Letgomyleghoe.

OLKB Preonic MX Rev.3 Review
New layouts are fun! (and tricky?)


 
 
Intro:
 
Lets keep this one "short" and sweet. 
 
Ortholinears, what the heck are they?
To summarize they are a full size keyboard, cut in half, trimmed down, with the keys straightened out in linear rows and columns, meaning the rows are not staggered. 
 
Why would you want this?
The main idea behind othrolinears is that your fingers should never be more than two keys away from any given key when placed on the home row. Thus reducing fatigue and stress when typing for extended periods of time. The ‘Lower’ and ‘Raise’ keys allow quick access to other key layers, meaning little functionality is lost over a full-size layout.
 
So the general idea is improved ergonomics in a compact layout. 
 
 
Why I bought this:
 
Being a bit new to the world of custom mechs, I only learned about this layout earlier this year. But I really wanted to give it a try. I knew the layout would be tricky to get used to, but the ‘Lower’ and ‘Raise’ function is what sealed the deal, if you can get that down you functionally have a full-size board on your hands.
 
Originally I placed a preorder on Drop for the Planck, which is basically the same board but without a number row. Ultimately shipping got pushed back twice, and by then the Preonic V3 was available and ready for immediate shipping, so I cancelled my Planck and got the Preonic.
 
In truth a layout with an extra row would be my first choice regardless, so I was happy it played out this way.
 
 
Parts (USD):
 
I went for the full Drop special on this.
   
My thoughts on the OLKB Preonic:
 
I now have 3+ weeks under my belt. The Preonic MX V3 kit is really good overall. Key features being:
Anodized CNC aluminum case
MX-compatible switches 
Hot-swap sockets
5-pin PCB mount switch or 3-pin plate mount
USB C w/ included cable
Underglow LED’s and user optional solder RGB LED compatible (for per key lighting)
Included stabs, screws, hex bolts + nuts, hex tool, & rubber feat 
 
The build quality of the Case is of very high quality, it feels lighter than I expected, which ultimately for a compact board that would be easy to move around is not a bad thing. But the anodized aluminum holds up even next to some more premium cases.
 
The PCB is feature rich and as far as I am concerned, of high quality, no issues to report here. The built in mini speaker is a nice touch, and hot-swap is a blessing, especially for a quick and easy build.
 
The RGB on the back of the PCB is a nice touch but ultimately unless you get the diffused acrylic case it does not do much.
 
Stabs are push-in, not screw-in (booooo), but only using a single 2U stabilizer, this is acceptable.
 
The fitment tolerance of the backplate is very good, one of the best I have dealt with so far. I suppose it would be easier with a smaller plate and case, but nonetheless I was very impressed.
 
If I am going to be extra picky, and I am. My main con is the noise the case produces when you type, there is a very subtle metal clang on some key presses (middle keys in particular). A rubber / foam gasket would completely minimize this, so I would have liked to see one included, but this is not extremely noticeable, just something I picked up on.  
 
Otherwise this kit delivers on all fronts, I really enjoy the layout, the quality of the parts is A+, and while $140 feels steep for a small layout (now on sale for $115, Planck is $100), you get good value for what you are buying. The feature rich PCB takes away from any feeling that something is missing. And with limited runs you can always expect to pay a price premium. 
 
One quick note on the Ortholinear layout. While an adjustment for typing, for gaming it is much better, ‘W’ directly above ‘S’ is actually perfect. 
 
 
Assembly process:
 
As this is a hot swap board there is not much to it. A nice little booklet is included with basic assembly instructions:
 

Once you have your switches and keycaps you are ready to build, this kit has everything else included.
 

To begin you mount your single 2U spacebar stabilizer, I lubed mine with TriboSys 3204. Then mount it into the case, and thread in the 5 screws from the bottom of the case. Optionally you can use the brass hex spacers to secure it furthermore, which I opted to do. 
 

Next mount a few switches to the plate, then to the PCB. I like to space them out so the plate is secure and aligned. 
 

