Forgot mention that it came to about 3.3kg built, and the keyset was GMK Calm Depths courtesy of my mate Jono! edit: rip. v1 and v2 xo's sold out. sorrryyyyyy.
Really do appreciate that you mentioned Wildcat, he definitely derserves more attention for the quality videos he produces Lovely video as always! Thoroughy enjoyed it at 3AM
I can understand why they went with plate mount stabs. Definitely a more consumer friendly option since if you pop out a stab wire on accident then its a bit of a battle to get it back in with pcb mount.
So many beautiful keyboards in this world and all we really need is just one. Just got into this hobby about 3 months ago and I have 6 keyboards already. :)
Hi Tae! I have this keyboard in black, just wanted to chime in regarding the stabs. I swapped mine out for GMK plate mounts right away, followed by the usual clip, lube and a thin bandage to help dampen the bottom out. They fit very snugly in the plate, as they always do. The keyboard feels fantastic with these GMK stabs. I use GMK plate mounts on many of my keyboards (ALT, HP ALT, Custom GK61 build) and I can really recommend them in this case too! I didn't use the super lube, I just used dielectric grease as usual. Thanks for the review!
I swapped to GMK stabs with C3 stab stems (lubed) and it sounds fine. No rattle or scratch at all. I really don't think the cutout is much of an issue.
After watching you vid .... i decided to have a second look at both my tada's and added sum thin pieces of cardboard. strips .. thicker then paper 350gram paper thickness to the stabs like you added band-aids but without de-soldering just by cutting thin strips and sliding them between the gaps north facing part of the stabs.. and it seems to work GREAT.. thanks for the tip.. btw these are cherry stabs .. same stabs on my Tofu65 shows no problems.. haven't looked at my nk65's yet.. Anyone reading this.. try it out.. works great..
Maybe it's 'cause I'm a clicky keyboard guy, but I've never minded the plate-mount stabs that most budget mechs come with after I lube them up. That or because I've had to deal with the rod stabs on a Unicomp Model M's right shift, w/c if u press them at the right spot towards the right end, they get reeeeaaal scratchy and even causes binding. In normal typing, it's really no problem, w/c is also something that I'd like to hear more discussion over. Sure, some switches do retain some bits of scratch after lubing when you press them ever so slowly and deliberately, but should it really bother us THAT much if they feel just fine while typing normally?
Tightening those stabs reminds me of practically having to do surgery on my gmmk, fitting the bandaids between the plate and pcb because I couldn't get the two apart. Going from that to a gk68xs from epomaker was a huge change, because I could actually separate the pcb from the plate.
I bought GMK platemount stabs off dailyclack and I could not get them to stop clinking no matter how much lube and bandaids I used. I guess it's just an inherent flaw of platemount stabs. I lubed them with krytox 205g0, all in the holes and a good bit on the wires. But they just start clinking over time again.
I'd suggesting getting a cheap kailh hotswap board to figure out what switches you like first. Examples are the Tecware Phantom Elite 104/TKL and GK61.
If they make this pretty much the same, but allow for screw in stabs, I'm honestly sold. The board looks fantastic but being locked into plate mount stabs for that price is pretty dumb. If they take any feedback on it and make a v3 I really wish they'd also do different colors too. If they make it screw in stabs are usable and red. Insta buy 100%
The Durock linears have a nylon bottom housing, PC top housing and POM stem, just like the Alpacas. This is according to Durock's AliExpress page for the switch (red ones are the Durock L6, various other colours named L1-L7). Interesting that they turned out to be so mediocre. Can you try combining the different switch parts with those from the Alpaca? I'm curious what the difference is.
Yeh I dunno. I asked about these ones, and was told they’re not the same housings as the Alpacas. They feel completely different to the Alpacas I have (disregarding to spring)
Do people with custom boards not like shine-through keycaps? I haven’t made a full custom yet but I still appreciate shine-through caps if I can get them.
What stabs were used in the Good Stabs sound test?? They were practically silent haha I have some GMK plate mounted ones from Novelkeys and they're okay, the space bar one though is still has some bad rattle
@@arloschofield5648 Polycarb cases are CNC machined. Polycarb is plastic. Plastic is soft and can warp from the heat of a CNC bit. PC scuffs and scratches easily too. QC gets harder and is not as tolerant. Yields much smaller quantities compared to CNC'd auminium cases.
