Building a $2000+ Keyboard

This build is for the owner of NovelKeys, Mike! This is the Geist and it is an... interesting... project. Aesthetically, this is an absolute gorgeous board and I will admit, I am smitten by the end result. Price wise, this thing comes in at nearly $1700+ USD or $2300 CAD before shipping and other needed parts.
To note, I was also in the original run of this board but in all honesty, this was a tough one to stay in as their were delays that were not communicated well to the buyers and customers. I am glad that after 2+ years this finally shipped out and many people are happy with their board.
Ultimately do I think this board is worth it? Obviously from a value only mindset, it's clearly not but if you love the very unique design aesthetic and the abundant use of copper, then you may take a real liking to this board, if you have deep pockets that is. Just remember that is a hobby and have fun with your time here. Also remember these are just keyboards, be respectful of people's decisions in this world and also respect your own personal finances, be mindful of how you spend.
🔎 build specs:
Keyboard: Geist - geistmaschine....
Plate Material: FR4
Keycaps: MTNU WoB
Switches: NK Cream Dream Switches
Note: Some of these are affiliate links and i get a kick back! They help support my channel.
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Wallpapers - ko-fi.com/s/97...
Here is how i lube my switches and stabilizers:
Stabs - • How To Lube and Proper...
Switches - • How To Lube Your Switc...
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[@bean3243]

Whenever Alex doesn't like a switch, there is only one saviour. NIXIE

[@Kj_Crunch]

I remember seeing the GB for this 2 years ago and I thought it was hideous lol, but to each their own. As always, fantastic build!

[@mrskwrl]

Hahahaha I still think it looks hideous. But to each their own.

[@nickthaskater]

I absolutely adore the design and colour.

[@excellent1528]

i recognize that it’s hideous af, but at the same time it’s unique enough that I’d be happy to own it

[@bosenngantor9160]

for 2000 dollars, it better be looking hella different than the other, I mean I'd laugh so hard if it looks like a regular 65% (you know, basic rectangular, slim bezel with blocker and all that stuff that makes it so familiar)...By today's standard even Keycult keyboards is looking really cheap....I mean a keyboard that looks like a keyboard, nothing else. Even if this designed very boldly, odd, or too "unique", I'd be happy to own this if I have the braveness to pay that much for the keyboard, it looks so different, and I like the unique part of it. You pay that much for the differentiation, not just "a keyboard that can be used for type"

[@shawnng1720]

Alex is such an ambassador in this hobby - criticisms are valid if not essential! Don't fancy this board but this was a joy to watch.

[@amdc9266]

Other KZbinr: building a $20 keyboard Alexotos: building a $2000 keyboard Za ALEXGOATOS

[@rayven1lk]

It's an interesting and bold keyboard design for sure... but all this video did was convince me that this experience was not worth $1.75k USD/$2k CAD. I usually enjoy the soundtest portions on the other builds, but even with the GMK keycaps thought this was underwhelming.

[@alexotos]

Fair enough! I was having a very hard time with pricing too, and I do feel like this may have sounded good without the foam, but I just am not sure at all

[@chuchupow]

I was deciding on whether to go in on this board vs. Saevus Labs' Eminence. I chose the latter, but knowing the Geist is available in-stock makes me want to get one too

[@RandomKeebs]

I wish I had the $$$ for Eminence bc it is GORGEOUS, but I’m a poor boy rn 😂 so I’ll settle for the Duality65.

[@chuchupow]

@@RandomKeebs The bottom weight on both the 60 and TKL versions are so hot. Wish I had the cash for both but ended up on the 60 cause of how clean it looks

[@upgemynd]

what's your discord alias?

[@RandomKeebs]

@@chuchupow 60/65 best layout so that’s a W.

[@RicardoCalderon3212]

I have deep regret not trying to get in on the Event Horizon. That is the most beautiful keyboard I’ve ever seen.

[@xirxirxir]

all that machining jeez no wonder it cost $1.7k. lovely board but idk if i could stomach the cost.

[@nickthaskater]

SA Fledgling would go so hard on this in looks and sound.

[@protato911]

As someone who's in love with CNC parts and working in fabrication, this keyboard is extremely well machine and the 2000usd price tag is justified. But the design isn't very appealing to me.

