This is why we struggle with hobbies (ft. Matthew Encina)

[@MatthewEncina]

This turned out great. Glad our conversation sparked the idea for this. 🧠Discovery is the best part of any hobby or interest. Keeping an open mind and embracing the spirit of genuine curiosity will always invite new possibilities and will help you appreciate everything you learn along the way.

[@AvinashKunjamboo]

Thanks once again for being on mate! Always love chatting to ya. Let's see how many of your analogies I turn into videos hahahaha

[@MrSkullhead0]

I watched Alexotos recent stream on the Command65. Now that board is everything the current trends of keyboards isnt.(sand which mount, ABS plastic etc.) although it was all these things he had still found a fun time building it because he found the uniqueness of the build process fun. I think we can all learn from this that just because a board is not what everyone is liking right now doesn’t make it a bad board.

[@AvinashKunjamboo]

I have to totally agree man! Glad this vid resonates with you

[@MarcoCarag]

Great video! Love this level of introspection. I think like with all hobbies the journey requires a lot of introspection like this. For me, this has meant significantly limiting my consumption of videos and the community to better balance with my own subjective tastes and needs from the hobby without being too affected by others' opinions. This has been an important realization for me with hobbies lately, that the hobby and the hobby community are two things that can sometimes be in conflict within one's own personal journey. Unless the journey is about the community itself, of course. Either way, taking time to pause and reflect on "what did I like or not about that" is crucial, and can be hard to do without stepping away from media and community.

[@KrivTheBard]

I've noticed there is a weird overlap between specialty coffee people and keyboard enthusiasts! I don't know why that would be, but I love that I could talk about what kinds of coffees I like through my Chemex over my Clever to someone I just talked about switch spring weight with!~ I've got a bad habit of collecting hobbies, and mechanical keyboards is my newest one as well. Can't wait to see just how far I can go with it.

[@MatthewEncina]

I’ve noticed the same. Time for a coffee and keyboard meetup.

[@KrivTheBard]

@@MatthewEncina Ayy, that would be awesome! I live in Southern California, so I'm sure I'd have to travel to wherever it is haha, but it'll be worth it if smooth coffee and smoother keyboards are involved

[@LittleMew133]

For me, the journey is x10 more pleasurable than the end result. I have probably the most budget wonky board ever, but trying all the different mods and making up some in the process + adding touches of personal customization. The journey is really where it's at for keyboards. Or maybe my board is still a clicky, clacky mess so I say that haha.

[@StrudleCutie227]

i just started getting into this hobby, and i felt decision fatigue right off the get-go. so this really is a pat on the back-you'll be okay-kind of video, which i needed. i also just discovered your channel. I love the vibes, cinematography, and editing! keep up the great content! ❤

[@ericxueAAA]

Subscribed! I totally agree with you. Starbucks buyers never understand why someone spend over thousand dollars to buy a Italian made espresso machine, and Razer buyer never understand why we spend 5X money on a mechanically keyboard. It is about the lifestyle and the way to seek personal taste.

[@Ilusm1337]

Every hobby is all about preference. The coffee story is a great example.

[@anthonysetiadi]

ey this is such a good topic to think about and definitely not discussed enough in today’s world of social media! let’s all enjoy the journey 🙌🏼

[@ethanmabilog4356]

Your videography style is so clean. Another Fire video my friend!

[@jeroplane]

I've always been a big researcher. For any hobby, I always become obsessive about finding whatever the "best" version of it is for my price range. Photography equipment, watches, golf clubs, tech gear, coffee equipment (V60 guy here). For some of those, this approach makes sense. But as you've articulated so well, keyboards are a hobby where it's more about appreciating different approaches and there is no "best" version of anything. Like you, I've chased the thock and am now rediscovering the clack of Cherry switches. That's not to say I don't like the thock anymore though. Moreso that I'm learning to appreciate both ends and everything in between. I love Matt's analogy as I think it can apply to the aesthetics of keyboards too. Many of us start out in the hobby liking brightly coloured keycaps, RGB, knobs and other novelties (coffee with milk and sugar), but end up falling back on the simplicity of WoB or Beige and clean and elegant case designs as our endgame (black coffee). I could talk for hours on this topic, but thanks for the thought starters!

