![Maker Mods](/img/default-banner.jpg)
- 142
- 1 675 860
Maker Mods
United States
Registrace 16. 09. 2020
I'm Ben, and I make and mod custom mechanical keyboards with the occasional other tech stuff.
This board is pretty sexy. DROP CSTM65 review!
At first glance, this board is everything I wouldn't like about a keyboard... and at $100, it's a much harder sell for a plastic keyboard, even as a full kit. But DROP has managed to cram some pretty cool innovation into a polycarbonate shell, and I'm a big fan of the gasket implementation and the ability to quickly swap faceplates for that A E S T H E T I C! Check it out at the link below!
-
drop.com/buy/drop-cstm65-mechanical-keyboard
-
Timestamps
00:00 into/who is DROP?
00:17 Geekhack?
00:45 DROP = group buy killer?
01:30 dad joke of the day
01:36 specs
02:20 stock typing sounds (Gateron G Pro yellows, double shot ABS shine-through keycaps)
03:19 stock typing sounds (DCX keycap swap)
04:04 Ghost dragon switches?
04:25 Ghost dragon switches typing sounds
05:15 no foam typing sounds
05:26 the verdict
-
Help support my channel by using my affiliate links!
BOLSA SUPPLY: bolsakeyboardsupply.com/?ref=... (Use code "MAKER" for 5% off!)
CANNONKEYS: cannonkeys.com/?ref=makermods
CHOSFOX: chosfox.com (Use code "MAKERMODS" for $5 off for orders over $49!
DANGKEEBS: dangkeebs.com/?ref=makermods (Use code "MAKER" for 5% off at checkout!
GREEN DOOR GEEKS: greendoorgeeks.com/ (Use code "MAKER" for 5% off at checkout!)
HIPPOKEYS: hippokeys.com/?ref=makermods (Use code "MAKER" for 5% off at checkout!)
KEEBFRONT: keebfront.com/?via=makermods (Use code "MAKER" for 5% off at checkout!)
KEEBSFORALL: keebsforall.com/MAKERMODS (Use code "MAKERMODS" for 5% off at checkout!)
KNC KEYS: knckeys.com?sca_ref=2391162.XTxiftqmeT (Use code "MAKER" for 5% off at checkout!)
NLANDKEYS: nlandkeys.com/coupon/?discount=Maker (Use code "MAKER" for 3% off at checkout!)
UNIKEYS: unikeyboards.com?sca_ref=3715884.Y3VhQIfinI (Use code "MAKER" for 7% off in-stock items at checkout!)
WUQUE STUDIO: shop.wuquestudio.com/r?id=299ts5
ZENCLACK: zenclack.com/?ref=makermods (Use code "MAKER" for 5% off at checkout!)
-
Sound test setup:
Qwertykeys Neo 65 | gasket mount | carbon fiber plate | Various GMK keycaps
Typing test signal chain:
Michael Joly modded Rode NT5 (X-Y stereo pair) 6 inches above desk surface
SoundDevices MixPre 3 ii recording in 32-bit float
Sennheiser MKH416 (a-roll mic)
Sennheiser MKE600 (scratch audio)
Camera setup:
BMPCC4k w/ Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO(overhead)
BMPCC4k w/ Voigtlander 17.5mm f/.95 (face cam)
BMPCC4k w/ Lumix 30mmf/2.8 macro (shoulder cam)
Sony A7iv w/ various lenses (b-roll)
-
drop.com/buy/drop-cstm65-mechanical-keyboard
-
Timestamps
00:00 into/who is DROP?
00:17 Geekhack?
00:45 DROP = group buy killer?
01:30 dad joke of the day
01:36 specs
02:20 stock typing sounds (Gateron G Pro yellows, double shot ABS shine-through keycaps)
03:19 stock typing sounds (DCX keycap swap)
04:04 Ghost dragon switches?
04:25 Ghost dragon switches typing sounds
05:15 no foam typing sounds
05:26 the verdict
-
Help support my channel by using my affiliate links!
