This Budget Mechanical Keyboard Will Beat Your Endgame

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Keyboard: Tiger 80 Lite kbdfans.com/r?...
Board insulation: None, put using Tape Mod
Plate: PC
Keycaps: PBTfans Neon (kbdfans.com/r?...)
Switches: Hyperglide MX Blacks
Stabilizers: TX Stabilizers
Desk: Desk Haus desk with Apex Pro Max Legs and a 1.75" Walnut top. desk.haus/ code "WEENG" at checkout for 5% off!
Mat: I only use this randomfrankp x novelkeys mat because I can't afford another one.
Let me know what you think of the review in the comment section below!
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Recorded with:
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Sony 35mm F1.8 FE - kit.co/andyvng...
Sound recorded via Oktava MK012 Hypercardiod - www.frontendau...

[@AndyVNguyen]

First 1000 people who click this link get 1 month free of Skillshare! skl.sh/andyvnguyen07221

[@xenach548]

It still blows my mind how far keyboards have come over the last couple of years, this is such an amazing board for the price

[@MekaniQ]

Yo Xena! Didn't expect you to be here!

[@purgvtxry]

"stay focused" that's a solid board - haters will hate on anything because what they have is always better. Pay them no mind. KDB should sponsor you. no cap

[@J7T800]

I've been holding off on the KBD67 Lite when there were reviews popping up about the Tiger80. It's not too generic where everyone has to have one, and it's priced just right.

[@AndyVNguyen]

Love the price..

[@Grimlo9ic]

I have only 1 Akko board, the MOD007v2. There's 3 cons about it that I can list: branding sticker on the bottom (which they did improve the look of from the v1), non-QMK software, and a north-facing PCB. Otherwise, it is a great example of how far keyboards have come in the last few years, with great machining, popular gasket mounting, optional foams included in the box, and easy moddability - all for a (relatively) affordable price for an aluminum keyboard. A trickle-down effect of learning from the higher-end boards, if you will. I'm waiting for them to address the QMK and north-facing concerns in their upcoming release of the MOD007S, which will make that keyboard that much more of a banger.

[@noxcturnal2771]

I honestly did not know this keyboard existed till today, but thanks to you and this video I have stopped crying over the NK87 being out of stock and immediately hopping on this model. The sound for basic, affordable plastic is INSANE and I feel less worried about breaking the bank while avoiding pingy aluminum noises. I really appreciate your insight with your builds. I only have one little question if you see this: The Tiger 80 sounded a ton better with foam mods.. did you ever try to foam mod the Lite and see what happens? I love a butter soft keyboard, and wonder if it's worth stashing some keycap foam away for.

[@Ciz4Crummy]

The Tiger lite is now open for preorder, what an easy grab for 156!! Thank you for making this video Andy.

[@BucketNakedz]

Copped the white version. Can't wait.

[@AndyVNguyen]

glad i could help! YOURE GONNA LOVE IT

[@FenrirofLupusLabs]

Got my today for 110😊

[@dubOZ]

so I actually like that you are using it as a daily. I personally like most sound profiles plastic cases provide and being typically cheaper than the premium stuff is a plus. but dailying this keeb and other budget plastic keebs lets newcomers know that they don't have to spend 500 on a metal brick to be part of the community.

[@DaneMurdock]

I got to try this board out in person at a MK store, and I was pretty shocked. I really wish they made a 60% that sounds and feels as good as this. TKL is too much for me nowadays. But I'd highly recommend this kit to people who want something good without breaking the bank. Excellent sound and feel at a great price.

[@coleydotmp4]

The custom tape mod + see through case is such a good idea. You could really customize the board with a personal flare, beyond switches / keycaps

[@bosenngantor9160]

You're still won't see it almost all the time tho

[@coleydotmp4]

@@bosenngantor9160 Yeah, very true. I saw a really cool Libra mini on Taeha's keyboard meetup vlog where she put custom paper in between the top two acrylic layers. basically, i like when keyboards become *actually* custom. beyond just picking the kit/switches/keycaps combo.

