My Custom 60% Keyboard Build - 12 Months Later

Check prices on Amazon below
Ducky One 2 Mini: geni.us/gYUvZbZ
ZealPC Switch Tester:geni.us/PMQKl
// my keyboard build
EnjoyPBT blank keycaps: bit.ly/3w6yvcc
Tofu 60% case: bit.ly/2P2jms1
DZ60 v3 PCB: bit.ly/3crBy7h
Tealios v2 switches: bit.ly/2O0g9so
Plate: bit.ly/3swzXmi
// more custom keyboard content here
Jintae: / @josefchung
Taeha Types: / @taehatypes
Glarses: / glarses
Badseed Tech: / @badseedtech
Brandon Taylor: / @btaesthetics
Randomfrankp: / randomfrankp
Taekeyboards: / @taekeyboards
If you don't want to solder, you can build the same thing with this kit: bit.ly/3u25o82
Video gear
Camera: geni.us/cN16f
Primary Lens: geni.us/Mfv0kQO
/ optimumtechyt
/ alisayed3
/ optimum
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

[@Glarses]

Looking forward to the next keyboard build

[@alesanto8922]

Mx brown best swich ever

[@arnavprabhakhar]

I'm planning on using MX Browns for mine

[@andresgallego5727]

Hey i heard MX Browns are a great switch to start into Mech Keyboards, a friend said they are super tactile and most switches like Tealios, Holy Pandas etc are just copy cats of the better switch, the MX Browns.

[@LeCVSUVL]

@@sayf45334 Yes you do. As the name says, it stabilizes your keycaps(the ones that need it). Especially the spacebar since this is where not having any will be really noticeable.

[@LeCVSUVL]

@Ice_wallocome Let me know if i'm uttering complete nonsense good fellow

[@ayokmschangedhisname4393]

i'd love to see a keyboard build guide by you!

[@jm8080ful]

That's like reinventing the wheel, there are a lot of build guides from other channels that are actually centered around mechanical keyboards.

[@merpt7140]

@@jm8080ful exactly

[@93ksj]

@@jm8080ful that’s exactly why they said “by you”

[@ayokmschangedhisname4393]

@@93ksj thanks for clarifying.

[@BrandonAnsara]

That would be awesome

[@ChristopherBloom]

My man moving up to a bigger studio. It's amazing what he does for his cat.

[@Apollo26gaming]

Man, ur B-Rolls are just amazing...

[@sohanoruganti6791]

Are you indian

[@dominikkubacki9553]

@@sohanoruganti6791 bruh, how is that the first think that comes to your mind

[@unknown128]

Don't worry too much about the injection molding marks as they are also present on expensive GMK sets. It doesn't make them inferior in quality. *edit for typos*

[@8bitsamurai6]

Agree not even a big deal even tho cheaper sets put on the bottom doesn't really effect anything gmk still very high quality.

[@dominikkubacki9553]

@@8bitsamurai6 ikr my gk61 stock keycaps literally snap in half

[@mrjones4085]

I'm still a bit baffled that you're still under 500k subs. Your content and video editing skills deserve more than that.

[@sucheermaddury7481]

Not really his channel is quite new and his channel is growing fast, so I'd say he's getting the deserved recognition

[@evanwheeler7687]

His writing is so much better than many of the other channels. A lot more professional.

[@poeticsilence047]

@@evanwheeler7687 kind of like the shade he threw at other channels about now making a new keyboard build just for the "content " . Lol

[@Jimmy-H]

Dude, I love your content. Writing on point, and delivery as well. The shots... Absolutely in love with how your videos look. Idk how you keep everything so clean!

[@liquiduso]

Man, it's really cool to see someone willing to admit that a custom keeb is a luxury that won't really help your gaming or productivity in any way other than making the manual part of it more pleasant. Also, someone actually satisfied with their build :D Cool stuff, Ali!

[@superweeb6969]

I’ve legit never seen a custom keyboard content creator make this claim.

[@teeqo]

You make such good videos man!!! Keep it up

[@optimumtech]

Thank you man!

