There is certainly no better keyboard reviewer on TH-cam. Precisely because you know about vintage keyboards and their switches, and their nuances, and not ONLY the MX type switches that most keyboard enthusiasts seem to regard as all there is.
Look up "Keybored". I think you'll enjoy his breakdown on the "nice but affordable" range of common board types. Not here to suggest any one reviewer is the best but our certainly have good points about why we are all here haha. Keybored though enjoys looking into the science of how we can get the sounds we like and all the contributing factors.
I haven't watched one of your videos in a hot minute because TH-cam forgot you existed and hasn't been recommending me your videos. Was nice to catch this upload so quickly. Thanks for the videos!
Keychron themselves have a “C” lineup if you don’t want to reach the 80-90 dollar mark. Their full-size C2 goes for a little over $50, my friend snagged a TKL C1 one during the holidays for $40. Worth noting!
Have to include shipping too. In Canada on Amazon any keychrons available on Amazon are usually a few dollars more expensive but keychron charges $30+ shipping on their site
@@skraegorn7317 I'm assuming that the keyboard has north facing switches and you're trying to put a cherry profile keycaps (which is the most widely available profile on the market). There's no easy way of fixing it other than replacing it with a long pole stem switch or a switch that already has a smaller front housing so it won't interfere with the keycaps.
That white dot artifact that is around his right hand, made me think I had a hot/dead pixel on my monitor for a few minutes 🫠 First thought it was the period key lit up, then saw it was also on his hand, and finally noticed it scrolled with his video, so whew, not my device. Great review as always. Well worth the heart attack.
Love recommending keychron keyboards to people who wanna get into the hobby. Theyre pretty much the baseline on what you should expect in terms of sound and feel and some features, and it has a lot of different form factors
How you compare these to something like Kailh box clicky (whites, jades, etc.), NK cream clickies, and outemu snap springs? It's amazing to see that brands that were considered as mx clones back in the day are being really innovative with their clicking mechanism!
Compared to box clickies: Sharper, louder click with a lower pitched, slightly muted bottom out. Lower pitched, quieter upstroke. (No double-click like Box clickies) Click feels more solid with less of a grainy "buildup" to the click, it's pretty sudden. It took a bit to get used to this but in my opinion this leads to a very nice, relaxed typing experience despite the relatively high tactility.
@@diodebridge Ohh okay then, thats sounds pretty promising. I'll probably check them out when I have the chance cuz I wanna see how much different are they or maybe they will replace my Box white v2 on my NCR80 build.
When will your next video be? I have discovered your channel only very recently and have really enjoyed your content. Unfortunately there aren’t a whole lot of keeb channels covering clicky switches in depth like you and chyros do.
@@agrisimfarming oh am slowly making videos again, school and my side hustle just taken a lot of my time and energy lately, that's why I didn't really focus much on TH-cam ^^'
I got this keyboard for Christmas, which I may or may not have aggressively suggested, and I freaking love it. Gateron Jupiter Banana switches. I find myself looking for reasons to type random BS because I love typing on it so much. It is, as you say, NOICE.
Been waiting for this one! A bit disappointed you didn't compare them to clickbars since I think a lot of people would find that useful. I compared them myself and honestly it's a bit surprising how close they are in raw pitch, just cleaner and without the upstroke click. I think these would sound a lot better if you removed the dampening foam in the Keychron and put in some SA caps, though good Alps switches don't need those modifications to sound bassy :P
Agreed and appreciate you sharing your comparison. I've been using box jades for years and been reasonably happy. Something similar without the upstroke click would be pretty nice though.
@@Psittacus_erithacus I think overall they're a better design, but clickbars can still hold their own. The Box design is fairly old now and I think Gateron has had far more success with their Cap & Dual-rail designs. They're both smoother, have less wobble and have a lower pitched bottom out. (Wobble matters most when using tall, spherical keycaps like Mt3 or SA, which I highly recommend with these) I have not tried Box V2s, those seem to only have Whites as far as clicky options go. Melodics really do sound like a more defined, sharper, louder clickbar with no upstroke click which personally drives me crazy with clickbars and is what made me avoid them all together. It depends on the person whether they're "better" though. Clickbars do have more pretravel which I prefer & still have a genuinely solid tactile feeling. Wooden cases with SA keycaps in particular suit clickbars very well :)
Is there a dead pixel on your camera or something? Because there's a tiny white dot in every shot (took me a good while to notice but scrubbing back it seems to be everywhere) on the lower right, easily spotted against the brown desk at 1:12ish for example.
Yes - the only criticism I have of keychron is their limited range of options for iso boards - they have some gorgeous blue keycap sets when you buy 'murikan - but it's all very drab in isoland.
@@wembleyford I wouldn't mind laser-ablated keycaps normally (I think thin ABS sounds quite good), but they have this soft-touch coating which is very unpleasant to feel. The coatings where also different between my ISO V1 and ISO K2 Pro. The ones on the K2 Pro were smoother and less chalky, I assume from process improvements on newer batches.
The Melodic’s click leaf is identical to the KS-22 Blue’s right? All Gateron’s Magnetic switches have that same slot so I was wondering if you’ve tried? Not sure if you still read the comments on a month old video though. 😅
10:18 id also argue the amount of spund dampening packed into the keyboard is part of the difference, the "bassy" sound i assume you're referring to would be considered "hollow"
I did get a set of Melodic switches to put in the roomy casing of my 8bitdo Retro Keyboard, and I expect it to feel and sound amazing! Unfortunately I think the package got lost in transit, so bruh
I actually bought some Melodics right after you mentioned them in the last video. I was tempted by the mention of a click leaf switch. I do like them, but the force to get past the tactile bump is a bit high for me and after that it's a bit too light. It is almost perfect. I consider Kailh BOX Pinks to be the perfect clicky switch for me and I compare everything to them.
I've been on Kailh BOX Jades for years and often mused about trying the pinks. Was never quite motivated enough to actually do so. Being fairly happy with the force needed for jades, it sounds like the Melodics might be a good fit for me. Thanks for sharing your experience!
