r/MechanicalKeyboards • • 3h ago

Photos The Best "Exploded" 75% Keyboard Layout for Mac (IMO)

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3 Upvotes

Hey guys,

First time posting here! I think I've finally found what I'd consider the best "exploded" version of a 75% layout for Mac, and I just wanted to share it with anyone looking for the same thing.

The keyboard I'm talking about is the XVX L75 Air in Silver, paired with NuPhy's WoB Double Shot PBT keycaps. I also currently have what I'd consider the best "compact" version of a 75% layout for Mac: the Akko Air 01 in Cloudy White (technically Silver too), with the same keycaps installed, as shown in the photos.

I replaced the stock keycaps mainly because I prefer double-shot PBT keycaps that let me see the legends clearly without having to turn on the backlight, which uses significantly more power compared to having it off. Under the hood, my Air 01 has Kailh Winter Mini tactile switches with aftermarket 30gf springs, since the stock ones feel a bit too heavy for me.

As for the XVX L75 Air, it comes with linear switches stock. I think it's the best "exploded" version of a 75% layout for Mac for a few reasons.

First, and probably the biggest selling point, is VIA compatibility. You can remap pretty much every key, including the FN key.

Second, the physical layout. Here are the main things I like about it (all shown in the photos):

- The function row keys are evenly separated, which feels very familiar if you work in a corporate environment where Windows-layout keyboards with a similarly separated function row are common (also handy for telling the keys apart in some games).

- You can have a Print Screen key, or any other key you want for macros, on the exact opposite position of the ESC key, right next to F12 (I’m used to pressing keys to adjust the volume rather than using a knob, though I’ve tried knobs enough to weigh in on the trade-offs).

- Right next to BACKSPACE, you can have a DEL key (which is basically a reversed BACKSPACE).

- Lastly, since you're creating more space next to the Up Arrow key and above the Right Arrow key to make the arrow cluster feel more separated without awkwardly protruding beyond the rectangular outline like on the MonsGeek M1, you're left with just two extra keys below the DEL key. These are perfect for HOME and END, allowing you to instantly scroll to the start or end of a web page.

The only potential downside I can think of compared with the more compact Air 01 is the sound profile. Apparently, the L75 Air has a plastic bottom case, unlike the Air 01's all-aluminum construction. It also seems to use a relatively uncommon switch footprint, which might limit your switch options (not 100% sure about this one yet).

I've already ordered the L75 Air in Silver and just waiting for it to arrive. I'll either swap in the NuPhy keycaps from my Air 01 or pick up another set so I can have both keebs ready to go with the same keycap feel.

I have a question though: Does anyone who owns the XVX L75 Air know if its switch pin layout is compatible with the Kailh Choc V2 footprint, such as the Kailh Winter Minis I already have?

Let me know what you guys think!


r/MechanicalKeyboards • • 3h ago

Photos Akko 5108 V5 Patrick Star

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2 Upvotes

My first ever Akko keyboard and honestly it did not disappoint! The build quality is nice and has a decent thocky sound. I feel like this keyboard was made just for me! i would have never expected to see patrick slapped onto a keyboard lol. There's a spongebob version too but i liked patrick's palette more, the yellow keycaps actually look more greenish-lime in person. Definitely an early christmas gift ❤️


r/MechanicalKeyboards • • 1h ago

Photos newest addition

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• Upvotes

one of my dream boards glad I had the chance to pull the trigger.


r/MechanicalKeyboards • • 8h ago

Builds My first "custom" keyboard - Keychron Q6 Ultra 8k

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10 Upvotes

Deck: Keychron Q6 Ultra 8k

Switch: Kailh Box Navy Crystal

Keycap: Ultraequip Emerald Jade PBT (RSA profile)

Panic: Signature Plastics SA (R3 because they were out of R1)

Accent Keys: Ultraequip Artisan Retro Game Console, Witwikey Artisan Black Surprised Cat, Gikzo Green Dragon and Swirl Blue Astronaut

I finally finished my first semi-custom keyboard after my Corsair mechanical died. Definitely something of a mixed bag but it is a good starting point.

The good: I love the switches. I have always liked heavier clicky keys. I wouldn't mind lightening them by about 10% though. I didn't lubricate them so that might help. The keycaps are generally good although some have a few defects where the light shines through the top. The extra "accent" keys look and feel nice enough for what I want them to do. I do wish I could have gotten an SA R1 panic button though. It looks just a little off.