[@MatthewEncina]

Once you know why you know better.

[@thecaptainsterling]

Another amazing video. Love this thought process. It’s even making me feel inspired to try some new things!

[@AvinashKunjamboo]

Tristan!!! Thanks so much bro. So keen to see what you cook up soon

[@REZY_]

What a great video man, I loved it. Great topic to touch on!

[@MrKunanake]

Thank for making this clip. It’s make me feel good to keep trying and looking for my perfect one.

[@aytsaga]

Such a great take on decision fatigue. Came for the thumbnail, stayed for the story telling. 10/10

[@AvinashKunjamboo]

Stoked! Thanks so much mate

[@corecombat26]

I joined the hobby with an rk board. Got bored, bought a new one and change it out after a while. though it was just budget boards of 50 bucks, it kinda help shape my preference. As I thought I enjoy the clack, the bakeneko I saved up for got snagged by another buyer so I got myself a 2nd hand kbd67 lite for 75 bucks. It made me rethink about what is endgame and really appreciate more about the journey

[@xSeanok]

Wallet fatigue is where I'm at.

[@Sheista3x]

The production quality of this is amazing! You're going places for sure.

[@melancholic213]

Wow! Couldn't agree more! Since I started this keyboard hobby, way back 2021. I totally had this kind of mindset, here in the Philippines content creators tend to marginalize the thoccy and clacky sound, but what I had realized now is this, the most important thing is the journey of this hobby. Thanks for sharing your thoughts to all the hobbyists here. I really appreciate your content.

[@verrine_s]

I think another thing that makes beginners narrow their view to chase one thing is the high starting out cost of this hobby and also the idea that "one PC one keyboard" which slowly goes away but that for most is there at the starts and limits options because they think they won't want more boards. I think for any hobby it's helpful to take your time and make choices that enable build up, foundational choices that allow you to expand even if it may take more time to acquire or isn't exactly what you want.

[@itsxris]

this was great - love Matt's coffee analogy

[@MatthewEncina]

I think we all can relate. Had a similar conversation with TimKeyLess. I think we need to do a coffee & keeb meetup.

[@itsxris]

@@MatthewEncina 100%, I'll provide the espresso ;)

[@AvinashKunjamboo]

Thanks Xris! Let me save more so I can make it to this meetup hahahaha

[@gittarman]

Avi, this was so beautifully stated and comes right at the right time for a lot of us. We all need that reminder to just take it easy, sit back, and enjoy every single piece of what drives us to enjoy what we love. Everyone has their own journey to their own place; it's really important to remember everyone on that path with us and appreciate their presence.

[@rawbertdogler]

fuckin classic. u have inspired me to try out some keyboard related content. like, with depth beyond sound tests. love ur shit

[@AvinashKunjamboo]

thank you chief. keen to see what you cook up!

[@zenyo223]

Amazing video, thank you for your work!!

[@NordenzurZukunft]

These are incredible. The quality of these videos are insane.

[@Ray.F]

I just subbed because I find this super relatable to my journey in custom keyboards, and your analogy on how the keyboard sound journey is similar to your coffee journey is very clever. I too started chasing thock when I was new, believing that it was the best sound signature ever. Then I skewed heavily to clack, just like you. Now I just embrace how my board sounds regardless of thock or clack. Enjoy the process, not the result.

[@H3Y0o]

Now that I think back, no matter what it is, whether it's keyboard building, coffee, or any other things that we are pursuing.. It's always the journey and process that we hold it dear in our memories, whether it's the pleasant ones or the painful ones. It's hardly the beginning nor the end that we'll remember, and it's magical how this has always been a universal thing all the time.

[@zuuzu5206]

mate what a banger vid

[@sumojo]

Another great video

[@NerdPsycho]

Shoobs' meme videos about the mechanical keyboard rabbit hole totally speaks to this. You go deeper and deeper but yea you're right, the most enjoyable part is the journey no matter where you end up. Hopefully not quitting the hobby of course!

[@bowlofrice33]

As an architectural designer myself, I've gotten trapped in decision fatigue multiple times. When you forget about the process and the journey everything becomes overwhelming and unpleasant. Recently gotten into keyboards and I didn't expect to get a message that resonates beyond my keyboard hobby today. Thanks for that!

