GK64 RGB Hotswap Keyboard - Quick Look

[@QGinHQ]

Really want to know which keycaps these are....

[@3MKaTV]

Can you please tell me where did you get that noise dampening foam and explain how did u install it? i want to get into custom keyboards and i bought the GK64 Kit2=GK64 PCB+White Plastic Case+Type-C Cable+Plate+Plate Mount Stabilizer + 60 kailh box white switches and i require only the case plus i really want that foam cuz i know it makes a lot of difference! please reply asap, cheers!

[@mikey631]

I like to use self-adhesive felt and the foam kitchen shelf liner to add sound damping to the inside of the case. The felt stick on, and you just cut the shelf liner to size and lay it under the pcb.

[@nikolakostic5667]

Hey so I see from previous comments the discussion on the stabilizers for the left shift key. I understand you said you dont relly need to use one, but would I be able to use a regular 2u plate mounted stabilizer? Any reason not to do that? Thanks

[@mikey631]

If you are using a kailh BOX switch, you don't need a stabilizer, but if you are using a traditional MX-style switch, then use a regular stabilizer. So yes, put a stabilizer in there!

[@nikolakostic5667]

@@mikey631 Cool thanks! I'm planning to use holy pandas, and pcb mounted stabs for the remainder with the left shift being plate mount

[@nerfkevin9111]

What is the size of the screw that mounts the plate to the pcb?

[@mikey631]

I believe they are M2 size screws

[@nerfkevin9111]

@@mikey631 What about the length, because I'm might build one using the gk64 pcb and they don't come with screws

[@Cruor]

Good evening sir may I know where to get the plate which was used in the video

[@mikey631]

here is the link from KBDfans. you MUST pick Plate "A" with the 2u left shift: kbdfans.cn/products/dz60-cnc-aluminum-plate?variant=2208864469005

[@k4qdex]

are the hot swap sockets kailh ones?

[@chasewilliams5439]

Hey man is the software to change the led lights available when you get the pcb it's self

[@mikey631]

Yep! it's a free download. KBDfans has it on their site: kbdfans.com/products/gk64-rgb-60-64keys-hot-swap-pcb

[@ulrik52]

How did you find the software? Was it easy to use? Could you post some footage of how it works?

[@mikey631]

I downloaded it from KBDfans website: kbdfans.cn/collections/pcb/products/gk64-rgb-60-64keys-hot-swap-pcbIt's not hard to use if you just want to remap some keys. getting into some of the other features does take a bit of trial and error though. I was able to program some backlighting presets after fiddling around with it for a while.

[@mikey631]

a link to the software is available on KBDfans page here: kbdfans.cn/collections/60/products/gk64-rgb-60-64keys-hot-swap-pcb

[@xela391]

Hello I am on the edge of purchasing this keyboard but I saw in another video that the software has issues sometimes with detecting the keyboard and that sometimes the RGB effects don't always work. did you experience any of these problems or nah?

[@mikey631]

@@xela391 Hi, I didn't experience those issues on my keyboard. some of the RGB effects only work when the keyboard is plugged into a computer running the drivers. If you plug it into a different computer, only the effects you saved in the 4 presets will work.

[@sand6008]

What size are the keys that need stabilizers? Also are there solder pads where I can attach additional rgb underglow?

[@mikey631]

usually, anything over 1.75u needs a stabilizer. the left shift on this board is 2u, and technically should have one, but box switches are more stable by design, and I didn't need one there. I didn't notice anything on the bottom for RGB, but there is a newer version of this board that might have it.

[@sand6008]

Mike Y. Alright thanks!

[@clintsu]

are those Gateron Clears? I'm building one for my GK64 but gat reds switches

[@mikey631]

Those are actually cherry clear stems that I put into gateron housings, so that the LED's could shine through.

[@UfukM1]

Clint Henarios dude help mine is not working when ı pluh it in the led comes but nothing happens red switches cherry

[@topiary4669]

What case is that? Do you have any recommendations for a cheap case that doesn't have the problems with the ridges?

[@guimendes195]

I can put all types of switches on this pcb ? Sorry for my bad english

[@mikey631]

All switches that are MX compatible will work - Cherry, Gateron, Outemu, Kailh, and more.

[@prokariotik8984]

Hi, i am planning to buy a pre-assembled GK61 based keyboard (because it somewhat cheaper than the kit i found on aliexpress). But can i replace the switch? i know gk61 is hot swappable but I am afraid it is not because it's a pre-assembled. sorry if my question is complicated. thanks!

[@mikey631]

you should be able to still replace switches because it's supported by the PCB.

[@Earlzo2325]

Hi, can you split the backspace with this board/plate. also, hows the software holding up since this video, any issues?

[@mikey631]

unfortunately, this board does not have an option for split backspace. This is the one and only layout offered. The software still works, though I haven't had the need to use it again since I originally set up the board. all the settings are stored in memory, so once it's set, you don't need the software anymore for 99% of the functions.

[@SJPark2012]

Hey, could you test out a USB-C to USB-C wire and see if it powers the keyboard? I've heard the GK64 board only supports USB-C to USB-A.. could you confirm?

