posts-go/posts/2023-04-17-keeb.md

# Keeb

My collection of mechanical keyboards.

## Keyboard

QMK custom keymaps is [here](https://github.com/haunt98/qmk_keymaps)

### iKBC CD87 Cherry MX Blue

My first keeb.

Damn it's so loud :D

### KBDfans X Lazurite D60Lite

I bought it from my friend.

![keeb-009](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/haunt98/posts-images/main/keeb-009.jxl)
![keeb-010](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/haunt98/posts-images/main/keeb-010.jxl)
![keeb-011](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/haunt98/posts-images/main/keeb-011.jxl)
![keeb-012](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/haunt98/posts-images/main/keeb-012.jxl)

Specs:

![keeb-001](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/haunt98/posts-images/main/keeb-001.jxl)

![keeb-002](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/haunt98/posts-images/main/keeb-002.jxl)

![keeb-003](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/haunt98/posts-images/main/keeb-003.jxl)

![keeb-006](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/haunt98/posts-images/main/keeb-006.jxl)

- USB-C
- Plate: PC
- **Gasket mount**
- PCB: DZ60 RGB-WKL Hot-Swap
  - **South facing** (mạch xuôi), but 2 switches in the top left, near USB-C
    port, are **North facing** (mạch ngược).
  - Stabs 2 x 2U + 7U

Layout:

My layout is based on:

- [HHKB layout](https://hhkb.io/layout/)

![keeb-004](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/haunt98/posts-images/main/keeb-004.jxl)

My layout's **quirk/gotcha**:

- Replace `Caps Lock` 1.75U with `Control` 1.75U.
- 2 `Command` 1.5U.
- 2 `Option` 1U.
- 1 `Backspace` 1.5U.
- 1 `| \` 1U.
- 1 `Left Shift` 2.25U and 1 `Right Shift` 1.75U.
- 1 `Space` 7U.

Review:

Things I don't like, also
[honest review from Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/HHKB/comments/xmcbkq/comment/j1625fy):

- The sides don't have any gaskets, so the keys on the far left and right bend
  down more. They will pop out of the hotswap PCB or the plate if pressing too
  hard.
- PCB:
  - Not all keys are **South facing**.
  - Can not config RGB per key for real. Only support RGB mode switching.

Support links:

- Build
  - [KBDfans D60lite Building Tutorial & Sound Test](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FafxRLZkwg8)
  - [Build tutorial](https://shimo.im/docs/tD99za9fJ1ssKD0d/read?spm=a2g0o.detail.1000023.14.6b3a4225JXRu2l)
  - [DZ60RGB-WKL Hot-Swap PCB KBDFANS](https://kbdfans.com/products/dz60rgb-wkl-hot-swap-pcb)
- Review
  - [KBDFans D60 Lite Mechanical Keyboard Review](https://cookiecurls.com/kbdfans-d60-lite-review/)
  - [Reddit Compiled list of DZ60RGB issues/problems](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/bcvcoa/compiled_list_of_dz60rgb_issuesproblems/)
- [geekhack](https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=112710.0)
- [AliExpress](https://vi.aliexpress.com/item/1005004546350713.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2vnm)

### Sofle V2

I bought it from
[ergomech.store](https://ergomech.store/shop/sofle-v2-sandwich-style-12) with
the cheapest option.

Review:

Things I don't like:

- Sandwich style is meh when typing, so I buy Aluminium case.
  - The left sandwich case is so tight to put switch in.
- Sometimes right encoder is not working, I need to plug out and plug in again.
  - See
    [Having trouble with rotary encoders in QMK](https://www.reddit.com/r/olkb/comments/o0elaj/having_trouble_with_rotary_encoders_in_qmk)

## Switch

### KTT Strawberry

Buy it from ShopeeVN. I choose this switch because I prefer linear (please be
silent).

![keeb-007](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/haunt98/posts-images/main/keeb-007.jxl)

Specs:

- Type: Linear
- Mount: 5-pin
- Housing material (Top/Bottom): PC
- Stem material: POM
- Spring: Gold plated spring
- Actuation force: 43g
- Bottom out force: 62g
- Pre travel: 1.9mm
- Total travel: 4.0mm

Support links:

- [KTT Strawberry Switch Review](https://www.theremingoat.com/blog/ktt-strawberry-switch-review)
- [milktooth](https://milktooth.nu/products/switches/strawberry)
- [ShopeeVN](https://shopee.vn/KTT-Strawberry-5-PIN-Switch-KTT-D%C3%A2u-b%E1%BA%A3n-m%E1%BB%9Bi-5-ch%C3%A2n-d%C3%B9ng-cho-b%C3%A0n-ph%C3%ADm-c%C6%A1-i.234040784.12331243715)

### SKYLOONG Glacier Silent Red Switch

I was given this switch from my friend. Love the silent.