To each their own 🥴 numbers don't lie though, 60-80% bs is the most popular and if I was a tryhard TH-camr, I'm capitalizing. Ngl though, it's not that nice imo. Bulky, less modular (immovable numpad), more expensive to kit out assuming you want a switch replacement, list goes on. Just the tip of the iceberg as to why full sized keyboards are shit in my eyes.
Looks like we still have a long way to go before we actually get "Blue Alps in an MX Switch". The Zeal Clickiez are still the superior ones, I was lowkey expecting the Melodics to have a full size clicker... bruh. Speaking of Blue Alps, fun question. If you were given enough NOS Blue Alps for only ONE Keyboard(lets count Battleships and Battlecruisers), which keyboard in your collection would you put them in and why? 😅
Ah, that's a great question. Probably my Focus FK-5001, the one with the replacement calculator module. At that point, I'd probably never stop using it xD . If not that, a Zenith ZKB-2.
I missed a comparison with the Clickiez sound, which is deeper and my favorite MX clicky But they are Very tactile! A lot of reviews have said they wish there was a less tactile version of the Clickiez
The v6 max is $145 in canadian, for anyone wondering. I paid about $158 canadian total for mine. I got the gateron brown switches because I like a good thwack feeling as opposed to a super clicky sound. Probably going to change them though, might be too loud for work
Great to see you Tom! Recently I found a keyboard at a thrift shop. It has brown cherrys in it and weirdly feels pretty good. Have you run into the new mx2a switchs yet? The scratchiness seems to be gone.
I haven't tried them, no. I have a project with them planned but the board's manufacturer has git a big delay. I do plan to cover them eventually, though!
I recommend the desktop fork of VIA called "VIAL". It's still in the Beta phase but it was able to program the rotary encoder on my V1, something the VIA web page no longer supports for some reason. Also, that Mac Vs. Windows switch toggles between two completely separate profiles. You can easily remap the "Mac" profile for Windows and vise-versa.
Unfortunately you can't just switch over (to layer 0 and 1) you have to unplug replug. No issues with VIA on my V3 with knob. Unless you want mouse scrolling, which is a VIA limitation
I like keychons better as a first board because you're not going straight into disappointment territory - I don't like buying trash, and I think even if you're going to buy another board eventually it's still a decent board to give someone else, or use for other purposes
I'm some what of a hipster, and the fact I'm into keyboards now (well after the climax during covid) I appreciate your videos greatly as I'm very late to the activity.
Glad these little clickteeth made it into a full height switch. I'm pretty sure gateron low profile blue also have these, and the tactility caused a harder bottom-out than I liked.
I think this video is for me. I got a pre-built TKL mechanical keyboard back in 2017 from Glorius and since then I didn't look for keyboards. I'm now looking for a mid compromise with full or 90ish layout wireless keyboard and VIA/QMK support. It seems that the Keychron V6 Max may fit that bill. I'm not sure if the V5 Max could also be a good deal here (I noticed that the numpad 0 isn't full size and I'm not sure if the spacebar is the more common 7u size). Thank you for this review, it is very helpful. Should one invest in doing some mods to it? What is recommended to update in this keyboard if we want to make it light tocky and quiter?
Keychron is my favorite of the MX hotswap chasis makers. Good prices, keycaps that look nice, most boards are compatible with QMK and Via, and they tend to be built nice.
I have a keyboard with box navies and about once a week one of them starts to chatter meaning I have to replace it. not sure if I was just unlucky with the batch I got
I gave the Keychron V1 a go with the Keychron K Pro Brown switch and they feel pretty nice for a light tactile. The keycaps are quite nice to type on but to get a more retro color option will take almost a month and high shipping costs from Keychron itself. Micro Center in the US has started carrying Keychron keyboards which is nice. They also carry Mountain Everest barebones setups and are available at a heavily discounted price. I really wanted to get Gateron G Pro Brown 3.0 but again the shipping prices and time are what put a stop to those plans.
I've bought Keychron Q3 with Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and these are very bad switches: almost no tactility, very scratchy feeling (low quality factory lubrication), and pressing a key a bit off-center often doesn't register the key press...also the keycaps are very wobbly on these switches. Perhaps a bad batch, but I was just shocked by their poor quality compared to other switches I've tried. The Keychron keycaps are bad too as they got super shiny in less than a year (they obviously using some cheap ABS-PBT blend instead of true PBT which will take many years of heavy usage to wear off). Thankfully, everything can be replaced by much better options. For a year I've used Boba U4T switches (which are fantastic switches with pronounced D-shaped tactility) and now using the very same Gateron Melodic as you can hear good words above (they have very P-shaped tactility which is even better in my opinion as it helps with lighter and faster typing by encouraging not bottoming out, though some people may not like its high-pitch click sound) and for the keycaps I bought two amazing PBT sets (in MT3 and new MTNU profile). Of course there is no really need to spend too much on these options as you can get some decent inexpensive PBT keycaps from Akko and also every manufacturer now offer good quality inexpensive switches. But really I cannot recommend anything Keychron offers besides their keyboards (even then there are better options for the price from Akko, qwertykeys, etc).
@@VladK-1good to know, I have a v6 with k pro brown for work and it's really nice. I have a keychron c3 pro on one PC which is nice for the price their cheapest kb, but noticed their keychron browns are much different than keychron k pro brown. Not as light feeling and a bit more scratchy but not in mx brown territory. Also the keycaps on c3 pro are abs and textured however very slippery, forgot which profile it is but I don't like it that much. The v6 keycaps have some sort of OEM/SA hybrid which is amazing
I might try the Melodic, I am looking for something specific for my caps lock key. I was thinking Box Navy but I actually think tactile over clicky would be better now. "Slightly punching on the fingers" sounds good. I have a Gateron Blue in there now and barely notice it.
