This Budget Custom Keyboard Sounds AMAZING | Tester 68/TES68 Build & Mod

[@HarvindG]

Which budget keyboard would you like me to review next?

[@literallystingy2858]

the gamakay K61. i got it recently and imo the best RGB you can possibly get.

[@HarvindG]

@@literallystingy2858 that keyboard looks brighter than my future. I'll need to see if I can get one in for review. Going broke with all the new keyboards I have on the way. 🤣

[@literallystingy2858]

@@HarvindG can’t argue with that lol. definitely understandable though, it’s not a cheap hobby, if you could call it that

[@HarvindG]

@@literallystingy2858 Let's count ourselves lucky, there are hobbies out there that are so much more expensive then keyboards. The K61 is definitely on my radar though!

[@atmojoe]

Hyeku gk707 or x3

[@sIacker]

I stole your exact build. everything came in today and put it together, sounds better than some of my more expensive boards. Awesome vid

[@HarvindG]

Super happy you liked the way it turned out! It's also my cheapest but favourite sounding board in the collection. Unbelievable, really.

[@sIacker]

@@HarvindG My only complaint is the keycaps :( as soon as i saw yours I knew I needed them. I made the mistake of not following your link, I bought the ones for a shop that was also selling the keeb. Figured it would be fine because they had way more reviews than the ones you got and looked identical. A bunch of them are off center, the writing looks really wonky, some of the keys like backspace have really squished font. and the enter key is too short for the keyboard. Time to spend another $20 and wait another month, that's aliexpress for you

[@HarvindG]

@@sIacker Damn, I can imagine the disappointment. It's always the luck of the draw with AliExpress. Hope you managed to file a dispute for that, I'm sure AliExpress will side with you and reimburse the purchase.

[@namnhat7632]

hey, how does the keyboard feel? I also want to buy exactly like this one. When typing or gaming do uncomfortable using it?

[@ItsaNoah]

@@HarvindG if I don’t live the stabilizers will it sound that bad? I don’t got any lube 😢

[@maxventunosei5017]

I think I found the best channel to help me navigate custom keyboards! Very pleasing to listen to, very clear, very well edited and a yellow background for the win

[@HarvindG]

Thanks so much! We're navigating the world of custom keyboards together. No promises I'll keep the yellow background for every video though! 🤣

[@ryyxnlol]

The stock vs modded difference on the space bar is crazy. Nice video, very underrated channel

[@HarvindG]

Appreciate it!

[@le_drumster]

bro for this production quality, you deserve many more subscribers. good job.

[@HarvindG]

Appreciate the kind words man, thanks so much!

[@MohammedUsaid]

Great job on the build, The TES68 is way too good for how cheap it is and the mods were amazing. The spacebar especially sounds so much better, sounded cheap and hollow before.

[@HarvindG]

Thank you! The stabilizers sounded terrible because they were bone dry, my ears almost bled the first time I heard it. I'm still amazed by how good they sound once lubed though!

[@hk2739]

Thank you for the detailed review. I've been debating whether or not to get the TEster68 to be my first barebones kit and your review has gotten me convinced

[@HarvindG]

Glad I could help! It's the perfect choice to get your feet wet with your first barebones keyboard.

[@bententen2525]

You’re putting so much effort to your video, even though almost no one watches it. Tyy

[@HarvindG]

Thanks so much, I appreciate that! I just want to put out high quality videos that the keyboard community would enjoy. Although that means I probably can't pump out many videos quickly and blow up in views, I wouldn't have it any other way. :)

[@Toomba.]

Amazing video and insanely high quality for such a small channel.

[@HarvindG]

Thanks so much!

[@RyanKhoo]

Honestly sounds amazing, great stuff, have been debating a CIY tes68 or tes84 as my first custom, Fantastic production quality aswell, love to see it!

[@HarvindG]

Thank you! I think they're both great options. The TES84 will be better built and has RGB, but it'll sound a bit higher pitched due to the case material. Depending on what your preference is (RGB, material, pitch, wired), you can't go wrong with either!

[@DS-oopa]

Amazing difference between stock and the mod. Well done! 🤯

[@HarvindG]

Thank you!

