Why Are Some Keyboards More Expensive? Featuring KBDFANS ODIN 1800

[@Keybored]

A Quick Update! The KBDFans ODIN GB Pricing was $319, but the in-stock pricing is now $350. Just a quick heads up on the change since I called out the GB pricing on the video!

[@Mintium]

bro really wrote an essay💀

[@romain3135]

it's now 405$ dude

[@lawrencetchen]

Scott, you're absolutely finding your niche in this saturated mech keeb field that has just basic reviews and sound tests. Lean in to it, and those who love the science will flock to you. Keep up the great work!

[@Keybored]

:) I hope so! It takes more effort and time, but I feel it may be helpful to the community and will have to keep at it! Can't guarantee every review and video will have science baked in, but every chance I get to, I will include!

[@curlcurllocal]

“Lean in” this guy is definitely a consultant. Hate that corporate buzz phrase crap

[@jkbaby84]

@@curlcurllocal bro you're thinking too much about it, it was a compliment at heart what are you on

[@krapj214]

@@curlcurllocal sounds like you hate being a consultant lol

[@ResumedPausing]

I studied materials engineering for my undergrad, and these technical deep dives are like music to my ears!

[@Keybored]

Fellow engineer! Welcome!

[@oatmilk9918]

@@Keybored currently doing my masters in materials science and engineering (3rd year). it's very interesting to see how companies market certain materials and processes such as 'air craft' grade and 'military' grade aluminium (the correct uk spelling :P) when planes and rockets are made from an entirely different grade and are literally glued together. also seeing so much aluminium and ]so many engineering polymers be used for a hobby is depressing, but that still doesnt stop me buying it lol

[@ndeporceri]

@@oatmilk9918 are these materials in short supply?

[@MatthewEncina]

I was actually wondering about metals and paint. Thanks for the break down.

[@Keybored]

You're very welcome! Hope it wasn't too technical and informative! Thanks for dropping by again! :)

[@yanec2501]

Dude I love how technical you've become with these kinds of videos! Keep up the great work!

[@Keybored]

Wil do! Thank you so much!

[@yux8331]

I agree. It's why I prefer this channel over others.

[@Nehimsupacac]

I'm loving the in depth explanations. I can really tell you know what you're talking about, you're providing a perspective something no one else can in the space. Please keep at it!

[@Keybored]

Thank you so much! I appreciate the feedback and I'll keep at it!

[@lsim001]

This is seriously good content dude. Sound test videos are a dime a dozen and of things that I can't get for various reasons. But this sort of information is really useful to help me make my purchase choices and understand what I'm paying for.

[@Keybored]

:) really nice to hear that! Will try to keep this kind of content going!

[@lauhernsean6179]

I love how you explained the anodizing and e coat thingy process!

[@Keybored]

:) Hope it was helpful!

[@SchmidtP89]

As a detail oriented person who's new to custom keyboards, I really like the technical deep dives. Love all the videos I've seen so far and will definitely keep watching 🤠

[@Ragnorok64]

You are knocking it out of the park with these videos! You're really helping to provide context and color to things I'm experiencing in the keyboard hobby but don't know quite how to quantify. Like, I just got a Mode65 as my first real expensive board and it's like you said. I lubed up my stabs, put in my switches and keycaps and it just sounds and feels good. No force break, no extra foam, no tape required. This vid also explains what the white back piece I got as extra was more expensive than the blue, due to the process needed to color them.

[@Keybored]

:) congrats on that mode! Really nice design and performance :) as you said, the more expensive boards can be, perfect out of the box! You get what you pay for as well!

[@tommyleeinspector]

Liking the direction your videos have taken. Keep up the good work sir.

[@Keybored]

:) Thank you for the feedback!

[@SpeedRcrX007]

I got my e-white Odin at the beginning of January (GB). This keyboard is at my work desk (I need a 1800 layout). So to make sure I don’t annoy my co-workers I choose to put the case foam, PC plate and Durock shrimps with two staged springs. I really enjoy typing on it, it’s perfect for work and everyone who come to my office always comment on my keyboard (always compliments).

[@Keybored]

It's a beautiful keyboard! Has that size presence as well!

[@raulchavez2010]

When I heard your paint explanation you got my sub lol. Great video boss

[@uncarriable]

It's so cool to see someone break a topic down to better educate the user instead of just giving their own opinions. Keep up the great work!

[@Keybored]

:) Thank you! I will keep trying!

