V3 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard

I'd get a Keychron V3. It's TKL, has limited RGB, the stock keycaps aren't terrible and it's hotswapable, so the switches can be changed to your liking. The reason I don't use mine as a primary driver is because it doesn't work with my iPad. I bought mine for cheaper without switches and keycaps. It's also got QMK, so you can program the keys to anything. It you want to play with the Dvorak keymap, you can reprogram it to that.

I enjoy my Epomaker x Aula F108 (not the size you're looking for I know), but I'll admit I like my Keychron V3 Max more. I think it was worth the slight bump in price for the Keychron if they're available in your area.

The first thing you'll probably want to decide on is if you need ISO-UK layout (with the big enter key), or the ANSI American layout. If you are fine with an ANSI layout, you definitely have more options. As for gaming, that really depends. If you are really into competitive PvP games, than you might be more interested in something with HE switches. These are magnetic switches instead of mechanical. Personally, I prefer regular mechanical switches. But HE switches are definitely more gaming focused. If you are fine with mechanical switches you might want to check out something like the Evo80. You can get in either ANSI or ISO layout and is generally a really well regarded keyboard. Mechmods has both layout options for sale ([ANSI](https://www.mechmods.co.uk/collections/keyboards/products/evoworks-evo80-keyboard-ansi-layout?variant=46286231699679) and [ISO](https://www.mechmods.co.uk/collections/keyboards/products/evoworks-evo80-keyboard-iso-layout?variant=54937039307130)). I also believe it works both wireless and wired. There are other options out there though, so it really depends on what you are looking for. Like if you really want RGB options, you might want to look at a Nuphy Gem80. But that only has ANSI layouts and I think they are currently sold out of there usually included switches and keycaps. Keychron is also generally well regarded. For the TKL layout there is the Q3 Max. But they have a few different options, including HE keyboards. So you might want to browse their options.

Just got a Keychron Q3 Max and unofficially retired my Ducky/Varmilo Miya Pro Sakura. Now thinking about turning the Miya Pro into a project. How well would it take 3305 Mill-Max sockets? What other mods would be well suited to it? I'm thinking of swapping switches (or at least relubing the stock reds) and perhaps doing some kind of foam mod to improve and soften the sound.

hardware-wise the crush 80 is solid. support-wise... yeah the rumors are true. if you're in the EU, dealing with return shipping to china is a nightmare if anything arrives broken. for 200 euros you have way safer bets that are just as good: **1. Neo80:** honestly the gold standard right now. you have to build it yourself but it’s easy and quality is insane. **2. Keychron Q3 Max:** boring answer but it just works. wireless, easy to get in EU, solid support. **3. IQUNIX Nature 80:** (biased mention, but if you want something that looks different than a standard rectangle, check it out). definitely skip that filco suggestion below though. legendary board in 2010, but ancient tech today

yeah the neo80 configurator is basically a final boss fight if you're new. honestly, just pick the 'Tri-mode PCB' (if you want wireless) and the 'FR4 Plate' (best all-rounder sound). ignore the rest of the noise. regarding the lucky65: it's a great board, but just remember it's a 65% layout, so you lose the physical F-row keys. since you mentioned coding, missing F5/F10/F12 might drive you crazy unless you are comfortable with layers. for a cheaper entry point that still has F-keys, look at the **Monsgeek M1**. it's built like a tank and easy to get in the EU. **for switches:** since you haven't tried many, don't overspend yet. **linear (smooth):** get **gateron milky yellow pros**. they are cheap, pre-lubed, and sound amazing. **tactile (bump):** **akko v3 cream blue pro**. super snappy and satisfying. **office safe:** if your coworkers hate noise, look for **ttc silent frozen** or **haimu heartbeats**. silent switches feel a bit 'mushy' but they are dead quiet. welcome to the rabbit hole. your wallet is gonna hate it here. lol