this must be the route cause of the ESD breaking these things

Agreed, but if possible I specifically want a key just above the right arrow. That sadly doesn't really exist. So I might have to change my keybinds first.

For some reason, I like the aesthetics of 65 but like the usefulness of 75.

Unfortunately I also don't like the compacted 75 where the F and number rows have no space. I guess I collect 65 keyboards for display but actually use 75 for work and at home. And thus I like to buy more 65 but only keep 2 75s at a time

QK75 and Zoom75 GB are both this month...few smaller projects as well.

ig it makes sense, after all it’s Ten-key-less not numpad-less

Okay, so I did a bit of research and this keeb does indeed have ESD protection.

Here is a shot of the PCb where the protection IC is located: https://i.ibb.co/7KQQ7gZ/IMG-5526.jpg

In that shot, you can see the JST connector and to it's right, a small IC labeled UL26. That IC is the ESD protection. Here is it's datasheet: https://www.st.com/resource/en/datasheet/usblc6-2.pdf

Here is a shot of the daughterboard: https://i.ibb.co/2vnQqjJ/IMG-5516.jpg

As you can see, there is no UL26 located on the daughterboard. There is a part labeled A7 that appears to be grounded (?) to the case via the db's screwhole. I also speculate that the USB hole in the case is too tight and perhaps the USB connector is hitting the case and that's how the ESD is making it through. The main PCB should be well isolated with the gaskets in use as well as the thin isolation sheet in the case.

Perhaps the fault is with the data lines? Doesn't seem to be much if any protection on those lines and maybe that's how ESD is affecting these boards... but I honestly don't know enough about this and I am just hoping that what I provided can offer some insight into the situation.

I completely agree

Exploded 75% is by far my favourite - having a slight separation for the arrow keys not only (imo) looks better but is highly functional

TKL is my second favourite form factor. I don’t think I could daily drive a 60%

I think 75% had their time. Back when I joined this subreddit last year they were basically every post. GMMK Pro's and Q1's galore.

Now as other comments hinted 65% layout is quite common. TKLs' have had some kind of resurgence as well, which from digging through old geekhack threads seemed to be quite popular back in the day.

What if you have some subjectively cool builds, but you are like the bottom thing and struggle to put the shapes in the right holes???

Nothing wrong with liking $10 clickies

You're welcome.

I agree.

I'm talking about 60, most people say it's the best form factor but I don't agree, I'm okay with FN+F keys but it's a pain in the ass when it doesn't have separate arrow keys

Good call! Never thought of that.

Do you have a central heating radiator that has any unpainted parts visible? While it may not necessarily be grounded, that sheer mass of the central heating system would present a low resistance destination for any residual static you may be carrying.

Also... your computer would be grounded, so touch any metal parts of the computer case. Unless it's painted with something insulating, it would do a similar job. One of the chassis screws on your PSU would be a good choice.

65s have arrow keys... but when it comes to 60s, I agree. I have a few 60s and it is a bit fiddly.

What if I don't have any ground wires nearby?

Anything without proper arrow keys is a no for me, I do like small form factors but it's just stupid when you have to press FN to use arrow keys

I daily a cheap kaihl brown keyboard that cost like $40. My cherry blue is sitting on the floor collecting dust because i cannot stand blues after years of using it. Also my cheap keyboard has better LED controls with more options

The OP (of the other thread) described getting a static shock off his case, and the board instantly died, so it was definitely ESD that killed it. If you mean was it just some weird fluke event that was a combination of rare, unlikely circumstances that would be difficult to repeat? Sure.... no reason why not, but it does show that the board is not as well hardened against ESD as it could be.

There seems to be more TKLs than 75s. There's been a few TKLs lately. 100% has always been left out in the cold, but 75s seems to be a recent thing. I'm sure they are waning in popularity, which would be a shame.

I’m no scientist and have no evidence to say otherwise. Could all just be a fluke. I just find the topic fascinating :)

This is true of most formats apart from 60/65%.

I prefer TKL and 100% and that gets even more difficult and expensive than 75%

Always in this sub hearing the clicking of my premium Razer Ornata V2... You will hate me ^^

>I’m just curious that this might be why people are zapping the board.

Unlikely, as if it was caused by this it would be dead upon building it. The guy who posted yesterday zapped a fully built, working board that was in daily use.

Also, there's only been one post of a zapped Space, so it may not be widespread. (shrug)