Custom keyboards

[jolly coral]

the RGB lighting is terrible on the Galaxy 80, failing to produce a "clean" white color

anyways, time for the crazy keycaps:

I ended up having to swap out the switch for the spacebar because the Ice Kings were not strong enough to lift the space bar:

I ended up using some random heavy linear switch that I had pulled off the F87 that was just done: #1071070910989209661 message

not the most elegant solution, but at least it worked

keycaps went on and everything was in working order:

Epomaker Galaxy 80 with Cerakey Blue Crazed keycaps, unlit:

Epomaker Galaxy 80 with Cerakey Blue Crazed keycaps, lit + ambient lighting:

Epomaker Galaxy 80 with Cerakey Blue Crazed keycaps, lit + no ambient lighting:

typing test: https://youtu.be/mbAlmg-l_ng

I was blown away at how the keyboard sounded

it was the most "thock" keyboard I have ever built

and the overall typing experience a quite pleasant compared to my previous encounter with these keycaps

it was definitely the correct choice to go with heavier switches as it felt completely "normal" with the heavier keycaps

I ended up joining the Cerakey Discord server at this point to seek a solution to my spacebar switch problem

more on this with future builds

for now, the 4x timelapse of the build: https://youtu.be/hEPLNqTA854

I ended up order several more of these Epomaker/VTER Galaxy keyboards because I was completely blown away at the quality vs. price for these budget metal case keyboards

more to come

[merry valley]

nice.
i've got a new set of temu caps coming next week ... going to start looking for a more suitable 96% for work, and replace the crap rechargable micro-board the wife uses for the HTCP with the ajazz 96% i built a couple months ago

jan of'18 ... sort of amazed this thing even still charges lol

[jolly coral]

96%, and you're not adverse to Temu/AliExpress

Find yourself a VTER Galaxy 100

They're around $70 for a thocky aluminum keyboard

[jolly coral]

I have a couple, they both work great still

[merry valley]

thoughts on the rk98?

atthis point it's that or a gmmk2 96

and i'm tired of the amount of cat hair my gmmk can collect with the massive gap between the deck and the caps

[jolly coral]

Get the VTER Galaxy100

It's a metal case and around the same price as the RK98

You also get some navigation keys between the alphas and numpad

If you want plastic case, Ajazz AK980 is seriously underrated:

No screen version is under $60 and US stock too

[jolly coral]

Don't get the GMMK2

It's overpriced

[quick carbon]

Started working on custom firmware for the q0 max for per layer rgb indicating. Pretty fun, only annoyance is EEPROM and rgb modes

[quick carbon]

Q0 max with layer indicators. Took some time to figure out how to make everything work while preserving the current rgb effect

[winged patrol]

Damm beautiful

[jolly coral]

Are you programming in QMK?

I assume you're using RGBLIGHT_LAYERS

Also, get some new keycaps

[merry valley]

I did lol

probably putting those on the ak992 and turning the lights off, remote board for the HTPC

[jolly coral]

Didn't these have some colored accents?

[merry valley]

i got the black/white set - there is a white set with some color to it, and a black set that is the negative of what i got. orange wish FTW

looks like the set i got and the one with the color are sold out now ...

not bad for $19 and free shipping

[jolly coral]

Yeah, it's about $30 for US stock

The single colored ones are slightly over $30:

[quick carbon]

My yakult caps come today. And I reprogram the rgb matrix to persist the current rgb effect

[jolly coral]

Mine was here a couple of days ago

And you're programming in QMK?

[quick carbon]

Mhm

[jolly coral]

Fun times

I really should do that with my Q0

[quick carbon]

Really easy to pick up since it's just c which is one of my main languages lol

[jolly coral]

I'm sure it's not bad

[quick carbon]

The only annoying thing was figuring out I had to use rgb matrix since lighting layers is for standard RGB lighting and not matrix lighting like the q0 uses

[jolly coral]

I'll keep that in mind when I reprogram mine

Whenever that happens

[quick carbon]

If I had knew to use the matrix at the beginning this would've only taken probably 30 minutes instead of 2.5 hours of documentation reading and trial and error lol

[merry valley]

i just spent an hour with someone walking me through a c module ... i'm already over it

[quick carbon]

LOL C definitely wasn't my favorite language to learn given the amount you have to manage. But it is super powerful and having worked in it for 5+ years now, I definitely feel so much more comfortable.

My UNI threw us in the deep end with C, our first project was a course long project creating an emulator from scratch with it

Emulating cpu memory management while also managing your actual program memory was the worst for a bit

[merry valley]

yeah, i started as a hardware guy, then desktop engineering / packaging, then dove off into citrix / virtualization with vmware, about 5 years ago i jumped ship to DevOps, basically the infra stuff i was doing, but for devs & QA tools ... 3 years ago that group got dissolved and i would up on the mainframe team doing transaction reserach & resolution, with a side of server & app support for our tools

which is why i can't use a small keyboard - have to have f keys and numpad for 3270 emu

[quick carbon]

Oooh, I'm in a rotational program (Graduated from uni last may). Currently I'm a technical analyst for a backend API team. But I'm thinking of leaving for DevOps or back into Full-Stack Development for my next rotation.

[quick carbon]

This is why I picked up an 80% and separate numpad

[merry valley]

i can read JCL - albeit slowly, with help ... i can't write it to save my life lol

[merry valley]

i am looking for a suitable 96%, with a native INS key so i don't have to get into VIA/QMK to re-program it

my gmmk full is getting tired lol

[quick carbon]

Thats fair, I definitely like the separate numpad, I can reprogram a layer to just have development and VIM function keys

[merry valley]

yeah it's the 3270 emu that is a pain ... i came really close to buying a proper IBM mech board, but wasn't gonna drop $400 on a board i would only use for work

all 24 F keys lol

[quick carbon]

Yeaaaaaa, not really worthwhile

I've seriously thought about setting up 8 layers via QMK and just having all 24 F keys

[merry valley]

i really don't plan on doing mainframe for the rest of my career ... while it is secure, it is a migraine inducing nightmare, and i would really like to get off of an on-call schedule. 2 years with devops and no after hours spoiled me lol

[quick carbon]

I've been planning out my overall goal for my career and I've been eyeing up working towards an Architect position. But god that'll take a lot of time

[merry valley]

better to start the plan young. i didn't move to IT until after i was 30

[quick carbon]

Yeah that's fair, I was able to get out of uni a year early which has set me up pretty nicely to plan and experiment

[jolly coral]

Galaxy 100

I thought I've suggested quite a few to you

[merry valley]

yeah that is the top of my short list

[jolly coral]

on the plastic side, you have AULA F99 and AJAZZ AK980

AK980 especially has both a knob+screen version and an all keys version

[quick carbon]

^just pulled it up, looks pretty rad

[merry valley]

i like the 992 i got, just missing the INS lol. and i got it for a steal.

[quick carbon]

To be fair, adding that INS key via QMK wouldn't be too difficult

[jolly coral]

or VIA

[quick carbon]

^this too

[jolly coral]

or whatever the Chinese software

it's a standard key

you're not asking they keyboard to be reprogrammed that hard

[quick carbon]

In fact I'd happily make the .bin to flash for you

@jolly coral if you're interested in my code for the layer indicators on the q0 lmk.

