Womier - SK71 Pro

I would avoid Keychron for conventional keyboards, they have had quality and production problems more or less continually for the past couple of years and customer support has gotten abusive. They do have the best magnetic board software, though, because even their magnetic boards are QMK- or ZMK- based and their web app is based on VIA. Most magnetic boards have software that's mediocre at best. So despite the issues they're probably your best choice for magnetic devices. Also they recently bought Jamesdonkey and the J series (ex-Jamesdonkey) boards don't seem to share the problems. Other companies to avoid: Epomaker, Wobkey, Attack Shark. Actual suggestions. You want a dual- or tri-mode 75-80% board with no frills? * [Monsgeek M1 v5](https://www.monsgeek.com/product/m1-v5-via-rapid-disassembly/) * ($80 barebones) * [Akko 5075B VIA](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0FLDJZPH9) * ($60 barebones) Monsgeek M1 is kind of the platonic ideal of a 75% aluminum board, and the Akko 5075 VIA is the plastic little cousin. I have both the v3 and v5 and I think the older board is a better design, the case changes to support the "rapid disassembly" latch in the v5 kind of reduced the space available for the gasket mount supports. The newer one is still very good. * [YMDK YMD75](https://ymdkey.com/collections/75-diy) * ($64-$110 diy) YMDK are like the heathkit of keyboards. All DIY, you can buy PCBs and they have multiple and quite distinct cases. Many of their kit is also interchangeable with KPRepublic. I have a YMD75 in a KPrepublic case though it took some minor surgery with a dremel tool. * [Womier RD75](https://www.amazon.com/Womier-RD75-Pro-Mechanical-Swappable/dp/B0DG82QD1X) ($95 w/ coupon) * [Womier SK71 Pro](https://www.amazon.com/Womier-Keyboard-Mechanical-Swappable-PRO-Black/dp/B0DSFWXFV7) ($65) * [Womier WD75](https://www.amazon.com/Womier-Mechanical-Swappable-Translucent-Keycaps-POM/dp/B0DT8SP79R) * (wood! $90) Womier have a bunch of boards of varying style and substance. These are good. The WD75 has a wooden case which is kind of lush. * [Womier QK87](https://www.amazon.com/Rainy75-Multimedia-Mechanical-Swappable-Switch-Gray/dp/B0DTKDD1VK) ($46) * [Womier SK87](https://womierkeyboard.com/products/womier-sk87) * ($70? $110? Price varies a lot) * [Weikav Stars80 v2](https://www.amazon.com/BOYI-Aluminum-Mechanical-Keyboard-Programmable/dp/B0F6VQ7J94) ($100) The SK87 is a relabeled version of the Weikav Stars80 v1. The Stars80s both have this kind of "crystal" plastic light insert on two corners which may be too gimmicky for you, but I have the SK87 and it's really an amazingly well-made board with a spring-arm mounted gasket, and I suspect is actually a better design than the magnetic-latch v2.

Nice review. I have this board and really like it. I use it for gaming and some office work, alternating with a work provided split membrane for work duties. What are some budget friendly ways to make this board quieter? I do have some keychain banana switches, not if they will have the desired effect or should I look at some silent switches?

I bought one, and it crapped out on me shortly after. I use its parts for my Rainy 75 sets up so not a total loss but it’s ideally the same board lol but Womier has their board more organized with flushed mounts vs Rainy.

It began glitching where switches were no longer responding or it would just freeze or stay looped in rebooting. After a couple of manual resets of unplugging the battery from the board, it just kept happening and I gave up and put it away. It’s for parts now. https://preview.redd.it/f07ow3qzsjdg1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a26e5712561d9e4e76e4b1f9a882d95c3b1aa710