Keyed Up Labs KUL ES-87 with MX Clears

[rowdy]

hi guys,

i have bin using my KUL ES-87 on and of for two months now. Switching up with my Leopold FC6600M (also with clears).

When i switch back to my Kul i notice the pinging noise and i which i could do something to minimise it..
i'm using thick pbt keycaps (from mass drop) and blue o-rings.

And still i hear that nasty ping noise..Also when i rub my hand over the keyboard it resonates.
i do like the board. so i do want to keep it..

Here a youtube vid i made..Trying to get the pinging noise to register from my smartphone camera..
hope that helps..

If some one has a solution that would help that would be awesome..don't know how to solder (yet).
i'm just a newbie in the world of mechanical keyboards.. 

Thanks guys..

I asked about resolving ping in a CODE with MX clears in this thread.  There's a few suggestions there, mostly lubing the springs though.

[DukeMugen]

after 6 months of use, the ping on my kul es87 is getting louder and louder. its getting annoying.
im thinking of making a custom acryllic case for this, maybe that will solve the issue.

[rowdy]

after 6 months of use, the ping on my kul es87 is getting louder and louder. its getting annoying.
im thinking of making a custom acryllic case for this, maybe that will solve the issue.

FWIW the ping on my CODE seems to be getting quieter.

[Altis]

after 6 months of use, the ping on my kul es87 is getting louder and louder. its getting annoying.
im thinking of making a custom acryllic case for this, maybe that will solve the issue.

Take the board out of the case and try typing on it -- if it still pings, the case won't help.

I tried it with mine before I swapped for Zealios switches and it still did it. The 62g Zealios don't do it nearly as much. The ping was enough to drive me mental with the stock MX Clear switches.

The ping sounded exactly the same as the crowbar sound in Half Life, strangely enough...

[alienman82]

removed.

[DukeMugen]

after 6 months of use, the ping on my kul es87 is getting louder and louder. its getting annoying.
im thinking of making a custom acryllic case for this, maybe that will solve the issue.

Take the board out of the case and try typing on it -- if it still pings, the case won't help.

I tried it with mine before I swapped for Zealios switches and it still did it. The 62g Zealios don't do it nearly as much. The ping was enough to drive me mental with the stock MX Clear switches.

The ping sounded exactly the same as the crowbar sound in Half Life, strangely enough...

I tried that, the ping is coming from the plate itself. So right now i'm starting to do an acrylic plate and case. Hoepfully it works.

[iLLucionist]

after 6 months of use, the ping on my kul es87 is getting louder and louder. its getting annoying.
im thinking of making a custom acryllic case for this, maybe that will solve the issue.

Take the board out of the case and try typing on it -- if it still pings, the case won't help.

I tried it with mine before I swapped for Zealios switches and it still did it. The 62g Zealios don't do it nearly as much. The ping was enough to drive me mental with the stock MX Clear switches.

The ping sounded exactly the same as the crowbar sound in Half Life, strangely enough...

I tried that, the ping is coming from the plate itself. So right now i'm starting to do an acrylic plate and case. Hoepfully it works.

I'm typing on my ES-87 with Clears since June day-in-day-out (8-10 hours of coding and writing papers). I guess I'm lucky, but I have almost no ping. And the ping there is - I believe - comes from my springs. It is very very subtle. I only notice it when I hit spacebar or enter really hard but not for the other keys (my OCD made me test every key repeatedly). When I tap the plate or the case, I hear nothing. Only when I actuate the keyes and bottom them out.

Must say I was worried before ordering, hesitated between the KUL and the CODE but the amount of ping issues with the CODE eventually drove me to the KUL.

[HighPlainsDrafter]

I don't hear any ping except for a bit when I hit the spacebar. However, I placed my ES-87 in a recessed (pull-out) keyboard tray, which may be slightly dampening its sound.
BTW am enjoying my first week with this board and its mx clears: increased typing accuracy and so far, no major fatigue on my fingers. I'm interested in possibly replacing the keycaps just to increase the quality of the overall experience, but not sure with what.
Previous board: matias tactile pro 4, which I initially liked, but ultimately found the keystroke too light.

