KB Timeline
A chronological journey through my keyboard collection
My journey through the world of mechanical keyboards.
2026: Halcyon Elora - SplitKB
Specifications
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Switch | Gateron Oil Kings Black |
| Layout | Split |
| Manufacturer | SplitKB |
| Backplate | Brass |
| Modules | LCD display, on both sides |
Why this keyboard?
After spending time with low-profile Choc switches, I found myself missing the satisfying feel of MX-style switches. The Halcyon Elora offered exactly what I was looking for: a modular split keyboard that I could tinker with and upgrade over time. Sometimes the best part of this hobby is having something to improve.
2024: Glove80 - Moergo
Specifications
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Switch | Gateron Red Pro Low Force Lubed |
| Layout | Split ergonomic |
| Manufacturer | Moergo |
Why this keyboard?
Persistent finger pain drove me to explore ergonomic options, and the Glove80’s concave key wells caught my attention. The sculpted design promised to reduce strain by letting fingers move naturally. It delivered — the pain subsided, and this board proved that ergonomics can genuinely make a difference.
2023: Q8 - Keychron
Specifications
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Switch | Gateron CAP V2 Gold Brown (factory lube) |
| Previous Switch | Gateron Oil Kings Black |
| Layout | Alice |
| Manufacturer | Keychron |
Why this keyboard?
A hefty brick of a keyboard with a brass backplate that gives every keystroke weight and authority. The CAP V2 switches felt incredible, offering a smooth tactile experience. Unfortunately, the non-ergonomic layout eventually caught up with me, and finger strain forced a switch to something more forgiving.
2021: DISCIPLINE v1 65%
Specifications
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Switch | Lubed Tecsee Carrot |
| Layout | 65% |
Why this keyboard?
A proper introduction to through-hole soldering. Following the build manual, carefully placing each capacitor and resistor in the right spot — it was meticulous work that taught me precision. The lightweight build had its drawbacks (it slid around more than I’d like), but as an affordable learning project, it was perfect.
2020: Custom 64% Wood
Specifications
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Switch | Lubed Novelkeys Cream |
| Layout | 64% |
| Build | Wood case |
Why this keyboard?
A stripped-back build with a wooden case that transformed the acoustics. The Novelkeys Creams paired beautifully with the wood, producing a deep, satisfying thock. This was my first ground-up custom — sourcing every component separately and assembling it piece by piece. Simple, but rewarding.
2020: Custom 60% Metal
Specifications
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Switch | Lubed Kailh Speed Silver |
| Layout | 60% |
| Build | Metal case |
Why this keyboard?
My first real mechanical keyboard build, featuring XDA keycaps and Kailh Speed Silvers. An early lesson in restraint: I went overboard with the lube, leaving the switches feeling waterlogged and mushy. Not every experiment succeeds, but every failure teaches something.