Little fun notes and shares about games, keebs, artisan keycaps and much much more... Come join the adventure!
Here are some pretty RGB effects from my Flesports MK750 to help brighten up your day.
Let me know in the comments below which is your favorite RGB effect in the comments below!
[First Look: Flesports MK750 Barebones Kit]
[Sound Check: Flesports MK750 with Linear Switches and Rainbow Jelly Pom Keycaps]
[Why Are Mechanical Keyboards Called Keebs? Unpacking the Popular Nickname]
Here's something to brighten up your day. More rgb effects from my Flesports MK750 build. 😄
Who says you can't party with a keeb? 😂
[First Look: Flesports MK750 Barebones Kit]
[Sound Check: Flesports MK750 with Linear Switches and Rainbow Jelly Pom Keycaps]
[Why Are Mechanical Keyboards Called Keebs? Unpacking the Popular Nickname]
For the month of July, the artist of the month is peache_atelier, also known as Trish, who is located in Singapore! She is relatively new to the scene but her design aesthetics are uniquely adorable with her attention to details for her creations inspired from food to animals. She mainly focuses on clay creations such as charms, trinkets and has expanded to artisan keycaps. She might be starting out her (adventure) but the designs and detail on her creations are simply worth it.
Shipping (within Singapore) is S$2.
International shipping is also reasonable:
[Keycap Series: Featuring Artists of the Month]
[Beginner's Guide to Artisan Keycaps: Everything You Need to Know]
I first came across peache_atelier on Instagram, and went to check out her creations. 😍
What caught my attention was the delicious looking Capybara Butter Toast. It was simply too cute to resist, and the pricing made it even more irresistible! Totoro was a little bonus.
Unlike the artists featured so far who have an Etsy store or their own online store, she offers her creations via her Ko-Fi Page and Instagram account. If you are accessing via the Ko-Fi page, just click on the design you want and follow the instructions to check out your latest addition. If it is via Instagram, simply DM her. It is simple and easy (especially for Singaporean buyers since PayNow is also accepted). 😊
peache_atelier was really fast and responsive, sending out the keycap within 3 working days. In total, it took 5 working days to receive the parcel.
Packaging was sufficient: Capybara Butter Toast and Totoro were snuggly encased with soft cotton and arrived in pristine condition. The cat stickers that came along were super cute too!
The overall experience was fantastic. Aren't the creations adorable and so detailed? 😀
Have you gotten any keycaps from peache_atelier? If the answer is yes, let me know in the comments below what you loved and what did you get!
[Keycap Series: Featuring Artists of the Month]
[Beginner's Guide to Artisan Keycaps: Everything You Need to Know]
Here is some keeb asmr of my recently built Flesports MK750 with linear switches and Rainbow Jelly Pom Keycaps.
[First Look: Flesports MK750 Barebones Kit]
After getting my first CIDOO ABM066 Barebones Kit Alice-layout, when I saw that the Flesports MK750 Barebones kit was on sale... of course I had to get it. It was from Lazada and about S$50 at the time I got it. You could also check out Shopee or Amazon to see which price is better for your wallet. On average this barebones kit costs S$110-185+ (US$80-140~).
With the vouchers and sales that Lazada and Shopee have, you might be even able to get it at a better price too. I don't believe in paying for full price if you I can help it, and always love it when there is a sale. 😆
If you are wondering what is Shopee , it’s basically a shopping platform like Amazon but with pricing closer to Temu. They have an app for Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines and Indonesia, mostly for the South East Asian countries. Besides the (probably) more affordable (cheaper) pricing, shipping is either free or less than SGD$2 (for majority of the sellers). The only downside is that you need a local number and address for each of the Shopee country app.
[First Look: CIDOO ABM066 Barebones Kit Alice-layout Review]
They have a range of colors to choose from: black, pink, white and grey. This time I decided to get a black casing instead of the usual white one. As usual since it was from China, it did take some time to arrive. There was no protection, just the box itself in an envelope. But thankfully it arrived intact, the box was a little beaten but it the keeb survived. It came with a manual guide, cable, keycap / switch puller, and a dust cover! I was pretty impressed since my keyboards before this all arrived without a dust cover, so that add on was very much appreciated.
