Custom keyboards

[jolly coral]

idobao ID80 with white/gold topographic keycaps, lit + ambient lighting:

some pictures of the lit back:

side profile:

idobao ID80 with white/gold topographic keycaps, lit + no ambient lighting:

one more set of photos with my wooden palm rest:

I don't think I can emphasize this point enough: this is SUCH A BEAUTIFUL KEYBOARD!!!

build timelapse: https://youtu.be/DM1K82Kchls

typing test: https://youtu.be/GCJhmoKecuI

I have ZERO complaints about the looks of this build, but there were a couple of issues:

1. the spacebar was warped and was getting stuck on the stabilizer

2. the Ice King switcheswere just too heavy

I was able to resolve 1) by getting an exchange set with Amazon

but was just reminded that budget keycaps like the ones from XVX will have issues like this

as for 2), I ordered a set of GamaKay Venus Switches that should be getting here today

hopefully with a switch swap, I'll be able to have a better typing experience on the ID87

that's if I ever get the ID87 back from my wife:

turns out, my wife likes it so much, I haven't seen it since she took it for a "test drive"

anyways, the ID87 far exceeded my expectations

if you don't mind the 75% layout, the ID80 from Drop will be an excellent purchase

the acrylic case is absolutely amazing

and the silicone gasket (that were a pain to install) works well to give the keyboard a firm typing experience

just don't forget to lube the stabs

finally, the last Task #7, the Womier K87

another highly rated transparent/translucent keyboard

I don't know how to describe my disappointment with this keyboard

maybe it's because I had just literally finished building one of the most beautiful keyboards, the ID87

but the K87 just felt cheap, especially at the current price of almost $90

yes, it looked just like the photos out of the box:

but pulling the keycaps only to reveal cheap keycaps and cheap brown switches:

clip on stabs that's barely lubed:

pulling the switches out only to reveal north-facing LEDs on the PCB:

THIS IS THE ENTIRE KEYBOARD!!!

no daughter board

super thin and flimsy PCB

the case is just 3 layers of plastic (Womier calls it "PMMA Organic Glass Material")

no dampening

no gasket

I just literally paid $90 for 3 pieces of plastic and a flimsy PCB

this is seriously where I feel like using Hipyo's tag line: "I bought the K87 so you don't have to"

given the design of the board, there's no room for any sort of dampening material

not to mention, any sort of dampening material would interfere with the bottom LEDs

the only mod that I was able to do was tape the PCB:

hopefully the force-break mod will help

generously lubed the stablizers:

I regret ordering Kailh Box Winter switches, but there's no going back on this build now:

as part of the Kailh 4 Seasons switches, Box Winter is the tactile switch out of the 4

the Box Summer (clicky) just went onto the FE104 earlier (#1071070910989209661 message)

really beautiful set of switches

5-pin structure, perfect shade of baby blue

threw on the switches:

once again, great looking keyboard:

threw on the dye-sub Summer pudding keycaps that came off the RT100:

Womier K87 with dye-sub summer pudding keycaps, unlit:

Womier K87 with dye-sub summer pudding keycaps, lit + ambient lighting:

Womier K87 with dye-sub summer pudding keycaps, lit + no ambient lighting:

build timelapse: https://youtu.be/Rbgw3mMoenc

typing test: https://youtu.be/6IYWL6xuTXA

the switches were wonderful

the keycaps worked beautifully

I just can't get over the price of the Womier K87

given the current state of custom keyboards, there's absolutely no justification for the $90 price tag on this

I've completely forgotten what it's like to type on a keyboard without any sort of dampening or gasket mounting

if it wasn't for the amazing switches I've put onto the keyboard

this literally is no better than the cheapo membrane keyboards that comes with Dell pre-builds

guess I really should just view this experience as owning part of history

it's amazing how far the custom keyboard scene has evolved in just the last 4-5 years

tl;dr don't buy the Womier K87, there are better alternatives like the GamaKay SN75 that I had recently built: #1071070910989209661 message

if you have a little bit more in your budget, get the ID80/ID87 or #⌨-keeb-tkl for a far superior transparent keyboard

I know I said I'm going to stop building keyboards (#1071070910989209661 message)

but somehow, I've got

1. 4x custom GMMK 3 (shipping in "2-3 weeks"),
2. Dry Studio BD75 (supposedly in stock and will ship "soon"),
3. Ducky Year of the Dragon special edition (supposedly shipping in September),
4. A pair of Lego keyboards from KBDFans (just shipped), and
5. this:

going to try to build the new KiiBoom Breeze 75 to hopefully convince my wife to give me back the ID87

I should be making a complete KiiBoom build in the next couple of days (before the dreaded weekend)

stay tuned

[little stratus]

Can you make me a custom silver wolf keyboard like the Griffin one you made for the silver wolf key caps I'll be pre-ordering with silver wolf's face on the back?

[jolly coral]

You mean like this one? #1071070910989209661 message

I don't make keyboards for people

[little stratus]

No like that keychron one you made. I don't run hyte nexus software products

But ok. Dang it. The keeb requires the nexus software which won't work with my setup

[jolly coral]

Here is what it looked like with the keycaps on: #general message

[jolly coral]

If you're talking about the Q6 used for Griffin, you have a better option now

[little stratus]

Yeah but that keeb also isn't 100% neither

[jolly coral]

https://www.gloriousgaming.com/products/gmmk-3-configurator

[little stratus]

Yeah that one

[jolly coral]

I just ordered 4 of these

[little stratus]

I only use 100%

[jolly coral]

Finally a decent looking 100% keyboard that you can customize

[jolly coral]

I highly recommend getting the GMMK 3

If you want full metal, "Midnight Blue" is the best color:

Otherwise, ExoPurple should be cool with the see through effect

In fact, you can even mix and match

Have a Midnight Blue metal bottom case and an ExoPurple top case

[little stratus]

What's the difference between north and south facing on that keyboard?

[jolly coral]

If you want wireless, Glorious only makes their wireless PCB north facing

I prefer South Facing

Because with North facing, you can't use side print keycaps

Because the LED is on the top of the switch

[little stratus]

Are the silver wolf key caps side print?

[jolly coral]

No, dye-sub PBT

With no shine through

So it won't matter

#⌨-keeb-tkl is also North Facing as well

So no side print keycaps with HYTE's keeb

[little stratus]

And what is tkl?

The keychron has tkl but I never knew what that meant

Is tkl the amount of keys the keyboard has?

[jolly coral]

TKL is also known as 80%

It's exactly the same layout as a 100% keyboard but no number pad

The ID87 is a TKL: #1071070910989209661 message

[little stratus]

Oh ok. So since I use game cheating programs called trainers that need the numpad only the 100% would work

If it wasn't for those trainers I could use 80%

[jolly coral]

I definitely love my 100%, but there just hasn't been many good ones before this new GMMK 3 that just came out

(and thus going crazy with the configurator and ordering 4)

[little stratus]

I'm just worried that plastic will break too easily

[jolly coral]

https://tenor.com/view/giveawaytime-gif-14926915230262723181

[little stratus]

I mean for the purple options it's a weird type of plastic that looks cheaply made

[jolly coral]

It's going to be more of a sound profile issue

There won't be any durability issues with these higher end keyboards

If you want thock, you will want a plastic case

You're just not going to get that crazy thock sound from a metal case

[little stratus]

Don't get me wrong I like the color bc it matches silver wolf theme. I want very clicky

[jolly coral]

Oh, then at minimum get a metal base and choose a hard aluminum plate and the "firm" silicone gasket

[little stratus]

I chose the brass switch plate option and firm silicone gasket

[jolly coral]

Brass plate will give you an additional "ping" when the keycaps bottom out

Very unique sound, like a copper plate too

[little stratus]

And I chose the raptor standard mx switches

[jolly coral]

See my two metal plate NKs: #1071070910989209661 message

[jolly coral]

Hard to beat Kailh box switches when it comes to clicky

[little stratus]

I need the mx switches for the silver wolf key caps correct?