[@janmartinzamudio3031]

To make the keyboard "flex" i recommend to o ring mod it, it's where you put o rings on the stand offs after the PCB on where your plate rests, it should give off a bit of bounce to your keeb

[@janmartinzamudio3031]

I recommend you to use a 2mm × 1mm o ring and make sure to keep it center to the standoff. Put one on the screw too and then sandwich it between the top part of the plate. There should be 2 o rings on one stand-off, the one is on the standoff in the underside of the plate, and one on the screw itself on top of the plate.

[@HarvindG]

Thanks so much for the recommendation! I tried that mod on my LK67 previously and it worked great. Wanted to do the same for the Tester68, but with PE and EVA case foam, I couldn't get the plate to fit in properly and the power switch on the bottom was recessed. Only fix was to overtighten the screws, which kind of beat the point of that mod. Did you manage to access your power switch with the oring mod?

[@janmartinzamudio3031]

@@HarvindG Hi! I forgot to mention that you can sand down the stand-offs for the top plate, so either way, you can still get that flex and softer feel while being able to access the switch

[@janmartinzamudio3031]

@@HarvindG and since the Tester68 doesn't really have a cable port, there will be no issues either way

[@HarvindG]

@@janmartinzamudio3031 that's a great idea! I just found myself a new project for the weekend. Thank you!

[@peanutbutterbean1738]

amazing video and build, really want to try this board for myself some time, also you are the first person to mention the bluetooth/2.4GHZ connection lights, so thanks for that extra bit of information

[@HarvindG]

Thank you! Glad it helped

[@stefanzlatanovic7521]

The moded version! Mate it sounds fantastic! I have the same keycaps, and I can't go back to any other.

[@HarvindG]

Thanks mate! Didn't think I'd like the XDA profile of these keycaps, but it's grown on me.

[@ItsHexical]

Love my Tes68, sounds amazing and was super cheap. Great video!

[@HarvindG]

Thank you! It really is a lovely board, simply unbelievable value. Love your videos too!

[@driftboard]

THANK YOU for bringing this keyboqard to attention, i didn't wanna spend 70 dollars on just a case and pcb, THANK YOU!! this is going to make my budget board so much cheaper

[@HarvindG]

You're most welcome mate! You can't go wrong with this, I love it more than most of my more expensive keyboards. Happy building!

[@chicken8951]

this is the most useless keyboard. you'll be spending a lot of time with the battery and yes you'll just waste more money. hope you cry about it

[@driftboard]

who sat in your fucking cereal to be replying to a year old comment saying "i hope you cry about it" wtf did i do bro??@@chicken8951

[@trillneato9040]

Hey, first off, awesome video, the production quality is top notch and actually helped with my keyboard build immensely! I have a question about masking tape, since the Tester 68 takes batteries the masking tape may be conductive and could pose a fire hazard, or so I've heard other videos say... What brand of tape do you recommend and does the type of adhesive matter?

[@HarvindG]

Thanks a lot! Happy to hear it helped you out. I’ve heard about that, but I’m not an expert on that topic. From personal experience though, I’ve used regular masking tape mods on over 10 keyboards without any issues. YMMV.

[@Brijesh573]

No freaking way. This video is so underrated!!

[@stickilish]

congrats on 2k!!!!!!!!!!!

[@fierce134]

This is excellent video production and quality sir. Well done! Those were excellent results from your mods

[@HarvindG]

Thank you very much!

[@fledora1217]

The stabs is great for that price, but is there any other alternatives instead of these stabilizers included? Nice video!

[@HarvindG]

Thank you! I believe any clip-in stabilizers would work with this. There's a ton of them on AliExpress if you don't mind the waiting times.

[@theshuriken]

your video is very cool, aesthetically well made

[@mark-carlson]

This is a beautiful video in every single way and you should be so proud of yourself for not only creating a physical piece of art but a digital piece of art as well. :)

[@HarvindG]

That means a lot, thank you!

