KBP V60 Build with SKCM Amber and Canon HiPros

[Mattr567]

Got finished building this today.


Over a year later I decided to attempt to modify and build another KBP V60. Last time I tried I ended up destroying the PCB, as many others have done in the past. The PCBs on these are fairly fragile and badly designed and as a result it is harder to desolder and runs a much higher chance of ripping out through holes like this:

I did a ton of wiring and got it to work but the result was still pretty bad. Plus bottom row keys like Win and such were permanently broken.



Ever since i've wanted to get another shot at this and after I found a used V60 on ebay it was time

This time round I have a lot more experience and better tools and as a result it went a lot better. Not a single broken through hole!



Last time I used SKCL Green, and I decided to switch it up. I used SKCM Amber since I didn't have enough for a full keyboard swap like I originally wanted.

The keycaps are from a Canon S-14. Most people know about the bigger Canon AP series typewriters for having SKCM or Plate Spring as well as these lovely caps, but it turns out some of the smaller Canons use Alps mount HiPros as well! The keyboard itself uses Alps mount integrated domes, and a single SKCL Green for the LED caps lock. They actually aren't that bad but there is plenty better.





They are actually a bit different from the IBM Multistation HiPros, a little more angled at the bottom like the SKCC Green Pingmaster keycaps.



The build:









Installing keycaps:




Done!




Typing on this thing is a dream. E3E said that SKCM Amber and HiPros should be a lovely combo, and they are! The keycap color palette matches pretty well too, a Dolch like scheme. The non-Canon caps actually match pretty well height wise too.

Hope you enjoyed

[E3E]

The actually came out quite nice even with the different caps. It blends well despite the asymmetry. I like it.

Great job, man. Good to hear my theory on the Alps SKCM Ambers' chemistry with hi pro caps was on point. Would you say it's a favorite of yours?