Tired of the TOFU? Try the BIRD Instead! O-Ring Mounted Freebird FB60 (Stuffed with Gat Browns!)

[@emer_ld6525]

I like birds

[@Jullanxo]

👍

[@chunkymilk1288]

🐓🕊🦢🦃🦩🐥🐣🦆🦅🦉

[@n-fission2396]

Ayo it's Android 16

[@grapechowder5445]

😩

[@Keybored]

A new menu item!

[@tokaku]

great video as per usual. I'd get this but the weird south/north/horizontal switches is a bit of a turn off

[@Keybored]

Thanks tokaku! I appreciate it. I was told that the freebird can take arrow keys thanks to the odd horizontal switch placement. But when you see it for the first time, you're like uhhh what is going on here lol

[@tokaku]

@@Keybored on an arrow keys configuration, are the switches placed upright or still horizontal? sorry for the dumb question

[@Keybored]

Not a problem at all! Certain keys on the bottom row will stay horizontal. I believe the intention was to be able to allow for small adjustments left and right, since if you flip the switch 90 degrees, then the hot swap sockets go vertical, and allows for small side to side movements. I think the idea was novel, just unconventional :)

[@cpeir8460]

Agree

[@ThockyDocKey]

awesome stuff. Got my freebird and it's my favorite board as of the moment. Did some modifications with the mounting system and converted it into a "gasket" mounted one and the result is very good

[@JaeyouPark]

The B-rolls are dreammmyyy my friend! glad you covered the "prototype difference" section that I couldn't cover in my video :)

[@Keybored]

Thanks bro! Glad you could stop by! I enjoyed your take on the freebird as well!

[@3lea.strato]

this one sounds and looks amazing! am a fan of the simple look with the fancy feet. I do wish that most entry keebs remain in stock since they're almost impossible to get T^T since they get sold out in minutes, plus the idea of group buys for new comers (who are mostly the target audience for these keyboards) the wait kinda sucks XD no wonder the gk61 and its other siblings are still being bought and noticed because of its continuous availability (at least in my country).

[@Keybored]

Yeah, that's always a challenge with the keyboard kits... the availability is so tight. But with more manufacturers jumping in, I hope that the availability will continue to improve and make the barrier of entry into this hobby easier!

[@kevinhin8211]

I saw on the KFB discord that the fb60 is actually going to an instock item after the gb

[@8bitsamurai6]

This board and website is underrated. I've had the old pcb and plate. Been looking forward to this kit. Love the build. Wish that set was in cherry profile.

[@Keybored]

They will be doing a few tweaks, and I hope the final production results come out as nice as the prototype felt!

[@therealponsoy2843]

All these Entry Customs are really starting to sound good. Too good...

[@Keybored]

I know right?! I'm starting to wonder what the differences between the high end and lower end will be in the future. Most likely will be materials and designs more than anything

[@joosepluhamaa5075]

@@Keybored yeah and the name...

[@shakir4969]

@@Keybored exclusivity and uniqueness. For example, when people figured out how to make cheap keyboard sound like Jelly epoch which is the standard when it comes to good sounding keyboard, they'll say the keyboard are lacking personality.

[@mcboi64]

The Tofu60 deep blue was sold, so I just now bought the Navy Freebird FB60. If it wasn't for your video I would've probably been just waiting around so thank you!

[@Keybored]

:) Glad to help!

[@Mike-ei8qj]

Damm, it seema legit, comes with everything for a good price. However, I'm pretty sure horizontally mounted switches can have problems in the future. I once accidentally put on my keycaps the wrong way (east/west facing switch) on an OP Black switch and the result was that it cannot be kept on tightly in the correct ways (north/south facing). Maybe it's just a jwk thing but probably could potentially ruin a switch down the line. It can affect both the sw and the cap since the + of the stem might not be a perfect + but longer one way over another. Edit: I tried it on a gat yellow and the tightness really reduced, although not as drastic as op blacks. Also I used gmk, n+t and geekark to test.

[@Keybored]

That is definitely a concern, and was really interesting to see in this application

[@8bitsamurai6]

It's not that big of a deal for just the one. I've had there original pcb and plate and it's held up really well. The case is std 60 so you can also use a another pcb to your liking.

[@Mike-ei8qj]

@@8bitsamurai6 yes, maybe using another pcb is a solution! It's an entry board so losing a budget switch/keycap would not matter as much but hopefully no one ruins thier expensive wyse switch or gmk cap :)

[@chiuuuuuuuuuu]

The usb-c cut out is quite large, i think this kit is a good candidate for further modding? I would try stack 2 o rings or maybe o-ring gasket it. Anyways, thank you Scott for making me spend more money. I'm joining the gb😂😂 Great video as usual 👍👍👏

[@jalexanderc]

that's a satisfying spacebar

[@Keybored]

:) Spacebar is that one thing that's love or hate lol

[@romanuslureaus2176]

That's a nice and slick looking keyboard.