[@platano8236]

Whats good Teeqo

[@kenopyowo]

whos teeqo

[@dsalas88]

I really enjoy watching your videos. Everything is extremely professional, honest, concise and to the point. Thank you for all your recommendations, you've helped me enjoy my hobby even more! Keep up the amazing work!

[@nikm4884]

im glad to see a tech tuber really get into all parts and peripherals. Keep it up :)

[@seta_souji]

This is a really nice build, and it's great to hear you're satisfied with your Tofu. I remember watching the video of the first time you built it and it helped me decide on buying my own Tofu. One thing I would recommend is using small o-rings to mount your PCB on the case so you can eliminate hard spots and have a softer typing feel as the Tofu is a tray mount. There's also other great PCBs you can look into like the AN-C or WT60-D, both have VIA compatibility out of the box which is a lot more convenient than using QMK. I love using Tealios, more specifically putting milky tops on them, but if you want a typing experience that's close to Tealios but more cost effective, you can look into the Durock linears as they are very smooth (just keep in mind the shorter springs, so I would recommend spring swapping to 14mm or 16mm springs if that concerns you) or even go with Ink Blacks since you like the weighting of their stock springs. I would also recommend using films for your switches and there's a great amount of options in springs from TX if you would consider spring swapping (I like using Deskeys with 16mm springs). Looking forward to seeing what your next build will be like!

[@theelit3170]

You da freaking man! Built my one great keyboard have absolutely no regrets so happy, I even have another PCB ready to go down the line if anything were to happen to it!..

[@liammatteson4733]

Ive been wondering about that keyboard! Thanks for actually reading people's comments!

[@Ferryberg1]

You’re the reasons why I started looking into the world custom keyboards. Taeha, Glarses, etc got a sub and 2 weeks ago after a year of waiting on stock I pulled the trigger on a KBD67 lite with Gat Yellows, Durock screw in stabs and Artifact black on white keycap set. If I only could get a set of GMK Minimal with green accents... but thanks for the eye opener Ali!!! Ps: coming from a Ducky One 2 SF with browns

[@Springerr]

I built my 60% about a year ago as well. DZ60 with a brass plate and healios so the same switch just silenced. I LOVED building it but I'm so happy with it I can't even justify building another one

[@VaatiVidya]

Ahh, you have to try a RAMA board if you can! The building experience is so satisfying, and I'm super happy with my M65-B. Feels good to rep the Australian brand as well :) They might even hook you up with some of their extras, honestly. Keen to see more keeb stuff on your channel

[@Locksharpe]

Nice to see you here, always enjoy your videos!

[@yeahthatsright33]

Got my first Rama this year, the thermal and its awesome. Good suggestion Vaati!

[@MatrixJockey]

RAMA Thermal is what I have

[@yeahthatsright33]

@@MatrixJockey ayyy

[@nishalpoudel5895]

I thought you were just the dark souls lore guy, I didn't know you were also interested in keyboards

[@Leonsimages]

Ditching the right shift-key for arrow keys is actually a pretty good idea - not having arrow-keys is a big dealbreaker for 60% keyboards imo. But since I don't use the right shift, this seems to be a great solution!

[@seta_souji]

You can actually program caps lock to fn and use wasd as your arrow keys. I always do that for my 60% builds and it makes a lot more sense for me. Icing on the cake is you don't hit caps lock on accident. You can just put that on another layer. But at least for bare minimum, I would recommend splitting your right shift since your pinky normally won't reach that far for touch typing. The downside of having dedicated arrow keys is you either have to use a smaller left shift or awkwardly move the ? key somewhere else, so you have to be okay with either of these trade offs if you want those dedicated arrow keys. Also, the latest version of the DZ60 PCB now has ESD protection, so it's really good for the price now.

[@kcChicken123]

You use it for ? I bet. But arrow keys are a must.

[@mrED123]

Damn, this hobby is blowing up. Loved the video optimum!

[@nexorabolis]

I picked up a Ducky Mecha Mini on craigslist and looooooove it. Couldnt be happier, and saved a decent amount buying it second hand

[@xXDarthBagginsXx]

I just finished a NK65 build w/ the Gateron Laseron switches (70g), and I doubt I will be building another just since this fits my needs and loving the feel of these switches lubed and filmed. So far there are some great options on the market for those looking to get started other than the KBDFans Tofu (60/65).

