BoardsAndBeards

Taking a look at not just our first solder PCB board, but also the first TKL we have done on the channel. TKLs can be a great option for people that want something close to that 75% layout but also want to have the extra function keys. TKL was my favorite layout for a long time, but is this TKL worth your hard earned money? Keyboard (Please note this is the aluminum version, they may have stopped making the plastic ones): https://cannonkeys.com/products/devastatingtkl-keyboard?variant=40819493404783

The Hanami Dango switch was an interesting one to me for a few reasons, for one its by Chosfox who I think knocked it out of the park with their Voyager switches, but also this switch has a light diffuser which makes it really cool for RGB Boards. If you are looking for a tactile switch made to spread the RGB love all over your keyboard, this could be the perfect switch for you! Switches: https://kineticlabs.com/switches/chosfox/chosfox-hanami-dango-switches?ref=Tactile

This is the first time I soldered a PCB and I really enjoyed the experience. Hotswap is great to use and the ease of it is unbeatable, but soldering is a good skill to have and really helps you take pride if your keyboard. Soldering Iron: https://amzn.to/3ILNIHH Solder: https://amzn.to/3N0JqyU Music: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/avbe/espresso-beans

Today we are looking at the Voyager Tactile switches by Chosfox. This switch has a two stage spring with a very pronounced tactile bump, perfect for those who really love the feel of tactile switches. These have the makeup of what I consider to be the best for tactile switches but are they better than everything we have tested out so far? Get your hands on the Voyager Tactiles from Kinetic Labs: https://kineticlabs.com/switches/chosfox/chosfox-voyager-tactile

Today we are looking at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switches. These tactile switches are actually my favorite switches that I have tested so far. They have a great amount of travel, super crisp tactile feel and are reasonably priced! Switches: https://amzn.to/3HmB6WI Keyboard: https://divinikey.com/collections/kbd67-lite/products/kbdfans-kbd67-lite-mechanical-keyboard-diy-kit?variant=40116726300737

Today we are building the Bakeneko65 by cannon keys. This is a 65% keyboard and with the Durock T1s in it something just makes it the right feel and volume to be an amazing work computer for me. This gasket mounted keyboard is super simple to build and a great entry point to Mechanical Keyboards. Definitely one to check out if you like the 65% layout. Keyboard: https://cannonkeys.com/products/bakeneko65 Keycaps: https://cannonkeys.com/products/cannoncaps-earl-grey-lavender Switches: https://amzn.to/3UVK6b3 Music: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/matrika/brunch-cafe

Today we are looking at the Glorious Panda switches by glorious gaming. These tactile switches are known and used by tons of people, but are they a top switch for your next keyboard? Keyboard -https://divinikey.com/collections/kbd67-lite/products/kbdfans-kbd67-lite-mechanical-keyboard-diy-kit?variant=40116726300737 Switches: Direct - https://www.gloriousgaming.com/products/glorious-panda-mechanical-switches?variant=37691905933487 Amazon - https://amzn.to/3GLOrI1 Keycaps - https://cannonkeys.com/products/nicepbt-galaxy Music: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/prigida/floating-islands

I might have a keyboard problem....

Monsgeek M1 and Keychron Q1 Pro are two keyboards that are great for beginners, they are reasonably priced and easy to customize. I put these keyboards side by side to look at what you get with each to see if one is superior to the other. Keyboards: Keychron Q1 Pro: https://www.keychron.com/products/keychron-q1-pro-qmk-via-wireless-custom-mechanical-keyboard Monsgeek M1: https://www.monsgeek.com/product/monsgeek-m1/ Music: Music: bensound.com License code: Z7SKJDQHEAUPRXZD

In this new series I will be trying every switch I can get my hands on and rating them on everything from packaging, availability and sound. In the first episode of this series I am looking at the Akko Lavender Purples, an affordable, easy to get tactile switch. Akko Lavender Purple: https://amzn.to/3mkQT16 Music: Music: Bensound.com/royalty-free-music License code: D3YVWER49BQVXJFC

I wanted to add some things the Keychron Q1 pro since I wasn't impressed with the sound I was getting out of the stock board. I added some extra foam and used the force break mod to see if I could get the right sound. Ultimately adding keycaps made this board sound much closer to what I was looking for. (Amazon links are affiliate links) Keyboard: https://www.keychron.com/products/keychron-q1-pro-qmk-via-wireless-custom-mechanical-keyboard Foam: https://amzn.to/3MqziiM Canonkeys spring Sale: https://cannonkeys.com/collections/spring-sale Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/prigida/mellow-bop License code: L2YU3K0IO8XMSO0W

The Keychron Q1 Pro is new to the Keychron lineup, but has got a ton of hype around it. It improves upon the Q1 and adds Bluetooth capabilities making it a great choice for someone looking to get a pre built keyboard or even if you want to DIY your own. Keychron Q1 Pro - https://www.keychron.com/products/keychron-q1-pro-qmk-via-wireless-custom-mechanical-keyboard

Taking a look at the Monsgeek M2 Keyboard. The price makes it a great contender to be one of the best budget keyboards out there. Not only does that make it great for people on a budget, but also great for beginners who are new to the hobby. I took a look at unboxing and building this budget board. Monsgeek M2: https://www.monsgeek.com/product/m2/ Glorious Panda Switches: https://www.gloriousgaming.com/products/glorious-panda-mechanical-switches?variant=37691905933487 Keycaps: https://cannonkeys.com/products/dsa-nineteen-thirty-keycaps Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/adi-goldstein/i-dont-need-your-love License code: EDYADMLRC9K7ETC0

Lubing up some Glorious Panda's Today!

I bought the glorious gaming lube bundle to take a look at what comes with it and if it is worth your money. This is the complete bundle from glorious gaming consisting of the lube station, a switch puller, keycap puller, switch opener, g-lube and a brush. Glorious tends to be on the more expensive side for accessories so lets see if it is worth the price. Product: https://www.gloriousgaming.com/products/glorious-lube-bundle

Out with the old and in with the new! #shorts

Are expensive keycaps worth it? They are only part of the sound a keyboard makes, but should you spend 4x the price on fancy keycaps??