Whether you’re a student or in the workforce, you likely spend many hours on your keyboard, so might as well make those hours as pleasant and cool as possible. Enter Keebs Project, a DIY shop in JB where you can get your very own customised keyboards, down to the very last T.
The current exchange rate is RM1 = ~S$0.29 as of 16th August 2024.
Keebs Project just opened their new branch in July at Eco Palladium, and it is their biggest one yet.
Image credit: KEEBS PROJECT Eco Palladium JB via Google Maps
They specialise in custom mechanical keyboards allowing you to choose from various keycaps and switches, to even desk mats and wrist rests; all so that you can design your desktop set-up to be as unique as possible.
Image credit: KEEBS PROJECT Eco Palladium JB via Google Maps
There are 100 types of switches, categorised into clicky, linear, and tactile. If you’re unfamiliar with these terms, we’ve broken them down for you:
There’s also unique accessories and keycaps to give your keyboard that extra bling and make any specific keys stand out. These include rainbow-coloured keys and keyboards that light up. A lot of these are limited edition too.
Alternatively, you can get an entire keyboard in of itself too if DIY isn’t your forte. Don’t worry if all this sounds like gibberish for you. The staff there will be glad to guide you along the steps.
Keebs Project sells anything and everything related to keyboards. It offers accessories across 23 brands, with reputable ones like Keychron, Accho, Gateron, and Cherry. The key highlights are the switches and keycaps, as those make up the main components of a keyboard.
Image adapted from: @keebsproject via Instagram
Both these components come in many different designs, with virtually endless possibilities for customisation, and that’s not even taking into account the accessories too. Unless you have an existing keyboard you wanna zhuzh up, you’ll have to first get the base kit (from RM50).
The average cost per switch is from RM0.60-RM4.50, depending on the model and whether you decide to get it lubed or not. It may be a bit daunting to decide what switch to pick, which is why there’s a demo section to try it out.
Tactile peeps can go for the Akko Penguin Silent (from RM1.80/per switch). It is super responsive, and has a lifespan of 50 million keystrokes, equivalent to around a decade’s worth of use.
Clicky fans will love the Kalih Box Navy (from RM2/switch), with a slightly thicker bar than others for max typewriter-esque clickiness. On the flip side, the Gateron Oil King (from RM2.90/switch) gives you a silent typing experience, even if you’re going at over 70 words/min.
Now, this is where you can unleash your creative side when choosing keycaps. The average cost per keycap ranges from RM37.90-RM119. There are many cool themed designs like the Sage Valorant (from RM20/keycap) or Retro Vintage Computer PC Arcade (from RM35/keycap).
Those who love to stay up late can consider the Coral Series (RM45/keycap) to add at least some degree of protection to the eyes. Choose from 9 colours to mix and match with to add some sparkles to your keyboard.
All the anime fans can bring their favourite characters to their workstation with the Demon Slayer collection (from RM139). Other famous series include Genshin Impact, Naruto, and One Piece.
If you want a layer of protection for your table from any scratches, desk mats like the Felt Deskmat (RM69) are a good choice to pair up with your keyboard. They are all waterproof so you don’t have to worry about spilling the tea.
Long hours typing away also mean prolonged contact with your desk, and a higher risk of getting sore wrists. Prevent that pesky problem from arising with the Cloud Bubble wrist rest (from RM35).
You can get your switches either factory-lubed, hand-lubed, or lubed and filmed. Factory lubing is when the switches are pre-lubricated briefly to prevent wear and tear. Hand lubed is done on-site, so may take a little while longer, but it’s definitely more thorough and you can observe it being done if you’re feeling a bit kiasu.
Lubing and filming are more thorough, with a thin layer of oil placed on the surface to prevent rust and wobbly switches. It even improves the sound, kind of like rubbing oil on a squeaky door hinge.
In general, it’s best to get your switches lubed as it helps extend their lifespan and by extension, the quality of your keyboard while you’re busy hammering away at work. Besides, it’s super cheap, and will only set you back a couple of extra bucks at most.
Typing and testing out the many different types of switches may leave you feeling a bit peckish. You can have a bite at the store’s in-house Keebs Cafe, known for their range of cheap hot drinks and croffles. Dig into their Floss Mayo Croffle (RM13.90) for a filling snack before sipping on their hot chocolate (RM 8).
Image credit: KEEBS PROJECT via Google Maps
So, if you’re convinced to give your old desktop the glow-up it deserves, or just looking for activities to add to your JB itinerary, visit Keebs Project. It will leave you spoilt for choice. Besides, we often show a lot of care to our backs with ergonomic chairs, but neglect our fingers and wrists when it comes to typing, so it’s about time you pamper them a bit.
For more cool things to do in JB, check out:
Cover image adapted from: @keebsproject via Instagram, KEEBS PROJECT via Google Maps
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