[@hater6862]

If you want to build another for your other setup, I highly recommend the Gateron Ink Blacks. Some of the best linear switches ever made, and produce a super nice low pitch “thock” sound.

[@azylee]

Another huge utility benefit to consider for pre-built vs custom is programmability. Most custom PCB's can be reprogrammed so that each key does whatever you want it to do, including macros. And you can have multiple custom function layers, and you can put the function key wherever you want.

[@_PixelNinja]

Ali, The issues with your wrists stems from the fact that you are resting your palms on the desk, causing your wrists bend up while using your keyboard. This position compresses the median nerve, and greatly augments the risk of damaging your arms over time, promoting conditions such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. On the same note, if I may, I've seen you use your keyboard at an angle while gaming such as we tend to see in eSports, be aware that this position can cause Tennis Elbow. Hope this does not come off the wrong way; this is intended a kind heads up - health is important and we only get one shot at it. Please take care of yourself : ) Love your content and I can't wait for your review of the Raw from Louqe!

[@brandonpetersen9232]

Wrist rests are important! The video is great as always! I definitely want to see more keyboard builds from you

[@jozza177]

Recently went from a generic gaming keyboard to a Varmilo TKL and the difference in quality is huge, especially with the stabilizers.

[@noahhyun3172]

Great video! I recommend filming those switches if you ever de-solder them/re-use them in another build; the top housings seem to have a bit of play.

[@extremelydave]

Excellent video!! It really is amazing the difference the "perfect" keyboard can make in your day of gaming or text input. It's kinda like the comparison of manual to power steering in a car... it does the same basic thing, but WOW the pleasure in the experience is night and day different!!!!

[@ArkiTechnology]

Cant wait man!

[@TParkcasual]

After discovering custom mechanical keebs I can never go back to mainstream gaming keyboards. Started with Corsair/Razer Huntmen then Ducky One-2 Mini and now a KBD75V2 with Kiwi's, Zeal Stabs, and packed with quality foam from Stupidfishy. The sound and feel just heavenly, and perfect for my FPS gaming, typing & just productivity in general. If your a big DIY-Dudeson broth & love building/fixing things, building a mech keeb is very fun and satisfying project to do. And Soldering is not difficult at all, I just watched couple youtube vids and was laying down perfect silver beads in no time (Less is more my good lads) And you can get a cheap solder kit for $20.

[@ridingwolf42]

Note on prebuild keyboards. If you buy them because you don't want to do the soldering. Get one with hot-swapable switches, so you can swap the switches without having to (de)solder the switches. That allows you to go beyond the usually limited choice of switches that you get with a prebuild.

[@9blunted]

I used to do some custom keyboard builds. Bought a Logitech g915 tkl with tactile switches recently. As far as I’m concerned that’s end game. Quiet, solid feel, easy on the wrist, no wires and looks incredible.

[@5ean5ean22]

Endgame doesn't exist

[@zephyr.r]

wow just in time, bought into the ikki68 gb and this is a perfect video to see how someone else would build their custom

[@bthnozcn]

Man... Your contents are definition of quality. Greetings from Turkey!

[@jtechmkb]

Still a solid build there. Looking forward to your next build. :)

[@djhakase]

My foray into mechanical keyboards was straight to the top: the Moonlander. The split ortholinear really feels great but I've since gone off playing games with KB & mouse. I think learning the new layout has finally motivated me to learn the Steam Controller, and I enjoy that what I use to play is different to what I use to work. Now go for the Mini-ITX of keyboards: 40% split with Kailh Choc switches.

[@djhakase]

PS. the tip is the MBK keycaps for the Kailh Choc, enough of a scoop that you don't feel like you're typing on an old Thinkpad.

[@JamesRussoMillas]

Honestly even on an off the shelf KB just lubing the stabilizers and throwing some felt under the PCB can work wonders.