[@AvinashKunjamboo]

Glad you enjoyed mate, and also glad it resonates with you! I've just completed my masters in architecture myself so there could be some subtle parallel there!

[@Misfirem]

Genuinely happy I found you. You really create content that's so easy to consume and relate to. Love it, always.

[@AvinashKunjamboo]

Thank you mate! Stoked to have you here

[@michaeljames1334]

wow your video craft is so far above all other keyboard content creators. this is WILD how good your channel is.

[@AvinashKunjamboo]

thank you so much mate! means a whole lot to me.

[@isthiskyle]

such a great video! love this introspective type format where it's much more than just the keyboard (and more about the journey!)

[@reispective]

Really, your videos are amazing, and your take in this hobby along with Matthew Encina is really different from other keyboard-related content creators (they're great too!). You guys took it through unique perspective and view it from another side, which is more introspective, both objective and subjective. Rather than talking about the keyboard, you talk about the one who build the keyboard (preferences and stuff) and i think it's very interesting. Keep up the good work! *That's exactly why that hobbies with different approach of each person such as model kit, mechanical keyboard, photography, and music really intrigues me :)

[@AvinashKunjamboo]

Thank you so so much man! I really appreciate you saying this - I had almost scrapped this vid bc I wasn't sure if this style of vid would stick since it's so far removed from reviewing a product so I'm so stoked that you can relate to the message, and appreciate my scuffed take on things haha.

[@tunasu9182]

agree, getting too attached to something for a long period of time only makes you bored of it faster

[@jovantay521]

Beautiful video, baffled by your cinematography as always. Really glad you made this video as I'm going through a similar process right now, in fact your clacky qk65 video was what got me started exploring stuff outside the popular thock sound with tons of foam stuffed into a keyboard

[@AvinashKunjamboo]

Thanks so much man, glad the message resonates with ya! Also soz if I've led you down a certain path with keyboards HAHA

[@chrisdotdash5154]

This is a really awesome and relatable video. It’s a great topic to talk about.

[@jolorenzo815]

Can I just say I LOOOOOOOOVE how the 3:2 aspect ratio forces me to watch your videos in FULLSCREEN! just WOW! amazing content as usual Avi!

[@DouglasWiseRogers]

I love this video dude. The style, the aesthetic, the topic...everything. I'm new to the hobby and currently consuming everything possible. So coming across something like this just makes my day. I am definitely on the left side of the chart and I'll start to appreciate my descent over to the right side. Cheers mate.

[@AvinashKunjamboo]

Glad to hear it resonates with you man! Hope you enjoy the journey 🙏🙏

[@sorna9466]

Jade box is the best sound, change my mind **sips canned coffee** Great video Avi. Looking forward to see more of your videos

[@Amiro05]

oh my god this video was incredible! from the fresh outside shots (as well as the editing style and incredible usual shot styles) to the actual content of it. In my opinion everything you said was true and pretty well researched, even more so if I compare it to my coffee and my keyboard journey's, either way, AMAZING video man! GREAT work :)

[@AvinashKunjamboo]

Ayy thank you bro! Really appreciate it, stoked to see you around here.

[@Amiro05]

@@AvinashKunjamboo always bro :)

[@chaikey]

I couldn’t agree more with your point, as I’ve been leaning towards clackier sound signatures after being in the hobby for some time. Absolutely beautiful video, first time seeing your content and I’m absolutely blown away by the quality across the board.

[@AvinashKunjamboo]

So glad you can relate to the video man! Thanks so much

[@sonicase]

if you(someone) can get to a meetup then it really helps you decide what kind of things you might like..

[@HireMichaelEverson]

I bought my Ikki65 Aurora because it was the same price as one of those gaming boards that looked like a toy. I wanted something subtle, simple, heavy. Then I bought some NK cream switches because I saw Aviary do a build and I liked the sound. My caps I picked out were the coolest set they had for under $50 on Banggood. Overall it was a great experience and I can see how someone could get obsessed with it. Thing is no one else I know gives a crap about keyboards so I get to just enjoy using it without everyone pushing their preferences on me. It's just mine.