Hotswap is a good point. I do like functionality with loads of keys and preferably Macro options. Extra points if like on the Roccat keyboards the software allows me to set a macro to shut down my pc. What would you recommend if I wanted a keyboard with loads of features that enable the lazy while also having hotswap sockets where I could pop for example kailh switches in? Should be an ISO board that I can put my German caps on
Yo coloqué Gateron Melodic en un Keychron K2. Quedo un teclado muy agradable de usar. A los que no usan con frecuencia el teclado numérico les recomiendo el Keychron V1, formato 75%.
I recently bought this keyboard and I would say the RGB backlighting is really nothing but useless without shine-through keycaps. It doesn't help you to type in the dark and it will shine uncomfortably into your eyes. But that doesn't matter since RGB is still almost purely eye-candy without much practical use as there is no way to make it react for something happening on the computer. Also, the lettering on keycaps with words (enter, backspace...) on them is strangely uneven -- if this is a design choice, it's an odd one. Apart from the above, it's a very nice and solid keyboard and the removable switche make it possible to customize it and fix the issues.
I got a Keychron V6 (with knob) to update my (still working) 15 year old Unicomp buckling spring keyboard which is super loud and not really modable. It's right at the price point where I wasn't making any serious concessions in build quality or features. So far my only slight complaint is that the keycaps don't have shine through lettering, which is a shame because I quite like the shape and feel of them. It sort of reminds me of the old dumb terminals they had at my public library when I was a kid, with the rounded corners on the keycaps. Definitely leaves me with a good first impression on the cherry style keyswitches. It's built like a tank, has a reasonable amount of dampening, and supports VIA.
My Keychron keycaps are all super shiny after less than a year of usage-I guess they use some cheap ABS-PBT blend instead of pure PBT. So I had to replace them anyway. I don't know any decent-quality shine-through keycaps. But I know plenty of great MT3 and MTNU profile keycaps which rounded shape will remind you even more these great terminal keyboards from a public library in our childhood. They also sound better and overall have better ergonomics. I highly recommend researching them unless you really need shine-through keycaps...
I have a v3 with sa profile keycaps and gateron oil kings. Love it! However, i feel that the f-keys are slightly too close to the first row. I keep hitting f12 when pressing backspace... Also have a k8pro at work, which i feel has less spacing below the f-keys.
I have no idea why but my Keychron doesn't work when connected to my KVM switch. It works fine directly to the computer but it and the KVM just don't jive well. My newest Unicomp didn't work when connected either until I flashed a different firmware to their new RPi Pico controller they use, but with the new firmware it works.
Looks a lot like the k10 pro but without lock lights. I was disappointed that they don't sell iso barebone or were perpetually out of stock when I bought mine.
I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on the Lofree Block keyboard. The switches are entirely POM, and the overall design is quite nice with neo-vintage and almost Bauhaus elements. It's annoyingly expensive though.
There are so many incredible keyboards now and Lofree Block doesn't look very interesting unless you're after this particular neo-vintage style and you want to use linear switches (they don't provide an option to order it with other switches as far as I can see). If you're not against the idea of losing the numpad and can happy live with TKL keyboard (like I do since 2015 ha-ha) I would suggest checking out qwertykeys Neo80 or Nuphy Gem80, and selecting good switches by your taste. Recently I've tried another Lofree keyboard (Flow, a slim one) which also comes with "self-lubricated" full-POM switches (these were tactile Phantom version) but I found them rather scratchy especially when pressing slowly. In comparison, Gateron Melodic is always silky smooth - it has good factory lubrication that should last for years as well as new Gateron dual-rail system for extra stem stability. But yes, these are very sharp clicky switches (though you can open the switch and remove the leaf to turn them into linear ones in case you don't want spend extra but wish to use linear switches; I heard that a tactile mod is also possible by putting a cardboard piece behind the leaf but I didn't try it). There are plenty of nice new switches from Gateron now such as Lunar Probe (linear ones also with the new dual rail system), Beer (light tactile), Quinn (heavy tactile)...and there are many other manufacturers such as Akko. Cheers!
Had my V3 for a few weeks and like it a lot, the Keychron linear reds it came with were not my cup of tea, too light and and actuate right at the top. I have Akko Air's in there now. The stock stabs are lubed but drove me nuts with rattle, especially space and enter. A little job to disassemble coz they're screw in, and lubed them with permatex dielectric grease and they golden. I also did tape mod on PCB why not, and really happy with sound and feel now.
Err - they do do this in an iso layout - looks like they're current out of stock of the UK varient, but you casn get it in French, Swish or Nordic. - oh, and only with the knob - for 90GBP
I really wish, in this case, you'd have reviewed the unit with the switches it came with, if it did. If it didn't I'd be really interested to see the pre-built ones reviewed. The fact you've put expensive switches in what is supposed to be a budget, first suggestion, keyboard review. I guess it's a little late for this.. I just got a V1 prebuilt with the blue switches. My first keyboard was/is and Inland thing with blue switches. It was harsh till I put some O rings in the key caps. 2nd keyboard is a Unicomp Model M. Love the buckling spring.. but it's a bit loud/obnoxious at work.. so I started looking and got the V1 Blue.. I don't wanna have to get into the deepest of ends customizing a keyboard.. I want good enough and this seems like it. Might be tempted to put some Kailh Box Navy.. love your reviews. Or you might talk me into trying those Melodic ones
I have the ISO Nordic version of this keyboard at work, so I don't know why you said they aren't available in ISO or other layouts. But great keyboard imo.
Very enjoyable review - much appreciated. I was surprised by how harsh the Clickiez are. Box Jades seem subtle by comparison, especially after they've settle in for a while. It would be interesting to hear what separates a 'beginner' board from a...serious board? Is it just cost, materials? It's great that there are more options now at more reasonable prices than the $500 monstrosities of the last few years, and many more skews of (mostly linear) switches I can't be arsed to look into. Any markets/people you would recommend for blue alps boards?
V series is probably one of most vfm choices for novice or experienced; especially the barebone versions for personal customization. But I wouldn't go Q and Pro aluminum choosing Keychron or K series.