[@ferdan6819]

Great review and stylish video! The build is just lovely and I'm digging the sound like crazy. I am new to custom keebs and this video got me super excited, I was thinking to maybe try and reproduce this as a first build since it's so accessible. The only issue: I generally despise batteries!😄Don't know if there's any cabled alternative you can get a similiar sound from on the market... I would still consider doing an exception and not think about the batteries too much otherwise!

[@HarvindG]

Thank you! Makes me very happy to know this video got you more excited about the hobby. I'd say go for this, you won't regret it. I initially hesitated because of the batteries, but it's honestly quite worry free and you'd not have to worry about charging/switching batteries for a couple of months. If you want to try a wired option, CIY also makes the Tester84. It's made of aluminium and has RGB too. I'd say either one of these would be amazing options to get your feet wet with custom keyboards.

[@ferdan6819]

@@HarvindG A heartfelt thank you for the tips! I will look into both option. In the meantime, I'll be on the lookout for new content from you, so chances are I will keep you posted through some other comments 😉

[@HarvindG]

@@ferdan6819 you're most welcome! Definitely looking forward to finding out how your first build goes. 😁

[@tomwaddy9035]

I'm getting this and my plan is to buy a couple of bits of electronics to convert the 5v usb C output into the 3V output that this keyboard needs, I can let you know out it goes

[@HarvindG]

@@tomwaddy9035 Good luck with that! Super curious to know how it goes, keep us posted.

[@jasonzhao5074]

sounds goooodd great video quality too I can see you put a lot of work into it

[@HarvindG]

Thank you! Spent so many late nights after work on this. Super happy to know it was worth it.

[@keeshy]

Great video, I've never heard of this keyboard but now I'm interested

[@HarvindG]

It's a steal, that's for sure!

[@mr_uncredible3425]

Hi! I’m completely new to the custom keyboard scene, but I feel especially motivated to try it out after watching your video! One question, some people tell me that the Akko CS silver switches are the best. I just wanted to get your opinion, and possible clarification on these switches. Thanks a ton!!

[@shallowarav5732]

Bro u are the goat tf keep up the amazing video’s my g

[@MisterProKoko73]

This was very informative and a great video! Thank you!

[@HarvindG]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@24kCookieMusic]

Nice I would even buy it myself only if it was wired or charged by cable I don't like batteries

[@shivang15]

Ordered your same setup, watched this video many times to make up my mind. I own a GMMK hot swappable board and have been using it stock since many years. Looking forward to having this board delivered soon and then start with my first custom build. Could you suggest what I can do with my current GMMK board from Glorious? How can I make it better. I see that there is a thin layer of foam provided. the keys are nice to work on and I have cherry brown switches preinstalled in this. Shall I lube these tactile switches and should I also put any extra layer of foam and tape on it? Maybe you can make a video about this if you have access to GMMK. Btw I am subbed to your channel now and liked this video a lot. The sound from your 30 dollar keyboard is incredible! Your videos so precise too. truly when there is less money to be spent (I spent 94 dollars with shipping from alibaba on : 1. the 68 key tester board, 45 Akko key set in radiant red, the XDA honey milk key cap, some 18mm masking tape and the 2mm foam all from Ali express. This is such a good starter price for someone starting off and it feels doable. Thank you good sir

[@HarvindG]

This comment made my day, thank you so much! I don’t have experience with GMMK so I can’t say for sure, but feel free to experiment with the foam/tape and have fun.

[@shivang15]

@@HarvindG many thanks again. My setup got delivered. The stock sound is so much better than gmmk. Next step- modding it :) so thanks for a very accurate video

[@andersonseverodematos6845]

Hi, I have a Ziyoulang K68 that is fine, but since it also does not have USB connection, it does not support softwares for changing the key mapping. This leaves me with an "Esc" key that is also the "`" AND the "~". As a brazilian, I need to use the "~" character all the time, which means I need to type Alt + Fn + Esc to do so, and if any of these keys are not pressed correctly, I end up with plain Esc being pressed (which sometimes cancel what I was doing, like, in a web page modal, Esc usually closes it). The last column of keys are also VERY bad on the K68. From top to bottom: home, delete, page up, page down. So my questions are: the Tester 68 allows any sort of key (re)mapping? What is the mapping for the last column (far right) by default? Thank you and congrats on the video!

