geekhack
geekhack Marketplace => Classifieds => Topic started by: dvdhsu on Thu, 25 July 2013, 06:44:03
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I just purchased a black colored, blue switched, Leopold 660M in Beijing (for 600RMB, or ~$100), thinking that I could swap on some blank keycaps here in the States. Turns out that it isn't so easy, since the left shift is the same size as the right shift. The keyboard is new and used for only a few keystrokes (to verify that it works on my Mac). You certainly wouldn't be able to find any differences between it and a brand new 660M.
The seller tells me there is a three year warranty on this keyboard. If you have any problems with it within that timeframe, I can bring it back to Beijing next time I'm here and have it repaired. The turnaround time wouldn't be great though, since I generally stop by once a year.
I'm selling these for $95 + shipping (free pickup in Palo Alto; if you're within five miles, I'll drive to you). Elitekeyboards offers the same keyboard, but at $122 with CA taxes and shipping. That works out to be $27 more expensive than me if you can do a local pickup, and something like $17 more expensive if you want me to ship to you.
Alternatively, I'm willing to trade keycaps with you, if you have the blank ones (either color is fine). The price isn't negotiable, since, in the worst case, I can just buy some blank keycaps here in Beijing (they're 200RMB, or around $33).
I'll be back Stateside in around two weeks. I'm throwing these up right now to gauge interest. I have feedback here, on Heatware, and on eBay. Thanks!
Edit: Added that the switches are blue, and that the color is black.
Edit2: Added Elitekeyboards pricing.
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Sounds like you have more than one. Are they all blue switch?
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Hey, I hope this doesn't distract from your sale too much, but did you actually buy the keyboard from a shop in Beijing, or got it from Taobao? I was recently in Shanghai, and found it very difficult to find a shop selling mechanical keyboards (aside from Razer stuff), even though I scoured through three digital malls. I did find one eventually, but its prices were way more expensive than Taobao. Curious, in case I find myself in Beijing.
GLWS
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Hey, I hope this doesn't distract from your sale too much, but did you actually buy the keyboard from a shop in Beijing, or got it from Taobao? I was recently in Shanghai, and found it very difficult to find a shop selling mechanical keyboards (aside from Razer stuff), even though I scoured through three digital malls. I did find one eventually, but its prices were way more expensive than Taobao. Curious, in case I find myself in Beijing.
GLWS
People usually buy mechanical keyboards from taobao from better prices.
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Sounds like you have more than one. Are they all blue switch?
Sorry, I only have one. If I've done business with you before, I might be willing to sell you one at cost. PM me if you're interested. If I haven't bought or sold with you, I'm probably not willing to buy you one; I remember somebody previously offering a Taobao group buy at cost, then scamming everybody. If you're really interested though, feel free to send me a PM.
Hey, I hope this doesn't distract from your sale too much, but did you actually buy the keyboard from a shop in Beijing, or got it from Taobao? I was recently in Shanghai, and found it very difficult to find a shop selling mechanical keyboards (aside from Razer stuff), even though I scoured through three digital malls. I did find one eventually, but its prices were way more expensive than Taobao. Curious, in case I find myself in Beijing.
GLWS
I actually bought this in person, at an electronics market (BuyNow, in Beijing). It isn't easy to find the keyboard shops even when you're in the market; you generally have to wander around until you see a shop front that has keyboards in front. Then, you go in and ask to see if they have what you want. The first store I found had some Cherry keyboards, but not much else. The second one had a few Noppoos (spelling?), but didn't have any with a blue switch. The third one I found had everything I wanted: the 660C, 660M, other Leopolds, a variety of Filcos, and many RealForces. They didn't have any HHKBs, but I'm guessing the prices wouldn't be that different from the US anyways. It takes a while to find a store that has what you want, buying on Taobao is probably easier if you have enough time to have it shipped, have a place for it to be shipped, and have a Chinese credit card. If you're in Beijing, I can give you the business card of the shop I bought it from. The prices really weren't much different from the MRSPs in America. Of course, you save on shipping and taxes.
The store you went to was probably trying to rip you off, since I'm guessing you don't speak Chinese. If you have a phone with mobile internet, I would recommend pulling up the Taobao page and showing them the prices (I suppose you could print them out beforehand). Then, ask for a little below (10-20RMB), or up to the Taobao price, excluding shipping. If they don't give it to you, just walk away. They'll come after you if they think they're making money selling at that price; if they don't, you know they're actually not making much from the sale, and you can always come back after browsing the other stores for half an hour (say), and offer higher.
I was also in Seoul for a week not long back, but couldn't find any keyboards there either. I visited a few electronics markets, but since I don't speak Korean, it was difficult to ask around for keyboards. In retrospect, I probably should have visited the Leopold headquarters or something similar.
People usually buy mechanical keyboards from taobao from better prices.
I was thinking I could get a better price in person, so I tried the markets. Turns out that the market was 10RMB (~$2) more expensive, but I think it's worth that to see the keyboards in person. If I had warranty problems, it would also be easier, so I know where I can physically find the seller.
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Thanks for the detailed reply. I do speak Mandarin, and you are right, I should have tried bargaining. I tired BuyNow in SH too, but didn't find anything. Would appreciate a picture of that name card, if it's not too much trouble. Thanks!
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[attach=1]I went ahead and bought some blank PBT keycaps for 200RMB (33USD). This keyboard is therefore no longer for sale.
Here's the picture of the business card. I've included one of my keyboard as well. :)