BUDGET THOCK KING - KBD67 Lite R2 Custom Keyboard Review

My stream schedule on Twitch is Monday 5:30PM PT, Wednesday 5:30PM PT, and Saturday morning around 10am PT.
Preorder for R2 ends 4/10/21
kbdfans.com/r?... (affiliate link)
I received this board from KBDFans as a thank you for supporting the Discord server and community. I was not asked to review it by KBDfans nor did they pay me in any way to make this video. They also did not see the video before it went live - I just wanted to cover this for people who wanted to grab it.
The board is sick. It's thocky as hell for a cheaper board and does not sound hollow. It's crazy. Please let me know what you think of the board in the comments below!
Keycaps: kbdfans.com/r?...
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Recorded with:
Sony A7SIII - amzn.to/39B3O5Q​
Sony 55mm F1.8 Zeiss - amzn.to/3tcIRWx​
Sound recorded via Deity Vmic D3 Pro - amzn.to/3hkEpic

[@lil_syba]

Recently got mine. It's basically just shown me how accurate your sound-tests are dude. Will definitely be using you as my main reference for future boards! Peace

[@Reflect_yhh]

May I ask where you got it from? It has not been in stock on kbd fans.

[@lil_syba]

@@Reflect_yhh I ordered with R2 of the gb my dude

[@Reflect_yhh]

@@lil_syba Sorry I'm a little confused is it okay if you can send a link?

[@Reflect_yhh]

@@Andrew-ng3sc I understand and I am part of those 12k people on the waiting list. Hopefully I can quickly buy and get my hands on it.

[@Reflect_yhh]

@@Andrew-ng3sc Exactly my cousin had ordered one 6 months ago and still hasn't gotten by them yet ;-;

[@ali83]

Can we get a hairstyling tutorial?

[@HipyoTech]

Hi welcome to budget gang! Very cool Andy

[@kirins8892]

Hello Hipyo

[@Phantom1000]

where is your super lube

[@TheBigJoshi]

0:08 Look at that beautiful smile

[@ajrofficial06]

openion B/W KBDfan67 vs portico65

[@d4dbeh]

you cant argue with the sound. i have never heard dogikons sound so good.

[@ljtech20]

I’m literally just waiting for this last review to convince myself of preordering this board!

[@askdavidsen]

Same

[@ljtech20]

@@askdavidsen lol after careful thought, I guess I'm going to wait for the next Ikki68 drop.

[@destone.660]

I'm so glad that I bought this on a whim

[@akuto2905]

I love the change of scenery !review outdoors while sound test in doors really nice change

[@AndyVNguyen]

Def love getting outside - I spend so much time inside!

[@muCephei_]

I really appreciate Andy's honesty. Also, how in the world is that board so thocky!

[@mikeybroe1]

pc plate + silicone = thocccccccc

[@muCephei_]

@@mikeybroe1 Where is the silicone placed?

[@mikeybroe1]

@@muCephei_ foam at bottom of case and in between the plate and pcb

[@alex99x99x]

@@muCephei_ the mute silicon is place in between the pcb and the pc plate.

[@walkerstandard2373]

Love to see your personality and attention detail! These videos clap

[@moonlightfilms5279]

I think the board is a great alternative to whatever nicer board you have back home, if you don't want to take your thermal to the office or an extended vacation. That's why I got mine when I developed cold feet to even the idea of taking my Kara into the wild.

[@milkman6712]

why is this guy so soothing. idk but gets my sub

[@WillieStephenson]

Andy you have really perfected the keeb streamer making KZbin videos. I am thankful I can hear all your opinions without having to watch hours of VOD. You film clips specifically for KZbin while splicing in moments from your streams that works really well and I wish more streamers understood this balance.

[@jacobreal31]

plenty of great insights in this video. I'm currently floating around in the entry board world and the kbd67 lite sets quite a high bar!

