O_OOHKey, who is located in South Korea, and specializes in resin artisan keycaps and loves cats! If the name sounds familiar, then it is because I won a giveaway from them before and loved their Ninku character so much that when I saw it available in Neon Pink... I had to get it. 😂

Although I wish the currency conversion was kinder to me, the invoice for  Neon Pink Ninku was USD$65, including shipping. I paid S$91.85 via PayPal (no thanks to currency conversation😭). To date this would be the most expensive keycap I've gotten. 😅 

[Exploring Artisan Keycaps: A Review of O_OOHKey]

There's actually an interesting backstory behind the artist's online persona: in Korean the word 음애 means the cry of a baby, and when re-interpreted it was born as 'O__OOH ' in English. 

The package come with a card and cute stickers. Neon Pink Ninku was well encased in a protector case and arrived in perfect condition.

Designs

O_OOHKey's current works (in 2024) revolve on different variations of the below:

1.  O_OOH CAT: Kitten looking like suspenders but wearing a diaper. 😸
2.  Ho-Raeng: In Korea, there is a culture called '12 gods'. To celebrate the Year of the Black Tiger, we made a tiger character by hand sculpting.💖
3. SneakInKitty: Introducing SneakInKitty, our adorable new character! Watch as this lovable kitten playfully sneaks inside a stylish sneaker, bringing a burst of charm to your day. Shower lots of love on this little feline companion – a delightful addition to your world of whimsy and style! 
4. Ryong-E: Dive into the mythical charm of the Year of the Blue Dragon with our exquisite Blue Dragon, Ryong-E! This blue dragon keycap created in celebration of 2024 boasts a captivating azure hue symbolizing strength and prosperity. Embrace the upcoming year with Ryong-E, whose horns will ward off all your hardships! Meet Ryong-E at Raffle!
5. NinKu: A cute kid who dreams of becoming a ninja

There are also other occasional designs such as the Cloud Keycaps and Stingray which are priced at US$20-25. So definitely something to look forward to!

How to Buy

The mode of which the keycaps are sold is via Raffle Sales with Google Forms: where you sign up to win a chance to buy the keycaps. The form is usually open for a week and sales are conducted on a first come first serve basis. If payment is not made within 24 hours, then it gets cancelled and you would not be able to particulate in the next raffle. 

O_OOHKey announces the latest sales and posts about past creations on their Instagram. They also occasionally have giveaways, so do check them out! 😍

The Cloud & Stingray Series which are always available

Artist Info

• Style: 🐯 Fantasy 🐉⛅
• Pricing (per keycap): an average of US$20 to US$60 (S$26-S$80+)
• Shipping Internationally: Depends on your country and ranges from USD$15-$30 (S$20-S$50)
• Wait Time: Not including the time it took to be processed / made, it took within 5 business days (total was 8 days if you count the weekends) to receive my adorable keycap from South Korea.
• Material: Resin (Hand sculpted)
• Location: South Korea
• Payment Method: Paypal
• Social Media: 
• Instagram 
• Discord 
• Link Tree

Have you gotten any keycaps from any____key? 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] 

[Exploring Artisan Keycaps: A Review of O_OOHKey]

[Beginner's Guide to Artisan Keycaps: Everything You Need to Know]

With its Gateron Brown switches, the Sumreda SK82 strikes a perfect balance between tactile feedback and smooth, quiet actuation.

Below is the ASMR video where you can listen to the satisfying clicks of the SK82 in action. The sound check focuses on capturing the raw auditory experience of the Gateron Brown switches, making it perfect for those who appreciate mechanical keyboard soundscapes.

My version of Sumreda SK82 came with the Gateron Brown switches, which are known for their tactile feel without the loud click of blue switches. This makes them ideal for those who want a satisfying typing experience without the excessive noise. If you're working in an office or a shared space, this switch offers the best of both worlds: smooth keystrokes and a quieter typing sound.

Full review and specifications of this keyboard can be read here:

[Review: SK82 Mechanical Keyboard - A Blend of Functionality and Style on a Budget]

If you're considering a mechanical keyboard that offers a balance between tactile feedback and a quieter typing experience on a budget, the Sumreda SK82 is worth exploring. Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments below, and let me know what other keyboards you'd like me to feature in future ASMR sound checks!

Get from Lazada

Get from AliExpress

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Pricing

In terms of affordability, the GMK87 Barebones Kit is priced at around S$70+ (about US$55+). This puts it in the mid-range bracket for mechanical keyboard kits, offering excellent value for its premium build and customizability. Whether you’re a hobbyist looking for your next project or someone seeking a quality mechanical keyboard experience, this price range is competitive for the features provided.

