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:

1. Malaysia & Brunei: S$7.10
2. Countries in Asia & the Pacific (except Australia, Japan, New Zealand): S$9.30
3. Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the rest of the world: S$11.90

[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! 

Artist Info

• Style:  📺 Anime / Animals / Food 🍞
• Pricing(per keycap): an average of S$13 to S$22+ (US$20  to US$30+) 
• Pricing for commission pieces might vary so always reach out and clarify. 
• Shipping to Singapore: less than $2 (US$2.50)
• Shipping Internationally: 
• Malaysia & Brunei: S$7.10
• Countries in Asia & the Pacific (except Australia, Japan, New Zealand): S$9.30
• Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the rest of the world: S$11.90
• Wait Time: My order took a total of 3 working days to get processed and another 2 working days to reach me. However, it is always best to check with  peache_atelier on when you can receive your little cutie.
• Material: Resin / Polymer Clay
• Social Media: 
• Ko-Fi Page 
• Instagram

💗 Loves

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]

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.

The Unboxing Experience

Adding the ‘Flesh’ to the BareBones Kit Experience

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.

Typing Experience

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. 😂

Default Settings and Connecting to devices

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.

What I love

💕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.

Not so much

💔 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.

Get from Amazon

Get from Shopee

Get from Lazada

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]

In today’s hyper-connected world, keeping our gadgets charged is crucial. Whether it's smartphones, tablets, laptops, or smartwatches, a dependable charger is essential. Enter the UGREEN RobotGan 65W USB-C Charger with its adorable design and touted capabilities. Let’s delve into its features, and benefits.

Introducing the UGREEN RobotGan 65W USB-C Charger

The UGREEN RobotGan 65W USB-C Charger is a compact powerhouse, engineered to charge a diverse range of devices efficiently. Leveraging the innovative GaN (Gallium Nitride) technology, it provides faster and more efficient charging than traditional silicon-based chargers (so they say). This charger, despite its small size, can deliver up to 65 watts of power, making it perfect for everything from laptops to smartphones and tablets.

Unboxing Video

Standout Features

1. Advanced GaN Technology

At the core of the UGREEN RobotGan 65W USB-C Charger is GaN technology. GaN transistors are more efficient and produce less heat than silicon, allowing for a smaller, yet more powerful charger. This results in quicker charging times and a more compact design. 

2. High Power Output

With an impressive 65W output, this charger can handle a broad range of devices. Whether you’re powering a high-performance laptop like the MacBook Pro or quickly topping up your smartphone, the UGREEN RobotGan 65W USB-C Charger delivers.

3. Multi-Device Charging

Equipped with multiple USB-C ports, this charger can simultaneously charge several devices. This is ideal for travelers or anyone with a suite of gadgets that need constant charging.

4. Comprehensive Safety Features

Safety is a priority with the UGREEN RobotGan 65W USB-C Charger. It includes built-in protections against overcharging, overheating, and short-circuiting, ensuring your devices are charged safely and reliably.

5. Portability and Compact Design

Despite its powerful output, the UGREEN RobotGan 65W USB-C Charger is incredibly compact and lightweight. Its portable design makes it easy to carry, making it the perfect travel companion.

6. Variety of Designs

The UGREEN RobotGan 65W USB-C Charger is available in several designs, catering to different aesthetic preferences and functional requirements. Whether you prefer a sleek, minimalist look or a more robust, feature-rich design, there’s an option for everyone. It comes in 3 different designs - black, purple and blue/pink.

I got the purple design

Benefits of the UGREEN RobotGan 65W USB-C Charger

1. Enhanced Efficiency and Speed

Thanks to GaN technology, the UGREEN RobotGan charger offers superior efficiency, leading to faster charging times. You can quickly recharge your devices and stay on the go.

2. Versatile Charging Capabilities

With a 65W output and multiple ports, this charger is a versatile tool for powering a wide array of devices. From laptops and smartphones to tablets, it covers all your charging needs. They have UK and US compatible chargers.

3. Safety and Reliability

Featuring robust safety measures, you can charge your devices with confidence, knowing they are protected from power surges and overheating.

4. Portability

Its compact size ensures you can take the charger anywhere, making it ideal for frequent travelers and those who need a reliable power source on the go.

5. Aesthetic and Functional Flexibility

With multiple designs available, you can choose a charger that matches your personal style and specific charging needs, adding a touch of customization to your tech accessories.

That said, with its GaN-powered efficiency, comprehensive safety features, compact design, and variety of aesthetic options, it is a must-have accessory for anyone looking to keep their devices powered and ready for action. Say goodbye to slow charging and bulky chargers - embrace the future with the UGREEN RobotGan 65W USB-C Charger!

