TADA68 Mechanical Keyboard Build & Review

[@TaeKeyboards]

I mixed up the labelling of OEM vs Cherry profile keycaps. And the plates are stainless steel not aluminium! Also, Sydney Mechanical Keyboard Meetup happening soon! : www.taekeyboards.com/sydney-mechanical-keyboard-meetup/

[@Bert0ld0]

what keycap set is on the 60% at 5:59? I love big letters keys

[@TaeKeyboards]

Fake Carbon :)

[@10THPROPHET]

your voice in these reviews is so relaxing

[@milonso650]

Better than any sleephypno...

[@nurdinabdillahdarmadi1991]

「The Flashbolter」i literallu slept when watching this

[@neriflst]

imho chyrosran22's voice a lot better

[@dementaeia]

slayer this one is better

[@LyricWulf]

0:00 "Tada we have a..."

[@microdev12]

haha yea "Today' in aussie sounded a bit like "Tada".

[@euphoria667]

This guy says it better XD kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXjQhpR9d8xjg9k

[@BoBBaB0oN]

lmao

[@tieff-w4l]

didnt expect you here

[@dementaeia]

Clever

[@elbone1382]

Ordered mine in the last drop and I can't wait for it to arrive. Merry Christmas to me!

[@peterandreash2841]

I know I'm a bit late, but merry Christmas!

[@Figureight]

The sound difference with the aluminium and the plastic is night and day. I've always had plastic keyboard cases, and I guess it's time to change that.

[@warriorharj79]

Nice!!

[@CianMcsweeney]

love the retro 90's keyboard color of they keycaps

[@Chokkan]

Tada 68 is a great looking board and easy on the pocket.

[@JohnyMcNeal]

Whats the price?

[@ima44]

It differs on how you choose it, the lowest is 99$ right now with gateron switches and the plastic case... the most expensive is around 210$ with zealios and aluminium case

[@kweenbeanhauau8763]

How doest it compare to the Minila Air of Filco? I am hesitating between the two. Somehow I guess that Tada68 will be easier to use than the Minila Air since it has an extra row.

[@SaHaRaSquad]

Woah. I thought about buying the cheaper variant, but that aluminium case is super massive and looks really nice. Explains the price difference. I also like how it still has the arrow keys. I tried out a 60% keyboard and while it is nice it's also cumbersome to press some modifier key just to use the arrows, even though I'm not even using them a lot.

[@ReverendQuattroBajeena]

I bought one of these from Massdrop a few months ago with the grey aluminum case and 65g Zealios. I can't fucking wait for them to ship.

[@SK_Wizzard]

Justin Kallio same for me... bought mine in September and estimated shipping is in December😥

[@TaeKeyboards]

Best of luck guys. Have fun with your builds :)

[@ReverendQuattroBajeena]

Thanks. Also I didn't know about the underglow that was available, thanks for pointing it out.

[@monsterzero9456]

Justin Kallio so did they still not ship it?

[@dylangerdaly5922]

+1 I've picked one up on Massdrop and was looking for a good guide, thanks heaps!

[@devjock]

Yes! It's my daily driver for quite a while now. Finally got used to the heavy weight on my box green switches. 95g's was definitely a bit much, but yeah I got the coal shovels for hands thing going on, so it's okay now. Perfect training for not bottoming out on the switches. Agree on the plastic case, it's not beautiful, but for my needs, it'll do fine. Might upgrade to an aluminum case down the road. tldr; Highly recommended keyboard. Awesome for practicing soldering skills, no frills, and the perfect layout for me.

[@Abraxocleaner]

I just built one of these with 67g Zealios and a black Aluminum case!

[@dasomannen]

How did you like that one? Is there a big difference from 65g Zealios and 67? :O

[@ar_x7]

From personal experience, be careful when programming. There is a minor glitch where the fn key is locked. To fix this, restart or log off your computer.

[@ev1ldanny4]

Hi I can't find an answer online - how did you get just the two holes underglow on this? Did those LEDs come stock with the board? I would want just the underglow and no per switch lighting if I ordered this board

[@drewbocop]

Thank you for this video, very helpful. Going to be doing my first build soon

[@brydon10]

Great review! This helps me out a lot.

[@natejephcott5012]

Great video! I just got this keyboard and it doesn't seem to work on my Windows 10 Aero 15x. Does it need a driver or something or should it just work when you plug it in? Sorry about the noob questions, I have just discovered mechanical keyboards and they are so cool!

