[Review] Keycool 84

Yeih! It works just like advertised!

Getting used to reds MX.

h;urei
^proof it is 6KRO on USB

them pics (excuse the quality, only have a cell phone atm):
Spoiler:
pic1_package.jpeg
Nice Package
pic1_package.jpeg (158.63 KiB) Viewed 3776 times

The case:
pic2_case.jpeg
The case
pic2_case.jpeg (175.71 KiB) Viewed 3776 times

Inside the Case:
Spoiler:
pic3_contents.jpg
Inside case
pic3_contents.jpg (360.53 KiB) Viewed 3776 times

Le Contents:
pic4_contents2.jpg
The contents, with the added stuff.
pic4_contents2.jpg (404.33 KiB) Viewed 3776 times

The bags:
Spoiler:
pic5_keybags.jpg
The bags
pic5_keybags.jpg (357.87 KiB) Viewed 3776 times

That keyboard:
pic6_da_kibord.jpg
tan tan TAN TAAAN
pic6_da_kibord.jpg (370.67 KiB) Viewed 3776 times

Yes they are cherry red:
Spoiler:
pic7_cherry_reds_mountain_bikes.jpg
Yes, I got the reads because I am still a teenager inside.
pic7_cherry_reds_mountain_bikes.jpg (299.21 KiB) Viewed 3776 times

The back:
pic12_le_back.jpg
The back
pic12_le_back.jpg (312.52 KiB) Viewed 3776 times

The legs:
pic14_showing_leg.jpg
The legs
pic14_showing_leg.jpg (309.62 KiB) Viewed 3776 times

The port:
pic21_usb_port.jpg
The port
pic21_usb_port.jpg (259.31 KiB) Viewed 3776 times


Pros:
1)cheap MX USB de-attachable keyboard, with all the actual necessary ISO/IEC 9995-2 inputs, and more.

Bloopers:
Print_screen Scroll_lock and Delete are First
With FN: Num_lock Pause and Insert
[who gets that?]

Adding a part 2
Last edited by bebuxe on 03 Aug 2012, 12:06, edited 2 times in total.
bebuxe

Unread post27 Jul 2012, 11:16

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bebuxe
 
Posts: 122
Joined: 14 Jul 2012, 10:49
Main keyboard: noppoo choc mini brown MX
Main mouse: N/A
Favorite switch: red? Have not tried them all.
 
How cheap does it feel, what can you compare it too? Have you tried a Choc mini?
fossala
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Unread post27 Jul 2012, 11:22

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fossala
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Posts: 2730
Joined: 05 Aug 2011, 15:25
Location: UK
Main keyboard: HHKB Type-S
Main mouse: Rollermouse Free2
Favorite switch: Topre
 
Part 2:
More on the USB port:
Spoiler:
pic22_usb_attached.jpg
Plugged in and everything.
pic22_usb_attached.jpg (297.42 KiB) Viewed 3769 times

For the LED maniacs:
Spoiler:
pic23_LED_it_hurts.jpg
damn LEDs
pic23_LED_it_hurts.jpg (241.96 KiB) Viewed 3769 times
pic24_more_LED_it_HURTS.jpg
Those LEDS!
pic24_more_LED_it_HURTS.jpg (233.65 KiB) Viewed 3769 times

Those weird FN inputs:
Spoiler:
pic8_them_functions_keys_set1.jpg
fn 1
pic8_them_functions_keys_set1.jpg (290.71 KiB) Viewed 3769 times
pic9_fn_set2.jpg
fn2
pic9_fn_set2.jpg (299.57 KiB) Viewed 3769 times
pic10_fabrique_nationale_set3.jpg
fn3
pic10_fabrique_nationale_set3.jpg (296.31 KiB) Viewed 3769 times
pic11_the_sidebar.jpg
The sidebar
pic11_the_sidebar.jpg (294.13 KiB) Viewed 3769 times
pic27_lol_that_shift_key.jpg
That Shift key.
pic27_lol_that_shift_key.jpg (280.76 KiB) Viewed 3769 times
pic20_lurking_num.jpg
them numbers
pic20_lurking_num.jpg (298.4 KiB) Viewed 3769 times


Adding part 3

>fossala
Do not know how to answer that. Plastic cheap? But Red MX feels awesome, like I am pressing on butter pellets. But let me finish lol. Please read my profile too.
bebuxe

Unread post27 Jul 2012, 11:28

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bebuxe
 
Posts: 122
Joined: 14 Jul 2012, 10:49
Main keyboard: noppoo choc mini brown MX
Main mouse: N/A
Favorite switch: red? Have not tried them all.
 