[@theyehsohz]

I've been waiting all year for this damn board, I love that transparent blue-green color. I think I hit that IC button when it had 12 people on the list

[@stryke1989]

“dEf A pAiD sHiLl” had me roooooollling 😂

[@m4nc1n1]

It is good that Akko does that. People want north facing LEDs so they can use shinethrough caps. Not having shine through caps defeats the purpose of RGB (mostly) for me.

[@Luci_71]

Its absolutly insane how good this board sounds for the price

[@kanskejonasidag1]

I've realised lately that I really prefer the sound of a plastic case to an aluminium one. I find alu cases to be a bit too high pitched and... metallic, lol. They do look better and feel better in the hand, though.

[@anpanenjoyer69]

I agree! For budget boards I'm finding that I prefer the sound of plastic boards a lot more, as they seem to fulfill that 'budget sound' with minimal tuning a lot easier than budget alu cases. It might have something to do with how difficult it is to tune cheaper metal cases! The interesting part is that I generally prefer higher pitched sounds from my keyboards, but perhaps it's how much easier it is to tune the thock with a cheaper board then with a higher pitched clacky board. Additionally, I think the lower costs of manufacturing for plastic boards as opposed to metal boards make them much more appealing for budget boards, and that difference in cost could well be used to put towards improving the various mounting options for budget boards, which would ultimately improve the typing experience for the beginner.

[@lupascunicolae1311]

It's freaking funny. Droopy : I'm happy !

[@ScottTuscher]

Love your attitude bro, keep it up! I’ve enjoyed your vids for a while now. Please keep touting the no gate keeping keebs experience, love what you love, and stay positive vibes! ❤️ Definitely looking forward to this board, it sounds so good!

[@wewewswswsw123]

Really nice video, I genuinely appreciate your thoughts and honesty!

[@AndyVNguyen]

I keep it weeng 24/7

[@jessehernandez6032]

i came for the keyboard but couldnt keep my eyes off that fade. soooo clean dude.

[@philipp594]

I just got my pbtfans wob set, I really like it. Legends are very crisp, kerning and font are cool and the space bars were super straight. (pPBt shrinks more than abs, it's really impressive GMK can't even do it right with ABS).

[@minhduybui7676]

is it better to type on pbtfans than on gmk?

[@philipp594]

@@minhduybui7676 It's all down to preference. I have a friend who ditched gmk for PBTfans and people on my reddit review, who complain about the legends ...

[@phykios]

@@philipp594 How does PBTfans ABS compare to GMK ABS for sound?

[@93ksj]

I wish they offered this in WKL it would be an absolute no brainer but still amazing value for like a work keyboard

[@Draw3524]

Hey Andy, great review! I've been in the market for a basic white TKL, and hearing your recommendation of this over the FBTKL is great. I have been on the fence between this Tiger80 Lite and the Freebird TKL so its great to hear that this sounds and feels great for $100 less then the Freebird TKL

[@AndyVNguyen]

glad i could help!

[@Havesomepizza]

I’ve been waiting on this video to be made for months! I’m 100% buying 2 or 3 of these on release.

[@AndyVNguyen]

Lmao three??? You crazy pizza

[@Havesomepizza]

@@AndyVNguyen Yeye, one for my GF, one as a grad gift for a buddy, and one for me!

[@z4k1_zaki65]

@@Havesomepizza That's so nice of you!

[@marounboumelhem3984]

New Akko board is releasing in early august. It is spring mounted and south facing. Definitely check it out.

[@Aldarris]

Wei done us proud on this one

[@alpercetiner949]

I just love PBTfans keycaps. Amazing fonts and simple icons.

[@AndyVNguyen]

They’re so surprisingly good

[@thomascrouv79]

Same, i got two already and both are crisp and straight. The Neon one is ABS thou, thats why he got them too shine rather quickly with gaming. So dont worry about the PBT ones.