[@AntonGe]

the plate is made out of steel btw

[@TaeKeyboards]

Wow you're absolutely correct! It's stainless steel. That's very bad on my part. Thanks :)

[@AntonGe]

It's still a great review! Keep up the good work :)

[@bntrs]

I've got the plastic case version but unfortunately the mini USB port is dead. This keyboard's a real pioneer but definitely still a product of its time - nowadays this form factor is everywhere, boards are filled with dampening material, mini USB is long gone, and soldering isn't that common anymore. The TADA still has a special place in my heart but the keychron v1 I've got now feels like everything the TADA was trying to be

[@munzutai]

I'm in love with this keyboard

[@MinecraftGuy7320MC]

make sure the PCB is all the way in the PCB because otherwise the PCB will be loose from the PCB

[@slekapmen4794]

pcb

[@jdentrim1278]

Pcb

[@tiborch]

Cannot wait new TADA86 layout with RGB support.. is already in production.

[@Gouldylocksxxo]

Whoa wait really? I was just thinking about getting the tada68, but I will wait for more info now lol

[@tiborch]

@@Gouldylocksxxo yes really ;) pcb's for rgb60 rgb65 rgb87 also

[@jvzx8513]

I’m getting corral sea key caps with blue switches can you help me

[@ChessBoxin]

Can you buy this keyboard prebuilt or do you always have to built it yourself? I've been struggling to find a 65-70% keyboard with home and end. Which really surprises me because Id idnt think people used page up and down keys as much as home/end but maybe that's just me. Anyways, this is the only keyboard that has pgup and pgdown that I can program to home/end which is why I want this. I may get an anne pro 2 since its somewhat cheaper, has nice software, and it comes built.

[@Bagus00]

I love how he never links what he uses in the vids in his description

[@susDane]

Eh most people just do that so they can farm your 'referral' money by using affiliate links. I think the soldering station could have been linked for sure but only so much to link if you're not scheming

[@crosticox]

Do you have a video for the 60% thick bezels wood frame keyboard?

[@georgebaggy]

At 5:25 what is the keycap profile to the left of the cherry one called?

[@mr.rambles1437]

It says OEM profile

[@scavang3r]

Nice review mate!

[@Lakiozoon]

Is there a way to fix the mushy bottoming out on R3? Boards with inverted switches on PCB (like TADA68) have a problem that cherry profile caps on R3 hit the switch housing before bottoming out. That creates somewhat mushy feeling on bottom out, similar to non clipped cherry stabilizers, but far less pronounced. Any way to fix that besides buying a non cherry profile keycap set?

[@AndrejTomas]

what luben did you use for stabs?

[@TaeKeyboards]

use dielectric grease

[@vitus1929]

Can you turn off the white led on the side?

[@reviewforthetube6485]

You use the right size solder alot of people use to thick so people.saying you used to much is wrong you use thinner and you allow to fall in which is nice and the shape of your solder is absolutely perfect great job on every part of this build not my favorite board of course lol but hey good build regardless

[@thevirgeeenzombies]

I love your reviews

[@Tomg861]

Can this kit be used for an ISO layout? Out of the UK here :)

[@jae6515]

hey TaeKeyboards i really like the tada68 with the aluminium case with tax the board is almost 230 euro and im very had at soldering (i broke my majestouch 2 trying to swap the space bar) i know that the tada68 has really bad stabilizers and im planning to get gateron silent black and rattle would be really bad is there a way of lubing the stabilizers without desoldering?

[@djmocok]

How good is the plate mount stabs that come with it? Should I buy GMK version one to replace them?

[@Dubimoxd]

hey tae can you do a review on the tealios?

[@TaeKeyboards]

This actually may be a possibility :)

[@keksinaattori7482]

Damn perfect video again. Voice is so damn relaxing

[@m.c.g1653]

So I just bought this case and pcb but purchased a 117 set of enjoypbt keycaps and noticed the right fn,ctrl, et cetera keys are smaller on this 65% build than their 60% counterparts, will I just have to buy smaller keycaps for these buttons? Or do most keycap sets come with these keys in different sizes?

[@DerComputerist]

Very nice keyboard! I might get one for my first build. :) Quick question: Does this support hot swappable switches?

[@TaeKeyboards]

The keyboard itself doesn't come like that. You can buy 'holtites' which will enable you to have a hotswappable keyboard, although I don't know if the TADA68 PCB is compatible.

[@liamfeeley2624]

Is that PCB 3 and 5 pin switch comparable

[@Shmallowman]

What is the bottom keyboard shown at 6:40?

[@thekanonator]

BobaMan gk64?

[@TaeKeyboards]

Correct :)

[@MrSquishles]

I just assumed those underside holes where for mounting, eg if you don't want the board to move.

[@MrZACCHK]

What kind of diodes are used on the pcb? Mine came with one missing and I'm having a hard time figuring out what to get to fix it.

[@jamvng]

Did you lube the switches and stabs?