[@mikey631]

sorry, I don't have any usb-c ports in my PC or my laptop to test this :-(

[@oldcat87]

hey what are the keycaps used in this video?

[@mikey631]

they are mix and matched DSA profile keycaps from digital plastics. Every so often they sell "grab bags" of keycaps that didn't make it through QC check, and may have some minor flaws. you get a giant bag of keycaps. nearly all of them are totally useable though. This is what I was able to cobble together with the bag I received, using only the lightest 2 colors for the letters.

[@zombiedis]

How the plate is fixed on Psb, when all of the switches are out? Or it is getting loose in this case?

[@mikey631]

the switches hold the plate in place. The PCB is screwed to the case under the plate. if you remove all of the switches, then the plate is loose. This is typical for these kinds of keyboard cases.

[@zerousen]

What kind of foam is that in the case?

[@Gnam17]

Could I put rgb cherry switches in it?

[@mikey631]

Yes! all cherry, and cherry clone switches will work.

[@Gotallofthem1]

Wait? Dont they sell RGB Cherry switches? I thought that these were the ones that were for RGB kbdfans.cn/products/cherry-rgb-switches-black-red-blue-brown-sliver-10pcs

[@santal3338]

what is the plate your usiong

[@mikey631]

It's the KBDfans gk64 aluminum plate, with the 2u left shift.

[@amytran144]

Were your switches 3 pin or 5 pin? I can't find any clear 5 pin cherry mx switches :( and I don't really know how to swap the housing like you did.

[@mikey631]

the PCB accepts both 3 and 5 pin. The 5 pin switches just have 2 extra plastic locating pins on the bottom. You don't need those if you have a plate in your keyboard to located the switches.

[@amytran144]

@@mikey631 Oh sweet thanks for the reply! So I would be able to use clear 3 pin cherry switches with this pcb with a plate and utilize the hot swap feature? Just started doing research and want to build a board of my own :D

[@Prelimpim]

Can you share the link to that keyboard case?

[@mikey631]

Hi, the case was from here: kbdfans.cn/collections/60-layout-case/products/mechanical-keyboard-shell-anode-aluminum-shell-gh60-poker-60-mechanical-keyboard-shell?variant=36017578189

[@mehow2059]

Do the box switches have any installation problems?

[@-grynz-5122]

Did you use plate or PCB mounted Stabilizers?

[@mikey631]

- Gryn - I'm using pcb mount stabilizers

[@tiborch]

Hey, which package of DSA keycaps you using, any link? :)

[@mikey631]

The gray caps came out of a grab bag from PMK/Signature plastics - that;s why there are missing letters. The blank purple caps (color code RCE) are from the PMK website pimpmykeyboard.com/dsa-pbt-abs-blank-keysets/

[@SteadyChicken]

so you dont need stabilisers for this pcb?

[@mikey631]

Not for the 2u left shift. I used a box switch for that key, since box switches are very stable

[@SteadyChicken]

@@mikey631 so i need to get plate mount stabs? what plate did you use? im thinking of using the gk64 for my first build

[@12371eric]

Is the default GK64 PCB and plate compatible with most 60% cases? I'm considering the KBDfans 5° aluminum case but I want to be sure before I buy anything.

[@mikey631]

Yes it is! I'm currently using mine in a KBDfans Tofu case.

[@D4PPZ456]

The centre post on the 5d case might be a bit too wide and hit a diode or hotswap port, so you may have to modify the case, but the centre post generally doesn't matter much as long as you use a plate.

[@FluxXxik]

what plate do u use? normal gh60 like case?

[@mikey631]

You have to get the DZ60 plate with Layout "A". That will fit the GK64 PCB. I got the stainless steel version found here: kbdfans.myshopify.com/products/dz60-cnc-aluminum-plate

[@FluxXxik]

Mike Y. thx ^^

[@haffa0905]

plate?

[@mikey631]

I used the stainless steel plate with the 2u left shift, like this one (Plate "A") kbdfans.cn/collections/keyboard-part/products/dz60-cnc-aluminum-plate?variant=2208864469005

[@Viettzz]

Where did you buy the GK64?

[@mikey631]

kbdfans.cn/

[@Viettzz]

DAmn from China?.... is it good quality? how long did it take them to ship it to you? thx man

[@ethanoux10]

@@Viettzz 99.9% of electronics in the USA are from China. Yes this is a good pcb.

[@D3NPA]

god damn dat high frequency noise >< joxi.ru/a2XxgPtw0Eda2g.png

[@minionedifier7776]

what is the length of the left shift?

[@Kullervo456]

Does the sound dampening material come with aluminum case or is it after market? If so where did you get it?

[@mikey631]

That is some self-adhesive felt I got from Amazon - www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007NZFROY/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@Kullervo456]

Wanted to give it some time before I asked and thank you for your response. After using the felt padded case for some time do you notice much of a difference in sound dampening using the felt compared to not using it? Not sure if you switch between cases to test sound quality.

[@zack_szh6769]

How's the firmware? How is it compare to QMK?

[@mikey631]

Not even close to QMK to be honest. You can do basic remapping of keys, but none of the advanced functions like hold/tap that QMK has. Programming LED effects is better than QMK, (assuming you can figure it out) but that's it.