[@phykios]

How does the PBTfans ABS compare to GMK ABS in terms of sound? do they sound as crisp as GMK?

[@UTOOOOOOOY]

This is such an amazing board, have it bone stock with an aflion long pole linear and it sounds so good, people on mech keyboard discords love how it sounds as well. a person was also surprised that this is my first board, which it is, because it sounds so good.

[@AndyVNguyen]

long pole linears are a cheat code

[@fizzy1415]

Appreciate the thorough input and review! Bought one in purple from a vendor using your affiliate link and code. Cheers!

[@gartinmarrix4841]

Never thought id see a kbdfans board get so much praise

[@milo302]

I’m guessing Akko uses north-facing PCBs to sell more of their ASA keycaps

[@jesuszamora6949]

This is hardly a bad keyboard. I might have considered it had there been a full or 1800 version. People angry that you like this would LOSE THEIR SHIT at my RK98 with the foam removed, using kailh box navies and flat SA caps.

[@p0keyy]

If I wasn't so I inclined to try a aluminum board as my first board then I would probably grab this, just hope the keychron q1 gets a white barebones with a knob soon, wanna grab one as a bday gift. Good work!

[@darrellciruela1116]

That Akko burn lol

[@br0s1ve32]

I can’t lie, I originally thought you were joking when you made the community post. But after hearing the board and the price, I am proud to say I have made a mistake. I even like this board’s sound over my f1, pc boards just sound so different in a good way.

[@AndyVNguyen]

glad i could change your mind!

[@andrewraoux1003]

Tiger 80 Lite on KBDFans is showing $119 right now. Shoots below what we were all expecting which is a surprise. I still have a hard time deciding if a plastic case keyboard is worth that much when you can find alu boards for the same price, but ofcourse you made many good points on how they are just not in the same class. There's a compromise between good design, materials, and price. Great Vid, keep it up

[@booblaa9734]

This will be my first build I got the green transparent. Can't wait!

[@datboyandrei]

i really hope they introduce plate options soon. it kinda sucks that there's only really PC, altho for its price, you should probably just make do with what options there are.

[@_ExTitus]

there will be community made plates

[@Isaacthedank]

@@_ExTitus based. For example there's a shop on taobao that makes pom and fr4 plates.

[@ozhuenlxbouginsrirluhnbrtw2266]

Best keyboard for value by far. Beats the zoom 65, qk65, and any other in value. Yes it's not a metal case, but the sound feeling is def there

[@MrScabbyballs]

This sounds as good as my Sat and a bit better than my Mr Suit. I ain't mad about that but it blows my mind that a board that costs a fraction of the price of those two sounds as good as it does.

[@vabbgaming4063]

What’s your sat config

[@MrScabbyballs]

@@vabbgaming4063 FR4 half plate, Invokeys Matcha Lattes and GMK Boneyards.

[@vabbgaming4063]

@@MrScabbyballs i needa try half plate then

[@tunasu9182]

plastic keyboards sound better than metal ones change my mind

[@tylerharris1085]

In this hobby long enough to go full circle, plastic keyboard to heavy aluminum keyboard with weights back to plastic lol you just can't beat the sound

[@AndyVNguyen]

Plastic is just ezzzz bro

[@zuuzu5206]

dude your rolling out content like crazy mad respect from me

[@AndyVNguyen]

It’s grind time baby

[@zuuzu5206]

@@AndyVNguyen yup lets get to it

[@Visual_Ghoul]

For me this is the only form factor I don't have a use for aside from full size.

[@michaeljames1334]

what is lighter? the tiger 80 lite or that barbell behind you.

[@AndyVNguyen]

LIGHTWEIGHT BABY!!!’n

[@robothtml]

I wonder if I can get a Keycult logo on the custom tape mod....