[@richardsantos766]

Hey TaeKeyboards would you recommend this as my first 65% keyboard ? I need dedicated arrow keys, are there any other models ?

[@kevinmateus6702]

if you are still searching for one, check out GK64, I still prefer Tada68 layout, thoo

[@radar._.]

Lateresponsebutyesgetthis

[@limung8877]

Can you do another one of this but hot swappable ? please

[@ianyeo1719]

wait if these are north facing switches with cherry profile keycaps, how is there no inteference when you type?

[@999samus7]

You know? Most likely this is not a problem, but I'm a native spanish speaker, i use full size keyboards to type the ñ, á, é, í, ó and ú, is it posible to type those letters with a 60% keyboard? I think should matter of programming the keyboard to do so, am I right or wrong?

[@999samus7]

zorken thank you so much.

[@999samus7]

zorken thank you again

[@aliciabirkenkamp7015]

So Massdrop screwed up this drop and forgot the stabs. Do you have a recommendation that will fit this board well?

[@samdeur]

in your experience would you say plate mounted vs pcb mounted stabilizers?? I'm going to order the Tada68 for my first build And i already ordered genuine cherry stabs but plate mounted ..so should i order a new set and mod the plate get a second plate and do pcb mounted or not worth the hassle ?? Please let me know everyone seems to be divided on this.

[@reedtrygd4277]

Should I get this with tealios or gmmk with tealios?

[@user-xo5zh9xb5b]

Can someone tell me all the sizes of keycaps required for the bottom row?

[@iLiokardo]

You can edit the layout ON THE BROWSER!!!??? No wonder it's popular!

[@BoBBaB0oN]

i really like these types of keycaps/keyboard skins. but i hardly find one with numpad.

[@BoBBaB0oN]

I've changed my mind. I dont need the numpad anymore. went from accountant to engineer

[@JFomo]

Can you recommend any wireless 65% keyboards?

[@playdoob]

howdy, great video. is that a custom escape key, or did it come with it?

[@TaeKeyboards]

Custom escape :)

[@playdoob]

@@TaeKeyboards which one is it?

[@zack_szh6769]

tada 68 and poker 2, which is better?

[@vinny._nj1586]

what is the pcb name?

[@misterhamez]

what solder wire do you use?

[@DamnAwesome]

WHERE DO YOU GET THOSE RED AND BLUE ESC KEYCAPS!!

[@dripminic]

Is there a forum or some place where people sell used keyboards like these? (not the generic types or gaming keyboards). I want to buy this keyboard but I'm not in a position to spend $130

[@mosnaidei]

mechmarket subreddit

[@grevius5]

Great video! Only 1 question, there are some pcb with italian layout?

[@TaeKeyboards]

Yes. Pretty much all 60% plates and PCB support the ISO layout. Larger keyboards are slightly more difficult. The hardest part is finding the keycaps that you want.

[@marcod9327]

Su kbdfans trovi la versione iso (però non so se c'è proprio il layout ita, probabilmente dovrai cambiare qualche keycaps). Probabilmente la troverai anche su aliexpress sempre venduta da kbdfans

[@JustTinyYang]

oooh what are those keycaps on your 60% sample keyboard pic? :D

[@vietnick]

JustTiny GMK Carbon with the novelty enter and escape keys

[@jessevr4818]

Nick Le Not trying to be that guy, but its actually a knockoff carbon set from banggood. Tae went over it in one of his builds

[@drewbeats4947]

Does this have any tipe of backlite? i work/study/play a lot during the night

[@TaeKeyboards]

Yes, you can install LEDs or buy it with LEDs. However this will only be under the keycaps. It will not light up the letters, as the keycaps are solid.

[@PUGG5Y1]

Where can I buy keycaps for this style of keyboard?

[@TaeKeyboards]

Try KBDfans and KPrepublic. Make sure to doublecheck your sizes. Right right shift would be 1.75u

[@PUGG5Y1]

TaeKeyboards - TaeKeyboards - Thank you for the reply, my specific keyboard is the E-Element Z88 RGB (Compact). The only difference is that my keyboard has the top F (Function) keys. I hate the font of it, so I planned to get keys with a better font, or simply blank keys. It is very difficult with a small Right Shift key.

[@ikt32]

Great video! What's that 60% with the full arrow keys?

[@mrow]

A 65%

[@Slayre77]

Gk64

[@HuckingPlastic]

-AT he's asking for the name

[@munzutai]

Are there any alternative keycap sets for this?

[@finnk1289]

I'm not sure if you can choose any other keycaps for it to ship with. If you cna order it without keycaps, do that and buy a set you like

[@SakaiYuji1405]

can i ask where to buy PCB plate for tada68 ?