![keeb-008](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/haunt98/posts-images/main/keeb-008.jxl)

Specs:

- Type: Linear
- Mount: 5-pin
- Actuation force: 48g
- Bottom out force: 52g
- Pre travel: 1.5-2.0mm
- Total travel: 3.8mm

Support links:

- [KPrepublic](https://kprepublic.com/products/skyloong-glacier-switch-5pin-smd-rgb-mx-stem-switch-for-mechanical-keyboard-brown-yellow-silent-red-silver-milk-rose-35-in-1)

### JWICK Yellow Linear Switch

![keeb-015](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/haunt98/posts-images/main/keeb-015.jxl)

I was given this switch by my friend, full mod (lube + film).

Specs:

- Type: Linear
- Mount: 5-pin
- Top housing material: PC
- Bottom housing material: Nylon PA66
- Stem material: POM
- Actuation force: 65g
- Total travel: 4 mm

Support links:

- [MOKB](https://mokbstore.com/jwick-yellow-switch)

### C3 Equalz Tangerine V2

![keeb-016](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/haunt98/posts-images/main/keeb-016.jxl)
![keeb-017](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/haunt98/posts-images/main/keeb-017.jxl)

Buy it from ShopeeVN, friends told it's smooth. I buy the heavier aka 67g.

The pack I receive is not good, it may damage my keyboards, so I have to put
them to rest :( Not recommend anymore.

Specs:

- Type: Linear
- Mount: 5-pin
- Housing material: UHMWPE
- Stem material: POM
- Force: 67g

Support links:

- [C3 Equalz Tangerine V2 Switch Review](https://www.theremingoat.com/blog/tangerine-v2s)
- [TKC](https://thekey.company/products/tangerine-switches)
- [ShopeeVN](https://shopee.vn/EQUALZ-C3-Tangerine-Linear-Switch-V2-C%C3%B4ng-T%E1%BA%AFc-B%C3%A0n-Ph%C3%ADm-C%C6%A1-Polabe-Store-i.595826413.15976201893)

### CHERRY MX2A Black

![keeb-019](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/haunt98/posts-images/main/keeb-019.jxl)

Buy it as I always love Cherry Black. But buy it too soon so I only got 3-pin
version.

Specs:

- Type: Linear
- Mount: 3-pin
- Actuation force: 60g
- Pre travel: 2.0mm
- Total travel: 4.0mm

Support links:

- [Cherry MX2A RGB Black Switch Review](https://www.theremingoat.com/blog/cherry-mx2a-rgb-black-switch-review)

### HMX Eva

![keeb-024](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/haunt98/posts-images/main/keeb-024.jxl)

Always love Evangelion, so I buy this switch.

Specs:

- Type: Linear
- Mount: 5-pin
- Housing material (Top/Bottom): Nylon
- Stem material: T2
- Spring: 22mm single-stage spring
- Actuation force: 42g
- Bottom out force: 48g
- Pre travel: 2.0mm
- Total travel: 3.6mm

Support links:

- [milktooth](https://milktooth.nu/products/switches/eva)
- [ShopeeVN](https://shopee.vn/Switch-HMX-Eva-5-PIN-Linear-48g-c%C3%B4ng-t%E1%BA%AFc-b%C3%A0n-ph%C3%ADm-Switch-HMX-Eva-DoDo-Gear-i.665488736.24129290733)

## Keycap

Be careful:

- Check if keycap with stab (space, enter, shift) is straight or not.
- Check is keycap is tight on switch or not (may be broken in the future if too
  tight).

### EnjoyPBT 9009

I buy vim kit first then base later.

![keeb-013](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/haunt98/posts-images/main/keeb-013.jxl)

![keeb-014](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/haunt98/posts-images/main/keeb-014.jxl)

Support links:

- [AliExpress 0](https://vi.aliexpress.com/i/1005002378969095.html)
- [AliExpress 1](https://vi.aliexpress.com/item/1005002266603292.html)

### PBTfans BOW

I only buy 40s kit. So sad it's broken now, not recommend PBTfans anymore
because it's not firm, and so fragile.

![keeb-018](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/haunt98/posts-images/main/keeb-018.jxl)

Support links:

- [KBDfans](https://kbdfans.com/collections/pbtfans/products/pbtfans-doubleshot-bow)

### JTK iKey

I bought Blue version with Base, Novel, Space kit from bidding.

![keeb-020](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/haunt98/posts-images/main/keeb-020.jxl)

![keeb-022](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/haunt98/posts-images/main/keeb-022.jxl)

Support links:

- [zfrontier](https://en.zfrontier.com/products/in-stock-jtk-ikey)

### GMK Mecha-01

I only bought Base kit.

![keeb-021](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/haunt98/posts-images/main/keeb-021.jxl)

Support links:

- [Drop](https://drop.com/buy/drop-full-metal-gmk-mecha-01-r2)

### GoMaster Pure Player

I only bough Forties kit.

