The summary of ‘The BEST Budget Keyboard… (That You Can Actually Buy)’

The video explores the process of building a budget keyboard with custom features such as a screen, aluminum construction, and foam filling. The creator compares the build to pre-built options, emphasizing factors like foam dampening and lubricated stabilizers. Different segments cover issues with software compatibility, lubing stabilizers, keycap choices, and customization aspects. The importance of the building process over buying for customization is discussed, with a focus on achieving a unique typing experience. Challenges with specific switches and the comparison between built and DIY keyboards are also touched upon. The speaker seeks feedback on viewer perceptions and differences between the tested keyboards to conclude the review.

00:00:00

In this segment of the video, the creator discusses building a budget keyboard that includes unique features such as a screen, foam filling, and aluminum construction. They mention the option to purchase a pre-built version with thick key caps. The goal is to see if building a customized keyboard is worth it in 2023. The creator aims to build the best possible keyboard under $200 and compares it to the Zoom 75. They highlight the inclusion of foam with the keyboard and mention the distinction between the barebones and built versions. The barebones kit requires adding switches, stabilizers, and key caps. The keyboard’s aluminum construction is noted, with comparisons to higher-end materials.

00:03:00

In this segment of the video, the presenter discusses a keyboard with a hidden dongle, 2.4 GHz Wireless connectivity, and a pingy aluminum case. They mention a 1.14-inch LED screen with customizable features but express difficulties finding the associated software on the manufacturer’s website. The keyboard is supposed to be VIA compatible for customization but the software is not available. The keyboard is easy to disassemble with six screws and some tools. The presenter emphasizes the ease of building the keyboard and mentions a fully built version as well. The keyboard comes with a polycarbonate plate with flex cuts, foam for sound dampening, and un-lubricated stabilizers that may require additional lubrication.

00:06:00

In this segment of the video, the creator demonstrates how to lube stabilizers by coating the wire with Krytox 205g or Permatex dielectric grease. They emphasize thoroughly coating the wire but not too thickly. The creator proceeds to poke holes in the film on the PCB and mentions uncertainties about leaving the film on. They then take a brief intermission before continuing with the assembly. The video also discusses the affordable Epomaker Leopold Greywood V3 linear switches, priced at $25 for a batch of 100, mentioning some batch issues. The creator completes assembling the switches onto the keyboard and briefly compares the DIY build with a pre-built CD V75 keyboard, noting differences in case aesthetics and build process.

00:09:00

In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses a customizable keyboard with a screen or knob built-in, at different price points. They mention the quality of the keycaps, the limited color options for the pre-built version, and the absence of RGB lighting in the barebones version. The pre-built keyboard is praised for its quality, smooth switches, and software support. The process of building the keyboard is explained, including adding gaskets for a softer typing experience. The segment ends with the speaker sharing their final thoughts on the budget pre-built keyboard.

00:12:00

In this segment, the speaker reflects on the ease of building a keyboard and emphasizes that 90% of the process is straightforward. They discuss choosing keycaps based on personal preference and showcase a Cherry profile keycap set they obtained for $25 on sale. The keycaps are described as double-shot PBT, offering a familiar typing feel albeit slightly clackier compared to the pre-built version. The speaker justifies building rather than buying by customizing aesthetics and switch feel. While the final build closely resembles the pre-built version in sound and feel, the customization aspect is highlighted. However, they had issues with a batch of Leobog switches that didn’t function properly, despite ruling out bent pins and the keyboard’s fault, concluding that the pre-built version could be a viable alternative with keycap swaps.

00:15:00

In this part of the video, the speaker expresses confusion about why the Leo buug switches do not work. They mention a sound test of two keyboards and ask for viewer feedback on any differences and value perceptions between the keyboards.