@Chyrosran22 Since you are on the topic of budget keyboards, is there any chance of us getting a review of some of the cool keyboards that popped up around EU market in the last year or so, for example Endorfy Thock wireless (lubed stabs, wireless 2.4 and BT, hotswap, volume knob for ~100 EUR) or some of the Dark Project keyboards (they also got variant with optical lubed switches)
I have the V6 and can not work out how to check the power charge. Nothing in the manual. Some of their products require FN and B to check power, but that doesn't do anything on my V6. Any ideas?
I got the one with the knob. I changed out to various allegedly ALPS like switches. All disappointed me. I really wish it would accept ALPS and I would use Matias quiet click switches.
Hey Thomas, how would the Gateron Melodic compare to the Zeal Clickiez to you in terms of sound? Also, have you heard of the Kailh Mute Jade? They're some weird clicky switches with a dampened click, it's fairly quiet and sounds pretty interesting. Figured you might enjoy those.
Hah, it's funny you should mention them xD . I'd say the Clickiez sound fuller for sure, and way bassier, but you can definitely tell they're both the same "type" of sound.
Zeal Clickiez is more heavier and more wobbly, Gateron Melodic is a more refined switch though its sound is a bit thin (it comes down to your personal preference). I would suggest reading the review by theremingoat who also provides plenty of measurements and technical details!
Wow, been a while since somebody asked me about them! Had to go back and compare real quick; I'd say the Melodics are more tactile, and "cleaner", but harsher. I'm not sure which of the two I prefer.
I don't like the extra rounded keys or the centered letters on the keys. Why can't newer keyboards have the lettering on the upper left of each key where is belongs? Deal breakers for me.
Gateron melodic what do the switches think they are on an actual keyboard? But yeah the day you find a switch that sounds as good as blue alps and dont shit the bed the second you start to use them will be a glorius day
People vastly underestimate Montereys - they are excellent switches. Few switch designs can stand up to them. I gave them a 5th place in best clicky switches for a reason! :D
I got a cheap ass £25 Chinese board with fake blue switches 2 years ago and I'm still happy with it. I know there are much better boards out there and I yearn for a Model M, but this could become a very expensive hobby if I take a dive down the rabbit hole.... I might give this a try though
I was told a family member is gifting me 100 dollars, so I asked them to get this keyboard as I would never buy a costly keyboard on my own. The keyboard i currently own is dell full size 5 dollar keyboard lol.
It is funny that after all those years of nothing happening, finally there are some clicky switches out. I think that clickbars were the innovation that managed to break the current trend.
There is certainly no better keyboard reviewer on TH-cam. Precisely because you know about vintage keyboards and their switches, and their nuances, and not ONLY the MX type switches that most keyboard enthusiasts seem to regard as all there is.
Thank you :) .
Agreed!
And.. Do not forget about the imperial unites jokes!!! 😹😹😹
Those get me every time! 😹
Look up "Keybored". I think you'll enjoy his breakdown on the "nice but affordable" range of common board types.
Not here to suggest any one reviewer is the best but our certainly have good points about why we are all here haha.
Keybored though enjoys looking into the science of how we can get the sounds we like and all the contributing factors.
That's high praise for someone who reviews keyboards without being able to touch type at a high speed.
@@bftjoe Exactly! Those pesky "keyboard reviewers" and their inability to touch type at 180wpm amiriteeee
I haven't watched one of your videos in a hot minute because TH-cam forgot you existed and hasn't been recommending me your videos. Was nice to catch this upload so quickly. Thanks for the videos!
I'm not very profitable to YT so they don't recommend me a lot xD . Glad you're enjoying the videos though :) .
@@Chyrosran22 keep making those videos!
yeah youtube only recommends if you watch the channel a lot, otherwise it will recommend what you are currently watching a lot.
You could subscribe 😅
I don't mind the swearing, but youtube does...
Keychron themselves have a “C” lineup if you don’t want to reach the 80-90 dollar mark. Their full-size C2 goes for a little over $50, my friend snagged a TKL C1 one during the holidays for $40. Worth noting!
I have a C2, it’s quite good but very basic. My only problem is that some aftermarket keycaps collide with the corners of the housing.
Have to include shipping too. In Canada on Amazon any keychrons available on Amazon are usually a few dollars more expensive but keychron charges $30+ shipping on their site
@@skraegorn7317 I'm assuming that the keyboard has north facing switches and you're trying to put a cherry profile keycaps (which is the most widely available profile on the market). There's no easy way of fixing it other than replacing it with a long pole stem switch or a switch that already has a smaller front housing so it won't interfere with the keycaps.
That white dot artifact that is around his right hand, made me think I had a hot/dead pixel on my monitor for a few minutes 🫠 First thought it was the period key lit up, then saw it was also on his hand, and finally noticed it scrolled with his video, so whew, not my device. Great review as always. Well worth the heart attack.
Love recommending keychron keyboards to people who wanna get into the hobby. Theyre pretty much the baseline on what you should expect in terms of sound and feel and some features, and it has a lot of different form factors
How you compare these to something like Kailh box clicky (whites, jades, etc.), NK cream clickies, and outemu snap springs?
It's amazing to see that brands that were considered as mx clones back in the day are being really innovative with their clicking mechanism!
Compared to box clickies: Sharper, louder click with a lower pitched, slightly muted bottom out. Lower pitched, quieter upstroke. (No double-click like Box clickies)
Click feels more solid with less of a grainy "buildup" to the click, it's pretty sudden. It took a bit to get used to this but in my opinion this leads to a very nice, relaxed typing experience despite the relatively high tactility.
@@diodebridge Ohh okay then, thats sounds pretty promising. I'll probably check them out when I have the chance cuz I wanna see how much different are they or maybe they will replace my Box white v2 on my NCR80 build.
When will your next video be? I have discovered your channel only very recently and have really enjoyed your content. Unfortunately there aren’t a whole lot of keeb channels covering clicky switches in depth like you and chyros do.