[@chuyuu6501]

thanks for this video, i've also just done a tes68 build that was inspired by this video!

[@HarvindG]

That's amazing to hear. Hope you're enjoying your board!

[@hadiyazid632]

great work viN! love - hadi

[@HarvindG]

Thanks man, good to see you here! 😄

[@srijanraghavula]

Are akko switches good? I see them a lot in budget builds. I have just enough saved up for my first build. I can go with a gmk67. I don't wanna mess it up

[@jack47533]

Hey quick question from someone who wants to make this exact build, did you lube the switches?

[@HarvindG]

Nope! Didn't really feel the need to, they felt and sounded great to me.

[@joelsiks]

Very good video!

[@HarvindG]

Thanks for watching!

[@vinodaganase3350]

It’s so beautiful !!!! 😍

[@HarvindG]

It really is - thank you! 😁

[@miguellikesmangos]

Hey! I have a question about the keyboard, im planning to buy everything you used to mod the keyboard, and I was wondering if it's great for gaming and typing? Thank you! P.S Great Vid!

[@HarvindG]

Hey! It's fantastic for typing. I used this as my daily work board for a while. I don't game anymore, so I can't tell for sure. It should work fine for most games, but not fast response-time games like FPS and the likes. You might notice some latency on those.

[@miguellikesmangos]

@@HarvindG Thank you for letting me know! Im planning to test it on fps games! 😁

[@HarvindG]

@@miguellikesmangos Good luck with that, let me know how it performs! Use the 2.4ghz dongle instead of Bluetooth to minimize latency.

[@namnhat7632]

Hey! Did u test it out for gaming yet? If u did can utell me how it feels?

[@miguellikesmangos]

@@namnhat7632 sorry for the late response and yeah its great for gaming!

[@bloxgaming4924]

I'm doing this for sure.

[@aristhotle]

i cant access the power switch after just adding 2 layers of masking tape. how did you fit an extra 2mm eva and PE foam T_T

[@HarvindG]

There are plastic stands on the sidewalls of the inner case. See if your masking tape is blocking the PCB from fully sitting on those properly. I faced that too, but after doing that and screwing down the steel plate, I could access the power switch. Try fixing on your plate and see if the issue persists.

[@literallystingy2858]

really good video. you could definitely get much bigger as a content creator if you’re willing to keep it up.

[@HarvindG]

I appreciate that- thanks so much! Trying to be as consistent as I can with the content schedule.

[@Larry_ng]

Hey Harvind did you end up using the silicone dampening layer for the modding this build?

[@HarvindG]

Yes I did!

[@jaki5077]

Hello, i have bought the tester 68 as well and i am having troubles with it. When i turn it on the light just flashes blue and doesnt want to connect what can i do?

[@HarvindG]

Sounds like it's in Bluetooth pairing mode. Can you pair the keyboard through Bluetooth on your computer while it's flashing in blue?

[@TonyMontana-xj3zv]

6:51 - that's why im using only 5 pin Switches :) 3 pin is history. 5-pin will not swap out.

[@MrMeme69]

Do you have to use xda profile keycaps?

[@Ymho]

how did u manage to pick a tester68 up for so cheap? alone on eBay they’re £31

[@HarvindG]

Check AliExpress. I've found prices there to be generally cheaper than eBay.

[@qLonky]

few thing, first, do u know any other kits with RGB that is similar to the tester 68? second, because the tester 68 requires batteries, isn't putting tape inside bad?

[@lucyluu.]

Hey i recently purchased this keyboard. I was wondering how to unwire the pcb? Like how do you remove the combined red and black cables out of that little box on the board?

[@HarvindG]

Welcome to the club! If you mean the wires from the battery to the PCB, they're connected to the PCB via a JST cable. You can pull that out of the PCB.

[@lucyluu.]

@@HarvindG Okay, thanks so much! I’m so excited to finish this build!

[@HarvindG]

@@lucyluu. you're most welcome. Have fun with the build!

[@sahras.2845]

where can I buy the whole keyboard without making it myself?

[@get__real]

hey,i found a deal with tester68+72pcs red switches in one package for~40€.Is it worth it?