[jolly coral]

Outside the big brands, everyone uses MX stems

[little stratus]

Oh you mean buying the switches separately from the keyboard correct?

[jolly coral]

Definitely

https://a.co/d/g1S9w6V

Get a sample pack first

Especially if you're relatively new to different switches

But Kailh has the best Clicky switches, hands down

And if you want to be extra obnoxious, I do have some extra Box Pink switches not being used #1071070910989209661 message

[little stratus]

Yeah I want the keyboard to be as obnoxious as possible

[jolly coral]

Somewhere between Box Pink and Box Jade

Probably Box Pink

[little stratus]

Unfortunately Amazon doesn't have the 110 key set of the box pink switches

I think the 100% keyboard needs the 108 switches

[jolly coral]

Check your DM

[jolly coral]

The GMMK 3 is a 104

Anyways, did you end up ordering a GMMK 3?

@little stratus

[little stratus]

Not yet. I'm going to order it with my next paycheck

I'm also going to pre-order the key caps too

Besides the key caps won't ship until between October 1st and December 31st

[jolly coral]

Awesome

Just beware that Glorious is saying there's a 2-3 week lead time

[little stratus]

Ok it just means I'll have to continue using my claymore ii keyboard in the meantime while I wait for the keyboard kit to ship

Does the glorious keyboard kit come pre-assembled with the options I chose and I would just need to put on the switches and key caps?

[regal mango]

those are some really nice keyboards

waiting for next month when i get go back to SG to bring my keebs over to jp

[little stratus]

I can't wait to show off my keyboard when the silver wolf key caps get delivered to me

[pallid stratus]

@jolly coral
Here's an image of my pink keyboard ft. some friends at my desk. 🩷

[winged patrol]

U got not some but rather crowd

Or team

But nice keyboard

[pallid stratus]

I'll have to provide a close up of the rest of the crowd one day in #1217473726598221925

[jolly coral]

nuphy Halo75?

Love that acrylic palm rest

[pallid stratus]

The Halo75 v2! 🙂
I wasn't going to get the wrist rest initially, but I'm glad I did. It's a nice touch.

[jolly coral]

Matches well to the acrylic bottom case

I would have totally ordered one if there was a purple version

[winged patrol]

I thought all palm rest are fluffy kind

[jolly coral]

Resin, wood, acrylic are the most popular hard wrist rests

[winged patrol]

Ic

[jolly coral]

And hard wrist rests are better

I use silicone, and that's as soft as you should go

[winged patrol]

Oh

[little stratus]

I always thought the silicone ones were better is that not so?

Doesn't the hard wrist rests hurt after a while?

[jolly coral]

I like them best

[jolly coral]

Technically, you're not supposed to rest of them real hard. Hard ones reminds you to raise your wrist

[balmy cove]

ordered the float 65 this morning so new keyboard sometime soon

[little stratus]

I'm waiting on dilydroxide's review on the glorious gmmk 3 keyboard barebones kit before I buy one bc I'm new in the custom keyboard market so I wouldn't know how to put one together aside from putting in the switches and key caps

[winged patrol]

Relatable

[jolly coral]

Definitely share how that goes

[balmy cove]

I will! Ordered the graffiti purple one

[regal mango]

could i get a nice but not too expensive keeb maybe 75%, im getting my GMMK Pro back from SG next month, and i need a keeb for the pc im buying

[little stratus]

What's or Who's SG?

[jolly coral]

Singapore

[little stratus]

Oh ok. I can't believe I keep forgetting that

[jolly coral]

F75 (Aula/Epomaker), SK75 (Womier), and M75 (Royal Kludge)

Those are probably the 3 most common budget 75% keebs

Less common options included the GamaKay SN75 (#1071070910989209661 message) and Epomaker Tide75 (#1071070910989209661 message), which I have 3 of

Epomaker has the Leobog collab Hi75 and the Yunzii B75 and X75, which I haven't tried, but should also be decent 75% keebs

Really depends on what you can get in Japan and at what price

[little stratus]

Have you gotten your gmmk 3 keyboard barebones kits yet?

[jolly coral]

They're in production. The website warned 2-3 weeks to make and probably another week to get to US from China. Probably won't be getting them until October at the earliest.

I did get a shipment notification for my Dry Studio BD75

[little stratus]

Can't wait to see if the gmmk 3 requires assembly or not

I mean outside of putting in the switches and key caps

[jolly coral]

They assemble it for you. It's advertised as such.

[little stratus]

Ok cool. I'll order it in October then

That way it might be in time for the silver wolf key caps I'm pre-ordering to arrive

[jolly coral]

Wait, that's tomorrow

Glorious did one day shipping?

Nevermind, next Tuesday:

[winged patrol]

What u getting

[jolly coral]

It's up to 5x GMMK3 now

[winged patrol]

Oh....

[jolly coral]

Couple gifts because I've been waiting for a customizable 100% layout

Finally, a 100% keyboard with some options, similar to Mode's options

[merry valley]

dayum. i think i just found my next keyboard

[jolly coral]

A GMMK3?

You can order it with HE switches as well

Crazy

[merry valley]

why does the pro not come in white?

[jolly coral]

Go to Boardsmith: https://www.gloriousgaming.com/pages/gmmk-3-boardsmith

[jolly coral]

There's white in both metal and plastic for the case

[merry valley]

that hit $270 quick lol

[jolly coral]

so you've gone full metal

Dry Studio and KBDcraft delivered today:

[winged patrol]

Black diamond name itself shouts premium

[jolly coral]

It's very very heavy

[winged patrol]

damn, What will be estimate weight?

[jolly coral]

2.8kg for the carbon fiber version, which I have:

[winged patrol]

Damn

[winged patrol]

I just noticed how they specify valo

Its funny

[jolly coral]

Guess someone at Dry Studio really likes Valorant

[winged patrol]

Idk its myth or rumors but its said that valo players have major rage issues, and in rage they break their keyboard while playing that game

Maybe thats why they made their keyboards solid

Unbreakable

[little stratus]

I have major rage issues and I've broken the numpad connectors off on my Asus claymore ii keyboard twice before. I'm worried I'll break my gmmk 3 keyboard bc it'll be almost completely plastic

[merry valley]

then spring the $$ for the metal, or learn to vent in a less destructive manner.

[jolly coral]

ROFL, with the metal case, you'll likely break whatever the keyboard hits rather than the keyboard itself

In that scenario, I would suggest getting the plastic case instead

With the GMMK3, you can just order a replacement case

The plastic replacement case is pretty reasonably priced

It's $20 for a plastic top case and $30 for a plastic bottom case

This is why I really like how this entire ecosystem works

The availability of replacement parts

[balmy cove]

One day it will ship.....