@@agrisimfarming oh am slowly making videos again, school and my side hustle just taken a lot of my time and energy lately, that's why I didn't really focus much on TH-cam ^^'
always love your imperial unit mems
I got this keyboard for Christmas, which I may or may not have aggressively suggested, and I freaking love it. Gateron Jupiter Banana switches. I find myself looking for reasons to type random BS because I love typing on it so much. It is, as you say, NOICE.
Been waiting for this one! A bit disappointed you didn't compare them to clickbars since I think a lot of people would find that useful. I compared them myself and honestly it's a bit surprising how close they are in raw pitch, just cleaner and without the upstroke click.
I think these would sound a lot better if you removed the dampening foam in the Keychron and put in some SA caps, though good Alps switches don't need those modifications to sound bassy :P
Agreed and appreciate you sharing your comparison. I've been using box jades for years and been reasonably happy. Something similar without the upstroke click would be pretty nice though.
A Box Jade comparison is coming, but not in this video :) .
@@Psittacus_erithacus I think overall they're a better design, but clickbars can still hold their own. The Box design is fairly old now and I think Gateron has had far more success with their Cap & Dual-rail designs. They're both smoother, have less wobble and have a lower pitched bottom out. (Wobble matters most when using tall, spherical keycaps like Mt3 or SA, which I highly recommend with these)
I have not tried Box V2s, those seem to only have Whites as far as clicky options go.
Melodics really do sound like a more defined, sharper, louder clickbar with no upstroke click which personally drives me crazy with clickbars and is what made me avoid them all together.
It depends on the person whether they're "better" though. Clickbars do have more pretravel which I prefer & still have a genuinely solid tactile feeling. Wooden cases with SA keycaps in particular suit clickbars very well :)
@@diodebridge appreciate the additional thoughts.
I have a gutted V6 and it does sound better that way with arctic fox switches IMHO.
bet if you removed the plate foam and silicon weight itd sound a lot more hollow like the old big chassis keyboards
It does have an ISO version. I have one with Spanish layout. Awesome review my man!
Is there a dead pixel on your camera or something? Because there's a tiny white dot in every shot (took me a good while to notice but scrubbing back it seems to be everywhere) on the lower right, easily spotted against the brown desk at 1:12ish for example.
hard to find but youre right.
Those switches sound amazing.
how od you know the video is barely out yet
@@Yoaster06 description
@@Yoaster06 I fast forwarded
they also seem to sell a ISO-Version of the V6. But only the version with the knob and transparent housing. Bit weird
ISO versions of the V and K series also only use laser-ablated ABS keycaps, which is a shame.
Yes - the only criticism I have of keychron is their limited range of options for iso boards - they have some gorgeous blue keycap sets when you buy 'murikan - but it's all very drab in isoland.
@@wembleyford I wouldn't mind laser-ablated keycaps normally (I think thin ABS sounds quite good), but they have this soft-touch coating which is very unpleasant to feel.
The coatings where also different between my ISO V1 and ISO K2 Pro. The ones on the K2 Pro were smoother and less chalky, I assume from process improvements on newer batches.
@@oatmilk9918I think their UK is PBT
All makers are like this and it's so annoying that only the US market is catered to (properly)
What's with the stuck pixel?
The Melodic’s click leaf is identical to the KS-22 Blue’s right? All Gateron’s Magnetic switches have that same slot so I was wondering if you’ve tried? Not sure if you still read the comments on a month old video though. 😅
10:18 id also argue the amount of spund dampening packed into the keyboard is part of the difference, the "bassy" sound i assume you're referring to would be considered "hollow"
Very Nice board. Nice that they support via, hot swap and many different layouts. And it doesn’t have a try hard gamer aesthetic;) great review
I did get a set of Melodic switches to put in the roomy casing of my 8bitdo Retro Keyboard, and I expect it to feel and sound amazing!
Unfortunately I think the package got lost in transit, so bruh
The $46 TKL I'm using now that's from a random Chinese no-name brand is hot-swap compatible with 3- and 5-pin switches.
I actually bought some Melodics right after you mentioned them in the last video. I was tempted by the mention of a click leaf switch. I do like them, but the force to get past the tactile bump is a bit high for me and after that it's a bit too light. It is almost perfect. I consider Kailh BOX Pinks to be the perfect clicky switch for me and I compare everything to them.
I've been on Kailh BOX Jades for years and often mused about trying the pinks. Was never quite motivated enough to actually do so. Being fairly happy with the force needed for jades, it sounds like the Melodics might be a good fit for me. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Another vote for the box pinks.
+1 pinks
Maybe buckling springs might be up your alley. I remember Chyros finding Box Pinks similar to those post-bump
@@patr1ck28 Well hopefully someday someone manages to fit buckling springs into an MX housing so you don't have to get into the Model M subgenre.
Ita nice to see full sized mechanical keyboards and not that 60 80% bs
I have the clickiez in a v6, its rather magical.100% FTW
it truly is frustrating that people like other things than i do
@@sponke99 umm ok? Just saying how most is marketed towards gaming and hard to find full 100% keyboards that look slick and modern
nah man, where is my F13 to F24 key? i need that right now. Full size is not good enough
To each their own 🥴 numbers don't lie though, 60-80% bs is the most popular and if I was a tryhard TH-camr, I'm capitalizing.
Ngl though, it's not that nice imo. Bulky, less modular (immovable numpad), more expensive to kit out assuming you want a switch replacement, list goes on. Just the tip of the iceberg as to why full sized keyboards are shit in my eyes.
Looks like we still have a long way to go before we actually get "Blue Alps in an MX Switch". The Zeal Clickiez are still the superior ones, I was lowkey expecting the Melodics to have a full size clicker... bruh.
Speaking of Blue Alps, fun question. If you were given enough NOS Blue Alps for only ONE Keyboard(lets count Battleships and Battlecruisers), which keyboard in your collection would you put them in and why? 😅
Ah, that's a great question. Probably my Focus FK-5001, the one with the replacement calculator module. At that point, I'd probably never stop using it xD . If not that, a Zenith ZKB-2.
