Wow, this is a great find! I've been eyeing a 40% for a while, but I'm skeptical on on whether this layout will work for me or not. This would definitely be the way to try it out.
Hello! I saw this video and decided to buy this keyboard kit. However, I'm encountering an issue where both the PCB and the plate start bending when I insert the switches. I also followed your switch installation order. Do you have any tips on how to avoid this issue? Great review btw
As I do in the video, assemble the PCB and plate out of the case, insert switches carefully to populate the corners and middle, then go around the perimeter using a plastic spudger where needed to bring the plate up to lock the switch, ensuring to support the hot swap sockets from behind. Good luck!
Nice Video!!👨🏻💻, I wanna buy it but really I don’t know too much about it, I wanna buy the CSTC40 White Kit3 but what else I need to buy to complete the setup?
thanks for the instruction. are the 6 underglow leds visible when the case is assembled? the case they sell seems to be opaque so whats the purpose of underglow if it doesnt permeate? do i have to make a custom 3d printed case for this to work?? and can u turn them on and off?? thanks
I think at one point there was an acrylic case, but I've not seen it in a while. There are 3D cases that can be printed using transparent filament, so it could be seen them.
BM40: * Underglow RGB * Left USB-C * Requires screws * QMK/VIA PCB only: $45 CSTC40: * No Underglow * Center USB * Screwless design * VIA/VIAL PCB only: $39 Other than than, they are fairly similar, though the CSTC40 has a bit more heft as it has the faux MCU daughterboard attached.
@@MechKeyboardsAwesome info! What's the difference between de "QMK/VIA" vs "VIA/VIAL" thing? Im about to go down the rabbit hole of 40% keyboards but can't quite figure out that part... Thank you in advance!
@@FACUNDO2213 QMK is an open source software, which one can make changes to the functionality of the keyboard. VIA/VIAL is a front end for QMK which allows for changes the configuration of the keyboard in a GUI.
very interesting content, i was thinking on buying one of this for christmas because i really like them, this video convinced me to get one of this keep up the great work!
Any idea what the polling and scan rates are for this PCB? I really want to try ortho, but also play competitive fps games where there actually is a very noticeable difference between 125hz and 1khz. There is an absolute void of information on most of the PCB's out there, while it absolutely doesn't matter for writing/data entry/coding/most games tbh, for CS/Val/R6 players, it's 1khz (point of diminishing returns) or bust. We really need to get the manufacturers to understand Polling + Scan rate = "Gaming" not RGB = "Gaming" currently it seems like such basic specs are hidden as if they were secrets. With CS2 on the horizon and CS:GO/Val dominating on player numbers, now would be a great time to grab that audience and pull them into the custom keyboard scene. Is it generally just a question of it the controller can be flashed with QMK? I'm lost in the weeds with much of this, I have flashed many a chip, but manufacturers of keyboard PCBs don't even seem willing to publish the chipsets used?
I did some digging and only found crumbs, it may be this using the STM32H750 MCU, but I cannot say for certain, so I have no way to report the polling rate. QMK is more dependant on memory than polling rates. Here is the QMK source: github.com/qmk/qmk_firmware/tree/master/keyboards/kprepublic/bm40hsrgb Good luck on your quest. Otherwise it's a great little board, but I don't do any intensive gaming, so can't truly say.
@@MechKeyboards I've done a bit of digging as well, it really is a sort of top secret topic. From a post I found a user claimed that all keyboards since last April that use QMK firmware are now set to default 1000hz when wired. In part thanks to a largish manufacturer selling their boards with 125hz default which led to backlash from the OSU community. Now I can't find the post, but it stands to reason that any chipset that is capable of full speed USB 2.0 (not exactly new tech here) shouldn't be stressed by the polling rate, it just has to do the handshake right with the port. Thank you for the quick reply, I went ahead and ordered the board and am looking forward to learning ortho and hoping the giant numpad with letters approach works as well in practice, after practice, as I've always wondering if it would. While I ponder why ortholinear in general isn't explained in that manner. (My suspicion that most of the younger generation hasn't ever used a numpad as they don't exist on laptops)
Nice build, i have a question. Do I think it's hard to switch from 60% to 40 I really like the look of 40% but I'm not shure how able i am to use it when I switch
It can be, I've gotten used to it enough for browsing, emailing, and chatting, but I slow down when I need special characters as I have to recall the mapping in my head. But like with anything else, practice makes perfect!