[jolly coral]

sounds good

[merry valley]

found the no-screen 980 on orange wish for $60

poked around ali for about an hour, could not find a white galaxy100 for under $140

even google translating with my phone lol

[jolly coral]

Oh geez, guess prices adjusted back for the Galaxy100

It's a fantastic keyboard at $60-70, but I would NOT recommend it at over $100

There's US stock of the Galaxy100 under the Epomaker brand for around $100

But $140 is just too much

The Epomaker version also has the advantage of having the knob: https://a.co/d/7ocIW7l

Like New is at $107

[merry valley]

i almost got that one ... but the pinky beige threw me off

[brittle spear]

I have a cheapy Feker Galaxy80, it was on sale at one point for $30. It's quite good for how cheap it was.

Wired base kit so no switches or key caps. Slapped on some cheap Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches and some PBT OEM/Cherry profile keycap set from TKC (I don't remember the name cause TKC closed up shop).

[jolly coral]

I love the Galaxy80! So much thock from a metal case

[winged patrol]

Looks very good

[livid mason]

Guys

I need help

I need recommendations for a numpad to go with my Gravastar K1

[jolly coral]

Keychron Q0 Max

Anything else is pretty much a waste of money

[livid mason]

Thanks for the help as always @jolly coral

I was debating getting the ZoomPad Tiga, but I wanted opinions here

[jolly coral]

Yeah, I'm still waiting on my Zoom98 to show up, but based on what I've read and learned from others, Meletrix is on the QMK naughty list for not open source their tri-mode keyboards: https://docs.qmk.fm/license_violations

And there are software issues with Meletrix keyboards in general

[livid mason]

Oh damn

Good to know

[brittle spear]

Chyrosan22 (Thomas) likes the Q0 Max.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zj9cv_fpwDE

I have the Q10 and K2 Pro V2 and they've both been solid boards.

[quick carbon]

I've only had my Q0 Max for a a few weeks and I love it to death

[jolly coral]

I really need to make a concerted effort this week to post the backlog of builds that I've done since November

Sorry in advance but I'll be posting quite a bit on this thread for the coming week

[quick carbon]

I'm ready to receive this rain of keyboards

[winged patrol]

Lol well i seen some

Its looks awesome

[quick carbon]

Still need to paint the case but got my new keycaps

[jolly coral]

I still need to open mine

But that looks so good

Doing some paint testing

[quick carbon]

I really like it, it gives me such serotonin

Ooooh

[jolly coral]

NK is selling this line of "GLO" keyboards: https://novelkeys.com/products/classic-glo-keyboard

But I can't stand the 7U spacebar on NK boards

So I have $30 75% coming soon that I'll be painting with glow in the dark paint and making my own florescent orange keycaps

Fingers crossed that it will work

[jolly coral]

Alright, continues with the keyboard posting, the Tide75 Blue (#1071070910989209661 message) got the desperate needed rebuild from the ridiculous MAO profile keycaps:

while I had the keycaps off, I pulled the Akko Creamy Blue switches (45g) and put in some KTT Baby Blue switches (38g)

there was nothing wrong with the Akko switches, but I just needed them for another build (that I will be posting next)

I've been in love with these KTT Baby Blue switches due to the fact they are literally under $10 for a big box of 45 switches. They type reasonably well and sound okay.

Here are some pictures of the Tide75 Blue with the KTT Baby Blue switches:

more importantly, I ended up choosing some much better (and normal) Cherry profile keycaps from XVX:

this set was called the "Porcelain" print

I love that there's side-print for this set

Epomaker Tide75 Blue Porcelain, unlit:

Epomaker Tide75 Blue Porcelain, lit + ambient lighting:

Epomaker Tide75 Blue Porcelain, lit + no ambient lighting:

4x rebuild timelapse: https://youtu.be/RdkrdrUbMKg

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

[winged patrol]

Sheesh

🔥

[jolly coral]

one of the more "fun" keyboards that I've picked up is this Akko Cinnamoroll ACR TOP75B:

there was a 20th Anniversary edition, but I've missed the opportunity to pick one up

but Akko still did a great job with the design of this special edition keyboard:

as per usual, the keyboard came with some linear switches that I took out after doing the stock typing test: https://youtu.be/se8D0pXd6yI

in all honesty, the Akko Piano Linear (45g) switches are not that bad

since they're so light, I get sufficient tactile feedback from the keys bottoming out

or maybe I'm just getting more and more used to linear switches after testing so many stock boards with linear switches

anyways, I ended up putting in the Akko Creamy Blue tactile switches (45g) that just came off the blue Tide75 (#1071070910989209661 message) for a complete Akko build:

Akko Cinnamoroll ACR TOP75B, unlit:

Akko Cinnamoroll ACR TOP75B, lit + ambient lighting:

Akko Cinnamoroll ACR TOP75B, lit + no ambient lighting:

I think Akko did a really good job with this acrylic case keyboard

more importantly, the price is quite affordable as well

4x timelapse of the switch swap: https://youtu.be/whj6tMETg6U

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

fun aside, I finally broke my very first free switch and keycap puller:

[winged patrol]

u could still pull switches

[jolly coral]

nah, I have a ton of these free switch/keycap pullers:

[winged patrol]

true

[jolly coral]

they just keep randomly fall out from keycap boxes

[winged patrol]

ic

[jolly coral]

here are my current set of tools for keycaps and switches:

I ended up getting an "automatic" puller (orange): https://a.co/d/4cVuyxD

[winged patrol]

oh that

i remebered

[jolly coral]

it's quite nice because it has the expandable keycap puller for the larger keys

and I also spent a little bit more for the Meletrix titanium puller (rainbow, left): https://a.co/d/eccS60a

after reading a bunch of stuff online, titanium puller has the advantage of not scratching the plate (which is true)

it's super helpful to have when I'm working with painted positioning plates

[winged patrol]

cant see the price

[jolly coral]

just search "titanium switch puller"

that's the US listing that I've just linked

[jolly coral]

yup

that's the one

[winged patrol]

tbh its aloy cheaper then i expected

[jolly coral]

really?

[winged patrol]

i think i showed u

5k inr

[jolly coral]

for what?

[jolly coral]

Yeah, that's highway robbery right there selling it at $50+

Especially when there are free ones falling out of keycap boxes

[winged patrol]

agreed

[quick carbon]

I was able to split my wooting order since the frost case is on back order till late march but the module is only on backorder till mid feb. I bought the extra black case and have that now, all we gotta do is wait for my 80HE module woooo

[jolly coral]

My second 80HE just shipped yesterday from the US warehouse, should be getting it before the end of the week:

Getting a Wooting takes some patience

[quick carbon]

I'm just glad to be able to split my order to get the necessary stuff first

[queen peak]

finally got around to building my zoom

[jolly coral]

oooo, acrylic case!