I missed a comparison with the Clickiez sound, which is deeper and my favorite MX clicky
But they are Very tactile!
A lot of reviews have said they wish there was a less tactile version of the Clickiez
I really like that sound, actually. It is very subtle and quite.
The v6 max is $145 in canadian, for anyone wondering.
I paid about $158 canadian total for mine. I got the gateron brown switches because I like a good thwack feeling as opposed to a super clicky sound.
Probably going to change them though, might be too loud for work
very exited to do something with these. I have some in the mail currently.
How do these compare to Kaihl's click bar-style BOX switches?
Thanks a lot! I'm cleaning my keyboard and you have the close up of the keyboard layout.
And the ability to toggle a key to switch A & S.. then W & Z. So A can be S or A...etc
Great to see you Tom! Recently I found a keyboard at a thrift shop. It has brown cherrys in it and weirdly feels pretty good. Have you run into the new mx2a switchs yet? The scratchiness seems to be gone.
I haven't tried them, no. I have a project with them planned but the board's manufacturer has git a big delay. I do plan to cover them eventually, though!
I recommend the desktop fork of VIA called "VIAL". It's still in the Beta phase but it was able to program the rotary encoder on my V1, something the VIA web page no longer supports for some reason.
Also, that Mac Vs. Windows switch toggles between two completely separate profiles. You can easily remap the "Mac" profile for Windows and vise-versa.
Unfortunately you can't just switch over (to layer 0 and 1) you have to unplug replug.
No issues with VIA on my V3 with knob. Unless you want mouse scrolling, which is a VIA limitation
I like keychons better as a first board because you're not going straight into disappointment territory - I don't like buying trash, and I think even if you're going to buy another board eventually it's still a decent board to give someone else, or use for other purposes
I'm some what of a hipster, and the fact I'm into keyboards now (well after the climax during covid) I appreciate your videos greatly as I'm very late to the activity.
Glad these little clickteeth made it into a full height switch. I'm pretty sure gateron low profile blue also have these, and the tactility caused a harder bottom-out than I liked.
I think this video is for me. I got a pre-built TKL mechanical keyboard back in 2017 from Glorius and since then I didn't look for keyboards. I'm now looking for a mid compromise with full or 90ish layout wireless keyboard and VIA/QMK support. It seems that the Keychron V6 Max may fit that bill. I'm not sure if the V5 Max could also be a good deal here (I noticed that the numpad 0 isn't full size and I'm not sure if the spacebar is the more common 7u size). Thank you for this review, it is very helpful. Should one invest in doing some mods to it? What is recommended to update in this keyboard if we want to make it light tocky and quiter?
Gateron threw in two melodics with a package I got from them recently and I they may be the nicest click switch I've heard so far.
wonder if the melodics would sound a bit closer to the zeal clickiez in a more open chassis, something like the ncr80 perhaps
Are they similar to kailh box white v2 they put in the 8bitdo keyboard? (Love that keyboard look but haven't bought one)
I was more interested into getting Zeal Clickies but that higher tactility maybe warrants a test run of these switches.
The zeal ones are definitely yet more tactile, they are quite over the top xD .
I just got a v6, I like it
Keychron is my favorite of the MX hotswap chasis makers. Good prices, keycaps that look nice, most boards are compatible with QMK and Via, and they tend to be built nice.
As an American, I appreciate the Imperial units conversion greatly!
Ah yes, I was delighted to know that the keyboard weighs roughly the weight of a keyboard!
As a clicky-fan myself Im totally sold on Kailh Box switches. Whats your take on those compared to the Gaterons?
THey are quite different as box switches have fairly subtle tactile bump while this one is quite harsh.
@@Chyrosran22how you doing?
I have a keyboard with box navies and about once a week one of them starts to chatter meaning I have to replace it. not sure if I was just unlucky with the batch I got
I gave the Keychron V1 a go with the Keychron K Pro Brown switch and they feel pretty nice for a light tactile. The keycaps are quite nice to type on but to get a more retro color option will take almost a month and high shipping costs from Keychron itself. Micro Center in the US has started carrying Keychron keyboards which is nice. They also carry Mountain Everest barebones setups and are available at a heavily discounted price. I really wanted to get Gateron G Pro Brown 3.0 but again the shipping prices and time are what put a stop to those plans.
I've bought Keychron Q3 with Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and these are very bad switches: almost no tactility, very scratchy feeling (low quality factory lubrication), and pressing a key a bit off-center often doesn't register the key press...also the keycaps are very wobbly on these switches. Perhaps a bad batch, but I was just shocked by their poor quality compared to other switches I've tried. The Keychron keycaps are bad too as they got super shiny in less than a year (they obviously using some cheap ABS-PBT blend instead of true PBT which will take many years of heavy usage to wear off). Thankfully, everything can be replaced by much better options. For a year I've used Boba U4T switches (which are fantastic switches with pronounced D-shaped tactility) and now using the very same Gateron Melodic as you can hear good words above (they have very P-shaped tactility which is even better in my opinion as it helps with lighter and faster typing by encouraging not bottoming out, though some people may not like its high-pitch click sound) and for the keycaps I bought two amazing PBT sets (in MT3 and new MTNU profile).
Of course there is no really need to spend too much on these options as you can get some decent inexpensive PBT keycaps from Akko and also every manufacturer now offer good quality inexpensive switches. But really I cannot recommend anything Keychron offers besides their keyboards (even then there are better options for the price from Akko, qwertykeys, etc).
@@VladK-1good to know, I have a v6 with k pro brown for work and it's really nice. I have a keychron c3 pro on one PC which is nice for the price their cheapest kb, but noticed their keychron browns are much different than keychron k pro brown. Not as light feeling and a bit more scratchy but not in mx brown territory. Also the keycaps on c3 pro are abs and textured however very slippery, forgot which profile it is but I don't like it that much. The v6 keycaps have some sort of OEM/SA hybrid which is amazing
I might try the Melodic, I am looking for something specific for my caps lock key. I was thinking Box Navy but I actually think tactile over clicky would be better now.