Awesome video! I actually purchased this after I saw Wildcats video! Same color option and have mine in already as well, lovely board and can't wait to make it my own, but must wait for my rosélios switches in april!
Hey man, i just picked up this board for myself and i was wondering if i should pick up the K80 plate foam for the alu xo v2? What are your thoughts on platefoam? I already have butyl rubber in the base of the board but was wondering what the effect of platefoam would be in this specific board.
Cherry plate mount stabilizer sounds very solid. Same as you showed in good stabilizers example, maybe even better, but I lubed them with krytox and teflon grease Also men this keyboard has a lot of echo
@@xCuSt0Mx1 I lubed partially according to Nathan Kim guide. The things I did differently is that i used krytox for metal on plastic collision and teflon grease for plastic on plastic collision. You can use a lot of teflon grease and not too much krytox 205 grade 0, because if there will be too much of it, key will not return enough fast to original position Here is a video I am lubing original cherry genuine plate mount stabilizers: ruclips.net/video/OE193kwVpvE/видео.html BTW in the beggining of the video I am using unlubed clones plate mount stabilizers
It's one of the really attractive keyboards, I'm satisfied with the price point and I'm using it well, and I have about 150 keyboards, but I have no end to learning lol
I just got mine, and I have to say that once the stabs were lubed with some proper thick grease, this thing feels pretty damn good. Also helps that I have some Tiffany blue 65g Tealios in this bad boy. and since this board is hotswap, I'm gonna let the switches break in a bit and then lube them! My only question is about the film or whatever it is you put in before you put the switch back together, what does it do?
Awesome mate! Films aren't necessary. And its effectiveness will vary with different switches. It can reduce movement between housings (especially after opening them up for lubing etc), can reduce wobble, can improve acoustics. I've been told that they noticeably improve Durock switches, so I've been trying that out.
@@TaeKeyboards first of all, thanks for the reply. I saw the video from wildcat and have pretty much been convinced that I need to try it. I was gonna throw them into my aqua/tiffany tealios along with some heaver springs and some 205g0. you seem like a swell guy Tae, keep up the amazing work on these videos and I will always be a viewer!
all my boards have plate mount stabs. like my 2 tada's my tofu65 my two NK65.. are the stabs bad because they are plate mounted or are they bad stabs that are plate mounted.. Guess what i'm asking can plate stabs be good too? i am thinking of getting a spare plate for my tada's so perhaps i should try a plate that works with pcb stabs.??????
The thing restricting from PCB mount stabs is the PCB itself. PCBs that accept PCB mount have two holes at the stab positional area to accommodate for PCB mount stabs. If your PCB doesn't have these holes, then you're stuck with plate mount.
@@rynne7153 i looked and they do except stabs because KBDfans also sells plates that work with pcb mounted stabs for the same pcb's i have..in short i can use pcb stabs.. but that would mean i would need to also buy new plates .. perhaps i'l do that in the future.. but for now i did the same mod he did an that fixed my stabs .. because they are good cherry stabs but plate mount .. lots of wiggle room so added sum thick cardboard and no all is perfect.. thanks for info..
Hi im curious as to his comment "if youre getting a board like this you probably wont go for backlit keycaps" why is that? Arent there any premium backlits?
The PCB & Plate are included in the kit, yes? I ask cause when I go to the product page, under the "optional" list PCB and Plate are marked as sold out.
wish Corsair, Razer, Stealseries, Asus etc would take hints of these DIY to budget and mid range options on the market to hope they sell their key caps sperate Razer and Hyper X do to they should try to ease more into the DIY thing since their widely known brands Also, Love u m8 ❤
Hey, im using the drop alt board and i have cliped and lubed the stabs. I wouldnt say it rattles anymore but do you think it would improve if i buy genuine cherry plate mount stabs?
@@arloschofield5648 i tried using trybosis 3203 but i think its a bit too thin as i use it for my tealios. now im just using normal dielectric grease. thanks for the help
eeeh... a little too expensive.. ordered the drop ctrl and hope that the next batch will be good in quality.. then i'll add holy pandas or tealios V2, idk yet and mod the stabs (still not sure if it has gmk genuine stabs or not..). Of course i would buy this one over the ctrl but i'm too broke for that and since the drops comes with halo trues i'm kinda happy about being able to create holy pandas for cheap :)
Really cool review as always!!