Where to Buy

The GMK87 Barebones Kit can be purchased from:

• For those in Singapore and South East Asia
  
• Shopee: Select from a wide range of online sellers and use vouchers and coupons. Worth to check it out especially during the sales period.
  
• Lazada: Select from a wide range of online sellers and use vouchers and coupons. Worth to check it out especially during the sales period.
• For international
• AliExpress: For those in and outside of Singapore, AliExpress offers various options which which suit the wallet.
• Amazon: Occasionally, you can find mechanical keyboard kits available through Amazon.
  

I had gotten my GMK87 Barebones kit (Black) from Lazada for about S$40 (~US$30) during the sales period. There is also a White version but I decided to go with a different color this time since I already have quite a few white mechanical keyboards. If I knew the black version would be such a magnet for fingerprints I would have chosen the white one. But that is a smaller little downside as the board on the whole is pretty solid and good.

Unboxing and First Impressions

The GMK87 Barebones Kit comes packaged neatly, with all components carefully organized. Right out of the box, the kit feels good and not too heavy at about 0.7kg, since the case is made out of polycarbonate. The minimalist design ensures it will fit well in any workspace, and the TKL (Tenkeyless) layout provides a balance between functionality and compactness, perfect for those who want more desk space without giving up essential keys. The screen and knob are a nice tough to the mechanical keyboard.

Unboxing and Build

At S$162 (US$123), my Rainy75(Pro) is currently one of the the higher priced budget keebs (and heaviest at almost 2kg!) I have in my collection. But it was a happy buy for sure. 

The stock keycaps and switches sound so good, and feels so smooth to type on. 

 You can read more about the review in the link below.

[Exploring the Rainy75 Mechanical Keyboard: A Game-Changer in Affordable Luxury]

If your are interested in getting your very own Rainy75,  it is available at Shopee for about the same price, from the same seller who has a presence on Lazada as well. Since I had vouchers for Lazada, I got it there instead for S$162 (shipping was "free") for a Yellow color Pro version. 😁

Of course not all the colors were available, pink for example was out of stock on both Lazada and Shopee, but Amazon has the pink variant for about S$222 (US$170). If you are interested in getting the a Rainy75 and have no access to Shopee, depending on the version you can get it from Amazon from about US$159, or from AliExpress. 

Have you gotten the Rainy75, or would you be getting it? If the answer is yes, do let me know your thoughts on it in the comments below! 

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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!

AnyKey aka any____key makes their adorable iterations of their Bear character called Dori available through Raffle Sales (with Google Forms) which are announced on their Instagram and discord server. I first came across their adorable Dori creations on Instagram and was immediately smitten with the beary cute designs! 

[Keycap Series: August Artist Featuring AnyKey aka any____key]

[Keycap Series: All Doris I have gotten from Anykey]

Anykey announces the latest sales and updates to shipping, as well as posts about past creations on their Instagram and their Discord, so do check them out!

One thing to note is that shipping of the adorable Dori creations take about a month or so to be made and then shipped out.

Previously I had gotten their Lime Boom! Dori and Hibernation Dori, then I saw the delicious Egg Dori and just had to get him. The invoice for Egg Dori was USD$50, including shipping. I paid S$70.57 via PayPal (no thanks to currency conversation😂). You can tell I am becoming a fan of Dori the bear... This already is my third Dori (and I am not going to stop)!

Unboxing Video

Artist Info

September brings the cozy vibes of autumn and the magic of the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival. So to celebrate, instead of the usual 1 artist, 2 artists who capture the essence of the season will be featured this month. 

Last week we had Jen, all the way from Australia, the wonderful lady behind kōyōkeys. This week we have pyuyucaps who is right across the causeway from Malaysia. Her adorable creations range from about US$30-55+ (about S$40-70+) and shipping to Singapore is US$15 (about S$20). 

What I appreciate about pyuyucaps is that she has an online shop as well as raffle sales and commission open on her Instagram page, so there are options. Her creations on her Big Cartel shop are simply adorable and have a nice clean finish to them. 

When I saw 'YU' bunny (玉兔), I simply fell in love with the sweet pink and adorable design! 

So into the shopping cart 'YU' bunny (玉兔) went along with her friends, and they soon made their way to me. 😆 It was a pleasant surprise that instead of delivery via the post office it was via a courier and arrived in a faster time (less than a week).

