself out.

https://drop.com/mechanical-keyboards/drops?sc=key...

The K3 seems to take gateron switches as well, which makes them standard MX stems, which in turn makes them take MX keycaps. Keychron themselves seem to offer replacement keysets.

Personally, I like MT3 profile, so I'd get this.

https://drop.com/buy/drop-matt3o-mt3-dev-tty-keyca...

Just need to check all your keys are covered.

The stems are the same, but on keys like space, backspace and enter the stems for the stabilisers are slightly offset so those keys don't fit. I purchased a cheap seat of keycaps from Amazon yesterday. They've arrived, have all the keys I need but because of the offset stabilisers some keys don't fit.

Keychron offer replacement caps, but not for the K3 v2.

Edited by TheBinarySheep on Sunday 15th June 13:35

[SimpleSimonSays]

I really like these people:

https://www.keyboardco.com/

I’m not sure where you’re based, but if you’re near enough, you can ring these guys and then go and see them, and they’ll let you sit for hours trying lots of different keyboards.

[TheBinarySheep]

Sod it, I've ordered a Keychron Q1 Max.

[Baroque attacks]

Keychron here for home working.

Served me well for something like 5-6 years so far.


Click clack click

Edited by Baroque attacks on Sunday 15th June 19:06

[page3]

I went from the K2 to the Q3 Max and it’s a huge upgrade.

[Monsterlime]

I have a Zoom TKL by Meletrix, which IMO is fantastic and the only issue is the lack of ISO support. The latest version of it, the Zoom TKL DYNA fixes that issue (you can switch between ISO and ANSI on the board now).

It is however, a group buy. Nothing is guaranteed, and it might be a long way past August when it shows up. Meletrix DO have a good track record though and are not just some fly by night group, and are well regarded.

I have also ordered the new one, from here - https://prototypist.net/products/group-buy-zoom-tk...

The original is nice and thocky, and according to this - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpZ0OXkocJw the new one is excellent as well.