KUL buyers on the fence: Would a $109 ES-87 Barebones (no keycaps) do it for you

[dante]

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?

[Rewind]

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.

[jdcarpe]

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.

[Novus]

Yes!
Down with ABS stock caps.

[Oobly]

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.

[ComradeSniper]

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.

[lightsout714]

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.