[winged patrol]

How ur coil cable be soo coil

Like mine is too loose

[queen peak]

top is acrylic and the bottom looks like this:

[queen peak]

had it custom made about 3 years ago and it’s still very tight!

[jolly coral]

yup, the aquamarine edition

very nice

or should spell it correctly, "Akuamarin"

based on the kana on the plate

[queen peak]

thank you!

[merry valley]

In Transit
Package has left the carrier facility
CARTERET, NJ, US
February 4, 2025, 12:19 AM

looks like some switch swappin' this weekend ...

[winged patrol]

Dang

How much u pay

[winged patrol]

U Japanese ?

[queen peak]

to be honest i don't rememeber

[winged patrol]

Damn

[queen peak]

no i'm not

[winged patrol]

Oh

[jolly coral]

and I continue my keyboard journey into my first of many 96% keyboards with the AJAZZ AK980:

although technically a "96%" keyboard, it doesn't have the typical "1800" layout as depicted by the Keychron layout comparison chart:

I really like the terminology that AJAZZ used and calling these "98%" keyboards

they're not the most space saving, but it's a lot more helpful for touch typing with a column of button between the alphas and the numpad

additionally, this is as close to getting some 100% layout keyboards that actually has some "design" rather than the same boring Q6/K10 from Keychron

the AK980 in particular is quite nice as it has both a small screen and a knob, which my wife likes, and all for under $100 for a plastic case keyboard

which has the advantage of having the adjustable typing angle feet as well as this creative wireless dongle storage solution:

here's the stock typing test: https://youtu.be/Jhi_UKlq3SA

the stock AK980 came with these absolutely awful and miserable "Maillard" Linear switches (50g):

they look like poop, they type like poop, I just don't know why AJAZZ even made these as stock switches for an otherwise very nice keyboard

even the LED transmission is poop, despite having a light guide

I believe AJAZZ has received feedback about these awful switches and the AK980 now comes with "Gift" Linear switches (45g) instead

the AK980 otherwise comes with a very nicely black with gold print FR4 plate along with some well lubed stabs:

I ended up using a set of KiiBoom Taro Cream Tactile switches (54g) that my wife really likes for her first 98% build:

installing these were slightly tricky because AJAZZ used a flex-cut FR4 positioning plate:

but here's the AJAZZ AK980 with Taro Cream switches:

even without the light guide, the Taro Cream switches looked better with the LED

I had initially planned to use these Peach Blossom keycaps with this build, but quickly scrapped the idea as the keycap colors really doesn't go well with the pastel purple that was on the case:

fortunately, I had some "Seashore Flower" side-print keycaps, which fit the AK980 perfectly:

AJAZZ AK980 Purple, unlit:

AJAZZ AK980 Purple, lit + ambient lighting:

AJAZZ AK980 Purple, lit + no ambient lighting:

4x build timelpase: https://youtu.be/eFMY7pqGyaA

and the typing test after swapping switches and keycaps: https://youtu.be/I5xXUKWSpd4

[jolly coral]

at this point, I was getting hit with a ton of keyboard ads due to the holiday sales and I ended up getting the Yunzii B75 for my wife:

priced around $50, it came with some cute pastel keycaps along with a set of tactile switches:

the design was super cute with a mix of pink and purple

more importantly, it has a knob, which my wife prefers

the stabs were not lubed that heavily

and it came with a very soft flex-cut PC plate

the stock typing test: https://youtu.be/kFJl1BA4KqI

aside from being really ugly, the Yunzii Blue Grey Tactile switches (37g) were okay

being a lightweight 37g, the tactile bump was not very clear

I ended up going with some CIY Asura Tactile switches (50g):

and paired them with some "Gamer Girl" side-print dye-sub PBT keycaps from RedQin:

Yunzii B75 Gamer Girl, unlit:

Yunzii B75 Gamer Girl, lit + ambient lighting:

Yunzii B75 Gamer Girl, lit + no ambient lighting:

4x build timelapse: https://youtu.be/YXLIoy1ZvXQ

typing test: https://youtu.be/C7zWdIcxXyQ

I really like how the build turned out

it had a very fun vibe with the color combo along with the fun print keycaps

the Asura switches also typed very well with a clear top tactile bump

overall, a fun and cheap build

I ended up going a bit crazy at this point due to the holiday sales

and began increasing the keyboard storage capacity in my office

my original storage solution for my keyboards were quickly running out space:

I ended up getting another peg board to make a new 60/65% and a 70/75% wall:

anyways, finally caught up through the Thanksgiving break

the GravaStar pair is coming next, which I'll post after the morning rush

[winged patrol]

Somehowl 96 looks uncomfortable

[merry valley]

i just see fewer open spots to catch cat hair ...

[jolly coral]

I just know I like the 98% layout better

It's basically a 75% with a numpad

Just like the way that 100% are 80% (TKL) with a numpad

[winged patrol]

If its about preferences

[winged patrol]

What set up u vote for?

[jolly coral]

Depends

[winged patrol]

Wdym i am asking ur vote on setups in #announcements

[jolly coral]

I prefer smaller boards when gaming

[winged patrol]

Same

[jolly coral]

You're on the #1071070910989209661 thread right now

[winged patrol]

My bad

[winged patrol]

But yeah i agreed on small boards but sometimes it annoying when u need extra keys

[jolly coral]

Then I switch to a big board

[winged patrol]

Cycle 8 is perfect for me i think

Not too big and not too small

Just perfect size with all keys i will need

[jolly coral]

Correct, TKL is a good size

[winged patrol]

Ye

[jolly coral]

my bad, my notes was missing this next build

but apparently my daughter's teacher's keyboard was broken

and needed a replacement

I literally got the cheapest 65% keyboard I could find on Amazon, the GamaKay LK67:

I got it in the color "Milky White":

aside from the North-facing LEDs, there are some case lighting as well:

went with some KTT Baby Blue Tactile (38g) switches because they were literally under $10 for 45 on Amazon during the sales:

really an amazing deal for 5-pin light tactile switches

not the quietest switches in the world, but the sound is tolerable given the milky plastic housing

nothing screams "quality" like keycaps in a plastic bag:

didn't even come with enough keys to cover the entire board

ended up grabbing some pudding keycaps and called it a day

GamaKay LK67 Rainbow, unlit:

GamaKay LK67 Rainbow, lit + ambient lighting:

GamaKay LK67 Rainbow, lit + no ambient lighting:

a couple extra photos of the case lighting:

4x build timelapse: https://youtu.be/ET7zrshT0Ro

typing test: https://youtu.be/806WTkOASs4

pretty loud build given the case is not insulated

ended up getting my daughter involved and had some fun decorating the bottom case:

I was really surprised by the reaction that "Ms. Merrill" had for this crazy budget build

sometime being in the hobby, it's easy to forget that normal people think of the plastic things from Dell are "keyboards"