[iLLucionist]

I don't hear any ping except for a bit when I hit the spacebar. However, I placed my ES-87 in a recessed (pull-out) keyboard tray, which may be slightly dampening its sound.
BTW am enjoying my first week with this board and its mx clears: increased typing accuracy and so far, no major fatigue on my fingers. I'm interested in possibly replacing the keycaps just to increase the quality of the overall experience, but not sure with what.
Previous board: matias tactile pro 4, which I initially liked, but ultimately found the keystroke too light.

I love my KUL With clears. But the stock caps suck IMHO. They started to shine and wear off in like 2-3 weeks or so. But I swap them out for thick PBTs anyway.

[HighPlainsDrafter]

Why doesn't someone create a Massdrop of a run of spherical keycaps (like the ones on IBM beam spring keyboards)? Is the spacing on modern keyboards too small, or other reason? Would spherical typewriter-like keycaps just not feel right on MX switches? Seen a couple of recent customized keycaps which have fonts like some old typewriters, but the caps aren't spherical.

[iLLucionist]

Why doesn't someone create a Massdrop of a run of spherical keycaps (like the ones on IBM beam spring keyboards)? Is the spacing on modern keyboards too small, or other reason? Would spherical typewriter-like keycaps just not feel right on MX switches? Seen a couple of recent customized keycaps which have fonts like some old typewriters, but the caps aren't spherical.

Would buy instantly. Great idea!

[rowdy]

Why doesn't someone create a Massdrop of a run of spherical keycaps (like the ones on IBM beam spring keyboards)? Is the spacing on modern keyboards too small, or other reason? Would spherical typewriter-like keycaps just not feel right on MX switches? Seen a couple of recent customized keycaps which have fonts like some old typewriters, but the caps aren't spherical.

You mean SA sets?

There have been a few such group buys, and probably a Massdrop drop or two.

Or DSA?  They are also spherical.  A few Massdrops for DSA sets too.

[TheInverseKey]

Good review!


After going through looking at many different companies that make TKL keyboards I thought that is would be a good pick.   Boy was I wrong!  The keyboard that was sent to me off of elite keyboards made this loud pinging sound from when you moved the feet to every key stroke.  I am now returning the keyboard because of this issue. I know that some people think that pinging is not an issue but when it is this bad I have to say poor QC.


Below is an example of just the flip up feet that make the board ping.  Also remember that every time you press a key it makes the same noise.

Kul ES-87 owners.
I need some additional data to determine if this is normal

1) Does your keyboard resonate with the back plate and produce a ring when you type? Would you characterize it as normal or excessive?
2) Does any type of back plate resonance occur when you flip the keyboard feet (like so -

- you might need to turn up your volume) or perform any normal action which applies force to your entire keyboard?
3) Does your board have excessive back plate resonance?

Thanks

[iLLucionist]

Good review!


After going through looking at many different companies that make TKL keyboards I thought that is would be a good pick.   Boy was I wrong!  The keyboard that was sent to me off of elite keyboards made this loud pinging sound from when you moved the feet to every key stroke.  I am now returning the keyboard because of this issue. I know that some people think that pinging is not an issue but when it is this bad I have to say poor QC.


Below is an example of just the flip up feet that make the board ping.  Also remember that every time you press a key it makes the same noise.

Kul ES-87 owners.
I need some additional data to determine if this is normal

1) Does your keyboard resonate with the back plate and produce a ring when you type? Would you characterize it as normal or excessive?
2) Does any type of back plate resonance occur when you flip the keyboard feet (like so -

- you might need to turn up your volume) or perform any normal action which applies force to your entire keyboard?
3) Does your board have excessive back plate resonance?

Thanks

I've just tried it with my KUL with Clears... I don't have this ping. I must be among the lucky then..

[TheInverseKey]

I've just tried it with my KUL with Clears... I don't have this ping. I must be among the lucky then..