[@andhikarahmaditya2619]

I don't know how you make your EVERY single board you have sounds so great! Nice review! Me still waiting for my 67Lite v1.. Hahaha

[@BrianStormy]

Modding a Tofu... Sounds interesting ;) Nice video Andy! It is very light, but I actually prefer lighter keebs for gaming so I can move it around a lot

[@Aldarris]

Seems like a good candidate for a DIY silicone case weight/damper

[@HappyB0T]

Hey @andy I threw sorbothane into my KBD Lite R1. Feels like the board is double the weight now. Preserved the great sound - just made it a little bit quieter. I didn’t overdo it and left some room for flex but the board stiffened up just a little when the flex kisses the padding with the foam insert on the bottom. It took about an hour to cut and place the sorbothane. Fantastic upgrade for 25$. This board wrecks my NK65. I enjoy the more balanced sound compared to the deeper and muted NK65ee. It is also super easy to open the KBD lite. Don’t bother with the NK65ee.

[@AndyVNguyen]

Dude thanks for the testimony! It’s really appreciated. Normally sorbo doesn’t really change the weight of a board but when the board has barely any weight I guess it does haha. Definitely kills the NK65ee!

[@blockin9556]

I just finished my kbd67 lite with lubed+filmed durock linears and It sounds and feels so nice

[@justinfournier2521]

Did you get the kbdfans pc stabs with it? I'm acutally curious about those!

[@AndyVNguyen]

I didn’t. I feel like they’ll be fine

[@Gandi2000]

Put a silicone/plasticine in the bottom housing to dampen the hollowness a bit and give it some weight :)

[@hadeez7]

No way

[@faZzz84868]

underrated channel.

[@deadruss7574]

Great review! Would have loved to have heard your opinion on the Bluetooth PCB as I'm sure many of us R1 owners are considering that! My R1 sounded too muted with everything put in (silicone, case foam, standoffs)--I tested acoustics with Creams and Alpacas--they sounded so similar and... boring. So I removed the mute silicone to let the board sing a bit. There was little gasket flex and I wanted more bounce too so I removed the standoffs entirely. Only then did I love it. The combo of the case foam + PC plate + Toy Switches + No silicone + just the gasket nibs = a high clack that I love listening to--and a bounce I love feeling--on the daily. Just sharing! Thanks Andy!

[@AndyVNguyen]

Unfortunately they didn't send one to me but it's a proprietary PCB with a good designer afaik. The module will be integrated into the PCB so I'm not sure how it'll perform. But the case is plastic so the bluetooth should work fine. Definitely a good option to take out some of the dampening layers to hear your switches!

[@deadruss7574]

@@AndyVNguyen Thanks for the tip Andy. Without the silicone the tiny gaskets (which are curiously only on the top case) are really put to work, so if you're curious about a more full sound I'd suggest you try that! That's all from me, keep making awesome videooooosss!

[@92010t]

been waiting for this review ever since I heard the sound test

[@servell2115]

Sheeeeshhhhhh the review that I was waiting for

[@signin4079]

just bought it and can not wait to receive it

[@tyrone8404]

same but it's taking some time to ship

[@Hydratedgolf6]

@@tyrone8404 it ships starting may 30

[@tyrone8404]

@@Hydratedgolf6 oh wow thank you

[@temanbradley8505]

I got mine a couple days ago from mechanicalkeyboards.com, honestly the best sound signature and super thocky straight out of the box for only $110

[@Gandi2000]

Sameee

[@dead_l0tus]

Really enjoying the outdoors reviews!

[@zephyr.r]

ikki68 aurora next!! thank you for the quality review on this board

[@YonkersDolphin]

Pre orderd the pink color and planning on either putting some novelkey silk reds or v2 alpacas. Pretty excited :)

[@the.alexkim]

This should be everybodys first board, hopefully my first board if they re stock

[@IronCan88]

Restock today 7/22 at 11am PST. Divinikey. Also use "ANDY" Discount code at checkout for 5% off. Enjoy!

[@reecewalesiak1223]

I love your videos. Perfect Keyboard reviews.

[@AndyVNguyen]

thank you!

[@JH-vo9ut]

Thoughts on the rama kara compared to this board? The hhkb layout and general experience of owning one seems very attractive to me in a board, but does it justify the $50 price difference (especially since it's also not an aluminum board)? Or would I be better off just going with a tofu for bang-for-buck, even if I don't love its aesthetics?

[@AndyVNguyen]

It’s hard to make the call. I’d go tofu personally. I wouldn’t expect the full Rama experience from their Kara, as it’s a budget Rama

[@cumberbatchh]

hey andy any chance you’ll get your hands on a think6.5 v2 for a review?

