Anyone Tried a KUL ES-87 MX Blue Keyboard?

[aref]

Has anyone tried a KUL ES-87 MX Blue keyboard? I know the KBs have Cherry stabilizers, which I prefer. But I haven't seen any reviews/observations on this KB. If you've used one, I'd really appreciate reading your observations. Thanks.

[KeyCapsule]

I actually just sold off my KUL-ES87 with Blue switches. From my experiences with it (roughly 2 months of ownership), I actually really liked it.

The KUL TKL was incredibly well built. Design was subtle and solid. None to minimal flex or creaking. Stock ABS were better than most stock keys but I'd assumed you'd want to switch them out eventually. If I recall correctly, there was a dipswitch for changing the CTRL/Caps Lock around which was a plus. Overall a great board for it's price range. Unfortunately, I sold mine off to pay for a HHKB Type-S but would definitely consider buying it again if I wanted another Cherry MX board.

Hope that helps and good luck.

[aref]

Thank you. I've been waiting to buy a Pro 2; so I can understand your position with your HHKB Pro S. If I may, how do you like the HHKB compared with ES-87? I use an RF 55g/87UB, which I really like; it's my daily keyboard for feel and all the feedback delivered from these marvelous Topre switches. I think I'm a diehard Topre guy. Nothing I've tried bests Topre's switches. The only exceptions for me are Topre's variable switches and their 45g on a Realforce platform. I am told the same switch on an HHKB has a much different feel, hence my getting an HHKB Pro 2. I'm waiting for EK to replenish their stock.

[hwood34]

KULs in general have a great reputation as one of the best stock boards there are. I'd definitely recommend one

[aref]

KULs in general have a great reputation as one of the best stock boards there are. I'd definitely recommend one

Thanks for the feedback. I appreciate your taking the time. This is going to be a gift for my niece's son, my great nephew.

[KeyCapsule]

No worries Aref

The feel of the HHKB S is unparalleled. I own a Leopold 660C, Realforce 87UB-55g and a Realforce 104UG-HiPro. Compared to the Type-S, the 660C feels kind of "hollow". 55g feels "punchier" but not as smooth. The Hi-Pro feels cumbersome. Something about being case mounted and the silenced sliders really stands above the rest. I've already bought some landing pads and some lube and will probably perform a silencing mod on the 55g this weekend. I just find myself yearning for the buttery feel of that Type S.

If this is a present, get the KUL. If this is for yourself, invest in a Type-S. Once you get past the learning curve of the layout, you won't regret the purchase. Good luck!

[ATXTider]

I have one with Browns that I really like, way better than the Das 4 my wife bought me for Christmas. 

[aref]

No worries Aref

The feel of the HHKB S is unparalleled. I own a Leopold 660C, Realforce 87UB-55g and a Realforce 104UG-HiPro. Compared to the Type-S, the 660C feels kind of "hollow". 55g feels "punchier" but not as smooth. The Hi-Pro feels cumbersome. Something about being case mounted and the silenced sliders really stands above the rest. I've already bought some landing pads and some lube and will probably perform a silencing mod on the 55g this weekend. I just find myself yearning for the buttery feel of that Type S.

If this is a present, get the KUL. If this is for yourself, invest in a Type-S. Once you get past the learning curve of the layout, you won't regret the purchase. Good luck!

I am going to get my niece's son the KUL in MX Blue. I think the Cherry stabilizers will be easier for him to manage. An HHKB is a must-have keyboard for those of us who prefer Topre switches. I looked into a HiPro shortly after the KB was released; but I didn't think the profile would suit me as much the 87U series. Thanks for the observation on the 660C. At first many raved about the KB; then I began seeing a lot of users selling them. The one possible drawback I've read about the Type S is the whistling sound. I'm not sure what to make of it or if it's correctable.

[Flyersfan1]

No worries Aref

The feel of the HHKB S is unparalleled. I own a Leopold 660C, Realforce 87UB-55g and a Realforce 104UG-HiPro. Compared to the Type-S, the 660C feels kind of "hollow". 55g feels "punchier" but not as smooth. The Hi-Pro feels cumbersome. Something about being case mounted and the silenced sliders really stands above the rest. I've already bought some landing pads and some lube and will probably perform a silencing mod on the 55g this weekend. I just find myself yearning for the buttery feel of that Type S.

If this is a present, get the KUL. If this is for yourself, invest in a Type-S. Once you get past the learning curve of the layout, you won't regret the purchase. Good luck!

I am going to get my niece's son the KUL in MX Blue. I think the Cherry stabilizers will be easier for him to manage. An HHKB is a must-have keyboard for those of us who prefer Topre switches. I looked into a HiPro shortly after the KB was released; but I didn't think the profile would suit me as much the 87U series. Thanks for the observation on the 660C. At first many raved about the KB; then I began seeing a lot of users selling them. The one possible drawback I've read about the Type S is the whistling sound. I'm not sure what to make of it or if it's correctable.