Unlike the CIDOO ABM066 Barebones Kit, this on was a much more easier experience affixing the switches as the holes are already there and you do not need to make any extra efforts to press the switches down; it just simply clicks into place with little effort.
I believe I have discovered the joys of customization as I selected a range of Akko Linear Switches for this build. I used the V3 Crystal Pro (43gf) for the alpha keys, the lighter Jelly Whites (35gf) for the spacebar and non alpa keys, the Pink Gateron (45gf) for everything else.
For the keycaps, I got some nice rainbow Jelly Poms which look great on the keeb, especially with the rgb. The only downside is the learning to type as even if there side engravings on the keycaps, it increases the chances for typos. The moment I look at the board, all the typos occur and I start to forget which keycap is what and lose my way. 😂
Connection to an iPad or Android device is relatively simple, just set the keyboard to Bluetooth setting, and turn on Bluetooth for your device which you want to connect to, press the FN + Q / W / E to pair. The keyboard can be simultaneously connected to 3 devices at a time.
If you want to connect to a computer (Windows / Mac), you also have the option to connect it via the USB cable it came with or simply use the USB for the 2.4GHZ. Of course you have to remember to adjust the keyboard setting for the 2.4GHZ connection.
The USB for the 2.4GHZ connection is nicely hidden away behind a magnetic stand on right hand side.
💕The ease in which the switches can be installed with little to no effort whatsoever as the holes are already there.
💕 The RBG effects, adds that something special when you are typing. There many default effects available.
💕The build quality is really good and has a premium feel to it. The knob is such a good addition too.
💕 The ability to swap out the switches and keycaps for personalization or a different keep experience is tthe reason why I got it.
💕 The ease to use right out of the box, to connect and start typing away.
💕 The quality of the build which made my linear switches and rainbow jelly Pom keycaps produce a nice clacky sound.
💔 Installing the space bar did take some effort as the board was not 100% straight. But once the right angle was found it was easy.
So, there you go, my first look at and review of my experience with the Flesports MK750 Barebones Kit. Given that the loves are more than the not so much, I’ll say you can give it a try. For those of us located in Singapore, you can get it here for about S$175+ or cheaper when it is one sales from Lazada. Alternatively you could also check out Shopee where the average pricing is around S$115+.
If you think that the typing noise is too loud you could always swap them out for silent linear switches that would sound not more noisy than the normal laptop membrane keys. There are even silent switches. And at this price, it really is worth a try so that your hands are not strained when you are working for long periods of time at the computer.
Have you tried the Flesports MK750 keyboard before? If the answer is yes, let me know in the comments below how your experience was!
[Sound Check: Flesports MK750 with Linear Switches and Rainbow Jelly Pom Keycaps]
[Why Are Mechanical Keyboards Called Keebs? Unpacking the Popular Nickname]
Mechanical keyboards, affectionately known as "keebs," have surged in popularity among tech enthusiasts, gamers, and typists alike. But where did this catchy nickname come from, and why has it become so ubiquitous?
In this blog post, we will be delving into the origins of "keebs," explore its widespread adoption, and highlight the features that make mechanical keyboards so beloved.
To understand the allure of mechanical keyboards, it's essential to grasp what sets them apart. Unlike membrane keyboards, which use a single rubber dome underneath the keys, mechanical keyboards feature individual switches for each key. These switches come in various types, each offering different tactile feedback and actuation points, resulting in a more responsive and satisfying typing experience.
The term "keebs" is a fun and informal abbreviation of the word "keyboard." Its precise origins are somewhat murky, but it likely emerged from online communities where mechanical keyboard aficionados share their passion. These enthusiasts often engage in discussions on forums and social media, where using shorthand like "keebs" fosters a sense of camaraderie and efficiency.
Community Bonding: The mechanical keyboard community is known for its strong sense of identity and connection. Adopting unique jargon, such as "keebs," helps members feel part of an exclusive group.
Convenience: Typing "keebs" is quicker and simpler than spelling out "mechanical keyboards." In the fast-paced world of digital communication, such abbreviations are both practical and appealing.
