Custom keyboards

[jolly coral]

I haven't touched such an awful keyboard in quite a while

all plastic construction

no dampening

everything just screams "cheap", similar to all the more budget oriented Epomaker stuff

I ended up painting the top case and a couple of the trim pieces while I was painting the Cherrylicious Keeb:

the pieces were painted in the same colorway as the Loop

anyways, stuff the EK21 with a bunch of foam:

turns out I've overpacked it and had to remove the piece towards the front:

threw on more Outemu Panda switches and the remaining numpad keys from the Red Samurai keycaps:

really not bad for a budget numpad after all the mods:

and the EK21 next to the Loop:

the darn thing even has RGB

anyways, the 4x build timelapse for the Epomaker EK21: https://youtu.be/93XAV_U9ams

didn't bother doing any sort of typing test

because the thing works

I do like the fact that the EK21 is VIA programmable

I was able to get the "bonus" keys programmed exactly how I've wanted

lastly, the Akko MU01 came in:

first the Mountain Seclusion version:

really pretty keyboard

perfect for gifting

here's the Joy of Life version:

here's the full content of the MU01:

it came with oil to rub onto the wooden case:

I guess since it's real wood, it's going to need to be oiled to prevent warping from drying out

funny story

don't think anyone ever talk about the "smell" of a keyboard

but the MU01 definitely smells like wood

very pleasant hardwood smell

which reminds me, HYTE's #⌨-keeb-tkl has a smell too

I'm not sure from what, but a very perfumy smell emits from the Keeb when you unbox it

maybe it's the lube that's use?

anyways, one more picture of the MU01 Joy of Life edition with the second layer keymap on the back of the packaging:

anyways, the MU01 comes with these Linear "Piano" switches:

pretty standard 5-pin stuff with poor RGB passthrough

I took the MU01 apart further to look at the build, pretty straight forward:

white PCB with RGB:

keymap printed on the PCB

lubed plastic stabs:

battery and daugher board:

pretty standard stuff for a wireless keyboard

amazing that Akko was able to CNC a solid block of wood to do this

the entire build felt like a TOFU

anyways, the switches that I've planned to use:

I've finally got my hands on a set of Gazzew Boba U4, V2 RGB version:

threw in the Boba U4 switches:

RGB:

and then I discoverd this while testing the switches: https://youtu.be/EplcvYFjpwk

the "N" key was not registering

the PCB was bad

otherwise, the Boba U4 is worth the cost

they're silent even with my heavy "lead hands"

even with the +20db boost from the video, the key presses barely makes any sound

the keyboard typed just like a normal medium weighted tactile switch

very smooth and deathly silent

I've contact Akko about a replacement PCB

we'll see how things work out

for now, I'm not sure if the Boba U4 switches really fit the MU01

the whole point of having the wood case is to get the unique sound resonance from the wood case

I'm serious leaning towards ordering a set of the Cherry Ergo Clear switches so I can be switch buddies with @livid mason: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805132502522.html

but given that my recent order of the Ducky Dragon keyboard already comes with Cherry Purples

I may just wait and do a switch swap between the two keebs

I think the silent switches will be perfect for the Ducky Dragon keeb and the Cherry Purple will fit well with the purple stabs that are currently on the MU01

the Ducky Dragon is a 65% layout, so there should be more than enough switches to cover the MU01's 60% layout

and I've got the 110-pack for the Boba U4, so there's plenty of switches there

anyways, that's all I've got

just one more keyboard left and I'll be done with this big round of keyboard parts swapping:

missing the new keycaps that I've ordered for the White K10, they should be here on Wednesday

oh yeah, I don't think it's the same switches: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806978529370.html

these are the new "MX2A" version

and you can easily get them from AliExpress

can't see anything on that force curve

but the title is "Cherry MX Purple"

[livid mason]

If you look at Glarses video, he explicitly states they followed the MX2A lubing process

[jolly coral]

Guess the switches are being mass produced

[livid mason]

Means I can secure some for myself 👌

Since I gave the other set to my dad

[jolly coral]

Guess you're seeing a difference between the Purples and the Ergo Clears

[livid mason]

Ergo Clears are a LOT scratchier

Although scratchiness is kinda a staple of Cherry, even the purples are scratchy

But the purples are smoother than the ergo clears

I hand lubed the ergo clears which made them feel better than the factory lubed purples, but i hate hand lubing

[jolly coral]

Got some helpful hints from Akko Support and was able to figure out what the problem was

turns out, I was able to trigger the keystroke if I directly triggered from the PCB:

turns out, one side of the "2-pin socket" was not soldered on correctly:

pulled out the soldering iron:

and gave SW81 a nice "mole"

and everything is functional now

here's the Akko MU01 build 4x timelapse: https://youtu.be/9a0wC2xfZOQ

and probably the most boring typing test: https://youtu.be/F_un-P9y5v8

I'm seriously going to change out the Boba U4 when the Ducky Dragon keeb gets here

[jolly coral]

alright, just finished the last keyboard, the modified White K10 Pro:

White K10 Pro, no ambient lights:

I ended up fully taking apart a Keychron K10 Pro and repainted the bottom case to a light purple color:

there's just so few 100% keyboards out there that's "interesting" so I took a stab at making something slightly more fun

I've just stuck to the steel plate that's the default:

went with one of the annoying switches ever made: Kailh Box Pink switches

nothing screams "quality" like a keycap set that comes in a plastic bag:

it was actually like doing a 100pc puzzle finding the location for each of the scattered keycaps:

very reasonably priced set of keycaps to add some color to the boring white keyboard: https://a.co/d/04IdxopZ

anyways, here's the White Keychron K10 Pro rebuild timelapse: https://youtu.be/6-oC3uDrQjY

and the White Keychron K10 Pro typing test: https://youtu.be/ZFfUriOKPuE

I did horribly with this setup

the clicking was so annoying to me today for some reason

that I just simply couldn't type faster

did I mention that I really hate these switches?

anyways, after this round of swapping, here are all the keyboard:

ultimately, I keep coming back to my Red Q3:

with the new EK21 numpad, I don't really find a need to pull out my Black V6 anymore

if I need to do data entry type stuff, I can easily pop out the EK21:

anyways, glad this round of keyboard swapping is complete

I've got a couple more #⌨-keeb-tkl mods coming, just ordered all the materials today

hopefully I'll be able to finish this pair of Keeb TKL mods before the end of August

[livid mason]

The boards look great at least, even if you hate the switches

[jolly coral]

as long as my wife is happy, I'm happy

forget how @jolly coral feels

I'm insignificant

[livid mason]

so, i gave my dad the custom keeb

"Oh, i can just buy one for $20 at walmart"

then he used it

he's actually really enjoying it now

[jolly coral]

Which keyboard did you end up going with?

[livid mason]

he said he wanted a seperate numpad

so i got an epomaker th80 and the epomaker seperate numberpad

[jolly coral]

Which numpad?

Like the EK21?