[@AndyVNguyen]

OMG DONT LOL

[@ChrisMenard]

kbdfans are the real goats in this game tbh

[@justinfournier2521]

Was waiting for your review! Now they just need to actually release the lite lol

[@AndyVNguyen]

They’ve been lagging forreal!

[@SuperKMao]

Banger of a board, banger of a review.

[@AndyVNguyen]

Thank you so much ninja!

[@chaseticas6331]

"this isnt your Razer Kb" love it... :) Custom KBs are life

[@AndyVNguyen]

custom keyboards are fun

[@joer1502]

Dang that aluminum one was flexy, well i guess the pc one is too lmao

[@AndyVNguyen]

it was lookin pretty nice.. but yeah the sound ugh

[@N00TBond]

It's 129$ or so (according to keybored in one of his videos' comments)

[@AndyVNguyen]

ended up being $120! crazy

[@N00TBond]

@@AndyVNguyen DAMN That's Cheap!! Exept for the fact that I don't have the money to buy it lmao

[@nomikos_]

Thanks for all the content as of late. Funny how this is better sounding than the other Tiger80s, and cheaper too. Pretty impressive what they've been able to do here. Btw, would you be willing to show where on the back of the leaf you lube to get rid of leaf ping? I haven't been able to find a guide on this anywhere...

[@AndyVNguyen]

There’s a guide in the discord, ask for Kobb :) discord.gg/weeng

[@nomikos_]

@@AndyVNguyen Thank for the help and quick response!

[@weishi5286]

I want the 🐯 80 in a 60% format for under $100

[@AndyVNguyen]

The Tofu 2.0 is basically that except price isn't $100 because it's alu and brass. Maybe they'll do a lite

[@flockofwildcactus]

It looks so good for the price, this is gonna be my new work keyboard. Cheers!

[@AndyVNguyen]

It’s an amazing work keyboard!

[@django709]

where is the full stream VOD of this build?

[@ra3014]

Banger vid as usual!

[@jecslide3790]

imagine how good it would be with alu plate tho

[@AndyVNguyen]

Bruhhhhh ya fr

[@LK720S]

Definitely getting one for work

[@elfido_3598]

Love your videos bro

[@AndyVNguyen]

Thx bro

[@mintlata]

Andy have you heard of switch shimmer o-rings? They have a shape like o-ring but they are made of plastic, very thin (0.1-0.2mm sth like that), and when you put it on the stem it helps with cherry profile interference. I've heard that they don't affect feel and sound.

[@richardKeytero]

Also work if you have problems with long-pole switches on your mods. Like if you press the edge of the spacebar and it pops off.

[@AndyVNguyen]

i heard of that but it sounds annoying to install and i just wouldn't deal with it

[@devylikeslife8867]

Amazing video as usual, would you pick this over a bakeneko?

[@AndyVNguyen]

I personally would since both feel cheap in hand. This layout more better. Bakeneko hotswap layout kinda hurt.

[@flyingwhales1991]

This. The chase for the one keyboard has to end lol

[@AndyVNguyen]

i'm super happy with my one korn.. but i could def live with the tiger80 lite lol

[@kobb4467]

Banger board for the price!

[@bungo7891]

bruh that sounds so nice

[@AndyVNguyen]

So surprise

[@mintlata]

Wish they'd make a 60/65% Tiger. I personally would like more space on my table!

[@charliereeve1354]

Kbd67?

[@valervan]

@@charliereeve1354 kbd67 lite is stiff af and doesn't sound near good as this. Speaking as I'm selling mine.

[@flanky15]

Nice vid and review Andy, for layout 65% is it better to stick with KBD67 Lite for cheaper price? My plan will buy used KBD67 Lite to get cheaper price.

[@AndyVNguyen]

If you like 65 get the 67 lite!

[@flanky15]

@@AndyVNguyen thanks for the answer Andy.

