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For this build, I chose the full-size layout because I use the numpad for schoolwork. I went with the barebones edition so I could add my preferred choice of keyboard switches and keycaps; I bought the Gateron Clear key switches (the 120-pack from the Glorious PC Gaming Race's website, to ensure compatibility with this board) and the Glorious Aura keycaps (also from the GPGR's website) to build on this product, to create the keyboard shown in the image above.
Putting the pieces together using this board was very straight-forward. One negative was the included keycap puller to pry attached keycaps off of the keyboard; it is finicky, and is likely to mark or damage the bottom edge of the keycaps when you use it. Then again, one rarely sees the bottom edge of the keycap when the build is finished so only those making a serious final build for a client will be concerned with this problem. For beginners looking to make their very first board, the minor nicks and scratches will be at worst a minor nuisance and at best not even noticeable.
Inserting the key switches was near-painless; the only times I was unable to insert a switch, it was due to human error on my part by mis-aligning the tiny wires on the key switches I purchased to use with this build. I only bungled one switch completely thankfully, and being able to repeatedly test the key switches to make sure they worked as intended while the keyboard was plugged into the computer made confirming proper installation very simple. There was some confusion when attaching the different key caps as this was my first time realizing just how many key caps there were and all the different places they go! With some effort I finally got it all installed, as you see in the image above!
Aesthetically, the brightness was really good for the majority of the keyboard. I did notice that for the larger keys, like the spacebar or the shift/enter/backspace keys, there was only one LED light underneath the entire key. The spacebar in particular looked way too muted compared to the rest of the keyboard, because there was only one LED in the center attempting to light up the entire spacebar! Other than that, the brightness was set perfectly right out of the box, and the manual showed many ways I could adjust the brightness or the colors or the pattern in which the colors shift or whathaveyou.
I did not test the software the manufacturer of the keyboard provides in order to manually adjust the lighting and colors of the board in much greater detail; I did not see a need to do so out of my personal preference, but the option is there for others. I have heard good things about it, so make of that what you will. The software is technically optional, so keep that in mind.
In terms of subjective opinion of the finished product? The keyboard sounds and feels amazing, especially in contrast to my old Logitech G710 plus with its Cherry MX Brown switches (ugh, my old keyboard is HORRIBLE in comparison). Trying the Gateron Clears, a lighter and truly linear key switch, was a revelation, and my fingers practically fly across this keyboard when I type! The video above shows a typing demonstration of what this keyboard sounds like, and it is very crisp and responsive in my opinion! There is a satisfying clack when bottoming out with these switches and keycaps, and I am still adjusting to the lighter weight so I don't pound too hard on the board and hurt my fingers! I chalk that up to adjusting after a typing style that demanded heavy key-presses, and not a problem with the board or the build itself.
The stabilizers for the bigger key caps do have a rattle to them, which does sound very different from the rest of the keyboard. Time will tell if this becomes a problem or not for me, but for now I am not bothered. Perhaps as I try out different switches in the future, I may decide to change out the stabilizers for something that doesn't rattle as much, but for now I have no problems with them personally.
The overall build quality is very solid, the machined aluminum on the board has it feeling sturdy and weighted. This is a heavy keyboard, it is just as heavy as my giant old keyboard despite being smaller. The texture of the surface finish is a nice matte feeling, and after a week of typing on this board I have noticed zero issues or problems with the build. The addition of extra rubber feet I could add or swap out is helpful in deciding just how high a profile I want this keyboard to have, and the adjustable feet are nice for when I want the keyboard propped towards me. The braided cable is sturdy but flexible, and the board worked as intended out of the box. As mentioned before, building the keyboard with the switches and keycaps was very simple and straightforward.
Overall, I would recommend this board for people curious about custom keyboards who want to understand the terminology, put together their own build, and do so with a minimum of hassle or issues. This board satisfies all of that criteria. People who have already spent months or years in the custom keyboard hobby do not need this board, and they likely know of better (possibly cheaper) alternatives, and/or know exactly what they want and how much it costs. This board is for people looking for that custom keyboard typing experience for the very first time, something they can change or modify as they desire over the course of a few months or a year as they learn their preferences and what works best for their typing style. For that purpose, it is very well-built and provides quite a lot of customization for the price, and for that purpose I highly recommend it!