[livid mason]

yeah

[jolly coral]

The ek21 needed some serious work

[livid mason]

i replaced all the stabs with owl stabs and tape moded the pcb on both it and the th80

[jolly coral]

Did you fill the case for the EK21?

Even with adding foam, still a super hollow sounding keyboard/pad

I was thinking about opening it up again and adding some rubber mat instead of the foam

(neoprene)

I'll try it out tonight

[livid mason]

I used some stuffing from a dog toy my pups destroyed

[merry valley]

So I just ordered a 110 bucket of ohtemu greens from orange wish to see if the wife even notices lol

And if they suck, I'm only out $17

[jolly coral]

I think those are the ones that bal wanted

One set of green switches really caught my eyes yesterday: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805818759311.html

I just like the name of the switches

And the box:

"You know beer, Beer switch knows you better"

[tall cliff]

i wanted outenu lemon v2 or something like that

[jolly coral]

Lightweight tactile switch with a top bump

[tall cliff]

maybe

anything tactile is good

even better if its green

[jolly coral]

But yeah, in all seriousness, Outemu Greens are going to be a lot heavier than the Oranges

Oranges are at 50g and Greens are 70g

[jolly coral]

Not sure about these Beer ones

I think they're a bit too light

[tall cliff]

im gonna eat them

[jolly coral]

And the Outemu Greens are actually Teal

[tall cliff]

btw mobo seems to have issue from what we talked about in #tech , but all pins are fine

[tall cliff]

its cyan

[jolly coral]

But there's a V3 Lemon now: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806837508228.html

[tall cliff]

i know

[jolly coral]

Got the light columns like the Mars switches I got recently

[idle rose]

this is so interesting

[jolly coral]

If you like light weight switches

The backstory behind the Beer Switch:

Apparently inspired by one of these:

Anyways, the force diagram for the Beer Switch:

Crazy early tactile bump with a 50g tactile force

[merry valley]

the biggest reason i went clicky is to be annoying AF on bridge calls

[jolly coral]

You and my wife will get along just fine

She's extremely antisocial

[jolly coral]

okay, finally got around to add neoprene to the EK21: https://youtu.be/e183-os95XY

had the before and after sound test as well as the neoprene addition in the middle

use the Loop to compare as the two boards have the exact same switches and keycaps

not sure if it came through well

but that "hollow" plastic case sound is gone after the neoprene layer

the whole numpad felt a lot more solid

still plastic, but not hollow sounding anymore

[jolly coral]

@tropic jay, you looking for a TKL?

[tropic jay]

https://clickclack.io/products/tkd-cycle8?variant=41708144656420 I was looking at this one for possibly using with my hololive gamers keycap set, but I am not sure if any of these would look nice with that. I agree white would have definitely been the best option, but it wasnt there. Yeah, 75/TKL with HE, this one got my attention for it being Rakka HE PCB

[jolly coral]

If you're going for HE switches, hard to beat Womier

[tropic jay]

will be looking into that, thanks

from my understanding 75/TKL HE was still pretty rare, but i must admit i might have missed out on things

[jolly coral]

https://wooting.io/wooting-80he

[tropic jay]

honestly, i wasnt a fan of the layout. they do amazing work but i was hoping they would do a 75 or TKL, I did not really like how this ended up after its reveal

[jolly coral]

https://wccftech.com/review/wooting-60he-review-is-this-the-greatest-gaming-keyboard-ever/

60HE is very well known, obviously

[tropic jay]

I fear for life without my function keys 🙈 but yeah the small form factor does have its appeal

do you think this cream would look good with the keycap set. I dont really have much to go by other than a video at this point. I guess it is a hard guess https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_jC742QO8s

[jolly coral]

Wooting makes an 80%

I've just linked it above

[tropic jay]

Yeah, I was aware of that, sorry. I did not really like the layout they came up with. I watched the reveal for it. I do think they have made a white case for it too. I will give it a second thought, you are right in that it otherwise fills most of what I am looking for

[jolly coral]

Especially with the HE switches requirement, slim pickings

[tropic jay]

yeah you are right

[jolly coral]

If you can do without the HE switches, I really like my Mode Loop

Well, it will be no HE and no RGB

[tropic jay]

I will check it out, thanks. I will probably wait for the HE thought, cause I have a board already so it is not extremely urgent but I was just thinking this could be the year that I can have my first custom board meeting all the expectations, pretty close atleast 🙏

Thatr one does look really nice

[jolly coral]

Both cream and white are available

And there's also the Sonnet: https://modedesigns.com/products/sonnet

If you prefer a 75% instead of an 80%

[tall cliff]

meanwhile me with my ewaste keyboard reading all this
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=C4kh-rG6tnY&pp=ygUfa29yZWFuIGd1eSBzbWFzaGVzIGhpcyBrZXlib2FyZA%3D%3D

[jolly coral]

Sonnet has that crazy sexy side profile:

Crema + Dawn =

[jolly coral]

Oh geez, I really shouldn't have pulled up the 80HE this afternoon

Especially when they're shipping from the US:

[jolly coral]

I caved, I ended up ordering the 80HE with 2 cases (PCR - Frost and Zinc - White)

until September...

[merry valley]

looks like my greens will be here tomorrow or sunday ... let the clacking begin LOL

[stone oracle]

I almost ordered one but they dint do paypal where i can split payments

[jolly coral]

$500, I think not! https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/asus-rog-azoth-extreme-review/

[winged patrol]

Damn

[lyric bane]

oh WOW.

[winged patrol]

Price is not WOW

[tall cliff]

500$ is my current pc

[jolly coral]

Completely not worth it

I literally just ordered the 80HE and it could be had for half of that

[tall cliff]

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Feny5bs2JCg

im pretty sure i can do the same by using some software to do the same thing

to A and D buttons

or wasd in general

[jolly coral]

The 80HE I just purchased just recently implemented it too

It's not a hard thing to program

[tall cliff]

ye

[livid mason]

My QK 100 costs less

And that's an 1800 format keeb

[livid mason]

I'm thinking of getting the Boog75 HE module and throwing that into a Zoom case, but idk what color to go for to match the Silver Wolf caps

[jolly coral]

I ended up grabbing a few things from NovelKeys as they were closing out the NK87 line:

I'm a sucker for high quality Aluminum cases that are below $100

and all the plates were being sold for $5, including the expensive stuff like Brass and Copper

[jolly coral]

I think most keeb costs less than whatever this "thing" ASUS is trying to push onto people

I think it's just highway robbery

when clearly better keyboards can be built for far less

[jolly coral]

@stone oracle, I know you're currently on an Akko keeb

but what switches are you currently using

and what do you have in mind for your new keeb build?

[stone oracle]

the default akko switches lol

[jolly coral]

so, something linear I presume

that's the most common that comes with Akko pre-builts

[stone oracle]

yea i do a bit of gaming and some typing

[jolly coral]

did you want to move away from linear switches?