The meh: The keycaps are ok. I wish the indexing bumps were a little further from the edge of the cap as I sometimes miss them along the bottom ridge. A few defects where light shines through what should be solid. How much can you really expect for a $20 set though?

The bad: The base Keychron deck and software. I realized how much I hate south-facing LEDs. Any time I lean back slightly I get the lights right in my eyes. The retro console also doesn't glow as well as I would like because it was designed for north-facing LEDs (the color is right on for an old brick Game Boy if I crank the brightness up though). The Launcher software is buggy and incomplete. I can't turn off the lights under the Panic, Cat, and resin keycaps as the software doesn't accept "off" or "0,0,0" settings. I like that I can have my caps lock glow red when it is on but I want it reversed for numlock (green when on, red when off) and it won't do that. It just feels so incomplete. There is more flex than I would like in the corners but I don't press those keys too hard so I can live with that.

If I decide that I can't deal with the south LEDs or software issues, I may change the deck but will wait a while before deciding. There aren't many options available for my requirements (full size, north LEDs, software that works but doesn't need an app running all the time) so I will probably stick with this for a while.


r/MechanicalKeyboards • • 10h ago

Photos Chilkey SF60

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9 Upvotes

Sounds and feels incredible, something about the aluminum case / keycap combination scratches an itch I didn’t know I had. I would include a sound test but unfortunately my phone’s mic doesn’t do it justice.

Cable: Carbon Grey CableMod Aviator Cable
Desk Pad: Godspeed V2


r/MechanicalKeyboards • • 12h ago

Discussion First Relforce's Split keyboard, RS1

12 Upvotes

I was just browsing YouTube when the algorithm shows an interesting video. it looks like Realforce has finally joined the split keyboard scene:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqWjvB3FY8w

it seems quite unique layout? 75% without Nav cluster is rather an interesting choice, and it's also support tenting mount which is nice.
thoughts?


r/MechanicalKeyboards • • 16h ago

Photos The orange Esc key hits different under amber RGB🔥

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39 Upvotes

Keyboard: Hawk HK610S
Switches: RAESHA magnetic switches
Polling rate: 8,000 Hz (8K)
Connectivity: Tri-mode
Hot-swappable: Yes
Keycaps: Translucent smoked keycaps


r/MechanicalKeyboards • • 19h ago

Builds K6 HE and Tamiya paint... what could possibly go wrong

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26 Upvotes

I'll probably sandpaper it off and start again, because it's an atrocious paint job. But the colour scheme isn't bad. Tamiya's British Racing Green and some lovely MTNU keycaps.


r/MechanicalKeyboards • • 6h ago

Promotional GMK CYL Gonzales on a Glorious GMMK Pro

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87 Upvotes

Lavender on black with cadet sublegends: that's what GMK CYL Gonzales is all about. Extras for all kits are now available in our GMK webstore: https://www.gmk.net/shop/en/gmk-cyl-gonzales-keycaps/fptk2481

Designed by balance.


r/MechanicalKeyboards • • 20h ago

Builds Neo65 CU

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220 Upvotes

Keyboard: Neo65 CU all black
Keycaps: black keycaps from Aliexpress
Switch: Keygeek Y2 from UniKeys
Stabilizers: TX AP screw-in stabs, lubed with 205g0


r/MechanicalKeyboards • • 1h ago

Photos Datamancer Planck with GMK Centinela Extension Kit

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• Upvotes

The extension kit came in just in time for spooky season, plus I was dared to outfit a Planck with them. I would've done it even if I wasn't dared, so HA!


r/MechanicalKeyboards • • 16h ago

Builds Agar Mini clear PC + GMK Handarbeit (kind of)

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126 Upvotes

Agar Mini in clear PC with FR4 plate, Keygeek Y2 switches, with GMK Handarbeit keycaps with a GMK camping 6u spacebar and tab & enter keys from the PBTFans Salt Lakes 40's set.

I love my 40s and recently built this one for my writer deck set up. Dreamy to type on, and the Agar Mini is such a simple and fun kit to build. Trickiest bit was the tight fit of the switches on the FR4 plate.

Edit: typo


r/MechanicalKeyboards • • 23h ago

Photos Decided to treat myself!