I think the silver will be sold out soon as well because of this. :3
Check out this channel! 🙌
And yeh lol, gg.
love your vids, man
and your cats xd
@@xn--b81a Yes, I love the intros! :)
wildcat love your videos
Forgot mention that it came to about 3.3kg built, and the keyset was GMK Calm Depths courtesy of my mate Jono!
edit: rip. v1 and v2 xo's sold out. sorrryyyyyy.
Bro this channel is amazing I love watching this for actually no reason and it kinda scares me
Idk if that was you tae but luv you😁
This vs drop ctrl
We all love jono for the crazy keycaps (also can you ask how many sets they have)
@@arloschofield5648 personally, i have like nothing haha. Fortunately I have some good friends here in Sydney, so I'm always borrowing haha
Really do appreciate that you mentioned Wildcat, he definitely derserves more attention for the quality videos he produces
Lovely video as always! Thoroughy enjoyed it at 3AM
Yeh great stuff!
Cheezy Tetarian nhiều like ghê bây
tet is in every keyboard discord I've been in
13:30 I see you have a little friend joining the shoot
Spirited away. If I'm correct, one of my most favourite films.
@@stevenbrown4833 I think he means below the keyboard. What is this? A keyboard for ants?
@@demithijssen2 ooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh :face_palm:
Respect, you managed to get Monsta X AND Red Velvet Wendy both in the same video !
Hbd wenddyyyyyyy ❤️
Purchased this thing a couple days ago, nice to see a full review. Can't wait for it to arrive!
For anyone wondering, gmk plate mount stabs have no play at all in the plate. Very happy with the overall build quality on this guy. 👌
This is honestly the nicest custom keyboard I've ever seen
I absolutely love how u arent even typing anything ur just watching anime. Thats something I would do.
The joy that is seeing another review for a sold out keyboard. Thanks anyway, lol.
Crazy how much the bandaids helped!
I can understand why they went with plate mount stabs. Definitely a more consumer friendly option since if you pop out a stab wire on accident then its a bit of a battle to get it back in with pcb mount.
So many beautiful keyboards in this world and all we really need is just one. Just got into this hobby about 3 months ago and I have 6 keyboards already. :)
Hi Tae! I have this keyboard in black, just wanted to chime in regarding the stabs. I swapped mine out for GMK plate mounts right away, followed by the usual clip, lube and a thin bandage to help dampen the bottom out. They fit very snugly in the plate, as they always do. The keyboard feels fantastic with these GMK stabs. I use GMK plate mounts on many of my keyboards (ALT, HP ALT, Custom GK61 build) and I can really recommend them in this case too! I didn't use the super lube, I just used dielectric grease as usual. Thanks for the review!
That’s awesome to hear! Unfortunately I haven’t used GMK plate mount stabs before haha.
@@TaeKeyboards They can be a bit tricky to find in stock compared to screw-ins but if you ever want to give them a try, Daily Clack sell them.
I straight up superglued my stabs to my plate. It was a cheep board. Apparently that isn’t a terrible idea as I thought it was.
Lolllll
I swapped to GMK stabs with C3 stab stems (lubed) and it sounds fine. No rattle or scratch at all. I really don't think the cutout is much of an issue.
The choice if music can make or break the silent moments of a video. Loving it bud.
It looks promising. I think it would be nice for beginners to get started on custom mechs since it's hotswapable and not an group buy product.
After watching you vid .... i decided to have a second look at both my tada's and added sum thin pieces of cardboard. strips .. thicker then paper 350gram paper thickness to the stabs like you added band-aids but without de-soldering just by cutting thin strips and sliding them between the gaps north facing part of the stabs..
and it seems to work GREAT.. thanks for the tip.. btw these are cherry stabs .. same stabs on my Tofu65 shows no problems.. haven't looked at my nk65's yet..
Anyone reading this.. try it out.. works great..
Can we just talk about how nice the music is in the background 😍
13:19 that ant is a true fan.