[jolly coral]

Story of my life

[north ingot]

I love this so much , I’m tryna get like youuu lol

[jolly coral]

Somehow I've got a bunch more coming soon

[gray wave]

Gracious goodness

[north ingot]

Omg that’s a lot

I definitely wanna do what u did and get a little board to display a few keyboards

I really like the look of it

I definitely wanna snag a higround keyboard one day

They seem pretty cool especially the Minecraft ones

[queen peak]

finished my build over the weekend

[jolly coral]

I got the knock off topo keycaps for my idobao ID87: #1071070910989209661 message

I'm not sure higround keyboards are really worth the price anymore

But they definitely have some really cool keycap designs

[jolly coral]

That almost looks like the AULA F75, but missing the rotary knob

So many 75% keebs on the market right now

[idle rose]

oh i love this keycap set... 👀

[north ingot]

@jolly coral I tried taking a picture with lights and the letter keys with lights off 😅

The keys are definitely hard to see if you don’t have them memorized but the lighter color you go you can see them better

[jolly coral]

Problems with clear keycaps

[north ingot]

Facts but worth the struggle

[queen peak]

thank you!

i went from a 60 to a 65 to a 75 and i think 75 is my favorite layout

[jolly coral]

It's hard to live without those function keys

[winged patrol]

Keycaps are coool

Looks crystal

[merry valley]

might have accidentally ordered another random set of caps from orange wish last night

[jolly coral]

Orange wish?

[merry valley]

temu

family joke lol

basically it's wish, but with an orange icon

basically the same as my glorious auras, but a bit chunkier of a font

[jolly coral]

ah

I did get this set yesterday for the BD75 build:

really great looking set of keycaps with side print

[trail coyote]

Any suggestions for a baige and white keyboard it’s a rare find so hoping people in here have a suggestion any price range 🙏🏼

[jolly coral]

Wait, what? There's a ton

GMMK 3 comes in both metal and plastic white

It's literally the theme for the 8bitdo: https://a.co/d/0l5zFmS

8bitdo literally made a name for themselves selling beige/white keyboards with keycaps from retro gaming systems

Just about every keyboard manufacturer has a white keyboard

RK will sell you one in 75%: https://a.co/d/hIktiG4

80% with 2 knobs: https://a.co/d/gNOzJeL

And 80% with extra keys: https://a.co/d/iFSWgd8

[jolly coral]

anyways, 5 of keyboards are ready to go:

I think I've going to save the KBDcraft boards for later

definitely going to get the BD75 done first

and then the 4 GMMK3 (2 are on the UPS truck right now)

and there's a weird Leobog K81

then after all that, I'll get to the KBDcraft pair

https://tenor.com/view/do-this-gif-18382134

[jolly coral]

got the BD75 out:

couple of immediate problems:

1. I can't type on linears, this will be address soon

2. somehow I think my desk is warped? the keyboard has a wobble

I'm not sure how to fix 2

since the wrist rest is attached, making the keyboard super long, my caved desk is causing the keyboard to wobble

anyways going to process with doing a switches and keycaps swap

can't stand these Blue Samurai keycaps

[jolly coral]

FML: https://www.reddit.com/r/angrymiao/comments/19e1lkb/i_just_got_my_diamond_black_75_today_and_i_have_a/

No onboard RGB control for the PCB LEDs

WTF is wrong with Angry Miao/Dry Studio

[jolly coral]

Guess I'll be spending some time to program each key to match the keycap colors

[jolly coral]

done:

I'll do a full write-up later

[winged patrol]

Cool

Cyberpunk vibe

[jolly coral]

and all the parts for the 4x 100% GMMK 3 has arrived:

fun times ahead

[winged patrol]

@jolly coral did u see this?

[jolly coral]

Nope

[winged patrol]

Itss wood ig

[jolly coral]

And I really don't like the message on the case

MU01 is wood

[winged patrol]

Oh

Ic ic

[jolly coral]

Looks like a custom keyboard

Like a custom case

Which means potential for one off problems

Like if the wood should warp, you're just SOL

[winged patrol]

Well i have missed impressions for this keyboard

Not like or dislike

Basically neutral

[little stratus]

I ordered my gmmk 3 boardsmith keyboard yesterday

Now it's just a waiting game for them to build it for me. I had to order the brass switch plate as a separate thing for them to use when assembling the keyboard bc the boardsmith didn't have it back in it yet

Hopefully the silverwolf y70 and keycaps I pre-ordered a week ago come pretty much around the same time the gmmk 3 boardsmith keyboard comes

[jolly coral]

Glorious filled my GMMK 3 custom orders within 3 weeks. It's probably going to be getting to you before the SW collabs if you've just ordered with Glorious.

[little stratus]

Well that sucks bc I won't be able to use it bc I'll need my sw key caps to use it

[jolly coral]

3 out of the 4 GMMK3 are done:

Have a little bit of a problem with the red one

I got all south-facing LEDs and the shine through keycaps were designed for north-facing LEDs

I think I'm going to have to order another one

Unfortunately, Glorious doesn't sell the PCB alone, so I'll see what other parts I'll need to grab after this last build

[queen peak]

do you build these for people or is it a hobby?

[jolly coral]

hobby

and I've been recently building for people's gifts

I'm running out of space to store all these keyboards

@violet otter, so you're currently on a 100%

with the Corsair K100

are you looking to stick to a 100% keyboard?

yup

I fully understand

literally, the best 100% is the GMMK3

https://www.gloriousgaming.com/pages/gmmk-3-boardsmith

you can literally make whatever board you want

including something as ridiculous as the 4th 100% GMMK3 I've just finished:

and you can even make a 100% HE keyboard if you so desire:

and you can choose whatever case color you want to match your keycaps:

and most importantly, Glorious is offering all 3 types of HE switches, including Panda Tactiles HE switches:

there aren't too many keyboard companies that are offering tactile HE switches right now

to my knowledge, there's no 100% layout keyboards with a display

there are some 96%

like the RT100

but that screen is not that good

any HYTE currently only offers a 80% (TKL)

but yeah, throw some keycaps on, you can have one of the first 100% HE keyboards on the market with tactile HE switches

[merry valley]

here's what i am looking at right now ... keycaps should be here tonight or tomorrow - just gotta source switches

now if i could just find a logi g513 wrist rest in white lol

[jolly coral]

what type of switches are you looking for?

still clicky?

all 4 GMMK3s:

[merry valley]

probably yeah, i am really digging the greens

i'm sure going from a 3pin board to a 5pin opens up a lot of choices

[jolly coral]

hard to beat box jades for clicky

this seller on AliExpress has the best prices on most switches: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805935560055.html

Box Navy is pretty heavy, especially with a 95gf tactile force

Jade is at 50g with a 75gf tactile force

2 of the cleanest typing clicky switches

Navy is just a bit heavy, unless you have crazy heavy keycaps like metal or ceramic

otherwise, I would just go for Jade

[merry valley]

i dunno, i might go heavier. ive noticed with the greens that i get far fewer accidental presses

[jolly coral]

up to you, but Outemu Greens are around 65g, so it's right in between Jade and Navy

but also note that the tactile force on the Jade/Navy are very strong

they essentially have the same design, just different springs

[merry valley]

lol yeah, i blame my chonky bass player hands

[jolly coral]

that same AE listing has box Navy as well

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805935560055.html

[jolly coral]

you mean wrist rests?

Glorious has a wood one: https://www.gloriousgaming.com/collections/wrist-rests

but you can easily order off of Amazon

are you looking for a particular material?

[winged patrol]

I might get one

Should i get soft or hard?

[jolly coral]

Hard

Avoid stuff like gel or foam

[jolly coral]

Then get gel

[merry valley]

i like the gel one i stole from the child's g513 - but i tend to drag it to the edge of the desk as a forearm pad when playing forza or other controllery games

[winged patrol]

Oh alright thanks

[jolly coral]

This is the keyboard thread... I'll see you in #tech

[little stratus]

@jolly coral what do you think the next collab will be?