[jolly coral]

alright, finally time for the GravaStar Mercury K1 case swap

I was on the fence about getting a Mercury K1 from GravaStar, but was having trouble pulling the trigger because I wanted the transparent black case from the K1 Lite:

but the K1 Lite doesn't have the cool case lighting that's found in the K1 and K1 Pro

fortunately, I was able to work something out with @livid mason, so I ended up getting both a K1 and a K1 Lite:

the cases were nearly identical

except for that volume toggle switch on the top right

the most disappointing part of the K1 is that despite being a "metal" case, the bottom case is actually plastic

but at least now the K1 and K1 Pro has height adjustable feet

however, I think most people would assume that a "metal case" would mean metal for both top and bottom case

aside from that gripe, everything was as promised from GravaStar

the K1 Lite did not have the case lighting:

and the standard K1 did have the case lighting:

I unfortunately was so excited about making the case swap that I forgot to record the typing tests for the stock setup

you will have to find a sound test from the numerous influencers that testing the K1

anyways, ripped into the donor K1, pretty much a standard tri-mode setup:

the side logo is lit by 3 LEDs over a diffuser on the case:

pretty lame stuff

what I was really after are these side LEDs on the PCB:

cracked open the K1 Lite case, found the foam insert where the second battery would be, but otherwise, identical setup as the standard K1:

and the initial test fit seems to suggest everything is going to work:

I initially wanted to do a plate swap as well, but it turns out, the positioning plates are different between the two models due to that volume toggle switch:

I proceeded to install a set of GamaKay Pegasus Silent Tactile switches (45g):

and yeah, everything is working

except for the volume toggle switch:

fortunately, the case is made out of PC, and I have the solution for cutting PC:

after making the necessary cuts to the case:

here's the GravaStar Merucry K1 in a Mercury K1 Lite transparent black case, unlit:

GravaStar Merucry K1 in a Mercury K1 Lite transparent black case, lit + ambient lighting:

GravaStar Merucry K1 in a Mercury K1 Lite transparent black case, lit + no ambient lighting:

as for the K1 Lite, I ended up using a set of GamaKay Mars Tactile switches (50g):

which will work extremely well for the side-printed keycaps due to the light guide

there's still the issue with the key that's now in the position of the volume toggle switch

rather than cutting the metal case, I ended up making a special keycap:

and here's the GravaStar Merucry K1 Lite in a Mercury K1 white case, unlit:

GravaStar Merucry K1 Lite in a Mercury K1 white case, lit + ambient lighting:

GravaStar Merucry K1 Lite in a Mercury K1 white case, lit + no ambient lighting:

the 4x build timelapse: https://youtu.be/bt2v1PVe_rE

and the typing test for the K1 with the Pegasus switches: https://youtu.be/YhmPwWNuCqU

(I was really struggling with the lack of audio feedback during the typing test, these switches were soooo quiet)

and finally, the typing test for the K1 Lite with the Mars switches: https://youtu.be/xIn1ZTgpe6M

I packed up the K1 Lite and shipped it off to @livid mason, which he received a few days later: #1071070910989209661 message

worked out really nicely that donor keyboard didn't go to waste

but I absolutely love my K1 in the transparent black case

[jolly coral]

and apparently, GravaStar eventually release their M2 mouse in a transparent black case as well: https://www.gravastar.com/products/mercury-m2-transparent-black

and the two pair so well together:

anyways, some more pictures of the GravaStar M2:

[jolly coral]

alright, a quick one for the last post for this morning, the 8BitDo, Fami Edition:

I got both the keyboard and numpad from Amazon for $123

[livid mason]

And the K1 i got is clean

All the recommended switch extras that were passed off to find what I like

Much appreciated

[jolly coral]

and I regret my decision

[livid mason]

That bad?

[jolly coral]

yeah, I hate influencers

[livid mason]

Rip

I just think it looks cool

[jolly coral]

I did too

but not $123 cool

anyways, let me finish the post

unboxing:

and video of the unboxing: https://youtu.be/MfVziR2eXnA

because I literally stopped immediately after this step

I was planning to throw some switches into this thing

but it was so awful, it would be a waste of the switches

I was almost tempted to extract the Box White switches from the set, but I decided to just leave it be

I wanted to spend as little time with this thing as I possible could

anyways, 8BitDo Fami Edition, unlit:

there's no lit version of the photos, because this keyboard doesn't have RGB

the only cool bit was the dongle:

here's the typing test, and you can hear why yourself: https://youtu.be/f-XuADVkGQM

please avoid this keyboard at all costs

it's literally an overhyped POS and 8BitDo is making insane profits from their ad placements

they recently came out with an XBox version with RGB

please just avoid this piece of junk

I feel bad for the 600+ people that got suckered out of $120:

anyways

[jolly coral]

so glad that the K1 I've sent you is getting used

thanks for helping me make the K1 build happen

I'll be picking up with the AM CB tonight

[winged patrol]

Damn u post alot

[winged patrol]

What those big red buttons do?

[jolly coral]

I'm barely catching up to the end of November right now

I've been busy

I was averaging about 1 keyboard per day

[winged patrol]

Damn

I remember u take 1 hour per keeb?

[jolly coral]

I've been stocking like crazy

[winged patrol]

Or was it 30 min?

[jolly coral]

Depends on the extensiveness

[winged patrol]

Ic

[jolly coral]

A full build from scratch is like 2 hours at least

[jolly coral]

You can assign it to do whatever you want

But it's so loose and wobbly, it's literally a gimmick

[winged patrol]

Nice

It gives vibe of buttons which shouldn't be press

[winged patrol]

Dang

[merry valley]

all i have ever heard about them is that thier controllers are garbage

[jolly coral]

Everything is garbage

The numpad, keyboard, buttons

Anyways

[merry valley]

yeah i only really looked at thier stuff trying to find the wife a "kid sized" xbox controller

[jolly coral]

Looks like the orange wish and AE party is about to end

The $800 threshold just went away

Big reason why I was stocking up like crazy

Free article summarizing the changes and the whole USPS debacle from yesterday: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/02/05/usps-says-it-will-resume-accepting-inbound-packages-from-china-hong-kong.html

[jolly coral]

alright, finally made it to the Godlen Paisley CyberBoard from Angry Miao: https://store.angrymiao.com/products/cyberboard-novel1-gold-paisley

I was super excited when this thing dropped and ordered immediately since it was "limited to 300 units"

turns out, even after 6 months and several sales, there is still 8 units left

guess stupid expensive keyboards don't sell as quickly as most budget oriented keyboards

[winged patrol]

F

750

$

Ig limited edition always been expensive

[jolly coral]

most of AM's boards are "limited edition"

CB is literally one of the most expensive keyboards you can buy

[winged patrol]

With Keycaps or just board?

[jolly coral]

I got into AM after doing the BD75 build: #1071070910989209661 message

[winged patrol]

Still prices astonished me

[jolly coral]

they're known for being stupid expensive for the sake of being expensive

[winged patrol]

This one looks better

[winged patrol]

Lmao

[jolly coral]

I just wanted to see what it's like to have one of these

and the Black/Gold combo got to me

anyways

[winged patrol]

Cool

[jolly coral]

it came in a nice case:

[winged patrol]

Gold mostly only suit with black or sliver

[jolly coral]

and I discovered that it didn't come with stabilizers

[winged patrol]

Thats some insane legel packaging

[jolly coral]

I've just spent an insane amount of money for a kit keyboard

and it didn't come with stabilizers

[winged patrol]

How much

[jolly coral]

$700+ after shipping and taxes

[winged patrol]

Well was it worth it?

