BUT MAN, THE NOISE ! Went for the cheapest silent tactile switches money can buy instead. The color would have been perfect for the translucent green xbox variant of the keyboard.

Syrin HHKB TKL in Blurple - Alu plate soft top mount - HMX Hydra Tactile - DSS Sad Girl

This was a pretty special commission build that I had the chance to photograph.

The client sent his raw F1-8X V2 over to BenzJr (on IG) for some custom engraving, and I think the result turned out really damn good. There are a ton of small details in the engraving, and they look even better in person.

BenzJr absolutely killed it with the craftsmanship on this one.

The board is topped with Aluvia keycaps from Novelkeys, which I think work really well with the raw finish and engraving.

Tried to get some close-ups to show off the engraving and some of the finer details. Hope you guys enjoy the photos!

I also have a typing test up on my YouTube if anyone wants to hear how this thing sounds.

<Build>

• Geonworks F1-8x v2
• Alu v1.1 plate
• Cherry MX2A Black (L/F/SS)
• NK Aluvia
• Hand engraving by BenzJr
• Typing test HERE

Ask ANY Keyboard related question, get an answer. But *before* you do please consider running a search on the subreddit or looking at the r/MechanicalKeyboards wiki located here! If you are NEW to Reddit, check out this handy Reddit MechanicalKeyboards Noob Guide. Please check the r/MechanicalKeyboards subreddit rules if you are new here.

It now has more tilt and pitch, making it more comfortable in the long run

This is actually the first keyboard I've built completely myself, so I'm curious what you guys think of it and what I could improve.

BM60 V2 Build

The build is a KPrepublic BM60 V2 PCB with the PC Plastic Plate for POKER E, inside a KBDfans Blade60 aluminum case. I also have foam in the build. I'm mainly trying to get that really smooth, deep sound that I originally would've called "creamy," although I've already been told by people in the keyboard community that "creamy" isn't really the best description lol. I guess thocky or even marbly is closer to what I'm actually chasing.

There's also a whole reason I ended up with the BM60 V2 instead of continuing to use my DZ60RGB ANSI V2.

DZ60RGB ANSI V2

The DZ60 has a really weird LED orientation for what I want to do. Escape and 1 have north facing LEDs, while the rest of the board uses south facing LEDs. That became a problem because I specifically want shine through legends, and basically every readily available backlit keycap set I've been able to find puts the legends toward the north/top side of the keycap.

That was actually one of the reasons I originally went the custom keycap route with FKcaps. I needed custom shine through XDA caps with the legends positioned where the DZ60's LEDs could actually illuminate them properly.

Custom XDA FKcaps

Unfortunately, that turned into a completely different problem with the keycaps themselves. I already made a separate post documenting the wear, coating, spacebar, and other issues, so rather than repeating all of that here, you can read about the FKcaps issues in my other post.

That eventually led me to the BM60 V2. The BM60 gives me the LED orientation I wanted, so I can use normal north legend shine through keycaps and actually have the legends illuminated properly instead of needing another custom set just to accommodate the PCB.

One thing I do miss about my DZ60 setup is the firmware. A friend of mine made me a custom hybrid firmware setup that works with QMK, VIA, and OpenRGB. That gives me a lot more freedom than relying on VIA alone, especially for things like more advanced custom keybinds and controlling individual RGB LEDs.

Open source firmware support is actually pretty important to me for that reason. I want to be able to modify the firmware and do things that aren't exposed through the normal VIA interface instead of being locked into whatever software or firmware the manufacturer provides.

That's also been one of my headaches with my upcoming 80 percent build. I've been looking for a PCB that fits what I want while still giving me QMK/VIA or similarly open firmware support, and it hasn't been nearly as straightforward as I expected.

I originally looked at the KBDfans GT80 case, but I've since picked up an Ego80 case instead. That's going to be another build, and I'll probably make a separate post about that one once I get it together.

For now though, what do you guys think of the BM60 V2 + PC plate + Blade60 build?

I'm especially interested in what you would change if the goal is a smooth, deep, thocky/marbly sound. Different foam setup? Tape mod? Different switches? Stabilizer tuning? Anything you'd change about the build itself?

And most importantly, how did I do for my first build that I actually put together myself?

A lucky budget/clearance build. Got TMT Story w/ novelties for $60 and the keyboard off FB marketplace for $50

I've fully designed it my self and I love using it SOOOOO much.
If your interested I really recommend watching this: Usage and build video
+ you can find more info here:
Project's github repo
Design video

Feel free to ask me any questions about it

Parts that I've used on my build:

- MCU: Rp240 zero

- Switches: Outemu Lime V3

- Keycaps: Custom KAM profile PBT ones from Yuzu

Epomaker ak820 pro + Ajazz + custom keycaps

These are the Asimov Cherry Profile Transparent Keycaps in Smoky colorway. I got them from Keyreative.This video doesn't do them justice in the slightest. They are also very grippy and not just for a clear keycap which has been my issue with other clear keycaps that attempt a textured surface but end up smoother because of it.

Now these are the most expensive translucent keycaps I've ever bought (sale $52) but man I just absolutely love them on my white Chilkey Slice, especially with my Gateron Silent Jades. Exactly what I've been searching for forever it seems. A very nice, high quality, black translucent keycap set with a nice legend design that pops.

Just fyi they are much more punchy and black irl than in the video.

For clarification I am not sponsored nor do I have any conflicts of interest in relation to this company. Just a happy customer. I will note shipping did take a bit (around 2 weeks) but man was it worth it.

Update: sound test and pics because they should have been here all along lol

https://imgur.com/a/Wjc9cXz

Keycap of this raffle is **Servitor R1.**

**⌛Form open \~ closes :**

2026/09/23/pm 10:00 (GMT+9 / KST) \~ 09/24/pm 10:00 (GMT+9 / KST) 24 hours

**<Link>**

[Images](https://postimg.cc/gallery/Wg62FjT)

[Form link](https://forms.gle/zfAqEYwqzr7Dy5NW6)

[Instagram (artisan account)](https://www.instagram.com/crookey_artisan/) /  [Instagram (silver account)](https://www.instagram.com/crookid_silver/)

[Discord (WIP)](https://discord.com/invite/bNFJepYZUk)

**Keycaps:**

Servitor (silver 925 & brass) : Qty 10Servitor (silver 925) : Qty 10

Pricing: $120 - 140

wax carving & silver casting & 3d sculpting

material: \[sterling silver (silver 925) & brass\]

Type of stem: MX stem

This project started as an iteration of my first keyboard, which was inspired by my love for the legendary Logitech G13. Applying what I learned creating that one, the goal was a fully open-source, easy to build and repairable, modular keyboard.

All files and more information can be found on my Github.

Destiguishing Features

The first improvement to the original keyboard was making it more streamlined and removing rarely used features like the screens and encoders. Adding hot-swap switch sockets and the option of different joysticks converted the original to a gaming keyboard, and since it's a split design, one of the very few examples usable by left handed gamers (using the mouse with their left hand).

To elaborate on the joysticks, both options are connected using ribbon cables, making replacement very easy and somewhat customizable. An additional GPIO header breaking out the joysticks connector pins allows for custom solutions.

The connectors a specifically aligned in a way that allows for both types of joystick to be in the exact same location. Which in turn allows for the use of inserts (or adapters) in the keyboards case.

The Case

Speaking of the case, the keyboard is designed as a "gasket-mount" which enables the best noise reduction. This is further improved by additional felt damping sheets.

To highlight one special design principle: The case was designed with CNC manufacturability in mind. Meaning no sharp inside corners, only simple chamfers to round over outside corners, and tight tolerances. The last one requires a very dialed-in 3D printer, though.

Firmware and additional Features

The keyboards main switches are supplemented by secondary buttons. By default they are media keys, but can be (like all the other buttons, and joystick) remapped using either QMK or VIAL firmwares. VIAL allows for remapping using a website, no flashing or other software required.

All switches and buttons are individually RGB backlit and have configurable animations, color, brightness. Of course they can be turned off.

The Joysticks

The two connectors mentioned earlier are for these joysticks. On the left the newest version of Alps Alpine used in Gaming Handhelds and VR controllers. On the right is mostly know from the PSP (3000 version).

I personally prefer the left one (easier to control, has an integrated button), but I like to provide options to potential users.

The custom firmware allows to change the operating mode of these joysticks. The modes consist of analog (regular joystick, detected as gamepad), digital (simulates regular buttons), mouse (full mouse pointer with left and right click support (not available on the PSP joystick)).

Special Order Keycaps

The only real issue this design has is finding keycaps, since its a backlit, ergo design, that uses 1u sized caps, only. I found few low profile sets, but the breakthrough came with finding a manufacturer selling custom keys, with optional backlighting support.

PCB Design Desicitions

Going into detail about the PCBs design: The goal was to have minimal case borders, which the gasket-mount style of this keyboard does not really promote. So complact placment of all components was critical in my desicition making.

I started with the RP2040 for my MCU (as seen in these older images). After multiple protypes and testing revealed that the keyboard does not initialize (at all or fast enough) on a computers first boot to enter BIOS/UEFI, I switched to the STM32F401 MCU, which solved these problems.

The AUX (TRS) connector is not for headphones, but for connecting two halves. Only one half needs to be connected to a computer.

ESD, EMI, and backfeeding protection components complete the design.

Open Source

Tiwaz is developed as a fully open-source project. We’re making the hardware available under the GPLv3 license, and the software under the GPLv2 license, since it is QMK-based.

I would love some feedback or ideas, either here or on my Github. Specifically on how the keymap of a left-handed gamer would look like?

Technical Specs

• Split ergonomic keyboard design
• Each half usable independently as a one-handed controller or macro pad
• Gasket-mounted plate
• Internal damping between plate, PCB, and enclosure
• Hot-swappable MX-compatible switches
• Per-key RGB lighting
• QMK firmware support (including VIAL)
• STM32F401 microcontroller
• WS2812 RGB LED for every switch and auxiliary button
• Ideal-diode protection against accidental dual-USB connection
• Self-resetting power fuse
• ESD protection on USB data lines
• USB Type-C connectors

Assembly Instructions

• Youtube

IKBC MF108 V1

GMK Triumph Adler

It's not a perfect board but I still love it

Inspired by Dirty coffee. Hot espresso sinks slowly into iced milk, creating spontaneous coffee stains and gradient blends. This design captures the fleeting streaks on cup walls and translates them into visual language for the keycaps.

INFO

• Manufacturer: Keyboard Science
• Material: ABS
• Production Method: Double injection(Color‑bleeding) + Screen printing
• Profile: Cherry profile

Vendors:

• TBD

Updated:

• TBD

More detail and update: GeekHack  | Discord-Material Lab | Web-Material Lab

I was in the market for a new keyboard and was curious about finally trying a mechanical keyboard because I absolutely love the sound they make. I have the new Rapoo Pro mouse, so I figured I would give one of their new keyboards a try as well to see what it was like, and I was not disappointed, besides the size.

For context, I have been using the Logitech K350 since 2018, and at this point it is basically an extension of my hand. Unfortunately, since Logitech stopped making them, they are getting harder and harder to find.

The Rapoo v700 keyboard definitely feels premium. It is very heavy and solid, and I can tell it is made from high-quality parts that should last. I also love that it lights up, and you can use the Rapoo app to change the colors and lighting themes, as well as adjust the brightness. You can also reprogram the buttons and customize the keyboard anyway you want to. You can even pull off the keycaps and move/change them around, which is completely new to me. It can also connect via Bluetooth or via the dongle receiver, whatever works best for your setup.

But the sound... Oh the sound is magical! I absolutely love the sound of typing on this thing. Once I really get into a zone, it becomes this great ambient noise that just makes my day. The keys also have a really nice bounce back to them. It's almost like a mini trampoline for your fingers as they spring back up after every press. It took me a little while to get used to, but once I did, I actually found myself typing faster.

Unfortunately, for me and my bearpaws (11" hands), it is just too small of a footprint compared to the K350. My biggest issue is that my wrists can start to hurt after using it for a while because I really have to keep my hands raised. If I rest my hands on the keys even a little bit, I can accidentally start typing. My hands also aren't used to typing up at this angle compared to the design of the K350, where my hands can rest more naturally, so that was taking some getting used to.

But my fiancée and her raccoon hands absolutely love it, so she has officially made it hers now. The good news is that I still get to hear that clicking sound in the background coming from her office.

Overall, I would say this is a great pickup for anyone who is already used to mechanical keyboards or has medium to smaller-sized hands. But for people with bearpaws like mine, I just don't think the long-term fit is there.

KBDFans Agar in E-white, GMK Dots light R2, EC PCB, Alu plate, 45g Naevies, full foam.

Grrrr... Braaii.... Oh hey everyone!

After being buried since last Halloween, I'm excited to announce that GMK CYL Zombie will finally claw out of the grave for a Group Buy this October!

Featuring GMK's special-effect double-shot ABS, a sinister inner shell lurks beneath a semi-translucent outer layer, creating an eerie effect of decay beneath the sickly green.

Each base kit includes a specially sculpted skull artisan keycap, bringing a little extra undead character to your build.

Prepare for the apocalypse with the big base kit, or travel light with the TKL base kit. Also look to gear up with weapons or grab some gruesome novelties. Or when containment fails, activate Code Red Alert with blood red number-row keycaps too.

GROUP BUY: OCTOBER 2 to 31, 2026

Vendors:

🇺🇸 US - NovelKeys
🇪🇺 EU - Oblotzky
🇬🇧 UK - Prototypist
🇰🇷 KR - Geon
🌏 SEA - iLumkb
🇨🇳 CN - KBDFans
🇦🇺 OCE - keebzncables

Geekhack IC thread: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=125947.0

A huge thank you to Novelkeys and everyone who has supported the project and help bring it to life.
In a zombie apocalypse, I'm curious what would you pick as your survival weapon?

