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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: sdiearly on Tue, 22 April 2014, 04:16:52

Title: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: sdiearly on Tue, 22 April 2014, 04:16:52
I think I should post this in "review", but this product isn't published now.
This is more like brief introduction.

The new brand:
(http://www.kbp.com.tw/images/corpimg.jpg)
http://www.kbp.com.tw/ (http://www.kbp.com.tw/)

From this address, it shows it comes from Taiwan.
I am glad to have a chance to get one sample at this moment.

About mini V60:
This keyboard is ANSI-60% layout, like poker/poker2 with 61 keys.
I copy feature list from their manual:
 
1.  USB Interface
2.  HID Device
3.  Plug & Play
4.  Firmware upgradable over USB
5.  QWERTY Layout
6.  About 60% as wide as of the standard 104-Key keyboard
7.  Uses Cherry MX-Series switches
8.  N-key rollover
9.  6 Port dip switch for customer define
10. Multi-Lingual Layout
11. Laser-engraved Keycaps
12. Dual Led backlit function

Then I have some pictures to show details.

The boxing:
Top
(http://i.imgur.com/SMlXANI.jpg)
bottom:
(http://i.imgur.com/3OmI59k.jpg)
The Chinese words tell us it made in Taiwan.

The contents
(http://i.imgur.com/u0VmvM0.jpg)
1.  Keyboard
     *.  Dimension(W*L*H):100 mm*291 mm*42.5 mm   
     *.  Weight:510 g
2.  Replacement keycap
3.  Cable
     *. 1.5 meters
4.  Keycap puller

The special feature:
Duel back-light LED
User can change the color via pressing "fn" + "enter"
My gift is two colors in RED/BLUE
(http://i.imgur.com/Y9iXSUQ.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/xZy9mRq.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/TBRACxy.jpg)

Strong and good look case
Those corner design improve the structure and poise of keyboard
(http://i.imgur.com/4c1G1Jc.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/WuNSpRo.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/WiYtefc.jpg)

Actually, KBP V60 is assembled by Costar,
To be the 1st and the only one 60% keyboard product from Costar OEM.
I think the quality can be the same as CODE/Filco/IDF/Feenix, those famous products
Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: sth on Tue, 22 April 2014, 04:18:24
is there anything that sets this apart from other 60%?
Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: sdiearly on Tue, 22 April 2014, 04:35:22
is there anything that sets this apart from other 60%?

I do not know if this is their finalized design in FN layout.
beside keyboard using, I think this case can make me type comfortably.
Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: ajx on Tue, 22 April 2014, 07:24:48
any chance to get white LED color among others colors or is it only blue/red as main LED color?
Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: Oobly on Tue, 22 April 2014, 07:47:00
The default Fn layer is not very good, particularly the placement of Home and End.

They mention the firmware is upgradable, but is the layout programmable? What do the various DIP switches do?

I agree, white LEDs would be nice.
Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: p3lim on Tue, 22 April 2014, 08:11:50
What controller is on it?
Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: sdiearly on Tue, 22 April 2014, 09:36:09
Yes, I've complain the layout to them.
And this is sample production, probably not the final layout.

LED spec show on their website only two choices, blue/red and blue/green.
white light could not to have duel color since it's two pins controlled.

dip switches are used to do do key replacement.

MCU seems to be arm series.


Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: Demetrium on Tue, 22 April 2014, 09:38:18
Looks nice in red!
Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: Zeal on Fri, 02 May 2014, 11:35:22
You said the keyboard is made by Costar, but a few months back, the developer said it uses Cherry stabilizers. Does it use Cherry stabilizers, or Costar style stabs?
Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: jdcarpe on Fri, 02 May 2014, 11:38:17
And because it has different mounting holes than a Poker-style 60%, they just eliminated many buyers who would replace the stock case with an existing alu case.
Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: Oobly on Fri, 02 May 2014, 11:55:55
Is it PCB or plate mount?
Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: Doesntknowwhattosay on Fri, 02 May 2014, 16:49:48
Is it PCB or plate mount?
I second this. Could you post some pics of the naked keyboard without keycaps?
Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: CommonCurt on Fri, 02 May 2014, 18:06:46
Does it use Cherry stabilizers, or Costar style stabs?

^I would like to know this also^
Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: pexon on Fri, 02 May 2014, 18:15:59
It uses Cherry stabs
Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: CommonCurt on Fri, 02 May 2014, 18:18:01
It uses Cherry stabs

That's what I figured, but when I heard "made by Costar" it made me wonder.
Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: pexon on Fri, 02 May 2014, 18:40:27
It uses Cherry stabs

That's what I figured, but when I heard "made by Costar" it made me wonder.