Le manual:
Spoiler:
front_page_manual.jpg
It's all Mandarin to me.
front_page_manual.jpg (324.33 KiB) Viewed 3759 times
page1_manual_a.jpg
Come again?
page1_manual_a.jpg (404.6 KiB) Viewed 3759 times
page1_manual_b.jpg
what?
page1_manual_b.jpg (398.24 KiB) Viewed 3759 times
page2_manual_a.jpg
Ok, clearly I am not getting it.
page2_manual_a.jpg (373.42 KiB) Viewed 3759 times
page2_manual_b.jpg
ok...
page2_manual_b.jpg (327.91 KiB) Viewed 3759 times
page2_manual_c.jpg
and how does turn ON the Flux Capacitor
page2_manual_c.jpg (330.25 KiB) Viewed 3759 times
back_page_manual.jpg
And they lived happily ever after. The end!
back_page_manual.jpg (349.14 KiB) Viewed 3759 times

If you can read:
Spoiler:
pic13_what_is_this.jpg
The back label
pic13_what_is_this.jpg (299.45 KiB) Viewed 3759 times

Height:
Spoiler:
pic19_seated_height.jpg
sit
pic19_seated_height.jpg (323.16 KiB) Viewed 3759 times
pic18_raised_height.jpg
rise
pic18_raised_height.jpg (319.64 KiB) Viewed 3759 times


part 4 coming up, after "My Life as a Teenage LoveBot"
Last edited by bebuxe on 27 Jul 2012, 13:52, edited 1 time in total.
bebuxe

Unread post27 Jul 2012, 11:49

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bebuxe
 
Posts: 122
Joined: 14 Jul 2012, 10:49
Main keyboard: noppoo choc mini brown MX
Main mouse: N/A
Favorite switch: red? Have not tried them all.
 
How does it compare to the Choc Mini then?
fossala
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Unread post27 Jul 2012, 12:17

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fossala
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Posts: 2730
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Location: UK
Main keyboard: HHKB Type-S
Main mouse: Rollermouse Free2
Favorite switch: Topre
 
Part 4, the dawn of doom

The keycap size:
Base: 1.8cmx1.8cm
Top: 1.25cmx1.4cm
Height: max 1.2cm, dip 1.1cm
Images for fun:
Spoiler:
pic16_key_lice_len.jpg
length
pic16_key_lice_len.jpg (315.54 KiB) Viewed 3746 times
pic15_key_size_hor.jpg
width
pic15_key_size_hor.jpg (334.98 KiB) Viewed 3746 times
pic17_key_mice_ver.jpg
height
pic17_key_mice_ver.jpg (318.99 KiB) Viewed 3746 times
rice_kap.jpeg
some of the extras
rice_kap.jpeg (290.64 KiB) Viewed 3746 times
back_keycap.jpeg
nasty
back_keycap.jpeg (316.04 KiB) Viewed 3746 times


And yes it works. I typed some of it on it:
Spoiler:
pic25_it_works_lol.jpg
see
pic25_it_works_lol.jpg (375.87 KiB) Viewed 3746 times
pic26_like_candy.jpg
i told you.
pic26_like_candy.jpg (405.27 KiB) Viewed 3746 times


Song playing in my head while doing this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lNZ_Rnr7Jc

I need to do usb-devices and the other commands later on fedora.

Tell me what others to try. I feel like a fledgling anyways.


Any questions?
Last edited by bebuxe on 29 Jul 2012, 21:54, edited 4 times in total.
bebuxe

Unread post27 Jul 2012, 12:34

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bebuxe
 
Posts: 122
Joined: 14 Jul 2012, 10:49
Main keyboard: noppoo choc mini brown MX
Main mouse: N/A
Favorite switch: red? Have not tried them all.
 