[@thatUtsavRatti]

Loved this. Having just gotten into the hobby and started my YT journey in parallel, two months in I’m feeling the pressure of churning out content once a week and that’s taking a bit away from my own journey. This video helped center me and the coffee analogy is perfect. :)

[@Shivartin]

Wow, the script and production of this video are so great. I really enjoyed your journey.

[@AvinashKunjamboo]

Thank you so much!

[@CheeseTurbulence]

Great content as usual and great analogy, man I'm so envious! Haha 😅

[@AvinashKunjamboo]

Thank you boss!!! Hahaha

[@cyanotypes]

your approach to visuals is what got me interested but to see you take on a whole new perspective on the hobby and discuss it is even more refreshing to see! keep it going avi!

[@AvinashKunjamboo]

Thanks so much dude! Stoked to see you here again and even more stoked that the messaging is somewhat relatable in the vid!

[@RAZGRIZist]

After watching this video, i noticed that every board that i purchased, it just started to sound the same; foamy, creamy, marbly. And i decided to remove all the foam in my keyboards. And maigod the results were amazing. Each board has its own sound. It is not the same anymore. even if i used the same switch, each board has their distinct acoustics. Thank you Avi!

[@aenonvelasquez2334]

This got me subscribed! This video is a breath of fresh air from the usual modding and sound test, which, I enjoy as well. 😊 Looking forward to the next one!

[@Microck]

Man how does every video you produce get better and better? Also, I think FOMO is a really big factor in the keyboard community with all these group-buys and limited stock products, atleast thats my opinion ^^

[@MatthewEncina]

"Hype, FOMO, and Regret" could be a fantastic subject for Avi to explore.

[@Microck]

@@MatthewEncina Would love to see a video on that topic for sure

[@AvinashKunjamboo]

Hugely! Definitely going into the notebook of ideas. Thanks for the kind words too mate

[@Zeraphor]

Cool type of video regarding mechanical keyboards and all hobbies in general. It's cliché but if it is meant to be a hobby you might as well enjoy the ride. Most beginners ask for "What's the best ..." but while going down the rabbit hole of any hobby you'll find wise people telling you to slow down and enjoy the process of figuring stuff out on the way to "endgame". I am very early in my coffe hobby state but I speak from experience in audiophile / headphone enthusiasts and mechanical pencil entrepreneurs world.

[@AvinashKunjamboo]

big big time agree mate. the title of this vid will probably change toward the end of the year but for now i just wanted to zone into keyboards and coffee as that's what i mostly know!

[@AnzelLmao]

Incredible analogy and so well said. This message rings so true just not in this hobby but in almost any other nice hobby as well. Banger after banger, you're here to stay, Avi!

[@AvinashKunjamboo]

Thank you my guy! As you already know, keen to see where we can push things!

[@thesupertrooper]

loving the insights but better yet I loved the video style :)

[@billyduarte5422]

the hobby that never ends😅 diving into the rabbit hole and finding out what materials affect acoustics or how to achieve different typing feels were always the reasons why I loved this hobby so much. thanks for another great video!

[@AvinashKunjamboo]

So true bro! Possibilities are limitless as they say. Stoked to have you around here again man

[@Tassanamm]

The aesthetic is insane as always, but the topic and the way you talk about it is somehow better lol. I'll say it again, I really love the everyday person viewpoint you bring to the keyboard conversation. Somehow when you engage a lot into a hobby we just went to find an endgame and found some other people opinion to latch on to to reach said endgame, and I find this to be a really good reminder to enjoy what makes us get into the hobby at first.

[@AvinashKunjamboo]

Thank you so much man, I really really appreciate it - coming from a personal angle is always tricky so I'm glad that my vids resonate with ya!

[@eunicereinhold7959]

It’s been a year since I entered the keyboard space, and I never once stopped scouring for “the best _____.” Thank you for reminding me to enjoy and experience what is out there (not just with keebs). I’ll watch this video again and again.

[@korun_7275]

the feel of this vid and all the rest of your vids is sooo good. this channel is as underrated as glarses in 2020

[@AvinashKunjamboo]

what a damn compliment thank you man

[@korun_7275]

@@AvinashKunjamboo tried to be as creative as possible with that one haha

[@piptaz04]

thank you for this. as someone who already started losing some interest in the hobby and chasing endgame boards. this was a refresher.