[@florkiler6242]

I heard that separating work set-up from gaming set-up does wonders for comfort and performance so looking at the leven you are in both already you will probably start glowing or some shit

[@soxxks]

I JUST got a 60% with Tealios switches. Feels so nice

[@davidplummer7302]

I have the exact same case, pcb, and layout. They layout especially is absolutely perfect for me. No idea why it isn’t more common

[@nikoIus]

Thank you for the insight

[@aravindsubramanian1544]

I like how he is happy with what he has.....from the beginning of this channel....

[@Taterisstig]

I have a similar 65% (the GK64X) that I just built and I love it! Agree, cherry profile is the best!

[@boffen6721]

I would recommend taking a look at the Mekanisk Fjell, It costs $290 ($360 for the kit). It is an unlimited pre-order starting April 5th and ends April 12th. You can use the same PCB and plate since it is a 60% tray mount keyboard.

[@Phiz787]

I did the same, started with SA profile keycaps. went back to cherry. much happier. Personally, for prebuilt keyboards, my favorite is the Durgod Hades Edit: Definitely put 3ildcat in your list of keyboard content creators. If you don't know about him either, then you're welcome

[@noshow]

I would recommend gateron ink blacks for your next build, also the rama thermal is still in group buy, and it looks really sick. Thanks for the vid.

[@sliceofbry]

Finally, more keeb content! Great stuff.

[@kamronjohnson1040]

The space bar with the first set of keycaps sounded sooooo good

[@tdcomer]

You got me into this hobby back when you put tealios in that Anne pro and I’m 5 keyboards deep now. I envy your self control! Ps. try drilling out the centre post!

[@chrisdotdash5154]

Most slept on prebuilt (gaming) keyboard: HK Gaming Venus and Hades. Great video.

[@XKeyscoreOfficial]

Optimum tech has the cleanest shots!

[@8bitsamurai6]

The Kbd67 lite is really good starter option at the moment for about 170 fully built. Not bad if you go with Hk caps and Milky switches.

[@HuyV]

Lube makes a huuuge difference by itself. I'm about to build my own. Got all the extras like lube and films, switch opener etc. Just waiting on the group buys on the GMK Arch Set and a good 75% keyboard. Wish me luck 😄

[@Medsas]

Blank keycaps master race 😁 Been using blank keyboards for over 10 years, loving it!

[@GraybeardGiffTech]

I've enjoyed your content for years, but now that I dabble in videos I would LOVE to see a "behind the scenes" video about how you get some of those shots and your editing! Keep up the awesome work!!

[@ehhben36]

U have good content too!

[@MrDutch1e]

Wrist wrest would have fixed your issue with the SA profile caps.

[@Prism_JTN]

Exactlyyyy. I would never use SA keycaps without a wristrest. They sound too good to give up.

[@Prism_JTN]

His board sounds a bit pingy and hollow tho. The dampening isn't very good even with what I believe is cloth or something he used.

[@MrDutch1e]

@@Prism_JTN looks like an old t shirt or something. Some dense foam would do a better job I'd guess.

[@flogmarp82]

wrist rests cause carpel tunnel

[@flogmarp82]

when typing, hold your wrists in the air above the board

[@drizzle1482]

you can still put dampening material in a ducky one 2 mini or any other keyboard for that matter you take out the screws under the keycaps then remove the pcb and plate put dampening foam screw it back it and your done and I highly recommend this because the sound quality increases.

[@greengrapejelly]

Personally rocking a desoldered Vortex Vibe with blanks. Love the blank 60% builds.

[@florkiler6242]

This is the firs keyboard video I'll watch on your channel, existing!

[@jessicah7247]

IMO I really suggest looking at Varmilo's prebuilts, as they have foam inside and quieter stabilizers. Give them a look!

[@Lucaemar]

Your 2021 setup video lead to me looking into this hobby and now I've got a GMMK pro build planned. Definitely the worst/most frustrating hobby Ive gotten into, right after sff pc's. Which by the way I also blame this channel for. Huge spending, long lead times, really hard to find parts in stock / existence that fit/ complete your build.... But in the end, 100% worth it

[@samaxon8983]

I have the same keyboard pretty much, love mine to bits. Although running EnjoyPBT ABS Miami Nights Keycaps 👍

[@random_birch_forest]

I suggest you should try EC switches, e.g. Topre or NiZ, you will experience a complete new world tbh. NiZ are also making custom aluminium cases with a number of customization options where you could tailor the keyboard to your preference. And MX-style switches are not really comparable to EC switches, so you should give them a try.

