Ayyy that's a pretty big upgrade! I think more videos in the community about how to improve existing keyboards would be great. Not just environmentally, but there are a lot of people interested in the hobby but don't have the means to spend hundreds on a decent board. Awesome video!
Thank you so much! I totally agree with you here. While I love my customs, it's not always possible (budget or timeline-wise) to get one, and I couldn't find anything for this board past modding the switches and stabs. I really wanted to upgrade my old OEM board when I started my journey down the custom rabbit hole, but there wasn't anything out there to help guide me. And I sure as hell wasn't confident enough to just go in blind lmao
Did the tape mod to help with the acoustics, will likely redo the foam as I'm still getting a very noticeable case ping sound. Thanks for the video, it's great inspiration for mods to an already great board IMO.
Thanks! The tape mod helped make the board sound a lot more custom imo. You could 100% skip it if you don't like the sound of tape mod, but I'm very happy that I did it
I just got one to play around with as the Max kit is only $80 on Amazon right now; thanks so much for the video! The ABS caps and the switches have to go imo, but I appreciate seeing/hearing about what to do inside. I might even get Cerakey ceramic keycaps but have no clue what to get for the switches.
I presume that most of the difference comes from lubing the switches and stabs? I think the lack of ping and the slightly deeper sound is the big difference maker. My keyboard is the same way: minimal ping, deep sound, but it's a 50 dollar unmodded board, completely lacking in foam. The only thing that sounds bad on my board is the backspace stab and occasionally the spacebar stab if I'm hitting it hard enough. I'm using Glorious Panda pre-lubed switches, which are very nice, for someone that doesn't know or have the patience for lubing. I can't imagine that the 200 dollar keyboard base is worse than my unmodded 50 dollar one lol
Oh yeah, lubing and filming the switches was the biggest upgrade for this board! It's hard to imagine that a keyboard this expensive only offers crappy stock Cherry switches, but at least it's hot swap so they can be easily removed and tuned if the user wants to. Pre-lubed switches have come a long way since I made this video, though. If I did it again today I would probably consider just swapping them out entirely.
@@thesurgeonkeebs9857 haha yeah dude it is wayyyy over my expectations.. and btw soon I’ll upload a short RUclips video of me showing my build because i want you to see it and I’ll also post updates of new switches that are on the way and the stabz
You're making some great videos. Amazingly professional for being so fresh at it! I'm really jonesing for a left-oriented num pad and a board with swappable switches. So far it seems like the everest is the only option but it's so hard to pull the trigger since i don't really care about all the fancy lights and lcds on it. You happen to know of any other options available where the numpad is still integrated with the main board or at least modular like this?
Thank you so much, Bill! I really appreciate the kind words! Left side numpads are one of the rarest layouts I think I've seen on keyboards. The GK96(S,X,XS,&LS) has a southpaw hotswap version that seems to be readily available! That unfortunately seems to be the only thing I can find right now, though. The only other option seems to be keeping up with upcoming groupbuys, and waiting for fulfillment.
I know this is a really old video, but if I got the keyboard and did this mod, do you reckon I would be okay just installing pre-lubed switches with the tape mod for a good "thocc"? I've been wanting to upgrade my keyboard experience to something more satisfying, but a lot of the custom keyboards I hear about from the enthusiast community really just aren't my style. On the other hand, the Mountain to me fits that really slick aesthetic while still having modding capabilities, and is on sale so a plus ofc lol
Nowadays prelubed switches can sound fantastic! I've yet to really hear one that sounds AS good as hand lubed switches, but they will more than suffice imo. The beautiful thing about the entire hobby is that it's up to you to make the keyboard exactly how you like it
Thank you! This board takes 7 2U-stabs and a 6.25U. It only supports plate-mount stabs, and I usually go for Cherry plate-mount when I buy them aftermarket!
Hi sir may I ask how did you clean the factory lube from your stabs? Did you just wipe it of. Also did you apply just lube on the switches or did you clean them first?
I just used some paper towels to clean off most of the factory lube from the stabs. I don't worry too much about making them perfectly clean, and having a bit left over hasn't given me any problems so far. These switches came completely dry so I just applied lube as I normally would, but I don't usually clean factory lubed switches before I lube them unless there's a LOT in there. Just going over the factory lube with mine has worked well for me in the past!
