Original Cherry pbt dyesub keycaps from taobao

[jonathanyu]

Got this set of keycap today, so i decided to write a short review.


First of all, this set is 688rmb, about 112.5usd.  It has a profile in the bottom row

I would say it is a great price before I get it.  After I get it, I would say it is better to save your money.
Here is the reason.
1.  This set is shine like hell.  Yes i know, it is pbt, but it is still shine like hell.
     The worst key is the Esc.


As you can see, the color of the legend is very light, and the cap itself is shine like a mirror, i could almost see myself on the cap 

2.  Caps are extremely dirty
     

Most of the caps are full of dust, dirt, oil... anything that you can imagine, and some of them are almost impossible to clean.

3.  Dent, scratch all over different keycaps, MOST of the caps have scratch, some have dent.  The worst one is spacebar.




The black line, and those weird thing is not dirt, those are scratch and dent 


And the spacebar is a little bit wrapped up, and sometimes it will get stuck when i bottom it out.



(normal)



(get stuck)

4.  I don't know what to say about this one.  A panda have sat on it?




I can even see the stem from the top of the caps 

5.  OMG, it is a "zombie" set


F2 is much yellower than other caps.  just found this out when i am going to clean it 

I am typing on this set of keycap right now, the bottom sound is quite different than GMK set.  And of course, the feeling is also different when I am typing.
Personally, I like the feeling cherry pbt than GMK abs.  But this set got too much shine on keycaps, I would rather stick with GMK abs right now, and get a nice cherry pbt set later if possible.  This set would probably sit in the closet forever

The total price that I paid for this set of cap is about 140usd after include proxy fee and shipping.  If someone is looking for the same set of cap on taobao, I would suggest you to save you money and get a brand new, no shine GMK abs 

[epzy]

Lol, lesson learned. Better to buy from someone in the classifieds or something. I have some OG Cherry dyesubs incoming from CeeSA over at DT, they were supposedly in good condition, so we'll see. I got them for a more reasonable price at $85 shipped.

[jonathanyu]

Lol, lesson learned. Better to buy from someone in the classifieds or something. I have some OG Cherry dyesubs incoming from CeeSA over at DT, they were supposedly in good condition, so we'll see. I got them for a more reasonable price at $85 shipped.

$85 shipped! that's a great price!  I will probably avoid buying from taobao from now on.

[BlueBär]

...on taobao...

Found your problem.

Also, the legend of that Esc is wearing off, looks like it might be just lasered. I mean, you got ripped off anyways

[snoopy]

Lol, lesson learned. Better to buy from someone in the classifieds or something. I have some OG Cherry dyesubs incoming from CeeSA over at DT, they were supposedly in good condition, so we'll see. I got them for a more reasonable price at $85 shipped.

$85 shipped! that's a great price!  I will probably avoid buying from taobao from now on.

But the set from ceesa was iso and de. So that's a huge difference concerning value.

[epzy]

Lol, lesson learned. Better to buy from someone in the classifieds or something. I have some OG Cherry dyesubs incoming from CeeSA over at DT, they were supposedly in good condition, so we'll see. I got them for a more reasonable price at $85 shipped.

$85 shipped! that's a great price!  I will probably avoid buying from taobao from now on.

Yeah, mine are ISO, though - they go for cheaper than ANSI. At least don't buy used stuff from there, I guess.

[epzy]

Lol, lesson learned. Better to buy from someone in the classifieds or something. I have some OG Cherry dyesubs incoming from CeeSA over at DT, they were supposedly in good condition, so we'll see. I got them for a more reasonable price at $85 shipped.

$85 shipped! that's a great price!  I will probably avoid buying from taobao from now on.

But the set from ceesa was iso and de. So that's a huge difference concerning value.

Yup. ^^

[jonathanyu]

...on taobao...

Found your problem.

Also, the legend of that Esc is wearing off, looks like it might be just lasered. I mean, you got ripped off anyways

  yeah, I won't buy keyboard stuff from there anymore
From what i see, it should be dyesub, at least the alpha keycaps.  But for the esc? i really don't know.
And yes  i got ripped off

[jonathanyu]

Lol, lesson learned. Better to buy from someone in the classifieds or something. I have some OG Cherry dyesubs incoming from CeeSA over at DT, they were supposedly in good condition, so we'll see. I got them for a more reasonable price at $85 shipped.

$85 shipped! that's a great price!  I will probably avoid buying from taobao from now on.