>fossala
Dubs, check 'em:
Spoiler:
I_dunno_lol.jpeg
The are like twins. 'cept one dumber, and the another dirty.
I_dunno_lol.jpeg (189.98 KiB) Viewed 3742 times
bebuxe

Unread post27 Jul 2012, 12:42

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bebuxe
 
Posts: 122
Joined: 14 Jul 2012, 10:49
Main keyboard: noppoo choc mini brown MX
Main mouse: N/A
Favorite switch: red? Have not tried them all.
 
Deetz from fedora:
usb-devices:
Spoiler:
Code: Select all
T:  Bus=05 Lev=00 Prnt=00 Port=00 Cnt=00 Dev#=  1 Spd=12  MxCh= 2
D:  Ver= 1.10 Cls=09(hub  ) Sub=00 Prot=00 MxPS=64 #Cfgs=  1
P:  Vendor=1d6b ProdID=0001 Rev=03.04
S:  Manufacturer=Linux 3.4.4-4.fc16.x86_64 uhci_hcd
S:  Product=UHCI Host Controller
S:  SerialNumber=0000:00:1d.3
C:  #Ifs= 1 Cfg#= 1 Atr=e0 MxPwr=0mA
I:  If#= 0 Alt= 0 #EPs= 1 Cls=09(hub  ) Sub=00 Prot=00 Driver=hub

T:  Bus=05 Lev=01 Prnt=01 Port=00 Cnt=01 Dev#=  3 Spd=1.5 MxCh= 0
D:  Ver= 1.10 Cls=00(>ifc ) Sub=00 Prot=00 MxPS= 8 #Cfgs=  1
P:  Vendor=04b4 ProdID=0101 Rev=00.01
S:  Manufacturer=Cypress
S:  Product=Cypress USB Keyboard / PS2 Mouse
C:  #Ifs= 2 Cfg#= 1 Atr=a0 MxPwr=100mA
I:  If#= 0 Alt= 0 #EPs= 1 Cls=03(HID  ) Sub=01 Prot=01 Driver=usbhid
I:  If#= 1 Alt= 0 #EPs= 1 Cls=03(HID  ) Sub=01 Prot=02 Driver=usbhid

lsusb -v
Spoiler:
Code: Select all
Bus 005 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0001 Linux Foundation 1.1 root hub
Couldn't open device, some information will be missing
Device Descriptor:
  bLength                18
  bDescriptorType         1
  bcdUSB               1.10
  bDeviceClass            9 Hub
  bDeviceSubClass         0 Unused
  bDeviceProtocol         0 Full speed (or root) hub
  bMaxPacketSize0        64
  idVendor           0x1d6b Linux Foundation
  idProduct          0x0001 1.1 root hub
  bcdDevice            3.04
  iManufacturer           3
  iProduct                2
  iSerial                 1
  bNumConfigurations      1
  Configuration Descriptor:
    bLength                 9
    bDescriptorType         2
    wTotalLength           25
    bNumInterfaces          1
    bConfigurationValue     1
    iConfiguration          0
    bmAttributes         0xe0
      Self Powered
      Remote Wakeup
    MaxPower                0mA
    Interface Descriptor:
      bLength                 9
      bDescriptorType         4
      bInterfaceNumber        0
      bAlternateSetting       0
      bNumEndpoints           1
      bInterfaceClass         9 Hub
      bInterfaceSubClass      0 Unused
      bInterfaceProtocol      0 Full speed (or root) hub
      iInterface              0
      Endpoint Descriptor:
        bLength                 7
        bDescriptorType         5
        bEndpointAddress     0x81  EP 1 IN
        bmAttributes            3
          Transfer Type            Interrupt
          Synch Type               None
          Usage Type               Data
        wMaxPacketSize     0x0002  1x 2 bytes
        bInterval             255
bebuxe

Unread post28 Jul 2012, 00:13

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bebuxe
 
Posts: 122
Joined: 14 Jul 2012, 10:49
Main keyboard: noppoo choc mini brown MX
Main mouse: N/A
Favorite switch: red? Have not tried them all.
 
bebuxe wrote:Any questions?

What key combos are hardwired via the Fn key? Scan codes would be cool, too.
woody
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Unread post28 Jul 2012, 10:28

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nice idea....
running xev would a pain though.

