Upgrading a Cheap $25 Keyboard!

Welcome to my first video surrounding the topic of custom/modded keyboards. In this video I take a cheap $25 keyboard and upgrade it with foam, tape, new switches, and new keycaps.
Product Links:
Base Keyboard: amzn.to/3F3O6gH
Switches: amzn.to/3qbotX2
Keycaps: amzn.to/3EN4YIm
Lubing Station: amzn.to/3k8slEh
205G0(switch lube): amzn.to/3q6J2DS
Super Lube(for springs): amzn.to/3mPzb3q
Dielectric Grease(for stabilizers): amzn.to/3mO1JKl
-------------Social Media Links-------------------------------
Twitter: / techbymatt​​​​
SoundCloud: / user-680263165. .
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~Personal Rig Specs(Amazon Links)~
Ryzen 7 1700: amzn.to/2By8zh5...
Asrock AB350 ITX: amzn.to/2BvJCmw...
Galax HOF DDR4 3200mhz: bit.ly/2wxmUVl​​​​
Zotac GTX 1070 ti Mini: amzn.to/2BuvCtb...
Corsair SF450: amzn.to/2BgCrdI...
~Music Credits:~
Background Music:
LAKEY INSPIRED
Track Name: "Better Days"
Music By: LAKEY INSPIRED @ / lakeyinspired​​​​
DISCLAIMER: All Amazon links are connected to my Amazon Associate account. I earn a small commision from each purchase without any increase in cost to you. All bitly links that go to Newegg are attached to my Newegg affiliate account.

[@OzTalksHW]

Absolutely love this video! been trying to get into cheap mech custom keyboards and this is exactly what i'm looking for. Good stuff matt

[@coffeedvdrw]

upload when

[@anthonyespinoza5340]

What's up oz

[@DeskTopsGaming]

Agreed. Makes me want to try my hand. Good stuff indeed.

[@mhtweeter]

if you want help with mech keyboards, id love to help you

[@shimuzeisusu]

Yooooo you here

[@BalaenicepsRex3]

I don't know much about mechanical keyboards, so when he first smashed the keys with Otemu switches I was like "eh, it's not that bad". But when he tested those with the new and lubed switches, the difference was stunning! Great video, Matt.

[@ImOnMy116]

Your style of commentary for your custom PC builds is also perfectly suited for discussing keyboard modifications, so excited to see more videos from you on the subject! Thanks for being willing to branch out!

[@Graphics_Card]

I’ve been waiting for this moment from Matt, and I can already say, straight to the point, and the amount of effort it took for only $25.

[@CoalitionGaming]

That was pretty cool. First thing that came to mind for me was since I have leftover sound deadening material (like Dynamat if you look it up), using that in the base instead of foam. If that would work, it would also add a nice solid heft feeling to it too. Hmmm

[@DeskTopsGaming]

I thought about that as well. Or maybe even a rhinoline type spray thinly coating the inside to absorb some of the sound reflection off of the bottom cover.

[@PatalJunior]

One good mod if you want an adventure on soldering, is swapping that USB cable for a braded one, it would look and feel way better. And I would like another video on this topic, using a full keyboard board, i'm not a big fan of TKL keyboards. Great videos, keep it up.

[@Caunion7]

A lot of people don't see/hear the difference when it comes to modding keyboards, I myself am new to the hobby and just felt the difference between a good lubed switch and a stock switch that come with pre-builts, the feeling and difference in sound that comes with mods and better cases is huge... but not for everyone. This was a great step up for this keyboard imo, the most important are ofc stabs

[@Ntehni]

Got this keyb just recently. It is amazing how much the experience can change just dampening the sound. I used Foam and silicon and the results are amazing. It is a great Keyb to start modding.

[@redfall3140]

Nice finally in the custom keyboard scene

[@matthewsmith22]

This is great! Keybored's video on this board is definitely worth a watch, man's a wizard! I picked up a budget board with hot swap sockets only to discover outemu socket problem. It's definitely worth hunting out something like the tester 68 or 84 if you want to tinker with the board down the road.

[@mesterak]

I’ve never seen a keyboard mod done so thanks for sharing. Personally, I don’t care much about mechanical keyboards as I find clicky noises to be very annoying…migraine sufferers know what I’m talking about here. The travel distance of keys in mechanical keyboards can actually cause finger and hand fatigue, so I prefer soft key keyboards with as little distance and pressure required for key presses vs. mechanical keyboards. Plus these are close to if not completely silent. To each his or her own, so mechanical keyboard enthusiasts out there don’t be offended. I think it’s cool that there is variability and options to make the best mechanical keyboards to suit one’s needs, but it’s just not my cup of tea. Thanks Matt for sharing as always!

