My First Pre-Order Keyboard: The QK Alice Duo in Purple From Ktechs

As a mechanical keyboard enthusiast, I’ve tried my fair share of kits and ready-made boards. But recently, I took a leap into something truly special — I pre-ordered my very first keyboard from Ktechs: the QK Alice Duo in purple. Not only was this my first pre-order, but it also happens to be my priciest keyboard yet at S$500!

Since it was a pre-order, it took more than a month to arrive, which tested my patience. But honestly, the wait was worth it, and the overall experience with Ktechs has been smooth and professional. The updates, shipping info, and careful packaging made the anticipation all the more exciting.
The Unboxing Experience

The QK Alice Duo is a split Alice-style keyboard, meaning it comes in two separate halves designed to reduce wrist and shoulder strain while typing. Each half weighs roughly 800–815g, giving the full keyboard a premium, substantial feel on the desk.

The aluminum CNC cases are sleek, sturdy, and beautifully finished in purple. The split layout is angled in blocks, making the keys naturally reachable without contorting your hands — a noticeable ergonomic upgrade over traditional straight layouts.

I also added a matching purple wrist rest, which aligns perfectly with both halves and makes long typing sessions even more comfortable.

Included in the QK Alice Duo Kit from Ktechs:


2× CNC aluminum keyboard cases with pre-installed 1800mAh batteries


1× Wireless Pod for 2.4GHz connection and charging


1× Hotswap PCB Kit (choose from different flex options to adjust typing feel)


1× Plate of your selected material (PC, FR4, or aluminum)


Foam layers (PCB foam, case foam, anti-static film, and acoustic diffusers)


Silicone gaskets in two hardness levels for sound and typing feel tuning


Magnetic USB-C cables for wired and charging modes


Tools and accessories:


Switch & keycap puller


Screwdriver


Stabilizers


Protective case


Extra screws and keyboard feet

Note: Switches and keycaps aren’t included, giving you full freedom to customize your build.
Connectivity & Performance

The QK Alice Duo offers three connectivity options:


Wired USB-C for zero-latency typing


Wireless 2.4GHz via the included pod/dongle


Bluetooth for compatible devices

The wireless pod shows battery status, connection mode, and OS mode, making switching between modes effortless. The keyboard supports a high polling rate of 8,000Hz, meaning typing and gaming feel smooth and responsive whether wired or wireless.
My Planned Build

I haven’t finalized the switches and keycaps yet, but here’s what I’m considering:

Switch Choice: [Insert VC switch type here]
Keycap Set: [Insert keycap profile/design here]

I’m excited to see how the foam layers, gasket mounting, aluminum case, and matching wrist rest will interact with the switches to produce a satisfying typing experience. Once the build is complete, I’ll do a full ASMR sound test and typing profile, highlighting the acoustic signature from soft thocky lows to crisp highs.
Building the Alice Duo

The QK Alice Duo is hotswap-ready, so no soldering is required — perfect for a first pre-order. The kit comes with magnetic cables and plenty of foam, which not only help with acoustics but also give the build a solid and premium feel.

One thing I immediately noticed: the keyboard feels heavier and sturdier than any of my previous keyboards. This weight, combined with the split layout, gives a satisfying and ergonomic typing posture. The matching wrist rest enhances comfort and keeps the aesthetic cohesive across both halves.
Ergonomics and Typing Experience

The Alice layout isn’t as radically ergonomic as ortholinear boards, but the split design, angled key blocks, and optional tenting make a noticeable difference during long typing sessions. You can adjust the tenting angle to either flat or slightly angled, perfect for experimenting with comfort.

Even before adding my switches and keycaps, I could tell this would be a typing joy — soft yet responsive, with a premium weight that feels solid on the desk. The wrist rest only improves this experience, letting your hands rest naturally during long sessions.
Next Steps: Sound Test and Final Build

Once I finish my build, I’ll share:


Switches: [Insert VC switch type here]


Keycaps: [Insert keycap set here]


ASMR sound test and typing profile

I’m especially excited to see how the foam layers, gasket mounting, plate choice, and wrist rest affect the acoustic signature. This is going to be a keyboard that sounds as premium as it looks, whether you’re typing, gaming, or just enjoying the satisfying thocky feedback.
Final Thoughts

Pre-ordering a keyboard for the first time felt like a milestone in my mechanical keyboard journey. Waiting over a month tested my patience, but the experience with Ktechs has been positive, from communication to packaging and shipping.

The QK Alice Duo from Ktechs isn’t just another keyboard — it’s an experience: the anticipation of waiting, the joy of unboxing, and the satisfaction of building something uniquely yours.

At S$500, it’s my priciest purchase yet, but the premium materials, thoughtful design, split Alice layout, customization potential, matching wrist rest, substantial weight, and versatile connectivity options make it worth every cent.

I can’t wait to finish my build and share the full sound test and profile. I’d love to hear which switches and keycaps you would pair with this purple beauty!