Also I forgot to say some Cons:
USB hole for the cable is improperly designed, and it causes the wire to compress. I even made a dent on the insulation. But nothing a knife a can fix.
From the build, there are no screws. And looks to be glued shut. So no hacking, unless you got glue, and a knife.
That Delete key up on the top confuses me, esp. when doing Shift + Fn + Insert. But there is always setxkbmap.

Caps do not feel like ABS from Noppoo, but the letter are sticker, or what ever it is called.
I guess winkey is non standard size.

Hopefully I will some free time tomorrow to test them all.
Last edited by bebuxe on 29 Jul 2012, 21:46, edited 1 time in total.
bebuxe

Unread post28 Jul 2012, 13:20

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bebuxe
 
Posts: 122
Joined: 14 Jul 2012, 10:49
Main keyboard: noppoo choc mini brown MX
Main mouse: N/A
Favorite switch: red? Have not tried them all.
 
Nice review. I ordered a black one with black switches last week, mainly to use as a backpackable gaming keyboard (hopefully is shows up in the next week or so). The main attraction I had to this board over the Noppoo was the detachable cable. The Race has a removable cable as well I realize, but I like the fact the the Keycool mini has the connection underneath with the cable crimped, to prevent accidental unplugging. By your comments about the USB channel compressing the cable, it sounds like it will meet my needs nicely.
fossala was asking about "cheap" feeling of the board. I'm not expecting too much for the price, so I figure plactikoting the case may add a bit of ruggedness to it.
Have you taken off the spacebar to see what it's compatible with? It looks like it's Filco length, just curious if the mount points line up.
blighty
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Unread post29 Jul 2012, 15:29

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Posts: 204
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Location: New York, USA
Main keyboard: g80-1865/Filco Ninja MX Blk
Main mouse: Logitech G400
Favorite switch: Cherry MX Black
 
>blighty
Well, for the cable being compressed worries me about cable's durability. But that is why you have a knife with you always.
And I can't still answer a question like that. It's like saying, "How red does it feel?" And I would have to answer the same, "Red feely?". If he means something like, "What type of materials is it composed of, esp. the Keycap and base exterior plastic?" I would have a more definite answer: "I apologize, but I do not have testing materials or the resources to test the Plastic, or the motherboard."
I will check the space bar later. Tried fidgeting with it, but I got to run to work. The life of a full time worker is not easy. Tell me the dimensions of a filco kb's space bar.
bebuxe

Unread post29 Jul 2012, 21:44

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bebuxe
 
Posts: 122
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Main keyboard: noppoo choc mini brown MX
Main mouse: N/A
Favorite switch: red? Have not tried them all.
 
The DT wiki http://deskthority.net/wiki/Space_bar puts the Filco's space bar at 6.25 units (118mm (just over 4 3/8 inches) wide, 3 mounts, 50mm apart). From eyeballing the pic it looks the same, but no way to tell about the mount points without looking underneath.

As for build quality, do you think the case would break/crack if you had to hit someone over the head with it a few times :D (or at least survive a 2 or 3 foot fall) ? Plastic bat vs wooden vs aluminum I guess. I suppose I can decide for myself when it arrives.
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Unread post30 Jul 2012, 02:44

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>blighty
I'll check tomorrow.
Build.: You can mash someone head 3 times and it will break. A 10 feet fall would make break. Between Plastic - wooden.
>woody
Kinda busy for xev map. Need to orchestrate it. Scripts are welcome.
bebuxe

Unread post30 Jul 2012, 22:57

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bebuxe
 
Posts: 122
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Main keyboard: noppoo choc mini brown MX
Main mouse: N/A
Favorite switch: red? Have not tried them all.
 
bebuxe wrote:Kinda busy for xev map. Need to orchestrate it. Scripts are welcome.

A short compiled combo list like for example "Fn+A gives ...." is still a good start.
"xev | grep keysym" is a quick way to filter the output, but you'll still get on/off/repetition events. Of course you don't need to check the codes for the regular keys.
woody
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Unread post30 Jul 2012, 23:11

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i just got my white keycool 84 with red switches
raptorized

Unread post31 Jul 2012, 00:15

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raptorized
 
Posts: 35
Joined: 20 Jun 2012, 10:47
Main keyboard: Noppoo Choc pro MX Brown
Main mouse: Steelseries Xai
Favorite switch: MX Brown/ Buckling Spring
 
 
>raptorized
nice.

