Keyed Up Labs KUL ES-87 with MX Clears

[CommonCurt]

Yeah, I also want to try a KUL!

Only positive responses until now, but I want to wait for a MX Blue version.

Does anybody know whether other MX switches are planned for the future?

I hope they do.  I'm also waiting on a MX Blue version to come out.

[itsComplicated]

Here is my video review of the KUL ES-87 with Clear switches.

I really liked the board but struggled with double tapping the spacebar while gaming with the Clear switches.  They're good for building finger strength for guitar players though.
I've got a dead Leopold with Red switches.  How hard would it be to put those in the ES-87?

(link fixed)

[Puddsy]

your video doesn't work

and probably not too hard to swap the switches.

[itsComplicated]

your video doesn't work

and probably not too hard to swap the switches.

Oh no!  Here are links for the youtube vid or if you prefer dailymotion I've got you covered.

http://youtu.be/6z8lAAxGc-Q

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2215wu_kul-es-87_videogames


And let's test that youtube embeded url one more time.  Let's try the short link.

[dante]

itsComplicated: You did a great job in the video.  Probably one of the nicest keyboard review videos I've seen.

[Flyersfan1]

your video doesn't work

and probably not too hard to swap the switches.

Oh no!  Here are links for the youtube vid or if you prefer dailymotion I've got you covered.

http://youtu.be/6z8lAAxGc-Q

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2215wu_kul-es-87_videogames


And let's test that youtube embeded url one more time.  Let's try the short link.

Yeah! Terrific review, I'm glad to hear Brian took care of you.

I laughed when the the one guy said "My keyboard was $9.99" in response to your question. I guess that polling rate is a little bit of marketing, I don't think I would notice a difference either.

[Puddsy]

that's a GREAT review. I enjoyed it a lot.

and we use the same chair

also DIP switches only work of you unplug the keyboard, change the switch then plug it back in

[LechnerDE]

EK now offers KULs with MX red as well.

Still no blues though

[intelli78]

EK now offers KULs with MX red as well.

Still no blues though

and black!

[Lpwl]

your video doesn't work

and probably not too hard to swap the switches.

Oh no!  Here are links for the youtube vid or if you prefer dailymotion I've got you covered.

http://youtu.be/6z8lAAxGc-Q

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2215wu_kul-es-87_videogames


And let's test that youtube embeded url one more time.  Let's try the short link.

Welcome to Geekhack ! Very nice video & review.


Switching from MX Black to MX Clear was tough for me too and I can feel your pain when you say you had trouble with "double pressing spacebar" quickly enough.

I was playing Titanfall - another FPS where double jump is required - when I bought my CODE keyboard and during the first 2 days, I was thinking "I can't play with this... my old keyboard w/ MX Black is way better".

... a week later, after lubing stabs and some practising, I had already much less trouble.

Now, few months later, I could not be happier !

I am really enjoying MX Clear switches (w/ some soft O-rings) for any gaming (FPS / MOBA / RTS etc).


I guess that the learning curve with MX Clear requires more time than any other switches ?

[SpecTP]

I did the same with my KUL ES87 w/MX Clears.  I found it was hard and tiring for rapid key presses.  So I added some o-rings (40-A-L) and it has helped.

[EpicSNES]

Anyone tried to fit this board into an aluminum case (vortex or similar)?

I'm PRETTY SURE (as in I tried and it didn't work but I might be dumb) it's not compatible with Filco cases, so it won't work with those

which is really unfortunate

Does anyone know of any custom cases that might be compatible with this?

[Puddsy]

If it doesn't work with Filco there's probably nothing

Although KUL may be making some options themselves

[itsComplicated]

that's a GREAT review. I enjoyed it a lot.

and we use the same chair

also DIP switches only work of you unplug the keyboard, change the switch then plug it back in

I'm glad you guys and gals enjoyed the review.  I'll keep that in mind about the dip switches working only if the board is unplugged then plugged back in.  It really is a nice kb.  If elitekeyboards.com gets one with a red or white case in I'm probably going to buy one.  I'll sell my CM Stealth to help pay for it.  I'm not sure if the black switches would also be too much resistance for my trembling little feeble hands.  I'm happy with the browns.  Good typing/gaming compromise.
I'll get some o-rings and try that on the KUL.  Good tip thanks.

