YMDK GK64 GK64XS SK64 Bluetooth Wired Hotswap Type C RGB PCB CNC Case Keyboard kit

After my Redragon keyboard bit the dust, I was doing some research on a new keyboard for around $100. I was told I might as well build my own custom keyboard for that price, so that's exactly what I did. When it arrived (about 2 weeks early), I immediately took off the plate and did the band-aid mod, though the stabilizers are already great so it doesn't really need it. I then spent about 6 hours lubing Gateron Red switches with Krytox 205 Grade 0 lube, and installed O rings under my ABS Ducky keycaps. I couldn't ask for anything better (well, maybe a wood base and high quality PBT keycaps, but that'll come later). My friends with $150-200 keyboards wish they had gotten this instead. I've found my endgame keyboard.Pros:InexpensiveCustomizableRGBStill have access to all of the keys I used to haveVery sturdyDecent software (though not needed because stock settings are perfect)Cons:RGB could be a little brighter, and there's very little redParts of the software are written in Chinese

Go to the website to download the most recent version of the drivers. (URL is on the instruction manual) Once you do, you can use the software to set up the keyboard.Note: mine also included a cable, switch puller, and key puller which wasn't listed. I already purchased these before the KB arrived just in case.Information about the keyboard:The included key stabilizers are a little soft and feel like switch dampeners are installed. It's not a big deal if you plan on installing dampeners, but if you like a clack to your space bar, backspace, shift, and enter key, you might want to swap them out.The rest of the KB feels solidly built. The plastic housing is nicely textured and feels rigid. There's no flex when you push on it from any of the sides.The LEDs are dimmer than I've seen on some keyboards, but hopefully this translates to better battery life.Layout is a bit unique, so if you use a standard set of keycaps, you'll have to get creative. I don't mind the random keys I had to throw in, but if you want a set that matches, YMDK has a few different sets for this layout.Bluetooth setup is easy. The instructions cover the pairing process. The keyboard can be used wired or wireless. Switching between the two is almost instantaneous.The keyboard has a good weight to it.The feet aren't adjustable, but they keep the keyboard in place.Software:it's trying its best...Navigating the software is a little perplexing. It's workable, but I don't always understand it. I'm using the default settings for now, but I'll try macros and layers later.Summary:for the price, this keyboard checks all of the boxes that I was looking for. I wanted to try unique switches and have a good keyboard for my media center. It's a unique specimen with bluetooth, a 65% layout, RGB, hot swappable switches, and full programmability. I highly recommend this keyboard to anyone who wants a small wireless keyboard.

So long story short I already had a GK 64 in a different alu case but I wanted a case to match my wireless numpad and I needed a second keyboard for work. This keyboard functionally is everything the other reviews say. My main complaint is the keyboard and numpad I got from AliExpress are seemingly better cut cases. The one I received is nice yet has very sharp edges and therefore does NOT match the one o have of the same design but nicer craftsmanship in the cutting/sand blasting. All in all, it’s still a good deal, I’ll probably just keep the internals and find a closer matching case.

This is a nice little build. I have been looking at doing a hot swap keyboard for a bit and I decided to pull the trigger on this kit.I did not read the description very well as it was a customer return. So I get to opening the delivery package. I remove the box from the envelope and there is a, "Amazon: Thanks to you, this product has a second life", sticker on the box. Grrrrrrrrrrr.I was like F@#$... I sat there for a hot minute, I went back to the listing to look it over. YEP. I skimmed over that shiiid.OK, cool. let's open it and see what we have.So I cut the sticker and opened the box. I'm greeted by the kit assembled and 5 Gateron Reds already in there, scattered about. My heart sank. So I grabbed my switch puller and got to work. I needed to verify the PCB was still good, or if I was going to have to return it and wait to do this hot swap build.After a few minutes of persuasion, I was able to get all five switches out of the plate. One of them was broken... I do not think the switch was completely closed before they tried to smash into the switch plate during install. On three of the switches the pins were bent. So I am guessing whoever had this just gave up and could not get some of these keys to work if they had the board fully assembled prior to returning it.Moment of truth... I plug in my USB C cable to the GK64x and test the PCB and its all goodie! Woohoo! All is right with the world again. So I grab the set of Gateron Reds(lubed and filmed) by anointedswitches on the EBAY.I am loving this little keyboard. I have two Ducky MINI SF. One of which was torn down, desoldered, switches were then lubed and filmed and then soldered back up.In terms of feel and sound for me. GK64x > Modded Ducky > Stock DuckyI have not played with the software for this or done layers yet. I don't have any need to. About my only real gripes with it are the LEDs, they are not as bright as a Ducky and they do shutoff after some time. Whereas the Ducky's stay on. I can see this being a battery saving feature for the Bluetooth version.

This is a good kit for entering into the mechanical keyboard world.Please be aware that when buying keycaps for this keyboard it has a non-standard layout as it has a 2U sized left shift, and 1U right shift, make sure the keycap kit you purchase includes this size for these keys.The software to control the keyboard is quite confusing to use, I managed to re-map keys but god help you if you try and change the LED profiles.Other than that it is a breeze to assemble, looks great, nice weight, great space saver on the desk!