Yeah, mine are ISO, though - they go for cheaper than ANSI. At least don't buy used stuff from there, I guess.

ah, I see.  I am not a big fan of iso.     But i think it is still a good price for OG Cherry dyesubs

[phoenix1234]

Dat spacebar ... 

Look like it has been even sanded partially.
The sandiness level of classic Cherry PBT space bar 7x is very low.
(Imsto PBT 6.25x >> Deck PBT 6x >> Cherry PBT 7x)
It's much lower than on imsto Cherry PBT.
So if you fix it more with sandpaper, it will lose the sandiness completely.

[korrelate]

Thanks for sharing the info! Don't feel bad: it isn't always easy to spot the problems before-hand. I'm learning that lesson with the DSA Dolch (Redline) GB. I'll be lucky if I ever see those caps or my money ever again.

Cheers! And Seriously: thanks for sharing the info!


-K

[jonathanyu]

Show Image

Dat spacebar ...  :'(

Look like it has been even sanded partially.
The sandiness level of classic Cherry PBT space bar 7x is very low.
(Imsto PBT 6.25x >> Deck PBT 6x >> Cherry PBT 7x)
It's much lower than on imsto Cherry PBT.
So if you fix it more with sandpaper, it will lose the sandiness completely.

 :rolleyes: I think that is what happened to the spacebar.  It feels really really rough

[jonathanyu]

Thanks for sharing the info! Don't feel bad: it isn't always easy to spot the problems before-hand. I'm learning that lesson with the DSA Dolch (Redline) GB. I'll be lucky if I ever see those caps or my money ever again.

Cheers! And Seriously: thanks for sharing the info!


-K

   Thanks, i am ok.  I learned a good lesson with this set of caps.

[Dreamre]

Clean it with some denture tabs and call it a day...sorry to hear your horrible experience .

[jonathanyu]

Clean it with some denture tabs and call it a day...sorry to hear your horrible experience .

I am thinking of clean it with denture tabs too, but it doesn't work really well on my abs caps in the past,  how well does it work on pbt?

From this set, I just found I prefer A profile bottom row than B profile 

[Pacifist]

Clean it with some denture tabs and call it a day...sorry to hear your horrible experience .

I am thinking of clean it with denture tabs too, but it doesn't work really well on my abs caps in the past,  how well does it work on pbt?

From this set, I just found I prefer A profile bottom row than B profile

Denture tablet is amazing.

For really dirty caps tho with dirt i use dishwasher+denture

[jonathanyu]

Clean it with some denture tabs and call it a day...sorry to hear your horrible experience .

I am thinking of clean it with denture tabs too, but it doesn't work really well on my abs caps in the past,  how well does it work on pbt?

From this set, I just found I prefer A profile bottom row than B profile

Denture tablet is amazing.

For really dirty caps tho with dirt i use dishwasher+denture

Thanks! I will try it, but i don't have a dishwasher, maybe I will try to use a toothbrush

[phoenix1234]

I tried denture tablet once but I'm not impressed much.
Comparing between denture tablet and high quality detergent, I think detergent is better because it has enzyme to clean difficult stains.
Maybe what I tried is not the right denture tablet.
I need to trial and error more before come back with a different conclusion.
Until then, I prefer soaking keycap in warm water with detergent, at about 40°C, for 120 minutes before cleaning them with a toothbrush.

[jonathanyu]

I tried denture tablet once but I'm not impressed much.
Comparing between denture tablet and high quality detergent, I think detergent is better because it has enzyme to clean difficult stains.
Maybe what I tried is not the right denture tablet.
I need to trial and error more before come back with a different conclusion.
Until then, I prefer soaking keycap in warm water with detergent, at about 40°C, for 120 minutes before cleaning them with a toothbrush.

Thanks! If the denture tablet doesn't work well, I will try withdetergent

[Candyflip]

Sorry to hear this, whenever I want something from taobao I'll just remind myself of this post...

[Photekq]

That really sucks, dude. It's a shame your first experience with dyesubs was such a bad one.

[snoopy]

My personal first experience with cherry dyesubs was also a very bad one. I bought a used Highscreen keyboard with those keycaps on ebay. On the pic in ebay they looked good, but when they arrived... they were shiny as hell. Anyway, I put a lot of work into cleaning... But after I had them on my board, they just felt really really bad. Totally slippery and strange. It ended with just putting them back on ebay... and forgetting about dyesubs.