[Keycap Series: Featuring Artists of the Month] 

[Beginner's Guide to Artisan Keycaps: Everything You Need to Know]

The shopping experience was straight forward and simple. It would be nice if the currency could be auto-converted to reflect the currency I am using but that was not a deal breaker. I appreciated the online store experience:

1. Paypal was a payment option.
2. No need to create an account just to make purchase. As long as you have your Order number, you are able to keep track of your order easily.
3. Once the order was confirmed and on the way, the tracking ID is provided.
   
4. Updates from the courier when the parcel is out for delivery.
   

Unboxing

 

Artist Info

• Style:  🐇 Animals / Pokemon / Cartoon & Game Characters
  
• Pricing (per keycap): an average of US$30-55+ (about S$40-70+)
  
• Shipping to Singapore: US$15 (about S$20)
• Shipping Internationally: shipping costs will be calculated at checkout. 
• Wait Time: Once my order was placed, it took less than a week for the cute keycap to reach me (from Malaysia to Singapore via courier).
  
• Material: Polymer clay + PBT
• Location: Malaysia
• Social Media: 
• Store 
• Instagram

💗 Loves

September brings the cozy vibes of autumn and the magic of the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival. So to celebrate, instead of the usual 1 artist, 2 artists who capture the essence of the season will be featured this month.  The first featured artist is kōyōkeys.

Hailing from Australia, Jen is the wonderful lady behind kōyōkeys. The name kōyō means autumn leaves changing color. The keycaps are primarily made from epoxy resin but some specialty designs may include other materials such as polymer clay and glitter. The overall result are designs which are minimalistic yet elegant. 

kōyōkeys  keycaps range from about S$64-120+ (US$45-88+), and shipping to Singapore is S$20. 

Most designs, or colorways as they are called, have about 6-12 units available while the more popular ones might have a little more in quantity (i.e. about 20 units). Each colorway is unique and it might be hard to replicate the same color exactly, so you can be assured that you would be getting a one of a kind little piece of art keycap.

Jen has an interesting take on Raffles Sales: instead of using Google Forms, she offers a range of designs (and quantity) on her online store. The new designs are then announced on her Instagram page. In a way they are raffled just on an online store instead of using Google Forms. Doing so allows interested buyers to "raffle" their luck and see if they are able to check out with their desired color way. 

This definitely saves time on administration and the manual effort having to individually contacting each buyer, send them an invoice and see if they have paid or not before packing etc... And for buyers, the result is almost instant in seeing if they are able to get the colorway which they wanted. I like this approach as the wait is practically more than halved and you can received the keycaps much earlier than your regular Raffle Sale method via Google Forms. 

One day, I happened to be browsing Instagram and came across Jen's post announcing that there was going to be sales (along with some new releases) on her online store. Sales day come, I went to check out the online store and checked out a sunflower rakuyō keycap. 😍

[Keycap Series: Featuring Artists of the Month] 

[Beginner's Guide to Artisan Keycaps: Everything You Need to Know]

It was the typical Shopify platform experience but I appreciated the online store experience:

1. Auto-currency conversion on the site and displayed it already in S$.
2. Paypal was a payment option.
3. No need to create an account just to make purchase. As long as you have your Order number, you are able to keep track of your order easily.
4. Once the order was confirmed and on the way, an estimated date period was included in the update email.
5. Taxes and shipping calculated at checkout.
6. Email updates from Australian Post on the status of the delivery so you can travel virtual with your package.

Unboxing

Artist Info

• Style: 🍁 Nature-Inspired 
• Pricing (per keycap): an average of  S$64-120 (US$45-88)
• Shipping to Singapore: S$20
• Shipping Internationally: shipping costs will be calculated at checkout. 
• Wait Time: Orders within 3-5 days to be processed after being placed, My order took 3 working days to get processed and shipped out. It took another 8 working days (a total of 16 days) to reach me. 
• Material: Resin
• Location: Australia
• Social Media: 
• Store 
• Instagram

💗 Loves

“This Switch Is Called” Linear Switches

Specifications:

• Switch Type: Linear
• Number of Pins: 5
• Actuation: 50g
• Bottom Out: 60g
• Total Travel: 3.8mm
• Top Housing: POK
• Bottom Housing: Nylon + 20% Glass Fiber
• Stem Material: UPE
• Factory Lubrication: Light
• Spring: 19mm Single Stage
• Manufacturer: Keygeek
• 1 Quantity = 10 Switches

 
In this review, we’ll explore what makes these switches stand out and why they might be the next addition to your custom keyboard build.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing I noticed is the careful attention to materials: the stem is made from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UPE), known for its smoothness and durability. The top housing is crafted from POK, a sturdy plastic, while the bottom housing uses nylon reinforced with 20% glass fiber. This adds rigidity and reduces wobble. Together the materials contribute to the switch's durability and creates a smooth, consistent feel across the board.