Ive been looking for a 40% for quite some time and I finally came across this one... I was looking at the Drop Planck but theyre never in stock so I decided to go with this... I ordered some Everglide plate mounted stabs and Aqua Kings for the switches. There are definitely alot of mods that are available in this board... Ive added some silicone dampening myself with the classic tape mod and its actually pretty thocky and sounds quite nice. Still trying to get used to the 40% ortho layout (Im typing on it right now so sorry for spelling mistakes lol) and it can be quite the challenge at times. I would definitely recommend this board but a little sidenote is if youre planning on adding foam of any sort you will most likely have to cut the usb-c hole bigger...
There is another 'sale' on Ali right now and I am wondering if I should pick one up: I read the case feels like its painted, which raises concern and I wonder, Is your case staying flat on the desk or is it bowing? Thanks mate 8)
Mine sits flat, granted I have not modded this yet and there is limited space in the bottom half of the case. If people are over filling with dampening material, I could see them over stuffing causing the case to bow. I overfilled my BM65RGB build on the first go and it was slightly bowed; after adjustments, the case remains flat.
Am I the only one who struggles with the plate being warped and pushing the switches out of the pcb? It's actually very frustrating cause not only is it bowed but it's also making the build super annoying :/
I think your microphone isn't capturing the sound of your keyboard to the full extent, i have yellows myself and i definitely have not heard them that clacky.
I just bought this keyboard, but I have tried every possible way to flash it, without any luck. I have tried different computers and different cables. Any ideas? Otherwise hoping for a new PCB from KPrepublic or a refund...
Does the PCB light up when it's plugged in? How were you trying to program, using VIA or QMK? "tried" ways of flashing, flashing the QMK or VIA firmware? Lot's of questions, but too little to diagnose. Might I suggest you make a post in www.reddit.com/r/BudgetKeebs asking for help, it'll be much easier to troubleshoot.
![[Ghost Judges] CSTC40 RGB 40% Hot Swap Mechanical Keyboard Board Kit, PCB, VIAL Programming, RGB](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/a7bv9Q5KXdw/mqdefault.jpg)
The best way to use a 40% is to ignore the common way people use them and create your own layout.
Very nice to see this segment is getting cheaper kits.
Agreed. First the Alice/Arisu boards, now these. Next split, ergodox?
Wow, this is a great find! I've been eyeing a 40% for a while, but I'm skeptical on on whether this layout will work for me or not. This would definitely be the way to try it out.
Go for it, I'm glad I did.
Hello! I saw this video and decided to buy this keyboard kit. However, I'm encountering an issue where both the PCB and the plate start bending when I insert the switches. I also followed your switch installation order. Do you have any tips on how to avoid this issue? Great review btw
As I do in the video, assemble the PCB and plate out of the case, insert switches carefully to populate the corners and middle, then go around the perimeter using a plastic spudger where needed to bring the plate up to lock the switch, ensuring to support the hot swap sockets from behind. Good luck!
Nice Video!!👨🏻💻, I wanna buy it but really I don’t know too much about it, I wanna buy the CSTC40 White Kit3 but what else I need to buy to complete the setup?
Besides (1) 2U plate stabilizer, just switches and keys. Enjoy the build!
First review on youtube
I like this video!!
Glad you liked it!
Solid review! typing this out on the board that just arrived. Using LEOBOG Rocklee Graywood and SA Retro from Ali
Nice!
thanks for the instruction. are the 6 underglow leds visible when the case is assembled? the case they sell seems to be opaque so whats the purpose of underglow if it doesnt permeate? do i have to make a custom 3d printed case for this to work?? and can u turn them on and off?? thanks
I think at one point there was an acrylic case, but I've not seen it in a while. There are 3D cases that can be printed using transparent filament, so it could be seen them.