My ergonomics professor was the head of the Aeron Chair project at HM.  I was quite excited when an opportunity arose to acquire one at a reasonable price (free).  I'd like to upgrade the lumbar cushion to the Posture Fit.  Gorilla glue and electrical tape does a great disservice to it's aesthetics. 

[TheMark]

that's a GREAT review. I enjoyed it a lot.

and we use the same chair

also DIP switches only work of you unplug the keyboard, change the switch then plug it back in

I'm glad you guys and gals enjoyed the review.  I'll keep that in mind about the dip switches working only if the board is unplugged then plugged back in.  It really is a nice kb.  If elitekeyboards.com gets one with a red or white case in I'm probably going to buy one.  I'll sell my CM Stealth to help pay for it.  I'm not sure if the black switches would also be too much resistance for my trembling little feeble hands.  I'm happy with the browns.  Good typing/gaming compromise.
I'll get some o-rings and try that on the KUL.  Good tip thanks.

My ergonomics professor was the head of the Aeron Chair project at HM.  I was quite excited when an opportunity arose to acquire one at a reasonable price (free).  I'd like to upgrade the lumbar cushion to the Posture Fit.  Gorilla glue and electrical tape does a great disservice to it's aesthetics. 

Great review!

My Aeron is 12yrs old now... It's in serious need of a tuneup, stuff has loosened up with use.

[TheMark]

I love mine with Clears, just through on my new SP Granite PBT keycaps!! Check it out: http://imgur.com/a/v5DB9

Ask me questions!

I moved over from MX Browns and I think this is exactly what I was looking for. I'm a Computer Science student working as a software dev this summer, but I also game a bit (mostly during the school year. I wasn't sure about going with Black vs another Brown keyboard, so I'm glad I found this keyboard!! Barebones, simple - yet many features (8 DIP switches). LED's under the keys (the glow is so sexy). An actual Menu key (with the DIP switch). No insignia (unless you want it, whoever thought of that deserves a raise).

I may get another one of these in MX-Blue Full Size if they release it. Most likely I'll grab another one it Red's when I get my Dolch Replica key set. You can consider me a KUL fan. I'm glad I got this over a Filco. This thing is a tank.

I'm new, so please forgive the question. I love the look of the granite keycaps, I went to the SP website but cannot locate. Can you please point out where I can find this set? Thanks in advance.

[Puddsy]

that's a GREAT review. I enjoyed it a lot.

and we use the same chair

also DIP switches only work of you unplug the keyboard, change the switch then plug it back in

I'm glad you guys and gals enjoyed the review.  I'll keep that in mind about the dip switches working only if the board is unplugged then plugged back in.  It really is a nice kb.  If elitekeyboards.com gets one with a red or white case in I'm probably going to buy one.  I'll sell my CM Stealth to help pay for it.  I'm not sure if the black switches would also be too much resistance for my trembling little feeble hands.  I'm happy with the browns.  Good typing/gaming compromise.
I'll get some o-rings and try that on the KUL.  Good tip thanks.

My ergonomics professor was the head of the Aeron Chair project at HM.  I was quite excited when an opportunity arose to acquire one at a reasonable price (free).  I'd like to upgrade the lumbar cushion to the Posture Fit.  Gorilla glue and electrical tape does a great disservice to it's aesthetics. 

Great review!

My Aeron is 12yrs old now... It's in serious need of a tuneup, stuff has loosened up with use.

My dad got his (then my mom's, now mine) when he started working for Comcast in 1998. It's old but it's held up.

[caesar]

Here is my video review of the KUL ES-87 with Clear switches.

I really liked the board but struggled with double tapping the spacebar while gaming with the Clear switches.  They're good for building finger strength for guitar players though.
I've got a dead Leopold with Red switches.  How hard would it be to put those in the ES-87?