It fast charges my Android and Apple devices in good time and does not overheat. It can even charge my laptop and Nintendo Switch effectively (and perfect to bring for travels). The only thing to note is that only one port is 65W,  so do read the manual. This charger is even more perfect if you have a suitable power point where you can view the adorable face when it is charging and when charging has completed. 

I got mine from Lazada when there was a sale (I always check out all the shopping platforms and compare before making that purchase with the belief that sales are always better than paying for the full price). Typically it costs around S$55-60, but during the sales period it can be almost 50% off!

Get from Amazon

Get from Shopee

Have you already gotten yours yet? If the answer is yes, let me know your thoughts about it! 😁

Play-Asia is an online retailer specializing in video games, DVDs, music CDs, and gadgets primarily targeting the Asian market. Established in 2002, it has grown to become a prominent platform for gamers seeking imports, rare titles, and niche products. It offers a wide range of products, including Japanese and Asian versions of games, which can be appealing to collectors and enthusiasts outside Asia. The company also provides digital services, such as digital codes for games and online subscriptions. Overall, Play-Asia serves as a bridge for gamers worldwide to access unique gaming content from Asia.

If you are looking for covers or items which are not available in your country then this could be a good place to look if you are not able to find any online anywhere else.

My experience was not so pleasant (mostly on the courier / shipping side of things) with the long wait, poor resolution time and almost losing the parcel, and the pricing. 

Let’s start with the website. It’s primitive and not user friendly. Navigating between product pages is not an intuitive thing and the design is like it is still stuck in the 2000s. The layout is messy and cluttered, so unless you know what you are looking for specifically… virtual window shopping does not spark joy.

Layout, Taxonomy and Design still stuck in the 2000s

Next would be the purchasing experience, which PayPal is an option. Although it is mentioned that if you spend above a certain amount (basic) shipping would be free, however there are some caveats to that. Not to mention that the sales and discounts are really lackluster.

I was interested in this otome game My Next Life as a Villianess: All Routes Lead to Doom! - Pirates of the Disturbance. It was listed on PlayAsia but it was a pre-order and it was expensive (although the company is located in Hong Kong, they use USD$ as a currency on their platform). Then I saw a something which was interesting, Sword and Fairy Inn 2, the collectors’ edition.

I decided to try purchasing from PlayAsia and the first game from them was the collect’s edition of the Sword and Fairy Inn 2. Rating for the game was not too good but the cover looked so cute and the concepts ofthe game looked like something I would play, so I got it.

Checkout was easy, payment was swift but delivery… delivery was a pain. It took almost forever and more than a month before I received it. All because of the shipping company PlayAsia used - Quantiam Solutions.

You can read all about the lack of professionalism and lacklustre service of the shipping company in the link below.

[Quantium Solutions - the worst logistics and shipping company]

The item reached Singapore but was sitting in at the Post Office Center for a month with no accountability nor response by the shipping company!

It took 7 weeks for my parcel to arrive from Hong Kong and not because it was from a far away... even stuff I've gotten from Amazon US has come in a much fast timeframe with much better updates on the status of delivery ... It was because it was stuck in the Singpost sorting center, to which the logistics company Quantium Solutions was dead on replies and basically non-responsive pushing it over from the Hong Kong branch to the Singapore branch and then dead silence.

PlayAsia took about a week to finally conclude that it was “lost”, whilst its status was actually sitting there with not one bothering about it and no updates whatsoever. They provided an option, to either get a refund or resend out again. I opted for a refund and when that happened, the game was delivered the next day!

Now being the nice person that I am, I informed PlayAsia and they thanked me for informing them that I had received the “missing” item. Next they asked if I could make a payment again on their website since they had already processed the refunded. So meaning, if I had not informed them I would have gotten it for free and gotten an extra one?

But I “returned” them the money and I did earn a few cents back since the exchange rate was higher on the day the refunded me versus when I had bought it.

Oh, and that otome game I wanted? I managed to get it off Carousell for just S$60. That’s at least S$30 lesser than what it is on PlayAsia (not even including shipping).

So would I purchase from PlayAsia again? I guess that would depend if they have the games I really want that I am not able to get else where otherwise it is not worth the time, money and effort. There are also no incentives, unlike Amazon, Shopee or Lazada.

Have you purchased from PlayAsia before? If the answer is yes, how has your experience been so far? Please share in the comments below!~

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:

1. Malaysia & Brunei: S$7.10
2. Countries in Asia & the Pacific (except Australia, Japan, New Zealand): S$9.30
3. Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the rest of the world: S$11.90

[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!

