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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: dante on Sun, 03 August 2014, 09:08:15

Title: KUL buyers on the fence: Would a $109 ES-87 Barebones (no keycaps) do it for you
Post by: dante on Sun, 03 August 2014, 09:08:15
A while back I suggested in the forums (can't find it now the subforum is gone) - that WASD come out with a barebones V1 and after many supporters it became a reality.  In fact it became so popular that while the V2 was in transit people were asking if they could have a barebones version of the new board.

So with retail of the KUL being $129ish, if a $109 (maybe even a $105?) would that do it for you?
Title: Re: KUL buyers on the fence: Would a $109 ES-87 Barebones (no keycaps) do it for you
Post by: Rewind on Sun, 03 August 2014, 09:23:18
There is a big difference between the two companies.

WASD offers custom key sets. A lot of people who placed their first order would end up with 2 sets of keys.

Anyways, if any keyboard company offers a bare bones options, I would never buy the board with standard keys.
Title: Re: KUL buyers on the fence: Would a $109 ES-87 Barebones (no keycaps) do it for you
Post by: jdcarpe on Sun, 03 August 2014, 09:54:11
Also, while I personally choose not to use any stock keycaps on my keyboards, I do like that KUL includes extra keycaps which cover the possibilities that exist with the DIP switch settings. Including those was a stroke of brilliance, second only to having the DIP switch options in the first place.
Title: Re: KUL buyers on the fence: Would a $109 ES-87 Barebones (no keycaps) do it for you
Post by: Novus on Sun, 03 August 2014, 14:27:25
Yes!
Down with ABS stock caps.
Title: Re: KUL buyers on the fence: Would a $109 ES-87 Barebones (no keycaps) do it for you
Post by: Oobly on Sun, 03 August 2014, 14:53:07
Also, while I personally choose not to use any stock keycaps on my keyboards, I do like that KUL includes extra keycaps which cover the possibilities that exist with the DIP switch settings. Including those was a stroke of brilliance, second only to having the DIP switch options in the first place.

+1 to this. Also, the stock caps that come with the KUL are actually quite decent. Certainly the best stock thin ABS caps I have seen in a while.

So I would say "maybe". I have enough aftermarket sets that I could benefit from getting a barebones board and put my own good caps on, but If I ever decide to sell it, I'd like to be able to offer it with original keycaps, including those extras.
Title: Re: KUL buyers on the fence: Would a $109 ES-87 Barebones (no keycaps) do it for you
Post by: ComradeSniper on Sun, 03 August 2014, 15:00:43
Planning on getting a KUL with reds as a dedicated gaming board since nothing I currently have is really ideal for gaming on. I'd definitely get the barebones one if that option was available because I'm just going to end up throwing PBT on it either way.
Title: Re: KUL buyers on the fence: Would a $109 ES-87 Barebones (no keycaps) do it for you
Post by: lightsout714 on Sun, 03 August 2014, 15:29:57
Also, while I personally choose not to use any stock keycaps on my keyboards, I do like that KUL includes extra keycaps which cover the possibilities that exist with the DIP switch settings. Including those was a stroke of brilliance, second only to having the DIP switch options in the first place.

+1 to this. Also, the stock caps that come with the KUL are actually quite decent. Certainly the best stock thin ABS caps I have seen in a while.

So I would say "maybe". I have enough aftermarket sets that I could benefit from getting a barebones board and put my own good caps on, but If I ever decide to sell it, I'd like to be able to offer it with original keycaps, including those extras.

I have to agree, I like the texture on them.