[stone oracle]

i dont know much about switches ive looked at a few in past but cant remember what it was

[jolly coral]

do you like your current switches?

because you can get some Akko Green Linear switches for a very good price: https://a.co/d/7SOAZLt

[stone oracle]

https://kineticlabs.com/switches/ktt/ktt-matcha-switches not sure what differance tactile is i jsut know i dont want clicky

[stone oracle]

it has the akko jelly pink in it atm

[jolly coral]

so the Akko Matcha Green will be very similar to your current keyboard's switches

here's the graph for the Akko Lavender Purple, a tactile switch:

as you can see, there's going to be resistence (bump) during the travel of the switch

[stone oracle]

so basically a lil ahrder press before key is recognized?

[jolly coral]

yes

[stone oracle]

which to me at times i think could be a better thing so i dont hit odd ball keys

[jolly coral]

yes, clicky is the official "typist" switches

it will have a huge bump before registering

and Tactile is the mix use in the middle

where you get a slight bump like the clicky, but without the annoying clicks

and depending on the design of the switch, you can get very smooth operation after getting past the bump

(like a linear)

[stone oracle]

nice

[jolly coral]

personally, I'm a huge fan of tactile switches

because I type so much

so if you're interested in tactile switches, the KTT Matcha is definitely a good choice, and I would order it from Amazon: https://a.co/d/4FrpiqQ

the 110 pack is $40 and US stock

fairly light tactile feel at 45g

[stone oracle]

tryin to figure out what to get right now coolant is main thing first and least the keybaord

[jolly coral]

should be a perfect transition from a 45g linear (Akko Jelly Pink)

[jolly coral]

well, whenever you decide

but if you do go the green route

this setup will work well for you

but those official Ghostbusters keycaps are kind of expensive from NovelKeys: https://novelkeys.com/products/ghostbustin

$100 for a set, but I guess since it's officially licensed

kind of expected

[jolly coral]

welp, I've did a 3rd #⌨-keeb-tkl mod: Silver Wolf themed Keeb TKL

here's the timelapse of the entire build process: https://youtu.be/P0wU2fa6tHs

now that I have the pressure settings for this brand of vinyl, I was able to do the vinyl process a lot quicker

I ended up struggling a bit with the paint

I used another color shift paint called "Blue Cosmos" this time:

and after the black primer, the paint really didn't sit down correctly:

there were these weird color blotches were the color shift crystals didn't settle down correctly

I ended up sanding down the plate:

and repeated the priming and painting process:

and everything came out much better

for this project, I painted both the top and bottom frame in French Lilac after priming in white:

and here's all the painted parts:

the color shift was pretty spectacular at the right angles

I ended up using matching vinyls

and here's the full vinyl set:

additionally, I've ordered some printed clear stickers from Redbubble:

reassembly was a breeze as this is the third Keeb that I've taken apart:

and here are the unlit photos:

Purple Static Lighting photos:

and finally, Purple Static Lighting + Ambient Lighting photos:

ended up doing a short video with the Screen Mirror feature: https://youtu.be/Q-K52kkg-xI

with "The Game has Just Started" video from HYTE: https://youtu.be/ApxQmo2KRM0

excited to be sending this Keeb back to HYTE and seeing it with the official Silver Wolf keycaps

[livid mason]

i want

i want that keeb so bad

https://tenor.com/view/thirsty-i-need-it-spongebob-gif-11796572

[jolly coral]

Make it yourself

I'll send you the stickers

I swear, the #⌨-keeb-tkl has so much decorative modding potential

[lyric bane]

Holy bird!!

[jolly coral]

I'll be shipping the Keeb to you today, please be on the lookout for a package at the office

hopefully you can throw the official SW keycaps on this thing

[lyric bane]

Oh hell yeah!

Gonna tee this up for sure as a content feature

GREAT WORK I’m stunned

[jolly coral]

and Hipyo reviewd the $500 ASUS keyboard: https://youtu.be/n52cBjORxDg

yeah, hard pass

[livid mason]

Damn that's tempting

[stone oracle]

I wpuldnt even lay that much for a keeb

[tall cliff]

i would eat one

[livid mason]

Ooh

I just thought about it

Silver Wolf themed Boog75

Hall effect switches seem perfect for that

[jolly coral]

The Boog75 doesn't look like it has a lot of decorative mod potential

The board is already pretty filled with design elements

[livid mason]

I'm thinking getting the module kit and 3D printing a case

Since the Boog just uses a Zoom75 case

[jolly coral]

then why not just grab an 80HE from Wooting?

the Frost plastic case will be a lot easier to decorate:

and really hard to beat the price right now:

and yeah, that's insane that Wooting is charging $10 for a full case

[livid mason]

Because I didn't know it had a frosted plastic case

[jolly coral]

it's a hidden option

probably the coolest case for the 80HE

you have to select "module" option instead of pre-built

then you get the option to choose the frost case

the render looks so good:

and then you can do all the decorative non-sense that I've done for the SW Keeb TKL

[livid mason]

I think imma do that

[livid mason]

How are you seeing these discounts? I'm not seeing them anywhere

[jolly coral]

https://wooting.io/configurator/wooting-80he

[jolly coral]

be sure to click the "Module"

[livid mason]

Ok I just had to refresh the page

[little girder]

I think I will

[jolly coral]

wow

definitely do share here if and when you get it

[little girder]

Cf plate and the machine alu is pretty cool

[jolly coral]

I would love to hear some "real" people thoughts about this

[little girder]

I need to remove all the foam in it

[jolly coral]

my Loop has the CF plate

[little girder]

Ruins the leaf spring mount with it all in

[jolly coral]

in all honesty, it's interesting, thock like PC but hard like metal

[little girder]

The main advantage is its wireless also with 8khz polling

[jolly coral]

definitely

[little girder]

Plus that leaf spring mount

Makes up for the value

[jolly coral]

I'm been getting hit hard with ads for this one with the leaf springs: https://store.dry---studio.com/products/black-diamond-75

CF everything

[little girder]

Btw I demod the rog switches and they're insane @jolly coral stock

[jolly coral]

and making those leaf springs highly visible

[little girder]

Almost better than ink blacks

[jolly coral]

they're definitely not cheap switches, that's for sure

[little girder]

https://youtu.be/n52cBjORxDg?si=5c1SyQDbJjTO1UQf

But this vid displays the attention to detail asus put in

[jolly coral]

yeah, that's what I've just posted: #1071070910989209661 message

[little girder]

Ph lol

[jolly coral]

Google is always listen

[little girder]

I wished they made it hall effect

[jolly coral]

I said some crap about the board and I get with Hipyo's review in YouTube

[jolly coral]

I bet it's in the works

the limitation is software

as Hipyo has identified

trying to put everything into Armoury Crate is just a bad idea

[little girder]

Yep

[jolly coral]

Gateron essentially made sure the HE is not going to be difficult to implement from the hardware side

[little girder]

Just gotta make sure the fw is good

The razer implementation is insane

[stone oracle]

My green keeb suppose to be here tomarrow but atm no movement in ohio since this mroning

[tall cliff]

green

[stone oracle]

This one

[tall cliff]

i want one now

[jolly coral]

I think mine is getting here tomorrow as well

Finished this one last night:

[tall cliff]

cooooool

[jolly coral]

And got this one today:

[tall cliff]

even cooler

[jolly coral]

I'll post more later

[stone oracle]

Yea but still no movement in over 12 hours

[jolly coral]

The anticipation must be killing you

[stone oracle]

Well switches wont be here till sunday still figuring out the keycaps out

[jolly coral]

Guess you can just type on your switches directly

[stone oracle]

Well yea i could lol but i gotta get some other stuff paid on bills and go from there after

But since i wont have swotches till sunday keycaps arent to important

I may suck it up and get that ghostbusters set

[jolly coral]

Finally, about time someone wrote about Wooting having the Snap Tap feature as well: https://www.theverge.com/2024/7/23/24204422/wooting-razer-snap-tap-socd-beta-feature

September

[tall cliff]

so it's easier to grab and throw

[tropic jay]

My GX1 already had it too, its pretty insane. they call it kill switch here

Ah, so they're selling the module from the start eh. But there are no cases other than their own which would be compatible ? (80HE)

are there good pictures of the white zinc alloy case yet. i wonder what it will look like irl example. the white color that is

[livid mason]

Boog 75 is the same way

Basically gotta wait until cases come out that are compatible down the line

[tropic jay]

I also browsed some Boog/Zoom yeah, they seem well received. What PCB do they use there. Their own? Think they'll also get the SOCD update?

I am not familiar with the people behind it

[livid mason]

Meletrix uses their own PCB on the Boog modules. idk what their software is tho

[tropic jay]

I see. Yeah both the Zoom/Boog look interesting. Was considering giving the Wooting 60 a try, and just get used to a 60 layout, with a tofu redux case. But I would like to see what the 80HE looks like in its white version, still hoping it will "work" with that keycap set I have on the way

[jolly coral]

I have the white one ordered as well as the frost plastic. I'll post when I get them in September(?)

[tropic jay]

Sounds good, thanks

I searched around but I wasn't able to find much yet sadly

[tall cliff]

that's a lot of time

[jolly coral]

It's not out

Wooting has renders

[tropic jay]

ah, they were here, but I guess they did not have the white one there yet https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Rsqvsv4y9o

I guess no choice but to wait then

[jolly coral]

I'm sure the wisest thing is to wait. I doubt Wooting will be selling out of these. They've proven themselves to not be just some flyby GB that disappears into the sunset 🌇

[tropic jay]

Yeah true, the 60HE option with the tofu redux is still appealing too. I'll give it some thought

[jolly coral]

There are some really pretty Tofu cases, but I still struggle with the 60% layout

[tropic jay]

yeah, it would be my first. I hope I can adjust if I do it.. losing my function keys might be challenging

[jolly coral]

My problem was my hands falling off the keyboard

It's just so small and most 60% cases don't have much of a rim around the keys

Typing test on my MU01: #1071070910989209661 message

[tropic jay]

Hmm interesting. I didnt consider that at all

It looks great, awesome

[jolly coral]

alright, just finished a couple of builds as of last night, about time I've updated

first keyboard that I've received was the Ducky One 3 Aura Clear White ordered from Mechanical Keyboards: https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/products/ducky-one-3-aura-white

this was my first Ducky keyboard, so I didn't know quite what to expect

probably the most interesting feature has to be the analog switches in the back of the keyboard:

apparently you just need the lengthy manual and no software to change stuff on Ducky keyboards

the entire process felt ancient

quite a few goodies in the accesorries box like an extra Year of the Dragon space bar:

RGB is quite pleasant with the Ducky One 3 Aura Clear:

I've ordered mine with Gateron's Baby Kangaroo Tactile switches, and here's the typing test: https://youtu.be/dZnChc84H8Y

Everything about the keyboard just works, albeit, with a "analog" flare

being about to program the keyboard through software like VIA has really changed the entire custom keyboard scene

otherwise, extremely solid keyboard and I can definitely see why Ducky has such an excellent reputation

I've ordered in keycaps and swtiches for the Ducky One 3, so I'll update when I'm done with this build

in the meantime, the keycaps and switches have been removed, and will remain on the keyboard wall awaiting for the new switches and keycaps

A huge part of the reason that I've ordered the Ducky One 3 was for the Kangaroo switches

I've been meaning to rebuild the Gundam Keyboard: #1071070910989209661 message

the original K10 has gone through a couple of rebuilds at this point (#1071070910989209661 message and #1071070910989209661 message) and I really wanted the Gundam keyboard to be back

especially now that I have the space to display the awesome Gundam SDA keycaps that I've spent an arm and a leg on

I've ended up ordering my first Monsgeek keyboard, the M5 in Silver:

I was actually surprised to see Akko tape on the outer packaging:

and that's when I've learned that Akko and Monsgeek are sister companies in the way that HYTE and IBP are

the accessories box annoyed me slightly, as I've discovered that I will need to install my own stabilizers:

if there's one thing I've learned from building so many keyboards now, is that I don't enjoy the process of having to install and lube the stablizers

but I shouldn't complain, it's really not that bad

at least hot-swap socket exists now and I don't have solder switches anymore

anyways, some photos from the M5 build:

threw on the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switches that were taken from the Ducky One 3:

and on goes the Gundam SDA keycaps:

Monsgeek M5 Gundam Keyboard, lit + ambient lighting:

Monsgeek M5 Gundam Keyboard, lit + no ambient lighting:

4x timelapse of the build: https://youtu.be/g3NwxIpwyqk

and finally, the typing test: https://youtu.be/-a2foELKM8o

as expected, very thocky sound with the taller SDA profile keycaps on top of a PC plate

I tried my best to tune the stabilizers, but the included stabs were just not very good

if this keyboard ever does start getting a lot of action

the first thing that will be upgraded will definitely be the stabs

otherwise, very solid full metal keyboard and very fitting to the entire Gundam theme

one last comment about the Kangaroo swtiches: they definitely felt very familiar, and the typing experience was extremely close to the Keychron Banana switches

They are interchangable in my book, especially when Keychron doesn't seem to every have their Banana switches in stock

anyways, last night, I've build another Tide75, this time, a black one:

having done a couple of these now (#1071070910989209661 message and #1071070910989209661 message), I kind of knew what I was getting into

the black (and only black) version of the Tide 75 has the gold/bronze rim around the edges

however, given that this was a budget keyboard from Epomaker, the edge around the knob was... silver

pulled out the knob and my gold Sharpie, and problem is solved:

additionally, the side column of keycaps were from the wrong rows:

I'll also be addressing that when I swap out the switches and keycaps

[tall cliff]

interesting

[jolly coral]

because I get too far, I've realized that I've never posted a stock typing test for the Tide75, so here it is: https://youtu.be/W3VleXEfcU4

nothing to rave about, just some cheap Linear "Lemon" switches that I've come to expect from Epomaker

nothing offensive, plain, cheap Linear switches

[tall cliff]

they look familiar

[jolly coral]

after ripping them out, I've replaced the switches with my Kailh White Owls V2s from the Griffin build (#1071070910989209661 message):

that's right, the gold edges on the black Tide75 inspired me to bring back the aweful gold keycaps:

after spending what seems like forever polishing these stupid metal keycaps

here's the Black Gold Epomaker Tide75, unlit:

(the side key row height issue has been addressed)

and some more photos of the Black Gold Epomaker Tide75, lit without ambient lighting:

perfect budget keyboard to display my $500 mistake, in the bottom corner of my keyboard wall:

a couple of videos, the Black Gold Epomaker Tide75 build 4x timelpase: https://youtu.be/ujLueKSTIvA

and the typing test with the gold keycaps: https://youtu.be/Zzn8uFdhLiA

I typed well on this setup simply becuase that's how good the White Owl V2 switches are

that aural feedback from clicky switches just encourages me to type faster

the keycaps looks fine, but that's because of the 3 hours I've spent adjusting each and every one of these POS keycaps: #1071070910989209661 message

worse part, some of them are LOOSE again

these keycaps are just hopeless

once again, please let this be a PSA: DO NOT BUY METAL KEYCAPS

somehow, I still have more keyboard coming

I'll post when I'm done building them

[little girder]

Pain

[jolly coral]

ngl, still stings a little

[little girder]

I want metal caps for the sound profile

[jolly coral]

I've just ordered a set of Cerakey keycaps

you can compare before you make a decision

I have a feeling the sound profile is going to be equally interesting with the Cerakey keycaps

given that it's actually "Alumina Ceramic"

ordered a set, becuase I eventually want to get this set for the Ducky Dragon special edition keyboard: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/world-s-first-blue-and-white-ceramic-keycap-set#/

I wanted to get an idea as what I'm getting myself into before fully committing like I did with Awekeys

[gray wave]

Saw a video about ceramic keycaps, and the spacebar was getting stuck at the bottom from how heavy it is

Blown away at how they sound

[stone oracle]

@jolly coral

[tall cliff]

green 💚

[jolly coral]

apparently I tracked the wrong package, my Novelkeys are getting here on Friday

but that is a really pretty shade of green

not to mention the premium touches, like giving you a carrying case

what a steal from this clearance sale

[stone oracle]

and lawd its a 9lb keybaord its chunky to

so i know wont move lol

switches be here sunday still decidng on caps

tho i dont get why i have to unscrew 6 screws just to put the switxches in

[jolly coral]

Be lazy like me

Just put the switches in without taking off the top case

Although I'll be stuck with having to take off the screws because I'll be putting in new plates

[stone oracle]

Yea novel just states to support the pcb when insterting switxhes but with way the keyboard is i dont see why i have to unscreww it

[jolly coral]

Sometimes with soft plates on foams, the switches won't go down fully without some help

[stone oracle]

Ahh makes sense

[stone oracle]

Hmm supposibky switches will be here sat now through usps

Rolls eyes

[jolly coral]

Gotta love USPS

[stone oracle]

Nah its amazon who shipped it via usps

[jolly coral]

Clicky switches!

[merry valley]

i'll remember to get a gnarly underkey filth shot as i swap them this weekend

[jolly coral]

Exciting! 🤮

[little girder]

I’m about to order a rakka tkl

[jolly coral]

And you plan to order one how?

That website doesn't work

[little girder]

I’ll dm u the link

[jolly coral]

you've sent me the link to the Cycle8

[little girder]

Yes

It is the keeb that comes with the rakka tkl

[jolly coral]

ah, I see, Rakka is the PCB and Cycle8 is the case

got it

well, good luck waiting until November for it

I don't like doing GB, so I won't be getting this board

[tall cliff]

@jolly coral https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RxEa7k8j1Ro

[jolly coral]

Already posted the article: #1071070910989209661 message

[tall cliff]

ah, didn't saw that

mb

[jolly coral]

Np, I post a lot

[jolly coral]

That's a BIG box from NovelKeys

[tall cliff]

gimme thiz cardboard

https://tenor.com/view/kanna-kanna-dragon-dragon-maid-hug-please-gif-22758953

[jolly coral]

Yeah, I wish my kids would want to do cardboard crafts. So much of it comes through the house

[jolly coral]

here you go @winged patrol

[winged patrol]

Oh

Have no idea what is this

[jolly coral]

a few plates and some keyboards

[winged patrol]

Ohhh

Ic ic

Nice

[jolly coral]

NovelKeys is the maker of the "NK" series of keyboards

[winged patrol]

Wellllllll here is not available

So i never heard of that brand before

[jolly coral]

and they're on clearance right now

mentioned my order here: #1071070910989209661 message

and seems like Josh ordered one as well: #1071070910989209661 message

[winged patrol]

Damn

Good price

[jolly coral]

yeah, especially for the aluminum edition

I really wanted these 2 colors too, but 65%: https://novelkeys.com/collections/keyboards/products/nk65-awaken-edition

[winged patrol]

Looks cool

Clean

[jolly coral]

I'm tempted to borrow the bottom case artwork and throw it on the aluminum NK87:

[winged patrol]

Bal would be jealous

[winged patrol]

@tall cliff ur favorite green

[jolly coral]

he already commented on it

#1071070910989209661 message

[winged patrol]

Oh

Ic

I cant wait for my keyboard

[jolly coral]

I'm excited for you

please do share your build here when you do finish

[little girder]

I love group buys but rakka stuff all gb only

[jolly coral]

yeah, I draw the line at pre-orders

[little girder]

Gb is a pre-order with more less steps

[tall cliff]

https://tenor.com/view/stupid-idiot-cat-dancing-gif-8753079739214178634

[stone oracle]

So my keycaps are ordered so hopefully this weekend the keeb gets put tpgether

[jolly coral]

Looks like you've got fast Amazon delivery too

[jolly coral]

Oomph, Keychron: https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/keychron-is-launching-a-new-magnetic-keyboard/?amp

[lyric bane]

@jolly coral received your keeb carepackage - it looks GREAT!

I think we'll take it down on friday but likely make an appearance in the booth sat and sunday!

[jolly coral]

Woohoo 🎉🎉🎉

Glad you've received it

[lyric bane]

totally wanna pair it with the systems there 🫶

[jolly coral]

Can't wait to see it with the SW keycaps

[lyric bane]

LOL I will have someone place them on tomorrow

before we go to the show for sat/sun

[jolly coral]

Sounds like a plan!

[jolly coral]

@lilac cosmos, I don't understand Beige

it really invokes some ancient memories when keyboards were large and bulky and gross looking

[lilac cosmos]

LOL 98% is what I'm into at the moment, and 78% Chonky

[jolly coral]

but I think maybe 8BitDo made it cool again? https://a.co/d/hJ3dDS6

[jolly coral]

ooo, @livid mason (another one of the common poster here) loves the 1800 layout as well

[jolly coral]

ooo, chonky keycaps

[lilac cosmos]

Akko makes some pretty nice boards to do builds on for cheap. That's that Model M Keycap set

[jolly coral]

and nice mix of white and grey

what switches do you have on there?