Recently I bought another complete board with dyesubs on ebay. This time I had real luck. They were like new, only a bit dirty. After giving them a good clean with denture tabs and some apple dish soap, I was totally happy. They look and feel awesome. I'm currently typing this post on them.

What I want to say... don't give up, keep on hunting, it's worth it.

snoopy

[jonathanyu]

Sorry to hear this, whenever I want something from taobao I'll just remind myself of this post...

Buying from taobao really need to think over...

[jonathanyu]

That really sucks, dude. It's a shame your first experience with dyesubs was such a bad one.

yeah... this set only have few keys that i almost never use doesn't have shine on it.  But from those keys, i can tell i prefer dyesub much more than doubleshot.

[jonathanyu]

My personal first experience with cherry dyesubs was also a very bad one. I bought a used Highscreen keyboard with those keycaps on ebay. On the pic in ebay they looked good, but when they arrived... they were shiny as hell. Anyway, I put a lot of work into cleaning... But after I had them on my board, they just felt really really bad. Totally slippery and strange. It ended with just putting them back on ebay... and forgetting about dyesubs.

Recently I bought another complete board with dyesubs on ebay. This time I had real luck. They were like new, only a bit dirty. After giving them a good clean with denture tabs and some apple dish soap, I was totally happy. They look and feel awesome. I'm currently typing this post on them.

What I want to say... don't give up, keep on hunting, it's worth it.

snoopy

Mine set is in almost the same situation. the seller give me a picture, in the picture it looks pretty good, and only have a dent on numpad's enter, which i have no use with it, so i bought it.  But when it arrive,


it is just a piece of crap   
And now i know that lighting can change how the keycaps look A LOT

[epzy]

My personal first experience with cherry dyesubs was also a very bad one. I bought a used Highscreen keyboard with those keycaps on ebay. On the pic in ebay they looked good, but when they arrived... they were shiny as hell. Anyway, I put a lot of work into cleaning... But after I had them on my board, they just felt really really bad. Totally slippery and strange. It ended with just putting them back on ebay... and forgetting about dyesubs.

Recently I bought another complete board with dyesubs on ebay. This time I had real luck. They were like new, only a bit dirty. After giving them a good clean with denture tabs and some apple dish soap, I was totally happy. They look and feel awesome. I'm currently typing this post on them.

What I want to say... don't give up, keep on hunting, it's worth it.

snoopy

Mine set is in almost the same situation. the seller give me a picture, in the picture it looks pretty good, and only have a dent on numpad's enter, which i have no use with it, so i bought it.  But when it arrive,

Show Image

it is just a piece of crap   >:D
And now i know that lighting can change how the keycaps look A LOT

Holy ****, that meme gets me every time. LOL

[jonathanyu]

My personal first experience with cherry dyesubs was also a very bad one. I bought a used Highscreen keyboard with those keycaps on ebay. On the pic in ebay they looked good, but when they arrived... they were shiny as hell. Anyway, I put a lot of work into cleaning... But after I had them on my board, they just felt really really bad. Totally slippery and strange. It ended with just putting them back on ebay... and forgetting about dyesubs.

Recently I bought another complete board with dyesubs on ebay. This time I had real luck. They were like new, only a bit dirty. After giving them a good clean with denture tabs and some apple dish soap, I was totally happy. They look and feel awesome. I'm currently typing this post on them.

What I want to say... don't give up, keep on hunting, it's worth it.

snoopy

Mine set is in almost the same situation. the seller give me a picture, in the picture it looks pretty good, and only have a dent on numpad's enter, which i have no use with it, so i bought it.  But when it arrive,

Show Image

it is just a piece of crap   >:D
And now i know that lighting can change how the keycaps look A LOT

Holy ****, that meme gets me every time. LOL

:))

[epzy]

My personal first experience with cherry dyesubs was also a very bad one. I bought a used Highscreen keyboard with those keycaps on ebay. On the pic in ebay they looked good, but when they arrived... they were shiny as hell. Anyway, I put a lot of work into cleaning... But after I had them on my board, they just felt really really bad. Totally slippery and strange. It ended with just putting them back on ebay... and forgetting about dyesubs.

Recently I bought another complete board with dyesubs on ebay. This time I had real luck. They were like new, only a bit dirty. After giving them a good clean with denture tabs and some apple dish soap, I was totally happy. They look and feel awesome. I'm currently typing this post on them.

