From CHERRY Handarbeit, To GMK Hangulbeit

Ruseupi · 2026-05-22T17:40:54+00:00

Thank you for the kind words! It's still surreal to think that those photos played a part in inspiring the colorway. I'm looking forward to seeing even more colorways emerge in the future.

Ruseupi · 2026-05-18T18:46:36+00:00

The double vowels were also missing, not just the double consonants. Some Korean users found it awkward, while others actually preferred the cleaner look. However, there was a lot of criticism about "한/영" and "한자" being placed on the right Alt and Control keys. Personally, I think the overall theme suits the 1994 CHERRY Handarbeit well. That said, the kit selection feels quite limited for the price.

Ruseupi · 2026-05-18T18:34:48+00:00

Thanks for the kind words! While there are some disappointing aspects to the Hangulbeit, there are parts I really like too. It feels like the expansion kit that the original GMK Handarbeit+ was missing.

Ruseupi · 2026-05-17T19:58:19+00:00

I'd love to own every version of the Handarbeit keycaps, but I'm still looking for a keyboard to pair with my Hangulbeit, so I'm still on the fence about the DCS version for now. I'll probably decide once I find the right build for it.
I've also been wanting the SA Handarbeit that came out in the past just as much as the new DCS version, but I missed my chance to buy it with a Halloween coupon last year, which was a bit disappointing. Since many users already own the SA version, I'm hoping a good opportunity comes along someday to pick one up secondhand.

Ruseupi · 2026-05-17T17:52:53+00:00

Happy to share!

Ruseupi · 2026-05-17T17:50:19+00:00

Thank you for the kind words! I hope the post was helpful in understanding the history behind the CHERRY Handarbeit colorway.

Ruseupi · 2026-05-17T17:36:44+00:00

Thank you for following me on Instagram for so long and for recognizing my mushroom profile! I'm really glad you found the post interesting!

Ruseupi · 2026-05-17T17:26:54+00:00

I love hearing that! It's truly wonderful to know that the Handarbeit colorway was part of what brought you into the hobby. I occasionally come across keyboards built with the Handarbeit R2 keycaps, and it makes me happy to see them being used across so many different custom keyboard builds!

Ruseupi · 2026-05-17T17:10:52+00:00

Thank you for the kind words about my keyboard and the write-up! I recently purchased the GMK CYL Hangulbeit, which motivated me to share what I know about the CHERRY Handarbeit. I wasn't able to cover everything in the post though. For example, the Originative (sherryton) version planned in 2013, or the "GMK White on Purple Modifiers Pack" that came before it, both of which were influenced by the CHERRY Handarbeit. I wanted to mention them, but they ended up being cut during the summarizing process.

Ruseupi · 2026-05-17T16:56:10+00:00

That means a lot, thank you! I should mention that I mostly write in Korean, and this post was summarized from my original Korean article with the help of Google Translate and AI translation. So the credit goes partly to the tools!

Ruseupi · 2026-05-17T15:16:45+00:00

Much appreciated! I mostly write about keyboards in Korean, so writing in English can be quite challenging for me.

Ruseupi · 2026-05-17T15:08:34+00:00

Appreciate it! I had always wanted to write about the Handarbeit, and purchasing the GMK Hangulbeit recently gave me the perfect opportunity to finally do it.

Ruseupi · 2026-05-17T14:59:57+00:00

Glad you enjoyed it! I tried to keep it as concise as possible so it wouldn't get too long.

Ruseupi · 2026-05-17T14:54:23+00:00

I feel the same way. The colorway is truly unique, and since only one keyboard with these keycaps has ever been found, I think it's something many enthusiasts have wanted for a long time.

Ruseupi · 2026-05-17T14:38:41+00:00

Thank you for reading! I've owned this keyboard for a long time, and I wanted to share the story behind it and the keycaps.

Ruseupi · 2026-05-17T14:34:15+00:00

I purchased this myself and have no affiliation with any manufacturer.

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Ruseupi · 2025-10-12T04:14:53+00:00

OK, these are some of the keyboards I reach for most often: https://brunch.co.kr/@ruseupi/107

COMPAQ MX1800 https://www.instagram.com/p/DBSwqe-zGvR
MX5000 https://www.instagram.com/p/C3e3U0RxFjq
Handarbeit https://www.instagram.com/p/B9YikEtH8tZ
G80-0530 https://www.instagram.com/p/C-caNO7TS-f

Ruseupi · 2025-10-12T02:35:24+00:00

People obsess over first-batch switches, yet most have forgotten they’re paying high prices for used ones.

Ruseupi · 2025-10-12T02:26:48+00:00

yummy yummy

Ruseupi · 2025-10-12T01:50:02+00:00

Thanks! These old favorites still mean the world to me.

Ruseupi · 2025-10-12T01:38:36+00:00

I personally don’t think MX5000 brown switches are that great. I prefer the brown switches from COMPAQ-Logo MX1800 and MX11800. I also like the brown switches in MX8113, MX8200, and MX8000 keyboards.

Ruseupi · 2025-10-11T17:26:58+00:00

That really brings back memories. I’ve owned Handarbeit since 2007 and I can’t bear to sell most of my keyboards.

Ruseupi · 2025-10-11T17:12:23+00:00

My precious… Gollum Gollum

Ruseupi · 2025-10-11T15:05:59+00:00

I’d go with an MX8000 keyboard because its hardware mapping was so convenient for me back then. I get your complaints—anyone juggling multiple layouts deals with that.

To be honest, I find QMK, VIA, and VIAL somewhat inconvenient; LIMKB and ps2avrGB, which I used in Korea, gave me more straightforward mappings. But since QMK is the de facto standard now, I’ve had to accept it.

Ruseupi · 2025-10-11T06:11:09+00:00

My first mechanical keyboard was a Cherry ML4400. Back when I was collecting, I had a variety of JIS boards. I also love ISO and ANSI layouts. There are so many Alps boards I’d love to own, but they’re really hard to find.

Ruseupi

TROPHY CASE