Help with creating my dream Wooting as a first mechanical keyboard
EDIT: magnetic, not mechanical
Hey everyone,
I’m having trouble taking the next step in buying my dream keyboard (and also my first and also my only). It’s probably a pretty standard build for some of you, but for me this is a daunting project and I’ve got analysis paralysis. My total budget is like 400 euro's.
I’m hoping some of you can help me make sure I’m not overlooking any major upgrades or necessary parts, because I really can’t see myself undertaking another keyboard build after this one.
I think I want:
- A matte white case
- A thocky sound
- A fairly classic, casual looking keyboard
- Ideally, something that is great out of the box without requiring me to get into complicated modding/lubing. Of course, some part-picking and following basic instructions is what I'm okay with, else I would have picked something pre-assembled.
Parts I’m fairly sure about
1. Wooting 60HE v2 Module
I've read: Wooting: The difference between the 60HE and 60HE v2
Since I’m choosing my own case, switches and keycaps, I’m wondering how much of the 60HE v2’s improvements actually matter for my build.
- What benefits of the v2 are still relevant to me?
- Is there anything that comes with the module that I should replace with something better?
- What exactly do I need to buy in addition to the module, case and switches to have a complete keyboard?
- I'm especially clueless about:
| Switch plate | FR4 plate |
|---|---|
| Mounting style | Friction fit |
| Sandwich pad | Hybrid Poron/silicone |
| PET-film & tape mod | PET-film & tape mod |
| Bottom dampening | Plastic case: EPDM foam |
| Stabilizers | Screw-in |
Is this perfect? Is this okay-ish? I am willing to spend money to have something better if it's doable for a noob that does not want to have this buying anxiety again, but also wants something very cool.
2. Tofu60 Redux Case
I mostly just really like the look of this one. I’m going for the matte white version.
I read that you can buy like a brass weight bar (see https://kbdfans.com/products/tofu60-redux-v1-accessories?variant=41491565969547) and other accessories. In combination with the rest I am buying, what would people recommend?
3.1 GravaStar UFO Switches
GravaStar UFO Magnetic Switches
These are currently my first choice.
Part of the reason I’m drawn to the UFOs is that they don’t require lubrication (I think?), which is a pretty big deal for me. I’ve never lubed switches before and it's scary to me. I found this Wooting Library entry and listened to them, and they sound great to me. I have very little reference for what a genuinely good mechanical keyboard sounds like, though, so I’m mostly going on what other people say.
People seem to consider them about as good as it gets acoustically for HE thocky, although I’m not sure whether they’re $80-good for someone with my limited experience.
If you think lubing is the freaking shit and I would regret not looking further into overcoming that fear: try to convince me haha.
A few questions about the GravaStars:
- Why are there different colors? Is there actually a difference between them that you can hear/feel, or are they just cosmetic?
- I think I should buy the 75-pack, correct?
3.2 Alternative: Omnitype Heron HE Switches
I’ve also been considering these because I’ve read that they are great overall.
My biggest hesitation is again the lubing.
4. Cable: https://wooting.io/product/detachable-cable?Color=Just+White
What am I missing?
So, with:
Wooting 60HE v2 + Tofu60 Redux + switches + my own keycaps
is there anything else I absolutely need?
And more importantly: is there anything I should change now that will make a significant difference to the final keyboard?
I know this is probably pretty basic stuff for many of you, but there is so much information out there that I’m finding it surprisingly difficult to figure out what actually matters.
I’d really appreciate any advice, especially from people who have built something similar and can tell me what they would do differently.
Thanks so much in advance!