Maybe it's 'cause I'm a clicky keyboard guy, but I've never minded the plate-mount stabs that most budget mechs come with after I lube them up. That or because I've had to deal with the rod stabs on a Unicomp Model M's right shift, w/c if u press them at the right spot towards the right end, they get reeeeaaal scratchy and even causes binding. In normal typing, it's really no problem, w/c is also something that I'd like to hear more discussion over. Sure, some switches do retain some bits of scratch after lubing when you press them ever so slowly and deliberately, but should it really bother us THAT much if they feel just fine while typing normally?
I knew it they are sold out! As soon as it got feature here it was going to sell out should have pulled the trigger when Wildcat had it on his channel
If you're gonna have plate mount stabs I'd deffo recommend the gold wired stabs from zealpc. No rattle at all
These ones? zealpc.net/collections/accessories/products/zealstabilizers
cLo these ones: zealpc.net/collections/accessories/products/authentic-cherry-pcb-plate-mount-gold-plated-stabilizers
Durock plate mount stabs are really good and don't cost as much as Zeal stabs.
1:02 face reveal lmao
@@iopp3600 that's taehatypes
@@golfmaster7 just said that
So close to 100k cant wait to see you hit the mile stone
decided to switch out the tealios I had in there for some black inks. I hate to say that the inks are the superior switch.
Great to see more hotswap TKL options
I applaud you. I've been looking around for a alu board for a long time. I think the v1 might be one I nab.
amazing how much of a difference the band aid mod made to them stabilizers
Tightening those stabs reminds me of practically having to do surgery on my gmmk, fitting the bandaids between the plate and pcb because I couldn't get the two apart.
Going from that to a gk68xs from epomaker was a huge change, because I could actually separate the pcb from the plate.
legit nice board esp with pvd brass and in stock. 👍🏼
I bought GMK platemount stabs off dailyclack and I could not get them to stop clinking no matter how much lube and bandaids I used. I guess it's just an inherent flaw of platemount stabs. I lubed them with krytox 205g0, all in the holes and a good bit on the wires. But they just start clinking over time again.
yeh you might need some thicker lube
@@TaeKeyboards guess I'll have to hunt for some dielectric. Thanks for the tip. I think the krytox lube separates quickly
Oh my god when he took it out of the wrapping paper. My goodness that is soo cleannn, plus looks heavy as shit which i like
Just starting with the mechanical keyboard craze. Suggestion for the cheapest mech keyboard to get started with for a good experience?
Redragon
I'd suggesting getting a cheap kailh hotswap board to figure out what switches you like first.
Examples are the Tecware Phantom Elite 104/TKL and GK61.
I swapped my stabs out with gmk ones and dielectric grease and they sound WAY better. the super lube was too runny i didn't bother with it at all
Which keyboard case was the one with good stabs?
3:37 nice
If they make this pretty much the same, but allow for screw in stabs, I'm honestly sold.
The board looks fantastic but being locked into plate mount stabs for that price is pretty dumb.
If they take any feedback on it and make a v3 I really wish they'd also do different colors too.
If they make it screw in stabs are usable and red. Insta buy 100%
The Durock linears have a nylon bottom housing, PC top housing and POM stem, just like the Alpacas. This is according to Durock's AliExpress page for the switch (red ones are the Durock L6, various other colours named L1-L7).
Interesting that they turned out to be so mediocre. Can you try combining the different switch parts with those from the Alpaca? I'm curious what the difference is.
Yeh I dunno. I asked about these ones, and was told they’re not the same housings as the Alpacas. They feel completely different to the Alpacas I have (disregarding to spring)
These would go nasty with gmk olivias
I wish this board's layout can be customized, always prefer 1.5 1 1.5 7 1.5 1 1.5 for bottom row. Still a very good stock keyboard kit
yeh, that's just the consequence of hotswap :)
Do people with custom boards not like shine-through keycaps? I haven’t made a full custom yet but I still appreciate shine-through caps if I can get them.
That keyboard is fire! 🔥
This keyboard is art
What stabs were used in the Good Stabs sound test?? They were practically silent haha I have some GMK plate mounted ones from Novelkeys and they're okay, the space bar one though is still has some bad rattle
24 february they are launching a trasparent version? probably a little bit cheaper?
Sounds nice
Nope, more expensive
Polycarbonate boards are almost always going to be more expensive than their Metal (if they exist) counterparts
@@rynne7153 why is that
@@arloschofield5648 Polycarb cases are CNC machined. Polycarb is plastic. Plastic is soft and can warp from the heat of a CNC bit. PC scuffs and scratches easily too. QC gets harder and is not as tolerant. Yields much smaller quantities compared to CNC'd auminium cases.