![keeb-023](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/haunt98/posts-images/main/keeb-023.jxl)

Support links:

- [DesignerStudio](https://gsz-tech.com/gomaster-pure-player/)
- [MOKB](https://mokbstore.com/gomaster-pure-player-keycap-set)

### Color I love

- [GMK 9009](https://matrixzj.github.io/docs/gmk-keycaps/9009-R3/)
- [GMK Mecha-01](https://matrixzj.github.io/docs/gmk-keycaps/Mecha-01/)
- [GMK Serika](https://matrixzj.github.io/docs/gmk-keycaps/Serika/)
  - [GMK Serika R2](https://matrixzj.github.io/docs/gmk-keycaps/Serika-R2/)
  - [SERIKA 2](https://zambumon.com/serika-2/)
  - [MT3 Serika](https://zambumon.com/portfolio/mt3-serika/)
- [GMK Lazurite](https://matrixzj.github.io/docs/gmk-keycaps/Lazurite/)
- [GMK Arch](https://matrixzj.github.io/docs/gmk-keycaps/Arch/)
- [GMK Olivia](https://matrixzj.github.io/docs/gmk-keycaps/Olivia-R3/)
- [GMK Space Cadet](https://matrixzj.github.io/docs/gmk-keycaps/Space-Cadet-R2/)
- [GMK Blue Samurai](https://matrixzj.github.io/docs/gmk-keycaps/Blue-Samurai/)
- [GMK Red Samurai](https://matrixzj.github.io/docs/gmk-keycaps/Red-Samurai-R2/)
- [GMK Lavender](https://matrixzj.github.io/docs/gmk-keycaps/Lavender/)
- [PBTfans POCO](https://geon.works/products/pbtfans-poco)
- [Gestalt](https://akukolabs.com/gestalt)

## Tools

- [bloznelis/kbt](https://github.com/bloznelis/kbt)
- [orhun/daktilo](https://github.com/orhun/daktilo)
  - [nathan-fiscaletti/keyboardsounds](https://github.com/nathan-fiscaletti/keyboardsounds)
  - [tplai/kbsim](https://github.com/tplai/kbsim)

## Buy history

| Item                                 | Price (VND) | Count | When | Status        |
| ------------------------------------ | ----------- | ----- | ---- | ------------- |
| KBDfans X Lazurite D60Lite           | 2,500,000   | 1     | 2023 | Broken (2024) |
| Sofle V2 – Sandwich Style            | 2,834,750   | 1     | 2023 | OK            |
| Sofle V2 - Case Aluminium            | 800,000     | 1     | 2023 | OK            |
| Sofle V2 - Plate Stainless Steel     | 400,000     | 1     | 2023 | OK            |
| ------------------------------------ | ----------- | ----- | ---- | ------------- |
| EnjoyPBT 9009 Base kit               | 950,000     | 1     | 2023 | OK            |
| PBTfans BOW 40s kit                  | 350,000     | 1     | 2023 | Broken (2024) |
| JTK iKey Blue Base, Novel, Space kit | 800,000     | 1     | 2024 | OK            |
| JTK Ride Space kit                   | 210,000     | 1     | 2024 | OK            |
| GMK Mecha-01 R2 Base kit             | 3,000,000   | 1     | 2024 | OK            |
| GoMaster Pure Player Forties kit     | 319,000     | 1     | 2024 | OK            |
| ------------------------------------ | ----------- | ----- | ---- | ------------- |
| KTT Strawberry                       | 381,300     | 60    | 2023 | OK            |
| C3 Equalz Tangerine V2               | 722,000     | 65    | 2023 | OK            |
| CHERRY MX2A Black                    | 420,000     | 60    | 2023 | OK            |
| HMX Eva                              | 480,337     | 70    | 2024 | OK            |
| ------------------------------------ | ----------- | ----- | ---- | ------------- |
| 49Fzone Custom Cable USB EVA 01      | 419,000     | 1     | 2023 | OK            |
| 49Fzone Custom Cable TRRS EVA 01     | 500,000     | 2     | 2023 | OK            |
| 49Fzone Custom Cable TRRS EVA 01     | 170,000     | 1     | 2024 | OK            |
| 2keyvn Wrist Rest Pepe               | 350,000     | 1     | 2022 | OK            |
| 2keyvn Wrist Rest Split              | 350,000     | 1     | 2024 | OK            |

## Thanks

- [Enjoy Beautiful KeyCaps](https://matrixzj.github.io/)
- [Cheat sheet: Custom keyboard mounting styles](https://thomasbaart.nl/2019/04/07/cheat-sheet-custom-keyboard-mounting-styles/)

- [Yet another keyboard post, or, introducing ErgoNICE](https://val.packett.cool/blog/ergonice/)
- [A Complete Guide to Building a Hand-Wired Keyboard](https://www.crackedthecode.co/a-complete-guide-to-building-a-hand-wired-keyboard/)