You must be.

[iLLucionist]

I've just tried it with my KUL with Clears... I don't have this ping. I must be among the lucky then..

You must be.

Are you gonna try another KUL or are you done with that board now?

[TheInverseKey]

I've just tried it with my KUL with Clears... I don't have this ping. I must be among the lucky then..

You must be.

Are you gonna try another KUL or are you done with that board now?

I have fixed the pinging issue with a small amount of time but it does make you void your warranty.  Simply put I have to take the whole keyboard apart and insert foam and rubber non slick pads to make the noise disappear. Also, the keyboard now sounds better than any other keyboard that I own.  I suggest doing this mod if you want to make it super quite. I will have pictures next week.

[iLLucionist]

I've just tried it with my KUL with Clears... I don't have this ping. I must be among the lucky then..

You must be.

Are you gonna try another KUL or are you done with that board now?

I have fixed the pinging issue with a small amount of time but it does make you void your warranty.  Simply put I have to take the whole keyboard apart and insert foam and rubber non slick pads to make the noise disappear. Also, the keyboard now sounds better than any other keyboard that I own.  I suggest doing this mod if you want to make it super quite. I will have pictures next week.

Cool, what kind of foam did you use?

I'm looking forward to the pictures!

Apart from the ping, I hope you really enjoy the board. I have mine almost over a year now and it is a very solid board.

[TheInverseKey]

I've just tried it with my KUL with Clears... I don't have this ping. I must be among the lucky then..

You must be.

Yeah it weight a ton.

Are you gonna try another KUL or are you done with that board now?

I have fixed the pinging issue with a small amount of time but it does make you void your warranty.  Simply put I have to take the whole keyboard apart and insert foam and rubber non slick pads to make the noise disappear. Also, the keyboard now sounds better than any other keyboard that I own.  I suggest doing this mod if you want to make it super quite. I will have pictures next week.

Cool, what kind of foam did you use?

I'm looking forward to the pictures!

Apart from the ping, I hope you really enjoy the board. I have mine almost over a year now and it is a very solid board.

[ThoughtArtist]

I've just tried it with my KUL with Clears... I don't have this ping. I must be among the lucky then..

You must be.

Yeah it weight a ton.

Are you gonna try another KUL or are you done with that board now?

I have fixed the pinging issue with a small amount of time but it does make you void your warranty.  Simply put I have to take the whole keyboard apart and insert foam and rubber non slick pads to make the noise disappear. Also, the keyboard now sounds better than any other keyboard that I own.  I suggest doing this mod if you want to make it super quite. I will have pictures next week.

Cool, what kind of foam did you use?

I'm looking forward to the pictures!

Apart from the ping, I hope you really enjoy the board. I have mine almost over a year now and it is a very solid board.

This should be interesting. It may just be something that we have to do ourselves since it would likely make boards more expensive. I'd rather have best overall case design for a reasonable price and then add modular extras like good caps and insulation, instead of having that entire package, and it be a mediocre one, for a slightly higher price.

Of course, ideally I want a keyboard with no issues at all, but competition is so fierce that I can't see how mainstream ~$200 boards would be able to make it.

[TheInverseKey]

I've just tried it with my KUL with Clears... I don't have this ping. I must be among the lucky then..

You must be.

Yeah it weight a ton.

Are you gonna try another KUL or are you done with that board now?

I have fixed the pinging issue with a small amount of time but it does make you void your warranty.  Simply put I have to take the whole keyboard apart and insert foam and rubber non slick pads to make the noise disappear. Also, the keyboard now sounds better than any other keyboard that I own.  I suggest doing this mod if you want to make it super quite. I will have pictures next week.

Cool, what kind of foam did you use?

I'm looking forward to the pictures!

Apart from the ping, I hope you really enjoy the board. I have mine almost over a year now and it is a very solid board.