Quirkiness: The term "keebs" adds an element of fun and personality to conversations. It reflects the community's enthusiasm and creativity, making interactions more engaging and lively.
Memorable: Short, catchy terms are easier to remember and spread. "Keebs" has a distinctive charm that sticks in people's minds, helping it gain traction.
The popularity of "keebs" is closely tied to the appeal of mechanical keyboards themselves. Here are some reasons why these keyboards are so cherished:
As mechanical keyboards continue to gain popularity, the term "keebs" is likely to remain a staple within the community. It symbolizes more than just a nickname; it represents the vibrant, creative, and passionate culture that surrounds these beloved devices.
That said, "keebs" is a term that encapsulates the unique culture of the mechanical keyboard community. It highlights the passion, creativity, and sense of belonging that make this hobby so special. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or a newcomer curious about the world of mechanical keyboards, embracing the term "keebs" is a fun way to join the conversation and celebrate these incredible devices.
If you enjoyed this post, please share it with your fellow keyboard enthusiasts!
Enjoying art and fun shouldn't come with a hefty price tag; it can be both high-quality and affordable.
Welcome to this monthly new series where I will be spotlighting talented keycap artists whose work I have come across and purchased from them as I love their designs. With reasonable pricing and shipping options that have proven worthwhile to me, here I am sharing them with you. Whether you're in search of intricacy, uniqueness, or affordability in artisan keycaps, I hope you find inspiration and the opportunity to support these creators.
Getting into the hobby and into the rabbit hole of artisan keycaps can be a bit overwhelming for the pocket as one artisan keycap can cost as much as a whole set, with some costing more than S$80 (not including shipping fees yet). And let's not get started on shipping... If you are in Singapore or South East Asia, sometimes shipping from overseas sellers are more than S$20-40+!😵
[Beginner's Guide to Artisan Keycaps: Everything You Need to Know]
Hopefully this list helps you as it did me (especially if you are from South East Asia) and support the lovely artists who are doing a wonderful job, and making it a little bit more easier for you and your wallet in personalizing your mechanical keyboard!
Think an artist (who is not on this list and fits the bill) should be added, do let me know in the comments below on where are they and why they should be added! 😆
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For the month of June, the artist of the month is teas_factory who is located in Singapore! Her aim to make affordable keycaps that everyone can enjoy really resonated with me, and her design aesthetics definitely caught my eye. Her design aesthetics are uniquely adorable with creations inspired from cartoon series to animals. She mainly focuses on custom keycaps, but does come up with designs of her own as well.
Shipping (within Singapore) is the cheapest yet at S$2.
International shipping is also reasonable:
[Keycap Series: Featuring Artists of the Month]
[Beginner's Guide to Artisan Keycaps: Everything You Need to Know]
I first came across teas_factory on Instagram and went to check out her creations. 😍
What caught my attention was the adorable Sakura Cow. It was simply too cute to resist, and the pricing made it even more irresistible!
Unlike the artists featured so far who have an Etsy or online store, she takes orders via Google Forms and promotes them via her Instagram and Carousell account. The process was really simple: the link to the form is on her accounts and when you've completed it, she will send the invoice over to the email you provided. Simple and easy (especially for Singaporean buyers since PayNow is also accepted). You can even commission designs from her. 😊
teas_factory was really fast and responsive, even making sure that my address was correct. The invoice was sent shortly after. It took about 6 working days to reach me, which is not too bad considering it was made upon order, and having to wait a bit for the new batch of resin to arrive.
Packaging was on point: little Sakura the Cow was encased in a little cute box with a lovely wax seal affixed on the top; adding a nice touch. She arrived with some cute stickers and notes!
The overall experience was fantastic. I would definitely be getting more keycaps from her in future, espcially for my low profile keyboard. Don't you think it just vibes with the little cutie just perfectly? 😀
Have you gotten any keycaps from teas_factory ? If the answer is yes, let me know in the comments below what you loved and what did you get!
[Keycap Series: Featuring Artists of the Month]
[Beginner's Guide to Artisan Keycaps: Everything You Need to Know]
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on mechanical keyboard switches!