[@HarvindG]

Are those the CIY Evo switches, or something else? If it's the CIY Evo switches, I'd suggest going for the barebone kit and buy some Gateron/Akko switches separately. They be much better.

[@get__real]

@@HarvindG oh,alright,thanks for the advice:)

[@zerkyfa]

Did you keep the silicon mold?

[@mohdshahrulhaiqal3542]

How many layers of tape did you apply?

[@HarvindG]

3 layers

[@SahedX]

You should sell these after you built them. I mean you don’t need that many keyboards. And people like us who doesn’t like the idea of modding keyboards can buy them. It’s a win win.

[@HarvindG]

I do that with some builds. I keep maybe 3-4 boards at any one time for comparisons.

[@Du__pe]

Is it good for giming or just for typing??

[@geometrydashgrinder37]

any alternatives to the radiant reds?

[@RatedRRaj]

Will I still need to use batteries if I decide to use the USB dongle??

[@HarvindG]

Yup! The dongle is wireless, so it doesn’t charge the keyboard

[@YDKTK]

I Have a question because the hotswap sockets arent the gateron or kailh generic ones does that mean it wont support milky yellow pros?

[@HarvindG]

It supports both 5-pin and 3-pin switches. Milky yellow pros are 5-pin, so they'd work great!

[@repeltepel9349]

i wanna also build it but i am only gonna do the tape mod. and the same switches as you! will it sound good?

[@HarvindG]

I’m sure it will!

[@Sushii132]

Is there delay for competitive like apex ?

[@Mohamed_SaZID]

Is there any budget keyboard kit you can suggest that has a wired connection also rgbs.

[@HarvindG]

GMK67!

[@TAPSSebas]

can you mod it so you but in a recharchable accu so you can recharge it

[@ZzCornetto]

Hi man, i just bought this model but i cant find how to change keyboard layout between mac and windows

[@HarvindG]

I just changed the modifier key inputs on the Mac OS keyboard preferences menu. Easy fix.

[@aishiupee]

do the lubed stabilizers have a big change

[@HarvindG]

MASSIVE

[@vio_choke7107]

Can any switch fit in here?

[@темирланульбашев]

have you tried to do holee mod for stabilizers

[@HarvindG]

Yes I have! Check out my review of the KBD67 Lite, I did the holee mod there.

[@russog1193]

There is a similar keyboard but with a rechargable battery?

[@HarvindG]

Maybe the RK61?

[@Mai-j8k]

did u lube the switches?

[@HarvindG]

Nope! They felt quite smooth right out of the box.

[@JepppyW]

Yes

[@mif4860]

anyone know any good thocky switches for this build?

[@maximechevalier5604]

Battery life on Bluetooth ?

[@clxtch8908]

Work with optical switches?

[@HarvindG]

Nope!

[@Tamburokoy]

hows battery life using that kinda battery?

[@HarvindG]

Been using it in rotation for over 4 months without needing a battery change.

[@Tamburokoy]

@@HarvindG nice tyvm

[@spartanDJChalo]

Why do people have to mod them for them to sound this good. Where's the companies out there doing this level of quality on a stock build 🤔

[@HarvindG]

There are options out there that sound great out of the box, but they’re going to cost you!

[@GGREYY]

Shocks me that i have the exact same build but with akko jelly blacks

[@HarvindG]

Great minds think alike!

[@Mid_Atomic]

wow i am surprised how the akko radiant reds are this thocky

[@HarvindG]

So was I!

[@Du__pe]

Is it good for giming

[@keturoo]

how u recharge the battery?

[@陸]

buy a rechargable battery

[@validred]

How do you only got 1k subscribers

[@bluedream998]

Software? Pls

[@HarvindG]

There’s no software for this board

[@bluedream998]

@@HarvindG I don't know why but some buttons don't work for me

[@HarvindG]

@@bluedream998 2 potential causes: 1) check to see if your switch pins on those keys were bent when you put them in. If they are bent, straighten the pin out and try installing the switch again. 2) check the PCB and see if the hotswap sockets on those keys popped out when you were installing the switch. You may need to solder it back to the PCB if it popped out.