Then mount the remainder of your switches. Once done you secure the plate from the top with 5 hex nuts (included tool is provided), and tadah! A prepped Preonic V3 ready for keycaps!
 
And some completed pics!
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I also got the carry case for $5, as I will use this on the go I like the idea of having my keeb secured and avoiding scratches to the aluminum when possible. 
 
 
Type Test:
 
Switch of choice for this test is the Invyr Holy Panda (tactile), un-lubed. 

Preonic V3 - Holy Pandas Unlubed.mp4  
* Amplified audio by 10db * (Audio recorded with a Blue Snowball Mic, at approximately 15cm from the keyboard)
 
Stay tuned! An upcoming entry will feature the Holy Panda’s lubed vs un-lubed.
 
 
Conclusion:
 
This keeb has been an interesting one, it has taken the most time to get used to simply because the rows are not staggered. I do not type ‘correctly’, as my fingers hover instead of remaining on the home row, so I often make many spelling errors as keys are not in the same position they would be on a standard keyboard layout. That said it is not a deal breaker, and I have gotten much better over the past weeks and I will continue to use this board for several more weeks.
 
So while the layout is an adjustment, in many other ways I prefer this over something like a 60%. The Preonic with the top number row is a huge benefit personally, as are the arrow keys. And while I first thought I would have growing pains using the small spacebar, this is not the case, not only do I not mind it but the ‘Raise’ and ‘Lower’ functions right beside the spacebar really reduce the lack of functionality that I normally get with smaller layouts. I have several frequently used functions down to muscle memory and I am beginning to really enjoy this board. Even more so that I initially thought.
 
Currently I am working on a custom key layout, in particular I want to rearrange the bottom left keys, not having ‘Control’ in the bottom left it really throwing me off, otherwise I have adjusted well and will also add some keys to the ’Lower’ and ‘Raise’ layers.
 
Ultimately this is a board I am pleasantly surprised with, and happy that it is of high quality with a feature rich PCB. For those looking to spice up their custom mech life, I actually can strongly recommend this board. This coming from a guy who's 'one weapon keeb' is a 90% layout. So if I can make the switch, I'm sure many others could as well! This Drop+OLKB board really nailed it!
 


 
Change can be hard, but often we find that it can result in something that is not as negative as we once thought it to be. 
 

C³ Kiwi's 67g  -  VS  -  Zealios V2 65g
Battle of The Tactiles
 

 
 
Intro:
 
This all begins earlier this year when I took my headfirst plunge into this bottomless pit of a hobby. I found the ZealPC Zealios V2 65g tactile switches both through recommendations here on the forum, and through reviews I had read + watched. I ordered a set, and sure enough, the praise was not unfounded, the caveat being they come at a bit of a premium, $1 / per switch. I had an upcoming build in which I would need 100 of these. So I was looking for cost-effective alternatives that would still perform on par.
 
Low and behold, the Equalz C³ Kiwis were available for order and seemed like a great option being both tactile and only slightly heavier at 67g, not to mention cost-effective as well at $19.50 / per 30 switches ($0.65 / per switch). Upon ordering my intent was to solder them to my one weapon keeb, 'Jaster' a Tofu96.
 
Once the C³ Kiwis arrived I decided to first give them a test on my hot-swap KBD67v2 MKII to make sure I was truly going for the best switch option. Long story short I went with the Zealios V2 65g switches for my Tofu96, with more explanation as to why following.
 
This was my initial unboxing and thoughts with the C³ Kiwis:
 
 
Switch Comparison:
 
Key differences that I have observed over a month of use with each switch are as follows.
 
Tactility
- Zealios V2: Very pronounced yet smooth tactile bump that comes early enough in the keypress to make it both a satisfying 'bump' while allowing for a smooth keypress after you pass the bump; so what a good tactile switch should feel like.
- C³ Kiwis: Also a very pronounced yet smooth tactile bump, honestly the tactile bump is on par with the Zealios V2, in my opinion.
 