[@edwardchen9286]

guess u haven't seen silent switches then

[@edwardchen9286]

there are many switches with very light actuation forces and shorter travel distance too.

[@DeskTopsGaming]

Solid ideas. Makes me want to get into trying these mods on my keyboard. I could see where this process could be tedious, yet relaxing once you get into a flow of things. Great video mate!

[@ji0137]

2:53 bro this is really relatable.. I hurt my hand just to remove the switch from my cheap keyboard and end up breaking some of the switch housing but I already has a new lubed switch to replace the outemu blue and I glad I do it, my keyboard sound great now😊

[@silver33]

This looks awesome. I'm thinking of doing this to my 30 dollar keyboard. The only thing I don't like is applying of lube to 87 switches but I give it a shot.

[@ThatGuyHereNow]

Oh, Down the rabbit hole we go :) It's a fun hobby, TKL are nice too if you don't usually use the number pad. As it is preference, if you're looking for a less pitched sound and more reduction in spring ping, o-rings are a cheap and easy mod. If the board is having movement issues do to lack of weight (or just want a deeper sound) a silicone pour instead of foam will help. Yes, you can spend outrageous amounts of money on custom keyboards but you don't have to. Thanks for another great video

[@mhtweeter]

for the stabs id actually recommend krytox 205g0 but also holee modding the stabs. dielectric grease can make stabs a bit too muted sometimes. the holee mod will need some breaking in but overall it works so well and i highly recommend it. for the tape mod regular painters tape is easier to apply, and 2-3 layers usually works best. id also recommend filming the switches, altho it is a pain its most definitely worth it. other than that everything looks great. you could mod the connector to make it type c if you wanted, but thats really about it.

[@jm036]

You can desolder those Outemu sockets and just solder the switches in. The PCB looks to be the same as my Redragon K552, though the rest of the Redragon is much higher quality. I guess it's a cheap TKL PCB that a bunch of manufacturers use.

[@theonlysoham733]

Nice mod Matt if you can pls try the usb c detachable mod next it makes the keyboard much cleaner looking and is good for carrying it

[@Agent_Alpha]

I'm also using the cs rose red, and i can say it's unbelievably good for $10 per 45pcs.

[@JordanDoesKeebs]

I've been in the mk community for a couple years and I think you did a great job with this video. Outemu does make some great switches like the Boba U4T, but you are right, these stock reds are awful!

[@paklekj4429]

i thought gazzew makes boba u4t

[@JordanDoesKeebs]

@@paklekj4429 Gazzew designed the U4T, but its manufactured by Outemu

[@badvoiceallnoise]

stock akko rose red is still good. i was planned to buy outemu red switchs but after watching that im definetly buying akko rose reds.

[@andrekroth]

I love this Video and upcoming Series. Cant wait for more, as i lean to a self build/modded mech keyboard myself.

[@brian3387]

Great job on this man!! You do a great job on showing us what you did and explaining it. Great shot of just the hot swap switch and how that fits in! Well done. I'm researching how this board mods as I just talked my boss into letting me get it instead of the BAD #30 keyboard and mouse combo that I was using. All the mods will be my money so i'm hoping the stock parts will be good enough. I know it's not a great board, but it will be so much better than the one I was stuck with when I started so it will still be a huge improvement. Keep at it, you earned a sub tonight!

[@DMonZ1988]

great work, funnily enough i just bought some parts for my first DIY keyboard today and i'm excited to dive into the topic and see how good something like this can really be! although the switch type is a little limited with this socket, i'm REALLY amazed that this cheapo keyboard is hot-swappable at all - thats an awesome find, and ots actually really quite nice with the retro look and LEDs on the side! one opportunity i feel you missed, since it seems to unplug from the inside with no soldering required, is to sleeve the cable in some paracord. the grey isn't ugly, but it seems like an opportunity for more customisation and to make it that much more premium. always something you can go back to though. really nice work on the whole, the improvement is excellent and very satisfying i'm sure. i like the colour combo you went with in the b-roll with only the ESC key in orange, maybe the arrow keys in orange would look nice too, or WASD, or a + arrangement in the 3x3 grid above the arrow keys....if you have any of them. looking forward to seeing more like this, although the real DIY PC builds are still gonna be my favourite kind of video!

[@Joeker8171]

This is going to be🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@JeffWaynee]

The final result sounds great.