[@kppeternoh]

This channel went from just another keyboard youtuber to a classroom. I love it. Keep up the good work sir.

[@Keybored]

Thank you so much Pete!

[@mntish]

It is priceless to have someone in the field that knows what he is talking about. You are an inspiration to the enthusiasts and corporations (I saw o-ring mount firstly here). Congratulations for the 50K subs.... you deserve waaaay more.

[@Keybored]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate the support, and happy to hear that you were around since the O-Ring video days!

[@dougdoesdigital]

That's not a keyboard, THIS is a keyboard. A+ reference, and great video! Thanks for all the amazing detailed content

[@Keybored]

I wanted to say that at least once in my life lol

[@dougdoesdigital]

@@Keybored And now it's immortalized in video lol. Quick question, thoughts on Bakeneko60 vs 65? Hold out for a 65 when its back in stock or does the 60 deliver a typing/sound experience just as well?

[@fskate2]

These more technical videos are deeply fascinating. Always exciting when a new video drops!

[@Keybored]

:) Thank you! I hope to add in more videos like this regularly!

[@GarlickyBread]

i really love the in depth explanations! as a design student who's also an enthusiast i'm just so surprised at how much of the things i've learned in my classes also applies to my hobby. thank you for the educational videos!!

[@Keybored]

:) Glad to hear that! More of these kinds of videos coming soon!

[@fuzzynine]

Man, these informations are awesome. Thank you. You explain all the miracles of our hobby perfectly fine. There is no knowledge gap left as one often feels when watching other enthusiasts videos. You know there is always a statement by the host saying "I don't understand how it works, but it works." or similar. This often leaves me with this little, annoying thought of missing wisdom. Man you fill the gaps, you fill out the blanks. Help us non-flight-engineering folks to understand all the nitty gritty details of sound, physics and stuff. You are the kurzgesagt of mechanical keyboards.

[@bandittree]

Learned so much about keyboards and so much in general! It should be illegal to be this hilarious, intelligent, and handsome

[@ImOnMy116]

This was super super interesting, I’ve wondered how anodization (originally autocorrected to amortization, haha) worked, and it’s great to have the breakdown/explanation! Definitely continuing to be humored by the intros as well!

[@Keybored]

:) Hope the intro wasn't too cringy! I just wanted a chance to say the knife thing at least once in my life haha... In front of thousands of people lol

[@leannezzers]

Love love love the science and technicalities! I do gel electrophoresis at work and it was cool learning that that process is also used for keyboard pigmenting! :) Keep up the great work

[@Keybored]

:) Thank you! I have more of these kinds of videos coming! I started to connect with subject matter experts and it's been eye opening!

[@MarbsMusic]

Probably the most thorough video on price differences, thank you Scott!

[@nenes7604]

This is great content, I started to feel bad as I got deeper into the community because I can't afford an expensive keyboard, I really thought I was missing something, but hearing this helps me relieve that anxiety. Also the editing is unmatched!

[@Keybored]

:) Thank you so much!

[@gilbertcoquilla8334]

Hey Scott, I really love the fact that you're explaining a little bit of science behind what makes a keyboard a certain way. Appreciate the quality vids. Keep it up!

[@MetalBeast28]

Ay, thanks for the process breakdown. Knowing the chemistry behind things like a simple coloring of metal is always incredible

[@Keybored]

:) Of course! More of these kinds of videos coming!

[@j___7052]

The videos are so technical, such an underrated channel :D

[@dwalker8262]

You really know your stuff, really appreciate these videos!

[@Keybored]

Thank you so much! I appreciate the support and sentiment!

[@newtc312]

The education portion of the video is so good! Please continue !

[@welpyes]

Tbh buying expensive keyboards is not worth it if you can get almost the same experience with a cheaper one, I mean I have a few expensive keybs they feel amazing but it's not worth double the price. If you have the money buy it!, or just buy 2 different keyboards and mod them to get more excitement and experience.

[@Keybored]

Yup! It's down to the finish refinement as well as just doing less for that final result

[@jowsey.mp4]

I swear man that bakeneko sounds too good

[@Keybored]

Always! One of the best sounding boards without paying too much!

[@adamkelly2256]

Scott, this is one of your best videos yet. It's clear how much research and prep you did. Everyone watching this feels smarter now :) Great job! One small comment: it may be a little more accurate to use the term electrostatics when describing the process that moves the particles and causes the deposition during electrophoresis. Great job showing off Hipyo's caps!

