Well I fell down the custom keyboard world.

[davetherave2]

So 2021 was an exciting year for me in tech I pretty much upgraded the entire home setup. Including PC, home network and home office equipment.

The last thing on the list was the keyboard, for the past 14+ years I have always stuck with what I knew Razer products but after some poor recent experiences with them from after sales support and quality of their products seemingly failing at a faster than expected rate I decided to branch out and started to look at a new keyboard.

Like many who ask "what keyboard should I get?" I wasn't sure if I wanted to get another "gamer" keyboard or actually build my own this time.

After watching what feels like hundreds of YouTube videos and keyboard streamers I took the plunge and I present the following as my first effort:







So the details of the board:

Cypher 1800 F-Rowless keyboard body with Carbon Fiber Plate
EV-01 Linear switches (lubed and filmed)
Tecsee screw in Stabs (purple housing)
GMK Mecha 01 Key caps
Custom coiled USB cable

Now having never really used anything other than a "standard" keyboard layout this took a bit of getting used too but I seem to have adapted already. The process of building this although long (due to it being my first board and having to learn how to solder as well) was totally worth the time, effort and money.

 

[davetherave2]

Just done the same, got parts on order! £184 later and i'm hoping what im getting is worth it over my Logitech. I've watched countless videos and hearing that same sound a well built and lubed keyboard sounds, i'm sold!

Went for Gateron ink blacks, durock stabilisers and a 60% setup.

Still undecided on keycaps but i want something that's really chill and a bit different to my usual norm. Have you joined any group buys?

Yes I have joined a number of group buys.

This was actually the second custom keeb I ordered via raffle. But the first one I purchased and finally being delivered is the KBDFans Odin (arrives Wednesday) this was actually the first group buy I went in on.

I have one more keyboard group buy I am on the CruelWorld CW88 TKL and then I am on a number of key cap group buys (5 I think currently) as well. I am currently waiting for a TKL by the same designer who did the cypher to enter group buy and then I will hopefully be snapping that up as well.

I kind of just jumped in at the deep end with this and it has been an expensive but enjoyable hobby to say the least.

 

[davetherave2]

Well this arrived today (its like second Christmas)





KBDFans Odin.

Now to decide what switches to put in her and then eventually key caps.

 

[davetherave2]

Where are you getting KBDFans stuff from?

I ordered it via their website. Had to pay customs but it wasn't too bad all things considered.

 

[davetherave2]

If anyone is reading to get into this hobby - don't. It's really addictive and expensive.

I have a heavily modded Akko Mod 003 (sanded down the tray mount posts, replaced with silicone, cut down the plate - its pretty scuffed tbh) with Gat Box inks. Just ordered a KBD67Lite and will order the Keychron Q5 when its out.

Oh I know of the expense and have skipped the initial entry level boards and kind of went in at the more premium end. Still waiting for my CruelWorld CW88 to arrive and then have my eye on a couple more boards. and on about 5 GB's for various keycap sets already.

I have now built my KBDFans Odin (just waiting for the colour matched USB cable to arrive )

With Brass weight & Brass logo with nicePBT Noel and ThickThoc Marsmallows switches (lubed and filmed) and using OWlab Stabilisers

 

[davetherave2]

That’s really nice, I was looking at the Noel key caps yesterday, they look great.

I managed to order a Frog tkl yesterday finally. Now to decide which switches and caps to use.

Nice. Frog is on my list of TKL's to add at some point but I have a couple other boards on my list first.

I'm glad the designer got Noel re-released via ePBT rather than having to wait 2 years with a GMK re-run. But if a GMK re-run is done in the future then I will be sure to add to my collection. I think another round of Noel is already under way and should be in stock "soon"

Now I just have to wait for the next build and all the various key cap sets I have ordered and plan that next purchase

 

[davetherave2]

Anyone got any opinions on Linear switches, currently using alpaca v2 and banana splits, prefer the alpaca's for weight, noise and feel. It's to go with a purple frog with FR4.
I'd lke some purple swithces if possible, but will look at anything. Max $1 a switch.

Has anyone tried Lavenders or NK Creams

I have a bag of Lavenders waiting to go into a build. Stock they feel very nice and smooth and have a nice pop to them. I feel they probably need lubing to get the most out of them but I wouldn't be too upset if I left them stock.

I also have some bags of Auralite Linear switches as well again feel good, has a heavier spring compared to the Lavenders and really do need lubing as they are quite loud compared to all my other linears.

 

[davetherave2]

@davetherave2 where did you get your noels from? NicePBT just brought out a licenced version now too.

Yes, Sorry it was NicePBT the ones I got (so many different manufacturers I get them mixed up ) I got them went they went on sale a few weeks ago from a UK vendor (not sure I can mention them, they also have one of their other sets GMK Patisserie). Luckily I found out about them via the designers discord server and managed to get a set for me and a friend (so that I can build their first custom board for them). I think there is another round scheduled but not sure when that will be.

 

[davetherave2]

Thanks both. Thinking I might buy some Lavenders, Ink Blacks and maybe some Boba LT's and see which I prefer.