[@Keybored]

It does have some great design for sure

[@MonochromaticScale]

High production as always :) you plug your affiliate links so smoothly that it doesn’t even feel like product placement

[@Keybored]

Thank you Corina! I really don't want the channel to be some kind of product commercial, so I try my best to not over emphasize. But the affiliates have been really helpful to get products to keep the content going, or support with the main content topic, so I'm grateful :)

[@8bitsamurai6]

It's also a great kit to put your own 60 plate and pcb in aswell.

[@Keybored]

It actually feels surprisingly premium... They did a good job with the case

[@shiraajmallick4482]

Torn between going for the ikki68 or the freebird but damn that brown sound great. Awesome video

[@Keybored]

I know right? Who knew that browns could sound thoccy?

[@romo9592]

Nice review as always! I think this board has some really good ideas, but the unconventional orientation of some of the switches could be annoying with certain Cherry keycaps (that lone R3 north facing one, namely). I think that a better option would be to have modular standoffs in the case so that you don't have to design the PCB around them. But of course, I think that would add to production complexity that will increase the prices of the kit. But for the price and how robust this kit is trying to be without getting expensive, I think this is a good pick. The keyboard market is making the same shift as the phone market has 6 years ago: Good keyboards are becoming cheaper and more accessible. Good examples include the GMMK Pro and the KBD67 Lite.

[@Keybored]

Yup! It definitely is becoming more prevalent, more accessible, with great technology that is trickling down! Good to see the hobby change in that way! But I do agree with you on the PCB... not sure why that single center one is like that...

[@NugenEnigma]

Great video as always! But I must admit, I was looking forward to seeing how this board sounded with the ol' reliable butyl sound deadener + zip n fit liner. :P

[@Keybored]

I agree with you! It's bit on the hollow side, and better dampening will definitely benefit it more

[@CaloysKeyboards]

Great video, as always! That single north-facing switch right on row 3 is a pretty baffling choice. Do you know if this is a prototype thing? On their website, they have conflicting photos. One shows the PCB with the north-facing socket, and another shows switches mounted and they're all south-facing on row 3. This would be a dealbreaker since most of my keycaps are Cherry profile.

[@algaez8809]

very good question, hope this gets answered

[@Keybored]

You know, I asked the vendor but didn't get an answer yet. Let me try pressing them again

[@algaez8809]

@@Keybored I asked another person and they said they didn’t interfere, however more responses the better

[@CaloysKeyboards]

@@Keybored Thanks for your service, Scott 😊

[@CaloysKeyboards]

@@algaez8809 It's hard to base it off personal experience since it can vary depending on switch and keycap set. And some people may not even perceive it happening.

[@no-man_baugh]

"Who doesn't like doggies? probably the same people who don't like keyboards" So Ergo Bros?

[@Keybored]

Lol... that may be true

[@christiaaan7681]

Looks like a good entry level keeb

[@Keybored]

Indeed! You get a lot for the money I feel

[@rockytliu]

Great video as always.... I'm 1 month into this hobby and after watching this I might just pull the trigger on this board. Cna't help but notice, colon and apostrpohe keys are swapped?

[@M00NLGHT]

I really like your content keep it up :]

[@Keybored]

Thank you so much! I appreciate it!

[@scottwangkl8882]

GMK Hennessy looking clean

[@Keybored]

Definitely a clean set for sure! I love it!

[@riduls9137]

Mine just arrived

[@noahhyun3172]

IDK if the mt3 profile keycaps are masking the sound, but those stock browns sound pretty good

[@Keybored]

They surprisingly sound good... Its crazy that these are stock stock out of the bag

[@WoollyMittens]

Using a few washers doesn't make it anything but a tray mount. Which is absolutely fine. No need to tart it up.

[@Keybored]

O-rings go a long way on tray mounts!

[@johnsfilmsllc]

This looks like a serious keyboard and for the price…wow…frankly I thought the GMMK Pro was a steal for the aluminum but….wow.

[@Keybored]

You actually get so much with this little kit!

[@johnsfilmsllc]

@@Keybored I think I might get it for my kiddo to learn how to build a keyboard!

[@Keybored]

@@johnsfilmsllc :) Would make a fun activity!