BOLSA SUPPLY: bolsakeyboardsupply.com/?ref=... (Use code "MAKER" for 5% off!)
CANNONKEYS: cannonkeys.com/?ref=makermods
CHOSFOX: chosfox.com (Use code "MAKERMODS" for $5 off for orders over $49!
DANGKEEBS: dangkeebs.com/?ref=makermods (Use code "MAKER" for 5% off at checkout!
GREEN DOOR GEEKS: greendoorgeeks.com/ (Use code "MAKER" for 5% off at checkout!)
HIPPOKEYS: hippokeys.com/?ref=makermods (Use code "MAKER" for 5% off at checkout!)
KEEBFRONT: keebfront.com/?via=makermods (Use code "MAKER" for 5% off at checkout!)
KEEBSFORALL: keebsforall.com/MAKERMODS (Use code "MAKERMODS" for 5% off at checkout!)
KNC KEYS: knckeys.com?sca_ref=2391162.XTxiftqmeT (Use code "MAKER" for 5% off at checkout!)
NLANDKEYS: nlandkeys.com/coupon/?discount=Maker (Use code "MAKER" for 3% off at checkout!)
UNIKEYS: unikeyboards.com?sca_ref=3715884.Y3VhQIfinI (Use code "MAKER" for 7% off in-stock items at checkout!)
WUQUE STUDIO: shop.wuquestudio.com/r?id=299ts5
ZENCLACK: zenclack.com/?ref=makermods (Use code "MAKER" for 5% off at checkout!)
-
Sound test setup:
Qwertykeys Neo 65 | gasket mount | carbon fiber plate | Various GMK keycaps
Typing test signal chain:
Michael Joly modded Rode NT5 (X-Y stereo pair) 6 inches above desk surface
SoundDevices MixPre 3 ii recording in 32-bit float
Sennheiser MKH416 (a-roll mic)
Sennheiser MKE600 (scratch audio)
Camera setup:
BMPCC4k w/ Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO(overhead)
BMPCC4k w/ Voigtlander 17.5mm f/.95 (face cam)
BMPCC4k w/ Lumix 30mmf/2.8 macro (shoulder cam)
Sony A7iv w/ various lenses (b-roll)
zhlédnutí: 2 372
Video
Is Keygeek better than BSUN? TSIC switch review!
zhlédnutí 2,2KPřed 2 měsíci
It's been a minute since I got to check out some new switches, and the TSIC's from Pantheonkeys and Keygeek don't fail to disappoint! They're 10/10 stock experience, great sound signature, and for me, the only possible drawback is a sliiiightly heavy actuation, but they look and sound great. Check them out at the link below! - pantheonkeys.com/products/gb-pantheon-this-switch-is-called-linear-s...
Great sound, no foam, budget king? Techbear TB8-TKL review!
zhlédnutí 2,4KPřed 2 měsíci
The Techbear TB8-TKL has all the nice-to-haves in 2024, including the quick assembly ball-catch screw less design, a beautiful "ripple" pattern weight, and a decent sound signature even without any foams. And you get all this for under $200... it's a great time to jump into the mechanical keyboard hobby! Check it out at the link below! - 00:00 intro/unboxing 00:06 who is tech bear studio? 00:24...
ABSOLUTELY COLD BLOODED. Chilkey ND75 review!
zhlédnutí 4,6KPřed 2 měsíci
I'm running out of adjectives to describe how much value we're getting for our money in 2024... but the Chilkey ND75 is it. While its no-foam performance is not the greatest... it's a sub-$100 board that gets you way more than you bargained for... check it out here! - chilkey.com/products/nd75 - Help support my channel by using my affiliate links! BOLSA SUPPLY: bolsakeyboardsupply.com/?ref=... ...