"Slightly punching on the fingers" sounds good. I have a Gateron Blue in there now and barely notice it.
Hotswap is a good point. I do like functionality with loads of keys and preferably Macro options. Extra points if like on the Roccat keyboards the software allows me to set a macro to shut down my pc.
What would you recommend if I wanted a keyboard with loads of features that enable the lazy while also having hotswap sockets where I could pop for example kailh switches in? Should be an ISO board that I can put my German caps on
Yo coloqué Gateron Melodic en un Keychron K2. Quedo un teclado muy agradable de usar.
A los que no usan con frecuencia el teclado numérico les recomiendo el Keychron V1, formato 75%.
I bought these switches. Loved them, but ditched them. The tactile bump was too heavy for me.
I recently bought this keyboard and I would say the RGB backlighting is really nothing but useless without shine-through keycaps. It doesn't help you to type in the dark and it will shine uncomfortably into your eyes. But that doesn't matter since RGB is still almost purely eye-candy without much practical use as there is no way to make it react for something happening on the computer. Also, the lettering on keycaps with words (enter, backspace...) on them is strangely uneven -- if this is a design choice, it's an odd one.
Apart from the above, it's a very nice and solid keyboard and the removable switche make it possible to customize it and fix the issues.
I got a Keychron V6 (with knob) to update my (still working) 15 year old Unicomp buckling spring keyboard which is super loud and not really modable. It's right at the price point where I wasn't making any serious concessions in build quality or features. So far my only slight complaint is that the keycaps don't have shine through lettering, which is a shame because I quite like the shape and feel of them. It sort of reminds me of the old dumb terminals they had at my public library when I was a kid, with the rounded corners on the keycaps. Definitely leaves me with a good first impression on the cherry style keyswitches. It's built like a tank, has a reasonable amount of dampening, and supports VIA.
The thing with shine through caps is that they don't match well with south facing LEDs, you would need the kind with lettering on the bottom side.
My Keychron keycaps are all super shiny after less than a year of usage-I guess they use some cheap ABS-PBT blend instead of pure PBT. So I had to replace them anyway.
I don't know any decent-quality shine-through keycaps. But I know plenty of great MT3 and MTNU profile keycaps which rounded shape will remind you even more these great terminal keyboards from a public library in our childhood. They also sound better and overall have better ergonomics. I highly recommend researching them unless you really need shine-through keycaps...
I have a v3 with sa profile keycaps and gateron oil kings. Love it!
However, i feel that the f-keys are slightly too close to the first row. I keep hitting f12 when pressing backspace...
Also have a k8pro at work, which i feel has less spacing below the f-keys.
Roughly the weight of a keyboard...best imperial units description in a while
If you use MT3/SA keycaps on KS-22 switches, it makes the sound better IMO.
I have no idea why but my Keychron doesn't work when connected to my KVM switch. It works fine directly to the computer but it and the KVM just don't jive well.
My newest Unicomp didn't work when connected either until I flashed a different firmware to their new RPi Pico controller they use, but with the new firmware it works.
Looks a lot like the k10 pro but without lock lights. I was disappointed that they don't sell iso barebone or were perpetually out of stock when I bought mine.
I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on the Lofree Block keyboard. The switches are entirely POM, and the overall design is quite nice with neo-vintage and almost Bauhaus elements. It's annoyingly expensive though.
There are so many incredible keyboards now and Lofree Block doesn't look very interesting unless you're after this particular neo-vintage style and you want to use linear switches (they don't provide an option to order it with other switches as far as I can see). If you're not against the idea of losing the numpad and can happy live with TKL keyboard (like I do since 2015 ha-ha) I would suggest checking out qwertykeys Neo80 or Nuphy Gem80, and selecting good switches by your taste. Recently I've tried another Lofree keyboard (Flow, a slim one) which also comes with "self-lubricated" full-POM switches (these were tactile Phantom version) but I found them rather scratchy especially when pressing slowly. In comparison, Gateron Melodic is always silky smooth - it has good factory lubrication that should last for years as well as new Gateron dual-rail system for extra stem stability. But yes, these are very sharp clicky switches (though you can open the switch and remove the leaf to turn them into linear ones in case you don't want spend extra but wish to use linear switches; I heard that a tactile mod is also possible by putting a cardboard piece behind the leaf but I didn't try it). There are plenty of nice new switches from Gateron now such as Lunar Probe (linear ones also with the new dual rail system), Beer (light tactile), Quinn (heavy tactile)...and there are many other manufacturers such as Akko. Cheers!
The click sound reminds me of Space Invader switches a little.
Which is a good thing 🙂
Man that's crazy, I literally just ordered a V3... Awesome timing.
Had my V3 for a few weeks and like it a lot, the Keychron linear reds it came with were not my cup of tea, too light and and actuate right at the top. I have Akko Air's in there now. The stock stabs are lubed but drove me nuts with rattle, especially space and enter. A little job to disassemble coz they're screw in, and lubed them with permatex dielectric grease and they golden. I also did tape mod on PCB why not, and really happy with sound and feel now.
Err - they do do this in an iso layout - looks like they're current out of stock of the UK varient, but you casn get it in French, Swish or Nordic. - oh, and only with the knob - for 90GBP
I really wish, in this case, you'd have reviewed the unit with the switches it came with, if it did. If it didn't I'd be really interested to see the pre-built ones reviewed. The fact you've put expensive switches in what is supposed to be a budget, first suggestion, keyboard review. I guess it's a little late for this.. I just got a V1 prebuilt with the blue switches.
My first keyboard was/is and Inland thing with blue switches. It was harsh till I put some O rings in the key caps. 2nd keyboard is a Unicomp Model M. Love the buckling spring.. but it's a bit loud/obnoxious at work.. so I started looking and got the V1 Blue.. I don't wanna have to get into the deepest of ends customizing a keyboard.. I want good enough and this seems like it. Might be tempted to put some Kailh Box Navy..
love your reviews.