[@AndyVNguyen]

Should be able to!

[@MisterMayhem17]

Just subbed! 💕 Love this content

[@blast7105]

Nice video and nice keyboard. What do you think of my typing on TypeRacer?

[@SLiX-thatguy11m-]

Love my KBD67 Lite R1, would you be doing a Portico review when it comes out as well?

[@AndyVNguyen]

Don’t have plans for portico unless someone local has one

[@yellowclips4384]

What is the keycap on the iron165

[@IronCan88]

I am still waiting for my kbd67mkii to be shipped. Does that mean kbd67mkii is worthless even with it's included case and plate foam, or can I add some orings to make it sound better? Just wondering if I should cancel it and order the tofu65 w/oring mod instead. Hope to hear your opinion. Thanks

[@richardlee6555]

Sound card soldiers!

[@dannyngo9898]

Hey Andy, great review! How does this compare to the KBD67 MKii polycarb? Is the typing experience similar? Thanks!

[@AndyVNguyen]

typing experience is similar but this sounds better in my opinion. brass plate in the pc kbd67mkii left a lot to be desired

[@ajrofficial06]

Please a review openion B/W KBDfan67 vs portico 65. I'm planning to preorder portico.... Really need ur openion!

[@amathine440]

i really hope kbdfans begins to constantly restock the board after r2 ends. it's so much better than the nk65 in almost every way

[@QuanNguyen-lw7et]

Injection mold isn't cheap so i think it will be restock. Buy it soon before the mold begins to downgrade

[@amathine440]

@@QuanNguyen-lw7et I got the r1 :p

[@mikeybroe1]

@@QuanNguyen-lw7et ^what you said, the molds only get worse which reflects the finish qualify

[@chrisdotdash5154]

You’re my favorite keyboard KZbinr. Love the vid!

[@AndyVNguyen]

thank you chris!

[@jongsooyoon4779]

Will you also do a review of the Ikki68 Aurora? Appreciate your contents

[@AndyVNguyen]

Working on it now!

[@AndyVNguyen]

Working on it now!

[@jongsooyoon4779]

@@AndyVNguyen pog. I look forward to hearing your opinions about it.

[@Sliccz]

do you think you can achieve a somewhat poppy sound from this board with alpacas

[@yiepie9822]

excited for this one

[@sashaklein6337]

Do the stabs come pre lubed for the r2? Or is that only for the r1?

[@AndyVNguyen]

The cherry style stabs I got were dry

[@sashaklein6337]

@@AndyVNguyen wow that was a fast reply! I’m just getting started in the mech keyboard scene and I’m really stuck between getting the r1 vs r2. Any thoughts?

[@AndyVNguyen]

R1 is fine if you can get it earlier without paying extra.

[@sashaklein6337]

@@AndyVNguyen yeah I think I’m going to pick up the r1 from mechanicalkeyboards.com since they have them in stock, thanks!

[@mintsan]

can u compare the pc stabs from the r2 compared with the r1?

[@AndyVNguyen]

Didn’t get them as part of the shipment so I’ll try my best to source

[@iGobyy]

Did Marsback sent their M1 to you, Andy? I backed it instead of getting the KBD67 Lite. Hope it's as good as promised.

[@AndyVNguyen]

first time hearing of this today. i think it's only 3 pin hotswap which is a big miss imo. i looked at their promo and the switch they used didn't have the 2 pcb mount pins

[@12345678946513]

Letting you know in advance that someone's running a GB for aftermarket plates. One person is doing metal plates (brass, ss, alu) and the other person is doing non metal plates (cf, fr4). Pretty interesting to see these options being available for newbies to narrow down on a plate material that they like

[@vincentv.berchem2085]

Would also be nice having some kind of weight. This board is so light, so I fear that it doesn’t really feel premium

[@mgav006]

@@vincentv.berchem2085 I'm just going to add tyre weights, layer it with some Dynamat and cover it all up with some electrical tape. That should easily add another 500 grams to the weight.

[@12345678946513]

@@vincentv.berchem2085 i suppose that's a matter of preference! I might add some neoprene layers inside the case to add weight. I tried that with my ID80, and boy it's heavy . But so far, i found that the low weight made it a tad more comfortable to move around on my desk

[@patrickkaehuaea657]

I think you convinced me to sell my 67 mkii and replace it with one of these.