If you're new to the world of mechanical keyboards or looking to upgrade your typing experience, understanding the different types of switches is crucial. In this blog post, we'll break down everything you need to know about mechanical keyboard switches, from the various types available to their unique characteristics. Let's dive in!
Mechanical keyboard switches come in several varieties, each offering a distinct feel and sound. Here are some of the most common types:
Cherry MX: Cherry MX switches are widely regarded as the gold standard in mechanical keyboards. They come in various colors, each indicating a different type of switch, such as Cherry MX Red (linear), Cherry MX Blue (clicky), and Cherry MX Brown (tactile).
Kailh: Kailh switches are Cherry MX clones manufactured by Kaihua Electronics. They offer similar characteristics to Cherry MX switches but may come at a lower price point. Popular Kailh switches include Kailh Red, Kailh Blue, and Kailh Brown.
Gateron: Gateron switches are another Cherry MX alternative known for their smooth feel and competitive pricing. Gateron switches come in a variety of colors, including Gateron Red, Gateron Blue, and Gateron Brown.
Outemu: Outemu switches are budget-friendly switches commonly found in entry-level mechanical keyboards. While they may not offer the same level of durability as other brands, they provide a satisfactory typing experience for casual users.
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, several characteristics come into play:
Actuation Force: The amount of force required to register a keystroke varies between switch types. Some switches, like Cherry MX Red, have a light actuation force, while others, like Cherry MX Green, require more forceful typing.
Tactility: Tactile switches provide feedback through a noticeable bump in the keystroke, while linear switches offer a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke. Clicky switches combine tactile feedback with an audible click sound upon actuation.
Sound: The sound produced by a mechanical keyboard switch depends on its type and construction. Clicky switches, such as Cherry MX Blue, are known for their distinctive click sound, while linear switches like Cherry MX Red produce minimal noise.
Durability: Mechanical keyboard switches are rated for a cetain number of keystrokes, typically in the millions. High-quality switches, such as Cherry MX and Gateron, are known for their durability and longevity.
Choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch is a personal decision based on your typing preferences, gaming style, and budget. Whether you prefer the tactile feedback of Cherry MX Brown switches or the smooth keystrokes of Gateron Red switches, understanding the characteristics of each switch type is essential.
We hope this guide has provided valuable insights into the world of mechanical keyboard switches, helping you make an informed decision for your next keyboard upgrade. Happy typing!
When you think of a mechanical keyboard, a low profile keyboard is not very common and they are kind of pricey. So of course when the Ajazz AK832 was on sale on Shopee, I quickly grabbed it.
Although the board is not hotswappable (i.e. t's forever stuck on brown switches it came with), the RGB is only white light and I could not choose the type of switch it came with (the other options were sold out), it was worth the deal at that price to try out a low profile mechanical keyboard. There are other switch options, so you can choose between Red, Brown and Blue switches (depending on the seller you get it from and the variations they are selling).
It might not come with the digital screen like the Ajazz AK832 Pro, but I am happy with it. Delivery did take some time but it came eventually.
[First Look: CIDOO ABM066 Barebones Kit Alice-layout Review]
Low-profile mechanical keyboards offer a unique typing experience compared to traditional mechanical keyboards. They give an experience similar to typing on your laptop keypad as the keycaps are uniform and short, the switch also has a shorter travel distance - which means that keys do not need to be pressed down as far as a regular switch to register a keystroke, resulting in a quicker typing experience.
[Unlocking the World of Mechanical Keyboards: A Beginner Guide]
[MACHENIKE K500W vs RK71 Mechanical Keyboards]
If you are transitioning from a laptop membrane keyboard, a low-profile keyboard might offer the closest experience if you are already used to typing furiously away on your laptop's keyboard. When I first started using my first mechanical keyboard with linear switches, it did take some time to get used to the linear switches. There was a slight difference in the amount of pressure to be exerted on the keys. Another thing to get used to was the various different types of keycap profiles!
