Just got my WASD V2 87-key keyboard. This is my first mechanical keyboard since I used to use the old IBM Model M keyboards, which had come standard on my IBM computers back in the day.
* My researchI almost purchased a new buckling spring board from Unicomp, but after some experimenting, I determined it would be too large for me and my trackball would be too far of a reach. So, I did a lot of research on the internet and it brought me to this site (geekhack.org). I love the idea of being able to customize my key caps so I decided to go with MX switches. And, after researching the various versions of the switches, I knew I wanted either blue or green. I ended up going with green switches.
* WASD KeyboardsI decided to go with WASD Keyboards as I really like that they are made in the USA and that they use standard key sizes and that you can specify your own individual keycap colors as well as create your own legends. You can put pretty much anything you want on the keycaps as long as you use their template file. So, that is what I did. I'm now a Mac guy, so I created a legend layout that I thought would be ideal for me to use with my Mac.
My experience was pretty good with WASD Keyboards. Within minutes of placing my order, I realized I submitted an old design of mine (keycap colors). I submitted one with the function keys being all gray and I actually wanted them alternating between white and gray. So, I emailed them and they simply had me email them a screenshot of the design I wanted and they'd take care of it. No problem. That was very good customer support. Then, a few days later I get an email letting me know they were out of white key caps and thus my order had to wait until they came in. This ended up delaying my board for a week or so but I finally got it today.
The only complaint with WASD Keyboards didn't happen until today when I got the board. I opened it up and realized they didn't give me the orange colored keycaps for the WASD key cluster that I wanted. They are simply white like the rest of the alpha keys. I just sent them an email letting them know of this mistake and asked them if they could simply send me orange WASD key caps. I hope they don't have a problem with this.
UPDATE: Got response from WASD Keyboards - they are sending my orange WASD keycaps ASAP.
* The KeyboardThe keyboard is actually heavier than I expected. It has a very nice weight to it. Much heavier than my Apple keyboard. The case looks very nice. It seems to be of a nice quality plastic. It has a matte finish so I don't have to worry about fingerprints.
I like the fact that this keyboard is very understated. It doesn't have any logos or the WASD Keyboards name anywhere on it. Just the keys and two red LED's for caps lock and scroll lock.
The gaps between the keys and the openings in the case all appear very even.
Turning it over, it has two flip down feet to raise the back maybe 1/2 inch or so. And, it has nice rubber "feet" at the front and back that keep the board from sliding about. Typing on it now it isn't sliding around at all.
The detachable USB cord is nice and can be routed out the sides or back. I have mine routed out the back and into a USB hub on my desk. This keyboard will pretty much just sit on my desk all the time so I won't be detaching the USB cable very often (if ever). But I like the thought that if something happens to the cable I can simply get a new one without having to operate on the board itself.
The keycaps are ABC with UV coating over the legends. They keys feel a tiny bit "rough", which I like as it gives a little grip to your fingers while typing. I cannot compare the keycaps to PBT or other types as I don't have any experience with those.
The legends looks very sharp and clear. The only thing I would change is some of the custom legends I added to the function keys. When seeing the previous track, play/pause, next track, etc legends in person, I'd like to tweak some of them as some appear a bit too "bold".
* MX Green switchesI decided to go with MX Greens as I really wanted something like buckling springs and I was a bit worried the blues would be a little too soft for me. I'm a programmer and I don't want to register keystrokes accidentally. For the limited typing I've done so far on this board (just this post so far), I'm really liking these switches. I like the sound and tactile feedback. But, I'm thinking I still may end up having to get a board with blue switches so I can compare.
It's certainly quite a bit different than my Apple bluetooth keyboard I have been using for years now (which obviously was expected). So far, I really like the feel of this board.
* Don't Panic buttonWASD also allows you to create custom single buttons with any image you want. I sent them a "Don't Panic" image (Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy) to see how it would turn out. Ended up pretty nice. It's a little hard to read as it is rather small, but that isn't their fault.
* Pics!My new WASD V2 sitting in my desk's keyboard tray:
Right hand custom modifiers:
Custom function key legends:
Cherry MX Green switches:
WASD V2 87-key vs Apple bluetooth:
Custom "Don't Panic" keycap: