This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.
00:00:00 – 00:13:10
The video centers on the speaker's enthusiastic and detailed walkthrough of upgrading a low-cost gaming keyboard purchased from GameStop for $45. The keyboard has a 65% layout with initially installed knockoff Cherry Brown switches, which are unpopular and of inferior quality. The speaker plans to replace these with Cully Box Blues from KBD fans to improve functionality and sound quality. They extensively describe the process of desoldering and re-soldering switches, emphasizing tools like a solder sucker and solder wick for careful work, as well as addressing north-facing LEDs and the keyboard's attached cable.
Attention is given to the importance of adding "hot spots" for future modifications and lubricating the stabilizers near the space bar and shift key using Kryonaut 206 lube, highlighting the transformative impact of these upgrades. Further modifications include installing a type-C connector for easy cord replacement, addressing the issues with the original cheap cord design.
In later parts, the speaker reflects on the satisfaction derived from customizing the keyboard, noting the final product's improved performance and sound, comparable to more expensive models. Beyond the keyboard project, the speaker shares excitement about other restoration projects involving old gaming consoles like the Game Boy Advance and NES and offers tech advice to the audience. The entire project underscores a passion for DIY enhancements and a commitment to sharing knowledge with viewers.
00:00:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker enthusiastically reviews a gaming keyboard, highlighting its good stabilizers, no rattling, and overall potential for gaming despite its low cost. The speaker mentions purchasing the keyboard from GameStop for about $45 and plans to improve its sound quality. They describe the keyboard as having a 65% layout but lacking padding between the board and the bottom plate. The current switches are knockoff Cherry Browns, which the speaker intends to replace with Cully Box Blues purchased from KBD fans.
00:03:00
In this part of the video, the creator discusses acquiring a 90-pack for $10 and being $455 invested in their keyboard project. They dislike the north-facing LEDs and the attached cable but proceed to desolder and re-solder new switches. They start by removing every keycap, emphasizing the need for patience and recommending background activities like talking to friends or listening to music. They then remove six screws to access the board, discovering and testing an extra ground wire among the usual four USB wires. The creator uses a solder sucker and switch puller to remove the old knockoff brown switches, which they describe as unpopular and inferior in quality. The intention is to install better switches for a personal backup keyboard.
00:06:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker provides detailed instructions on modifying and improving a keyboard. They emphasize the importance of avoiding damage to the surrounding parts and traces while desoldering switches. Initially, only solder wick was used, but later, a plunger tool was introduced for efficiency. The speaker mentions the idea of adding “hot spots” for easy future modifications. Despite the keyboard not being designed for customization, they aim to enhance its functionality.
The process involves removing old switches carefully and addressing stabilizers near the space bar and shift key, which can be tricky. The speaker describes lubricating these stabilizers using Kryonaut 206 lube for a smoother operation and sound. They highlight the importance of thorough and patient application, as lubricated switches significantly improve the keyboard’s performance. The speaker prefers doing the lubrication themselves rather than paying someone else, treating it as a meticulous but rewarding task.
00:09:00
In this part of the video, the creator explains the process of assembling a custom keyboard using a Loop board to manage 36 switches at a time. He describes the satisfaction of doing the work himself and highlights the ease of removing plate-mounted stabilizers using a flat head tool. The focus then shifts to the installation of a type-C connector for easy cord replacement, which he finds crucial due to its frequent movement and potential for failure. He criticizes the use of a cheap cord in the original keyboard design despite it having mechanical switches. After upgrading and customizing, he proudly showcases the final product—a cost-effective keyboard with improved sound quality comparable to a much more expensive model. The project took him about four days to complete, emphasizing it as a labor of love.
00:12:00
In this part of the video, the speaker expresses excitement about recent projects and future plans. They highlight their enthusiasm for improving and restoring older items, such as a Game Boy Advance, a Game Boy Pocket, and an NES. The speaker acknowledges missing the previous week’s update due to not feeling well but shares their satisfaction with a newly completed keyboard project. They offer to provide tech advice or solutions for broken items to their audience and conclude the segment with a brief farewell.