[jolly coral]

Collab for what? HYTE? There's a thread for that: #1204883597593673779

[little stratus]

I was wondering what people think the next Hyte collab will be

[jolly coral]

Or #general , but not on the #1071070910989209661 thread

[jolly coral]

Sexy new 60% from Akko: https://en.akkogear.com/product/yu01-mechanical-keyboard/

"YU01" = 玉 = Jade

[winged patrol]

Rather then sexy I would say it looks classic

[jolly coral]

Resin case that has a really interesting RGB diffusion

[jolly coral]

How about "clean AF"?

[winged patrol]

Ye that would work too

[jolly coral]

Anyways, just ordered the "antique" version

[jolly coral]

ack, ordered another one

not sure about my decision to through $80 keycaps on a $40 keyboard:

I'll see how this goes, but a $40 CF "pattern" keyboard: https://a.co/d/98FFHQt

I just have to see this in person

supposedly hot swap, backlight, and keycaps + switches included

oh yeah, stabs are lubed too!

[merry valley]

looks like i get to postpone my gmmk3 build for a few months ... between new TV and medical bills, we are skint till xmas lol

[jolly coral]

probably no rush

[merry valley]

and the wife's caddy needs a new power steering pump

[jolly coral]

Glorious ran out of stuff

[merry valley]

i might end up doing box whites for it

plenty of time to obsess plan

[jolly coral]

only 4 colors of knobs are left

except for the glorious yellow one, all the remaining ones are the ugly plastic knobs

[merry valley]

oof

yeah i want matte white

[jolly coral]

looks like Glorious completely messed up the anticipation for the demand level for the GMMK3

the Flex gasket module is sold out too

it's just literally error after error when I was trying to do a 75% for a friend

oh yeah

a fun one, they ran out of the standard white USB cable too

I guess another case of the Y70

unanticipated level of demand

[little stratus]

I guess I'm lucky I got my boardsmith order in when I did then

[little stratus]

It just sucks I won't be able to use it until the end of the year bc that's supposedly when the silver wolf key caps I pre-ordered will arrive by😭😭😭

[jolly coral]

it will be worth it when it all comes together

but yeah

I hate doing pre-orders

I just want my stuff, and I want it now

[little stratus]

Yeah it will be. I'm thinking about waiting to do my whole silver wolf y70 build till when the r9 9950x3d and Asus 5080 noctua edition gpu come out bc then I can sell my current build and just do a new one for x870. And that'll be when I put the key caps and switches on my boardsmith keyboard so I can do it all at once and have a totally brand new build sorta except for my monitors and mouse and mouse pad and desk mat

[jolly coral]

https://www.reddit.com/r/Corsair/comments/rb88um/i_bought_these_keycaps_for_my_corsair_and_it_came/

Corsair uses a proprietary 6.5U spacebar that nobody else has

Since you're unwilling to buy anything outside of Best Buy, just get a replacement set for your K100

GMMK3 has one of the best 100% on the market due to the customizability

That way you can use any custom keycaps you want from Amazon/AliExpress/Etsy

Instead of being trapped by proprietary hardware

What maintenance?

If you're asking about serviceability, the GMMK3 is designed very well

It's 8 screws for the case and 6 screws for the plate, all Phillips #2

I really need to process my GMMK3 teardown video

[jolly coral]

Yup

[little stratus]

My boardsmith keyboard just shipped today too lol

[balmy cove]

Still waiting for my float to ship

[jolly coral]

I'm still waiting on my Ducky Year of the Dragon too

somehow it got pushed back to the end of October when it was supposed to ship in September

alright, finally finished processing and uploading all the keyboard videos

time for the update

been like 3 weeks, but continuing where I've left off, there were a couple of issues with the ID87 build: #1071070910989209661 message

I did manage the swap out the space bar with a new one from Amazon

and the spacebar was no longer getting stuck on the stabs

as for the Ice King switches being too heavy, I ended up swapping them out for GamaKay's Venus tactile switches (40gf): https://youtu.be/YQBnm_80xCQ

here's the typing test after the swap: https://youtu.be/9QUAk-5ro8w

here are photos from the process, starting with removing the keycaps and switches:

the new Venus switches from GamaKay:

the GamaKay planet switches are definitely great budget switches, especially with 5-pin and boxed stems

threw the switches onto the ID87:

here are the switches lit:

really great for side-printed keycaps due to the light guide

and here's the idobao ID87 with the side print topo keycaps, lit + ambient lighting:

idobao ID87 with the side print topo keycaps, lit + no ambient lighting:

minor improvements over the original build and the keyboard is perfect now

in trying to convince my wife to give me back my ID87, I ended up building a KiiBoom Breeze 75:

unboxing:

very pretty acrylic keyboard as well, with side/back lighting:

the stock KiiBoom Breeze 75 came with these Matcha Latte V2 Linear (53gf) switches:

what made absolutely no sense were the green stabs on the keyboard

before I forget, here's the stock typing test: https://youtu.be/Ang9IDN1bRI

as per usual, I just can't type as quickly or accurately on linear switches

here's the KiiBoom Breeze 75 with the switches and keycaps removed:

I ended up doing a full KiiBoom build, start with the KiiBoom Taro Cream Milk Tactile switches (54gf):

nothing to really write home about, non-transparent housing, 5-pin, mid-bump tactile switches

really hate those green stabs:

here are the switches, lit:

next, I used a set of violet side printed keycaps from KiiBoom:

threw them on the Breeze 75 for a full KiiBoom build with a purple color scheme:

KiiBoom Breeze 75 with side-printed PBT keycaps, unlit:

KiiBoom Breeze 75 with side-printed PBT keycaps, lit + ambient lighting:

KiiBoom Breeze 75 with side-printed PBT keycaps, lit + no ambient lighting:

build timelapse: https://youtu.be/JF5XEntYbz4

typing test: https://youtu.be/nvpoSX9X5r8

my wife ended up loving the Breeze 75

so she decided to keep both

she told me to buy another keyboard because I wasn't going to get the ID87 back

I proceeded to go on a bender, and bought a whole bunch of keyboards:

I finally got myself a Angry Miao/Dry Studio keyboard: the Black Diamond 75:

really not sure why Dry Studio went with the "blue samurai" keycaps, but I thought it didn't work well with the gorgeous combination of carbon fiber and acrylic

the stock BD75 came with Dry Studio's DR Rapid Ice Switch (40gf):

completely iced out with clear stabs:

pulled out all the switches, and here is the barebone BD75:

I ended up doing a stock typing test, but I forgot to turn on the microphone, but here's the typing test result:

as per usual, I can't type on linear switches

but even as much as I dislike linear switches, I can tell these DR Rapid Ice switches are amazing

smooth as butter and extremely fast trigger with a short travel

perfect for gaming

anyways, I ended up getting a very special set of switches for the BD75, Kailh Clione Limacina Tactile switches:

but I got the 48gf version instead of the standard 58gf version for a lighter typing feel

the Clione Limacina on the BD75:

and the switches lit:

got a set of non-branded side printed PBT keycaps with "horizon theme" (whatever that means):

Dry Studio Black Diamond 75 (BD75) with Clione Limacina switches, unlit:

Dry Studio Black Diamond 75 (BD75) with Clione Limacina switches, lit + ambient lighting:

Dry Studio Black Diamond 75 (BD75) with Clione Limacina switches, lit + no ambient lighting:

some extra photos of this gorgeous keyboard:

setting up the custom lighting was slightly tricky

but I eventually figured it out and it's pretty amazing that you can do per-key lighting

ended up going with a orange/white combo

here's the build timelapse: https://youtu.be/dH0743bWlQQ

and the initial typing test: https://youtu.be/7_DFnlB6MDk

there ended up being a couple of issues with the initial build as mentioned here: #1071070910989209661 message

additionally, I discovered that the spacebar was warped on this keycaps set as well

I ended up solving the death wobble to the BD75 by getting some furniture bumpers: https://a.co/d/bROGaZ4

it ended up improving the angle of the BD75 to a more comfortable typing angle

and it ultimately solved the death wobble as the keyboard is now on 3 points of contact instead of 4

as for the spacebar, since replacement won't be easy to get

I ended up pulling out my heat gun and straightened the spacebar myself

here's the updated typing test: https://youtu.be/2gfK6uO1V-M

although my typing performance was similar before and after the minor fixes

the overall typing experience has improved so much that I'm using the BD75 as my daily driver now

the Clione Limacina switches are just quiet enough, but has a strong tactile force to create a very pleasant typing experience

the sound profile is super nice

if there's one complaint I have about the BD75, it's that I can't really feel the improvement of the typing experience with the spring mounting

it's a very cool way to handle the dampening of the center stack, but a well designed silicone layer combined with good gaskets will produce similar results

ultimately, the spring mounts look cool AF through the acrylic top

next, I built 4 custom GMMK3 all in the 100% layout, starting with the "purple" one:

the purple GMMK3 arrived nearly perfect, I just needed to throw on the keycaps:

can't believe how easy the entire process was

that was it

Glorious GMMK3 "Purple" with Lotus Pond Pudding keycaps, unlit:

Glorious GMMK3 "Purple" with Lotus Pond Pudding keycaps, lit + ambient lighting:

Glorious GMMK3 "Purple" with Lotus Pond Pudding keycaps, lit + no ambient lighting:

build timelapse: https://youtu.be/6qITr3ArfCk

typing test: https://youtu.be/15nwuMHfZd0

the Glorious Mako tactile switches (45gf) reminded me of GamaKay Venus switches

really nothing to note, just some solid tactile switches that are on the lighter side

Next GMMK3 is the "red" one that I will gifting away:

ended up getting a set of Outemu Panda switches because there's really no point to overspend on switches with the receiver of this keyboard:

the GMMK3 "Red" with the Panda switches:

here's the keyboard with the switches lit:

I purposely didn't get the GamaKay Mars switches for this build because the keycaps that I've chosen are top shine-through

the Mars switches with the light guide will work best with side-printed keycaps

anyways, really weird that the keycaps came in a bag, but sorted:

Glorious GMMK3 "Red" with Rainbow Sunset PBT keycaps, unlit:

Glorious GMMK3 "Red" with Rainbow Sunset PBT keycaps, lit + ambient lighting:

Glorious GMMK3 "Red" with Rainbow Sunset PBT keycaps, lit + no ambient lighting:

this was about the time I realized that I've messed up

these keycaps were designed for north-facing LEDs

the top shine through legends are completely not showing up

I'll fix it later, ended up ordering another GMMK3 with north-facing LED PCB that will hopefully get here soon

here's the build timelapse: https://youtu.be/FETIDgdCyMo

and the typing test: https://youtu.be/JGC8EutIx3k

without a doubt, the Outemu Panda switches are very high on my switch ranking list

they perform so well, but are so budget friendly

I'll update later when I've address the LED issue with this build

the third GMMK3 build is the "pink" version:

this will also be given away to a friend, but a friend of my wife

ended up getting some nicer switches: Gateron Weightlessness:

just from playing around with the switches, I can already tell these are very nice switches and definitely worth the price point these are sold at

more about the switches later

here the GMMK3 "Pink" with the Gateron Weightlessness switches:

nice light guide and a very smooth diffused lighting

ended up trying out a more "fun" set of keycaps that's the new "MAO" profile:

they're essentially modified XDA/DSA profile keycaps where all the rows are the same height

however, the keycaps have little "ears" on the top

since they're all the same height, makes the novelties easy to swap into any of the position

here's the combination I ended up going with:

Glorious GMMK3 "Pink" with White Dog MAO keycaps, unlit:

Glorious GMMK3 "Pink" with White Dog MAO keycaps, lit + ambient lighting:

Glorious GMMK3 "Pink" with White Dog MAO keycaps, lit + no ambient lighting:

build timelapse: https://youtu.be/6PoZk1ZEag8

typing test: https://youtu.be/JksMVtmJuwM

I struggled HARD with this typing test

the keycap profile was cute, but completely impractical for typing

the top of the keycaps were essentially flat

so my fingers kept sliding off the keys

despite all the problems with the keycaps, I can feel just how amazing the switches are

ended up looking more into these switches and found this review that I completely agree with: https://youtu.be/HPBCpJDsRHQ

so smooth, so responsive, just the right weight

I ended up ordering another set of these for myself, and I'll try it out on another keyboard just to make sure these switches are really that awesome

and the last of the GMMK3 is the "buns" build:

it had arrived with all the parts that I DIDN'T want for this build, and all the parts I wanted were provided on the side:

I guess this is the perfect chance for me to do a full teardown of a GMMK3

the outer case is held together by 8 screws hidden under removable feets:

very simple dampening solution:

the plate and PCB were also screw mounted with 6 more Phillips #2 screws

single screwdriver was sufficient at constructing/deconstructing the entire GMMK3

very very well designed for customization and serviceability

perfect for a workhorse keyboard

anyways, easily put everything back together:

for the "Buns" build, I ended up going with some Outemu Orange Tactile switches (50gf)

pretty cheap 3-pin switches that I've just want to try:

here they are on the GMMK3 "Buns", lit:

I have to say, I'm really liking this "exofrost" top case

as for the keycaps, I got another ridiculous set of keycaps from Akko:

these are what Akko calls "MOG" profile keycaps:

another modified XDA/DSA profile keycaps where all the rows are the same height

I knew I was going to be in trouble again

but they're just so darn cute:

Glorious GMMK3 "Buns" with Akko Steamed Bun MOG keycaps, unlit:

Glorious GMMK3 "Buns" with Akko Steamed Bun MOG keycaps, lilt + ambient lighting:

Glorious GMMK3 "Buns" with Akko Steamed Bun MOG keycaps, lilt + no ambient lighting:

teardown/build timelapse: https://youtu.be/liuBHqdwQXs

typing test: https://youtu.be/m7CbVXqXoHo

even worse performance than the GMMK3 "Pink"

the difference coming from the Gateron Weightlessness was noticeable

but, I'm just so in love with the cuteness of the GMMK3 "Buns" build

the entire backlighting makes it look like the buns are baking

anyways, the GMMK3 are exactly what I've expected them to be

simple, easy, and well built workhorses

full of customization options

just hope that Glorious will eventually catch up with demand and have stuff back in stock

some final picture with all 4 GMMK3s:

ended up giving my wife the GMMK3 "Purple" build, and filled up her keyboard drawer in her office that I've setup:

I'll eventually replace that pink MacGee with something else

finally, a couple of smaller projects, starting with the swapping of the switches for the MU01 Joy of Life build: #1071070910989209661 message

ever since building (and fixing) my MU01 Joy of Life

I've been trying to find the perfect switch to swap out the Boba U4T with

ended up taking off the keycaps and switches from the MU01:

I ended up going with the LTC Jerrzi switches that I've used for the other MU01 build (Mountain Seclusion, #1071070910989209661 message)

super affordable clear bodied 5-pin tactile switches

switches on the MU01:

MU01 with the LTC Jerrzi tactile switches, lit:

Akko MU01 Joy of Life with LTC Jerrzi switches:

swap timelpase: https://youtu.be/Ahnpx6_cBAA

typing test: https://youtu.be/jCY-kWtxHXI

Definitely the correct choice to go for a normal tactile switch to appreciate the unique sound profile of the wood (walnut) case.

looking forward to gifting the MU01 Mountain Seclusion this weekend

finally, the last keyboard from this batch

since I've been shopping for so many transparent keyboards, I got hit by an ad for the Leobog K81 Pro:

I wouldn't have considered this keyboard, except this thing was $50!!! Wireless, LCD screen, and knob

even for a barebone, it's decent:

lubed stabs:

the keyboard was shipped with these "half" switches to keep everything together since the center stack is literally held together by the switches

keeping to the all pink build, I ended up getting a set of LCET Pink Queen Tactile switches (58gf):

Leobog K81 with the Pink Queen switches:

north facing LEDs, which won't matter:

[winged patrol]

That some beauty

[jolly coral]

because I'm using transparent keycaps!