That’s a true top mount board to I like that, this is a fairly nice cheap custom, in my own opinion!!!! Better then sandwich mount
Awesome video! I actually purchased this after I saw Wildcats video! Same color option and have mine in already as well, lovely board and can't wait to make it my own, but must wait for my rosélios switches in april!
howl's moving castle nice choice mate
Is this gonna be back in stock at some point or has production ended?
Where is the best place to look for this aftermarket now that they are sold out?
Hey man, i just picked up this board for myself and i was wondering if i should pick up the K80 plate foam for the alu xo v2? What are your thoughts on platefoam? I already have butyl rubber in the base of the board but was wondering what the effect of platefoam would be in this specific board.
What a great review m8! Hope this one will be out on the market. 🙃👌
thanks champ
That sound is crisp holy damn
Cherry plate mount stabilizer sounds very solid. Same as you showed in good stabilizers example, maybe even better, but I lubed them with krytox and teflon grease
Also men this keyboard has a lot of echo
That's good to hear!
Can you give me an idea as to how you lubed the stabs?
@@xCuSt0Mx1 I lubed partially according to Nathan Kim guide. The things I did differently is that i used krytox for metal on plastic collision and teflon grease for plastic on plastic collision. You can use a lot of teflon grease and not too much krytox 205 grade 0, because if there will be too much of it, key will not return enough fast to original position
Here is a video I am lubing original cherry genuine plate mount stabilizers: ruclips.net/video/OE193kwVpvE/видео.html
BTW in the beggining of the video I am using unlubed clones plate mount stabilizers
@@Donbros thank you
@@Donbros are you going to make a sound test for your alu xo v2?
HE'S GOT SPIRITED AWAY PLAYING IN THE BACK
It's one of the really attractive keyboards, I'm satisfied with the price point and I'm using it well, and I have about 150 keyboards, but I have no end to learning lol
I just got mine, and I have to say that once the stabs were lubed with some proper thick grease, this thing feels pretty damn good. Also helps that I have some Tiffany blue 65g Tealios in this bad boy.
and since this board is hotswap, I'm gonna let the switches break in a bit and then lube them!
My only question is about the film or whatever it is you put in before you put the switch back together, what does it do?
Awesome mate!
Films aren't necessary. And its effectiveness will vary with different switches. It can reduce movement between housings (especially after opening them up for lubing etc), can reduce wobble, can improve acoustics. I've been told that they noticeably improve Durock switches, so I've been trying that out.
@@TaeKeyboards first of all, thanks for the reply. I saw the video from wildcat and have pretty much been convinced that I need to try it. I was gonna throw them into my aqua/tiffany tealios along with some heaver springs and some 205g0.
you seem like a swell guy Tae, keep up the amazing work on these videos and I will always be a viewer!
such a nice keyboard man
looks like you're on a Studio Ghibli binge watch
Hyping myself up for an upcoming concert 😊
all my boards have plate mount stabs. like my 2 tada's my tofu65 my two NK65.. are the stabs bad because they are plate mounted or are they bad stabs that are plate mounted.. Guess what i'm asking can plate stabs be good too? i am thinking of getting a spare plate for my tada's so perhaps i should try a plate that works with pcb stabs.??????
The thing restricting from PCB mount stabs is the PCB itself. PCBs that accept PCB mount have two holes at the stab positional area to accommodate for PCB mount stabs. If your PCB doesn't have these holes, then you're stuck with plate mount.
@@rynne7153 i looked and they do except stabs because KBDfans also sells plates that work with pcb mounted stabs for the same pcb's i have..in short i can use pcb stabs.. but that would mean i would need to also buy new plates .. perhaps i'l do that in the future.. but for now i did the same mod he did an that fixed my stabs .. because they are good cherry stabs but plate mount .. lots of wiggle room so added sum thick cardboard and no all is perfect.. thanks for info..
Hi im curious as to his comment "if youre getting a board like this you probably wont go for backlit keycaps" why is that? Arent there any premium backlits?
The PCB & Plate are included in the kit, yes? I ask cause when I go to the product page, under the "optional" list PCB and Plate are marked as sold out.
