DIY Mechanical Keyboard IDOBAO ID80 | Mechanical Keyboards

[@geordieny]

3:00 strongly recommend clipping the legs on the stabs. Reduces rattle, since the contact is more consistent and won't cause the stem to wobble on impact.

[@SerendipityChannel91]

Cian Lehane oh, I made sure to clip them but I forgot to include that in the video, oops! Thanks for the advice 😊

[@geordieny]

@@SerendipityChannel91 no problem. By the way I really enjoy the content. The silicone diffuser is amazing. Can't wait to try it.

[@sanghlee4514]

Nice job on acrylic diffuser!

[@SerendipityChannel91]

Sang Lee thank you! It really helped a ton with showing off the RGB LED lights 😄💕

[@wboy99]

Great idea on the acrylic bottom plate. I had to put a load of foam in my id80 for the reverb. But I have tactiles on my keeb.

[@SerendipityChannel91]

Thank you! I was contemplating whether I wanted to dampen it with foam or show off the lights.

[@kaleid1990]

I think you can still add a bit of foam and not obstruct the LEDs, from what I am seeing they're a tad nearer to the edge, not very so, but still there is a lot of space between them, right?

[@realandrisbiedrins]

The custom acrylic diffuser is awesome. Good work!

[@SerendipityChannel91]

Thank you so much!

[@objet_a]

Great job done!! Your new DIY keyboard is beautiful!

[@SerendipityChannel91]

양시온 thank you! 😄💕

[@jessehernandez6032]

I'm so glad you did this! I was talking to a friend just a few weeks ago wanting to do this exacting mod. It looks great!

[@SerendipityChannel91]

Jesse Hernandez oh that’s awesome! Thank you so much! 😄

[@crimsonred9207]

This video was super well done 👍 keep em coming

[@SerendipityChannel91]

Thank you! 😄

[@JKLProductions1914]

fantastic build!! I definitely going to be taking inspiration from yours for my next build!

[@Curree8]

The reverb associated with this keyboard is from the "integrated plate", which means the plate where you insert the switches is actually combined with the outer case of the keyboard. In traditional keyboards, the plate and the case are separate and can make less noise. I'd be interested in a video on the acrylic piece! Getting this board soon.

[@SerendipityChannel91]

I'm currently preparing a more in-depth video about the diffuser, actually!

[@kaleid1990]

Yessss, waiting for it! ❤️❤️❤️

[@forthosewhodare7325]

The reverb is not only due to the integrated plate, it is due to the whole board itself. It lacks density, and the bottom is hollow. It's a cheaply made board with no weight.

[@HipyoTech]

Was the acrylic sheet lazer cut? it looks really clean!!

[@SerendipityChannel91]

No fancy laser cutting, just good old fashioned hand-cutting! I used a box cutter and some sandpaper :) It definitely wasn't easy that way but I feel like it's a more rewarding result.

[@scaliez3939]

the acrylic bottom plate looks so sick

[@SerendipityChannel91]

Thank you! ^_^

[@nicholashadweh5710]

thanks for making this video, i was worried because i wanted to buy this board but i heard that there was a change that made it so that it couldn't take screw in stabs, but seeing how recent this vid is and how u used gmk screw ins, then im gonna pull the trigger on my purchase.

[@SerendipityChannel91]

IamCrugs yes! Definitely go for it! 😄

[@MnDKilo]

Where do they sell them at?

[@JKLProductions1914]

awesome video! i'm trying to compile a list and make a video on the best 5 pin hotswap boards for beginners. I'm going to be linking your video in it!! And great to see other ladies in the hobby as well!

[@SerendipityChannel91]

Junia Klinge-Loy oh wow that’s awesome! Thank you so much! 😄

[@jedijunia563]

@@SerendipityChannel91 Hey there! I really wanted to thank you (again :-P) for your video. I just finished making my video and I linked yours in the description below. Thanks again! - I also just received my ID80, and I can't wait to mod it!

[@SerendipityChannel91]

@@jedijunia563 you're welcome, and that's awesome! Good luck with your project! :)

[@ejaz787]

Hi! How does the pdb mounted version differ from the plate mounted version of the ID80? I'm a bit confused thanks.