At its core, the switch is designed to be linear, meaning it has no tactile bump or audible click. It offers a fluid keystroke from top to bottom, making it perfect for those who prefer a smooth, uninterrupted typing experience, whether for gaming or everyday typing.

Sound Profile: The "Thock" Experience

One of the most defining characteristics of these switches is their “thocky” sound profile. For those who enjoy a deep, muted sound when typing, “This Switch Is Called” delivers in this area. The UPE stem contributes significantly to the acoustics, producing a rich, low-pitched sound that could be described as satisfying and relaxing.

The combination of nylon and glass fiber housing further dampens any unwanted noise, ensuring a refined typing experience without the harshness that some linear switches might exhibit. If you’re in a quiet workspace or prefer less auditory distraction while typing, these switches are ideal.

Don't you think the switches resemble the sea and its waves? 

Since the switches reminded me of the sea and its waves, I paired the switches on my GMK87 Barebones Kit together with cute shark keycaps. For the spacebar and modifier keys (e.g. CRTL, Shift and ALT) I used a lighter switch (as always).

Sound Test

Customization and Modding

If you want to further  fine tune your switches further but do not want to lub them yourself, PantheonKeys offers customization services for those who want to fine-tune their switches even further. For an additional fee, you can opt for hand-lubrication using Krytox 205g0 or Tribosys 3203. This reduces friction even more, enhancing the smoothness and eliminating any potential scratchiness. Additionally, TX films are added to reduce wobble, ensuring a stable, consistent typing experience.

If you are looking to reduce spring noise, Krytox 105 lubrication is applied to the springs. These mods make the switches quieter and even smoother, creating a premium typing feel.

Performance: A Balance of Smoothness and Precision

With an actuation force of 50g and a bottom-out force of 60g, these switches strike a nice balance between being light enough for rapid typing but still offering enough resistance to avoid accidental key presses. The total travel distance is 3.8mm, which is slightly shorter than the standard 4mm in some switches, allowing for quicker key returns.

That said, "This Switch Is Called" Linear Switches are an excellent choice for both gamers and fast typists. The single-stage spring ensures that each keystroke feels snappy and smooth. It is a versatile switch for different use cases. 

Personally, I am more used to lighter switches with actuation force of 35-45g, but it was quite easy adjusting to this slightly heavier linear switches. I noticed that it did help me to slow down a little and typos are slightly reduced. As each keypress requires more intentional effort, the extra resistance contribute to a more controlled and precise typing experience (for me at least). However, due to the increased resistance from the stronger spring long typing sessions might be giving the fingers a good workout.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Switch For?

The Pantheon “This Switch Is Called” Linear Switches are a fantastic option for anyone who enjoys a smooth, quiet typing experience with a deep, satisfying sound. Whether you’re an enthusiast building your next custom keyboard or someone looking for an upgrade, these switches provide a balance of precision, comfort, and sound quality.

The premium materials used in the switches, coupled with PantheonKeys’ modding services, make them stand out in the crowded field of mechanical switches. If you’re looking to invest in a set of switches that offer a smooth keystroke with a “thocky” sound profile, these switches are well worth considerin.

Just take note that having an 50g actuation force and 60g bottom out force, “This Switch Is Called” Linear Switches would be considered moderately heavy. It provides more resistance than many lighter switches, which might make it more challenging to press. This can result in a more deliberate typing experience with greater control, but it may also lead to increased finger fatigue during extended use.

Are you a light, moderate or heavy switch lover? Let me know in the comments below!

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When I saw how sweet looking the Zuoce Bubble Gum Linear switches were, together with  being linears and the actuation force, I just had to try them out. Good thing they where on sale. 😁

If you were tempted to get this sweet linear switch, but was wondering how it sounded like check out the sound check video below!

The packing is so sweet and the switches sound lovely, don’t you think? 