[@Vireca]

Sakai Yuji you can find all for tada68 in kbdfans.cn

[@samdeur]

oeffff i just bought my third tada68 this time hotswap plate.. what have you done to me .. Tae....i'm addicted to 65% boards.. hahahah

[@jerwinsamuel]

Can you tell me where you bought it? every part for the complete keyboard with hotswap?

[@samdeur]

@@jerwinsamuel i bought the tada68 high profile case and bought the hotswap pcb DZ65RGB.. BUT DON't do that.. i had to return the case.. and swap it for the Tofu case.. If you want a good kit here is the link.. i wish someone had explained it to me.. kbdfans.cn/collections/diy-kit/products/dz68rgb-customize-keyboard-diy-kit also what you want to do is order stabelizers from Faxe a community member that sells good genuine cherry stabelizers.. you can reach him on deskthority.net/ Just create an account and DM him..i think you can buy cherry stabs from KBD to.. ps. problem with the tada high profile case is that the standoffs were you screw in the pcb are to wide and thus create a short.. that will not happen on the tofu65 case you can buy in the kit i linked..

[@calvinm7183]

wheres the blue esc key from?

[@TaeKeyboards]

It was from an old Super Mario Bros. keyset.

[@patrickmediodia1952]

Do you think its worth it for 60$ second hand?

[@TaeKeyboards]

Absolutely. Providing it is in relatively good condition :)

[@jjcc8438]

How much is it?

[@Pandametal_]

I'd love the same thing with an acrylic case

[@movax20h]

I already own prebuilt TLK from Coolermaster and it is great. (I also have a lot full keyboards, but I think maybe only one mechanical one). I want to get into DIY keyboards, and I think TADA68 is good start, before I switch to 60%, or some other esoteric stuff that I will plan to experiment with.

[@xena719]

Review the GK 60% keyboard

[@stephenbrouillette4541]

Has anyone tried these keycaps on a Keychron K6?

[@danizcraft]

You are the best

[@TheSwagMaster72]

How are the stabilizers?

[@TaeKeyboards]

They're decent, not the best. But I don't know, I lubed them straight away.

[@Frizzyfr]

Wait.... you game with esdf??

[@DrewCod1]

Could I get a link? Thank you :))

[@em1l149]

I have a 60 but i probably buy this keyboard

[@shizurupls]

Looks great c:

[@zombiedis]

please paint a plastic case! I want to paint mine now =)

[@Ottue66]

Would u recommend this today i need a 65% for fortnite.

[@alexaraldi6458]

Do someone know were to get cheap keycaps, cherry mount? Because i'm trying to build a preonic keyboard on a really low budget, 12$ for gateron brown, 12$ for the teensy and another 10~15$ for the laser cut plate from a friend. Going to hand wire it. Need 60 keycaps ALL 1u, and the cheapest i found are 22$ for a planck set with only letters printed + 7$ for the 12 blank keycaps for the top row. If you can beat that please give me a link, ty.

[@f4ncycs]

Great video :D

[@lochalsh2861]

Could you please say how much the keyboards cost in these videos

[@libra8615]

10:21

[@kmkmkm7525]

Does this work with the 2017 macbook pro usb c?

[@joppe4458]

I need them keycaps

[@seandejong5399]

too bad that they are sold out....

[@fernandohg225]

Akko 3064

[@Ian-zu3eq]

if only the case were low profile

[@ucminhlo1128]

WARNING:DON'T KEYMAP TADA68 WITH MAC OS!!

[@LiteGaming10]

Minh Đức say qut

[@alex-qx2zw]

Why?

[@SimGunther]

1 year later and we'll never know the answer :(

[@wadegbow]

@@SimGunther not op but if you eject or unplug the keyboard while in programming mode it can hose the board. macos also adds extra crap files like .Trash and .fsdevents to the keyboard if you open the tada68 in finder.

[@felixhejtman4773]

LIKOS

[@VezWay007]

Have you tried 75%? Haha

[@The_Lassu]

360p squad..

[@peterandreash2841]

No btw it's not often I'm not I'm the squad. :-)

[@dumdum7786]

I was once in that situation. I live in the middle of absolutely nowhere, and for years I had to put up with SUPER slow internet, 90 kilobytes per second (not kilobits). But FINALLY in 2015, I could upgrade up to 20 megabytes per second. I got the 6 megabyte per second plan (which is about 50 megabits per second) which is perfectly fast for me. But I still do have to deal with my internet going down a lot because the phone lines where I live are made of aluminum foil and dental floss.

[@patersunny]

downvoting because I lost the dadraffle for the tada! >:(

[@TaeKeyboards]

haha, Canoe tho

[@patersunny]

Ok you got me