[@shadowmurder1918]

The gmmk pro is actually a pretty decent deal as its gasket mounted which is okay, and it is 75% which people who like their function keys and arrow keys will want

[@johnsfilmsllc]

@@shadowmurder1918 Which is me…I’ve ended up with three of them :). One at work, one at work from home desk and one at gaming/editing desk

[@iamalolz]

At least glarses now knows why he's getting so many browns

[@Keybored]

Haha. If they're cap browns, he should try them out!

[@comishio]

Looks great for the price. Sounds kind of hollow, would probably benefit a lot from tape mod or pcb/plate foam.

[@Keybored]

It would definitely benefit from different foam in my opinion. Something like Zip-N-Fit or even a combo of that and butyl noise dampener.

[@twofu967]

@@Keybored Hey I’m getting this kit, could you explain the zip n fit dampener? that’s sound wild lol

[@NoNo-iq1zz]

What dampening material do you suggest to use instead of the stock silicone . Great video by the way!

[@TUNAKUH]

my tofu has screws that are stuck in the standoffs, yeah im getting this

[@Keybored]

:) It's a polished tofu

[@siegekeebs]

Maybe worth mentioning that the stems/bottom housings of gateron cap switches are not compatible with other mx switches.

[@Keybored]

Yup! This is true!

[@willemsif]

I love it 💕💕💕💕

[@Keybored]

Thank you so much!

[@ChuckDeath]

What are those BOW Keycaps? Love the lowercase font on mods lol

[@Keybored]

They're GMK Hennessey!

[@algaez8809]

Is there switch interference when you use them because I saw that someone pointed out that there is a north-facing switch on R3

[@gr.7media]

Is there a 65% version?

[@Keybored]

As of right now, I was told only 60%!

[@gr.7media]

@@Keybored can only hope it comes in a 65% soon! Best layout

[@levkr_]

I think the pcb is compatible with the 64 key layout, so you can still have arrows with the 60% configuration

[@gr.7media]

@@levkr_ Ok, cool

[@VALCARRY]

Please also make review on Gateron CAP Black Crystal V2! It is available on aliexpress

[@Keybored]

Those look very interesting actually! I will have to try to get a batch

[@VALCARRY]

@@Keybored Awesome

[@xlancelot081]

did keebforall also send you FB TKL ?

[@Keybored]

Yup, will have a review out on it this week

[@Mirko0128]

Excellent video as always! I’m planning on buying the case only for $75. I’m not so sure but it’s compatible with other 60% PCBs like the DZ60 right?

[@gonulsener2155]

It is compatible with dz60 :)

[@Keybored]

From what I heard, it should be compatible with other PCB's also! The case is the highlight of the keyboard for sure!

[@MarvelousWonder]

gateron brown can be this good wdf

[@Keybored]

I know right?! It's stock too... It was mind boggling. But then again, all the new V2 Cap switches have been very good for the price.

[@nicholasyudi]

Gotta establish a difference between o ring mount (bakeneko) and burger mount

[@Keybored]

Yup, they are indeed different mounting methods!

[@travistran6868]

Man I love the keyboard but I’m more interested in the switches. Would you say that they’re a good light tactile to pick up or do you have any other recommendations?

[@Keybored]

I would definitely say that... I don't like browns... they're not this or that... but the cap browns are different because they sound so nice :)

[@Eyez023]

I feel like the klippe has done everything here allready and has been out for years.

[@Keybored]

I think the major difference is the price point :)

[@birhb6372]

0:40 I dont like dogs bc I'm allergic to them and get rashes when I'm near them, but I like keyboards

[@Keybored]

:)

[@patchcs]

The cap browns more tactile? I don't think I caught if you mentioned.

[@Keybored]

I believe the tactility is similar, but the smoothness and bottom out is definitely nicer :)

[@grapechowder5445]

I swear you can make brown switches sound great… idk how you do it lol….. And quick question would you get this or the bakeneko on a budget?

[@Keybored]

It's the CAP V2 Browns! They did a good job of making their new cap switches sound good. Between this and the Bakeneko, they're a bit different. If you're looking to focus mainly on the typing feel and sound, the Bakeneko offers that in heaps. If you can't stand the painted finish and some of the roughness with Bakeneko, and want something looks and feels more premium, then the Bird.

[@grapechowder5445]

@@Keybored was thinking the same thing... might try to get the bakenko next time it comes back into stock... if i can.

[@Keybored]

@@grapechowder5445 I hope they do soon! Hope they also improve the paint smoothness a bit too. Then it would be killer!

[@JLx22]

it's also the keycaps...

