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zerrano
70
Aug 9, 2020
Incase anyone is wondering, the sockets are 3-Pinned sadly.... For this price, it was almost too good to be true, there had to be some catch. Although for this price point, I still think nothing rivals this package for the price. 145$ for a hotswap, south-facing led, full-alu case, carrying case & accessories, this has to be the ultimate beginner entry kit. The sheer value is insane.
Chib
4
Aug 9, 2020
zerranowas thinking to get this as my first DIY Board. My initial plan were Tealios v2 switches, can you recommend something similar with 3 Pins?
TuxKey
456
Aug 9, 2020
zerranoexcellent point about the 3-pin situation.. for a hotswap i prefer 5-pin otherwise give me a solder board don't need the hotswap have all the soldering hardware needed..But the second deal-breaker for me was the lack of QMK support. one might argue that with a TKL there is no real need for program-ability but for the price i think it's a must. mind you i have to add 21% vat and at least 11% customs fees to get it here in EU.. also the price diff from kprepublic is only $50 if you get the same kit.. the barebone seems to be the better deal.. still the 3-pin + no QMK is a deal breaker.. the one big thing it has going for it .. is finally having correctly placed switches not upside down hahaha. or south facing led as you say..
zerrano
70
Aug 9, 2020
ChibMajority of Kaihl switches are 3 pinned with the exception of Kaihl Cream switches. My top preferred 3 pinned kaihl switch has to be the Box-blacks! They are linears with a 60g spring, and are some of the smoothest stock switches i've tried out there. They don't need much modding (although i'd still recommend lubing as lubing improves most switches overall) and they are not that expensive either.
Key2Life
12
Aug 9, 2020
TuxKeyThe plate should hold the switches pretty strong but yeah 5 pin is better but It's ok for me. This board weights about 4 pounds which is really decent for the price.
HypeZer0
9
Aug 9, 2020
zerranoWhere does it say its only 3 pin compatible?
zerrano
70
Aug 9, 2020
TuxKeyWhile the lack of QMK is definitely a huge blow which I fully agree with, it is as you say, it isn't as much needed for TKLs. Alot of users who use QMK, are usually people who program keys that aren't physically available on the board, in 2nd layers. Usually in 75% boards or smaller. Most beginners in the hobby won't need QMK for TKLs unless they know what they want in a board, which at that point, they wouldn't be going for this board in the first place. Definitely a good point bringing up the lack of QMK support, I didn't notice that yet, although it's sorta expected at this price point
Key2Life
12
Aug 9, 2020
HypeZer0They have a promo video on YouTube for the board check it out
HypeZer0
9
Aug 9, 2020
Key2LifeAwesome. Thanks buddy
zerrano
70
Aug 9, 2020
Key2Life
12
Aug 9, 2020
zerranoI like their software better than QMK it's easier and more friendly interface.
zerrano
70
Aug 9, 2020
Key2LifeI agree! While I don't think it rivals QMK in the least, I do think it is a much easier interface to use, for beginners who don't need the vast customizability of QMK
HypeZer0
9
Aug 9, 2020
zerranoWhat a bummer. I wonder if you can drill out the pcb lol
mrwitte
82
Aug 9, 2020
zerranoWhat does it mean if the sockets are 3-pinned? What's preferred?
Key2Life
12
Aug 9, 2020
mrwitte5 pin is a little bit more secure but if the switches clips on plate strong then it's not a really big deal for some.
HypeZer0
9
Aug 9, 2020
mrwitte3 pin switches are not as stable as 5 pin. This causes wobble of the entire switch even mounted on the plate, which in turn affects the overall sound. I’m not saying its a bad board, heck its prob the best bang for buck tkl board out there! I’m considering in buying it lol
zerrano
70
Aug 9, 2020
mrwitteMajority of aftermarket switches have 3 pins + 2 additional plastic pins that are ment to align & secure the switch to the pcb. It's not that big an issue if its 3 pinned, but if you want to put 5 pinned switches into a 3 pinned board, you need to physically cut off the extra plastic pins to put it in, which is not something everyone wants to do
JacobT04
2
Aug 9, 2020
HypeZer0IMO the CU80 from CapsUnlocked is a better deal
JacobT04That's a low profile case at a higher price. Set the aesthetic part aside, the barix is about twice as heavy as the CU80. Unless there's a big difference in anodization, I don't think the CU80 is clearly a winner. Of course QMK on the CU80 is definitely good to have.
TuxKey
456
Aug 9, 2020
zerranoy raised excellent points. I’m not new in the hobby and do know what I want problem is I don’t want to spend $400 + and then add $150 for customs and shipping fees in fact shipping is added to the customs and vat value here in the Netherlands so it’s not surprising to see $180 of vat and customs fees so that’s why I’m looking at this board if a high end gb would offer a $350 TKL without all the customs crap I would jump on it
zerrano
70
Aug 9, 2020
TuxKeyI would definitely hop on board for this then! It's tough to find specifically a high-profile, FULL alu, hotswap board at this price point, so this could be the perfect board for your needs
JacobT04
2
Aug 10, 2020
woleizihanWell I personally prefer the CU80 as for me it’s cheaper than this + import fees, it’s 5 pin hotswap, QMK and ISO. Just preference, though.
(Edited)
Soei
97
Aug 10, 2020
TuxKeyI'm in the Netherlands as well and I've never had to pay customs on top of shipping. Just the 21% on the price and between 12-15€ for handling fees for PostNL/DHL/etc.
TuxKey
456
Aug 10, 2020
SoeiI have bin in this hobby for so many years even before the first poker keyboard and I have had to pay what I said on several boards. I do have to admit it was not dhl but the regular postal service. I even went as far as to voice an official complaint a futile exercise I don’t recommend hahah
jluevano
126
Aug 16, 2020
zerranoHave you seen the Womier and GK boards? Don't officially support QMK, but some community members are working on getting it on those boards. Could possibly happen with this board too, depending on the micro controller.
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