This is the ergo keyboard that you NEED to buy. Neo Ergo review!
zhlédnutí 10KPřed 3 měsíci
At this point I can't sing the praises for Qwertykeys and Neo keyboards enough. They've put out banger after banger, and the Neo Ergo is no different. Starting at only $130 for an extremely high quality board with all the "usual" Quality of Life features like magnetic connectors, screwless assembly, yada yada, this is honestly a NO BRAINER. Check it out below and get $10 off if you order now th...
lofree edge
zhlédnutí 3,4KPřed 3 měsíci
The Lofree Edge is both their newest low profile mechanical keyboard, and my first encounter with low profile mechanical keyboards. It sounds and feels way better than I'd expected, but... I think they're a "IYKYK" kind of experience! It's live on Kickstarter now if you want to check it out! - www.lofree.co/pages/lofree-edge - Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:17 who is Lofree? 01:00 after sales suppor...
Save your back, and your wallet. Flexispot C7 ergo chair review!
zhlédnutí 770Před 3 měsíci
As the years pile on, and the McDoubles pile on too... lower back pain has become an all too constant companion. The Flexispot C7 definitely helps with that though, and I have to say it's alleviated a LOT of my own lower back pain! Obese Weeb approved! And per contractual agreement, here's a totally unsolicited statement! Now is the best time to buy FlexiSpot Ergonomic Chair. 30 days free retur...
My worst fear about the hobby, realized | NuPhy Gem80 review!
zhlédnutí 8KPřed 4 měsíci
The title might be a bit dramatic, but it really pains me to review what is a totally solid keyboard, but be really turned off by the customer service/after sales support. To me, when a brand like NuPhy has the reach and influence (and the SEO) so their keyboards are the first thing anyone sees when just getting into the hobby... well, a phenomenal customer service experience is ESSENTIAL so pe...
I wanted to love these... but JWK... Moyu Studio Hera Switch Review!
zhlédnutí 3,1KPřed 5 měsíci
I said until JWK fixed their atrocious leaf noise, I wouldn't review another JWK switch on this channel. Well, I'm reviewing a JWK switch. So did they fix their leaf noise? ... Kind of? A for effort, and these are honestly so enjoyable to type on, that I had to give them a review. Check them out at the link below! - moyustudio.world/collections/switches/products/in-stock-hera-switch - Timestamp...
The keyboard hobby is NOT dead/dying, it's THRIVING. Luminkeys 65 review!
zhlédnutí 4,6KPřed 5 měsíci
This board is seriously insane, and I feel like every week in 2024 I'm writing about how a seemingly "budget" board is better than my thousand dollar customs. The Luminkey 65 honestly trades blows with both my keycult and my kohaku, at basically one TENTH of the price, so yeah... I love this board! Check it out at the link below! - www.luminkey.com/products/luminkey65-65-layout-hot-swappable-cu...
Full Metal Keycaps = Full Thock Alchemy? Awekeys Copper Eagle Keycap Review!
zhlédnutí 5KPřed 5 měsíci
The Copper Eagle keycap set from Awekeys is a full metal (including stems) set with great layout support and a seriously one-of-a-kind sound signature! I tried them out on a few different builds, and I have to say they do require some thoughtfulness in the build specs. But pair it with the right board and switch combination, and you'll be flying... like an eagle... a copper eagle... HA! Check t...
My Endgame Mechanical Keyboard is (under) $150. Qwertykeys Neo80 Review!
zhlédnutí 19KPřed 5 měsíci
The Neo80 is everything I'd want from a mechanical keyboard and more. With pretty much every single mounting option available, a great stock sound without any foams used, but with the option of going full foam for that marbly clack, this board puts many "customs" in my collection to shame, and at a fourth of the price. Check it out here! - www.qwertykeys.com/products/neo80 - Timestamps 00:00 In...
Is PET the new PE foam? Chosfox Leo80 Review!
zhlédnutí 3,8KPřed 6 měsíci
The Leo80 from Chosfox is an oldie-but-goodie as far as the build goes, with a tried-and-tested moron gasket mount, PC plate, and tri-mode wireless PCB. With its biggest redeeming factor being its price, it's a solid (but a little boring) option in 2024! One thing that I was really surprised by was the white PET sheet that totally changed the sound of the board. Check it out here! - chosfox.com...