@@MechKeyboardsi see. can u turn off underglow by setting up on qmk???
@@wunderbar-q6y if I am not mistaken, there is already a key bound to RGB off in VIA.
@@MechKeyboards thank you!
Nice video, what are the differences between bm40 and cstc40?
BM40:
* Underglow RGB
* Left USB-C
* Requires screws
* QMK/VIA
PCB only: $45
CSTC40:
* No Underglow
* Center USB
* Screwless design
* VIA/VIAL
PCB only: $39
Other than than, they are fairly similar, though the CSTC40 has a bit more heft as it has the faux MCU daughterboard attached.
@@MechKeyboardsAwesome info! What's the difference between de "QMK/VIA" vs "VIA/VIAL" thing? Im about to go down the rabbit hole of 40% keyboards but can't quite figure out that part... Thank you in advance!
@@FACUNDO2213 QMK is an open source software, which one can make changes to the functionality of the keyboard. VIA/VIAL is a front end for QMK which allows for changes the configuration of the keyboard in a GUI.
@@MechKeyboards Excellent.. thank you so much for the brief explanation! CSTC40 on the way for me, hope to join the 40% team!
@@MechKeyboards Which one would you recommend. The BM40 or the cstc40. Can't choose between these two.
very interesting content, i was thinking on buying one of this for christmas because i really like them, this video convinced me to get one of this keep up the great work!
Glad you enjoyed it, cheers!
Any idea what the polling and scan rates are for this PCB?
I really want to try ortho, but also play competitive fps games where there actually is a very noticeable difference between 125hz and 1khz.
There is an absolute void of information on most of the PCB's out there, while it absolutely doesn't matter for writing/data entry/coding/most games tbh, for CS/Val/R6 players, it's 1khz (point of diminishing returns) or bust.
We really need to get the manufacturers to understand Polling + Scan rate = "Gaming" not RGB = "Gaming" currently it seems like such basic specs are hidden as if they were secrets. With CS2 on the horizon and CS:GO/Val dominating on player numbers, now would be a great time to grab that audience and pull them into the custom keyboard scene.
Is it generally just a question of it the controller can be flashed with QMK?
I'm lost in the weeds with much of this, I have flashed many a chip, but manufacturers of keyboard PCBs don't even seem willing to publish the chipsets used?
I did some digging and only found crumbs, it may be this using the STM32H750 MCU, but I cannot say for certain, so I have no way to report the polling rate. QMK is more dependant on memory than polling rates.
Here is the QMK source: github.com/qmk/qmk_firmware/tree/master/keyboards/kprepublic/bm40hsrgb
Good luck on your quest. Otherwise it's a great little board, but I don't do any intensive gaming, so can't truly say.
@@MechKeyboards I've done a bit of digging as well, it really is a sort of top secret topic.
From a post I found a user claimed that all keyboards since last April that use QMK firmware are now set to default 1000hz when wired. In part thanks to a largish manufacturer selling their boards with 125hz default which led to backlash from the OSU community.
Now I can't find the post, but it stands to reason that any chipset that is capable of full speed USB 2.0 (not exactly new tech here) shouldn't be stressed by the polling rate, it just has to do the handshake right with the port.
Thank you for the quick reply, I went ahead and ordered the board and am looking forward to learning ortho and hoping the giant numpad with letters approach works as well in practice, after practice, as I've always wondering if it would.
While I ponder why ortholinear in general isn't explained in that manner. (My suspicion that most of the younger generation hasn't ever used a numpad as they don't exist on laptops)
@@All4Groggdid you confirm it being 1000hz
Nice build, i have a question. Do I think it's hard to switch from 60% to 40 I really like the look of 40% but I'm not shure how able i am to use it when I switch
It can be, I've gotten used to it enough for browsing, emailing, and chatting, but I slow down when I need special characters as I have to recall the mapping in my head. But like with anything else, practice makes perfect!
Hi, do you know whether it works with VIA/VIAL out of the box, or is flashing necessary?
It was recognized by VIA right away but I have not tried VIAL yet.