[Mechanical Keyboard Switches Explained: Your Complete Guide to Types and Characteristic]
[Your Complete Guide to Choosing the Best Keycap Profile for Your Mechanical Keyboard]
Here are some other points which might make a low profile mechanical keyboard more appealing to you:
1. Slimmer Design: Low-profile mechanical keyboards are designed to be thinner and sleeker than traditional mechanical keyboards. This slim profile can be aesthetically pleasing and can also be more ergonomic, especially for users who prefer a lower typing angle.
2. Shorter Key Travel: One of the defining features of low-profile mechanical keyboards is their shorter key travel distance compared to standard mechanical keyboards. This means that the keys don't need to be pressed down as far to register a keystroke, resulting in a quicker typing experience.
3. Quieter Typing: Due to their shorter key travel and often different switch designs, low-profile mechanical keyboards tend to produce less noise compared to their traditional counterparts. This can be advantageous in environments where noise is a concern, such as offices or shared workspaces.
3. Different Switch Options: Low-profile mechanical keyboards typically use switches that are specifically designed for their slimmer profile. These switches often have characteristics similar to traditional mechanical switches but may have a shallower actuation point and overall shorter travel distance. Some popular low-profile switch options include Kailh Choc switches and Cherry MX Low Profile switches.
4. Portability: The slim and lightweight design of low-profile mechanical keyboards makes them highly portable compared to bulkier traditional mechanical keyboards. They are easier to carry around, whether you're commuting to work or traveling.
5. Limited Keycap Compatibility: Due to their unique switch design and slimmer profile, low-profile mechanical keyboards may have limited keycap compatibility compared to standard mechanical keyboards. This means that customizing the keycaps on a low-profile keyboard might be more challenging.
6. Typing Experience: The typing experience on a low-profile mechanical keyboard can vary depending on personal preference and the specific switches used. Some users enjoy the quicker, more responsive feel of low-profile switches, while others may prefer the more substantial key travel of traditional mechanical switches.
Overall, low-profile mechanical keyboards offer a different typing experience that appeals to users looking for a slimmer design, quieter operation, and potentially faster typing speeds. However, it's essential to try out different keyboards and switches to find the one that best suits your preferences and typing style.
If you are wondering what is Shopee , it’s basically a shopping platform like Amazon but with pricing closer to Temu. They have an app for Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines and Indonesia, mostly for the South East Asian countries. Besides the (probably) more affordable (cheaper) pricing, shipping is either free or less than SGD$2 (for majority of the sellers). The only downside is that you need a local number and address for each of the Shopee country app.
Here is the promised experience of buying from Apple’s online shop!
If you are new here, Apple is an artist in Hong Kong specialising in polymer clay creations ranging from charms, artisan keycaps and accessories. Previously I ordered two adorable and intricately made Miffy and Totoro keycaps from her Etsy store. More about that experience can be found here:
[Keycap Series: April Artist Featuring wildapplestudio]
This time I tried buying from her online shop instead of Etsy. The shop was easy to navigate and I was able to find what I wanted with her April shopdrop. 🙈 The sleepy Eevee was too adorable, that my hand had a life of its own and I bought it!
With the many different platforms and passwords we have nowadays, it was a refreshing experience to simply add to cart and check out; without having to create or connect to a Google or another account. The simplicity was what made it all (too) easy to purchase the wonderful delights Apple has in her online store!
In the checkout page, input the address and contact number, then choose the mode of payment - Paypal, Credit card or Apple Pay etc.. I chose PayPal and before I could blink, it was checked out. 🙈 It took about 4 working days for the order to be processed with an email to inform that it has been sent out, and another 6 business working days to arrive in my mailbox! 😍
[Unboxing of Sleepy Eevee Artisan Keycap by WildAppleStudio]
The FAQ section mentions that orders usually are shipped out within 7-10 working days, then about 11-14 business days for international shipping. So once you have received the confirmation email, just wait for a bit to receive the update that the parcel has been shipped out.
[Beginner's Guide to Artisan Keycaps: Everything You Need to Know]
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| Do note that with dynamic currency conversion, there may be minor fluctuations based on market conditions. |
Besides the excellent workmanship and the little details on my keycaps, here are what I liked about purchasing from the online store:
Have you gotten any keycaps from wildapplestudio? If the answer is yes, let me know in the comments below what you loved and what did you get!