[jolly coral]

very very pink

[winged patrol]

Ye

I honestly wanna comment earlier on carbon fiber but I thought it will disturb u

[jolly coral]

Leobog K71 ALL PINK build, unlit:

Leobog K71 ALL PINK build, lit + ambient lighting:

Leobog K71 ALL PINK build, lit + no ambient lighting:

build timelapse: https://youtu.be/9ryKP4FJAwg

typing test: https://youtu.be/JkHQrx3Y6pw

I really hate the sound these transparent keycaps produce

worse yet, you really can't read any of the legends on the keycaps, especially when lit

but they definitely work well for a full transparent build

[jolly coral]

thank you for waiting, I saw that you wanted to comment on the BD75

but I have finished posting this round of keyboard builds

apparently the next batch has just been delivered to my front door

[winged patrol]

Should I delete previous messages?

[jolly coral]

no worries

it was so close to the end

I've hogged this thread for long enough now

but I really should try to not wait so long between posts

I've just been a little busy the last few weeks

[winged patrol]

Same

I wanna install those rgb too but kinda not rn

[jolly coral]

I just needed to finish building these keyboards as they were taking up too much space in my office

plus I REALLY wanted to use the BD75

somehow the $300 price tag feels... cheap

the keyboard not only looks amazing, but it's really great to type on as well

[winged patrol]

300 feels cheap?????

[jolly coral]

yeah, for something this nice

it's got a lot of crazy features

like wireless charging

even though I'm using it in wired mode, always

[winged patrol]

Same

I don't why I somehow don't wanna bother connecting Bluetooth

[jolly coral]

and those are some real carbon fiber pieces for the built-in wrist rest

thicc carbon fiber pieces

[jolly coral]

latency

don't do it

[winged patrol]

Yeah

I wont

[jolly coral]

if anything, you should be using the 2.4Ghz connection

[winged patrol]

Cable is enough

[jolly coral]

BT is literally for mobile devices

[winged patrol]

Tru

[little stratus]

Where is the best place to get a silicone palm rest for the gmmk 3 keyboard?

[jolly coral]

https://a.co/d/ceQpOII

otherwise, Keychron has good ones, but need international shipping: https://www.keychron.com/products/keychron-silicone-palm-rest

[jolly coral]

My new set of Gateron Weightlessness switches finally arrived yesterday and I was able to put them in a second, more normal build to test out

I've finally got my hands on a Ducky ONE 3 in Yellow:

I really like this special edition, but SF (65%) is the only layout left

I ordered it with the Cherry MX Ergo Clear:

As expected the build quality is impeccable, as expected from a Ducky keyboard

Let's start with some pictures of the Ducky ONE 3 SF Yellow, unlit:

I'm so glad I've gotten this keyboard, I just love the color and simplicity of this keeb

unfortunately, during the stock typing test (https://youtu.be/aeeXLrmyHAo), I've discovered that the Ergo Clear were not quite as nice as I would have liked

they were solid tactile switches, but as @livid mason has mentioned in the past, the switches were quite "scratchy" during the presses

it's very apparent on the flawless Ducky keyboard

so, after my recent discovery of the Gateron Weightlessness switches, I decided to do a switch swap

here's the Ducky ONE 3 SF Yellow with the Ergo Clears:

barebone:

seems like I've scratch the plate a little during the removal of the switches, but north-facing LEDs

and color match stabilizers

here are the Gateron Weightlessness:

only needed 2 boxes since I'm doing a build on a small layout

threw on the switches:

here's the Ducky ONE 3 with the Weightlessness switches:

there's a slight pink tint to the LEDs due to the color of the stems:

Ducky ONE 3 SF Yellow, lit + ambient lighting:

Ducky ONE 3 SF Yellow, lit + no ambient lighting:

build timelapse: https://youtu.be/RuM6MipXwO8

and the typing test with the Weightlessness switches: https://youtu.be/2hAr-U3paA0

of note, I was tripping on the typing test a little bit because my fingers were going so fast that my brain wasn't able to keep up at this crazy early morning hour

these switches are definitely some of the best tactile switches that I've ever used

so smooth and so fast

the sound profile is definitely more on the "click" than "thock" side, but nothing unpleasant

so glad I've finally gotten a Ducky ONE 3 Yellow

and even more happy that I've put in some awesome switches to make it perfect

[balmy cove]

Yeah mine just says Q4 2024 so I have no idea

[balmy cove]

I absolutely adore this one

[winged patrol]

Ohhhhhhhh

Nicere

[jolly coral]

those are opaque and not completely transparent

should look good though

you could have gotten a discount

when you order your custom board

beats me

but good luck getting your GMMK3

hopefully Glorious will restock soon

who is "he"

I think that has nothing to do with keyboard and more of a normal sibling behavior thing

anyways

highly recommend the GMMK3, especially for the 100% layout

there's literally nothing else like it on the market at the moment

[jolly coral]

Go through Boardsmith: https://www.gloriousgaming.com/pages/gmmk-3-boardsmith

[jolly coral]

You mean the "best" HE GMMK3? Like a metal case, switches and keycaps?

It's around $500

[winged patrol]

Like crystals?

[jolly coral]

Plastic barebone is around $100

The most expensive part is the HE stuff

There isn't a lot of options or competition

Go with a standard hot swap, you can save a ton on money

And "best" is so subjective

It really depends on what you're trying to do

And what type of switches are you looking for? Tactile?

Cheapest clear linear switches that's good quality: https://a.co/d/as6myA1

You'll need 2 boxes for 104

Something like this: https://lumekeebs.com/products/everglide-aqua-king-linear-switches?variant=43602582700245

Something that is lubed and filmed

Ranking from a couple years ago, but quite a few switches compared: https://youtu.be/Z01pisakHDQ

Unfortunately, you don't get a lot of choices if you're looking for clear switches

Durock Ice King Linear also comes in a clear body: https://a.co/d/61BG3lU

Going to be on the heavier side at 62g

That's about it

Hand cramps?

You'll get some stronger fingers

[gray wave]

Some people are "heavy handed", I've seen people at work that absolutely SMASH their approved membrane silent keyboard and actually make loud-ish noise

Guess heavy actuation might work better for some 🤷

[jolly coral]

Yeah, running out of battery with all that RGB

(and potentially low polling rate, but not the case with GMMK3 with 8k)

If you have to ask, then go MX

I think FR4 is a good starting place. You won't get a weird metallic ping with the metal plates and it's not too soft like the PC plate

I don't think the "soft" gaskets are currently in stock, so you don't have a choice there. You'll have to pick firm.