[@SerendipityChannel91]

I believe the older models were plate-mounted, and the newer revised models are compatible with PCB mounted stabilizers.

[@RafaelAlmeida-qm1jb]

I'm dying to try something like this, just hopefully I can find something more on the budget side, and preferably with Portuguese layout ( the real gatekeeper to my DYI mechanical keyboard dreams from what I'm seeing).

[@SerendipityChannel91]

I hope you find your ideal Portuguese layout, best of luck! :D

[@aw4eva144]

Board looks great! Could you explain your process of how you made the acrylic diffuser? I would like to do the same but I don’t know where to start.

[@SerendipityChannel91]

Thank you! The acrylic diffuser was made with a standard acrylic sheet and what I did was sketch an outline of the case. Then I used a box cutter and a lot of elbow grease to cut it. I used a thin piece of sandpaper to make the edges more flush with the case. The holes were drilled with a Dremel hand drill. I'll post a link to the acrylic sheet in the description :)

[@mathmatucla]

It looks amazing! When I opened the video I thought I must have missed some V1.5 or something with an official acrylic bottom @@SerendipityChannel91

[@RequiosWoW]

Did you notice any sound differences with/without the acrylic bottom plate? That looks great and something I might do. Hoping to order mine in a couple weeks. (If it's hopefully still in stock!)

[@SerendipityChannel91]

Requios the diffuser definitely made the space bar quieter but other than that, I didn’t notice much difference. Good luck with your project! 😄

[@jirehtham7146]

nice work! but how do I change the led umderglow settings🤔

[@SerendipityChannel91]

Hold the function key (it’s on the right of the F12 key), press Q to toggle on and off, press E to toggle the mode, R and T to adjust the hue level, Y and U to adjust the saturation, and I and O to adjust the brightness. Hope that helped! 😊

[@mrteknas]

nice vid! they have 2 options- plate mounted and PCB mounted. which one did you get?

[@SerendipityChannel91]

I have the PCB mounted and used the GMK screw-in stabilizers :)

[@mrteknas]

@@SerendipityChannel91 Thanks! I ordered from Idobao website, hope it comes soon. It's awesome that you made an acrylic plate yourself! I just bought one along with the mech. Small feedback- would love typing test at normal speed.

[@JustwatchinG145]

ahhh this looks so good

[@SerendipityChannel91]

Thank you! :D

[@iguess6951]

Awesome build, you've inspired me to try this out when i build my first board. Have any tips for a beginner?

[@SerendipityChannel91]

Honestly, the best advice/tips I can give you is research, research, research. KZbin and Reddit especially are great places to start. GeekHack is another site I'd highly recommend for where to start and how to really get started. Reddit is especially great for inspiration :)

[@oso4224]

Kinda wish you had clipped the stabs, but very professional video that is perfect for newcomers :)

[@SerendipityChannel91]

Oh, thank you! :D I did cut off the stabs prior to shooting and forgot to mention it, whoops lol

[@rahhmennoodles338]

You sound like you're from long island. Also, great video!

[@SerendipityChannel91]

Oh gosh 😂 Well I’m not from LI but I am on the East Coast!

[@rahhmennoodles338]

@@SerendipityChannel91 That's funny, maybe I'm just mixing the accents haha. Keep up the good work😊

[@SkywarsLobby]

The ID80 kit from idobao's website says that it also comes with 2 low-profile screws for the screw-in stabilizers for the space bar specifically, did this come with your kit, and did you use them?

[@SerendipityChannel91]

Mine didn't come with low-profile screws. It did come with a revised bottom case with more clearance for the space bar :)

[@j.b.7133]

ACRYLIC DIFFUSER?! ordering NOW.

[@SerendipityChannel91]

J. B. I also have a diffuser video if you want to check that out as well! kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnS7o4ibetaegrM

[@j.b.7133]

Sweet Serendipity I saw! You probably were the first to make one. Kudos. Plus the feeling of that DIY is worthwhile. I’m kinda shocked the shipping was 6$ to Canada. They discounted it to 23, from 29, so I essentially got free shippy, yay. I was positive they were gonna do the acrylic bottom at some point. Like the melody96, it’s such wasted underglow if it’s covered. I like the new coffee colour as well, would look really good with rust/orange keycaps for an industrial look, but I would love if they made an orange case. Ramble ramble ramble, great vids!