This should be interesting. It may just be something that we have to do ourselves since it would likely make boards more expensive. I'd rather have best overall case design for a reasonable price and then add modular extras like good caps and insulation, instead of having that entire package, and it be a mediocre one, for a slightly higher price.

Of course, ideally I want a keyboard with no issues at all, but competition is so fierce that I can't see how mainstream ~$200 boards would be able to make it.

Here is my review and how to reduce the pinging niose.

[ThoughtArtist]

Thanks for the vid! I may try this at some point.

It would be interesting to compare the plate thickness of the ES-87 with the Varmilo VA87MN. I have both boards side-by-side (with MX Browns) and I can confirm that the KUL has more resonation, but I am not sure if that is due to the plate itself or the build. The Varmilo is lighter, but it is more compact as well.

That being said, the Ducky One TKL (MX Browns) is, by far, louder than both the ES-87 and VA87MN.

[TheInverseKey]

Thanks for the vid! I may try this at some point.

It would be interesting to compare the plate thickness of the ES-87 with the Varmilo VA87MN. I have both boards side-by-side (with MX Browns) and I can confirm that the KUL has more resonation, but I am not sure if that is due to the plate itself or the build. The Varmilo is lighter, but it is more compact as well.

That being said, the Ducky One TKL (MX Browns) is, by far, louder than both the ES-87 and VA87MN.

No problem hope this works.

[iLLucionist]

This should be interesting. It may just be something that we have to do ourselves since it would likely make boards more expensive. I'd rather have best overall case design for a reasonable price and then add modular extras like good caps and insulation, instead of having that entire package, and it be a mediocre one, for a slightly higher price.

Of course, ideally I want a keyboard with no issues at all, but competition is so fierce that I can't see how mainstream ~$200 boards would be able to make it.

I actually like modding my boards a bit. Gives me the feeling that I have the true endgame perfect board once I am done with it. Like building a PC: similar specs, but different brands, components, cable routing etc. Gives me pleasure.

[iLLucionist]

Just watched the video... interesting that this reduces ping. I have those mats... time to try it out. But I actually want those really thick soft rubber mats that are really heavy. I expect that will absorb sounds much better, yes? Or is this textured surface better for sound absorption?

[ThoughtArtist]

This should be interesting. It may just be something that we have to do ourselves since it would likely make boards more expensive. I'd rather have best overall case design for a reasonable price and then add modular extras like good caps and insulation, instead of having that entire package, and it be a mediocre one, for a slightly higher price.

Of course, ideally I want a keyboard with no issues at all, but competition is so fierce that I can't see how mainstream ~$200 boards would be able to make it.

I actually like modding my boards a bit. Gives me the feeling that I have the true endgame perfect board once I am done with it. Like building a PC: similar specs, but different brands, components, cable routing etc. Gives me pleasure.

I build my own computers as well. I actually combined a Lian Li and LanCool case just to get what I wanted. I feel like I finally got close to my ideal mid-tower (after an Athlon 64 build and a Core 2 Quad build). I had to go with a steel frame from the Lancool because, speaking of sound dampening, the aluminum frame resonated sound too much!

[iLLucionist]

This should be interesting. It may just be something that we have to do ourselves since it would likely make boards more expensive. I'd rather have best overall case design for a reasonable price and then add modular extras like good caps and insulation, instead of having that entire package, and it be a mediocre one, for a slightly higher price.

Of course, ideally I want a keyboard with no issues at all, but competition is so fierce that I can't see how mainstream ~$200 boards would be able to make it.

I actually like modding my boards a bit. Gives me the feeling that I have the true endgame perfect board once I am done with it. Like building a PC: similar specs, but different brands, components, cable routing etc. Gives me pleasure.

I build my own computers as well. I actually combined a Lian Li and LanCool case just to get what I wanted. I feel like I finally got close to my ideal mid-tower (after an Athlon 64 build and a Core 2 Quad build). I had to go with a steel frame from the Lancool because, speaking of sound dampening, the aluminum frame resonated sound too much!

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That looks really cool man! Is that with the side panel off? Or is it just see through glass / perspex?