As an alternative Linear (not purple but blue) you could try Gateron CJ's they are super smooth stock and don't need to be lubed. I am waiting to put them in a blue themed board at some point in the future.

 

[davetherave2]

Nice. I love the EV-01's they are in my work board and they are just the right weight and sound profile that I like. When I started out I ordered 25 different switches of different types to see what I liked as I had only ever experienced Razer switches (green and purple switches)

I think I may get some alpaca's for a future build but not sure yet I already have several bags of switches that I need to use before I order more.

 

[davetherave2]

Thanks mate, i do love but since upgraded again after another gem cropped up on the mech market thanks to a few guys on discord!

KBD67 Lite R3
Box inks black
9009 DSA caps
EVA foam case cavity
used all the pcb layers as well including the silicone and back foam.

Had to EVA foam the case it sounded abit hollow without it for some reason.

Very nice.

I have added to my collection by adding a Vertex Angle (starry colourway) - Also really happy they added ISO support to this again at the 11th hour. Plus a lovely little switch and desk mat sale last week made me add some Alpacas for one of the future builds.

Plus I managed to bag my first Artisan key via a raffle which I am super excited by, as it will match my Noel keycap set and finish that board off nicely.

I'm just getting some new shots of both my keyboards done right now so once they are finished I will upload them to do them justice.

 

[davetherave2]

Ooo how much was the artisan? They are so pricey, its one thing i haven't gotten into yet but maybe in the future, just caught justify it right now.

Ordered my custom cable last night as well to go with the Mode65, going for a black and gold patina on the Lemo adapter with MDCP-X carbon gold braid plus a 6" coil. It's pricey but damn it looks good! Should be here in about a month, does take that long to make due to demand.

Did you get the desk mate from the happy hour sale?

Yes the artisan (Della Key - Noel Wooly) was about £85 inc shipping and a few stickers, but will go perfectly with my noel themed board. It's my first one and hoping to add to it in the future if I can win more raffles.
I am waiting for a themed coiled cable for one of my key sets to be made available after the Group Buy has been completed.
Will be cool to see the cable once it is done for you Mode 65. I'm not usually a fan of the patina look myself but sounds like a nice look you are going for.

Yes. I took full advantage of the sale (I effectively got one set of Alpaca switches (110) for free with what I spent). I made sure I got some more EV-01 Linear and Lavenders switches for future boards as well as some more OWLabs Stabs for when my CruelWorld CW88 which arrives in a few months.

 

[davetherave2]

Well as promised some nicer shots of the Cypher 1800 F-Rowless











The Mecha 01 set really pops under UV light.

These were taken by a shutterbug at work for me. Really impressed on how well these turned out.
Currently waiting on the Odin to have equally as well done photo's done and will be sharing those as well once I have them.

 

[davetherave2]

Frog TKL prebuilt. Comes in a very nice case. Just waiting on my switches, hopefully here today.

Spoiler

That is a very nice looking TKL. I may have to add it to my list. What plate, switches and caps are you planning to put into it?

 

[davetherave2]

That is very nice. Glad you liked the EV-01 switches they are some of my favorites which is why i got another 110 for another board in the future. Hoping when the EV-00 switches come out I can grab those as well. Maybe they will go in the Phoenix if I can get one and have a nice red themed board.

 

[davetherave2]

Yes I am super excited about Phoenix and if it is just as nice as the cypher I have I will be super happy. If I can get it in Red and Gold then I will be super happy otherwise I will have to figure out what colour combo I want.

 

[davetherave2]

Exciting news. The GMMK Pro was something I initially looked at when I started my keyboard journey but ultimately I wasn't sure I could get on with the smaller size and personally the looks didn't fit what I wanted. (be nice to see it when it is finished - I am guessing you got the ANSI board due to the keycap set you have purchased?)

I should hopefully have some more images of my Odin up shortly I need to chase my friend to find out if they have been done. Now that I managed to get a Razer Viper Ultimate mouse in white to match the Odin I want to get matched and retire my razer keyboards for good.

 

[davetherave2]

Surprise drop off by FEDEX this morning! Yesterday evening it was still in France! Damn that was quick!

Very nice build there. 65's I just can't get on board with personally but that is a very well put together board. Hoping to have my next board (CW88) delivered new month but still waiting on updates currently with the state of production.

 

[davetherave2]

Anyone looked at the Matrix 8vx 3.0
https://prototypist.net/collections...x-8xv-3-0-keyboard-kit?variant=39725357236290
I liked the look of the V2.0, just looking for a new build, I'd like a nice 75% really, but no GB or decent ones in stock.

Yes I am getting one or maybe two at this rate. I am struggling with what colourways I want. Waiting to see what Jae has on his build stream on Monday and then make a final decision.

Love the look of that Mr Suit. I may have to add it to my list of possible future builds if they do a round 3. But after the big splurge I am doing with the Matrix I will have to calm it down. Especially after getting in on the Phoenix TKL last week.

 

[davetherave2]

oh well, not a big deal as I have my eye on CW's next keyboard and waiting to see if/what happens with the pf F13 TKL.