Or you might talk me into trying those Melodic ones
I have the ISO Nordic version of this keyboard at work, so I don't know why you said they aren't available in ISO or other layouts. But great keyboard imo.
Very enjoyable review - much appreciated. I was surprised by how harsh the Clickiez are. Box Jades seem subtle by comparison, especially after they've settle in for a while. It would be interesting to hear what separates a 'beginner' board from a...serious board? Is it just cost, materials? It's great that there are more options now at more reasonable prices than the $500 monstrosities of the last few years, and many more skews of (mostly linear) switches I can't be arsed to look into. Any markets/people you would recommend for blue alps boards?
V series is probably one of most vfm choices for novice or experienced; especially the barebone versions for personal customization. But I wouldn't go Q and Pro aluminum choosing Keychron or K series.
they made many V in the series, is the V6 and latest one the best of them all?
I think the sensor your camera has a dead pixel. 1/4 from the right en maybe a 1/6 from the bottom.
Yeah it's been there for ages xD .
Is there any consideration for AIRONE Cherry MX ULP clicky keyboard and how's it compared to LP85 keyboard it terms of feeling?
@Chyrosran22 Since you are on the topic of budget keyboards, is there any chance of us getting a review of some of the cool keyboards that popped up around EU market in the last year or so, for example Endorfy Thock wireless (lubed stabs, wireless 2.4 and BT, hotswap, volume knob for ~100 EUR) or some of the Dark Project keyboards (they also got variant with optical lubed switches)
What's the point of backlight if the legends aren't transparent?
So, you would rather use those or clickbars?
I have the V6 and can not work out how to check the power charge. Nothing in the manual. Some of their products require FN and B to check power, but that doesn't do anything on my V6. Any ideas?
I noticed that too. Great keyboard. No idea how it shows battery remaining
@@JonYeoAU I emailed Keychron but got nothing. I wish I could still get Ducky products. Good support.
I got the one with the knob. I changed out to various allegedly ALPS like switches. All disappointed me. I really wish it would accept ALPS and I would use Matias quiet click switches.
Hey Thomas, how would the Gateron Melodic compare to the Zeal Clickiez to you in terms of sound?
Also, have you heard of the Kailh Mute Jade? They're some weird clicky switches with a dampened click, it's fairly quiet and sounds pretty interesting. Figured you might enjoy those.
Hah, it's funny you should mention them xD .
I'd say the Clickiez sound fuller for sure, and way bassier, but you can definitely tell they're both the same "type" of sound.
Zeal Clickiez is more heavier and more wobbly, Gateron Melodic is a more refined switch though its sound is a bit thin (it comes down to your personal preference). I would suggest reading the review by theremingoat who also provides plenty of measurements and technical details!
idk if your camera lens has a speck on it or what but it freaked me out, I thought it's my monitor
No clickbar comparison?
Not in this video ;) .
How does the tactility feel compared to acer switches?
Wow, been a while since somebody asked me about them! Had to go back and compare real quick; I'd say the Melodics are more tactile, and "cleaner", but harsher. I'm not sure which of the two I prefer.
are you going to do a video on that Class80 board? especially the EC variant
I'm having major trouble with it, it keeps not bahaving and I'm going a bit nuts off it tbh.
Hey! You should order an
IBM KB-7993 keyboard from the internet and make a video review on it.
Is it good wireless?
I don't like the extra rounded keys or the centered letters on the keys. Why can't newer keyboards have the lettering on the upper left of each key where is belongs? Deal breakers for me.
Those melodic switches sound sweet!
Gateron melodic what do the switches think they are on an actual keyboard?
But yeah the day you find a switch that sounds as good as blue alps and dont shit the bed the second you start to use them will be a glorius day
how do they compare with amber alps?
you are still doing keyboard reviews?? damn i remember seeing your razer blackwidow 2013 or whatever it's called video a while ago
Semi-retired, but still going xD .
3:30 Well played sir. Well Played.
In Sweden these go for almost twice the price with fricken ABS keycaps
When I saw these I thought they would be sort of like Monterey Blue Alps, but I don’t think the melodics are quite as nice.
People vastly underestimate Montereys - they are excellent switches. Few switch designs can stand up to them. I gave them a 5th place in best clicky switches for a reason! :D
Great review! You sound like James May 😂 it was almost like watching Top Gear
I loved this video, but did anyone else think that the audio level was extremely low?
Melodic or kailh box series?
I think these are a little bit too harsh for me, so I'd go box. But with a bit of tweaking, these could be better than box switches for sure.
V series from Keychron are plastics vs Q series are aluminum keyboard.
Also Q has gasket mount
There's so many V6 versions... I hope I didn't buy the wrong one!
If they made this in a lowprofile switch Id buy it in a heartbeat.
I got a cheap ass £25 Chinese board with fake blue switches 2 years ago and I'm still happy with it. I know there are much better boards out there and I yearn for a Model M, but this could become a very expensive hobby if I take a dive down the rabbit hole.... I might give this a try though
Look into the new model m!
I bought a Q6 Max
I was told a family member is gifting me 100 dollars, so I asked them to get this keyboard as I would never buy a costly keyboard on my own.
The keyboard i currently own is dell full size 5 dollar keyboard lol.
Hey manufacturers, when you’re making clicky switches make like a tree or the Alps and leaf.
Try Glarsses' cherry mx purples!
Suffice it to say I'm not gonna review them unless he specifically asks me to xD .
The switch sound reminds me of box jades.
It is funny that after all those years of nothing happening, finally there are some clicky switches out. I think that clickbars were the innovation that managed to break the current trend.
He reminds me of TheProvokedPrawn anyone? P.s. I just bought a Q5 Max. So far I love it. My other go to keyboard is iqunix f96 wireless
Still convinced that clickbar is the way to go