[@Keybored]

:) Thanks for the feedback! What I started to do is open up convos with subject matter experts to improve my own understanding so I can try to help the community more as well. It's an eye opening experience actually!

[@jawonald]

Doctor Strange of Mechanical Keyboards

[@Keybored]

Hahaha I'll take that as a compliment!

[@e.r4372]

As an Australian, I love the intro haha! Jokes aside, what an in-depth video. I like how you explained things in such great detail. Please make more on this kinda stuff!

[@Keybored]

Haha, so sorry for butchering the accent!

[@e.r4372]

@@Keybored All good, at least you tried haha! Though to be honest its probably better than what most people can do.

[@LonelyRavenProductio]

I love your educational portions of your reviews...I enjoy knowing *why* something is.

[@hugeta3769]

Thanks, this video is much needed for the newcomers like me. You literally are my favorite keyboard hands down.

[@Keybored]

:) Thank you! More of these kinds of videos coming soon!

[@ivovass195]

Another great informative video to help us understand the technical details involved in making the keyboards thus allowing us a more educated choise instead of just getting something cos someone said its good. Keep up the great work

[@TheIkaruskid]

This was SO informative! I saw another review of the NK87 Aluminum and the comments were that the texture finish seemed poor compared to other boards. While there may be some substance to that comment, it seems like an industry standard tradeoff like as your pros and cons explain. Very helpful! Thank you!

[@haydenvogel1908]

Another great video! I really enjoyed the detailed explanation, keep up the good work!

[@indi__]

another great video. i just bought a keychron and some budget keycaps and it's been so interesting talking to friends who are just getting interested in the hobby and having that 'talk' with them about what exactly they should expect with regards to pricing. thanks for the awesome presentation again, i can always trust that you'll come out with well-made, quality content. :)

[@Keybored]

Thank you so much! Just really great to hear the newcommers to the hobby and I hope I can help shed some light into topics that may not be covered as much!

[@snoozleblob]

Thanks for the comparison and explanation on some of the most common case finishes!

[@Keybored]

:) Glad to do it! More of these kinds of videos coming!

[@GamingNightsNeoMasaki]

Howdy hey! that shout out! Keep up with these videos! learning a lot from these!

[@vaidukv]

Super informative, love the pivot to a more scientifical pow. Think it sets the channel apparat. Keep it up and thanks!

[@Keybored]

Thank you! I wanted to try to leverage my technical background to enhance the channel!

[@Camronlaz]

Excellent video as always Scott! Great job and love the in-depth analysis on the various color treatments.

[@Keybored]

:) Hope it helps to clarify things a bit more!

[@chrisdotdash5154]

You never disappoint with your videos, I always enjoy watching them!!

[@Ryan-zm9tz]

Really enjoyed this video - keep up the good work!

[@robr640]

Awesome video that does a great job of explaining the differences between an "entry level" custom keyboard & a custom keyboard enthusiasts would consider higher end. I always tell newcomers you don't need to spend a fortune to get a great feeling & sounding keyboard. That can be easily done by taking your time & fine tuning a "entry level" custom board or even a prebuilt board to your preferences. If you want a more interesting design, ability to choose the parts in the materials you prefer, something that is better manufactured overall, something that has a tighter QC, etc. Then you want to start looking at the more expensive options.

[@Keybored]

You got it! It's kind of like buying a watch. You can get a great watch for a good price and tells time perfectly well. You start to go up to higher end watches for more embellishments, higher quality materials, execution and refinement. I think keyboards will go down a similar direction!

[@Dhoomie]

I couldn’t leave this video without subbing, you’re sick dude

[@Keybored]

:) Thanks! I appreciate the support!

[@amizan8653]

loving the educational content.

[@Keybored]

:) glad it was helpful!

[@bonktoryu203]

The hairstyle that never fails to amuse me.

[@Keybored]

Hahaha. Thanks! Maybe I should change it up

[@iamnotarealboy]

12:07 Anodization can't be removed with oven cleaner, but it can be removed with Whink rust stain remover, commonly used as a toiler cleaner. Whink uses a low concentration of hydrofluoric acid, which removes oxidation. It is an extremely dangerous acid, so process with caution if you decide to use it, but it is a cheap, and easy process. Just let the aluminum part sit full submerged in a bath of Whink for a few minutes, brushing it off every few minutes to help break the dye loose. Definitely don't use it indoors, because the fumes produces are very toxic. If you use Whink, wear thick nitrile gloves (they have to be nitrile, hydrofluoric acid will eat through most other types of gloves), and a respirator. It will take several minutes, so be patient.