[@FluxStage]

Larger studio buuuuud!! Many congrats!

[@fw7815]

neat trick using the t-shirt for sound dampening!

[@zhsome8039]

I got a nk65ee with some silk yellow and its been a blast! I also got some tealios v2 and lubed both of them I think the silks are much better suited for those came from a light switches( silvers for myself. the 67g is just a bit more heavy for and hope this can be helpful to others who want to jump in the hobby. I also recommend buying keycaps from aliexpress, just look for the big stores with a price range of 27--60 USD price range and they will all come as great keycaps for newcomers and I promise!

[@zhsome8039]

but tealioses....they look gorgeous under some good light....

[@BDTrains]

ePBT keycaps will always be my go to

[@andr0f]

I actually swapped my ducky's reds with sakurios as well as put on a tofu low-profile case, and it made me like the ducky 1000x better.

[@chadwagner1483]

I just purchased the the same kit from kbdfans. I love this size. I use the arrow keys and like this layout better than the DZ67 layout. I went with ink black switches. It will be fun project.

[@lucanatlas]

Loving the vids keep it up!

[@kayburcky7146]

Everytime I see your blanc keycaps I gotta think "I want that" and i admire it

[@emperorfloch]

Just got some wanna b Mito Laser GMK keycaps in the mail from AKKO and they look amazing! Gonna put them on some lubed up cream switches in my Drop CTRL keyboard 😁😁💯

[@FragEightyfive]

I would highly recommend almost any Costar produced keyboard; Filco, DAS, WASD, Matias, Costar (Skip Rosewill and Coolermaster-these are not representative of COSTAR). I would also recommend Leopold and KBT boards like Vortex. Ducky gets good reviews also but have never owned one. I have had a WASD V2 since 2013 with PBT keycaps. This is my main board used around 6-12 hours a day. The PBT keycaps feel more quality than the ABS the came with it and had 'shined' up quickly. Also have had a Vortex Pok3r (vortex poker 3) 60% since 2015 and use that board often. I would put most mechanical keyboards up there with professional office equipment. Yes you can get a rubber dome that lasts, but if you have ever played a musical instrument and gone from a learner to a pro level horn, there simply is no comparison if you know what you are doing.

[@arieltakom]

Hey man. I think a 65% board would be a decent step-up from your current keeb size. You definitely should consider upgrading to the KBD67 lite as the R2 of the GB is still going on, and of all the current budget 65% boards, the KBD67 lite is quite great for the price. PCB mounted stabs, hotswap, south-facing LEDs, are all a plus in my book.

[@inconspicuousalien519]

I don't like the 60 percent keyboards, but I do like the 65. I got a royal kludge 65 percent for less than $50. It came with lubed gateron blues which I completely replaced with kailh box jades which imo makes this the ultimate keyboard. It's also bluetooth and can connect to 5 devices and bounce back and forth between each device at the click of a button. I don't really use that feature, but it's there.

[@Digital5673]

I personally think 65% is the perfect layout in terms of functionality and size. I love my kbd67 lite and I can’t wait for my saka68 to come

[@viaviod]

your build got me into the keeb community when you showed it in other videos. I'm really happy about that (my wallet isn't). keep up the great content.

[@Polymath2B]

Nice build. It looks clean with the acoustics to match. If you were to build a second keyboard, I really think it would be beneficial to try something different. The world of custom keyboards has so much more to offer than just the standard 60%. Maybe you could look into a split or alice layout for ergonomics. Or maybe try a 40% utilizing layers for an sff keyboard. There's also oled screens and rotary encoders to mess around with. Even if it's just a 65%, you should try something new because you won't know what you might be missing out on if you don't experiment.

[@ethanoux10]

4:08 even GMK keycaps have tooling marks at the back so it's all good.