[Keycap Series: Featuring Artists of the Month]
[Beginner's Guide to Artisan Keycaps: Everything You Need to Know]
Did you know that there are many different profiles of keycaps for your mechanical keyboard?
In the world of mechanical keyboards, the quest for the perfect typing experience is a journey marked by personal preferences and practical considerations. Among the many choices to be made, selecting the appropriate keycap profile stands is one of the most basic yet import decision which would impact your experience.
In this guide, we aim to provide a factual exploration of the more common keycap profiles, shedding light on their characteristics and offering humble insights to assist you in choosing the profile best suited to your needs.
Keycap profiles are those subtle contours and heights. They play a fundamental role in shaping the tactile landscape of mechanical keyboards. Let us take a look at some of the most prevalent profiles:
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Introducing Melodi Picks!
Whether you're a seasoned gamer or just starting out, having the right gear can make all the difference. That's why I'm thrilled to introduce my curated affiliate shopping page, your one-stop destination for everything mechanical keyboards, artisan keycaps, Nintendo Switch accessories, and games.
Since I like virtual window shopping and finding a good deal or two most of the times, this is a page where I've handpicked the best products (and deals) in each category above. I have purchased most of these, and others are really a good deal which I found. So if you are in Singapore, or South East Asia in general, you are in for a treat because sharing is caring! 😆
For international readers you could try your luck and see if you are able to purchase, but anything international would be under the "Other Links" section.
Remember to compare prices and shipping costs, and check reviews across the different sellers / platforms!
For the month of May we have R who owns shopqwerkycaps and makes artisan keycaps & digital stickers! She is based in Singapore which makes shipping so much more affordable at S$3. Her keycap creations range from an average of S$35 to S$65+, which was a draw along with the unique designs. 😆
[Keycap Series: Featuring Artists of the Month]
[Beginner's Guide to Artisan Keycaps: Everything You Need to Know]
I first came across R works on Carousell and went to check it out. Etsy, again won as there were discounts being offered at that time. There were so many adorable designs, but ultimately I decided on 3 Pokemon themed keycaps - Minunm, Plusle and Litwick. 😍
R was responsive and so nice to help time the delivery for me so that I would be able to receive them at a period convenient to me. Packaging was on point: each keycap was bubble wrapped and placed in their own little bag, along with their "birth certificate" which added that special touch. They arrived in a good condition along with 3 adorable stickers!
R was really responsive when arranging for the delivery. It was an overall good experience and I would definitely be getting more caps from her in future. 👍
R also has the occasional Raffles Sales where she releases one of a kind limited editions of various designs. So don’t forget to check out her Instagram page for updates and exciting news!
Have you gotten any keycaps from shopqwerkycaps ? If the answer is yes, let me know in the comments below what you loved and what did you get!
[Keycap Series: Featuring Artists of the Month]
[Beginner's Guide to Artisan Keycaps: Everything You Need to Know]
Finally, I have my very first Alice-layout keyboard! Well it might just be the barebones kit without the full set of switches and keycaps, but it also cost much less on Lazada. I managed to get it on sale (as always) for under S$40! The last I checked it is still cheap and going for about S$65-120 currently. So if you are interested, you can find it here on Lazada. Alternatively you could also check out Shopee where the average pricing is around S$72-89+. Of course with sales, and the use of vouchers and coins you might be able to get it for slightly lesser at either shopping platforms.
With some left over Akko Jelly Blues (tactile), Orange (tactile), and Pinks (linear), I decided to go for mixed tactile and linear experience. I also happened to have a cute cat themed keycaps set that I thought would go well with it.
Delivery was not so fast, taking about a 7 days to arrive. Confirmation of the order took about 2 days and once confirmed it was on its way. One thing to note if you are buying from Lazada Choice is that is can be a sort of gamble, sometimes the order gets cancelled and you lose out on the best price at the time you ordered. Other times the seller takes almost forver to pack and send out the item. There’s also no way to contact the seller except through the Lazada help chat support (not the chat bot). The good thing is when the order goes through, the joys of receiving your items which you got at a deal is oh so sweet. 😁
Given the price point, I guess I cannot complain that it arrived in its box and nothing else. There was no protection, but thankfully it arrived intact (the box was a little beaten but it survived). It came with a manual guide, cable and keycap / switch puller.