[jolly coral]

at least I got a great looking keyboard:

[winged patrol]

Ye

60%?

[jolly coral]

75%

[winged patrol]

Or 75?

[jolly coral]

anyways, when the stabilizers showed up a few days later, it was time to build this thing

[winged patrol]

U finished the build?

Or doing it?

[jolly coral]

the board is held together by some really pretty screws:

[jolly coral]

@winged patrol, I'm catching up on old builds

[winged patrol]

Oh

[jolly coral]

this happened on 11/27 last year

[winged patrol]

Ic

[jolly coral]

the whole top lifts up, and removed the 2 ribbon cables:

the bottom case after removing the PCB with swappable leaf-springs:

the PCB itself had several layers of foam/insulation around it, all very nicely cut stuff:

ended up going with a set of Durock V3 stabilizers:

got it in smoked black with gold bars to match the build

ended up having to modify some of the "band-aid" tapes to not cover up the LEDs:

initially used the included wire foam:

but turns out, AM's included PCB foam already covers the stabilizer wires

anyways, some high precision stuff as expected from a keyboard of this price range

ended up going with the Kailh Clione Limacina Tactile switches (48g) that I've used for the BD75 build (#1071070910989209661 message):

installing the switches were tricky as the POM plate that AM used was extremely soft and flex-cut, but I eventually got all the switches in:

tested the switches:

I've tried out several sets of keycaps, but turns out the smoked black transparent keycaps that were on the Circuit Keeb (#1071070910989209661 message) worked best

so I pulled the keycaps from the Circuit Keeb and completed the build

here's the Angry Miao CyberBoard Gold Paisley, unlit:

Angry Miao CyberBoard Gold Paisley, lit + ambient lighting:

Angry Miao CyberBoard Gold Paisley, lit + no ambient lighting:

ended up doing some custom vinyl work on the bottom case:

since Versace inspired this design:

it was only logical to complete the Versace look

4x timelapse of the build: https://youtu.be/sRe69A8vC6w

and the typing test: https://youtu.be/8wy071WuEkI

the Clione Limacina is literally the perfect switches for these AM boards due to the good light transmission

the lighter weight spring in the switches just enhances the typing experience

I was really disappointed that the keycaps ended up being so cheap

but it was literally the best fitting keycaps I could find

the "official" paisley keycaps were in white on black: https://store.angrymiao.com/products/yuan-yuan-studio-paisley-keycaps-1?variant=45297130995936

they were made by PiiFox

but definitely designed for the standard Paisley CyberBoard:

I also really hated the font used for the official keycaps:

anyways, the build sounds and feels great

my wife took it to work and I haven't seen it ever since finishing the build

thoughts about spending so much on a keyboard, it's definitely expensive

at least the keyboard is well made

I would say about $200 of the cost is for the unique design

but I overall hate the shape of the CyberBoard

it was inspired by the Cyber Truck, and that thing is ugly

worse yet, the CybeBoard is extremely difficult to pick up due to its shape

the heavy weight of the board doesn't help the cause either

I would probably NOT buy another AM keyboard despite spending a ton of time looking at the AFA R2:

and the new Neon 80:

I may go for a Neon 80 in the future, but none of the standard colorways really appeal to me

these AM boards are definitely something

but the price is really not all that justified given that boards like the Evo80 exists with the same leaf-spring mount at a fraction of the cost

[winged patrol]

Idk if u know these symbols are somthing similar which indians draw in Rangoli

[jolly coral]

given the Paisley print, I wouldn't be surprised

I just don't think it fits the vibe of a Versace theme

[winged patrol]

Lol except ours are colorful

Instead of black and white

[jolly coral]

Versace logo has a very square font:

[winged patrol]

Looks kinda weird compared to other expensive brands

[jolly coral]

you mean the stock keycaps?

[winged patrol]

Logo

[jolly coral]

I'm not sure I quite follow

[winged patrol]

This

[jolly coral]

most designer brands have greatly simplified their logo designs in the recent years

[winged patrol]

Yeah

[winged patrol]

U buy this?

[jolly coral]

no

[winged patrol]

Ic

[jolly coral]

I ended up finally getting my first Alice keyboard the other day

went with a Libra:

I still don't believe in the Alice layout

[winged patrol]

Screws looks pretty

From back

Shines differently

[jolly coral]

but at least with the Libra, I kill 2 birds with 1 stone: 40% + Alice layout

[winged patrol]

Dont u hate these type of keyboard?

[jolly coral]

yes

[winged patrol]

Then why

[jolly coral]

but I need to have at least tried it to justify my opinion

maybe it'll change my mind

it's like saying "I don't recommend the CyberBoard"

most people would assume I'm just a hater who can't afford it

my opinion would be much stronger if I've actually build one myself

I'm forming "informed" opinions right now

[winged patrol]

Why u need to justify yourself to others?

Anyway i think even buying that one didnt change ur opinion at all

[jolly coral]

I don't, but it's just easier to pull one up

[winged patrol]

Ic

[jolly coral]

ever since building the Idobao ID87 Crystal (#1071070910989209661 message), I've been craving for another ID87

so when Idobao was clearing out the ID87 V2 inventory, I picked up a pair

unfortunately, they came in 1 color: grey

the keyboard has an integrated plate to the top case

so, spray was relatively straight forward:

ended up doing a color shifting purple paint for my wife's build

since the mount was going to be quite stiff, I ended up using small o-rings to soften the mount a bit:

for switches, I went with some CIY EVO Tactile switches (42g):

what ended up delaying the build were the keycaps, but I quickly threw them on as soon as they arrived:

Idobao ID87 Purple, unlit:

Idobao ID87 Purple, lit + ambient lighting:

Idobao ID87 Purple, lit + no ambient lighting:

4x build timelapse: https://youtu.be/gS0UHDjZJbc

and the typing test: https://youtu.be/ye-INkuSgpI

having just done several softer setups, it was interesting going to a keyboard with integrated plate

stiff

super stiff

it's amazing how much keyboards have improved in terms of typing comfort

I really like how the custom paint color turned out

the Purple Sunrise color shift paint looks so good on a purple base:

anyways, I eventually finished my ID87 as well, which I will share later

the build for my ID87 was also stuck with keycap issues

alright, wrapping up this morning session and the month of November was a quick Galaxy 80 build I did for a friend:

for $42, Galaxy 80 gets you a nice metal case along with one of the thockiest sound profile

for the switches, I went with some Epomaker Wisteria Tactile switches (48g):

ended up pulling the SA keycaps from the Ducky One 3 build (#1071070910989209661 message):

and the VTER Galaxy 80 Pink with White Jade SA profile keycaps, unlit:

VTER Galaxy 80 Pink with White Jade SA profile keycaps, lit + ambient lighting:

VTER Galaxy 80 Pink with White Jade SA profile keycaps, lit + no ambient lighting:

4x build timelapse: https://youtu.be/WcQ0-C996IQ

and the typing test: https://youtu.be/jzdJta9re-Q

thock

and cheap too

welp, I've finally made it to the December builds

I'll continue after the morning rush

[winged patrol]

@jolly coral

This is the one u posted?