[@Christoph.Auer1]

I got mine a few days ago and built it sadly I was a bit disapointed tbh. The sound of the bord is fine but even after polyfill and tape mod the board was ok at best. And it is really light wich gives it a very cheap felling

[@S85B50Engine]

The only thing Akko boards are good for is for those of us that prefer tall profiles like SA. Or if you want a cheap Alice-like layout.

[@conutux722]

They also sell asa and long pole switches so money could be a reason

[@johnperish]

If you want to review a good Akko Keeb do the Alice Pro. New stabs are kino.

[@shinokuchiki7761]

Keychron V1. Nuff said

[@TheBigJoshi]

Hey andy, do u think Alu version of this keyboard is better than the freebird?

[@AndyVNguyen]

Freebird edges out for hollowness performance after force break but this pcb and plate combo has better sound. The freebird hotswap has too many options

[@wagonet]

Great video 😊

[@kittykittygumdrops]

Great vid! Now review the Keychron Q5!

[@muCephei_]

Damn, I had my eyes on a hefty keyboard but this is really tempting

[@AndyVNguyen]

why not both? :) jk lol. this definitely feels kinda light and toyish but IT SOUNDS SO GOOD FOR SO CHEAP

[@TROY-MCCLURE-1991]

Me waiting for the Polaris V2: Are you sure about that?

[@AndyVNguyen]

Me still waiting for Vega GB from 2 years ago - are you sure about that?

[@bren.r]

If they make a tiger 75, I’m sold.

[@AndyVNguyen]

Maybe one day!

[@neil0104]

I've seen it as well on their site that they use the shims on top of the PCB. I have a dz60 with flex cuts but I put the shims underneath too.

[@AndyVNguyen]

Yeah my concern is just that itll deaden stab sound but it’s been OK

[@HoaiNguyen-mm9ze]

What was the final configuration did you land on? With or without tape mod?

[@AndyVNguyen]

Edge winner leans towards tape to deal with the flex cuts

[@SkimoStories]

almost bought a 3rd kb67 lite but then I saw this thing. It's going to be my first TKL board but I have a keycap set that really need to get on it.

[@AndyVNguyen]

3rd!? lol. yes tiger 80 lite is an upgraded version in a bigger size

[@SkimoStories]

@@AndyVNguyen yeah R4 of the 67 lite had so many nice colours and I'm really into matching keycaps sets with cases, so I got one in mint chip.

[@MrDutch1e]

75% is the king of form factors. Makes TKL obsolete. Crazy the aluminum version sound near identical to the ABS on this board tho.

[@AndyVNguyen]

it doesn't sound identical though it's pingy

[@MrDutch1e]

@@AndyVNguyen I said near identical. Sounds extremely similar. May be more noticeable to you in person.

[@AndyVNguyen]

the difference is discernible in video

[@user-kz9rz8ui1c]

75% is not only less aesthetic, it has a weirder sound in general.

[@Anti3D-0]

tkl is a good middle ground between ancient and modern design

[@philipp594]

You should check out the Wooting HE60, it has only clip ins ... and the plate is custom so you need drill one and put spacers but it's interesting and the switches are smooth.

[@AndyVNguyen]

Sounds like a lot of work lol

[@philipp594]

@@AndyVNguyen It is a lot of work. I'm making a custom plate to gasket mount it in a Sangeo60. Making it my Endgame board.

[@philipp594]

@@AndyVNguyen It has special switches. They are Hall Effects.

[@agentshenron]

Is the Tiger Lite that you're using the Transparent Blue or Transparent Green version? It's hard to tell

[@jkcvhaisufqw]

Transparent Blue

[@jamessebastian2114]

Will this be an in-stock item for kbdfans or a limited time gb? Might cop this and replace my 65%. Missing them f keys tbh.

[@AndyVNguyen]

looks like they're doing a short preorder. first units come out end of this month.

[@roningrae]

i feel like north facing pcbs arent as large of an issue if you consider all the switches that work with cherry profile caps now.

