MechaniKeebs

In the market for a new keyboard! Browsing around is giving me choice paralysis so I’m looking for recommendations.

Musts:
- dedicated backtick / tilde key

Likes:
- compact layout
- media keys (on layer)
- topre / topre-like aka thocky switches
- home / end keys

Dislikes:
- RGB
- having to replace batteries

father, husband, css golfer, ux engineer, silently defining variables as /sdv sdv.wtf

Hi, I'm just see this. Not sure it's too lated or not. hehe

From your criteria - I think maybe TKD Cycle7 would be fit.
Quite compact layout, media keys ( I think this can customize by using VIA - https://usevia.app/ )  On the switches, I'm quite not update much which one is popular on the thocky character.

Do pixel art & Beep Beep Boop beats.

https://linktr.ee/of.p1

Imao, maybe you try on MX Brown or Gateron Milky Yellow build with POM or PC plate and several foams inside ( come with KB kits ) These should give you a deep thocky sound as you prefer.

Hope these help, so sorry in advance for my broken English.  :-P

Home / End keys - ✅
RGB < On Cycle7, has a little one under the PGDN button. But I think it's nice. Hope you like it.