First off, great video and Mod! I hope you coworker loved it. I have a question for some advice. Post Modding, would you recommend this or the Q1 (knob)? I'm heavily considering a hot-swappable keyboard, but this would be my first one and I have no experience with modding. I love the idea of having a detachable media dock and num pad, but I could always buy something similar third party if I went with the Q1 knob. I would also plan on getting some type of tactile switch. Thanks in advanced to you or anyone who is able to help!
Hey I appreciate that! Thanks for watching! If you’re more interested in modding and don’t need all the bells and whistles I would 100% go with something like the Q1. This thing was such a pain to take apart and put together. Plus, like you said, you can always get separate numpads and media controls later if you still want them! There are tons of great options for those as well.
@@thesurgeonkeebs9857 Thanks so much for the reply and advice! The Q1 was my top choice until I saw this and was amazed by the dock/num pad. Definitely leaning back towards the Q1 again. Thanks again! Definitely subscribing.
@@mlooch97 I’m more than happy to help any time, homie! I’m actually working on an update video to my Q1. You just have so much flexibility with a board like that
Great video! I bought this keyboard as my first mechanical keyboard and I'm excited to modify it the same way you have in the future, although I'd prefer to change out the switches. Do the Gateron Ink Black switches allow the RGB to shine through very well? I've been eyeballing them for a while now....
Thank you! The ink blacks will dim the RGB a decent amount unfortunately. It’ll still come through, but not as bright. One thing to also consider is that this board only supports 3-pin switches so anything 5-pin, like the black inks, will need the extra legs clipped off.
It has some really cool features that you just won't get out of a custom. If you're willing to go through the process of modifying it because you like the features it has I really don't think you'll be disappointed. Even as customs have evolved since I made this video they just aren't offering some of the features that this is.
@@NicksStuff That doesn't surprise me 😂 At least you can just set it and forget it if you really want the board, I guess. Just like with the Glorious/Epomaker/Akko softwares. Use it once to set the colors and never touch it again/uninstall it
@@NicksStuff biggest issue I have with the software is that there is no way to save keyboard lighting colors. the option is there! it just doesnt do anything. lol the rest works fine no issue.
You got it for free, you might felt it was not a big deal to put tape on the whole PCB. I purchased mine with the displaypad = almost 500$ (+ my Kailh navy blues). The detachable numpad is unreliable when not connected via the USB-C cable (the physical connection is garbage, you can't lift the keyboard without folding in 2 parts) The usb cable provided is extremely thick too but you can change it. Software will seem cool unless you already used Steel Series GG engine.
@@Rob_Mike_LitterstOhh phew, glad to hear it what a relief! I felt terrible for you as it says your comment is a month old so probably too late to return. 😅 How do you like those navy blues on it? I also like heavy switches.
I love the Cosmic Traveller! I think it's definitely geared more towards the "beginner enthusiast" than the Everest Max, though. The Everest is very much a buy it and use it keyboard for gamers. There are a lot of cool bells and whistles on it for that whereas the CT was kind of constructed with feedback of the original Lime L80 from Enthusiast content creators in mind.
Thank you! I made it when the GMMK Pro and Q1 released so I think people were more interested in the available entry-level customs more so than upgrading prebuilts at the time. I appreciate all 2000 views regardless
Ayyy that's a pretty big upgrade! I think more videos in the community about how to improve existing keyboards would be great. Not just environmentally, but there are a lot of people interested in the hobby but don't have the means to spend hundreds on a decent board. Awesome video!
Thank you so much! I totally agree with you here. While I love my customs, it's not always possible (budget or timeline-wise) to get one, and I couldn't find anything for this board past modding the switches and stabs. I really wanted to upgrade my old OEM board when I started my journey down the custom rabbit hole, but there wasn't anything out there to help guide me. And I sure as hell wasn't confident enough to just go in blind lmao
Did the tape mod to help with the acoustics, will likely redo the foam as I'm still getting a very noticeable case ping sound. Thanks for the video, it's great inspiration for mods to an already great board IMO.