Yea, its a bit strange
Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: johndavis33 on Fri, 02 May 2014, 20:06:28
Oh, sweet! I've been waiting for a 60% with greens or whites!
Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: CommonCurt on Fri, 02 May 2014, 20:11:44
I can't wait for the V60 MTS to come out.  That one I for sure plan on getting.
Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: p3lim on Fri, 02 May 2014, 21:17:07
You said its firmware is upgradable, I'd like to know if we can flash custom firmware to it or not, and if that is the case, what controller is on it?
Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: sdiearly on Mon, 12 May 2014, 00:51:55
You said the keyboard is made by Costar, but a few months back, the developer said it uses Cherry stabilizers. Does it use Cherry stabilizers, or Costar style stabs?

It is just likes ducky stabilizer(which is on my hand).
But I can't sure the final design will be filco style or ducky style.
Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: sdiearly on Mon, 12 May 2014, 00:58:04
It uses Cherry stabs

That's what I figured, but when I heard "made by Costar" it made me wonder.

Yea, its a bit strange

Stabs can't help you to determine this keyboard comes from which manufacture.
Using what part to assemble is decided by brand, not OEM.
Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: sdiearly on Mon, 12 May 2014, 01:05:24
You said its firmware is upgradable, I'd like to know if we can flash custom firmware to it or not, and if that is the case, what controller is on it?

I don't think FW customized tool can be released by this vendor, due to many warranty issues.
Maybe we can only get the .exe file to update firmware(still following their design).

Again, I'm trying to complain this layout in FN layer.
Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: CommonCurt on Mon, 12 May 2014, 01:06:57
It uses Cherry stabs

That's what I figured, but when I heard "made by Costar" it made me wonder.

Yea, its a bit strange

Stabs can't help you to determine this keyboard comes from which manufacture.
Using what part to assemble is decided by brand, not OEM.

I'm aware of that.  I actually prefer Costar stabs, and was hoping they would be used since it was made by them  :)
Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: Maya_Natsume on Fri, 06 June 2014, 11:26:32
For anyone interested in pre-ordering, Rabbit Web Factory seems to be taking order : http://rabbitwebfactory.com/pages/v60
Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: ideus on Fri, 06 June 2014, 13:39:30
Does it use Cherry stabilizers, or Costar style stabs?

^I would like to know this also^

The reference here  (http://rabbitwebfactory.com/pages/v60)read plate-based.
Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: ideus on Fri, 06 June 2014, 13:44:34
I like the case, and the triple access to arrows, left, right, and ala Poker X. Now I should reconsider the decision I had almost took to get a new Poker II, because I do not like the lack of a switchable fixed cluster of arrows of the Poker II that this one has. I use that cluster a lot in my Poker X. However, I may miss the option to upgrade the case due to the different positions of the screws in this one.


Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: Maya_Natsume on Fri, 06 June 2014, 22:08:47
I like the case, and the triple access to arrows, left, right, and ala Poker X. Now I should reconsider the decision I had almost took to get a new Poker II, because I do not like the lack of a switchable fixed cluster of arrows of the Poker II that this one has. I use that cluster a lot in my Poker X. However, I may miss the option to upgrade the case due to the different positions of the screws in this one.

Yep, it seems that V60 is plate-based from the reference link.

For those who are looking at co-star stabilizer for V60, you would be disappointed.

I emailed Rabbit Web Factory and got to know that despite being manufactured by co-star, V60 is using cherry stabilizer instead of co-star stabilizer.
Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: CommonCurt on Fri, 06 June 2014, 23:01:07
I like the case, and the triple access to arrows, left, right, and ala Poker X. Now I should reconsider the decision I had almost took to get a new Poker II, because I do not like the lack of a switchable fixed cluster of arrows of the Poker II that this one has. I use that cluster a lot in my Poker X. However, I may miss the option to upgrade the case due to the different positions of the screws in this one.

Yep, it seems that V60 is plate-based from the reference link.

For those who are looking at co-star stabilizer for V60, you would be disappointed.

I emailed Rabbit Web Factory and got to know that despite being manufactured by co-star, V60 is using cherry stabilizer instead of co-star stabilizer.


Yeah I saw somewhere that it uses Cherry stabs.  I still wouldn't mind getting one though.

I like the case, and the triple access to arrows, left, right, and ala Poker X. Now I should reconsider the decision I had almost took to get a new Poker II, because I do not like the lack of a switchable fixed cluster of arrows of the Poker II that this one has. I use that cluster a lot in my Poker X. However, I may miss the option to upgrade the case due to the different positions of the screws in this one.




