Due to some unique circumstances I am currently looking for a keyboard or barebones kit that offers a non-wireless board that is also hotswap.
It seems though, that most wired only boards tend to also be solder boards, and I don’t have the equipment (or patience) to work with that.
Do you know if there’s any boards out there that offer this sort of combo?
Keychron has them. Here’s one example, the Q1
Plus one for anything from keychron. Certainly high quality options out there but they offer so many different boards and layouts, and they’re all super easy to take apart and customize if needed.
Check out the gmk67, it’s a 10 keyless and no F buttons size, but is hotswappable with a typical switch plucker/puller. I think multiple “companies” make and sell it, but I found mine on alliexpress for like $35. It does USB, Bluetooth, or 2.4ghz with a USB dongle that stores in the back of it. I put in Akko Lavender switches in mine and absolutely love it. The base + switches + keycaps total only cost me about 75$ for a fantastic, quality feeling keyboard.
Can also grab a PCB + case for a 60% if that’s up your alley. Not exactly a kit but you can definitely put the parts together. Note that if you want more than a 60%, most PCBs and cases must go together.
Budget and preferred layout will play into this a lot, but generally these days it’s not too hard to find wired-only and hot-swap. Anything else you can tell us?
Preferably 100 or 96%, not TKL, and around 200 dollars generally would be the top of my budget
Also preferably with the option of a PC or FR4 plate.
If that $200 is for the barebones kit, then the QK100 would be right up your alley. It’s an1800/96% style but leaves a full-size numpad zero. It also has a ton of options, including a wired hotswap PCB and choice of FR4 or PC plates, among others.
I’ve been looking at this board and I think it’s going to be what I end up going with! Thanks :)