Switch Weight
- Zealios V2: The weight of this switch really helps distinguish the tactile bump that extra bit more, it is towards the heavier side, but not light enough that all you feel is the tactile bump with nothing to follow it.
- C³ Kiwis: This is where the C³ Kiwi distinguishes itself, it feels heavier, to the point where I really am surprised there is only a 2g difference. Like the Zealios V2 the tactile bump is very pronounced, however, the weight after the bump takes away from that extra smooth feeling with a full-length keystroke. Thus not feeling quite as smooth as the competitor, but by no means bad.
 
Sound
- Zealios V2: This switch sounds smoother, there is very little 'click' / 'twang', even un-lubed it is noticeably quieter than the C³ Kiwi.
- C³ Kiwis: These pronounce a much louder 'click' / 'twang' sound on the key release, if I had to guess it would be because the heavier weighted spring pushes the stem back up again with greater force than the Zealios V2.
 
Typing
It is my opinion that outside of an audible difference and a slightly heavier feeling C³ Kiwi, these switches are very similar. The Zealios V2 is just slightly smoother feeling, and a bit quieter. But both are premium tactile switches that feel amazing to type on. 
 
Sound Comparison
- Zealios V2 lubed VS un-lubed in order (single switch). I lubed these with TriboSys 3204.

Zealios Lubed then Unlubed.mp4  
- Zealios V2 un-lubed VS C³ Kiwis un-lubed in order (single switch).

Zealios Unlubed VS Kiwis Unlubed.mp4  
* Amplified audio by 28db *
 
 
Type test:
 
For my typing test I had to use two separate boards as almost all my Zealios V2 switches are already soldered to my Tofu96.
 
The C³ Kiwis are being used in my KBD67v2 MKII, that said both are solid anodized aluminum cases with PCB mounting and both have foam placed between the PCB and case bottom to reduce any movement and vibrations.
 
Another variable to consider here is that the Zealios V2 switches for this typing test have been lubed. 
 
Typing Comparison
- Zealios V2: 

Zealios Keyboard Type Test.mp4  
- C³ Kiwi:

Kiwi Keyboard Type Test.mp4  
* Amplified audio by 10db * (Audio recorded with a Blue Snowball Mic, at approximately 15cm from the keyboard)
 
 
Conclusion:
 
When I first typed on the C³ Kiwis it immediately made me second guess the difference, I knew the C³ Kiwis sounded more 'clicky' / 'twangy' but when typing they feel quite similar. When you really get into the fine details there are some notable differences but outside of an audible experience, it is something few would notice if you are just typing away.
 
Even prior to lubing the Zealios V2s I knew that the C³ Kiwis sounded different. But the tactile feel is spot on, and while I had to be hard on them for the purposes of this test, they still are an amazing, premium, tactile switch, and they get my glowing recommendation. 
 
However, at the end of the day, I still had to choose my favorite switch for my one weapon keyboard, and therefore the Zealios V2s had to be my number one choice. The C³ Kiwis gave me just enough of an excuse, and when going up against the Zealios V2s, you have to be perfect. 

Purple Wins!
⬆️ Please read this in your Super Smash Bros voice for full effect ⬆️
 
Now unfortunately I have some sad news if I just sold you on either of these switches. The Zealios V2 65g switches are increasingly hard to find with very limited stock. I got mine from KBDfans, however, they are running low. For my fellow canucks there are still some available at ZealPC, otherwise, nearly every other retailer has none or next to no stock.
 
If you were sold on the C³ Kiwis the news is much worse. The only retailer is The Key Dot Co and they only sell large drops, the last run was on August 25th, but hopefully, with popular demand, they bring another batch in (nothing said yet). If you are interested in getting a set I recommend subscribing to their newsletter so you can stay informed.

The C³ Tangerines I really wanted earlier this year sold so fast that I could not complete my order, but they ran another drop on October 27th and I was able to get a set. So hopefully the same goes for the C³ Kiwis.
 

Otherwise, I hope some of you enjoyed this and found my first entry somewhat informative! Hopefully my next switch review features something that can actually be obtained.