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Showing 1 of 660 conversations about:
Merlin64
239
Nov 14, 2017
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Hey guys, I was over at the Norcal Meetup this past Saturday 11/11/17. I was able to snag the 60% version of this board! Before you ask, no, it's not mine to keep. I'll have to return it after I'm done reviewing!
Review:

Hall Effect Clicky vs SKCM Blues:
SKCM Blues are not as tactile and also not as clacky

Hall Effect Clicky vs Gateron Blues:
The Hall Effect clickies also seem to be much lower pitched and is more pleasant sounding to me. However when it comes to the stabilized keys, the Rantopad MXX seems to be quieter than the XMIT 60%. Could be a difference in stabilizer quality.

On its own:
Those who have seen my other videos know that I really don't like clicky switches. If you were to hand me an OTD with any kind of blues for $5, I'd probably turn it down. Well maybe not...I can flip that for $$$$$$. Generally speaking I like how these clicky switches sound. I also like how they feel, they are very very tactile, I hope the regular tactile version will come close!
Nov 14, 2017
catsaur
14
Nov 15, 2017
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Merlin64How's the mapping/layer software for stuff like arrow keys on 60%?
Nov 15, 2017
Merlin64
239
Nov 15, 2017
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catsaurHaven't messed with it yet, but I should have a review of the keyboard by next week. Hopefully.
Nov 15, 2017
lanterlog
1
Nov 15, 2017
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Merlin64what's the build quality? how do the materials feel?
Nov 15, 2017
A community member
Nov 15, 2017
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Merlin64We'll be looking out for that--please be honest! It would really help to hear how well the layout mapping ease of use and freedom from bugs compares to more familiar 60% boards like Input Club, Poker etc.
Nov 15, 2017
Merlin64
239
Nov 15, 2017
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The microcontroller is a Cortex M0. I've been told that chibiOS supports it, and since QMK runs on chibiOS, we could get QMK running on this board. I've only ever ported one board to QMK (KBP V60 Type R), but this looks to be a much much more difficult task.
Nov 15, 2017
Merlin64
239
Nov 15, 2017
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lanterlogI'll be covering these in my upcoming review =)
Nov 15, 2017
XMIT
881
XMIT
Nov 16, 2017
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Merlin64Oh wow, I didn't even know about chibiOS! The MCU on the board is made by SoNiX. If anyone seriously wants to get QMK running on this board DM me through one of the keyboard forums and maybe we can figure something out.
Nov 16, 2017
Duff1321
11
Nov 16, 2017
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XMITOh man, please PLEASE keep us posted on the status of potential QMK support. If the 60% is fully programmable with QMK support it would be an instant buy for me. Otherwise, I'll just stick to the 1800 layout.
Nov 16, 2017
Merlin64
239
Nov 16, 2017
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XMITOh man. I volunteer as tribute. I've been known to do some software things in my day job.
Nov 16, 2017
Stagione
186
Nov 18, 2017
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Merlin64Any chance you'll have a review on the quality before the drop ends?
Nov 18, 2017
Merlin64
239
Nov 18, 2017
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StagioneLOL trying. Been super busy, starting a new job too @_@. I've actually been using it everyday since I got back from the NorCal meet. I never got any of the first rounds which I understand had issues, but my general opinion is that it's a good keyboard. I suppose people can ask here specific questions and I'll try my best to answer them.
Nov 18, 2017
A community member
Nov 19, 2017
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Merlin64I'd be interested to hear about: * feel of switches compared to Cherry blue/brown: smoothness? wobble? accuracy? * stability and noise of space bar * sturdiness of bamboo casing compared to a standard plastic * ease of configuring LEDs * Linux compatibility (if you have a Linux machine available) And while you're at it, maybe you could try chilling it in a refrigerator for at least 30min and then using it? Just because I have at least one board where some keys stop working if the room is too cold.
Nov 19, 2017
Merlin64
239
Nov 19, 2017
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Quick summary of my findings so far.
* feel of switches compared to Cherry blue/brown: smoothness? wobble? accuracy? Switches are way more tactile when compared against any stock Cherry MX switch. Wobble is less than Gateron but still more than Cherry. Im unsure what you mean about accuracy
* stability and noise of space bar Spacebar feels great but rattles. I've never had a stock OEM keyboard where I found the stabilizers to be not rattly.
* sturdiness of bamboo casing compared to a standard plastic I have the 60%, variant, so keyboard size plays a big role in the stability and sturdiness of a case. I find the bamboo case of sufficient quality. It flexes a whole lot less than my KBP V60 with a plastic case.
* ease of configuring LEDs You'll need a windows PC to use the tool. I haven't played around with it yet to make a fair statement
* Linux compatibility (if you have a Linux machine available) Worked on my macbook pro no problem.
chilling it in a refrigerator LOL, not my board. Not going to do any tests that may damage it.
Nov 19, 2017
A community member
Nov 20, 2017
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Merlin64Thanks for all this! By "accuracy" I mean, how often are you making errors at normal typing speed due to not being able to tell whether a keypress has registered? If you can't tell, that's also good to know.
Nov 20, 2017
M4dn3ss
62
Nov 20, 2017
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Merlin64I think what we really want to know is: how do they compare with Alps?
Nov 20, 2017
Merlin64
239
Nov 27, 2017
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catsaurIt's bad.......review is up!
Nov 27, 2017
A community member
Nov 28, 2017
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Merlin64Thanks for pointing that out! Now we know what key improvement to look for in round 3...
Nov 28, 2017
Whtivres
0
Nov 28, 2017
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Merlin64Forgive me- I'm new to the community and am considering this for my first mechanical keyboard. What exactly is bad? Are you recommending not to join the drop this round?
Nov 28, 2017
A community member
Nov 28, 2017
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WhtivresHis video review seems to say that the board is pretty good, except that the software for remapping keys is "abysmal." That shouldn't matter much if you're ordering any size larger than 60% and are happy to use the default layout.
Nov 28, 2017
Merlin64
239
Nov 29, 2017
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WhtivresI was replying to @catsaur who was asking me about the programming. If you want more more details regarding my opinions, please check out the review!
Nov 29, 2017
Merlin64
239
Nov 29, 2017
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The 60% board is a great fit for me, unfortunately the programming tools may as well not exist since from my point of view, they do nothing.
Nov 29, 2017
Whtivres
0
Nov 29, 2017
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Merlin64@Merlin64 @Kinami Thank you for the responses. I did watch the video, and remapping is not a deal breaker for me. I'm joining the drop for the 108 clicky key version.
Now we just need to find something else to distract us until April -- That's long time to wait!
Nov 29, 2017
skysaberx8x
113
Nov 29, 2017
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Merlin64thanks for the video, could you please make a video showing how to turn a switch to a linear one, please?
Nov 29, 2017
Merlin64
239
Nov 29, 2017
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skysaberx8xSorry I can't. I don't have any switches that I own.
Nov 29, 2017
skysaberx8x
113
Nov 29, 2017
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Merlin64:( can't you do that from your own review unit?
Nov 29, 2017
Merlin64
239
Nov 29, 2017
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skysaberx8xUnfortunately it's not mine.
Nov 29, 2017
XMIT
881
XMIT
Nov 29, 2017
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Merlin64@Merlin64 go ahead and open up and tear into the board if you want. Fine with me.
Nov 29, 2017
Merlin64
239
Nov 29, 2017
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XMITOooh sweet! I'll see if I have time this weekend!
Nov 29, 2017
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