- Linky87 (QMK?) VIA Plastic 3-Mode TKL
- Bsun Taichi Linear Switches
- DS PBT Cherry Keycaps
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That’s a crazy price. Looks like $10 shipping. Still a crazy value.
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They were first listed @ $25 before the tariffs! It’s insane how good and cheap keyboards have become.
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Thank-you for reviewing such an affordable keyboard.
How would you say it compares to the aluminium 75%, the Inky75, showcased at the beginning of your video? Does it have a comparable typing experience?
An interesting direct comparison would be with the M87 Pro, which you reviewed earlier. That keyboard has retailed for as low as $30 USD, and the white model is currently $35.
The M87 Pro ended up having a pretty flexy typing experience. The case was fairly resonant, giving a bright sound. Would you say that the Linky87 is similar? The Linky87 does not appear to have exaggerated flex, and it seems to have a more marbly sound-profile from the dampening materials.
I have noticed that keyboards that contain batteries and hardware for wireless tend to be more bulky than their wired equivalents, obviously. The typing experience is often more harsh, because the case is packed with equipment.
It is interesting that the keyboard retails for $55 CAD as a sale price, which is equivalent to $40 USD. Since there are minimal or no tariffs for Canadians, it is surprising that Canadians should pay the same price as U.S. residents, and not the equivalent of the $25 USD pre-tariff price.
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It has been a little while since I reviewed the M87, but from what I recall, this typing experience is much better, this keyboard feels solid, like it’s worth much more. Itś hard for me to compare an aluminum to a plastic keyboard, I type hard, and can feel the difference between the two, that said, it’s one of the better, if not best, plastic TKLs I’ve used to date, which are quite a few at this point.
The Linky is certainly not as flexy as the M87, but itś not stiff either, it’s a nice middle ground. It certainly feel more substantial than other wireless TKLs.
Hope that answers your question, and I’ll ask about pricing, as I understood it really only affected the US as I know another user that bought one for $25 overseas.
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Thanks. I’ll try to find out if it’s possible to purchase the Link87 for $25 somehow.
Unlike many reviewers, I actually enjoyed the flexiness of the M87 Pro. You have to be really careful inserting and removing switches, because I suppose the PCB isn’t anchored by much.
In fact, you should probably disassemble the M87 Pro when inserting switches. That being said, I found the board’s flexiness to be good for light-tactiles. It does ‘enhance’ the sound of switches, so if you have some bad-sounding switches, you will have to lube the switches and maybe fill the M87 Pro with sorbothane.
Anyway, I’ve rarely seen a keyboard as factory-ready as the M87 Pro. It would be nice to see those 20% discounts again.
The M87 Pro also had really good typing angles, and it looks as if the Link87 gives to some real choices in this matter, as well.
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I’ll have to dig out the M87 and use them side by side, you’ve piqued my interest. I’ll report back what I find, cheers!
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