I used them for my Cidoo Nebula barebones kit build together with the delightful Pastel Chaos keycaps designed by my friend, Mari. Together with Goblin TechKeys they’ve produced a unique aesthetic that combines a soothing color palette with a touch of chaos. This makes each keycap set visually intriguing just like a pretty chaos. I love how they align perfectly despite the “chaos” - particularly the up, down, left, right arrows.

The Pastel Chaos  keycaps are Cherry Profile so this makes them comfortable for typing. They are made out of PBT which is resistant to wear and fading, thus providing a long-lasting and vibrant typing experience. If you are interested the keycaps or even a whole mechanical keyboard with switches and keycaps, don't forget to check out Mari's Pastel Chaos and use the code "MARI" to get 10% off! 

[Review of the CIDOO Nebula Mechanical Keyboard (Barebones Kit)]

Zuoce Bubble Gum Switch Specifications

• SPECLinear Switch
• POM+SL stem
• Modified POM top housing
• Nylong bottom housing
• 22mm 2-stage spring
• Operating force 37+/-5gf
• Bottom force 45+/-5gf
• Pre-travel 1.8+/-0.4mm
• Total Travel 3.5+/-0.3mm

For mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of customizing your own setup. From selecting the perfect switches to finding the right keycaps and right board to fit it all - the process can be deeply satisfying. There are many options online, but if you are in Singapore and want to head down to try out the different types of switches on mechanical keyboards, then PantheonKeys would be one of the places you could check out.

About PantheonKeys

PantheonKeys was founded on December 2019 in Singapore and aims to offer premium-quality keyboard components at accessible prices. It has since established itself as a go-to brand for anyone looking to build or customize their own keyboards​. 

Based out of Ubi Techpark in Singapore, PantheonKeys caters to a local and global market, shipping products internationally as well. 

So if you want to have a physical experience of trying out mechanical keyboard and switches you can head down to their office in Ubi to have a personal experience. Besides mechanical keyboards, switches, keycaps and accessories (e.g. deskmats and mice), PantheonKeys also provides services such as soldering and desoldering, lubing and building services. The reviews on Google seem quite good and I might go down one day to experience it all! 

Online Presence

For those of us who are homebodies or live outside of Singapore, PantheonKeys does have an online presence where you can check out their latest offering.

They have their own online store, as well as a presence on both Lazada and Shopee. Do note that not all products are available on Lazada and Shopee, but it is more worth it if you are able to use the vouchers and during the sales period. 

If you are not able to find the product on Lazada and Shopee, chances are you would find it only on their online store. The online store also offers promo codes, updates, and a user-friendly shopping experience​. So make sure to sign up for their newsletter or follow their social media.

Whether you're a beginner looking to build your first custom keyboard or a seasoned enthusiast chasing that perfect keystroke feel, PantheonKeys has something for you.

PantheonKeys Products (Switches)

PantheonKeys is not just another mechanical keyboard store. The company regularly experiments with materials and designs. 

Pantheon Purity Tactile Switch

A great example is the currently out of stock Pantheon Purity Tactile Switches, which features a full PBT housing—a rare choice in the world of switches. PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) is known for its durability and "thocky" sound profile, making it a favorite among enthusiasts who prefer deeper, richer keystrokes​.

"This Switch Is Called" Linear Switches

If you prefer a more soft, "thocky" sound without the sharp click or tactile bump, they also have their Pantheon "This Switch Is Called" Linear Switches, which is in stock. With additional modding options like Krytox lubrication and TX films, users can achieve an even quieter and more stable sound profile​.

PantheonKeys also offers optional switch modding services, allowing you to have the switches hand-lubricated with Krytox 205g0 or Tribosys 3203 and the springs treated with Krytox 105 to minimize spring ping. Clear TX films are also added to reduce wobble and stabilize the typing feel. This customization allows you to tailor the switches to your exact preferences for a better overall experience​. Of course, if you prefer stock it is also available.

Final Thoughts

While PantheonKeys operates from Singapore, it serves a global community of keyboard enthusiasts.  The company is more than just a mechanical keyboard vendor—it's a community-driven brand that is passionate about helping people build the perfect keyboard. Whether you're after a smooth typing experience, a thocky sound profile, or simply want to personalize your desk setup, PantheonKeys offers everything you need to build a mechanical keyboard that reflects your style.

If you haven’t checked them out yet, head over to their site, and explore what they have to offer. You just might find that elusive switch or keycap set that transforms your typing experience. You can also follow their social media accounts:

• Discord
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Youtube

Are you planning on trying out or have you gotten any of PantheonKeys’ products? Let me know in the comments below!

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