[@Matthew.Manalo]

Just got it today so excited!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@AndyVNguyen]

CHAHOO! Congrats!

[@Drew-tm5pe]

Hey Andy! I've been deciding for days on whether to get the KBD67 Lite R2 or GMMK Pro. Knob and Function row aside, which keyboard would you recommend?

[@AndyVNguyen]

Kbd67 lite r2 def sounds and feels better but is light due to plastic case. I still choose it over GMMK Pro any day of the week.

[@SteezySio]

just bought this board the other day, so stoked

[@notyouraverage5527]

@Andy did u take into account the different JWK switches when talking about sound of ikki68 vs kbd67 lite r2? oa switches are very different from any other jwk i feel like,

[@AndyVNguyen]

It’s not a 1:1 comparison but neither is lavenders. The OA has a flatter sound so should sound deeper or more quiet overall. But the louder dogikon sounds deeper still. And the comparison with the iron is mostly for hollowness

[@GREENWARRI0R]

Great review, as always. Really considering picking this one up so I can have a work board

[@AndyVNguyen]

I would def grab one for a work board!

[@unwired]

It is so good, it is my daily driver.

[@nikosdacanay8982]

Hi Andy this is a great video thanks for posting it. What case foam did you use to build your kbd67 lite? Thanks !!

[@AndyVNguyen]

None

[@AndyVNguyen]

Actually I think the one that came w it

[@bellamybug]

Great review Andy! Does the translucent case version sound different to the opaque case version?

[@AndyVNguyen]

Same material so it shouldn’t

[@jadenlai70]

What keycaps are u using?

[@overlycaffeinated2395]

are the kbd stabs any good? Or should I just get some durocks V2s?

[@SamiyuruSenarathna]

Appreciate your content!

[@ytaccounte2002]

FYI: your divinkey link for this video is not working. Used one from another vid and it worked but you might want to change it for this one cuz I dont think most people will make the go the extra step to seek out another of your affiliate links.

[@AndyVNguyen]

Thanks I’ll look at it

[@AndyVNguyen]

I clicked it and it pulled up. Did it give you an error?

[@Hi-uw9he]

I know this is probably a dumb question but the pcb is 5 pin right? Just want to be sure.

[@AndyVNguyen]

Yes 5 pin

[@jingwenpng9068]

that thocc is insane

[@davieslm]

I like those keycaps. Reminds mind me of the Amiga keys. What are they? EDIT: Are these EnjoyPBT Grayscale?

[@AndyVNguyen]

they're basically just epbt 9009 without the accents. this is it kbdfans.com/r?id=fttf8n

[@davieslm]

@@AndyVNguyen Thanks. I have GMK WoB and Drop MT3 WoB and I fancy a change without going over the top :)

[@AndyVNguyen]

@@davieslm yeah the beige is very universal and can be used on a lot of boards so i dig it!

[@jadenngl]

i got a kbd67mkii, and now it comes with plate and case foam, sounds pretty good

[@VelcroSnake93]

Just built my first KB for home, but going bad to work and using my off the shelf MX-Brown KB was terrible after using my nicer custom at home, so I just ordered one of these to make myself a cheaper (cheaper than the one at home) custom KB for work too.

[@darrenlam4189]

Were those sound tests from your twitch stream or were they recorded for youtube specifically? I would love to watch the vod if it was for twitch!

[@AndyVNguyen]

It’s on twitch! www.twitch.tv/videos/953395470

[@darrenlam4189]

@@AndyVNguyen Sorry, I didn't look far down enough. You got this unit a while back, hey? Much appreciated! I've got my next gym vid queued up now!

[@jenkmeier2406]

Clackiest Budget keyboard? Prop Tofu.

[@t_tek8450]

This rocked my thocks!

[@twotwoshibainu3284]

You think you can use the KBD67 mkii case with this?

[@AndyVNguyen]

What for? It’s using the same pcb. For Bluetooth you may have issues with Bluetooth signal transmissjon

[@twotwoshibainu3284]

@@AndyVNguyen ah just curious haha. Thanks man!

[@eriche9735]

pog

[@ej_ward]

I hope that in the future, I can have your coffee shop vibe studio

[@AndyVNguyen]

lol this is just the common area

[@noahliebman7709]

whats wrong with the bounce that comes with the bumpons? is there something actually bad, or do most people not prefer the extra bounce.