[@_Kisaragi]

the talk about the colours was really interesting!

[@zhenquan1846]

Very well laid down, love the explanations. Keep up the good work. 🤙🏻

[@BruceN0twayne]

wow, again amazing content! very informative as always.

[@oatmilk9918]

Your description of painting and anodisation is spot on for the general public! Nice job! I will say though, you cant call all oxidation an anodisation process. Oxidation is spontaneous, but anodisation is exclusively electrochemically driven

[@Keybored]

:) good to know that! I can provide the basics for the masses, but definitely not the expert :) I'll be happy as a generalist :)

[@mechendev6319]

Well put together. Clear and informative

[@Keybored]

Thanks!

[@Dazdigo]

There is also flame anodization which is creating a thin film layer to change the color of the metal (look up thin film effect). You can do this same thing with electrolysis without dyes as well. It is commonly done on Aluminum and Titanium.

[@CyberTerrorism]

I agree that ODIN sounds perfect stock form omg

[@coleydotmp4]

I genuinely get smarter watching your videos. I've said it so many times but I trust you the most over every other keyboard youtuber.

[@Keybored]

:) that means a lot!

[@3lea.strato]

that Crocodile Dundee reference i see you! top notch intro once again XD

[@dico8199]

Ayo this board is nice! Really nice from Kbdfans their new budget tkl board also looks nice.I love the 1800 layout its iconic and a good layout overall. A review on some Leopold prebuilds would be cool.

[@Keybored]

Thank you Dico! It was surprisingly nicer than I even thought!

[@grahsseldungca312]

As someone with an engineering background, I absolutely love how you explain things in this video! It's easier to make an informed purchase if people actually understand what it takes to create different keyboards. Keep em coming!

[@Keybored]

Will do! More of these types of videos coming!

[@jarenlim387]

Very educational and entertaining content! Keep it up :D

[@Keybored]

Will do! I'll keep these series going for a while!

[@holiboin8108]

Thanks for the video, I enjoyed the science for all the painting methods.

[@Keybored]

:) Glad it was enjoyable! Thanks!

[@papilcost]

The australian cowboy hits diff

[@Keybored]

It's supposed to be crocodile dundee haha. I just wanted to say the line once

[@Dood11223]

Would love to see a studio/desk tour! Really clean desk aesthetic.

[@Keybored]

:) will have to do a part 2!

[@BokehhBob]

Great comparison, really informative to people who are both new and old to the community. I own both a keychron board and a DriftMechanics board. Entry price point vs Upper high end and the build quality differences are crazy, from coating, to aluminum quality and so on. Love your videos and love sharing them to people.

[@Keybored]

:) Thank you for the comment! I just want to show that there are some real reasons why some things cost more, but at the same time, if those things don't matter, then you don't have to spring for it either :)

[@BokehhBob]

I think that is what is great about the community. The price ranges are so drastic and you can basically pick exactly what you care about and what your preference is to make your own “end game” board. At the end of the day, sound, material, weight, etc. is all personal preference and you always want to pick and build what you enjoy.

[@zhieson]

Any of your content is a thumbs up in my book. However, you deserve another thumbs up for the Dundee/Simpsons knife reference xD

[@Keybored]

Hahaha great that you got it! I just wanted to say that at least once in my life lol

[@romo9592]

Scott is the Alton Brown of the Keyboard community. Seriously informative video.

[@randomgeocacher]

We did that elctro-chem metap coloring baths in chemistry when I was young, and I sucked at it :) cleaning and making sure you don’t get finger fats onto the metal is really important if you want good results. Can imagine this affecting yield or the level of worker training requires to operate.

[@Tokolist]

worth mentioning that odin supports qmk, which typically makes pcb a bit more expensive due to limited mcu support especially nowadays when there are chip shortages. on the other hand it gives you more customization options

[@Sour_Patch_Kid_]

This is a very nice and informed video!

[@Keybored]

Thanks!

[@MrSkullhead0]

Keybored: “you don’t really want a rusted keyboard right??” Me:***nervously drools at patina’d brass weights on keyboards*** “no no who would want that?!”

[@Keybored]

Haha hey, there is no right or wrong in this hobby! The beauty of it!

[@MrSkullhead0]

@@Keybored I plan on getting my next board purposefully patina’d by KneeDeepPatinas. Maybe you could do a video on that one day on purposeful patina on brass? Just a thought. Love your work!