[@matthewviteno5492]

Hi may I know what is the dimension of the acrylic diffuser? I want to create this instead of joining the ido80v2 groupbuy. Appreciate your reply thanks.

[@SerendipityChannel91]

I call mine ID80v1.5, actually lol A couple of people had been asking about the acrylic diffuser like how it's made, what my process was, etc. so I will be making a more in-depth video about it soon 😀

[@matthewviteno5492]

@@SerendipityChannel91 nice. I will look into that. Thanks

[@MrWanted000]

This kb layout doesn’t need a stab on the right shift?

[@SerendipityChannel91]

No, it uses 1.75U right shift which doesn’t use stabs 😊

[@MrWanted000]

@@SerendipityChannel91 oh ok, thx for ur reply, there is no fn key version in this kb? Or u chose this layout purposely?

[@SerendipityChannel91]

@@MrWanted000 by default, the fn key is right next to F12, which I have a “Print” keycap on because I don’t have an “Fn” keycap for that row. Hope that clears things up!

[@spacepatchi]

Hi! What key combination did you use to change the RGB effects? Mine just came home, but I can only figure out how to change it from a "red" to a "breathing red"

[@SerendipityChannel91]

Patrick P hold the function key (it’s on the right of the F12 key), press Q to toggle on and off, press E to toggle the mode, R and T to adjust the hue level, Y and U to adjust the saturation, and I and O to adjust the brightness. Hope that helped! 😊

[@spacepatchi]

@@SerendipityChannel91 awesome I'll give this a try later today. Thank you!

[@matthewwilson3673]

just finding this, are there any other comparable tkl hot swaps around this price range or no? thx in advance

[@SerendipityChannel91]

There's a TKL by the same company which you can find here - www.idobao.net/products/idobao-id87-80-hot-swappable-mechanical-keyboard-kit Or, you can look at kbdfans.com or drop.com as a starting point. Hope you find everything you're looking for! :)

[@jskasia]

Your build is so cool as well as the sound. I noticed the long rubber feet compared to the original feet which are 4 tiny dots. Do you feel the long feet improve grip or sound? Have you tried typing on the desk mat?

[@SerendipityChannel91]

Jakapan Suaboot thank you! It’s definitely an improvement with grip as opposed to small rubber bump-ons.

[@jskasia]

@@SerendipityChannel91 Did you replace the screws or just use the original one?

[@SerendipityChannel91]

Jakapan Suaboot I actually have all the info you need here, hope it helps! kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnS7o4ibetaegrM

[@DobbyTheElf123]

Hi, I’m guessing this is the pcb mounted version off the site?

[@SerendipityChannel91]

Yes, the PCB is hot-swappable and is compatible with PCB-mounted switches that have 5 pins. I did use Kailh Box switches which don't have the extra 2 pins.

[@Vincentlittle5125]

Kinda of just stumbled into the mechanical keyboard world and have been watching all kinds of videos for hours on all kinds of mechanical keyboards.Do you think this board would be a good starter board since no soldering is required.also whats the difference between your stabilizers and the ones included,is there a huge difference?

[@SerendipityChannel91]

Absolutely, it's a good starter board! The difference is the snap-on stabilizers that came with the board could potentially snap off, so the screw-in stabilizers are a lot more secure. It also has less rattling :)

[@Vincentlittle5125]

@@SerendipityChannel91 thanks i appreciate it

[@Vincentlittle5125]

@@SerendipityChannel91 also could you provide a link where you get the stabilizers and keycaps?

[@SerendipityChannel91]

@@Vincentlittle5125 sure! Even better, here's a link where you'll find everything you need - kbdfans.com

[@bunjie1x968]

Heyoooo im going to start making videos like this soon but i need a camera so i need to ask what camera do you use

[@SerendipityChannel91]

Awesome! I'm using a Sony RX XII :)

[@M117chief.]

Good video, I've just done my 1st part build custom, bought a barebone board TKL, switches and caps, so not as involved as this. I will probably look at a full custom next. Where did you get parts from? one place or different sites? Like the color scheme, are you going to do more?