[@xterate3961]

honestly you did a great job with the mods, pretty sure its was the first time my jaw actually dropped at a keyboard lamo

[@HarvindG]

Thanks so much!

[@A.Shek_]

Prabhu ji indian option ki jankari hai koi aapke pas ?

[@morbsdwxs]

can i use any keycaps

[@HarvindG]

Yup! Any keycaps that are compatible with the switches you use.

[@haroldallaberg6359]

kinda weird that none of the big-name keyboard youtubers want to touch the cheap Tester keyboards. Maybe cause they want to make sure "premium" keyboards stay high priced.

[@abhrajitsaha5215]

Does anyone know how to connect it to bluetooth?

[@HarvindG]

Hold down FN+W for a few seconds until the blue LED blinks. That means it's in pairing mode: 2:20

[@abhrajitsaha5215]

@@HarvindG Thank you!!!

[@HarvindG]

@@abhrajitsaha5215 you're very welcome!

[@adnanhossainsadi]

@@HarvindG I'm new to custom keyboard & don’t where is the fn key in a 65% keyboard. Can you please tell me where can I find it. Thanks in advance

[@HarvindG]

@@adnanhossainsadi Welcome to the hobby! It's usually either the 2nd or 3rd key to the right of the spacebar. For the TES68, it's the 2nd key to the right of the spacebar.

[@陸]

its 10$ on taobao

[@um4r_playz]

Budget Thock?

[@HarvindG]

Budget thock for days...

[@chuyuu6501]

naw i refuse that those are akko reds. reds are clacky asf and they definitely give off a deeper sound in this video

[@HarvindG]

You may be confusing them with Akko Rose Reds? The Radiant Reds sound super deep and thocky.

[@chuyuu6501]

@@HarvindG nah definitely radiant reds. I have them on my q1 and they're clacky, but the q1 is aluminium. I just didn't think it would be that big of a difference.

[@HarvindG]

@@chuyuu6501 Definitely because of the Q1 then. Most switches on that sound clackier, especially if you're using the steel plate.

[@asiannature514]

Its not $30 its $14

[@WBeret]

Good but undderatted KZbin channel

[@HarvindG]

Thank you so much!

[@salvatoremaiorano4841]

Everything is so good in this video, but please stop saying "it's a 30$ keyboard!" It's NOT a 30$ keyboard. A keyboard is made of switches and keycaps, and in this Tester 68 they are not included. So, to whom is considering to buy this, consider that you have to spend AT LEAST the double of his price to buy the cheapest switches and keycaps from aliexpress.. Ah.. and don't forget you have to buy lubing kit if you want same sound of the video.. it's another 20$... So in general we have something like 80$ total for the lowest quality keyboard/switches/keycaps on the market... The only good thing here is the extreme customization. But for all the other things, if you don't care about customizing etc.. i guess it's just better to buy a pre-assembled one.. maybe keychrons.. they offer a good price/quality ratio

[@pitocasdoesthings]

Love the keycaps 🥰

[@HarvindG]

My wife chose this for me! 😉

[@matchapurin]

they come bone dry - harvind 2022 ps love the video. keyboard sounds like a dream.

[@HarvindG]

Hahaha best way I could describe them. Thank you!

[@GoalSUBNOW]

hi, will the keyboard come all arranged and put up when I buy it or will I have to put it all together like you did? LIke will I have to buy the akko stuff and loom it with the grease thing?? Also, is it good without modding? I'll subscribe if you answer these, thanks! :)

[@HarvindG]

You will have to buy keycaps and switches, this keyboard just comes with the barebones kit. The grease is optional but it helps a lot. For this particular keyboard, I highly recommend modding it. It’s a very budget option so you’ll have to put in some work to bring out its full potential.

[@shift7694]

Hey Buddy could you drop your discord id where I could connect with you

[@SahedX]

Bro will you sell it to me? 🥹🥹🥹

[@HarvindG]

It’s actually for sale! Are you in the EU?

[@SahedX]

@@HarvindG North America (Canada). I am willing to pay for shipping (if it’s reasonable)

[@JepppyW]

Yes

[@JepppyW]

Yes