Thanks! The tape mod helped make the board sound a lot more custom imo. You could 100% skip it if you don't like the sound of tape mod, but I'm very happy that I did it
I just got one to play around with as the Max kit is only $80 on Amazon right now; thanks so much for the video! The ABS caps and the switches have to go imo, but I appreciate seeing/hearing about what to do inside. I might even get Cerakey ceramic keycaps but have no clue what to get for the switches.
I presume that most of the difference comes from lubing the switches and stabs? I think the lack of ping and the slightly deeper sound is the big difference maker. My keyboard is the same way: minimal ping, deep sound, but it's a 50 dollar unmodded board, completely lacking in foam. The only thing that sounds bad on my board is the backspace stab and occasionally the spacebar stab if I'm hitting it hard enough. I'm using Glorious Panda pre-lubed switches, which are very nice, for someone that doesn't know or have the patience for lubing. I can't imagine that the 200 dollar keyboard base is worse than my unmodded 50 dollar one lol
Oh yeah, lubing and filming the switches was the biggest upgrade for this board! It's hard to imagine that a keyboard this expensive only offers crappy stock Cherry switches, but at least it's hot swap so they can be easily removed and tuned if the user wants to. Pre-lubed switches have come a long way since I made this video, though. If I did it again today I would probably consider just swapping them out entirely.
After modding it sounds insane bro i would definitely use it
Right?! I didn’t think it would sound that good. I want to mod more prebuilt stuff like this. It was so much fun!
@@thesurgeonkeebs9857 haha yeah dude it is wayyyy over my expectations.. and btw soon I’ll upload a short RUclips video of me showing my build because i want you to see it and I’ll also post updates of new switches that are on the way and the stabz
@@PokeMikPro Hell yeah! Subbed for sure! can't wait to see it! I know it's gonna be sick
That xxl mousepad looks so cool. Where'd you find it?
It was actually an old group buy from mekibo so it'll unfortunately be difficult to find
You're making some great videos. Amazingly professional for being so fresh at it!
I'm really jonesing for a left-oriented num pad and a board with swappable switches. So far it seems like the everest is the only option but it's so hard to pull the trigger since i don't really care about all the fancy lights and lcds on it. You happen to know of any other options available where the numpad is still integrated with the main board or at least modular like this?
Thank you so much, Bill! I really appreciate the kind words!
Left side numpads are one of the rarest layouts I think I've seen on keyboards. The GK96(S,X,XS,&LS) has a southpaw hotswap version that seems to be readily available! That unfortunately seems to be the only thing I can find right now, though. The only other option seems to be keeping up with upcoming groupbuys, and waiting for fulfillment.
I know this is a really old video, but if I got the keyboard and did this mod, do you reckon I would be okay just installing pre-lubed switches with the tape mod for a good "thocc"? I've been wanting to upgrade my keyboard experience to something more satisfying, but a lot of the custom keyboards I hear about from the enthusiast community really just aren't my style. On the other hand, the Mountain to me fits that really slick aesthetic while still having modding capabilities, and is on sale so a plus ofc lol
Nowadays prelubed switches can sound fantastic! I've yet to really hear one that sounds AS good as hand lubed switches, but they will more than suffice imo. The beautiful thing about the entire hobby is that it's up to you to make the keyboard exactly how you like it
@@thesurgeonkeebs9857 Sweet, I think I'll try undertaking this project sometime then. Fingers crossed I don't break one of those circuits lol
@@banditveteran You got this, bub! Slow and steady
great video and very informative. what kind size stabilizer and how many of each size needed for this keyboard?
Thank you!
This board takes 7 2U-stabs and a 6.25U. It only supports plate-mount stabs, and I usually go for Cherry plate-mount when I buy them aftermarket!
Hi sir may I ask how did you clean the factory lube from your stabs? Did you just wipe it of. Also did you apply just lube on the switches or did you clean them first?
I just used some paper towels to clean off most of the factory lube from the stabs. I don't worry too much about making them perfectly clean, and having a bit left over hasn't given me any problems so far.
These switches came completely dry so I just applied lube as I normally would, but I don't usually clean factory lubed switches before I lube them unless there's a LOT in there. Just going over the factory lube with mine has worked well for me in the past!
First off, great video and Mod! I hope you coworker loved it. I have a question for some advice. Post Modding, would you recommend this or the Q1 (knob)?