[jolly coral]

one of the versions, yes

that's an 8BitDo

[winged patrol]

Didnt know it was og xbox

Edition

[jolly coral]

clearly inspired by the clear green version that was super rare: https://www.ebay.com/itm/176600072666

at least in the US

[winged patrol]

This is console?

Looks weird

For an console

[jolly coral]

https://www.reddit.com/r/originalxbox/comments/pc1okt/never_thought_when_i_sold_my_og_xbox_that_10/

it was the Halo edition

had a clear green controller to go with it

[winged patrol]

Oh

Controller looks nice

[merry valley]

not custom yet ... gimme a day or 2

the switches in it are stupid light and totally silent, so i guess i am straight swapping switches with my 992 ... the white aura caps going on the 980, the cartoony caps going on the 992

[jolly coral]

Love it!

I find it funny how 98% keyboards don't really save that much desktop space

[winged patrol]

Oh dang looks beautiful

[jolly coral]

Sorry, your Cycle8 doesn't have RGB

[winged patrol]

Nah, happy with it

[jolly coral]

Looks like the Songque keycaps will be getting here soon

[winged patrol]

Nice

[winged patrol]

Using pc daily

Qlso i just installed

chat RTX

[jolly coral]

Oh

[winged patrol]

U heard about it?

[jolly coral]

Do you have any friends that can take better photos of the Cycle8?

[winged patrol]

I wanna create AI images

[jolly coral]

Like someone that actually knows how to take photos?

[winged patrol]

Yea

[jolly coral]

Great

[winged patrol]

My brother

[jolly coral]

ROFL

K

That's easier then

You can be the lighting assistant

[winged patrol]

Yeah

[winged patrol]

?

Any idea how

[jolly coral]

No, and I'm not discussing that on this thread

[winged patrol]

DM

[merry valley]

100 v 98 v 96

[winged patrol]

100 looks pretty

98 comes in second

[merry valley]

the 98 is going to wind up with a new set of the white aura caps too

pretty often, i get called at 2 am for inc bridges, so i have to have a little bit of light lol

i came really close to ordering some white sideprint caps - but i resisted the urge lol

[jolly coral]

98 > 100 >>> 96

but at least your 96 has a gap between the alphas and numpad

it's acceptable, but not quite as functional

[merry valley]

yeah - i saw the keychron one that is just a field of unspaced keys ... while it would have saved more desk real estate, it would not have been as functional, and my wallet would have literally died

well i don't see the stupid expensive k4 anymore.

the rk100 was equally squashy keyed

[jolly coral]

there's always the F99 from AULA as well

[merry valley]

i'm digging the girth on the 980 ... it's solid AF

[merry valley]

ok i am never touching outemu switches ever again

they are fine i guess, as long as teh install is permanant

[jolly coral]

oh, that

[merry valley]

my thumb's butt hurts lol

[jolly coral]

they're pretty flimsy and you have to be quite gentle with them

[merry valley]

Current state of me desk lol

[jolly coral]

yeah, maybe invest in one of the Meletrix/WS titanium pullers

they're much more gentle on the difficult/cheap switches

[merry valley]

The 992 plate is really tight too

[jolly coral]

did you get that link for the puller?

it's a life saver for me

[merry valley]

no

[jolly coral]

https://a.co/d/akBfIk3

really not a bad price considering how many hours of misery it saves me

6% off right now too

the whole thing is crafted from a solid piece of titanium

so the price tag is definitely justified

[merry valley]

nice. i'm havin fair luck with a flat precision screwdriver on the stubbornn ones

[jolly coral]

this is much better

and did I mention is full titanium?

[merry valley]

yeap

hard part is done, will test switches and apply caps after i run to the groery lol

[merry valley]

seems to type ok so far

[jolly coral]

Pudding keycaps

Yum yum

[merry valley]

white o white ftw

[jolly coral]

https://tenor.com/view/pompompurin-purin-pom-pom-purin-sanrio-pudding-gif-14447880310193382769

[merry valley]

uh oh

bm

somthig missig

1 bad switch apparetly

[jolly coral]

Hope you have extras

[merry valley]

a few yeah

[jolly coral]

Was chatting and looking at desk mats, I think I'll be sporting this one for the next 4 years:

[merry valley]

n nnn nnnnnn

yay

[jolly coral]

I can guess the key that wasn't working

Which is now working

[merry valley]

lol yeap

[merry valley]

Just need to figure out how to shut the disco ball off lol

[jolly coral]

You can't

If you really need to, go under the case and tape up that LED

Some electrical tape will ensure the light will be blacked out

[merry valley]

It would be fine if it did what the keys did lol

[jolly coral]

Yeah, it doesn't. Just rainbow puke

[merry valley]

only managed to bend a pin on 1 switch per board

only light in that shot is the led strip around my desk/hutch and PC fans

the pgdn adn del are too short. not a big deal for pgdn, as it makes fat finger clearance for the knob

and no 1u 0 key ... so i improvised

[winged patrol]

Oh dang

What keycaps are those

[merry valley]

got em from orange wish a few weeks ago - like $19

https://www.amazon.com/Retro-PBT-Keycaps-Minimalist-Mechanical/dp/B0DPFZJ42P

those are pretty close

[winged patrol]

Oh nice

[merry valley]

https://www.temu.com/goods.html?_bg_fs=1&goods_id=601099868326052

[merry valley]

first impression: the 992 feels slightly more ... solid? than the 980

[jolly coral]

I don't have a 992 so I can't compare

But could it be the difference of having a battery for the 992 (tri-mode) and no battery for the 980 (wired)

[merry valley]

my 980 is tri mode

oh i forgot lol ... orange wish sent me the wrong one

i ordered the white wired one - got the tri mode instead

so win?

the board on the 980 has some flex points, where the 992 is a bit more rigid

it could also be switch quality ... the ajazz flyig fish or whatever they are - while linear, and a tad light for me, just feel .. more ... intentional?

idk

that is probably a way too windy way of saying there is less slop and/or wiggle

[jolly coral]

In my mind, they should be similar given both are plastic cases from the same company

[merry valley]

lol yup. i'm a caveman - i mash button, it makes letter on screen

[little girder]

I need new keycaps

[jolly coral]

When did you pick up a Cycle8 👀

[little girder]

a year ago

it jsut shipped now lol

[jolly coral]

@winged patrol just finished building his

Planning to throw the Songque keycaps on it

[winged patrol]

Oh surpise long time no see

[little girder]

i waited forever i still need to figure out pernament keycaps

[winged patrol]

Looks nice

[jolly coral]

Songque

I'm pretty sure it's going to be a perfect fit

[winged patrol]

Ye

[little girder]

i wish it had a 7u spacebar

[jolly coral]

The Cycle8 PCB allows for the 6.25U layout

[little girder]

i have a rakka pcb

[jolly coral]

Ugh

[little girder]

with gatteron jade HE

best sounding he keeb ive used

[jolly coral]

Yeah, I bet

Let me think about it a bit

I'll get back to you

[little girder]

i might buy some cheap hsr keycaps on taobao

[jolly coral]

I think I've seen that set, wasn't crazy hot about it

Are you okay with clones?

