deskthority

Hello, what are the heavier modern plug & play (no modding) keyboards currently on the market?
At least 5/6 LB heavy. Is there only the Model F? Thank you

> Modern ... Model F
Hmm. What's your definition of "modern"? The Model F was introduced in 1981 and the last ones were made about 1994.

I'm talking about keyboards currently on the market with a modern layout. I mean the Ellipse Model F F77.

Ah. Well, there are the various new Models M made by Unicomp.

I have a Das Keyboard from a few years ago and it has a nice, thick metal switch mounting plate. I think the Filco Majestouch does, as well. The full-sized versions of both have enough room in their cases to have a nice, bassy sound.

There are a variety of new keyboards that just throw a weight in the case and that's it. I think that's missing the point: the case should be heavy because the "heaviness" is from the construction of the case.

iKBC MF108 is rather heavy. It's quite the block of aluminum

ThermometerSandwich wrote: ↑

27 Aug 2022, 20:27

iKBC MF108 is rather heavy. It's quite the block of aluminum

Yes, it's curious, my question originates from this! I already have an IKBC MF108 V2 for a few years, but it hasn't worked well for a few months ... It has a problem with the internal memory that does not keep the settings saved. Then I would like to buy an IKBC MF108 V3 but now these keyboards are nowhere to be found, absolutely out of production. Then I would like to find an alternative.
Or I ship my IKBC MF108 V2 to Taiwan for repair if I have no alternative.

This might still be available. Not sure. https://www.reddit.com/r/mechmarket/com ... urce=share

hellothere wrote: ↑

27 Aug 2022, 19:13

Ah. Well, there are the various new Models M made by Unicomp.

Model Ms are quite heavy in the grand scheme of things. Though profoundly less so than a Kishsaver! That’s the most ludicrous and loveable thing about the 4704: its demonic otherworldliness. It’s so wrong it’s right.

I have a Das Keyboard from a few years ago and it has a nice, thick metal switch mounting plate. I think the Filco Majestouch does, as well. The full-sized versions of both have enough room in their cases to have a nice, bassy sound.

As a compact keyboard fan, I’ve no full size Filco but the Realforce 87u feels heavier than the Majestouch TKL in my experience, so I looked them up.

Majestouch: 980g.
Realforce: 1200g

That steel plate in the Realforce really does contribute most of the weight. Its plastic case is quite like the HHKB’s. Yet the Realforce feels like a brick compared with its little brother.

There are a variety of new keyboards that just throw a weight in the case and that's it. I think that's missing the point: the case should be heavy because the "heaviness" is from the construction of the case.

Solid metal cases are fun. I’ve a hefty aluminium Lambo Poker case on my blue Alps64 which gives it a mini Kishsaver vibe along with its matching aluminium plate. But yes it’s what that weight is doing which matters. It should feel strong just to the key press when sitting on your desk. No telltale creaks or wobble. Paperweights aren’t strength!

Muirium wrote: ↑

28 Aug 2022, 10:13

As a compact keyboard fan, I’ve no full size Filco but the Realforce 87u feels heavier than the Majestouch TKL in my experience, so I looked them up.

Majestouch: 980g.
Realforce: 1200g

That steel plate in the Realforce really does contribute most of the weight. Its plastic case is quite like the HHKB’s. Yet the Realforce feels like a brick compared with its little brother.

I also have this Realforce R2 TKL https://www.realforce.co.jp/en/products/R2TLSA-US4-IV/ , weighing 1.1Kg. The difference in weight with my other 2.5Kg IKBC MF108 V2 is very audible during use ... The Realforce R2 also has creaking at the edges of the plastic shell, while the IKBC is an absolute granite block. It would take a Norbauer Norbaforce Mark II case but at the moment those are sold out too ...

I don't have a small scale, so I can't exactly tell you, but the Realforce R2 TKL I have feels like it weighs about as much as my (nopre) Abko 935 TKL. Keychron K8 TKL with the "metal frame" feels significantly heavier than those. However, a full-size Chicony with amber Omron switches feels at least half a bit heavier than the K8.

I can't find my Das Keyboard, ATM.

Regarding "granite rock," the Northgate OmniKey "Gold Label" has four brass sockets to connect the mounting plate, switches, and PCB assembly to the top case, then there are 2 more plastic sockets for screws that secure the PCB to the mounting plate, then there are 4 (IIRC) more plastic sockets for screws to make really sure that the PCB assembly is attached to the top case. Additionally, the mounting plate and the bottom case on the OmniKey "Gold Label" are big ol' chunks of metal.

ThermometerSandwich wrote: ↑

28 Aug 2022, 02:50

This might still be available. Not sure. https://www.reddit.com/r/mechmarket/com ... urce=share

I asked and unfortunately it is not available.

What is the application where it needs to be "heavy"? Not exactly a mod but you could use brackets to screw/strap it to the desk. Alternatively there are kiosk keyboards you could just mount (though the buttons usually are horrible due to being all-weather, but at least they're really easy to clean.) Also if neither of those work you could just buy some thin lead ingots and put them in assuming the housing has room for them.

But, no modifications at all? https://www.zsa.io/moonlander/tripod-kit/ maybe something like this would work (not a mod since it's like that from the OEM.)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09GB577FW 3.43 pounds and seems pretty straight forward.

https://www.amazon.com/Redragon-Mechani ... B09V4HTWLT How big are your hands? This is 6.54 pounds.

https://imgur.com/gallery/q54Xv#9p5SGE4 Winner! (but it's modded, but... WOW!)

My F77 weighs 4.3 kilos or in imperial units 9.5 pounds.

pelletik wrote: ↑

10 Sep 2022, 05:05

My F77 weighs 4.3 kilos or in imperial units 9.5 pounds.

xD