I'm heavily considering a hot-swappable keyboard, but this would be my first one and I have no experience with modding. I love the idea of having a detachable media dock and num pad, but I could always buy something similar third party if I went with the Q1 knob. I would also plan on getting some type of tactile switch.
Thanks in advanced to you or anyone who is able to help!
Hey I appreciate that! Thanks for watching!
If you’re more interested in modding and don’t need all the bells and whistles I would 100% go with something like the Q1. This thing was such a pain to take apart and put together. Plus, like you said, you can always get separate numpads and media controls later if you still want them! There are tons of great options for those as well.
@@thesurgeonkeebs9857 Thanks so much for the reply and advice! The Q1 was my top choice until I saw this and was amazed by the dock/num pad. Definitely leaning back towards the Q1 again. Thanks again! Definitely subscribing.
@@mlooch97 I’m more than happy to help any time, homie! I’m actually working on an update video to my Q1. You just have so much flexibility with a board like that
@@thesurgeonkeebs9857 thanks a lot! and awesome, I'm looking forward to seeing that!
Great video! I bought this keyboard as my first mechanical keyboard and I'm excited to modify it the same way you have in the future, although I'd prefer to change out the switches. Do the Gateron Ink Black switches allow the RGB to shine through very well? I've been eyeballing them for a while now....
Thank you! The ink blacks will dim the RGB a decent amount unfortunately. It’ll still come through, but not as bright. One thing to also consider is that this board only supports 3-pin switches so anything 5-pin, like the black inks, will need the extra legs clipped off.
Nearly a year later, what does he think of his keyboard (and keyboard software)?
It has some really cool features that you just won't get out of a custom. If you're willing to go through the process of modifying it because you like the features it has I really don't think you'll be disappointed. Even as customs have evolved since I made this video they just aren't offering some of the features that this is.
and third party software always sucks besides VIA/QMK, but if you want the board you'll make due, right? haha
@@thesurgeonkeebs9857 I don't know, people on Reddit seems to say the software is pretty fucking awful
@@NicksStuff That doesn't surprise me 😂 At least you can just set it and forget it if you really want the board, I guess. Just like with the Glorious/Epomaker/Akko softwares. Use it once to set the colors and never touch it again/uninstall it
@@NicksStuff biggest issue I have with the software is that there is no way to save keyboard lighting colors. the option is there! it just doesnt do anything. lol
the rest works fine no issue.
You got it for free, you might felt it was not a big deal to put tape on the whole PCB. I purchased mine with the displaypad = almost 500$ (+ my Kailh navy blues). The detachable numpad is unreliable when not connected via the USB-C cable (the physical connection is garbage, you can't lift the keyboard without folding in 2 parts) The usb cable provided is extremely thick too but you can change it. Software will seem cool unless you already used Steel Series GG engine.
Omg dude the complete Max version is $80 on Amazon right now 😬
@IndecisiveStoner oh that must be because my currency is rupees, so sorry
@@Rob_Mike_LitterstOhh phew, glad to hear it what a relief! I felt terrible for you as it says your comment is a month old so probably too late to return. 😅 How do you like those navy blues on it? I also like heavy switches.
instead of lubing all those switches, couldnt i just swap em out for prelubed?
nowadays, yeah. Back when I did this all the prelubed options sucked lmao
@@thesurgeonkeebs9857 okay, just realized this video is 2 years old lol. Just picked one up, looking to customize it.
Great vid!
how do you think a l80 ct would do against this when it comes to prebuilts
I love the Cosmic Traveller! I think it's definitely geared more towards the "beginner enthusiast" than the Everest Max, though. The Everest is very much a buy it and use it keyboard for gamers. There are a lot of cool bells and whistles on it for that whereas the CT was kind of constructed with feedback of the original Lime L80 from Enthusiast content creators in mind.
@@thesurgeonkeebs9857 k
Am I the only one who was singing master of puppets at 3:14 sound test?
thocc
rip (Can't believe this video only has 2000 views)
Thank you! I made it when the GMMK Pro and Q1 released so I think people were more interested in the available entry-level customs more so than upgrading prebuilts at the time. I appreciate all 2000 views regardless
rip
RIP
Rip
10 out of 10
Thank you!
Rip!
rip lol
😂😂💀
Rip
Rip