[@trashbytes]

I participated in the group buy and can't wait to finally make this my first premium keyboard. I've also ordered a switch tester with 9 different switches to help me decide which switches I wanna go with. I initially considered getting the Keychron Q1 instead of this one, but ultimately decided to go with the FB60. Mainly because of how nice this looks but also because I want a slightly smaller layout than what I currently have (MF68) which is already smaller than the Q1. Is the mix of north/south and horizontal facing switches noticeable when fully assembled? Are there visible alignment issues or something like that? Can it be felt in any way? Because this is basically 60% standard I could always swap the PCB down the road if I wanted to, right?

[@Keybored]

Hi Tobias! You are correct, many 60% keyboards can swap PCB and still work fine. The FB60 is a very attractive keyboard. If you're looking for that look, it's not a bad option at all!

[@trashbytes]

@@Keybored Thanks! I ordered some POM Sunflowers. Now I just need some keycaps. Since SA is friggin expensive I think I might go with XDA. There seems to be an abundance of them on the German Amazon for pretty cheap.

[@grandeteddy]

the cap browns have a pretty light spring weight don't they?

[@Keybored]

Yeah they do. Overall, the switch is a very mild mannered switch, the lazy sunday switch lol. But the Cap version is surprisingly smooth and sound good.

[@fnvfanMSPR]

Also, is there a keyboard that is lower than the freebird? I hate bending my wrist too much and I'm not a fan of wrist wrests

[@Keybored]

Hmm... I believe there are many others out there with a lower case height! For example, my KBD8X MKii is actually pretty low, where you don't need a wrist rest. The Bakeneko is also lower than the freebird as well! I believe even the KBD67 Lite

[@fnvfanMSPR]

@@Keybored I use the lite r2 without the bumpons atm

[@shmijda5453]

60% with arrow key option? Alu case? Comes with durock v2's? I want this

[@Keybored]

It's a very nicely finished keyboard! It looks really put together and "pretty"

[@richardowennn]

nice

[@Keybored]

Thanks!

[@Soji.in4k]

Would u recommend this over the bakeneko60?

[@Keybored]

This has a better finish, etc. but Bake does have better sound and feel for sure

[@avapire2359]

Not enough colors; I would love to use it but the tofu just comes with more customization and it’s always in stock. And there’s a lot of mods

[@Keybored]

Tofu definitely has more options and mods right now. I think the major difference with this is that everything comes included :)

[@christiaaan7681]

Do you know if they plan on making a 65%/60%+arrow keys version?

[@Keybored]

They are doing just the 60% for now, but the freebird can actually take arrow keys right now!

[@JusWin646_]

Anyone know oring size for the standoffs?

[@avngr_alter]

hey, you said iso-options, so do you mean an iso layout with the iso enter key is supported? i cant find other information that says this? and im not sure if hotswap pcbs can support both iso and ansi...?

[@Keybored]

That's what the vendor told me! The enter key hot swap sockets go both north and south lol. I assume so that it allows for the ISO enter key to fit!

[@SweetrThanYu]

Hi! Your 5% discount code doesn’t seem to work for me. Is it the correct code?

[@Keybored]

Oooh i reached out to the vendor and they said they removed the discount code foe the GB... Sorry about that!

[@FloorCrunch]

so you can't use GMK keycaps on this board then, right? (because of the different switch directions)

[@Keybored]

You can still use GMK caps, since most of the switches are actually south facing. Even with north facing boards, certain switches have no problems with cherry profile caps :)

[@DirtyGingy]

I still don't like 60%, but it looks clean

[@Keybored]

:) Hi Dirty Gingy. Thanks for stopping by

[@slackdm]

Hi! Which keycap set is this?

[@Keybored]

The white/blue/grey one is the MT3 Camillo Cap set from Drop!

[@aaryavyas8869]

Can I use this keyboard for MacBook Air

[@Keybored]

The keyboard should work fine, but the Mac functions might not!

[@diostaylow]

Hi, i have been eyeing for this for like weeks now, what bothers me is the pcb, cause i saw/read that you can have 64keys with dedicated arrow keys on the pcb, is it a 2 in 1 layout? Or a separate layout? I don’t see the option to choose between the layouts of the pcbs’ on their site. Hehe

[@Keybored]

Yeah, the PCB is supposed to be flexible enough to accommodate all the layouts... I haven't done this myself, so not sure how it turns out in practice.

[@diostaylow]

@@Keybored I guess you can do both layouts in 1 pcb hehehe thanks for responding, your content is dope!

[@blzk12]

Why can't we get a good in stock 65% keeb :(

[@Keybored]

I hope in the future, there are more and more options!