Once again, "better", depends on what you're trying to do

If you're ordering HE, you need to get Glorious switches

You can't use normal switches with an HE board

No

Like I've said, if you have to ask between HE vs. MX, go MX

If I recall, the brass plate is crazy expensive

Switch to FR4

It's not best

It's just gold colored

Brass makes really sharp metallic pings when the keycaps bottom out

Correct, but it's a bright click

No, it's annoying AF

Probably even worse than the click from Clicky switches

You really won't see the plate

Heavy and less "thock" overall sound profile

FR4

No

The metal case bottom doesn't have adjustable angle feet

You're stuck with a fix angle unless you do something like what I did with my BD75: #1071070910989209661 message

[livid mason]

Metal is literally for the sound profile and the more "premium" feel

But not necessarily best

You aren't gonna get your preferred or your personal "best" keyboard the first time

What is "best" is different for each person and what they prefer

As such, experiment

HE is best for gaming, but only really good if you know what you are doing with the software implementation and know how to tweak it to your preference

Otherwise MX is better for a plug-and-play experience

I'm very heavy handed, so for gaming I go with with an MX board with BSUN BCP switches I spring swapped with a 2-stage 65g spring

[livid mason]

MX is for Cherry style mechanical switches, not HE which is Hall Effect

[livid mason]

For HE, you could just buy like a Wooting 60 module and use any 60% compatible case

If you want a larger profile, you could go with a Zoom75 HE module + case

Or a wooting 80 HE

If you want MX style, you have access to pretty much the full lineup of custom keeb parts and accessories

[little stratus]

Wireless is susceptible to interference from other things like routers, smart devices, home theater devices, phones, tablets, and microwaves. Definitely not a good option if you live in an apartment complex or condo complex. And wireless keyboards have a short distance problem and is not true rf wireless. My Asus claymore ii wireless keyboard acts more like IR than RF even though it's supposed to be using RF.

[little stratus]

What do you guys think about these key caps for my new gmmk 3 keyboard?: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805480342750.html?gps-id=platformRecommendH5ForSpider&pvid=18aedcfc-8bfb-4190-b51b-d5c014f852e3&_t=gps-id%3AplatformRecommendH5ForSpider%2Cpvid%3A18aedcfc-8bfb-4190-b51b-d5c014f852e3%2Ctpp_buckets%3A668%232846%238116%232002&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa4itemAdapt

The color option 1 version

Or these key caps?:

[warm sonnet]

I'm waiting for the SW keycap set from Hyte

[little stratus]

So is my friend who's giving me his. But I was just thinking for temporary purposes so I can use the gmmk 3 boardsmith keyboard I ordered while my friend waits for the Hyte SW keycaps

There's no confirmed ship date for the Hyte SW keycaps yet and I want to stop using my sh**ty Asus claymore ii wireless keyboard asap

[jolly coral]

I have used the M7 version: #1071070910989209661 message

They're okay, just your standard dye-sub PBT with unlicensed reproduction of the SW image

It took like 3 weeks to get them, so if you need something quicker (and cheaper), order some XVX/dalgadoo keycaps for m Amazon

It's Amazon Prime sale again

[little stratus]

Do they have a silver wolf version?

[jolly coral]

No, Amazon doesn't allow such brazen violations of IP to be listed

If you don't mind waiting, the keycaps are fine

There's multiple listings these

On AliExpress

Be sure to shop around and get the best price that includes shipping

I would personally recommend getting a cheap set first

[little stratus]

I just want to stop using my claymore ii wireless keyboard asap I hate rf wireless keyboards they don't work well at all in my apartment bc of all the wireless interference

[jolly coral]

Especially if you have the real SW keycaps coming

[jolly coral]

Yeah, I've gone wired because of that exact reason

[jolly coral]

Yeah, the ASAP part makes me think you should probably just get something from Amazon

Did you get north or south facing LEDs?

[little stratus]

North

[jolly coral]

So you can't use side print

[little stratus]

Are these considered side print?

[jolly coral]

No, those are just dye-sub

No shine through at all

I recommend just getting some cheap pudding caps like these: https://a.co/d/ijpWFUS

Big 165 set so you can use them for weird layout keyboards in the future

But these are what I mean by "side-print": https://a.co/d/j2BnnmE

[little stratus]

Definitely a no on those. I'd never use side print then

[jolly coral]

The 4 major types of ways for letting the light through are: shine-through (Top, works with North facing LEDs), side-print (Side, works with South facing LEDs), pudding (all around, works with both), and transparent (everywhere, works with both)

[little stratus]

I definitely don't like side print key caps

[jolly coral]

Then consider getting a pudding set

Really pretty LED effect

Without compromising readability like the transparent

And that's why pudding keycaps are so crazy popular

This listing has some nice printed pudding keycaps: https://a.co/d/iZc0155

And you're not going to find cheaper pudding on the market than these: https://a.co/d/8l2zkGU

The generic black or white

Guess XVX started selling transparent puddings: https://a.co/d/dNiPE0F

[little stratus]

So if it says backlit does that mean it's shinethrough?

[jolly coral]

I would look at the pictures

[jolly coral]

For example, these are shine-through

[jolly coral]

And these are not

[little stratus]

Ok I think I'll get these then since they're shine-through.

And I doubt the official SW Hyte keycaps will come before those do. My guess is some time in November or December for the official Hyte SW keycaps to be shipped out

[livid mason]

dude, if you want rgb on your caps

get these
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806029570373.html?channel=twinner

silver wolf themed, but more subtle, while still letting light through the clear parts

and then just wait for the official ones

[little stratus]

And they don't have a phone number for me to call to get directions on how to install the switch plate

[little stratus]

Can someone please help me disassemble my Glorious gmmk 3 boardsmith keyboard so I can switch out the switch plate?

[jolly coral]

I disassembled one

It's super easy

#1071070910989209661 message

Do you have a precision screwdriver?

https://a.co/d/gJ2jXKk

$4 delivered from Amazon right now

Well, you've definitely picked a correct handle

[little stratus]

I figured it out. And it looks like it was actually my fault bc I wasn't paying attention to the brass plate I ordered and ordered the one for the gmmk pro not the gmmk 3 100%. I'm just going to send back the brass switch plate I ordered and have them refund me for it

Who knew installing switches on a custom keyboard is such hard work and can lead to sore thumbs

[little stratus]

Thank you again for the switches

[merry valley]

the worst part about swapping switches is lining the 3 pins up before you mash em into place ... i only mangled 2 of mine, fortunately i had a few spares

[little stratus]

That's the easy part lol

My gmmk 3 boardsmith keyboard with the switches that @jolly coral sent me

Now to just get the SW keycaps

Which I'll be ordering tomorrow from AliExpress

[jolly coral]

It's worse when pulling, especially with cheap switches that have crap housing

[jolly coral]

Can you delete this picture

It had my address displayed

And yours too

[jolly coral]

Remixed it to have the information covered

Love the exo purple color

[little stratus]

Thanks

Yeah the exo purple turned out awesome. I may not like the less clickieness of the silver switch plate but the color of the switch plate will match the SW theme better than the brass one would

[jolly coral]

It's about the same, the silver plate is metal too

[little stratus]

Oh ok

[jolly coral]

And the silver definitely fits the board better

[little stratus]

Yeah it does

[jolly coral]

If anyone wants in on 1 of 300

[balmy cove]

Soooo I canceled my order on that Float 65 lol @jolly coral

But not through space cables but through paypal lmao

[jolly coral]

Any idea on what you want instead?