Artist Info

• Style:  📺 Pop Culture / Nature Inspired / Gaming / Anime
• Pricing(per keycap): an average of S$26 to S$36+ (US$20  to US$30+) 
• Pricing for commission pieces might vary so always reach out and clarify. 
• Shipping to Singapore: less than $2 (US$2.50)
• Shipping Internationally: an average of S$9.30 to S$11.90+ (US$7 to US$10+)
• Wait Time: My order via Google Forms took a total of 2 working days to get processed and another 4 working days to reach me. Also best to check with teas_factory  on when you can receive your little cutie.
• Material: Resin / Polymer Clay
• Social Media: 
• Instagram 
• Carousell 

💗 Loves

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]

teeny.snug is located in sunny Singapore and embarked on her creation journey since March 2022. She started out with many interests from keebs, clay and vtubers, ultimately deciding to focus on clay creations. She has the most adorable series of artisan cat keycaps called “Potted Pets” on her online store. 

Of course, her creations are not limited to just keycaps. She  recently introduced a deskbud series where potted cats and dogs were up for purchase to keep you company while you work, adding that something special to your desk setup.

Can you guess? Yes, I got them cute deskbuds - the cat and dog dark brown version. Little did I know they were so popular and were sold out quite fast after I got them. Thankfully I got them and they are happily on my desk now. 😆

The packaging was super adorable with a sticker each for the cat and dog deskbuds. I love the little paw print details which are peppered throughout the package! 😍

Purchase Experience

Experience purchasing from the shop was good and straight forward. Navigation was also easy as everything you would want to know from the backstory, how long delivery takes, terms and conditions, adding to cart and check out was straight-forward. 

There are a few ways she offers her creations via her online store:

• New pre-orders are on her store for 1-2 months before being retired; always added something new.
• In-stock keycaps are already created and ready top be packed and sent out with a 2-5 day processing time).
• Raffle: with limited quantity but ready-made keycaps.
• For more you should check out the FAQ for the latest must updated information.

How to Buy

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]

What are low-profile mechanical keyboards?

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.

Get from Amazon

Get from Shopee

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]

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:

💗 Loves

Artist Info

• Style: 🧚 Whimsical / Nature-Inspired / Gaming / Anime / Food 🍲
• Pricing (per keycap): an average of S$15 to S$80+ (US$11 to US$60+)
• Shipping to Singapore: less than $10 (US$8)
• Shipping Internationally: depends on your location but should be reasonable. 
• Wait Time: Orders usually are shipped out within 7-10 working days, then about 11-14 business days for international shipping (to reach you). 
• Material: Polymer clay and protected with UV resin
• Location: Hong Kong 
• Social Media: 
• Esty Shop
• Online Shop
• Instagram
• Youtube
• PinInterest
• Reddit

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]

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. 

Adding the ‘Flesh’ to the BareBones Kit Experience

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.  

Typing Experience

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.

Default Settings and Connecting to devices

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.

What I love

💕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.

Not so much

💔 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.

Get from Amazon

Get from Shopee

Get from Lazada

Have you tried an Alice layout keyboard before? If the answer is yes, let me know in the comments below how your experience was! 

Have you played any cosy games? If you are new to gaming and just got onboard the Nintendo Switch bandwagon, I would like to introduce you to Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town.

If you are looking for something aside from the busyness of life and would like to curl up somewhere comfy and escape to a virtual world where you can farm, talk wait virtual villagers and manage your farm which you inherited from your virtual grandpa? Welcome to the enchanting world of Story of Seasons: Friends of Olive Town.

Nestled at the heart of Olive Town, you inherited piece of land from your grandfather. Olive Town is more than just a fertile soil for crops; it's a community teeming with fascinating characters, each with their own stories, dreams, and aspirations. As you till the land, raise livestock, and explore the vast beauty of the valley, you'll also have the opportunity to form profound connections with the townspeople.

The changing seasons play a pivotal role in your farming journey, bringing both challenges and rewards. With each new season, you'll adapt, strategize, and learn the rhythms of nature. Tend to your crops, care for your animals, and unlock the secrets of the land while embracing the ebb and flow of life in Olive Town.

But it's not all about toil and sweat. Olive Town comes alive with an array of lively festivals, opportunities for exploration, and the chance to delve into the captivating mysteries of the valley. From seasonal celebrations that showcase the town's unique culture to quests that will test your mettle, there's always something new and exciting on the horizon.

As the seasons dance by, so too do the challenges and rewards of farming. Adapt your strategies, tend to your crops, and uncover the mysteries of the land while embracing the natural cycle of growth and renewal.

From bustling festivals to thrilling quests, Olive Town offers a plethora of opportunities for exploration and delight. Immerse yourself in the rich culture of the town, embark on adventures, and unravel the secrets hidden within its charming streets.

I like this as it is single player, there is no need to interact with humans (which can be comforting for some), and you play at your own pace.  There might be a lot of graining but the satisfaction in the consistency is there as you develop friendships with your virtual villagers. 

[Top 10 Tips When Your Start Playing Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town]

You can always buy the physical game cartridge (and resell it when you have completed the game) or check out the Nintendo e-Shop for sales (they have pretty good sales from time to time).

Do let me know in the comments below what are your favourite cozy games and why!