As mentioned earlier, the concept of affixing the switches into the board was quite novel and seemed simple, but the execution was another story. Some of the switches were not affixed securely resulting into the switch and keycap being loose. Not knowing how much strength to use and not wanting to break the board can be pretty nerve-wracking. That and the fact that you would expect the switches to fix nicely and easily. But I am not complaining since this was on sale and is working as it should. Alternatively if you are interested in an Alice-layout but want less of having to assemble your own, you could get it pre-assembled with switches and keycaps already on it.
But if you want to try and have some sort of sense of accomplishment putting on your own switches and keycaps, this could be a good option. 😎
Now this being my very first Alice-layout and a barebones kit no less, it did take me a while to figure out how to affix the switches. It could be me or the fit of the board, but it took some effort to get the switches to fit (the key is to find the right angle and push it in). It was initially a tad loose for the “right shift” and “? “ buttons but I took them out and out them in again and made sure they fit in tightly (usually there would be a click when you’ve gotten it right).
I have not yet customised the digital screen so it is stuck on 01 April, but I’ll get to it … eventually. Here’s a video I found which gives a pretty good overview about the aesthetics and an overview of the RGB light effects and hot keys.
I would say that having this split does make it ergonomically friendly for the left and right hands. The only thing is getting used to it. I found myself having to look at the keyboard or risk hitting the wrong key, also my left hand is really used to hitting the ‘y’ key and keeps on mistaking the left shift key for the ‘a’ key.😂 So that’s probably something to get used to (that and the interesting fact that there is a ‘b’ for both the left and right spilt of the board).
For the moment (for this post and just using the out of the box default settings), the experience typing on an Alice-layout is pretty refreshing. It’s supposed to nurture a healthier typing posture and reduces strain; let’s see how this goes.
The out of the box key mapping should be alright for a Windows system. I am using it currently on an iPad Pro and the copy / paste key, display home shortcuts are not as I would expect (or I just need to get used to the layout). Other than that it is alright.
Connection to an iPad or Android device is relatively simple, just set the keyboard to Bluetooth setting, and turn on Bluetooth for your device which you want to connect to, press the FN + Q / W / E to pair. The keyboard can be simultaneously connected to 3 devices at a time.
If you want to connect to a computer (Windows / Mac), you also have the option to connect it via the USB cable it came with or simply use the USB for the 2.4GHZ. Of course you have to remember to adjust the keyboard setting for the 2.4GHZ connection.
💕The split layout (takes some time getting used to but so far so good).
💕The LCD screen with the battery indicator so it gives a good visual cue how much power is left.
💕 The RBG effects, adds that something special when you are typing.
💕Being able to customize the key mapping and LCD screen.
💕 The default setting for the ‘b’ key being on both the left and right side gives it more flexibility for the hands.
💕 The ability to swap out the switches and keycaps for personalization or a different keep experience is tthe reason why I got it.
💕 The ease to use right out of the box, to connect and start typing away.
💕 The quality of the build which made my tactile switches and cat theme keycaps produce a nice mellow thocky sound.
💔 It is not as easy to affix the switches, resulting in loose switches and keycaps (till you find the right angle to get them in).
💔 Customization for the LCD screen has to be done via a driver (on a Windows system).
So, there you go my first look at and review of my experienc with the CIDOO AM066 Barebones Kit Alice-layout. Given that the loves are more than the not so much, I’ll say give it is worth a try. For those of us located in Singapore, you can get it here for about S$65 or cheaper when it is one sales from Lazada. Alternatively you could also check out Shopee where the average pricing is around S$72-89+.
For those you who are not really into mechanical keyboards (yet), I would still recommended you try the Alice-layout. If you think that the typing noise is too loud you could always swap them out for silent linear switches that would sound not more noisy than the normal laptop membrane keys. And at this price, it really is worth a try so that your hands are not strained when you are working for long periods of time at the computer.
Have you tried an Alice layout keyboard before? If the answer is yes, let me know in the comments below how your experience was!
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