[little girder]

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256807161332308.html? or these

[jolly coral]

Haha, k, I take that as a yes

[little girder]

its from asia theyre all clones

[jolly coral]

I recently got into Signature Plastic keycaps: https://spkeyboards.com/

[little girder]

theyre ncie

im usually on epbt groupbuys or gmk

[little girder]

i wouldnt mind a set of gmk darlings but

wrong color

[jolly coral]

Shouldn't have gotten the Peacock color then

[little girder]

shh

[jolly coral]

Would have worked with the Elf one

[winged patrol]

These also look good

Tho no idea what are those

[little girder]

u get the hall effect one?

[winged patrol]

Nah

Its someone else

[little girder]

but funny magnets

i also get temp caps

[winged patrol]

Nice

Will post properly when its completed

[winged patrol]

What keycaps u will be getting

Like main

[jolly coral]

That's what he's looking right now

[winged patrol]

Oh

[jolly coral]

I'm about to go to bed

[winged patrol]

Good night

[jolly coral]

@little girder, the Emerald DCX are 50% off right now: https://drop.com/buy/drop-dcx-emerald-keycap-set

[jolly coral]

@little girder, I like this upcoming set from Domikey: https://domikey.com/pages/adventurer

[merry valley]

Much better

[jolly coral]

How did you get rid of the light?

[merry valley]

a 1" square of blacktape

and it is 4 leds

in a circle

also, easiest keyboard to get into ever ... the top panel overlaps the bottom tray, and there are 4 clips on the long edges, 2 on the short. ribbon cable, small 3 pin power

hardest part was getting the switch caps lined up on the sm switch pins for the win/mac and tri mode switches

nice chunk of foam between the bottom of the pcb and the tray ...

i should have got pix, but i aint you lol

[jolly coral]

Not just pictures, I record the whole process too

[winged patrol]

Also upload

[quick carbon]

I want my 80HE to come in so bad. I can hardly wait till March for delivery

[winged patrol]

Patience is the key to success

[quick carbon]

patience runs thin day by day, but my willpower is stronger

[winged patrol]

Good

Use that willpower to endure

[spiral portal]

Mine said April

[jolly coral]

Dang it, GravaStar just got me:

I can't resist a special edition with Dragon https://www.gravastar.com/products/mercury-k1-pro-special-edition-porcelain-blue

[quick carbon]

since I dont have my 80HE yet. instead we plan designs

[winged patrol]

Looks kinda wierd

[quick carbon]

All the keycaps were manually edited in on the 80HE

This is just color blocking rn

[winged patrol]

Oh

Ic

[jolly coral]

That looks so good

[merry valley]

you need a 10 key 12 step program ...

[jolly coral]

If Google/FB would only stop hitting me with these suggestions

[merry valley]

it's like stray cats to an old single lady

i think this weekend the search for white wrist thingie and mouse starts again ... if only i could get a 502 hero in white ...

and i don't want the X - i want it as heavy as possible. ive got all 5 weights in my 502 now

i did find a white ajazz tkl rest on orange wish ... full size i can only find black or blue ones

[jolly coral]

Yeah, don't know any, my Amazon listing is only black or pink

[quick carbon]

adjusted to better mimic a plastic texture for end result. also added a little yakult bottle on the 80HE that I'll paint

[jolly coral]

Nice

[livid mason]

that is gorgeous

[jolly coral]

Getting here next week:

[livid mason]

nice nice

i might pick it up in the next few weeks

its just so pretty

[jolly coral]

Still haven't decided on switches

[livid mason]

ill probs load mine up with Piano switches

[jolly coral]

I'll have to see what the stock switches are like

But I'm leaning towards Azure Dragon for now

[livid mason]

man, i kinda wish the keeb came with an HE version

I've been wanting to toy with HE switches

[jolly coral]

Get a K2

Or there's US stock of the 60HE

https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/products/wooting-60he

https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/products/keychron-k2-he-special-edition-75-wood-wireless-keyboard

K2 is slightly cheaper

But 60HE gives you the option to upgrade to a fancier case

[little girder]

What in the layout

[jolly coral]

75%

[winged patrol]

The more i look the more i realised how congested 75% looks

[jolly coral]

Not all of them

[winged patrol]

Yea not every keeb is same

[jolly coral]

Hi75 for example has a gap between the alphas and the navigation and direction keys

(and the function row)

[winged patrol]

Is those keys have different testure ?

Like touching them and u freel those cracks?

[jolly coral]

Yes

[winged patrol]

Nice

[jolly coral]

I'll eventually get to posting about them

[winged patrol]

Oh nice

[merry valley]

ordered that switch puller, a white 502x, white ajazz tkl rest, and a right angle usb c cable last night ...

mostly because that cable run is triggering my CDO

[winged patrol]

Is that ps deck station?

[merry valley]

the controller? arctic camo series controller direct from MS, and a razer charge dock.
recently replaced my fh5 limited controller and matching razer dock, as after 3.5 years of abuse, started getting stick drift on it

my ps controllers are over by the TV on a cheap amazon dual charger dock

[winged patrol]

After playing games on pc

Come to realised most games support xbox controller in pc

No idea why

Might get one xbox controller

[merry valley]

if you do, i highly reccomend the razer dock - i paid like $20 for the white one, comes with battery and covers for xb1 and series controllers, and a usb c cable, just need a wart or similar to plug it into

and the legit microsoft controller dongle

[winged patrol]

What u think

[merry valley]

i used to live by 3rd party wired controllers, until i stepped up to a series contrller from MS

can't go back

[winged patrol]

Can i put both xbox and ps controllers in charging dock?

[winged patrol]

Oh

Let change channel

[merry valley]

no, they only fit the xbox controllers

[brittle spear]

I rock the 8bitdo ultimate or whatever it's called. Hall effect sticks, bt/2.4ghz/usb-c and a charging dock. But it's a bit small compared to the DS4 or Xbox controllers

[merry valley]

I thought about one of those for the wife, she has tiny hands and plays switch quite a bit

[little girder]

more like compact 75%

[merry valley]

cables MUCH better now

[gray wave]

I love and hate how that looks

[merry valley]

and ya, i caved and just got the 502x

[jolly coral]

Just the wrist rest now

[merry valley]

should be here tuesday

[merry valley]

only thing i am adjusting to still is the short shift on the right side ,,, half the time my ? end up being /

[jolly coral]

I usually use my left shift

[merry valley]

the white on the rest is just a tad too ... "creamy?"

