There is a site called Keebswap which aims to be a used mechanical keyboard market to replace the subreddit r/mechmarket on Reddit (a formerly popular topic-based discussion platform that ... probably still exists but I'm not sure). Note, I haven't used either of these; I just know they exist.
The idea is nice and I hope it does well but the filtering/tagging on there is non-existent so browsing isn't so good.
From my experience, used boards are mostly sold in the respective semi-local communities on Discord. The continent you live on is a good first indicator for what communities to join :)
This ended up being the most helpful!
I found a discord for Charybdis, along with a channel specifically for buying/selling and it looks promising. Thanks 👍
Fantastic, happy you found something!
Craigslist and r/mechmarket have been my go-tos to finding used boards. It's not very reliable as they pop up once in a blue moon, but every so often the stars align and I check mechmarket on a day when a board I want is there.
What's your budget? I have also been looking out for something similar, mostly on r/mechmarket (I have an ergo travel that I am trying to get to work consistently).
There are sometimes deals like this: (not sure if this one is still available) at $80 https://www.reddit.com/r/mechmarket/comments/162uc4s/uscah_dilemma_v1_choc_pink_w_paypal/
Another place I've found really good prices is the bastardkb discord, but like r/mechmarket the postings for split keyboards are infrequent.
If you have switches and keycaps from a donor mech kb, this could be a good option at $128: https://www.reddit.com/r/mechmarket/comments/162uc4s/uscah_dilemma_v1_choc_pink_w_paypal/
Edit for completeness: $120 one piece option just without keys/keycaps: https://ergohaven.xyz/shop/tproduct/339856256-880659810681-planeta
Not including switches and keycaps, two cheapinos would come to around $60 according to the prices listed on its GitHub (I don't think I'd be confident to do the job myself, but going half with someone might be a cheap option).
This is the thread where I learned about the cheapino and the OP is asking a similar question that might have relevance to your situation https://www.reddit.com/r/ErgoMechKeyboards/comments/16id57p/recommendations_for_cheap_split_ergo_keyboard/
thanks for the related thread and the board links! I think I found a good option in a discord (a Charybdis) so I'm working on getting that.
Nice! What discord if you don't mind me asking?
Sorry took me awhile to get around to finding the link: https://discord.gg/ZnPtnu6K
No worries, I was wondering if it was bastardkb, good prices
This isn't a full answer to your question, but as for where secondhand keyboards are bought/sold, I bought one from eBay a while back.
Not sure about others, I tried to sell me keyboard but without success, maybe split keyboards are a bit too niche and no one near me (HK) is interested. I just disassembled the keyboars to scrap the components for the next build, which is a bit sad considering a significant amount of time is spent on assembling it.
that is sad. I feel like shipping isn't as big deal compared to the cost of the board. I mean I'm looking at a pre-built Charybdis and it's $500+
Indeed, the major cost is labor cost. I was iterating on the design once a month and do some very simple tweaking (change the screw location for example). Because I want to make sure that the entire thing works, I need to solder everything for each cycle. Due to the lack of components, I have to disassemble old working keyboard to make a new one. I probably disassembled 4 or more in total. I was looking to sell the old one for $100, but no one was interested. I guess a lot of mechanical keyboard users are probably not used to split keyboard and DIY keyboards, so are not willing to buy it.
ErgoMechKeyboards
Ergonomic, split and other weird keyboards
Rules
Keep it ergo
Posts must be of/about keyboards that have a clear delineation between the left and right halves of the keyboard, column stagger, or both. This includes one-handed (one half doesn't exist, what clearer delineation is that!?)
i.e. no regular non-split¹ row-stagger and no non-split¹ ortholinear²
¹ split meaning a separation of the halves, whether fixed in place or entirely separate, both are fine.
² ortholinear meaning keys layed out in a grid
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No excessive posting/"shilling" for commercial purposes. Vendors are permitted to promote their products/services but keep it to a minimum and use the [vendor] flair. Posts that appear to be marketing without being transparent about it will be removed.
No Buy/Sell/Trade
This subreddit is not a marketplace, please post on r/mechmarket or other relevant marketplace.
Some useful links
- EMK wiki
- Split keyboard compare tool
- Compare keycap profiles Looking for another set of keycaps - check this site to compare the different keycap profiles https://www.keycaps.info/
- Keymap database A database with all kinds of keymap layouts - some of them fits ergo keyboards - get inspired https://keymapdb.com/