What I want to say... don't give up, keep on hunting, it's worth it.

snoopy

Mine set is in almost the same situation. the seller give me a picture, in the picture it looks pretty good, and only have a dent on numpad's enter, which i have no use with it, so i bought it.  But when it arrive,

Show Image

it is just a piece of crap   >:D
And now i know that lighting can change how the keycaps look A LOT

Holy ****, that meme gets me every time. LOL

:))

I can imagine your face when you opened the package, all excited and stuff, and then you get those caps, mind=blown. HEUHEUEHEU

[jonathanyu]

My personal first experience with cherry dyesubs was also a very bad one. I bought a used Highscreen keyboard with those keycaps on ebay. On the pic in ebay they looked good, but when they arrived... they were shiny as hell. Anyway, I put a lot of work into cleaning... But after I had them on my board, they just felt really really bad. Totally slippery and strange. It ended with just putting them back on ebay... and forgetting about dyesubs.

Recently I bought another complete board with dyesubs on ebay. This time I had real luck. They were like new, only a bit dirty. After giving them a good clean with denture tabs and some apple dish soap, I was totally happy. They look and feel awesome. I'm currently typing this post on them.

What I want to say... don't give up, keep on hunting, it's worth it.

snoopy

Mine set is in almost the same situation. the seller give me a picture, in the picture it looks pretty good, and only have a dent on numpad's enter, which i have no use with it, so i bought it.  But when it arrive,

Show Image

it is just a piece of crap   >:D
And now i know that lighting can change how the keycaps look A LOT

Holy ****, that meme gets me every time. LOL

:))

I can imagine your face when you opened the package, all excited and stuff, and then you get those caps, mind=blown. HEUHEUEHEU

exactly, i have been waiting the set for almost a month, and...


boom

[Candyflip]

I never figured out how to properly search through Taobao... Do you need proxy to buy stuff?

[epzy]

I never figured out how to properly search through Taobao... Do you need proxy to buy stuff?

As far as I know, yes. imsto & qtan I think, are listed as 'taobao proxies' so...

[phoenix1234]

I never figured out how to properly search through Taobao... Do you need proxy to buy stuff?

Searching and Buying are two different skills when you want to buy from taobao.

To search you need to know Chinese a bit.
To buy you need a proxy unless you have a taobao actived account. The credibility of taobao account is important, even more than ebay in some aspects. So maybe you should choose a proxy with high ranking taobao agent to buy for you.

[jonathanyu]

I never figured out how to properly search through Taobao... Do you need proxy to buy stuff?

I just type cherry pbt on taobao, and i found this set.  Buying from taobao usually need proxy, unless the seller accept paypal and ship to international.  The hardest part is to pay the money to them, because the seller on taobao usually use a "Chinese paypal" (It's called 支付寶, I have no idea what the hell is that and how to use it)

[CatNip :3]

Is this the same keycap set?
http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.14.61.UtgOQE&id=35272424794

[Candyflip]

Is this the same keycap set?
http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.14.61.UtgOQE&id=35272424794

From the rough Chrome translate I got those are "two-mold shot" which is double shot keycaps, so no the OP bought PBT dyesub caps.

[Photekq]

Is this the same keycap set?
http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.14.61.UtgOQE&id=35272424794

Nope. That's 1800 layout. Candyflip is right also -they're doubleshot not dyesub. 1800s didn't come with dyesubs.

[CatNip :3]

Is this the same keycap set?
http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.14.61.UtgOQE&id=35272424794

Nope. That's 1800 layout. Candyflip is right also -they're doubleshot not dyesub. 1800s didn't come with dyesubs.

Just wondering, do they have the same thickness?

[Photekq]

Just wondering, do they have the same thickness?

Yes. They are both thick. Dyesubs are a lot rarer than doubleshots though, and are made from PBT instead of ABS.

[berserkfan]

Lol, lesson learned. Better to buy from someone in the classifieds or something. I have some OG Cherry dyesubs incoming from CeeSA over at DT, they were supposedly in good condition, so we'll see. I got them for a more reasonable price at $85 shipped.

$85 shipped! that's a great price!  I will probably avoid buying from taobao from now on.

Jonathan

I read the thread from start to end, and still don't have a clue who you bought it from. Do you mind telling us? Some of these Taobao guys are really good; their photos are realistic and don't lie, and some of these guys use one damn nice stock photo to represent 100 crap keyboards they want to get rid of.

The spacebar was so ****, it shouldn't have been sold in the first place unless the seller mentioned it. For PBT to be so shiny, you need what, 40,000,000 actuations? Keyboard must have been used for data entry or something ridiculous.