[@AndyVNguyen]

I will have to test but I think people said it was flexing too much in the case itself

[@uraqt2516]

you should try taking out the plate of the kbd67. it changes the board from thocky to a more poppy sound.

[@SonLeTyP9496]

Did you join the KARA groupbuy? If yes, will you review it?

[@AndyVNguyen]

I did not, unfortunately

[@krisjunior2698]

btw i want to buy a kbd 67 lite from candeykeys but they dont say anything about a cable or a battery so what should i do? do they come with a cable?

[@AndyVNguyen]

Does the product description mention a Bluetooth pcb? It should come with a cable tho. Email them and ask

[@198Immortal]

7:45 so right. I have a video testing out 3 different switches for this board and they sound somewhat identical!

[@gregersfihlklug525]

Which switches?

[@198Immortal]

@@gregersfihlklug525 I've tested out boba U4T, gateron yellows, and fierce girls. It's in my channel

[@H4444-f7g]

anyone knows which kc set he is using for ikki, kdb67 v2 and the iron 65? they look similar but not the same, right?

[@AndyVNguyen]

epbt 9009 is the beige pbt set that is used. iron has crp peacock

[@blackbonestudio6189]

8:08 nice sound

[@exyne]

How long did you had to wait from ordering until shipped?

[@AndyVNguyen]

It varies from product to product. I didn't get this from buying from them, it was directly shipped.

[@TheDredgenProject]

00:21 got some MKBHD vibes on that

[@lilrowbear]

How does the sound compare to the Kara?

[@luiswolf6611]

i wanna make my own custom keybord but i dont have money so im looking into getting a jit like that or nk65 but im a bit scared if the plastic looks cheap and fragile, btw great video!

[@Phantom1000]

are those keycaps all EPBT 9009?

[@AndyVNguyen]

Yes for IKKI and kbd67. Iron has crp peacock

[@Phantom1000]

@@AndyVNguyen thanks!

[@MeoGari]

Hi, can anyone send me the video/stream Andy built KBD67 Lite R2, please? Thank you!

[@kamalhariz3492]

What keycaps is this ? Can give links as well thanks 👌

[@AndyVNguyen]

epbt set just for this keyboard: kbdfans.com/r?id=fttf8n

[@gozunigo7589]

well do you like the keycaps anyway?

[@lucashedberg9170]

can you pls answer me what the switches is called

[@AndyVNguyen]

4:44

[@lucashedberg9170]

@@AndyVNguyen thanks

[@jackzimmerman9654]

I recommend you try out the TKC portico once presale is done

[@Tomule]

please can someone tell my the keycaps on Iron165 R1 from 4:53 Thank you!

[@AndyVNguyen]

crp peacock

[@1700tt]

I got the kbd67 r1 yeah sounds really awesome ;)

[@ResumedPausing]

Got myself on the group buy. Looks like I got a use for the sorbothane I've got laying around

[@gvnady8380]

This and vega, put any linear/ tactile switch and it sounds like heaven

[@bobfilm-c9r]

how do you turn off the rgb on this?

[@meltedmarshdaddy]

I just got this in wired black version iit will be my first build ever I hope I like it

[@AndyVNguyen]

You’re gonna love it

[@the1st1owned34]

What kind of foam do yall recommend for filling the battery area? Thanks

[@AndyVNguyen]

Someone said Sorbothane worked well

[@AndyVNguyen]

I’d rather just use shelf liner tho. It’s cheap

[@the1st1owned34]

@@AndyVNguyen You got a specific one in mind with regard to shelf liner? Kind of confused on thickness and stuff.

[@thor8334]

i bought the R3 of this board with the sillicon bottom, durock V2 stabs, gateron caps milky yellow and pbt dye sub carribean keycap set. i'm going to epsi mod the stabs and pe foam the board, i'm hoping to buy the GMK chaos theory or agent 01 set later this year if possible. i hope the sillicon bottom makes the board heavier so it feels a bit better but honestly i don't even care as long as it has a good feel and sound !

[@AndyVNguyen]

the r3 colors look so good! the silicone will definitely help

[@xip125]

Can always trust an Andy V Nguyen review!