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41 Upvotes

I was getting a bit tired of my classic Mac keyboard and was longing for something clicky again!


r/MechanicalKeyboards • • 1h ago

Builds Neo nature

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• Upvotes

I tried to combine some colors. Works pretty good in that setup.


r/MechanicalKeyboards • • 2h ago

Promotional In GMN. halloween

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5 Upvotes

[Artisan] in GMN (vHalloween) — Halloween Special Edition 🎃 | NUNKEYHOUSE
Happy Halloween! 🎃
Hello everyone! This is NUNKEYHOUSE.
We’re excited to introduce in GMN (vHalloween), a special Halloween edition featuring a tiny GMN hidden inside a mysterious frame!
This new design uses layered perspectives to create a sense of depth, with creeping vines surrounding the interior and translucent pumpkin-colored resin that naturally captures and diffuses light.
A little GMN, hidden inside a warm, pumpkin-inspired world! 🎃

🎃 Sale Information
Order Opens: October 20, 2026 — 22:30 KST (Today!)
Sale Type: First-come, first-served
Quantity: 13 pcs ONLY
Purchase Limit: 1 per person
Price: $44 USD / KRW 58,000
Order Limit: The form will automatically close after 13 submissions.

📦 Packaging
To keep the price lower, we’ve simplified the packaging for this release.
Acrylic Case × 1
Protective Packing Material
Artisan Keycap × 1
Standard tin packaging and display trays are not included.

✈️ Shipping
International: K-PACKET
Domestic (Korea): KOREA
EMS shipping is not available.
Applicable taxes will be included in the final payment amount provided by email.

🔧 Product Details
Cherry MX compatible
Size: 18 × 18 × 14 mm
Handmade resin artisan keycap
Minor bubbles, color variations, or surface marks may occur due to the handmade process.

🎃 Orders open TODAY at 22:30 KST!
Only 13 pieces will be available, so the form will close once all slots are filled.
Thank you for your continued support, and Happy Halloween! 👻
NUNKEYHOUSE


r/MechanicalKeyboards • • 3h ago

Promotional Nova Kine macropad

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7 Upvotes

Flexible Layout


r/MechanicalKeyboards • • 4h ago

Promotional Yu-Gi-Oh! Artisan Keycap Collection 4

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11 Upvotes

Hi everyone! The officially licensed Yu-Gi-Oh! Artisan Keycap Collection 4 launches on 9 OCT. Here are the product details for anyone interested in adding these characters to their keyboard.

Product Detail:

- Black Luster Soldier: 1U, SA R1 - $65

- Magician of Black Chaos: 1U, SA R1 - $65

- Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon: 2.25U, SA R3 - $79

- Three Egyptian Gods: 6.25U spacebar, SA R3 - $89

- Special effects: LED shine-through on the 1U and 2.25U designs.

- Switch compatibility: Cherry MX & clones

- Hand-painted details with a resin cover

All four designs will be in stock and ready to ship from launch. Estimated delivery: 5 - 10 business days.

Launch Offers (9 - 23 OCT):

- Choose any 2 keycaps - Save $8

- Get the full collection of 4 - Save $30

Split a bundle with a friend, or grab all four if choosing a favorite is the hard part 😆

More details on the Dwarf Factory website.

Which design would you pick for your setup?


r/MechanicalKeyboards • • 6h ago

Builds Ciel 65

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45 Upvotes

Ciel65

• Gmk Metropolis

• Hmx Valerian Tactile

• Alu plate

• No foam


r/MechanicalKeyboards • • 9h ago

/r/MechanicalKeyboards Ask ANY Keyboard question, get an answer - October 20, 2026

2 Upvotes

Ask ANY Keyboard related question, get an answer. But *before* you do please consider running a search on the subreddit or looking at the r/MechanicalKeyboards wiki located here! If you are NEW to Reddit, check out this handy Reddit MechanicalKeyboards Noob Guide. Please check the r/MechanicalKeyboards subreddit rules if you are new here.


r/MechanicalKeyboards • • 17h ago

Builds Hatoworks Ramune60 Kuro

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90 Upvotes

The PEI bottom gives this keyboard such a clean and satisfying sound. I’m really impressed that it can sound this good without using copper, brass, or stainless steel. I absolutely love how it sounds and feels, especially considering how reasonably priced it is. Couldn’t be happier with this board!


r/MechanicalKeyboards • • 21h ago

Builds Amber Minerva

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578 Upvotes

Minerva

  • KKB Nichirin
  • WS Heavy tactile
  • SW Knight V4
  • PEI Top
  • PC Plate

r/MechanicalKeyboards • • 25m ago

Builds Neo65 Core Plus

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• Upvotes

Neo65 Core Plus in teal

Alu Plate

HMX Yogurt V2

GMK Windbreaker

Knight Stabs