[@justincowans2677]

Great tutorial, My ""W" key just died on my Roccat keyboard and I'm no good at soldering so I'm buying this board to tie me over while i learn to desolder. After this I'm going to be looking at learning how to Mod boards. Thanks for the lessons!

[@Ethan-xc9cg]

The color combination looks fantastic! You should also try the 9009 keycaps to have a retro look :)

[@dukerozen]

This is amazing video, please keep going!

[@WydQuaKe]

Can any help me ? Does the Akko switches fit in the Rk61 ?

[@zuztech]

Maaan thanks. I just got a new home project to do thanks to you!. Could you make a video trying to add a USB-C port to the keyboard? To make it detachable

[@mealot7613]

Get yourself a bag of o rings and give every cap one to isolate the noise better. Maybe add them under the screws too. Rings of 8x5x1.5mm would be perfect.

[@KurruptedDataYouT]

I put vintage whites and $12 SA keycaps on mine and I love it

[@sirjacobthe8]

I have really enjoyed this video. Since released, I’ve watched this video 5-6 times. A while back, I bought a Red Dragon mechanical keyboard but several of the outemo switch have worn out. So I will be upgrading this keyboard in a similar fashion. Since I already own the keyboard, I will just upgrade it. If someone did not already own a keyboard, would spending the $60 on this project produce a better keyboard than just buying a higher end keyboard for the same price?

[@aussi286]

for a beginner this is amazing love it matt keep it up👌

[@AndrewWoodford]

Much more thock. Very nice.

[@robberz9154]

Matt's content never disappoints

[@ptzzz]

Thanks for showing how you did things and the demonstration of before and after. I may get the same keyboard to replace my failing one (soldered switches, i'm bad at soldering, and replacing them costs as much as the keyboard) then swap the switches with Akko CS Jelly Whites (or other Akko Linear switches).

[@nadtz]

Akko switches are actually pretty decent stock, but they do sound better lubed. I have the blues and lavender and love em for the price.

[@teloiv_7]

These are my favorite type of videos!

[@marlosudaria5278]

Awesome mod! The modifications made the keyboard looks and soundd like more expensive keyboards. May I know if the keyboard comes with software to remap keys?

[@aqeel6440]

Solid build man!

[@insertnamehere6559]

Gateron and Kailh switches totally do fit in outemu sockets, albeit tightly. It's a total myth that they're incompatible. 4 years ago I had a board with outemu sockets and I used both gateron yellows and box navys with it.

[@aoifekun]

love the after sound!

[@leinardesteves3987]

Akko makes great switches. Not just decent. I'd argue they can go toe to toe with cherries and gats, specially with how cheap they're producing those switches.

[@xplodingmojo2087]

Ok so I didn’t know much ‘bout keyboard modding, but I kinda get it now after that before and after soundtest

[@liron8163]

holy moly what a difference dude.

[@kokumosu]

Man you completely revived what that keyboard could do

[@WarHeadNuke]

Gonna be doing the foam and lube to my Anne Pro 2. Will just be sticking the brush into the switches

[@hafizzuhdi4359]

That keyboard sounds great🔥

[@maenqudah4232]

great job well done only thing i think u should've done is changing the cable to a type-c cable

[@ande8260]

I thought the cat the intro is just you dressed up as a cat lol

[@arfon2000]

As someone who has used a cheap mechanical for the last 2 years, I find it weird and kind of funny the way people describe how they sound/feel. To me, it feels like a mechanical keyboard and sounds like one.

[@TechByMattB]

It all comes down to personal preference, if you like the sound and feel of the stock keyboard then more power to you!

[@arfon2000]

@@TechByMattB indeed it does, indeed it does.

[@edwardchen9286]

have you felt one fully modded and lube in person though, cause the difference was night and day to me

[@edwardchen9286]

a lot of things cant be shown through a video

[@arfon2000]

@@edwardchen9286 I’ve used my mates expensive one, didn’t feel much of an improvement over mine. Easily please I guess

[@nicholasdaly7355]

Do a USB cable mod plz

[@nicholasjoseph9062]

nice work.

[@critiqalerror]

Akko switches are good stock. You can get away with them not lubing. Ofcourse hand lube beats all.

[@tatertot2068]

When the 25 dollar keyboard sounds better than you 200 dollar custom keyboard.

[@ZackMuffinMan]

Nice

[@thedomo4950]

Hey so I just bought this keyboard, and I can’t quite remove the key caps :( help please?

[@marcinonochowski3970]

Is there a way to reduce spring ping without desoldering switches and lubing them? I also dont want to spray lube them because I've heard that its an easy way to make switches not work, i have a keyboard with Cherry MX Red LED.