[@AvinashKunjamboo]

Thank you man. Hoping to have more of these discussions into the future!!

[@piptaz04]

@@AvinashKunjamboo looking forward to your Monokei Standard vid

[@aarond9563]

This is my first video of yours... and my goodness... the cinematography, editing, music, lighting, sound... it all had no right being this good for such a seemingly simple video. Genuinely great stuff in less than 5 minutes. Bravo! This is the type of color grading for me. Currently in the process of trying to find a new hobby.

[@AvinashKunjamboo]

Thank you so much my friend!!! You have no idea how much that means to me. Appreciate it!

[@aarond9563]

@@AvinashKunjamboo of course

[@AkshatKabra98]

The most beautiful video I've ever seen related to this keyboard hobby. Brilliant point put forward, and a great way to explain it.

[@mhk5692]

The editing, the topic, the flow of the video is awesome. 👏 i hope your channel will keep on growing

[@bridgertower]

Love everything about this. Thank you for making.

[@AvinashKunjamboo]

Thank you!

[@itspchu]

wow the production quality of this video is absolutely mint. gives me goosebumps

[@snakeplissken5969]

Really digging your videos and takes on the hobby.

[@realandrisbiedrins]

It's all about the journey in the end! Great video

[@siegekeebs]

The biggest issue with things like keyboards compared to coffee is how expensive it is to just 'try' so many different things in this hobby. Especially since it blew up during COVID and there weren't meetups happening and the like to be able to try out and experiment and find out what you like and appreciate different builds. I know you can resell things, but that's almost a second job in itself and you have to worry about getting scammed. I totally agree with your parellel though, and while I have my preferences, I really love trying different keyboards, and switches and examining the nuances between them.

[@AvinashKunjamboo]

Yeah I totally agree man. Honestly wish I had included how high the bar for entry is financially with this hobby. I know it was a major issue for me when getting started just under a year ago so thanks for bringing that up! Glad the message resonated with you though!

[@pcov7692]

This video was kind of therapeutic for me. Nicely done.

[@JayDinhh]

Dude this video was so beautifully put together

[@AvinashKunjamboo]

thank you man!!

[@hkkeyboardguy]

really enjoying this video havent seen such a high quality keyboard content in youtube for quite a while

[@Flybeck]

Really love your style of videos.

[@kimbrandon]

love the vibe

[@joentell]

I enjoyed this video. Thanks for making it.

[@AvinashKunjamboo]

thanks for stopping by!

[@hongwei4809]

This deserves so much more views, love your content!

[@AvinashKunjamboo]

thank you so much!

[@Maitreya3001]

You could make a video about just about anything and I'd be in love with it. Your editing is so nice and relaxing. But yeah, nice video and helped me to step back from my current decision fatigue haha

[@AvinashKunjamboo]

Haha thank you and I'm so glad it helped!!

[@2ooshska]

This is so relatable. Made me appreciate where I'm at right now!

[@AvinashKunjamboo]

Love that man! Best news

[@softlymuttering]

All aboard the journey train, next stop: your own stop

[@Clau5380]

I had this issue too!! This video is well explained!! The thing is, I would buy a board and build it, then I would end up getting disappointed because it’s not what I expect it to sound. I would sell it and probably lose money and it repeats over and over and over again. The thing that people should understand is that the board that you built is unique. Enjoy it for what it is!! Amazing content btw!

[@AvinashKunjamboo]

love that take! and it's so so expensive to experiment hahaha. appreciate the kind words man!

[@harywuu]

Great job

[@isaacbtw2467]

Such a good topic to talk about, I'm now getting into the hobby with the qk65 and this is really something to ponder when it comes to choosing what I want on it and how I want to do it!

[@Wongsquared]

Your vids are always so beautiful. Get this man a docuseries. And agreed, experimentation is the path to finding something truthfully beautiful.

[@jhiosipin1579]

Dude I swear your aesthetic is so chill. You remind me so much of a friend in college. Coincidentally, you also look a bit like him. Love the content as usual! :)

[@AvinashKunjamboo]

hahaha thank you man, really appreciate it!

[@jhiosipin1579]

@@AvinashKunjamboo Anyway what font is that bro?