[lilac cosmos]

They were called "Spongebob" by akko

they are heavy and tactile

[jolly coral]

nice

huge tactile fan here

my wife does clicky

anyways, welcome to the custom keyboard thread

don't be a stranger

[lilac cosmos]

Heck yea man! I am a big time old school nerd lol always on this kinda stuff

[jolly coral]

I'm dead

the NK87 needs 7U spacebar

going to need to figure something out

[livid mason]

1800 is king

[lilac cosmos]

Preach!!!!

[lilac cosmos]

oof.. Any keysets you have that would complement it with a different spacebar? I've had to do that a couple of times

[jolly coral]

it's worse, the entire layout of R0 is completely off

I've ordered another purplish pudding set

hopefully that'll work out

[lilac cosmos]

genius

[jolly coral]

but I'm more dreading the the keycaps I've purchased for the Green and Pink NK87 also don't have the 7U set

[lilac cosmos]

I built this out of 2 different keysets because I didnt like the spacebar

[jolly coral]

yeah, looks like I've going to have to mix and match too for these NK87

definitely don't like that NovelKeys did that

otherwise, the case has been amazing to work on

crazy easy build and quite an easy-to-work on design

and sounds decent

[lilac cosmos]

I've had a mixed experience with their stuff. I mostly only buy keycaps if they have all the possible options included these days

Etsy has some unique keycaps that are small batch. Usually about on par with the market price of 100 bucks, but they are way more creative since they're small batch

[jolly coral]

really bugs me the cheap stabs

[lilac cosmos]

yea for real

[jolly coral]

I don't understand why makers would make all these great cases

to only cheap out on $20 stabs

and put in $10 units

anyways

🤯

[lilac cosmos]

yea for real.. Like you gotta by em in bulk. I wish everyone would go to screw ins now.. It's time..

[jolly coral]

it's screwed in

[lilac cosmos]

Same with hotswap pcbs, just do it. Spend the 2 dollars

none of mine are screw in, and it annoys me lol

[jolly coral]

but the tolerances are so poor, that I'm not sure if I can address the wobble with just lube

[lilac cosmos]

did you balance them on a flat surface? Like a mirror?

[jolly coral]

yeah, they went in flat

[lilac cosmos]

man that's weird, maybe super lube em?

[jolly coral]

it's an issue with the housing

or maybe I'm just doing stabs wrong

[lilac cosmos]

lol probably not. Just watch the Japanese guys, they are masters at getting the stabs just perfect

I watch it and just sit there amazed

[jolly coral]

I'm thinking about watching more videos

but need to resolve this 7U spacebar problem first

literally scouring the internet to find the 165 sets

[lilac cosmos]

I don't know if they're common anymore, but look on drop and see if they have some keysets that you can just buy the spacebars

[jolly coral]

oh yeah

great idea!

thanks

[lilac cosmos]

any time! I've been down that road many times lol

[stone oracle]

glad keycaps i ordered have the 7u spacebar

[jolly coral]

phew

a huge sigh of relief

[stone oracle]

i literally and went back to look lol

[jolly coral]

I think I may have found some solutions this morning after going to bed in a panic

I'll worry about it when the actual keycaps come

[stone oracle]

well both switches and caps suppose to be here tomarrow

so yea ill see then

[jolly coral]

so excited for you

the moment last night, when I've realized that I wasn't going to finish the build: #1071070910989209661 message

and just went to bed

but soooo pretty with the CF plate and the HYTE Fluffy Lavender switches

[stone oracle]

to abd they dont sell the switches seperatley lol

[jolly coral]

yet*

along with the "soon"

🤣

[stone oracle]

cough send me some swithces >.>

[winged patrol]

Believe it or not

I somehow liked this design

[lilac cosmos]

how are the hyte switches?

[stone oracle]

@winged patrol they def differnt if u went with a cartoony type build

I actually thought about buying those myself

Least in the grey

But its not a full set and i dont have any of there keebs so purpose is null

[winged patrol]

I dont want it, just saying i like this

I Mean

This keyboard wont match the vibe of my set up

[lilac cosmos]

I'm currently doing white, grey and beige for my Y70Ti in white on white when it shows up. Gotta paint my monitor and speakers to match thouugh, so that's going to be a job. Did a wrap on my G903 mouse and it came out pretty good

[winged patrol]

Looks nice

[tropic jay]

found picture of the 80HE, hoping that would look good with that hololive gamers keycap set

[stone oracle]

I have mostly snow white and chrome but gonna use green coolant so i got keeb switches and caps to gp with my build

[lilac cosmos]

the keycaps from the original cyberboard would look good for that build, the translucent green

[jolly coral]

Pretty nice linear switches

Looks great on the new Purple NK87

Has those light guides too

36g, really light:

[lilac cosmos]

So they are linear I assume?

duh, that was stated lol

I like that lavendar board, that is sick. I wanna build a vaporwave board, with lavendar, cyan and an accent color, like neon green or yellow

[merry valley]

i need to dig out my emergency backup board and start on this swap

[jolly coral]

Swapping switches takes an hour at most?

But good luck and hopefully no bent pins

[merry valley]

yeah my caps need a dunk in some hot soapy water too

downside to white aura caps lol

[jolly coral]

Oomph, full cleaning

Can't wait to see your gleaming keyboard

[merry valley]

Only bent 1

[jolly coral]

Alcohol + air

[jolly coral]

That's pretty good, hope you have an extra

[merry valley]

yup ... got 110

[gray wave]

Getting those fumes in

[jolly coral]

🤣

[jolly coral]

And we're back!

[merry valley]

it's not much louder than it was before, but higher pitched, a tad heavier

hopefully i can milk it for another 3.5 years - then i can afford to build a new one

space bar needs an oring

it's THONKY

[jolly coral]

Dang, you actually burn through your switches? 🤯

[jolly coral]

Somehow I don't think that's the sound profile you're looking for

[merry valley]

space bar sounds ... hollow?

i dunno

three and a half years is really about as long as i have ever kept a keyboard. coffee always seeems to find them ...

used my logitech for about a year, then kid killed hers, so i gave her the 513, and got the gmmk. i figure new switches and a good scrub = extra life lol

[stone oracle]

whys usps gotta be so slow it sout for delivery but hasnt been delivered yet

[jolly coral]

My replacement keycaps for the purple NK87 has just been tossed onto my porch from the Amazon person

The person was so fast that my Ring didn't even catch him 🥷

[stone oracle]

https://tenor.com/view/bh187-beverly-hills-ninja-ninja-sneak-sneaking-gif-19613251

[jolly coral]

oh geez

those switches be perfect match

what did you order again @stone oracle?

I'm about to go cop me a set too

[stone oracle]

KPREPUBLIC KTT Matcha Switch Tactile 45g MX switch for Mechanical Keyboard Factory Lubed PC POM Gold Plated Spring (KTT Matcha Switch x110) https://a.co/d/9Vuqm55

Of course nk 87 aluminium the green

[jolly coral]

light tactiles

I'm getting a set

[stone oracle]

GEKUCAP Custom Keycaps 173 Keys Dark Green Keycaps Double Shot PBT Keycap Set Cherry Profile for Cherry Gateron MX Switches 60% 65% 70% 75% 95% ANSI Layout Mechanical Keyboard https://a.co/d/fwyBN0b

[jolly coral]

did USPS deliver?

