MONOKEI Kei v2 - Q&A

[@lensoflucas]

Loving this new style of videos...very authentic to consumers!! 🥰

[@Bluesourboy]

A polycarb TKL version would be sick! Thanks for answering these questions!

[@yanec2501]

I really hope for a 2nd round of this board. I really want a EC keyboard with a PC case. I would also LOVE if you could figure out how to add ISO to the EC kit. It's such a rare layout for EC keyboards!

[@tragicpolarbear]

Super excited for the keyboard. Although, requiring battery to be connected all the time is the only downside I can think of. Is it possible to attach a cable instead of battery to complete the circuit?

[@MONOKEI]

The Kei v2 will work with wired connection without the battery connected :)

[@th0mahawk]

So given the way the PCB is set up with the controller on the daughterboard, theres no way to use an aftermarket PCB right? I'm interested in the keyboard but I don't think I can go back to not using split spacebar anymore.

[@mintlata]

Waiting on the EC build video, hopefully it is out before the groupbuy ends!

[@jjaazzee]

How does the underglow look in the different color configurations?

[@crow_tft]

using a standard DES stab sliders on the hhkb leaves the lshift and enter keycaps unstabilized, causing wobble. will we be able to properly stabilize those keys on the ec pcb and plate?

[@locolama]

The backplate is a nice addition, not just for looks, but also stability for people who are concerned about the magnets. A brass or copper backplate would be nice touch for those wanting to make it a bit heavier. Also wonder how it would affect acoustics in different configs - lets say an alu upper, pc bottom and brass/copper or alu backplate. Either way, it's certainly not for everyone and I get the "copium kohaku" comments or how the arc60 is better value for those looking for a hhkb layout, however for me personally the 65% is about right. Ordered the alu top in silver and bottom in blue + the kohaku backplate + copper mounting plate... probably will be on the look out for extras once the preorder is fulfilled, like the pc bottom and another top.

[@kraiztmatte6162]

wishing for wired only db, since bluetooth and battery feel too hassle for me also did the db have auto cut off charging mechanism?

[@milk_rabbit]

No split backspace on the hotswap pcb is such a deal breaker for me. I thought this was supposed to be a tribute to the hhkb layout

[@martintheiner5779]

i go for split backspace on any hotswap layout i can do it seems the best for me i agree with you there

[@HasooKim]

I absolutely agree. hhkb layout should support split backspace with hotswap

[@ch8908]

In real world, split bs is in the minority.

[@haomingli6175]

@@ch8908 hhkb layout is already the minority. if you are in this minority, then split bs is the majority.

[@bosenngantor9160]

@@ch8908 that's not the point

[@chocolatepinkspider]

A bit of a bummer that the batteries have to be installed to work. Is it a standard size that we can buy aftermarket? I hope you can address this because it's a bummer if the keyboard has a shelf life only as long as its battery, and everyone will want to have that assurance that they can service it many years down the road. Kei v2 is not the most expensive board but neither is it Monsgeek cheap.

[@MONOKEI]

We’ve been working hard to confirm and the battery will not need to be connected if you are using a cable (wired).

[@andrewzpeng]

Does the polycarbonate top and bottom have threaded inserts?

[@MONOKEI]

No, they do not come with metal threaded inserts.

[@kingmidas430]

How would the sound differ if you had a fully PC build vs Alu top with PC bottom. PC top with Alu bottom? Would the kohaku backplate change the sound?

[@grogzy]

This...

[@Narfinat0r]

The motherboard to daughterboard connection looks like a normal jst, but would the Bluetooth daughterboard work with other pcbs that have standard jst connectors for the C3 daughterboard?

[@Walkdthock]

Hope you talked about its rgb underglow not sure why there are no pictures of feature of it o your initial vid.

[@ozone62]

I don't think there is any underglow on this board, previous boards made by monokei that had underglow were clearly stated

[@locolama]

@@ozone62 The mx pcb's have underglow, the ec doesn't. It's on their website.

[@MONOKEI]

Stay tuned!

[@ch8908]

@@MONOKEI I want RGB with PC case!

[@crow_tft]

Will the EC build video be out before pre-orders end? Would like to see how its built before I commit to getting the EC kit

[@ChitoMcBoom]

Where can I purchase the white keycaps by itself on the website? I read it's not included in the kit.

[@Ipayon]

Since you are thinking of making other layouts later on. I hope that an alice layout will be available in the future, maybe something like the meridian layout so it will still be compact like a Kei should be :)

[@lone0017]

Can I use spacefn while in Bluetooth ? Any chance for the Bluetooth module to support multiple devices ?

[@jonathanang3732]

Will you release the additional back plate file so we can do our own custom designs?

[@feiflown]

EC,can 2u use plate mount stabilizers?

[@LexBrugman]

Do you mean with other future layouts other key layouts or other keyboard sizes like a TKL?

[@maxx_thor]

where are the full size custom silent keyboards

[@alejandroapodaca5511]

Looking forward to a PC TKL version of this! 😍

[@S0liD4CE]

can you guys consider making an integrated housing plate for ec

[@aaronnunez3985]

Hi! Do you have an update on the EC kit or VODs/reviews on the kit? Really hoping to pick one up, but I'm still waiting for an EC build/review 🥲

[@_PixelNinja]

Are the copper plate a copper top case clear coated?