[@reileiko]

the colour part felt like a really fun chemistry lesson !

[@Keybored]

Glad it was fun!

[@Levonrix]

amazing intro as always :)

[@mindango4092]

Your videos are consistently the most interesting and relevant. Keep it up. What I would have liked to know is what makes a keyboard $600 vs $300? The recently up for GB matrix 8xv comes to mind

[@Keybored]

Some others mentioned the matrix as well! Will have to look into it!

[@chiuuuuuuuuuu]

I'm still waiting for an anodized bakeneko65.

[@Keybored]

That would be great actually

[@JeepnHeel]

Scott: "Let's make a video about the logic behind what causes keyboards to be priced differently." QK65: "I'm about to ruin this man's whole career."

[@zivens.2407]

This is such a thorough explanation of things. Thank you so much for all this great educational content!

[@Keybored]

:) glad to hear that!

[@jeroen9424]

Love the in depth explanation, wanted to know this but have been too lazy to search for it 😅

[@Keybored]

:) glad you had a chance to check it out!

[@underdoglucifer]

Having a odin myself I have to agree what you said so far but It will be interesting to know whether quality or grade of the metal also used translate to different cost. I notice cheaper board tend to be lighter compared to more expensive board, however i dont see significant change in thickness or size. So does it mean it is not due to them using less material but maybe they use different quality aluminium. Which result in more ping and hollow sound on cheaper board. This will be more interesting dive indeed. Honestly enjoy you educational content lately. Please keep it coming.

[@syntax2679]

Intros keep getting better lol

[@Keybored]

Haha thanks! It was so cringy

[@QualityScrub]

I love the red wine in the background lol

[@mack1fd]

An anodized surface can be ultra smooth and shiny. The aluminum must be polished prior to anodizing. This gives black anodization a black chrome look. This is costly compared to the more common surface finish from bead blasting or deburring process done in a tumbler.

[@JordanDoesKeebs]

Another fantastic video!

[@Keybored]

Thanks Jordan! Good seeing you!

[@LateBandwagon]

Finally a keyboard engineer !

[@Keybored]

Haha we need more science!

[@vabbgaming]

Just in time to help me pick color for my Matrix 8xv. Thank you!

[@Keybored]

You're welcome!

[@squatCS]

I agree the ODIN does look nicer, but they both sound so fire

[@Keybored]

Both sound amazing! Different sounds, but great nonetheless!

[@antonzakharov8689]

Very good and educated video. Really liked it.

[@Keybored]

:) glad to hear that!

[@paulkim8623]

Hi Scott! Great video- I learned a TON even after being in the hobby for years. Kudos! Do you think you could also do a comparison of the popular cerakoting method? Thanks so much!

[@kelseymontero5944]

My KZbin crashed right when you said thocky. Thanks!

[@Keybored]

Haha that's hilarious!

[@boardiep8430]

Thanks for the detailed breakdown on surface finish. So to confirm, if I were to chip a blue anodized keyboard, i will see blue color inside? and if I chip an e white board, i will see the original aluminium color ( silver) since e white is just another type of coating

[@s_damen4140]

This is a very interesting comparison and I would like to see how this extends into more range, eg lower end or even budget boards and at that point what are you actually giving up, or super premium stuff and a couple things that make it such.

[@Justrandomhobbies]

How come no one mentions the reference done on sailor song (toybox)? Haha good one!

[@thomascleveland]

If you work at it, you can get much better deals than the odin. For example, take a ymdk melody 96 and oring mount the pcb to the case, add foam, and you have something ̶j̶u̶s̶t̶ ^ nearly as good as the Odin for less than half the price.

[@DirtyGingy]

Come say hi some time on the discord server. Scott has a link in the description for it. We're doing our best to keep it a wholesome and helpful community.

[@Keybored]

And DirtyGingy is doing a great job keeping the sanity of the server! Thank you for moderating!

[@kentsang6405]

The Odin extra was already past the sale date (11 Mar) at the time of posting of this video and I missed the group buy :(. That’s the biggest problem of this hobby. Not the cost but simply have inaccessible boards are, regardless of price

[@lando634]

electrophoresis is also used on some car bumpers to get that chrome finish onto them

[@Keybored]

Yup! Similar to electroplating as well!

[@lando634]

@@Keybored you just had to correct me 😥

[@advaitmodak1210]

Keybored most underrated keyboard creator

[@Keybored]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate it!