Ive been looking for a 40% for quite some time and I finally came across this one... I was looking at the Drop Planck but theyre never in stock so I decided to go with this... I ordered some Everglide plate mounted stabs and Aqua Kings for the switches. There are definitely alot of mods that are available in this board... Ive added some silicone dampening myself with the classic tape mod and its actually pretty thocky and sounds quite nice. Still trying to get used to the 40% ortho layout (Im typing on it right now so sorry for spelling mistakes lol) and it can be quite the challenge at times. I would definitely recommend this board but a little sidenote is if youre planning on adding foam of any sort you will most likely have to cut the usb-c hole bigger...
Awesome, thanks for the excellent advice, cheers!
Nice video, congratz
What the keycaps that you use in your bm40?
YMDK Planck YMD40 V2 Niu40 Preonic Keyset Carbon Laser-Etched 40% Top print OEM Keycap. Available on the YMDK store on AliExpress.
@@MechKeyboards Ok thanks
Hi, which keycaps do you sell at KPRepublic, that I can use on this keyboard? Can you help me? Thanks for the video, you help the community so much.
I am not KPRepublic and do not sell anything. KPRepublic has ortholinear keycaps that will work on this keyboard.
@@MechKeyboards lol
There is another 'sale' on Ali right now and I am wondering if I should pick one up:
I read the case feels like its painted, which raises concern and I wonder, Is your case staying flat on the desk or is it bowing?
Thanks mate 8)
Mine sits flat, granted I have not modded this yet and there is limited space in the bottom half of the case. If people are over filling with dampening material, I could see them over stuffing causing the case to bow. I overfilled my BM65RGB build on the first go and it was slightly bowed; after adjustments, the case remains flat.
@@MechKeyboards gonna think about it tonight and decide in the morning 🤡
@@shadowcore94 right'O!
QMK compatible?
VIA I have not located the QMK source though
do the stabs need clipping?
Nope.
@@MechKeyboards great thanks!
Am I the only one who struggles with the plate being warped and pushing the switches out of the pcb?
It's actually very frustrating cause not only is it bowed but it's also making the build super annoying :/
I've not experienced this, have you thought about using a plate fork?
can I use this with the ipad pro?
It should work but I do not have an ipad to test with.
HELLO i'm brady an child from chile i'm asking if i could Buy the keyboard because in the seller page its out of stock
It appears to be discontinued, but the BM40 is still in stock: ruclips.net/video/0lgxoMhYrcE/видео.html
What keycaps are those ?
YMDK Plank Carbon
Can you send the link?
kprepublic.com/products/cstc40-40-rgb-40-hot-swappable-mechanical-keyboard-pcb-programmed-qmk-via-vial-firmware-rgb-switch-underglow-type-c-planck
@@MechKeyboards Thanks
@@MechKeyboards Do you recomend the kit 3?
@@xxbatat4xx if you want Gateron switches. Best to pick the kit that best fits your needs.
I bought this, if you’re used to higher quality keyboards, probably will not be happy
It's a $50 kit; I've modded mine and am quite happy with it.
I think your microphone isn't capturing the sound of your keyboard to the full extent, i have yellows myself and i definitely have not heard them that clacky.
The switches are unlubed and the case is not modded, but this is how it sounds 🤷♂
Donde comprar
KPRepublic
do you know how long it took to ship from kprepublic?
Roughly 16 days to the US East coast.
@@MechKeyboards okok thank you
I just bought this keyboard, but I have tried every possible way to flash it, without any luck.
I have tried different computers and different cables.
Any ideas?
Otherwise hoping for a new PCB from KPrepublic or a refund...
Does the PCB light up when it's plugged in? How were you trying to program, using VIA or QMK? "tried" ways of flashing, flashing the QMK or VIA firmware?
Lot's of questions, but too little to diagnose.
Might I suggest you make a post in www.reddit.com/r/BudgetKeebs asking for help, it'll be much easier to troubleshoot.
Where did you get it from?
KPRepublic.
How much did this cost you?
Edit: The kit cost just under $50, I received this with a discount as a gift.