The Million Dollar Sound System of Switches? Keebfront Sinister Switch Review!
zhlédnutí 4,2KPřed 7 měsíci
In a sea of BSUN linears, Keebfront is back with another Villainy switch: this time the Sinister, with a Meirun manufactured HDPE top and stem, nylon housing, and an appropriately sized stem! While I don't love the price point, these are seriously one of my new favorite switches and a perfect way to start off 2024 :D Check them out; you won't be disappointed! - www.keebfront.com/product/siniste...
Superior Silent Switches? Invokeys Nightshade (LICHICX) review!
zhlédnutí 12KPřed 8 měsíci
LICHICX silents have been highly recommended by the regulars over at the switchmodders discord channel, and I had to give them a try! While I"m not entirely sold on their superiority over the Haimu silents, they are an insanely smooth and silent switch with no squish! Check them out at the link below! - invokeys.com/products/invokeys-x-alas-nightshade-switches - www.theremingoat.com/blog/lichic...
Innovation at $165? Priceless. Qwertykeys QK65 v2 review!
zhlédnutí 28KPřed 8 měsíci
Innovation at $165? Priceless. Qwertykeys QK65 v2 review!
(Almost) New Year, New Manu: HMX Swift Review!
zhlédnutí 7KPřed 8 měsíci
(Almost) New Year, New Manu: HMX Swift Review!
This $109 budget keyboard has a secret... Velocifire INFI 75 review!
zhlédnutí 16KPřed 8 měsíci
This $109 budget keyboard has a secret... Velocifire INFI 75 review!
Are Custom LY Blends Snake Oil? Zuoce Lavender (BSUN) review!
zhlédnutí 3,4KPřed 9 měsíci
Are Custom LY Blends Snake Oil? Zuoce Lavender (BSUN) review!
THE JST CONNECTOR IS (FINALLY) DEAD! Qwertykeys QK75N review!
zhlédnutí 7KPřed 9 měsíci
THE JST CONNECTOR IS (FINALLY) DEAD! Qwertykeys QK75N review!
Under $200 full size thock monster: Meletrix Zoom 98 review!
zhlédnutí 3,8KPřed 9 měsíci
Under $200 full size thock monster: Meletrix Zoom 98 review!
Minimal Aesthetic, Maximum Value: Createkeebs Luminkey 80 review!
zhlédnutí 4,6KPřed 10 měsíci
Minimal Aesthetic, Maximum Value: Createkeebs Luminkey 80 review!
Exceptionally well executed, with a price to match | MM Studio Class 80 R2 review!
zhlédnutí 2,9KPřed 10 měsíci
Exceptionally well executed, with a price to match | MM Studio Class 80 R2 review!
Bussin. BSUN Hutt tactile switch review!
zhlédnutí 9KPřed 11 měsíci
Bussin. BSUN Hutt tactile switch review!
My new endgame 60% Keyboard | Mode Designs Tempo review!
zhlédnutí 7KPřed 11 měsíci
My new endgame 60% Keyboard | Mode Designs Tempo review!
Best midrange 65% in 2023? | Wind Studio Sin 65 review!
zhlédnutí 3,9KPřed 11 měsíci
Best midrange 65% in 2023? | Wind Studio Sin 65 review!
Is this the end of Gateron? Summertime switch review!
zhlédnutí 12KPřed 11 měsíci
Is this the end of Gateron? Summertime switch review!
Just buy one. You'll thank me in four weeks. Qwertykeys Neo65 review!
zhlédnutí 46KPřed rokem
Just buy one. You'll thank me in four weeks. Qwertykeys Neo65 review!
I had double and missing input on the Air96 v2 as well. I reviewed that keyboard and honestly I just called it "Ok" nothing to call home about I just wanted to use my other boards more than theirs always. I have now moved away from their products to more Keychron and Lofree and am much happier also customer service is SPOT ON with the latter.