The the arrow layers is one of the main things I like about it.  Also I think Pexon mentioned that he might be able to get some aftermarket V60 cases made at some point.

Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: ideus on Sat, 07 June 2014, 01:10:35
I am trying to make my mind about this or a Sprit kit. Any advice on it?
Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: bahamot on Sat, 07 June 2014, 03:39:12
Too bad it doesn't compatible with poker case, otherwise I might give a try.
Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: Maya_Natsume on Sat, 07 June 2014, 03:55:40
Too bad it doesn't compatible with poker case, otherwise I might give a try.

Maybe you can consider V60. It seems that online reviews on this keyboard is pretty good. I think this is because V60 has the same contract manufacturer as Filco, which is co-star.

Price wise, it's quite decent.
Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: bahamot on Sat, 07 June 2014, 04:15:59
Maybe you can consider V60. It seems that online reviews on this keyboard is pretty good. I think this is because V60 has the same contract manufacturer as Filco, which is co-star.

Price wise, it's quite decent.
As it isn't compatible with poker case, I am thinking to get ducky mini instead.
Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: tp4tissue on Sat, 07 June 2014, 07:31:58
It uses Cherry stabs

(http://www.jeremyrscott.com/blogenstein/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/darthnoooooo.jpg)
Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: RESPRiT on Sat, 07 June 2014, 08:00:27
This is actually pretty neat. I'm skeptical in how popular they may ever get without a Western supplier though.
Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: ideus on Sat, 07 June 2014, 11:00:10
I am very tempted to pre-order one.
Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: sdiearly on Sun, 08 June 2014, 05:04:10
Add pictures on plate and board view.

(http://i.imgur.com/ZobpTY0.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/IVrxRix.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/Mj51unC.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/4pCrb1W.jpg)

Said again, the parts "stabs" are not particular to be recognized this keyboard comes from which manufacturer.
In Taiwan, those stabs are used in plated PCB design, not purely called cherry stab.
Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: ideus on Sun, 08 June 2014, 13:27:13
Add pictures on plate and board view.

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/ZobpTY0.jpg)


Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/IVrxRix.jpg)


Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/Mj51unC.jpg)


Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/4pCrb1W.jpg)


Said again, the parts "stabs" are not particular to be recognized this keyboard comes from which manufacturer.
In Taiwan, those stabs are used in plated PCB design, not purely called cherry stab.

It would be a hit, if it were programmable.
Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: Maya_Natsume on Mon, 09 June 2014, 01:50:30
By the way, does anyone happen to know what's the weight of V60?
Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: CommonCurt on Mon, 09 June 2014, 02:26:17
Add pictures on plate and board view.

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/ZobpTY0.jpg)


Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/IVrxRix.jpg)


Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/Mj51unC.jpg)


Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/4pCrb1W.jpg)


Said again, the parts "stabs" are not particular to be recognized this keyboard comes from which manufacturer.
In Taiwan, those stabs are used in plated PCB design, not purely called cherry stab.

Are all Costar PCB's blue?  I know that Filco's are.

I'm trying to hold off until the V60 MTS comes out, but I'll probably break down and buy one of these when MK.com gets them back in stock.
Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: sdiearly on Mon, 09 June 2014, 02:31:02
Are all Costar PCB's blue?  I know that Filco's are.

I'm trying to hold off until the V60 MTS comes out, but I'll probably break down and buy one of these when MK.com gets them back in stock.

PCB color doesnot depends on OEM Costar.
That's decided by brand owner.
PCB is "A" part from another vendor and wait Costar to assemble a keyboard.
Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: sdiearly on Mon, 09 June 2014, 02:32:14
By the way, does anyone happen to know what's the weight of V60?

I have listed the spec in OP.
Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: CommonCurt on Fri, 13 June 2014, 23:03:54
Maybe you can consider V60. It seems that online reviews on this keyboard is pretty good. I think this is because V60 has the same contract manufacturer as Filco, which is co-star.

Price wise, it's quite decent.
As it isn't compatible with poker case, I am thinking to get ducky mini instead.