(link fixed)

Awesome! Thank you, man.

[EpicSNES]

I messaged KUL on Facebook and asked when the new case tops might be available. Hoping to hear a reply.

[HybridCore]

your video doesn't work

and probably not too hard to swap the switches.

I believe we have access to the clips that hold the top half of the Cherry MX assembly so we can quickly swap out stems and springs without resoldering.

[lightsout714]

your video doesn't work

and probably not too hard to swap the switches.

I believe we have access to the clips that hold the top half of the Cherry MX assembly so we can quickly swap out stems and springs without resoldering.

On the stock KUL plate? I don't think so, would be awesome if so.

[Lord of Narwhals]

I've been planning on getting this keyboard with red switches but I just realised that shipping to Sweden is $38 
Is there a cheaper way for me to get this keyboard to Sweden?

[caesar]

I've been planning on getting this keyboard with red switches but I just realised that shipping to Sweden is $38 
Is there a cheaper way for me to get this keyboard to Sweden?

Ask seller, can he send  it to u with normal priority/economy shipping  (20-30$ i think)

[EpicSNES]

I need to find a nice keycap set for this board. I've never bought a set of keycaps before

Anyone have pics to share of their KUL with custom keycaps?

E: Typo's

[lightsout714]

I need to find a nice keycap set for this board. I've never bought a set of keycaps before

Anyone have pics to share of their KUL with custom keycaps?

E: Typo's

I have a dolch set coming for mine from the recent GB. Can't wait. I think there was a pic early in the thread with a similar setup.

[Puddsy]

I need to find a nice keycap set for this board. I've never bought a set of keycaps before

Anyone have pics to share of their KUL with custom keycaps?

E: Typo's

Soon.

your video doesn't work

and probably not too hard to swap the switches.

I believe we have access to the clips that hold the top half of the Cherry MX assembly so we can quickly swap out stems and springs without resoldering.

This is false.

[cruzin]

I need to find a nice keycap set for this board. I've never bought a set of keycaps before

Anyone have pics to share of their KUL with custom keycaps?

E: Typo's

There's a pic with Originative keycaps here.

http://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/27sz5o/my_kul_es87_arrived_mx_clear/

[G-Dubs]

I just wanted to say thanks to OP for the review. This was actually the tipping point that led to me buying an ES-87. The price and the newness of the company made me nervous, but this review was deep enough that I felt like this keyboard would offer a very enjoyable experience.

[jam3s121]

if i bought one of these are they compatible with the majority of nice dyesub and pbt/abs cap sets for ducky/filco?

would it be a upgrade to the quickfire rapid i own? (this keyboard was nice but is falling apart on me from someone elses neglect)

[LechnerDE]

if i bought one of these are they compatible with the majority of nice dyesub and pbt/abs cap sets for ducky/filco?

would it be a upgrade to the quickfire rapid i own? (this keyboard was nice but is falling apart on me from someone elses neglect)

Yes, the general opinion in this forum is that the KUL is one of the best if not the best stock keyboard you can buy right now 

[jam3s121]

if i bought one of these are they compatible with the majority of nice dyesub and pbt/abs cap sets for ducky/filco?

would it be a upgrade to the quickfire rapid i own? (this keyboard was nice but is falling apart on me from someone elses neglect)

Yes, the general opinion in this forum is that the KUL is one of the best if not the best stock keyboard you can buy right now 

so if i bought this for the KUL it would all fit?

http://imsto.cn/index.php?route=product/product&path=62&product_id=59

sorry I'm used to my cheapo steelseries and cm storm not compatible with all keycaps.

[Puddsy]

yep

KUL is filco layout so any normal 1.25x set will fit

[LechnerDE]

Yes, this set would fit perfectly fine

[jam3s121]

thanks, ordering now

[LechnerDE]

thanks, ordering now

Congrats!

[Hucifer]

Hey guys.

Another happy new KUL owner here.

Here's a link to the KUL vs Filco Photo Showdown and general thoughts I posted about these two boards. Might be useful for some folks here.

I messaged KUL on Facebook and asked when the new case tops might be available. Hoping to hear a reply.

