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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: phinix on Mon, 16 May 2022, 03:09:04
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kbdfans' Tiger 80 TKL keyboard is out now, looking good, really interesting Leaf spring mount structure, budget keyboard.
Don't know at what point you should stop calling them budget, but price is really good for this board.
Sound test was good too, I'm not an expert, but for me it sounded similar to Frog TKL.
I ordered one, will see in a month :)
https://kbdfans.com/products/kbdfans-tiger-80-keyboard-kit (https://kbdfans.com/products/kbdfans-tiger-80-keyboard-kit)
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from what i have seen they have all been PE foamed so i wouldn't be too sure on it's sound yet, i think the board is solid although the FB TKL might be the better option for me. They seem to be direct competitors of each other
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I wish they weren't all F13-layout. Freebird, NK87, Tiger, Mr. Suit.
At least Frog has normal layout.
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I wish they weren't all F13-layout. Freebird, NK87, Tiger, Mr. Suit.
At least Frog has normal layout.
Let's pretend for a moment that I'm really, really stupid. What's the point/idea of this F13 layout?
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Without making any value judgements, I would say that the F13 key offers an additional key that can be used as a macro key, media key, or some other assigned key beyond what a TKL can provide.
For some, it also gives a "custom" feeling, as such boards tend not to be available mass-market.
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Yep, and people stick their ugly artisans on it too.
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OK, paid customs, should be with me tomorrow :D
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I'm interested to know what it's like, how the typing experience compares to a KBD67 Lite, for instance.
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I'm interested to know what it's like, how the typing experience compares to a KBD67 Lite, for instance.
I'll be away till next Tuesday, but once come back from holidays, I will build it and let you know.
I hope it will be as good as 67lite.
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I'm interested to know what it's like, how the typing experience compares to a KBD67 Lite, for instance.
Keybored's video showcases the flex fairly well, it seems to be far more than the top-mount-like feel of the 67 lite
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Finally had some time to build this one.
It is nice, I mean a lot nicer than other keebs I used. It has a lot of flex - flex cuts on pcb, leaf mount, rubber "gromets" on contact with case - it all makes it feel so soft when typing.
I'm not fuzzed about flex etc don't know if it make huge difference, but definitely feels softer than keyboards with top mount, without plate.
Its alu case makes it feel heavier than plastic cases, but not as heavy as for example Frog TKL or Rama U80. I actually prefer this weight, as U80 was too heavy for me - apparently I move my keyboard around on the desk and when I do that, weight makes difference.
I picked this grey case, but I guess other colors are also nice. I may pick up Lite version when its out, cause I like the plastic keyboards ( I may go with some funky color like that retro blue or purple). Build quality is great, no issues, no defects. Everything, from case to pcb plate etc - all looks good, well made, doesn't say cheap at all.
I built it with my 78g Zealios v2 and some latest MT3 Godspeed caps. Feels great.
I did not use switch foam or that tape mod sticker, wanted to see how it sounds without those.
It feels great, very soft, sounds REALLY thocky, no echo in case, no hallow sounds. To me, it sounds and feels better than Frog. Really.
It feels close to kbd67lite - that mount works well.
As it is hotswap, I have a feeling that switches get pushed too easily, when changing caps, I may be pulling them with switches, if you know what I mean.
If they release solderable pcb for this keyboard, I may get one and solder those Zealios.
Then get one more pcb for some linear switches - I've been toying with idea of getting Lavenders.
So, I would say - if you liked Frog, but want to try a lot softer mount, hot swap and about 800g lighter case, this is an excellent keyboard. I 100% recommend it. :thumb:
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Thanks for the insight!
I think lack of solderable PCB is its biggest weakness right now.
I would also like to see a conventional ANSI F12 TKL layout, but I guess they only have 1 PCB.
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Thanks for the insight!
I think lack of solderable PCB is its biggest weakness right now.
I would also like to see a conventional ANSI F12 TKL layout, but I guess they only have 1 PCB.
Yeah, I would also like to see WKL version of the case, there are a lot of purists who like that :)
I would prefer WKL, solderable pcb should be an option, definitely.
As much as I like hot swap, I see the reason for both - first wanted to have hot swap to test adn see if I like switches, but once I know, I would liek to solder them.
I hope, that Lite version, acrylic case, will be a lot cheaper, plus they would let people order just cases, like for kbd67lite.
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Thanks for the insight!
I think lack of solderable PCB is its biggest weakness right now.
I would also like to see a conventional ANSI F12 TKL layout, but I guess they only have 1 PCB.
It's a kbdfans board, you're asking for too much. They're supposed to appeal to the lowest common denominator. Otherwise how do you justify production costs?
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The colors on this look amazing. It's taking so much self control for me not to buy that Artic Sky right now.
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I wonder when kbdfans will start Lit version. I would like to buy two plastic cases for my Tiger now.
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So I've been using it for over a week now and have to say, its really good keyboard - feel and sound wise.
Being aluminium, weight isn't too much, I think its 1.5kg, so not having an extra weight slab helps a lot. It a lot more comfortable to take in a bag than Frog TKL for example.
I use Zealios 78g on it and added SA Carbon caps - fantastic combo.
There is ONLY one thing that is a con in my opinion - switches sit too lightly in hot swap sockets. I swapped caps last night and pulling a cap also pulls a switch - like in 95% of switches. Sounds like sockets and plate don't do good job in holding switches.
Ideally we would have also soldarable pcb for it.
Does anyone know if there is other compatible pcbs for this case?
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Tiger Lite is out now!
Go buy your fav color, I ordered purple :)
(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1473/3902/products/07f44d6e88554a44495e38ed16e4552f_c74fcf9b-fd0d-48a4-8937-d75e1a85333a_720x.jpg?v=1659086404)
Oooooooooooh.... :D
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75-80% is not my preference, but the sound of tiger 80 is great...
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umm... I got a question on these transparent (idobao crystal..etc?) and semi transparent like the Tiger lite posted above.
Don't they just look "gross" after about 2 weeks of your cat getting hair into it / dust / debris ..etc... blah... yeah no?? because it would be "great" to have to fully tear down my keyboard every week to keep it presentable.
I don't let this little jerk up on my desk, I honestly try to keep him out of my home office in general with what are best described as "mixed" results.. blah blah I have to blow random cat hairs out my filco fairly often anyways. [attach=1]
it would be (it seems) a total nightmare having a clear / semi transparent case in a home with pets, but even without them I would image they get pretty dirty pretty quick?
I'm not going to lie... I would probably never notice someone had a F13 key on their custom / whatever keyboard...