geekhack
geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Lethal Squirrel on Mon, 01 October 2012, 20:41:01
-
Since there isn't really much information and pictures of these here, I figured I would make some : )
I ordered this from qtan. It took 7 days to get to me in Michigan. Not bad at all.
Here's what came in the box. A key puller, usb cable, lavender and brownish WASD keys, USB to PS/2 adapter, extra stabilizer pieces, and Keycool esc key.
(sorry for the blurry pics)
(http://i.imgur.com/2XMPm.jpg)
The keyboard came in a nice little bag. Pretty awesome for transporting it!
(http://i.imgur.com/Kpd6I.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/GHWnG.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/qHvhw.jpg)
Some alignment issues with the F keycap. It's only the keycap though.
(http://i.imgur.com/ycn5t.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/Ga9lw.jpg)
Weird scratches on the case below the spacebar.
(http://i.imgur.com/uouKf.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/l1rou.jpg)
Very solid and nice feeling flip down feet.
(http://i.imgur.com/eCtCm.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/6MX7x.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/17kHk.jpg)
I broke the stabilizer bar clip when I was taking off the keycap. They're pretty cheap and flimsy. I can see why the included replacements.
(http://i.imgur.com/PVfSB.jpg)
A shot of the odd spacebar stabilizer size.
(http://i.imgur.com/HUCWq.jpg)
Pretty sexy with Red Alert 2.0's
(http://i.imgur.com/FBCNP.jpg)
Weighs 2 lbs, 1.1oz
(http://i.imgur.com/Ko9Df.jpg)
This thing has the most grippy rubber pads I have ever seen on a keyboard. I can get it to like 60-70 degrees without it sliding down.
(http://i.imgur.com/SPP0Y.jpg)
The keyboard feels really nice and high quality. I was expecting it to be worse than it really is. I'd say the quality is pretty close to filco, excluding the keycaps. but the board itself is great. The texture of it kind of reminds me of the original RK-9000. It's kind of rough, but smooth at the same time, and it feels thick and solid. I really like the look of the case too. kind off a bit different, but not over the top.
The only issue with the fit and finish I could find was that little scratch below the spacebar that almost looks like it was painted over. It's very subtle though. hardly noticeable unless you're looking for it.
The keycaps aren't too bad really apart from the not so sexy font. I am Told They're POM from some guy on youtube. not sure though. The texture of them feels pretty good. It's a nice rough texture.
I guess my overall thoughts/opinions are, Really pleased! This keyboard exceeded my expectations by a lot. It came with a bunch of extras that I wasn't expecting, and It's build quality is great! I would say this keyboard seems bit under-rated. It would be a really nice alternative to a Leopold, or maybe even filco If you plan on changing your keycaps anyway. I guess people still prefer the quickfire though. pretty understandable since it's a bit cheaper. I personally much prefer this over the quickfire however. (which I do own)
Well that's about all I have to say. Hope people interested in this keyboard found this a bit useful. :D
Here are some pics of the PCB solder as requested : )
(http://i.imgur.com/pS3VY.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/eROYj.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/dlzs9.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/XAwh7.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/S9UTW.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/zL02V.jpg)
Only shoddy looking thing. I'm not even sure what it is.
(http://i.imgur.com/sISnf.jpg)
-
awesome review...
How does the stabilizer work without the guides, when you put a seperate keycap set on it, or is the space bar one of those universal spacebars.
-
It's a universal one : )
-
Nice review. I like how the cable routes away from you instead of directly out the side. The last photo also caught me by surprise...haha
-
I'd say the quality is pretty close to filco
How is this to a lesser quality than a Filco?
And your yellow lighting kind of screw the color of the keyboard, but it look like the case has a brighter white than the beige color of a white Filco?
-
is the color more close to beige than pure white?
the pictures make it look a bit beige
-
The quality is lesser than filco because of the keycaps, and the little marks below the space bar. The color is more white. You're right that my pictures are a bit yellow. Ill get some pics today in the sunlight with my white balance dialed in correctly. : )
-
Keycool offers keycaps made of POM/PBT in 37 keys format.
I think these are ABS.
-
Nice review, think this has tipped me over the edge on my indecisiveness on a cheap board for work :D
-
It would be a great choice. :D
-
I love the Keycool 87, especially the white one. As you said, the only downside is the standard keycaps, but that is easily solved. It's a good quality board and it feels really good to type on. :)
It looks great with the Red Alert's. I'll be putting some Group Buy 4 Noir on them when they finally arrive. (Probably around December ?) That way you get this nice white case/black keys effect.
-
That's one of my favorite looks. :D
-
Has anyone cracked one open to get a good look at the soldering? I'm still curious about the build quality.
-
I might do that soon. I don't know if I wanna take off the rubber feet though. : (
-
I might do that soon. I don't know if I wanna take off the rubber feet though. : (
My GF's successfully reapplied plastic decals by cleaning the sticky part with isopropyl alcohol. I haven't tried it for reapplying rubber feet yet, but a small amount of solvent should fix any sticky that comes unstuck, just don't go overboard or you'll end up with a gooey mess, lol.
-
Has anyone cracked one open to get a good look at the soldering? I'm still curious about the build quality.
I'm very interested in this, too.
Keep us updated about wear n' tear and functionality of it, please. :D
-
good review.............you did a good job and thumbs up with the different pictures
so what the heck is up with those scratches- did he pull that one off the scratch and sniff section :eek:
would be nice to see what his/they're reply is after making aware you're bumper came with a dent in it :(
-
It's really not something I was gonna bring up to him. It wouldn't really be worth getting a replacement. It's really hard to see unless you get really up close.
-
gotcha............not trying to hammer anybody and we know the seller has a good rep
as long as you're happy!
-
i got mine a little over a week ago and i love it, i very much prefer the keycool to a quickfire rapid aswell.
-
do you guys think the backlit version is the exact same quality? sounds like a decent buy.
-
I'm sure it is. :D
-
Did you just add those PCB shots? The solder job looks pretty good for the most part. Each contact does look it like has more solder than needed though.
-
Thanks for delivering on the additional pictures.
-
Thanks for popping it open and taking some shots! Have to agree that there does seem to be a bit much on some points and it looks like the temp may have been slightly on the cool side for some as well, but over all it doesn't look bad at all (except whatever's going on in that last shot :eek:).
-
(http://i.imgur.com/sISnf.jpg)
That part is the locking scheme of PCB to the steelplate. Just unsure why they do those messy soldering on it.
BTW, this is how mine's PCB look like.
(http://i.imgur.com/ruwIm.jpg)