[@blzk12]

@@Keybored I hope that is going to be the case. I'm in the market for my first custom keyboard and after doing a lot of research, I know exactly what I want. The problem is, I can't find any suitable in-stock options for a gasket mounted 65% without the arrow gap. Your videos have helped me a lot, in seeing the possible ways to mod different mounting styles to be less stiff, but I'd still ideally like to get a gasket mounted keeb. What would you do in my shoes? Would you join a group buy for a keyboard that fits my criteria, or get an in-stock tray mounted one and mod it. If the latter, what kit would you recommend? I saw your video on the NK65, which is restocking Q4 2021 and it seemed like a decent option, would you recommend it?

[@jiangxina9566]

Do you prefer alu, Pom or fr4 plates?

[@Keybored]

I think I would probably put it in this order for me. FR4 - POM - Aluminum. Not sure what it is about aluminum, but I always felt it was a bit boring. Just my preference!

[@nbacX85]

Can't get rid of wire ping with XHT-BDZ, how you lubed your Stabz with it?

[@Keybored]

I find the XHT-BDZ just so-so. Too much and it felt crazy sluggish and too little, it rattles. Holee mod with the Krytox 205 I think is best

[@leeshenn8075]

yo, great content as always, what do you think of the xht-bdz? I've been using it recently but I think i might prefer dieelectric grease more due to the syringe-ness

[@Keybored]

I have mixed feelings about the XHT. Too much and things feel sluggish and too little it rattles... I prefer the holee mod with the 205!

[@brettsolem]

Any issues with ?/ being to the right of the arrow keys in casual typing?

[@Keybored]

I didn't have any issues :)

[@bluesun_0]

will it be in perpetual stock or will it be GB(s) only ?

[@keebsforall8406]

We are launching with a short GB, but after it's over, everything from the kit will be perpetually in-stock :)

[@abmeight08]

The case actually looks a lot like PSD60.

[@Keybored]

Clean looking case!

[@abmeight08]

@@Keybored better than Tofu's sharp edges for sure.

[@fnvfanMSPR]

dumb question but can you mount it without using o-rings

[@Keybored]

You sure can!

[@fnvfanMSPR]

@@Keybored Thanks

[@JDubz303]

what are the key caps at 1:10?

[@Keybored]

It's the Milkyway Caps PBT Lord!

[@l.mrteera]

Is it possible to put BT60 PCB and the battery into this case?

[@Keybored]

Hmm... I don't believe there is enough room, since there is no little cut out below.

[@CodeXCDM]

Lynyrd Skynyrd approved?

[@Keybored]

Oh for sure!

[@uwaa4467]

bird

[@Keybored]

bird!

[@deccapod8957]

Is there a Freebird FB65?

[@Keybored]

Unfortunately, I think the 60 is the only one available for now

[@deccapod8957]

@@Keybored ooof

[@leeshenn8075]

doggies!

[@Keybored]

Yup!

[@xornedge8204]

Are there any 96% cases?

[@Keybored]

Not in this version!

[@Dark._]

Browns = thocc

[@Keybored]

Who knew right?

[@benji8690]

thats STOCK??!!

[@Keybored]

Absolutely! It's crazy that they're stock switches and sound like that lol

[@gentlyrolls]

so u're just gonna say toothpaste without going further...

[@Keybored]

yup! It's the same consistency of toothpaste, feels like toothpaste and becomes a huge mess all over the place. I'll have to keep trying to play with it to see if it's worth considering in the future, or just ditch it all together

[@vukandrejic]

You just made the most detailed review of this kit 🙌 I know people more versed in the hobby can see things like pcb switch layouts on geekhack photos but, at least for me, this answered a lot of questions and I just found my first custom so into the rabbit hole 🚀 Thank you

[@Keybored]

:) You're very welcome! Just glad to hear that it was helpful!

[@splitzkee_]

#tofukiller

[@Keybored]

:) Variety is always good

[@lemonsquares9888]

"imagine toothpaste" um toothpaste is abrasive. so you're telling me it makes the switches scratchy?

[@StaticPA]

I'm sure he's talking about the consistency, not the teeth cleaning properties of the lube

[@Keybored]

Yup! They're super thick like toothpaste. Not sure I actually like it at all...

[@kabes1776]

Just buy a bm65

[@Keybored]

I'm not sure if the BM65 comes with an aluminum case

[@jelmerkuperus9078]

Needs lube…

[@ergodicity]

Durock, copycat

[@Keybored]

Everyone copying off everyone it seems haha

[@ergodicity]

@@Keybored JWK/Durock cloned ZealPC's Tealious switch and also ZealPC's stabs.