[stone oracle]

yup

the switches

the caps were delivered by amazon

[jolly coral]

nice

so I can see some photos tonight of your keyboard

always love seeing other people's beautiful work

[stone oracle]

yea i should ahve caps on shortley

[jolly coral]

that green case makes the dark green color really pop out

really really like the print on that set

just finished building my purple NK87 as well

let me get the type test video loaded onto YouTube

alright, update on my Purple NK87, the keycaps arrived today:

always fun to get a keycap set in bags

this set actually had 3 bags:

and definitely have the 7U for R0:

ended up going with a more "gamer" color combo:

busted out the lube to seriously address the noisy stabs:

helped a little, here's the typing test: https://youtu.be/4aLpxC7qtP0

been really frustrated with the stabs in the recent builds

I really need to figure something out with ordering some stabs

anyways, NovelKeys Purple NK87, unlit:

NovelKeys Purple NK87, lit + ambient lighting:

NovelKeys Purple NK87, lit:

overall, a very fun keyboard except for the 7U spacebar problem

I hate typing on linear switches as I was reminded while doing the typing test

but HYTE's Fluffy Lavender linear switches are quite good

it's quiet and provided a thocky sound profile with the OEM profile keycaps and the CF plate

[stone oracle]

With green rgb

[tall cliff]

lime color seems bright compared to keycaps

[jolly coral]

I think that's the point. It really makes the dark green keycaps stand out. I really like this color combination

[tall cliff]

i don't

[stone oracle]

i didnt want black or white keys and yes the keys are a really dark green to accent the bright green i didnt want it to fully blend in but the lettering on the caps works well so you may feel the keyboard part doesnt match keys but it was done on purpose tbh

[jolly coral]

Just noticing though, did your keycaps set come with more keys? The Ctrl, Windows, and Alt spacing is off

This was the spacing I've used

[stone oracle]

it does i was gonna actually playbwith some the keys thats the fault wiht the set tho

[jolly coral]

That's unfortunate

[stone oracle]

mine just has a code key for the windows key

[jolly coral]

Yeah, that's common

[stone oracle]

the right side tho spacing is fine its just left

Fixed

[jolly coral]

There we go!

Sorry, it's such a small thing

I'm weird

[stone oracle]

oh i know it was just so late by time i got to it i was planning on fixing that anyways

lol

[tall cliff]

i should find out how much are the parts of custom keyboard

the one that I'd like

is there maybe site for that?

[stone oracle]

@jolly coral knwos more on all that than i do i just used novelkeys where one was prebuilt except for switches and caps

[jolly coral]

AliExpress for you

Find one and share the link here

[jolly coral]

I was crazy worried when I was building mine and saw the 7U

[tall cliff]

i should build one when i find enough money for it

but ill get 20$ one first anyways

[jolly coral]

You did purchase the NK87 under my influence

[jolly coral]

Just share here before you buy anything

There's enough e-waste

Don't waste money buying trash

[stone oracle]

yea u may have influenced me but after i saw the new color in case it was a wise way to go

now just gotta eventually figure out the mouse

[jolly coral]

Good luck with that

Maybe a Razer? They have the whole green thing going for them: https://www.razer.com/campaigns/be-seen-bleed-green

[stone oracle]

yea i know i just dont like there software and the aspect u dont have a choice in it

i have a gravastar mouse where the rgb s white and mouse is basically battle worn white

[jolly coral]

The Noctua set from Drop! https://drop.com/buy/drop-mito-mt3-noctua-keycap-set

[balmy cove]

https://tenor.com/view/yup-dale-doback-step-brothers-yes-i-agree-gif-1579811350903017250

[jolly coral]

How are the Holy Panda X?

[balmy cove]

So far they feel and sound pretty nice!

I have a mix of holy pandas and some wisteria switches from epomaker

[jolly coral]

Did you get the clear ones?

[balmy cove]

the holy pandas?

[jolly coral]

Yes

[balmy cove]

I only saw the green ones and the black with yellow stems

green ones were sold out on drop sadly

[jolly coral]

https://drop.com/buy/drop-holy-panda-x-clear-mechanical-switches/

[balmy cove]

Ahhh damnit lol

[jolly coral]

Should have better light transmittance

[balmy cove]

next time 😂

[jolly coral]

Swap out the Wisteria

[balmy cove]

To be fair I don't use the lighting on my keyboards

But I like those too

Have them on my function keys

[jolly coral]

I'm not sure about the 60g, I prefer mine to be slightly lighter

Going to throw on some switches tonight

[balmy cove]

They feel lighter that the holy pandas

[jolly coral]

I'll post more about it tonight

[jolly coral]

Yeah... Holy Pandas are 67g

Thus I've still never bought one

[balmy cove]

I like em though these caps make them a bit loud

[jolly coral]

MT3s are on the taller side, so should be thocky

[balmy cove]

Yeah they are TALLLL

[jolly coral]

I've got the Outemu version in my Mode Loop right now: #1071070910989209661 message

Maybe if I'm looking for another set of clear tactile switches that aren't silent 🤔

[balmy cove]

Dust covers

[winged patrol]

I forgot but what is that colour which looks like sparkly green

Like its shines

[jolly coral]

Neon?

Or iridescent?

[winged patrol]

Yes

that one

Looks cool

[jolly coral]

The first iridescent green that comes to mind is this red/green color shift:

[winged patrol]

This color

[jolly coral]

Ah, the blue/green shift

[winged patrol]

Ye

Looks epic

[jolly coral]

Yeah, I don't think it's a super popular color. There's limited paint and wrap selection for this, mostly because it just looks green under most conditions

[winged patrol]

Damn

[jolly coral]

Blue and green are too close on the spectrum so the color shifting effect isn't quite as dramatic

[winged patrol]

Ic

[tall cliff]

he sees

[jolly coral]

Lovely:

Good thing a new listing for this exact set popped up on Amazon

The AliExpress agent was super nice and I got my refund processed already. Pretty impressed at how much AliExpress has improved

They're literally doing Amazon level of CS

[lyric bane]

you know, if you waited til about tomorrow at 9AM...

there may or may not be another emerald green set available

[jolly coral]

What

Dang it

Good thing Amazon has a very generous return policy

[lyric bane]

[jolly coral]

Thanks for the preview

I may have to order a new case for my Loop

I suddenly feel very inspired to make an update to the Loop

[lyric bane]

yes I'd say waiting less than 24hrs would probably be very insightful for keyboard junkies!