Yes, they are included. The "optional," list is just for an extra pcb/plate.
Which stabilizers are the example of good stabilizers?
They were lubed c3 screw in stabs. They’re not compatible with this keyboard. I just wanted to compare the sounds 😊
TaeKeyboards ah I see thank you 🙏🏼 also what boxes do you use to store key cap sets?
It's hotswap and 5 post?! Don't see enough of those around for sure.
wish Corsair, Razer, Stealseries, Asus etc would take hints of these DIY to budget and mid range options on the market to hope they sell their key caps sperate Razer and Hyper X do to they should try to ease more into the DIY thing since their widely known brands
Also, Love u m8 ❤
Sad news: They won't
Awesome video! What desk do you have? Looks nice and sturdy.
its not really sturdy haha. it's a cheap sit and stand desk.
Can you review their acrylic boards
there is a NINJA87 Arc XD on their website for a reasonable price, I kinda want to buy but if you can do a review for it 1st that will be awesome
can you review the Vortex POK3R Black LE
Person: So how much lube do you want on your stabilisers?
TaeKeyboards: Yes
1 tube = one ⌨️
what's your keycaps?
GMK Calm Depth???
This is almost perfect MK IMHO
what? far from it
@@mrb-btw IMHO, In My Humble Opinion. I know this is no Rama Works.
@@valcriston I prefer this over a Rama anyway lmao
Can you measure the front? How tall is it?
What is the keyboard at 6:55?
did anyone else notice the bug crawl on his desk at 13:19 lmao
what off the shelf cheap lubricant can I use for stabilisers and key switches? Thanks
For both, 205g0. You can use about 1mL for your choice of both switches and stabs.
@@treeleaf6471 oh thanks for the reply. I'm in the UK. what shops can I get this 205g0 lubricant? Cheers.
Really not a fan of how the weight piece is visible from the side of the board. looks like a great budget TKL otherwise.
yeh fair enough. happy to see something a little different though :)
Even in the custom world you can get a kit for much less than 230 so this is not budget
That's so nice... keyboard envy!!!
Mans got the uh oh stinky type beat in the background
Hey, im using the drop alt board and i have cliped and lubed the stabs. I wouldnt say it rattles anymore but do you think it would improve if i buy genuine cherry plate mount stabs?
Yes the clip and lube it also depends what lube you use i recommend krytox 205g0 for stabs
@@arloschofield5648 i tried using trybosis 3203 but i think its a bit too thin as i use it for my tealios. now im just using normal dielectric grease. thanks for the help
PLEASE REVIEW THE RK61
it looks pretty cool!
Such a nice board. A shame they don’t make it anymore.
420g nice
gonna try this bandaid mod on the plate!
Great vid as always!
Thanks mate ✌️
I can't find any review of Filco keyboards on your channel, any chances you could give your opinion on them? (maybe the filco ninja tkl?)
Great vid keep it up!
eeeh... a little too expensive.. ordered the drop ctrl and hope that the next batch will be good in quality.. then i'll add holy pandas or tealios V2, idk yet and mod the stabs (still not sure if it has gmk genuine stabs or not..).
Of course i would buy this one over the ctrl but i'm too broke for that and since the drops comes with halo trues i'm kinda happy about being able to create holy pandas for cheap :)
the brass is 420G’s that’s probably not a mistake Lol
Looking to buy this without or with switches. (From philippines)
what does the lube do?
Ponker approve plate mount stabs.
Your desktop wallpaper is beautiful. Where did you get it? (Wonderful video btw, your reviews are awesome.)
Which are the best stabs?(like in the video)
I'm waiting for the kbd67 to become available.
Durock/Everglide stabs are pretty good. May have issues with pop out though. In the 'good' stabs example, I used lubed C3 screw ins.
@@TaeKeyboardsfrom my research I thought that cherry are the best,i will do more research ,thank you!
where do you get that super thick wool/felt mouse pad from??
What deskmat is that on your desk?
I suppose it's *_out of stock?_*
love the fixed plate, but hate that it's just normal ansi..i love wkl tkl look ;')
Why do ppl not like having a windows key
@@arloschofield5648 it's more an aesthetic thing. i still use the windows key i just move it to left control and put left control where capslock is.
@@Rotory2r like a hhkb with the control I see