I feel like those sound tests do NOT do justice to the switches beautiful creamy sounds
I’m the no foam
Garcia Richard Perez Carol Moore Christopher
Thomas Eric Thomas Susan Walker Richard
i was wondering if anyone would know how to fix this. My ND75 doesnt respond to anything at all the lights turn on, this started when I was uploading a picture to the screen and it said "loading 00%" I unplugged it and press FN T and then it just goes to sleep and when I turn it back on then it still doesnt work and I dont know what to do because Chilkey wont respond
Are these switches rgb compatible?
How do those little black dudes hold so far?
No comparison of stock vs lubed 😶
how does one get the Neo Ergo layout to actually appear in VIA?
Typing test board?
Very nice review... thank you! Do you know if there is a compatible shine through keycap for this Lofree EDGE? I really need a shine through keycap.
Did you lube these? Mine have an awful ping not sure if bag lubing the springs will correct or not. Thanks!
These sound sexy. I was looking into buying the Baby Kangaroos, but these might be the choice.
I'm so pumped to receive mine in 2 days. I snagged the no flex cuts PCB version. I modified Ducky One2Mini key chattering is driving me nuts loll <----- like this
I can't be the only person who loathes keyboards with underglow...
None of them thocc because the keyboard is clacky
Sounds so much better on the plastic kb. Honestly I cant find anything to replace my KBDfans 67 lite. Nothing comes close to the sound. I was looking into getting the Tofu 60 2.0 but man, I dont know. I have hyperglides in my 67 lite. Lubed ofc. I kinda fell in love with these switches.
where can I buy the deskmat
You forgot in the history to mention the release of Kailh clickbars, the speed bronze and box white, and then the novelkeys thick click versions, the jade and navy everyone raves about. Can't talk about switch history and pretend clicky switches don't exist.
yeah im a lazy NON KEYBOARD enthusiest i want my board pre built or at least barebones style where all i gotta do is put in the switches n keycaps
"the power of Christ compels you" killed me ded.
the ink black switches just have a unique sound that I like. there is something unique about them, especially the v1 inks that I have in one of my boards. the ink reds broken in sound awesome. New gateron inks sound bad now, especially the way that most people lube. you have to break them in them lube them VERY lightly for them not to sound like mud. and unfortunately I feel yours sound off.
Bsun-X switches are a real disappointment. I bought 400 of these bsun and after a couple of months typing I really regret my purchase they have a decent amount of wobble between the top And bottom housing seller Unikeys says because it’s a softer material and I should try selling them. Nobody mentions this overhyped was a good lesson for me. Don’t blindly trust hype now starts the journey of trying to fix my blunder filming lubing and trying to save my stupid expensive mistake. This is a warning to all my fellow consumers don’t buy to much of these switches type on them for a couple months first
the neo switches were made by MMD if I'm not mistaken
Geon F1-8X V2 is my end game at least i hope when i get it next year hahahah.. i was looking at the Neo80.. but it needs a thicker brass weight and not on the outside bottom where it can do no good but on the inside . And make it 3 times as thick so it has impact on the sound.. All the rest is perfect.. Oh yah and give people the option to buy extra ball-catch as spares .. People reading this it's a quick release system so you can open quickly and more often so don't tell me they don't ware out.. they are not made of unubtainium.
i got got by the same gmk bingsu exit scam (project keyboard), you're not alone man...
Never rolled my eyes harder than when the description of the ghost dragons were displayed. "Plagued" by 1.2mm pcbs? Cmon man its not that serious get over yourself haha
Great review thank you. I'm looking at the TKL version. Seems not bad at all, purely as a curiosity purchase.
appreciate the review and foamless sound test! Seems like an overpriced product to me in today’s crowded budget market. I feel like unfortunately it’s not in Drop’s favor to offer customizability from the jump if they’re trying to sell extras, wouldn’t be surprised if there’s more margin on the standalone top cases than the base kit. That said, one can always hope!