The KUL stockist in Hong Kong I bought mine from said the cases would be available from earl September, for what it's worth.

[LechnerDE]

What did you pay for it in Hong Kong?

Do they have versions with MX Blue over there?

[Roark17]

Hey guys.

Another happy new KUL owner here.

Here's a link to the KUL vs Filco Photo Showdown and general thoughts I posted about these two boards. Might be useful for some folks here.

Thanks for taking the time to post this album.  KUL and Filco are so similar.  Each have their own pros and cons, and I feel like neither objectively wins over the other.  Would you be able to comment on how well the ES-87 stays put on a desk without the feet compared to the Filco?

[Hucifer]

Thanks for taking the time to post this album.  KUL and Filco are so similar.  Each have their own pros and cons, and I feel like neither objectively wins over the other.  Would you be able to comment on how well the ES-87 stays put on a desk without the feet compared to the Filco?

As I mentioned in the further comments, the Filco stays more firmly in place on my desk without the feet. I think this is because the Filco's rubber grips are positioned on the top edge of the base rather then the side, as on the KUL.

What did you pay for it in Hong Kong?

Do they have versions with MX Blue over there?

Retail price was $130(USD). I got free shipping as I was the first person in Thailand to order one and they waived the cost in exchange for me giving them some info on the Thai mechanical keyboard market. The Hong Kong reseller was very helpful and even undervalued the keyboard so I only paid around $12 in import fees. So all in all I paid $142. Not bad  !

No blue switches yet, sadly.

[Puddsy]

Hoff, we know that the MX blue version comes out in Sept, probably with with topcases.

[Roark17]

As I mentioned in the further comments, the Filco stays more firmly in place on my desk without the feet. I think this is because the Filco's rubber grips are positioned on the top edge of the base rather then the side, as on the KUL.

Oh I see now.  I misunderstood the comment that said "folded up."  Sorry about that.

[Hucifer]

As I mentioned in the further comments, the Filco stays more firmly in place on my desk without the feet. I think this is because the Filco's rubber grips are positioned on the top edge of the base rather then the side, as on the KUL.

Oh I see now.  I misunderstood the comment that said "folded up."  Sorry about that.

No worries. I often get confused about what feet up/down actually means too

[rowdy]

if i bought one of these are they compatible with the majority of nice dyesub and pbt/abs cap sets for ducky/filco?

would it be a upgrade to the quickfire rapid i own? (this keyboard was nice but is falling apart on me from someone elses neglect)

Yes, the general opinion in this forum is that the KUL is one of the best if not the best stock keyboard you can buy right now 

And the Cherry stabs don't prevent anyone from buying?

[lightsout714]

if i bought one of these are they compatible with the majority of nice dyesub and pbt/abs cap sets for ducky/filco?

would it be a upgrade to the quickfire rapid i own? (this keyboard was nice but is falling apart on me from someone elses neglect)

Yes, the general opinion in this forum is that the KUL is one of the best if not the best stock keyboard you can buy right now 

And the Cherry stabs don't prevent anyone from buying?

They were one of the main reasons I bought mine.

[Puddsy]

The cherry stabs in the KUL don't suck as much as other boards

[Novus]

Are they clipped or modded in any way?

[Hucifer]

The cherry stabs in the KUL don't suck as much as other boards

Agree totally. I've tried blues, browns and reds o  other boards with Cherry stabs and they all felt noticeably inferior to wire stabs. Not nearly so much with my KUL.

I wonder if it's just a case of clear switches being more forgiving in this regard.

[Puddsy]

I wonder if it's just a case of clear switches being more forgiving in this regard.

doubt it

Are they clipped or modded in any way?

doubt it, but i'll check at some point

[TBone]

Are they clipped or modded in any way?

Nope they aren't at all. I clipped and modded my KUL with clears and now I love it even more. Has that really satisfying thud on the stabilized keys. Would definitely recommend it.

[jam3s121]

just got mine with blacks, it feels nice but its going to take some time to get used too over having blues. I had blacks previously though so hopefully not too long.