[@pokepokepoke64]

I am super in love with how this board looks and I would definitely buy it, for $1000 less than the retail

[@GetMyNerdOn]

As someone that is relatively new to the keyboard hobby and very much not into your run of the mill "plain rectangle on a wedge" keyboard design, I loooooove boards like this, the Event Horizon, and the Aquila, and am so glad you do these lol

[@plxsmatic]

The copper on that alone is probably worth a 50% of the board damn

[@Chromastellia]

I bought the new alice from matrix lab and i kinda regret it. This video makes me feel a lot better about my life decisions lol

[@Chromastellia]

But i like the different look in keyboards like this. Although it isn't my cup of tea, it was fun to watch.

[@merrickx]

Sweet little cod piece for when i go back in time to my florida keys condo

[@neraida0705]

Hi Alex will you do a year review for 2023 - like top keeb builds, switches, etc for this year? Thanks!

[@_iboji]

Its so fucking pretty with insane amounts of machining/polish.

[@Sleepyless]

I think im in love

[@woomygfx]

woah this kb looks great lol

[@bryanaginta4956]

I always think why Geist is not popular with content creator, now I know, this keyboard price tag is targeting a very specific hobbies

[@karl__]

I came across this because of MTNU, but what I really wanna know now is ... whats the keyboard with the perforated metal plate in the background? The design looks awesome

[@grantzu]

the Event Horizon don't think the group buy has been fulfilled yet

[@litfuse_gd7538]

This board feels like what the TVA would use in Loki

[@jGRite]

Forget the keyboard, can I get a few of those mounts so I can sit all my keyboards upright like that with a clear cover to block dust?

[@soon4829]

I love this keeb. Kinda reminds me off of the wa23 amp by wooaudio

[@karstenk.6067]

Nice !

[@ItsHuntex]

Fancy board, cool video

[@Epsi1ong]

why does the katakana say "ghost"?

[@rabbitgames1971]

Here's what I'm looking for. Where to get it? Full-size keyboard I like typing in silence, with zero bounce/flex to the keyboard. Tactile. Hot-swap. Shine-through (white or RGB is fine) I checked QwertyKeys to customize material/colors, but I have no idea what will work best to achieve what I'm going for.

[@Drippyddrip]

Fuck this is as heavy as my full brass case hiro se bountyhunter lol it’s also close to 5kg built and it aint budging from my desk I kinda find it hard to game when I need those angled pvp moments🤣🤣

[@CC_72]

Alex what would you say about the credibility of the company? I was thinking of getting on the pre-order for their Studio FSP board, but I was looking for reviews outside their discord server and cant find any and its making me question before dropping $1400.

[@dnegrete3736]

This board looks like it costs $1000+ so that makes sense lol

[@Malakingchickenadobo]

Nice D65 pro max 1Tb fully paid

[@JohnnyRock]

Where do you get those stickers for the MX Master mouse?

[@adrunksamurai]

Anyone know what deskmat Alex is using?

[@kylesjourneyinlife]

ive been seeing this keyboard in instagram. It was so pretty of a keyboard.

[@Evil_Pixl]

$1700 is crazy

[@alexotos]

It's wild, but kind of a neat build

[@Evil_Pixl]

@@alexotos it is…. But I'm starting to see more and more unique builds for a cheaper price

[@nhbountyhunter]

Yes it is! I just bought custom billet aluminum upper control arms for my 99 Lightning that are completely adjustable. For both it was only $850 USD. This is completely about paying for the name/status nothing more.

[@ponchofreedo]

what is that stupid cool gray board youre daily driving when you started the unboxing?

[@TheMFLORD]

What’s the keyboard on the top?

[@elfalcha]

Event Horizon

[@Maxime-ho9iv]

I think living with it for the duration of the video, the top huge copper holding they keyboard feels kinda out of place. It doesn’t fit the design in my opinion. I get it, the temptation of that massive and heavy block of copper, but at the end of the day it doesn’t work (with the rest of the design I mean). And also to be honest it doesn’t sound good.