I bought 2 dcx sets during a bogo sale and a pack of switch’s for $120ish and got hit with $75 extra fees to Canada. So annoying and customer service terrible so even with decent in stock stuff impossible to recommend
I'm on the same boat.
for the price its not a bad deal and it sounds good with and without foam, i like the no foam sounds better though.
Speaking of the magnetic top cases, when Drop introduced the CSTM80, it was hilariously arrogant for Drop to call the magnetic top case a "never -before-seen component" and a "breakthrough in the world of keyboard modifications." I immediately thought of three other budget keyboards with interchangeable top cases: Tecware Phantom Elite, Irok FE87, and Ajazz/Nacodex/Magic Refiner AK873
I picked up a spare CIY TKL with magnetic top case some long time ago, cost $49. Works great. Drop marketing lmao.
how did you like those Doom switches though?! I've been eyeing them for a while now
What is that switch puller?
How does it compare to the TTC Silent Frozens?
Brother, nice video as always. Road to 10k subs!
Brass is pretty bad plate due to high density. Makes any switches sound dull. At least my experience.
i got these around christmas and i just got around to swapping them in they have some of the worst stem wobble I have ever experienced. it really is a shame because they sound amazing but the stems just cant be fixed.
Oh these are nice!
That botanical r2 stepped caps lock is god tier troll.
OMG I NEVER NOTICED ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT😢😢😢😢😢
finally someone realizes sound tests on unobtainium boards is worthless.
IM A DOOFUS… $.59 Singapore dollar works out to around $.39 USD!
Not really your fault, though. It's ambiguous as the currency symbol used on the website and shopapp is just $.
@@florianz6922 That's incredibly misleading :/
@@florianz6922 their website literally has the text sgd written on the bottom left?
@@florianz6922 The website literally has sgd stated on the bottom left?
That’s pretty subtle especially on mobile and entirely lost on Shopify/checkout. As a vendor that ships internationally, just localize currency or use disambiguating symbols like SGD or $SG. Makes it so much easier on customers.
dang that top mount with an alu plate sounded great! Feel like top mount 60s are quite rare these days, I dig it! Appreciate the review!
Petals Sixty 👌
Does this keyboard have the "tape mod" sound? I hope not.
What's wrong with the tape mod sound?
how do I use it wthiout the cable? its seems to have a battery but as soon as i unplug it it doesnt do anything
There is a switch on PCB under right shift so you have to take off keycap
@@krzysztofsz8783 Dude holly fuck, i thought i'm dumb as fuck that i couldn't get it to work, but they managed to hide the switch down there and didn't even write that on their manual lol
23mm front height?????
Mid price TKL space should be interesting as an upgrade route but looking at the Galaxy80 and NuPhy it's hard to see clear value from spending more ... is the input latency better? or worse? is there an optional north facing PCB? are there some optional encoder knobs? media keys? dedicated capslock indicator? Choices that are purely cosmetic are everywhere. What we need are functional benefits too.
200$ is nowhere near mid price :)))))
@@KiD2x2 Semantics. For one person, a Mercedes E class would be considered an expensive "high end car" yet to someone else of different means it'd be considered a "mid" car. Honestly the terms "budget" and "mid tier", etc. should just be done away with and instead compare similarly priced boards using actual price points. You don't compare a Toyota Camry, to a Mercedes E350, to then a Porsche 911 Carrera S
@@KiD2x2 yeah its rather budget ;)
@@KiD2x2 personal opinion, up to $150 is budget, $150-$1,000 is mid price, over $1000 is Norbauer.
Very good concise review! And good call on deciding to do a foam-less sound test on all the boards. That way people that like foam-less or foam builds can get a better idea what the sound may be with their preferred build.
Interesting board! Sorry to hear about more vendor issues, it’s harder and harder to recommend anyone go into a GB unless they’re willing to accept the risk. Certainly feel like most GB runners have a good and trustworthy track record, but never wish for others to have problems.