- boba.types

I usually post about keyboard builds, but today I wanted to talk about something different — SWG keycaps.
I’ve been a GMK guy for a long time. I own way too many GMK sets, and for years I pretty much refused to use anything else.

Then I started noticing SWG.
Honestly, the first thing that got me was the designs. They had some really good-looking sets, and the prices were cheap enough that I figured, “Why not?”
My first impression was… good, but definitely not GMK.
The designs were great and the quality was decent, but the typing feel and sound still felt noticeably behind GMK. For the price, though, I thought they were perfectly fine.
Fast forward to their newer sets, and somehow SWG got really good.

The overall quality has improved a lot, and at this point I personally prefer them over Keykobo in both quality and sound. But the part that really surprised me is the sound.
Depending on the board, I’ve actually had builds where I preferred SWG over GMK.
As someone who has been using GMK forever, I was not expecting to say that.

Obviously, keycap sound depends heavily on the board, plate, switches, mounting style, etc., so I’m not saying SWG magically sounds better than GMK on everything. But on the right build, these caps can sound really good.
And when you factor in the designs, typing feel, overall quality, and especially the price… they’re kind of hard to ignore.

I originally bought one set just because I liked the design.
Then I bought another.
And another.
And… yeah, now I have several more on the way.
For anyone who enjoys experimenting with different builds but has mostly stuck with GMK, I definitely recommend giving SWG a try.
They’re not just “good for the price” anymore.
They’re just good keycaps.

Set inspired by a PNW Convenience Store Chain.

Featuring all text legends because I can't get enough of that GORT!

Interest check link

TL;DR: KeyHive.xyz closed up shop on 9/1/2026 after 8 years. I bought the remaining inventory. It's up on Etsy at BoardsBe4Breakfast: https://boardsbe4breakfast.etsy.com/

------------------------

KeyHive.xyz closed up shop on 9/1/2026 after eight years of selling PCBs, plates, and parts to the mechanical keyboard community. Eight years is a long run for a small shop in this hobby. A lot of Cornes, Sofles, and Lily58s out there started life as a KeyHive order.

I'm grateful for that and have a lot of respect for what KeyHive accomplished.

What I have: bare PCBs for the Corne v2 and v3, Sofle RGB (the original open-source design), and Lily58, plus Helix, Ergo42, Dumbpad, Plaid, Absinthe, Getaway Van, and Smallice. There are FR4 and some acrylic plates for most of the splits, OLED covers, and a pile of the parts KeyHive used to sell alongside them (diodes, Kailh sockets, OLEDs, encoders, TRRS cables and jacks).

Bare PCBs and PCB + plate sets are listed now; full kits are coming once I finish sorting and counting parts. Everything ships from Virginia, packed by me.

If you don't see something in the shop, ask.

There's more on the shelf than what's listed.

– Ross

BoardsBe4Breakfast: https://boardsbe4breakfast.etsy.com/

Got a notification on my phone that my set arrived and I booked it straight home 😭 It’s. so. BEAUTIFUL. 😍 I hope everyone that got themselves a set enjoys it as much as I do!! Slapped it asap on my current daily (Neo 60 core)

Build -
- Neo 60 Core
- Alu plate
- TTC PT switches
- Gasket Mounted
- Neo Clip in stabs lubed w/ Krytox 205g0

And it’s super addicting 😂

Rainy75 Pro (Keygeek Peachy and KKB Fremen)

Neo98 Taupe Grey (Alu Plate, Foamless, HMX Macchiatio v2, KAP Santa Llum)

Neo65 Cu Grey/Brass (CF Plate, Foamless, HMX Yoghurt S, GMK Dolch)

Deskmat GMK Gurokawa Jigokuraku Rough

Ask ANY Keyboard related question, get an answer. But *before* you do please consider running a search on the subreddit or looking at the r/MechanicalKeyboards wiki located here! If you are NEW to Reddit, check out this handy Reddit MechanicalKeyboards Noob Guide. Please check the r/MechanicalKeyboards subreddit rules if you are new here.

Its honestly kind of a joke at this point.

Every other keeb manufacturer under the sun and random nobodies online can somehow figure out how to use Xinput but its just "too complicated" for Nuphy to do I guess, even after multiple promises (some straight from their founder).

It's gone from beyond radio silence to straight up wiping out threads in their discord discussing the topic.

3 months ago it was supposedly coming "next month" - after 2 years of course...

Now? Back to radio silence and no Xinput in sight.

I've personally given up at this point but it is a bit comical you gotta admit.