[jolly coral]

Oomph, excited

[livid mason]

Now I am interested

[jolly coral]

box from China arrived last week, been meaning to unbox it for a few days now but life...

ripped off the outer wrap to reveal more tape:

just as I've expected, I didn't get the actual box for the switches

I really wanted the outer box for the switches: #1071070910989209661 message

alas free shipping from KPrepublic in China, can't complain

the switches:

standard 5-pin stuff, but the casing is super nice

the switches look so good against the yellow EVA foam on the Ducky One 3:

switches installed on the Ducky One 3 Aura Clear White:

struggled slightly to get the RGB programming on the Ducky One 3, but I've eventually figured it out:

just missing the keycaps now

[jolly coral]

thanks for the tip, order placed:

[balmy cove]

Oh these are so damn pretty

[jolly coral]

They really are. I literally bought them because of the name and the looks. Hopefully I'll get the keycaps soon and finish this build

The sound from the switches is actually quite loud

[balmy cove]

Where did you get them if you don't mind me asking?

[jolly coral]

AliExpress

[balmy cove]

Oh

Skip 😂

[jolly coral]

https://a.co/d/8CkWkJj

KPrepublic also has an Amazon listing

I think it was about $20 more for the 110 set (which I ended up with 111)

Since I was ordering the keycaps already

I just placed the order through AliExpress

The listing also has these super pretty Azure Dragon switches:

[balmy cove]

👀

[jolly coral]

2-stage spring 63g initial and 67g bottom

Perfect switch does exist for the Silverwolf keycaps

(for those that want tactile switches)

[balmy cove]

might pick up some glorious pandas

[jolly coral]

Didn't you just get some Holy Pandas?

[balmy cove]

I did lol

[jolly coral]

I think the Glorious Pandas were great for the time that they were released

But switches have improved so much

A couple of years old now, but still one of the best reviews of tactile switches: https://youtu.be/D-qpw4_QTM0

But yeah, this was before all the new 2-stage and 3-stage spring stuff

Here's a review on the Azure Dragons: https://www.reddit.com/r/switchmodders/comments/utx0xg/gopolar_azure_dragon_switch_review/

And another discussion about them: https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/t66yqk/anyone_tried_azure_dragon_switches_whats_your/

Definitely NOT the tactile switch to use if you want a quiet board

Probably still need to order a set of the Boba U4 if you're going for the silent tactile switches: #1071070910989209661 message

[lyric bane]

My daily driver 🥹 @jolly coral it’s too good looking

[jolly coral]

Do you like using Linear?

I didn't swap out the switches because I thought this might be the demo

But I totally would get a set of the Azure Dragons for this build

If I was going to daily drive this Keeb

I can send a set of switches to you when I'm mailing the Keeb for @idle rose 👀👀👀

[lyric bane]

yeah im a linear fanboy

its all good, i have way too many i'm not using lol

i think i've got a full set of gateron CM3's that are just collecting dust

HMX Cheese, gateron oil kings, vertex v1s, etc.

[jolly coral]

Nevermind, sounds like you've got the switches covered

[lyric bane]

yeah way too many lol

[livid mason]

hot damn that's pretty

[tall cliff]

very adorable

[jolly coral]

ICYMI: #general message

And the build: #1071070910989209661 message

[livid mason]

HOT

[stone oracle]

I been messing with my tactile they actually feel pretty good

[jolly coral]

Weather has been so bad in my area that Amazon delayed my shipment

[livid mason]

Check the Waffle House Index

[jolly coral]

We don't have Waffle House in the North

[livid mason]

I'm in the northern Midwest

The nearest waffle house is 5 hours away

Still fun to check on it during Tornado season, just to see how hard it's getting hit

[jolly coral]

Oh snap, you're close to me then

[livid mason]

Oh damn

State?

[jolly coral]

Iowa

[livid mason]

Illinois

[jolly coral]

Yeah, I vaguely remember now, you're in the western suburbs of Chicago

[livid mason]

northern, close to Wisconsin

[jolly coral]

Oh

Somehow I thought you were in Aurora

Anyways

[livid mason]

ye, both Chicago and Milwaukee are relatively normal hangouts for my friends and I when we aare going on day trips

[jolly coral]

Fun times

But I'm glad I don't have to deal with the lake effect

[livid mason]

if you're ever in the city, let me know, I know some good restaurants

[livid mason]

lake effect is AWFUL

[jolly coral]

I used to visit a lot before kids

Chicago is the closest "real" city

It's like a 5 hour drive with i-toll

I still hit up H-mart and Mitsuwa when I need to restock

[livid mason]

Mitsuwa is a fun trip

havent been to H Mart in forever now that i think about it

[jolly coral]

Mostly restocking trips now, so hit up the few places, and get out immediately

[jolly coral]

One of the supermarkets here in Iowa has been getting pretty good stock for Korean stuff, so really haven't felt the need to visit H-mart recently

But Japanese goods are still hard to come by

[livid mason]

thats good, I got a small local place that's been stocking more korean and japanese stuff, so I've been driving out less as well

[jolly coral]

Dang it, now you've got me thinking about Portillo's

[merry valley]

i want a patty melt from schoop's

[tall cliff]

i want borsh

[merry valley]

used to spend a lot of time in NW IN for work

[jolly coral]

An honest review from the latest offering from Awekeys: https://www.techpowerup.com/review/quick-look-awekeys-full-metal-keycaps/

Looks like they're still suffering from stem issues

[lyric bane]

btw on these, was considering not needing so many keycaps since it wasn't a gradient like the SW caps.... and then we just kept it the 254pcs anyway 😂

[jolly coral]

that's a huge reason that I've purchase the set. If it was a standard 120ish keycap set, I would never pay that much for standard Cherry profile PBT keycaps.

[jolly coral]

ripped the keycaps off the White K10 Pro this evening:

been waiting for a couple weeks now for these Cerakey keycaps:

so this is how Cerakey got around the stem issue: glue a plastic stem to the ceramic cap

I first did the "C" set:

I definitely see the problem that some people have complained about

the keycaps are not straight

since the stems are added to the caps, the stems are sometimes not straight. Cerakey can easily resolve the alignment issue with a lock + key mechanism for the mounting of the plastic stem

did the "A set" with the alpha keys next:

struggled with the space bar a little bit, so swapped in a Box Navy to handle the extra weight of the space bar:

finally, "B set" has the remaining keys:

Cerakey doesn't support the 108 keys layout, so ended up using the Purple cheapo OEM keycaps for the extra 4 keys above the numpad:

Here's the updated Keychron White K10 Pro with the Purple Cerakey keycaps, unlit:

Keychron White K10 Pro with the Purple Cerakey keycaps, lit + ambient lighting:

finally, the Keychron White K10 Pro with the Purple Cerakey keycaps, lit without ambient lighting:

there's actually quite a cool effect with these keycaps, the RGB actually shines through the ceramic!

the all important reason for these ceramic keycaps, sound test: https://youtu.be/FHvOgFbXng0

a direct comparison to the original PBT keycaps: #1071070910989209661 message

I really liked how the keycaps were constantly cool to the touch

the sound profile is very unique and the spacebar has an interesting metalic ping, just like the metal keycaps

aside from the slightly skewed keys, the entire installation process was a breeze compared to the metallic keycaps

everything worked just like normal keycaps