[@AndyVNguyen]

It is an issue still cuz not everyone likes the reduced travel of long pole switches.. like myself

[@roningrae]

@@AndyVNguyen as a short stem enjoyer, i agree, but offerings from akko, gateron, and kailh now negate this previous issue with different shaped upper housings.

[@thepandawithawizardhat]

Just another mention from the community, from what i heard, akko uses north facing a lot because ppl in China doesnt fancy GMK that much as we do, thus does not face a lot of inteference issue

[@AndyVNguyen]

Yeah China also prefers costar stabs so it’s hella weird to think about as a westerner. But their whole market has very different preferences

[@fwiffo]

Also I imagine a lot of people are getting them with Akko switches which don't interfere with Cherry keycaps anyway.

[@z4k1_zaki65]

A quick answer for why Akko still uses north facing pcb, because they make switches and asa profile keycaps what works with their boards

[@NautiOG]

@@AndyVNguyen costar stabs are actually damn good. I was shocked when I picked up a filco tkl for cheap. I love my screw in stabs like the next guy but I’d take costar over plate mount any day.

[@AndyVNguyen]

as long as it's factory lubed well i don't mind

[@unbrokendawn757]

0:35 the what?

[@AndyVNguyen]

It’s a keyboard sound

[@unbrokendawn757]

@@AndyVNguyen very sus...

[@mekkanic1979]

I'm definitely getting one.

[@scottwangkl8882]

Monokei released an even cheaper TKL that's gasket mounted. Are you gonna be checking that out?

[@AndyVNguyen]

Wasn’t invite to the party on that one

[@appleborbs5065]

mods on the lite lowkey sound better imo

[@AndyVNguyen]

Lite vs alu? That’s high key

[@appleborbs5065]

@@AndyVNguyen yessir

[@erikvasquez9997]

They need to make a tiger96 or Tiger 1800 lite and I'll be sold, I have a ton of TKL's cus poppa loves that boomer layout but after I had 2 ako mod007 pcbs straight up die on me (which akko tried to say was my device's fault yet I change my keebs around all the time & connect it to my laptop constantly for work) so I need a new work board & I've been eyeing this but I want that numpad

[@yvpetkov]

Meh, kbd67 lite is super easy to make clacky, what you mean hard to get away from the thock? I have had 10 kbd67 lites and I made them sound however I want to

[@abyss_mk]

Nice Centered usb on TKL is kinda cursed though

[@AndyVNguyen]

What why cursed!

[@MiguelGonzalez-kt5mg]

How would this compare to something like the MK870? looking for an upgrade from my epomaker but im broke.

[@AndyVNguyen]

I’d listen to sound tests for that one to compare. I’d imagine that keyboard sounds a little thin. So this would be a significant upgrade

[@93ksj]

I guess the PCB shims were a bit in the Wei 😹

[@AndyVNguyen]

I’m deceased

[@louischim2000]

this looks good, but how about the monokei standard?

[@AndyVNguyen]

that's another option

[@Lamy515]

Heard ur not a fan of the SG community, but the Standard from Monokei that just got into pre-order/gb could be a really good contender for the Tiger80 lite!

[@AndyVNguyen]

Lol who said I’m not a fan of the SG community?

[@Lamy515]

@@AndyVNguyen heard about the all flippers fiesta 😂

[@AndyVNguyen]

Oh that’s just a running joke lol. Y’all trippin. I haven’t even markets for 6 months

[@Lamy515]

@@AndyVNguyen 🤣🤣🤣

[@198Immortal]

How quickly do those keycaps shine compared to GMK keycaps?

[@AndyVNguyen]

about the same? i have light shine after a few weeks

[@wagonet]

I likely will pick it up. I'll use your affiliate code. Great review

[@AndyVNguyen]

Yay!!

[@hman2875]

quality content as usual :)

[@tylerfoland3053]

Can the lite version bottom screw into an aluminum top?

[@z4k1_zaki65]

Mechmerlin did it in his Tiger 80 review, and it actually sounded the best!