[@Mat.o]

Im not a big fan of silver colours.I would consider buying it if it came with som olive/ dark green accents instead of silver 🤷‍♂️

[@minhle6908]

I would love to add one of the Giest's boards to my endgame collection, ofc only if they manage to drop the price to around $1000, max $1300 lol

[@papayeezus]

What's the grey keyboard you were using during the video? Also the fuck off right enter keycap is cool, where'd you get it from?

[@EricDChan]

The keyboard is the Event Horizon and the fuck off keycap is from NovelKeys.

[@Sarjan]

For a person who tried many keyboards before,mine and friends,when it come to thousand dollars keyboards,its just a matter of they can charge you that much,not because it is worth that much.

[@pyoo05]

its a beautiful board and product imo. not really into the decoration katakana on stuff

[@Sylarzx]

pounds?? why o why 😭 YOU WERE THE CHOSEN ONE ALEX

[@alexotos]

LOL I know people use lbs more in the stream.

[@fnvfanMSPR]

I hate wire pullers with a passion. They damage keycaps so easily. Just as bad as the plastic ones imo

[@sonofulti1337]

It's very original. But that front weight accent piece just doesn't do it for me

[@defox_nz]

that just looks like a huge chunk of metal..... a bit over the top.

[@aahlala]

How does it compare to the Event Horizon?

[@alexotos]

I mean, I think it's a tough comparison, visually both are very different and I prefer the Event Horizon.

[@al-du6lb]

would I spend 2k on this, no, but would I rather have this or a equivalently priced watch or bag, yes.

[@twofu967]

copper accent plate just screams inconsistent switch sounds

[@eyang7]

I'd rather get me a new gpu over that keyboard 😅

[@GentHoChan]

People who think this is ugly have zero sense of design. You probably use keyboards with exploded arrow keys. Yuck.

[@D4MI0N]

I'd probably be wearing nitrile gloves building someone's $2000 keyboard!

[@DavieShredder]

Nice craftsmanship in this abomination lol. The only money I would pay for it is postage to the Hague for war crimes

[@mikerzisu9508]

Keyboard is so ugly

[@ronniekregar3482]

lol, I wouldn't even pay a hundred bux for this thing. My Tofu sounds better lol.

[@bestrotiprata]

the event horizon looks so much better =)

[@bosenngantor9160]

it's just looks like a lil fancier xt boards with oversize chin...nothing's really special. But still looks cool

[@sayedalali3583]

First

[@onionring1531]

This may be the most ugly keyboard I've ever seen but at least it isn't boring.

[@alexotos]

Its all preference!

[@onionring1531]

@@alexotos Certainly. I can respect the work that went into it, I just don't personally like the result.

[@gilydoesall]

gotta be the worst designed keyboard 💀💀

[@rcoh4]

too bad it looks ugly.

[@hydra6148]

i like that detachable blocker, to be detached, cuz i hate it

[@marioh5172]

Please do some more investigation on this vendor. I got a refund but I believe this is a scam.

[@alexotos]

It do not think it's a scam, this is also a client build I did who ordered this and not a review. Tons of people have gotten their product from what I understand and I've seen a bunch of posts from other customers who've gotten theirs. I am unsure of your situation here with this, but more context would be helpful

[@teohongwei4180]

$2000, comes with foam and looks like shit, gotta love the hobby sometimes.

[@alexotos]

It would be boring if it was just tailor made for a few of us. Life needs a balance of things we fancy and things we don’t!

[@springpocket6941]

For 2k, I would expect KC or Singa caliber sound signature, this is far from it. Hard pass

[@Samrules4ever]

I won't pay anything more than $200 for any mechanical keyboard. Hate the design of this keyboard too. But sounds great but definitely not worth $2k - just my opinion.

[@user-vr1zx6qr4d]

2k for a keyboard and you have to solder it by yourself, that is a joke

[@chaniibak7702]

Dang, that much for it to sound the same as literally any other custom board, ugly, and no symmetry

[@chaniibak7702]

Oh, but I would love to have it lmfao

[@quapdivorg]

It's soooo cringe whenever he talks about flex cuts. I get that you hate it now man

[@alexotos]

Okay so stop watching the content? People ask about them on stream, and it's also my stream so I ultimately talk about what I want to talk about.

[@quapdivorg]

​@@alexotos 😂😂