[@SerendipityChannel91]

Sgtchief Apone I’d love to do more! I have a 60% keyboard planned but I’m still waiting on the parts for that to come. I got the parts from different websites, and the acrylic diffuser was something I cut and shaped myself.

[@RFChronics]

Hi! Did you reuse the screws for the bottom case?

[@SerendipityChannel91]

Richard Sanchez hi! I used longer M2 screws for the bottom 😄

[@johtodev]

Sweet I'm gonna try thiis board out with some mx zilents/foam/silicone/ and try to make is the most thocky board ever. Loved your video. How did you make that diffuser? I really want this mod, even the creator's 2nd version isn't this nice.

[@SerendipityChannel91]

I actually just posted links on how to cut acrylic and where I got the acrylic itself! It just takes a lot of patience lol But as you can see, it's so worth it in the end. I did use longer M2 screws to secure the acrylic to the case. I would highly recommend using a thin sheet of sandpaper to buff out the edges to make it as flush with the case as possible that way you can hug the corners just right.

[@forthosewhodare7325]

You have to trust me on this, you wont get the "most thocky" sound on this board.

[@unkkit151]

@@forthosewhodare7325 Is it because the case is too large and hollow?

[@forthosewhodare7325]

@@unkkit151 Not that it's too large but rather the frame is too thin. Sometimes you do get what you paid for and in this case that holds true. If they made it a little denser then this board would have so much more potential of a very nice sounding key board. Since there are so much empty space on top of it being so thin, you will not have that solid thock sounds keyboard enthusiast are trying to acheive. But check out this build/keyboard I just build. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2fZdaSnlp2jY80 Weight in at almost 8 lbs of solid alumium thats 3 times heavier than this keyboard

[@Ruby7zcgw92]

where did you get your gmk stabilizers?

[@SerendipityChannel91]

Try kbdfans.com or 1upkeyboards.com

[@Ruby7zcgw92]

@@SerendipityChannel91 Thank you, also which type of stabs? I’m new to building my own custom keyboard. There’s like 7u and 2u and I’m not sure what to get

[@SerendipityChannel91]

@@Ruby7zcgw92 you'll need 2u x4 and 6.25u x1. 60 or 87 kit from kbdfans should do it 😊

[@Ruby7zcgw92]

@@SerendipityChannel91 thank you so much! I just got my id80 in just 4 days :) will look into the stabs now

[@forthosewhodare7325]

The reverb is due to the board being hollow with too much empty space and very thin aluminum. Is the reason people would stuff it with foam so it can fill out the empty space. With dense key board case it won't have that hollow, pinging sound. Is the reason why keyboard enthusiast look for keyboard that is as heavy as possible. Cheaply made keyboard will lack in that area. Because in the end it all about the sound and feel of the keyboard, and less on the cosmetic.

[@excaliber2845]

U know idaboa sells a acrylic diffuser on their store

[@SerendipityChannel91]

Excaliber oh this was made before they started selling their own, and I made sure to mention it in another video of mine - kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnS7o4ibetaegrM

[@excaliber2845]

@@SerendipityChannel91 ohhh that makes sense

[@daviddang3458]

Hey, may I ask what numpad is that and where you got it? Thanks

[@SerendipityChannel91]

David Dang I bought it here - m.aliexpress.com/item/32916152785.html?src=google&_randl_currency=USD&_randl_shipto=US&src=google&albch=shopping&acnt=494-037-6276&isdl=y&slnk=&plac=&mtctp=&albbt=Google_7_shopping&aff_platform=google&aff_short_key=UneMJZVf&gclsrc=aw.ds&&albagn=888888&albcp=9317063908&albag=94962804715&trgt=296730740870&crea=en32916152785&netw=u&device=m&albpg=296730740870&albpd=en32916152785&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIw8mT08v86gIVlP_jBx1w1QYaEAQYAiABEgLZDPD_BwE Honestly, I think there are better numpads out there, so I wouldn’t recommend this one personally.

[@daviddang3458]

@@SerendipityChannel91 Oh alright thank you!

[@Mega_Keys]

have you tried using the original base?

