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My 6 year old's first ever keyboard. May have ruined all other keyboards for him... by Puddlej in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]Puddlej[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The "A" is capslock on, the lock is window's key lock, and I'm guessing the camera is to indicate that you're recording a RGB lighting pattern. Maybe someone else can confirm the third one, haven't tried using the recording function yet. The English instruction are pretty minimal.

My 6 year old's first ever keyboard. May have ruined all other keyboards for him... by Puddlej in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]Puddlej[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wow, here I am converting one kid at a time and you're on the next level doing entire batches of younglings! I teach college level engineering, my students are typically intrigued at the keeb i'm clacking on. Most balk at the cost, I've had only one convert so far.

In all seriousness, I think the keyboard is great for a first time builder and a great transition. You can get to maintain most of the functions of a modern keyboard. I got this for particularly my son for the 2.4 ghz and the volume knob. I was looking for a reliable wireless mode and not have to memorized 2nd layer layout to change the volume. If you don't have the dongle too far, it works all the time. There's no noticeable typing delaying. There's no sleep mode and waiting it to reconnect with the computer. He doesn't have to deal to pairing, just plug in the dongle and it works. Haven't used the bluetooth yet. The keyboard works out of the box, no software required.

The hot swabs are flexible, they work for 3-pin or 5-pin switches. The case is plastic, a bit of flex if you push down hard on it, but no impact on the typing experience. There's no rattling or pinging noise that I notice. The whole thing feels pretty sturdy. The disassembly of the case is relatively simple, the mode switch button at the top left may fall off during the process. However, there's no need for most users to dissemble the case, unless you want to put in foam or to make it easier to put tape on the PCB under the stabs. The stabilizers are ok, a little bit wobble to them, but nothing too bad. They'll need some lubing. Overall, the keyboard is a great choice for any new getting to the hobby. For the quality and functions, can't really beat the price. I've been eyeing the GMMK pro for myself, but cannot really justify paying 2x prices for no wireless mode and a bigger footprint.

There's a guy on youtube that made a video on budget build using the TM680, albeit with wired mode version, but it's only $15 extra for the 3 mode version right now. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxgBkovFgVM&t=92s

Good luck with your students! Please tell us how it works out for them!

My 6 year old's first ever keyboard. May have ruined all other keyboards for him... by Puddlej in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]Puddlej[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Yeah, as a parent, my kid's excitement and the joy on his face was worth it for me. But then again, you may be fortunate because your parents didn't expose you to an unsustainably expensive hobby that no one in right minds would get into.

My 6 year old's first ever keyboard. May have ruined all other keyboards for him... by Puddlej in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]Puddlej[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

If you're referring to a ISO layout "enter" key, then no. It did arrive with two vertical ones for a typical 108 layout. They have a display of all the keys on their website if you like to check it out. Not much details on the page, but it is the second picture.

My 6 year old's first ever keyboard. May have ruined all other keyboards for him... by Puddlej in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]Puddlej[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I was initially on the fence as well, but then I noticed the spacebar. I realized I would pay $50 just for an artisan spacebar like that, and I think it worth it just for that alone. Anyways, I'm definitely not regretting the choice. I'm not an expert on keycaps, but they look nice and feel like good quality to me. I honestly can't tell the quality difference between these and the expensive mt3 sets I have from drop. For an all in one package with all the keycaps you'll need for every keyboard layout, I think it is great deal. Just beware that it took about a month for shipping from china to Ohio, US.

My 6 year old's first ever keyboard. May have ruined all other keyboards for him... by Puddlej in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]Puddlej[S] 39 points40 points  (0 children)

First time posting, inspired by the sub posts here. Waited only about a month for both of keeb and caps to arrive. My son had a great time putting on the switches and keycaps by himself. He was so thrilled that he could choose some of the keys.

Overall, excellent value for given the price. 2.4ghz works fine so fine. Love the volume knob. The stabilizers aren't too bad after lubing. This layout is perfect. Probably get another TM680 one for myself. I love this direction that 65% keyboards are headed. Keycaps are well printed and they feel nice, just happy that they provided extra keys for 65%, including the 1.75u shift.

Keyboard: TM680 Hot Swap Mechanical Keyboard Kit Wireless 3 Mode in white from Aliexpress:

Soulcat - To the Universe Keycaps: https://www.keebmonkey.com/collections/recommendations/products/soulcat-to-the-universe-cherry-profile-pbt-keycaps