[@willianf.imbachi5534]

Does the Bluetooth battery really last only 12 hours? :( There are a couple of 60% PCBs that use low consumption Bluetooth and they last around a month without connectivity problems :(

[@locolama]

Agree. Just the physical dimensions of the battery are so tiny compared to what you’ll find in other kits or even prebuilds. I never use wireless on my kbd so don’t realy care that much, but I see how this could be a concern for some people. No wonder there’s no led’s besides the underglow. RGB would propably burn through the battery in a couple of hours.

[@takedastt5410]

is any chance you could add WKL as an option for this round, and if it doesn't hit MOQ, then so be it? I really think that it would be a shame not offering WKL as there appears to be quite a few people in the comment section that would love the option. Cheers!

[@underdoglucifer]

Please give copper or brass bottom option. I think it will really help with the sound and heft if a person decides to go that route.

[@NukeZoned]

Im sorry did I hear that correctly?? You need the battery for the keyboard to function??? man thats dumb, what happens if the battery goes kaput

[@MONOKEI]

The Kei v2 will work with wired connection without the battery connected :)

[@NukeZoned]

@@MONOKEI awesome

[@26pak]

Would like to see the option of not using the battery entirely. I would only use the keyboard wired and don’t want to deal with potential battery problems. If possible, also making a bottom case with no battery slot. Would also like to see heavier material options as well, it makes the board feel more premium and reduces case ping. With the lack of these 2, I think I would rather have a kei v1 as of right now. The mounting system and optional backplate is a great idea though

[@MONOKEI]

The Kei v2 will work with wired connection without the battery connected :)

[@vhaarr]

Lots and lots of really important questions in the comment section here. I hope you guys answer all of them in detail, and not like you answered the EC kit questions for example in this video. - Where are the EC build videos coming, will you put them on this channel or do we just have to be "in the know" as to which twitch streamers you're talking about? - On the store page you say "OEM parts" for the EC kit have been tested. Does that mean if I have a complete HHKB Pro 2 that I can harvest, does that cover the entire Kei, or is there 1 other small thing I need? - Backplate files? - Option to use it without battery - Battery replacement part numbers, standard sizes - How come your PCB designs are so extremely simple? I mean not even a single split in the spacebar? No split backspace for hotswap? Come on. This is very, very basic stuff at this point. Also, a 60% HHKB style board should always come with split backspace. This feels like a mistake. But you can easily support many other things on the hotswap PCB. This is just lazy. I don't know who Kopibeng is, but based on these PCBs I would not hire them to make anything for me. But please all the good questions from the comment section here.

[@bizachoi7465]

Any plan for split spacebar?

[@MONOKEI]

Not at this time, but we’ll definitely share this with the team!

[@sengyiplee6768]

Looking forward to getting my hands on one, but I was hoping you could clear up some things for me: 1. I was going to get the stab kit from deskey which includes the housings for the mods and also spacebar. Is there a difference between the included special spacebar EC housings versus those by Deskey? 2. You mention that the battery is needed to complete the circuit even if you want to use it in wired mode. So If for whatever reason the battery dies, would I need to replace it if I want to keep using it in wired mode, or will it continue to work in wired mode as long as the battery is plugged in? Thanks in advance! 😊

[@MONOKEI]

Here you go :) 1. The special EC housing is for the spacebar to work with the plate mounted stabiliser. This is just for the space bar only. You will still need to get your own 2u housings. 2. Yes, we’ve been working hard to confirm and the battery will not need to be connected if you are using a cable (wired).

[@rassles]

What vendor would you recommend using for Oceania? Thank you!

[@mstomomichan]

you can consider buying from MONOKEI

[@involuntarysoul3867]

no WKL and no stepped cap on HS pcb are really sad

[@ChiefBrianIrons]

Kinda disappointed that only Alexotos was only review i found on KZbin he got the top spec board with PC bottom so no sound tests with aluminium bottom.

[@tegzguzon]

Half plate wen

[@_PixelNinja]

The battery being a requirement even for wired mode is rather inconvenient to be honest...

[@MONOKEI]

The Kei v2 will work with wired connection without the battery connected :)

[@dyrdevil5126]

too bad the battery is required to be used. kind of a deal breaker for me as I prefer to avoid batteries if possible

[@TheChickennho]

me too, i would buy one if it has 1 mode PCB

[@MONOKEI]

Yes, we’ve been working hard to confirm and the battery will not need to be connected if you are using a cable (wired).

[@okamisamakun]

75% or 80% EC would be insane.

[@Proeli0]

I can’t believe that more people would buy an hhkb over a wkl lol

[@jiaweikbd]

nice, but copehaku ??

[@bizachoi7465]

Still waiting for youtubers review 😢

[@329376676]

100% of those koi plate buyers have lost Singa raffle.

[@johnyjoe2k]

No one asked this freaking question and it's the number one! Which configuration comes with the fish? Your online configurator doesn't mention it and you guys only hint at it. Also your Discord has been closed for chat for a while. Impossible to know this.

[@mstomomichan]

the Kohaku backplate is separate that’s why it’s not included in the configurator

[@johnyjoe2k]

Can't even hear the guy and my speakers are like 70% up.