[@SerendipityChannel91]

Avinash Punjabi yes, very briefly but I was planning on making the diffuser for it from the beginning 😊

[@Mega_Keys]

@@SerendipityChannel91 thats awesome tho, great job, on the bottom piece, might actually do one myself, as a weekend project hehe, but what screws did you use?

[@SerendipityChannel91]

Well the case uses M2 screws and I had to get longer ones to accommodate the thickness of the acrylic. If you Google, “Hilitchi 250-Piece [M2] Stainless Steel Hex Socket Button Head Cap Bolts Screws Nuts Assortment Kit (M2)” I actually got the one that’s available on eBay 😄

[@Mega_Keys]

@@SerendipityChannel91 gotcha thanks alot! :)

[@515paolo]

@@SerendipityChannel91 hi, does the id80 sound hollow without adding foams behind the PCB? Will build an ID80 but unsure if 1. To foam mod 2. Buy acrylic base for underglow Thank you :)

[@ulissesgonzalez1430]

Where can I buy this kit?

[@SerendipityChannel91]

ulisses gonzalez you can buy it here - www.idobao.net/products/idobao-id80-75-hot-swappable-mechanical-keyboard-kit

[@matthewrittenhouse1387]

How did you make the sheet?

[@SerendipityChannel91]

I actually have a video here! kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnS7o4ibetaegrM

[@froggummies]

is this good for beginners?

[@SerendipityChannel91]

froggyos yes, definitely. I’m actually a newbie myself so if I could do it, you could definitely do it. Aside from the acrylic diffuser, which takes more time and effort, it’s very straight-forward and very easy to assemble 😄

[@mrteknas]

Hey my ID80 underglow LEDs have stopped working. I had flashed it and had been using VIA. Fn+Q doesn't toggle underglow anymore. Please help.

[@SerendipityChannel91]

Try resetting by following these steps, maybe they’ll help: Somewhere on the PCB there should be two solder pads labeled reset. Power up the board and short them together with a paper clip. Your PCB is now reset. Hope that helps!

[@frauseo]

I’ve just got the id80v2 and the same switches. Do i have to lube them?

[@SerendipityChannel91]

Nice! No, of course you don't have to but if the spring ping and stab rattle bother you I recommend you do. :)

[@SkunkRS]

how much did you pay for the hotswap id80? i cant find them anymore at reasonable prices, wondering if im out of luck.

[@SerendipityChannel91]

Right now it's going for $140 at their website, you can find it here: www.idobao.net/products/idobao-id80-75-hot-swappable-mechanical-keyboard-kit

[@dawaerbaguer3963]

You didn’t lube the switches right? They were stock

[@SerendipityChannel91]

No, I didn’t lube them; they were Silent Browns so I wanted to see how they sounded stock.

[@kiamchyeZ]

How much did you spend on this build in total ?

[@SerendipityChannel91]

kiamchyeZ IDOBAO ID80 75% $136.20 Kailh BOX Silent Switches × 9 $54.00 Maxkey Green White SA Keycaps $99.50 GMK Screw-in Stabilizers × 1 60 or 87 kit（2U*4 6.25*1 ) $14.00 3/16" (4.5mm) Clear Acrylic Sheet Plexiglass 24" x 12" Cast Acrylic AZM × 1 $19.99 Hex Socket Button Head Cap Bolts Screws Nuts Assortment Kit (M2) $10.84 Dell laptop rubber feet $10.64 $335.17 before tax and without shipping

[@moogie8551]

how many switches would i need for this keyboard?

[@SerendipityChannel91]

79 switches, I believe. I always get an extra pack of 10 just in case 😊

[@bigchili1626]

What brush are you using?

[@SerendipityChannel91]

bigchili just used the brush that came with the lube that I bought from 1upkeyboards.com 😊

[@MattMathias]

I want a sweet USB carol, too. :p

[@SerendipityChannel91]

lmao It's all about the USB carol!

[@spacepatchi]

Are all ID80s rgb?

[@SerendipityChannel91]

Yes, they all use the same PCB that has the RGB underglow 😊

[@vietlu]

the keycaps link is "kdbfans"

[@SerendipityChannel91]

Oh, thanks for letting me know! I'll update it to the correct link.

[@iem4644]

dose this work with pandas

[@SerendipityChannel91]

Definitely! Any Cherry MX switches or clones work :)