>woody
I did it the simple way:
Spoiler:
Code: Select all
Esc      F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 F6 F7 F8 F9 F10 F11 F12  Print Pause Delete
`        1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  0   -   =    BackSpace   Home
Tab        q  w  e  r  t  y  u  i  o  p  [  ]    \           Prior
Caps_Lock   a  s  d  f  g  h  j  k  l  ;  '   Return         Next
Shift_L      z  x  c  v  b  n  m  ,  .  /  Shift_R     Up    End
Control_L Super_L Alt_L space Alt_R Fn Control_R Left Down Right

With FN the only diff. are the Fn keys and Fn12 which does something to
light up the LED and it looks like a Lock. But it does not do anything.

Esc XF86Explorer XF86HomePage XF86Calculator XF86Tools XF86AudioPrev XF86AudioNext XF86AudioPlay XF86AudioStop XF86AudioMute XF86AudioLowerVolume XF86AudioRaiseVolume [Fn lock?] Num_Lock Scroll_Lock Insert

Nothing else for FN that I could find.

Numlock is visable in the image I made earlier. But I shall pasta the map.
7 8 9 0
 u i o p
  j k l ;
   m , . /

With Numlock
7 8 9 /
 4 5 6 *
  1 2 3 -
   0 00 . +

Maybe there are notes from the the manual or the home page ? Any notes
from http://kbtalking.cool3c.com/ ?
bebuxe

Unread post31 Jul 2012, 08:47

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bebuxe
 
Posts: 122
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Main keyboard: noppoo choc mini brown MX
Main mouse: N/A
Favorite switch: red? Have not tried them all.
 
Spoiler:
ImageImage
raptorized

Unread post31 Jul 2012, 09:11

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Posts: 35
Joined: 20 Jun 2012, 10:47
Main keyboard: Noppoo Choc pro MX Brown
Main mouse: Steelseries Xai
Favorite switch: MX Brown/ Buckling Spring
 
 
@bebuxe: Thanks!
woody
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Unread post31 Jul 2012, 09:35

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>raptorized
NICE. But I am making/buying/getting my own caps later (opinion/taste difference, nothing wrong with that).

>woody
You are welcome. The total will be 22 USD with State Tax. Will it be paypal or check?

>et al.
Anyone got any other Qs? I shall be lazy enough not to document this on the wiki (were most of this should be).
bebuxe

Unread post31 Jul 2012, 11:40

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bebuxe
 
Posts: 122
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Main keyboard: noppoo choc mini brown MX
Main mouse: N/A
Favorite switch: red? Have not tried them all.
 
bebuxe wrote:>woody
You are welcome. The total will be 22 USD with State Tax. Will it be paypal or check?

I don't know. :D You have somebody else in mind with respect to the quoted price. Please check again.
woody
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Unread post01 Aug 2012, 09:44

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Just so everyone knows, a filco spacebar fits the mini84 with a replacement stabilizer (I got one from wasd keyboards) and moving the stabilizer mounts to the outer positions. It's rad that all the keys can be swapped with aftermarket keycaps with a little modding.
Last edited by blighty on 10 Aug 2012, 21:55, edited 1 time in total.
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Unread post03 Aug 2012, 19:25

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Main mouse: Logitech G400
Favorite switch: Cherry MX Black
 
Have you tried to remove the case? I don't know how to do it safely
raptorized

Unread post05 Aug 2012, 06:09

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raptorized
 
Posts: 35
Joined: 20 Jun 2012, 10:47
Main keyboard: Noppoo Choc pro MX Brown
Main mouse: Steelseries Xai
Favorite switch: MX Brown/ Buckling Spring
 
 
No, I have not. An I do not want to yet. Until I can get better at typing on the typematrix 2020. Plus, I do not got time to get glue and hack my way at the keyboard. Unless I buy another, lol.
bebuxe

Unread post05 Aug 2012, 09:12

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