[@flug_rost]

Just a simple typeface-choice-appreciation comment :) love your style and the always fresh thoughts you bring to these videos mate

[@jesuscostantino2925]

Wow, man. This was an unexpectedly great watch. And I think I actually learned something, maybe even about myself?

[@AvinashKunjamboo]

So glad something stuck with you man! Appreciate you dropping a comment here

[@sviz]

Love this sort of take a step back approach

[@AvinashKunjamboo]

Thank you Mr Sviz! Stoked to have you back

[@sparkplugbarrens]

Wow, I really like this, a whole video that is about culture and personal preference around keyboards, that's so refreshing, when most videos are at least a little bit commercial! More of that please :D I also like, what alexotos often emphasizes: it's all preference and spend responsively :)

[@sparkplugbarrens]

I ordered a qk65 with gateron oil kings for thocc and a tenet70 with tecsee coffee chip ice cream for clack to have both ends of the spectrum. I rally can't wait, I already built 2 tm680 for my mother and my girlfriend, but I am still typing on my slightly modded asus falchion:D

[@AvinashKunjamboo]

Love it bro! And I'm so stoked that the message of the video resonates with you - it's such a tricky topic to cover so I'm glad that it all comes across!

[@frebasaurus2331]

soooo relatable, literally the exact same thing for me. First thock, then big clack, then now im finding myself enjoy a lot of the middle grounds, and experimenting more. love the vid dude :D

[@AvinashKunjamboo]

Thanks so much bro! Stoked to see you here again!

[@srcuyo]

nice video, i really enjoyed. I think a lot of people are turning toxic in this hobby, hating layouts, features, settings... being disrespectful. And about the journey i also realize that some mods turn the keyboard into a sound profile but loossing what the designers try to give us. I guess less mods is more keyboard, show us truly the keyboard design. I dont use home made pe foam mod or case foam. I just take what the keyboard gives, and i will try to not lub the switches because i notice that sometimes mutes the switch a little bit.

[@Desmond987]

Your videos are really enjoyable to watch! Great quality production!

[@AvinashKunjamboo]

Thank you so much mate!

[@karan.chauhan]

this is really amazing. really love how you explained the whole process. truly relatable.

[@AvinashKunjamboo]

Thank you my guy! So stoked you like it

[@xJaGG3d]

gorgeous video, and gorgeous concept.

[@raytsh]

Great video! I just recently started getting into MK, but I have been into coffee for many years. I really like the Onion switches shown in the video!

[@tamegaming1768]

The bakeneko60's the board that changed my mind on thock. I still enjoy it, but I bought the bakeneko more so wanting to feel what a real gasket would feel like. After building with MX blacks I was blown away how good it sounded and have stuck with gummy o ring since.

[@AvinashKunjamboo]

I still have yet to try a bakeneko! One day I'll be blessed with trying an o ring keyboard haha.

[@keebaholics3050]

Well, no foam does not mean it is clacky. It just means what you are hearing is rather a true combination of your keyboard + switches + plate rather than pe foam. There are keyboards that actually sound deep and better without pe foam but makers actually put in pe foam cuz it is the current trend. I bought the Jelly Epoch obsessing the pe foam now. Now I rarely touch it at all lol.

[@KiiboWorks]

This is why it's a little hard for me let go of keyboards and other stuff I need to sell, I look into the specifics, buy it, join the community surrounding it and we wait in anticipation.

[@AvinashKunjamboo]

HAHA all for the content

[@kietskeeb]

loving this vibe and the topic of this video

[@shawndrums9772]

Yet another amazing video. 100/10 sir!

[@AvinashKunjamboo]

Thanks bossman!

[@keywolf23]

The keyboard hobby needs more of this kind of content! I'm surprised to say, it can't be typing tests and builds all the time. We need to talk about things while we wait for our GBs. This introspective video was refreshing, keep it up!

[@AvinashKunjamboo]

Haha thank you man! I really appreciate it! sometimes it's real nice to look back and reflect on all the sick things this hobby has achieved so I definitely am keen to make more vids like this in the future

[@davidccardenas724]

Love your style of shooting your videos, subscriber gained. Keep up the good work.

[@AvinashKunjamboo]

thank you so much mate!