[jolly coral]

50 shades of white

[winged patrol]

That look soft

[merry valley]

Yes. Pleather wrapped foam with abs base

[little stratus]

Can someone recommend a 100% custom keyboard that has purple case, purple cable, and silver plate like Glorious does that isn't Glorious? I just had too many problems with Glorious so I'm no longer going to buy their stuff and Glorious doesn't update their software like they're supposed to

Keychron only offers black or white casing

And Glorious doesn't test their pcb's before sending them out to their customers so a lot of people have had problems with their stuff

[quick carbon]

paint the case yourself and problem solved

[little stratus]

I'm not any good at doing that

I'd rather pay someone to build me a custom keyboard to what I like

[winged patrol]

I dont think

Its that difficult

Just need to spray paint

[gray wave]

That's a big lie

[little stratus]

I'm not any good at painting in general

[winged patrol]

Prob

[winged patrol]

Relatable

Well practice makes perfection

Thats my artist friend told me

Even though i feel talent also an big factor

[little stratus]

I'd sooner mess up the paint job and have to buy another case than get it right. And I don't have money to burn on keeping replacing the keyboard cases

[winged patrol]

U need purple to match wolf case?

[little stratus]

Practice takes a lot of money

[little stratus]

Sort of. Silver Wolf case is actually black but the whole theme I'm going for is black/purple/blue/silver

[winged patrol]

I think its better to ask dih since he is the one with most knowledgeable about keebs,

[little stratus]

And the purple just looks better with the keycaps I bought

[winged patrol]

What keycaps u got?

[little stratus]

Both the Hyte Silver Wolf keycaps and some Silver Wolf keycaps I bought on Ali

[winged patrol]

Oh nice

[little stratus]

Yeah what I don't like about the Hyte Silver Wolf keycaps is they're not shine through

[little stratus]

That's an idea but I think that's too light of a purple than I want

I want a darker purple or nebula purple color

[winged patrol]

Well atleast u have an option now

[little stratus]

This is the kind of purple I want

[winged patrol]

I think he custom paint it

[little stratus]

Yeah ik

That was just an example of the kind of purple I want

I thought about getting a white one and having someone make me a vinyl sticker for it but I don't know where to request a vinyl sticker be made for the keyboard case

And if I could go that route I'd get a keychron kit I think bc I think they offer a white barebones kit

[jolly coral]

Keychron Q6 has a purple edition

https://www.keychron.com/products/keychron-q6-qmk-custom-mechanical-keyboard?variant=40455208927321

It's wired though

Otherwise, TKD is releasing the Intro S100 in Q3:

[little stratus]

Is those gateron g reds very clicky?

I've never used the gateron switches before

[jolly coral]

I've ordered mine through PT's group buy: https://prototypist.net/products/group-buy-vertex-intro-s100-100-full-size-keyboard-kit

GB is closing in 6 days

[jolly coral]

Gateron Reds are Linear

[little stratus]

Idk what most of those options mean and those are for Europe or UK

I don't think that GB is for the USA as well

[jolly coral]

You can order it, you just have to pay shipping

There's the AK980 in light purple: https://a.co/d/1nKUTAs

[jolly coral]

Oh geez, the US GB went live as well: https://clickclack.io/products/vtx-intro-s100

ClickClack is in NJ

[little stratus]

WK and WKL is Win Key and Win keyless right?

[jolly coral]

Yeah, you probably want WK

ClickClack is estimating Q2!

Warning though, this is a kit

You will have to build this thing from scratch

[winged patrol]

Hmmm easy enough

Not really easy for first timers

But fun

[little stratus]

I took apart my gmmk and put it back together myself multiple times

I just wish that clickclack GB was until end of March

I have an anime figure that's coming out in March sometime so I need to save some money for that

[jolly coral]

Which figure?

[little stratus]

https://www.amiami.com/eng/detail/?scode=FIGURE-165734&_gl=1*o19xwq*_ga*MTY3MjY4OTk1NC4xNzM5NjU2MTUz*_ga_80SCWMLC86*MTczOTY2MDgxMy4yLjEuMTczOTY2MTIyOS4wLjAuMA..

[jolly coral]

Umm, how have you not pre-ordered already?

[little stratus]

I did pre-order it at amiami but amiami doesn't charge anything until it's about to be shipped and they know shipping costs

[jolly coral]

K, then you'll for sure have to pay

[little stratus]

Yeah in March sometime

[jolly coral]

Well, good luck getting a TKD board after GB ends

[winged patrol]

Hmmm going japan soon

Will pull some figures directly from source

[little stratus]

Really wish I could do that

[winged patrol]

Not soon really, just in January

[gray wave]

Very not soon ™️

[winged patrol]

Literally started to plan that trip 2 years before actual trip

Like we are planning from 2024 starting

[jolly coral]

@little stratus, not sure what to tell you

[little stratus]

I don't drive at all and don't know any of the hotels to stay at in Japan

[jolly coral]

But if you miss this GB, don't know when the S100 run will be

[winged patrol]

Good thing is that domestic flights are free

For visitors

[jolly coral]

There aren't that many high end 100% keyboards

[little stratus]

Since when? I have to pay for my flights

[winged patrol]

Lets talk in another channel

[little stratus]

Yeah that's what I keep hearing.

[little stratus]

Nor purple ones

[jolly coral]

Just placed my order with ClickClack as well for the purple one (Symbiotic) for my wife, came out to just under $300 shipped

[little stratus]

If I go for that keeb I'll probably have to hope that the figure comes out at the end of March or buy it on eBay for double or triple the price

[jolly coral]

Surprisingly close in cost as the GB from UK

[jolly coral]

Nah, you'll be fine

Order it from AmiAmi in about 6-9 months used

[little stratus]

The keeb is just above $300 for me

[jolly coral]

The S100? How

What did you add?

[little stratus]

Solaris Japan will have it used

[little stratus]

Wireless stuff

[jolly coral]

That's an extra $10

For the Hot-Swap PCB

[little stratus]

No extra $55 usd for tri-mode hot swap and battery kit

[jolly coral]

You don't need that

That's if you want an extra set of batteries and PCB

[little stratus]

I thought it didn't already come with tri-mode so I added that

[little stratus]

Without those extra stuff it's $264 for me

[winged patrol]

Just an question

Like why there extra in name?

Like cycle8

[jolly coral]

Grab the battery kit just in case

[little stratus]

Ok will do that

[jolly coral]

But definitely don't get a second PCB

[jolly coral]

If people want to order their keyboard with extra parts

In case they need to service their keyboard in the future

With these limited runs, once the run is over, there are no more spare parts

[little stratus]

I'm guessing those pcb's are not HE compatible correct?

[jolly coral]

No

[little stratus]

Didn't think so.

[winged patrol]

If someone messed up so bad that he/she needed to buy extra PCB later on is it possible?

[jolly coral]

No

[little stratus]

Are they at least rgb backlit?

[jolly coral]

Also no

[winged patrol]

Thats scary

[jolly coral]

That's the case with your Cycle8

[little stratus]

Then there's no point in going the clickclack for me then bc one of the requirements is for it to be rgb backlit

[jolly coral]

For some reason, backlit RGB is low brow stuff according to the premium keyboard market

[winged patrol]

Luckily make few mistakes but not really made any big ones