[balmy cove]

Holy 60

Not sure what color I want though

I sent space cables at least 8 separate emails last month and just no response

[winged patrol]

670$!?!!

[jolly coral]

Makes my BD75 look like a discount

[winged patrol]

670 and not even fully functional keyboard

[winged patrol]

Lol

[jolly coral]

Have you considered the new Mercury K1 from GravaStar? https://www.gravastar.com/products/mercury-k1-lite-snow-white

Beautiful line of "holy" keyboard to match their mouse

And crazy side LEDs that look like it's designed to light the desk

[balmy cove]

I did see that one

Meh

[jolly coral]

So I assume you're planning to run a Wooting60 setup in that?

[balmy cove]

Possibly yeah

[little stratus]

$670!!!!???!!!

[jolly coral]

I'm more intrigued by the 1 of 300

It's a fair price for the Cyberboard

Plus I really like the black and gold color scheme

[little stratus]

Yeah but that price for a keyboard that's not even fully functional. I'm good with the gmmk 3 boardsmith keyboards so much cheaper

[jolly coral]

In all honesty, this is why the Epomaker DynaTab exist:

I swear that people buy the Cyberboard for bragging rights

[little stratus]

I'm not paying $670 for a keyboard I would still have to buy switches and keycaps for

I'd rather put that money towards 2x limited edition y70s lol

Or a x870e Crosshair Hero board

[jolly coral]

It's 800+ for the fully built one:

[little stratus]

I don't really care about bragging rights when it comes to keyboards

[little stratus]

Damn. I could get a z890 Maximus Extreme for just another $100

[winged patrol]

Wanna ask other then being limited edition

What else justified 830$ price tag

[jolly coral]

Not much. That crazy dot matrix display is about the only thing aside from build quality

This particular edition has that paisley design

[jolly coral]

Super tempted to order one of these:

Especially with the 15% off

The only issue is that the "Lite" version doesn't have side lighting like the "real" ones

Wish they made the standard version with the transparent frame

[jolly coral]

got a moment this morning, so going to do a quick update on 3 keyboards that I've recently built

I really liked the KiiBoom Breeze 75 build (#1071070910989209661 message), so I ended up ordering a few more. This is the KiiBoom Phantom 81 V2 Blue that I'm building for someone as a gift:

really nice acrylic keyboard just as expected from the build quality from the Breeze 75

the only major difference I see is the complete clear acrylic bottom case instead of the split case on the Breeze 75

I proceeded to rip off the keycaps and switches:

the keycaps were super tight, so a bunch of switches came out with the pulling of the keycaps

the stock switches were these 55gf Crystal Linear:

very nice 5-pin linear switches that's a bit on the heavier side

otherwise, well-lubed stabs and a transparent PC plate:

for the build, I've went with some light Kailh Box Winter tactile switches (38gf):

I really like that KiiBoom uses south-facing LEDs and combined with the light guide on the Box Winters switches, it's perfect for the side-print keycaps that I've gotten for this build:

threw on the keycaps:

and here's the KiiBoom Phantom 81 V2 Blue, unlit:

KiiBoom Phantom 81 V2 Blue, lit + ambient lighting:

KiiBoom Phantom 81 V2 Blue, lit + no ambient lighting:

one more of the back of the keyboard with all the backlighting:

stock typing test: https://youtu.be/kfhlWYjRESE

and the typing test after the keycaps and switches swap: https://youtu.be/RqvBDT8H6-0

finally, the 4x building timelapse: https://youtu.be/L-ytCJbkFUI

really happy with how this build turned out

KiiBoom's software allows for individual key RGB programming which was super helpful for this set of gradient keycaps

I was able to customized the lighting to match the color gradient of the keycaps

unfortunatley, the onboard memory doesn't seem to remember the custom RGB programming, so that's a minor annoyance

really high quality acrylic keyboard

I ended up also getting the smaller Phantom 68 in purple for my wife:

once again, the keycaps were super tight:

for the purple version, KiiBoom put in some lighter purple linear switches (45gf):

still very high quality switches that worked well as linear switches

well lubed stabs and transparent PC plate:

for this build, I used the Cherry Ergo Clear switches that came off the Ducky One 3 SF yellow (#1071070910989209661 message), but Ducky One 3 had only 67 keys

so I ended up using some Kailh Clione Limacina switches that were leftover from the BD75 build (#1071070910989209661 message) for all the stablized keys

the Cherry Ergo Clear felt so cheap in contrast to the Clione Limacina switches

anyways, switches were installed:

the KiiBoom 68 came with some really clunky feeling ESA profile keycaps that I really didn't like, so I ended up getting another set of transparent purple keycaps that were cherry profile:

here's the KiiBoom Phantom 68 Purple, unlit:

KiiBoom Phantom 68 Purple, lit + ambient lighting:

KiiBoom Phantom 68 Purple, lit + no ambient lighting:

I was extremely disappointed by the lack of underglow lighting on the Phantom 68:

hopefully a V2 will come out and more LEDs will be on the PCB to provide more edge lighting

stock typing test: https://youtu.be/MqEpimuk9FI

typing test after the swap: https://youtu.be/Z3R8_9pCDkE

build timelapse: https://youtu.be/KRvzVK7gMnE

can't really say I would recommend the Phantom 68

the underwhelming underglow lighting compared to the Phantom 81

plus the function row access doesn't make a whole lot of sense

programming for a 65% keyboard is crucial and the KiiBoom software doesn't allow a lot of keys to be customized

to access the function row, you'll need to first lock the keyboard in Fn Lock

and there's absolutely no indicator of when you are in Fn Lock

overall, I did the build as a display piece for my wife's new office, so it serves the intended use well

also, I really hate these transparent keycaps

this is the 3rd set now, and every one of these clicks cheaply when the keys bottom out on very soft PC plates

aside from the cool visual effect of having transparent keycaps, I really don't like transparent keycaps in general

they sound terrible and completely illegible when lit

I can see why KiiBoom included these super thick tall profile transparent keycaps

but otherwise, these cherry profile transparent keycaps really shouldn't be used

here's the other 2 keyboards that has these transparent keycaps: RT100 (#1071070910989209661 message) and K71 (#1071070910989209661 message)

neither sounds very good or get used very much

definitely something to keep in mind when building these transparent acrylic keyboards

the third and final keyboard I did was finally swapping the switches one of my Tide75 (#1071070910989209661 message):

the friend that's getting the Phantom 81 V2 Blue has requested for this set of knock-off "Cinnamorall" keycaps

so I took the opportunity to do a full rebuild of the blue Tide75:

these Epomaker Lemon switches are ugly and awful:

so glad to part ways with them

ended up going with some budget friendly Akko V3 Creamy Blue tactile switches (45gf):

comes on a nice tray, 5-pin, and reasonably good sounding and feel

been looking for a keyboard to throw the ridiculous MAO profile keycaps on:

these came off the GMMK3 "Pink" build: #1071070910989209661 message

I just couldn't part way with these as the GMMK3 Pink was a gift and these keycaps were not great to type on

perfect fit for the Tide75 to be just displaying another set of ridiculous keycaps that I've amassed

anyways, here's the Epomaker Tide75 Blue, unlit:

Epomaker Tide75 Blue, lit + ambient lighting:

Epomaker Tide75 Blue, lit + no ambient lighting:

typing test with the original stock linear switches and the cherry profile keycaps: https://youtu.be/7IFlLd3-s18

and the typing test after the swap: https://youtu.be/P3KAECnPR8Y

the Akko Blue switches typed really well