[@MrBerry1404]

My custom mech did imprve my ranks as well, the old mechs I had were never planted and also had an awfull lot of flex like a full aluminium mech 😊

[@NorroTaku]

I appreciate the links to other keyboard creators :D

[@tarokamara23]

NK65e: $95 Gateron Yellows: $16.80 Glorious GPBT: $50 Total: $161.80 (unlubed and filmless switches) And lubing tools: Idk I’d just get wutever glorious is abt to release, and some Krytox 205 g0. All in all, will set u back around another $100, but worth.

[@L4tinoR4g3]

The best one for me is the Ducky SF. Having the arrow keys and the extra row of keys makes a big difference without taking much more space.

[@spaghettilocomotive]

That's what I got aswell, I'm very happy with it coming from a Corsair Strafe RGB fullsize, lots more room to move the mouse. :)

[@justanotherpxrson]

even though ducky boards are kind of overhyped sometimes, i still think they have good value for prebuilts. plus, there is really good rgb for those who like that.

[@CuriousCaleb]

The Tofu60 ALU was my first custom. It's such a great investment for me personally.

[@Accuaro]

3:45 Welcome to PBT. As much as I love GMK with their crisp legends and beautiful colorways, my fingers have the sweats and I'd grease them fast, making those beautiful ABS caps shine as if I were polishing the shoe of a king.

[@crisnmaryfam7344]

2:40 EXACTLY why I absolutely ADORE my Corsair K70 "RGB MK.2 Low Profile RAPIDFIRE"....longest name in history, but also THE BEST keyboard you can get your hands on. For someone who dont want to bother with building your own, it affords you the same quality without the effort, however if you DO want to take the extra effort, doing the "typical" mods most keyboard people do, lubing the switches and such, makes this keyboard just to die for. Oh and the Icue software is Extensive if you are into customizing your lighting stuff, it has more options on top of options than any other in the market.

[@crisnmaryfam7344]

7:40 My corsair K70 does not sound ANYTHING close to that one...

[@invyt]

You could also go back in time and grab a vintage board instead of building a custom. They're much more affordable (usually) and can come with some very very nice switches. I personally suggest older Apple boards that come with alps switches, my personal daily driver at the moment is an apple M0110, which came with the original Apple computer. I also quite like buckling springs, a model M or model F keyboard from IBM is fantastic. Buckling spring boards are... loud... though lol.

[@MatrixJockey]

I personally have a RAMA Thermal 65% with Zeal Zilent V2s (67g)

[@dallatorretdu]

I'm looking at the new Glorious keyboard. That for sure won't have issues regarding spare parts

[@Donbros]

Cherry profile is just soo good. People encourage to try kat too, but yeah I have most cherry

[@RagsCS]

You can score a *somewhat* high qual hotswap build with decent switches for about the same amount as a ducky board - ninja71 with virtually any switch = around the 150-175 r range

[@mtk3668]

love your content!. i'd highly recommend a wrist rest for a keyboard of this height to further minimize risk of developing RSI or carpal tunnel syndrome. i have the wooden tkl wrist rest from glorious.

[@photondoh5384]

Great video I think I will take your advice on the cherry profile key caps. I just bought the epomaker sk61 with gateron yellow optical switches. It's totally different from any mechanical keyboard I've used in the past with blue key caps has a lot shorter throw and a completely flat profile but a couple of days in I am getting used to it.

[@Aldarris]

Love how your logo looks like an MX switch film haha

[@benjimc1]

you might wanna check out iquinix F96. it's a 96% keyboard close to TKL form factor and they do the blacked out keys on the knight version which is what i have, cost around 150 GBP. all aluminium, foam dampening, bluetooth or wired, full RGB. i'm really liking it. they also do an ITX case which the king of ITX builds should check out :D

[@ryuyo1994]

What an amazing and informative video

[@axxdrian]

I suggest adding films to your switches since it has already been a year since you've installed it, films would greatly reduce any housing wobble that exists on heavily used keys.

[@timreddington9386]

I built half of a Lily58 Pro specifically to use as a seperate gaming/macropad. MT3 profile on my main for typing, Cherry for gaming.

[@cfl4sh361]

Please don’t tell me you use browns

[@spartanV48]

You can also look into Fjell or Tind from Mekanisk