Aref, not sure if you've seen this or not, but eyesmiles did a pretty comprehensive review and teardown of KUL ES-87 recently, here it is:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=59116.0

I also own one myself and can safely say it's one of the best stock keyboards I've had the pleasure of using, I would definitely recommend them to anyone look for a solid, low profile , no frills keyboard.

[Sygaldry]

A KUL ES-87 will be my only MX board (and I'm only getting it to have something to put the GMK Hyperfuse set on).

[aref]

Aref, not sure if you've seen this or not, but eyesmiles did a pretty comprehensive review and teardown of KUL ES-87 recently, here it is:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=59116.0

I also own one myself and can safely say it's one of the best stock keyboards I've had the pleasure of using, I would definitely recommend them to anyone look for a solid, low profile , no frills keyboard.
[/quote]

Thank you. I like the build quality. Is yours in MX Blue or Clear switches? I'll get an MX Blue, his preference, for my great nephew.

[aref]

A KUL ES-87 will be my only MX board (and I'm only getting it to have something to put the GMK Hyperfuse set on).

One does need one MX KB for those add-on MX key caps; I understand.

[Flyersfan1]

Aref, not sure if you've seen this or not, but eyesmiles did a pretty comprehensive review and teardown of KUL ES-87 recently, here it is:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=59116.0

I also own one myself and can safely say it's one of the best stock keyboards I've had the pleasure of using, I would definitely recommend them to anyone look for a solid, low profile , no frills keyboard.

Thank you. I like the build quality. Is yours in MX Blue or Clear switches? I'll get an MX Blue, his preference, for my great nephew.

Mine has MX browns in them currently, I might eventually modify them into ergo-clears though.  The "Smoke" Grey color is also very nice, the only caveat about the ES-87 would be the printing method of their caps, they are laser infilled.  This method makes the legends start to fade within about a week of regular usage, even with casual gameplay my "WASD" cluster began to show fading only after a few days, thankfully KUL has a mainstream bottom row that allows for a multitude of replacement keycap options.

[aref]

I'm sure my nephew will be adding key sets to this KB. He has his uncle's keyboard affliction.

[Hypersphere]

I've had various other Cherry mx blue keyboards, and I've had two Kul boards -- one with clears and one with reds. I've sold all these, mainly because I've finally determined that Cherry mx switches are my least favorite. (My favorites are IBM capacitive buckling spring (Model F), Topre 45g and 55g, Matias Click, and Matias Quiet).

Things I liked about the Kul boards: solid build and a wealth of DIP switch settings that were useful to me. Things I didn't like about the Kul boards: difficult to attach/re-attach the USB cable in the recessed area under the keyboard; Cherry stabilizers; some slight imperfections in the case finish on the one with reds.

I decided to keep two Cherry mx boards: a WASD V2 87 mx brown (mainly for the Costar-type stabilizers) and a Poker II mx brown (mainly for the 60% form factor).

[saturnotaku]

(My favorites are IBM capacitive buckling spring (Model F), Topre 45g and 55g, Matias Click, and Matias Quiet).

Must you say this or very slight variations thereof in every single post you make?

[MPZ]

I have a KUL with red switches, and can echo the complaint about a case imperfection. I like the usb though- tolerances are just really tight, which to me just speaks of the superlative build quality of the board. I just wanted to add that on my board the left shift is (to me) obnoxiously stiff- a little more than the other modifiers. This might be completely normal for cherry stabilizers, idk (new to this game still, my first board with them)... but I'm still trying to decide if the left shift is a deal breaker. With aftermarket caps (especially Leopold thick pbt), this board just gets even better.

Sounds like the way to go for a gift provided he will like the cherry stabs. Oh also the case imperfection thing seems limited to red switches for whatever reason.

[Sygaldry]

What is this case imperfection issue you guys are mentioning (is it on the top case?)

[Flyersfan1]

What is this case imperfection issue you guys are mentioning (is it on the top case?)

Yes, but there were none on my "Smoke" version thankfully, here's a few potato pictures I snapped of mine with the imperfections.  Thankfully, it was bought through Amazon, so the return process was very hassle free.
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=59116.msg1570105#msg1570105

[eyesmiles]

What is this case imperfection issue you guys are mentioning (is it on the top case?)

Usually minor scuffs on the top panel. Sometimes can be an eyesore depending on the scuff as the plastic whitens a bit. If you look closely in my overview, near the top right of the top panel around the scroll lock area you can see a slight blemish. On some reviews on some sites online, you can note some imperfections on the top panels. Many are generally perfect.

Flyersfan1 shows a good example posted above.

[aref]

Thanks for the heads-up on the blemish issue. I will let them know that if such an issue exits, they should contact Amazon. I've found Amazon to be honorable where products' issues are brought to light. Please accept a collective 'Thank you', gentlemen.