\> What is a good gaming keyboard (wired) to use as a starting base?
Do you want a gaming focused board or a custom board?? Because these 2 are very different. If you want a CUSTOM board that can game, get an Evo80/75 for that budget.
However, if you wish to buy a "base" - a barebone kit I suppose, then get the TKD Pt.1/75 for 75% or the Neo80 CU for TKL 80%
\> Can I use individually purchased switches on any keyboard?
As long as they are the same type.
Mechanical switches need to go with mechanical/TMR keyboards. Hall effect switches need to go with HE/TMR keyboards. Optical switches need optical keyboards. Low profile switches need low profile keyboards.
\> Can I use custom caps on any switch/keyboard?
Yes. Keycaps exist for a reason. The only requirement is make sure they are using MX style (having a cross stem) and the set can fully fill that board's layout.
evo80/evo 75 but if you were looking for something with the dedicated macro keys there are not really options like that on the l3
he is really limited to linear switches. there are few tactile switch options because whats the point of adjustable actuation if you cant change where the bump is
and i would say it doesn't do much for regular everyday typing. and it really does depend for gaming would you really need it for games if you play like slower paced single player games
With that budget you can go custom. Check out Qwertykeys Neo Series and Meletrix. They have great custom boards. If you prefer prebuilts, they have prebuilts like the Evo and Ticktype DP 104. I have an Evo 75 and everything is great out of the box. Highly recommend! If you game competitively, you can go HE/TMR as well. Typing feel isn’t as good imo but that’s personal preference.
Id suggest evo75/rainy75/bridge75. Also if you have access to zoom75 or qk75 but mostly those arent available anymore unless someone is selling them. Lower budget hi75c? Hi8, hi86, inky75
HE keyboards only really benefit those playing competitive FPS games, looking for every bit of advantage they can get - even then unless you're an elite player, it's often overkill. There are plenty of 75% mechanical boards that would suit your needs just fine.
A couple "mid range" mechanical boards, for food for thought would be the Womier SK75, Wobkey Rainy 75, Bridge 75 or Evo75.
Bridge 75 plus has a bigger battery, per key RGB, an FR4 plate vs PC, and more dampening foam for better acoustics. For best out of the box, either the Rainy 75 or Evo75, listen to Youtube sound tests for both if acoustics matter to you - all the boards listed are hot swap, so you can swap switches to your liking for better type feel, actuation force, and sound. Be it linear, tactile, or clicky. In short - Evo75 is the more premium option of those listed, so if they're around the same price, I'd spring for the Evo. Easier disassembly, better internals, tons of colour options etc. There's also the Evo80 if you'd prefer an 80% layout, with slightly better build quality, and no raised front lip like on the 75.
4xgk3