[@muddabuwshi6510]

watching this made me realize that i just desoldered a keyboard that didn't need desoldering

[@Konokami]

WHY DID MY 450$ KEYCHRONE Q1 FULLY MODDED AND LUBED SOUND WORSE EVEN THEN THR STOCK VERSION OF THIS BOARD?!

[@brandoneich2412]

Gotta flip that spacebar around ;p (better ergonomics)

[@itsmrotaku]

I picked up the same parts!

[@youssefhany6555]

There is alot of hissing noise in the recording ... other than that it's a great mod

[@lunar9553]

I don’t understand a single thing you were doing, but it was cool

[@wardope]

I use sound dampening tape. and Silicon pours inside my keyboard cases. and I need it because the only switch I'm using is the Kalih box Jade or Navy. and they are clicky as fuck. but it's ASMR and fingergasme every time you type on the board!

[@cem3653]

I think i wanna custimize my Keyboard too now

[@FreakyDudeEx]

the keycaps when bottoming out to the top plastic shroud is very loud... is it possible to cut out the shroud's inside frame or tape some thin cloth like the band aid ones on the plastic shroud frame?? i think it will be more silent if you do something about it...

[@FreakyDudeEx]

of course i meant the ones that are bellow the keycaps... not the ones you see above the keycaps...

[@justincowans2677]

Is their a way to turn off or disconnect the LEDs?

[@BBFR-dk8mp]

love ittttt

[@chabu2306]

I heard E-Yooso is a reddragon D brand

[@TheBinklemNetwork]

My girlfriend and I had great experience with akko lavenders!

[@skwere6056]

you made me insecure with my outemu red switch keyboard

[@insid3493]

Hey, it's mat how ya doing?

[@reqazyxxxyt2091]

Do I have to take apart the switches for just changing them and not lubing

[@halicusdiaarcan102]

Nope!

[@WTBMrGrey]

Add some RGB or LED .

[@bluekroz]

usb c mod?

[@WoollyMittens]

Outemu switches literally give the board negative value. It's not worth the trouble regardless of price.

[@karamababneh5723]

I have this and it thocks so well but it’s 60 percet

[@Chips0420]

nice

[@Rye042]

Add gmk keycaps!

[@ahmadsalman5121]

typing this using my 7 dollar office keyboard

[@unbrokendawn757]

do more content about mk builds, matt!!!

[@skyyer6107]

lol we have the same keyboard except mine is with brown switches

In Vietnam keyboard only 17$

[@zokwandamayise1922]

I like keyboards

[@onepiecebarca]

E-YOOSO K-620

[@homebakedmemes394]

I think you lubed too much, never done it my self but over keyboard KZbinrs just do the sides of both

[@BritishBeeMan]

I mean... it sounds like a keyboard.

[@coffeedvdrw]

typing this using my 35€ mechanical keyboard

[@zcar4me]

The lube doesn't seem worth the time

[@ThatGuyHereNow]

Although It doesn't shine as much on the new switches, it can make a great deal of difference. I think we would hear it better if he did a sample from the stock switch as well. Some makes do come pre lubed as well, but depending on storage, shipping and coat conditions, you still have to redo it for a consistent feel and sound.

[@paklekj4429]

Then buy the switch pre lubed

[@viewstar89]

Sounds a lot worse for my ears after the mod. Can't say anything about the feel, though.

[@SullySadface]

Oh cool, are you adding a numpad? No? Well, might as well just cut off some fingers since you won't be using them.

[@oemfod1000]

try a small pause between your sentences,,

[@jacobrice3242]

honestly man, i'd stick to pc hardware

[@thanhanle3879]

Fack I'm the second one xD

[@firefoxx01]

25$ witrh 35$ mods... so just buy a 60$ keyboard

[@chizuru9108]

Oh, I think I'm first

[@MacBjorn]

This hobby is silly.

[@jothain]

Yeah. One of the weirdest I know of.

[@ThatGuyHereNow]

I'll admit it can be, but as you've said, it's a hobby. All that really matters is that it's enjoyed.

[@jothain]

@@ThatGuyHereNow Sure, saying it's weird hobby doesn't mean that one should stop doing it. At least it's a very affordable hobby.

[@Caunion7]

@@jothain This is nowhere near an affordable hobby when you dive deep into the custom keybaord scene, but mods like these do come ''cheap'' ^^

[@jothain]

@@Caunion7 oh believe me. That's a dirt cheap hobby 😂