KBP posted this on their FB page.  It says that if a Poker case has a big enough hole for the V60's extra dip switches then it will fit.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.914047031954104.1073741838.316701428355337&type=1 (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.914047031954104.1073741838.316701428355337&type=1)
Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: coggys on Thu, 19 June 2014, 19:01:16
Woah, what is the blue keyboard? And what did you do to it? Looks gorgeous.  :eek:
Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: sdiearly on Fri, 20 June 2014, 01:47:38
Woah, what is the blue keyboard? And what did you do to it? Looks gorgeous.  :eek:

that's TEX Beetle, my favorite 60%.
I replace 2 kinds of color key caps to separate them into alphabeta keys and modifier keys.
Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: coggys on Fri, 20 June 2014, 12:17:54
What kind of case is that and where did you get it? I've been planning on getting a mechanical keyboard for quite some time now and the Tex you have looks absolutely stunning.
Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: okwchin on Fri, 20 June 2014, 13:27:55
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/Mj51unC.jpg)


You can see the holes for the poker layout. But as the other post linking to the FB page, its the larger DIP switch width that is the only binding component. Removal of material from your case to extend the dip switch opening and you will be able to install the VT60 into a poker and pure compatible case. It looks to me like they did everything they could to give you compatibility, and the only limitation being one that they did not want to be constrained by.
Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: katushkin on Fri, 20 June 2014, 14:26:10
I like cherry stabs... :$

Also, you can pre-order these from Pexon. I've got one reserved :D
Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: C5Allroad on Fri, 20 June 2014, 16:51:15
Where's the order button?
Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: katushkin on Fri, 20 June 2014, 16:56:13
http://pexonpcs.co.uk/V60Mini

:)

You have an hour and 5 minutes to get pre-orders in

And now it's gone. I think.
Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: sdiearly on Sat, 21 June 2014, 02:18:44
What kind of case is that and where did you get it? I've been planning on getting a mechanical keyboard for quite some time now and the Tex you have looks absolutely stunning.

That's TEX Beetle's original case. This company is near to my place.  :p
Here are my Beetles
http://imgur.com/a/pz7D9 (http://imgur.com/a/pz7D9)
Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: coggys on Sat, 21 June 2014, 13:20:40
That's TEX Beetle's original case. This company is near to my place.  :p
Here are my Beetles
http://imgur.com/a/pz7D9 (http://imgur.com/a/pz7D9)

Dear God.... they're beautiful. Do you think a guy like me who lives in the states could be able to get his hands on a blue Tex Beetle?
Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: dante on Sat, 21 June 2014, 13:27:16
(for me) the V60 is the most perfect 60% that has been released yet.  The pageup/down/home/end situation is unfortunate however.
Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: AKmalamute on Sat, 21 June 2014, 16:29:27
Dear God.... they're beautiful. Do you think a guy like me who lives in the states could be able to get his hands on a blue Tex Beetle?

I've seen them on Massdrop a time or two ... not often, though. But they're in the states. V60s, maybe not yet ...
Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: sdiearly on Sun, 22 June 2014, 22:36:49
That's TEX Beetle's original case. This company is near to my place.  :p
Here are my Beetles
http://imgur.com/a/pz7D9 (http://imgur.com/a/pz7D9)

Dear God.... they're beautiful. Do you think a guy like me who lives in the states could be able to get his hands on a blue Tex Beetle?

Hard, blue ones seems out of stock. Maybe you can ask mechanicalkeyboards.com
More people ask about, more chance to make them deal this.
Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: Pacifist on Sun, 22 June 2014, 22:41:54
That's TEX Beetle's original case. This company is near to my place.  :p
Here are my Beetles
http://imgur.com/a/pz7D9 (http://imgur.com/a/pz7D9)

Dear God.... they're beautiful. Do you think a guy like me who lives in the states could be able to get his hands on a blue Tex Beetle?

Hard, blue ones seems out of stock. Maybe you can ask mechanicalkeyboards.com
More people ask about, more chance to make them deal this.

justin or whoever the tex guy is said he'd get me blue tex bettle when they did a second round...he never actually told me that they made them
Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: katushkin on Sun, 22 June 2014, 22:55:09
Ordered one with greens.

Dis gon be gud.
Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: sdiearly on Mon, 23 June 2014, 01:58:45
That's TEX Beetle's original case. This company is near to my place.  :p
Here are my Beetles
http://imgur.com/a/pz7D9 (http://imgur.com/a/pz7D9)

Dear God.... they're beautiful. Do you think a guy like me who lives in the states could be able to get his hands on a blue Tex Beetle?

Hard, blue ones seems out of stock. Maybe you can ask mechanicalkeyboards.com
More people ask about, more chance to make them deal this.

justin or whoever the tex guy is said he'd get me blue tex bettle when they did a second round...he never actually told me that they made them

Four colors were produced in the first.
Lot of BLUEs went to Korea.
Few red and grey for memorial.
Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: Senthura on Mon, 04 August 2014, 22:42:35
http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=882

I really want this.

Oh Wallethack… What have you done to me?
Title: Re: KBP mini V60, new brand from Taiwan
Post by: bdtbinh on Sun, 30 November 2014, 21:56:42
Can someone check if this fit imsto case?