I tried the Qisan Magicforce 69 (ISO version) and I don't think it's too expensive. It's a cute board that's inviting to be modded. The best part are actually incredible high quality PBT keycaps on the ISO version that support the international language they are made for for an insanely good price compared to enthusiast keycap sets - and you even get an entry level keyboard to mess with. The keyboard itself needs modding to not sound like a glockenspiel though - I don't even know if foam etc. helps enough. Going through the hassle of desoldering is probably a risk free way to learn about in depth modding but I wouldn't go through the effort for this otherwise medium quality keyboard. That's why I returned my MF69 in the end, even though I made a foam cutout and enjoyed my gateron reds on this keyboard.
The only reason why I say it was expensive what from what I see competitors doing. The price fluctuates on amazon, and many times the actual components of the build "switch" from time to time. From what I saw on amazon, they were offering sub-par switches, and my experience with my board is that they had thin keycaps, that don't take well to back lighting. The plastic bottom halfs screws can easily be stripped, and you have to take off the pads to be able to take it apart. There are a few reasons why I say this, as boards like the RK68 even offer wireless, and bluetooth. I understand that the top plate is nice on this board, but with the direction that keyboards are heading, I feel that there are better ones out there for the price that I saw. Now, that being said, I was judging it by the current iteration of the magicforce on amazon, and not every possible version that was sold. at one point they were sold with cherry switches. I definitely love the look and layout of the board, and am happy that I have it in my collection, but, I am not going to buy another, and cannot justify it to others, because you can find this layout on other boards. only if they make changes, even small ones, like hot-swap, or threaded inserts for the case, then I would gladly recommend this board, again. I am glad that you enjoyed this board. I am also glad that you modded, it, as I, too feel that the sound profile after modding it is much improved. I won't get rid of mine.
@@ireakhavok You are absolutely right about steep competition, especially for ANSI keyboards or maybe even ISO UK variants. I am referring to the internatinal ISO versions and argue for a differentiated view for the different iterations of the MF68/69. I should have been more clear about that.
It would be great to hear your thoughts custom keebs and ISO variants. I know that places like novelkeys with their Gingham keyboard kit don't shy away entirely from the ISO variant, but I would feel bad about how much harder the search for parts must be, maybe I'm just an ignorant American in this regard and it is much easier when you know where to go
@@ireakhavok It's definately harder for us EU folk. I think it is getting better though, many GBs offer a choice in PCB and some even allow for ISO hot swap (i.e. Ikki68 Aurora) instead of variable solderable PCBs (i.e. KBDfans 8X MklI). Keycaps are a different thing. While we have a good amount of vintage Double Shot GMK'ish Cherry G80 / G81 floating arround, finding a nice custom non-beige/grey set is either impossible or costs extra. So far there are no GMK sets with a light font on dark keycap (i.e. GMK Phosphorus) that support International NorDE / Azerty. PBT dye sub has better coverage but quality is sub par imho. I guess as a NorDe user I am still better off than our southern EU neighbours but still many enthusiasts here learn to touch type on ANSI to have an easier time finding nice keyboards / keycaps.
The original ones I bought are no longer available, but here are kits that are exactly the same as what that set was. The silver one is basically discontinued and hard to find.
@@venom_322 You could just go with Grey colorway, I think that would even look better than the silver, in my opinion, like this set. www.amazon.com/Seiorca-Doubleshot-Backlit-Mechanical-Keyboard/dp/B0773RLL6W/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=grey+keycaps&qid=1621106649&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExOEs3NUUwRzZSWTdaJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNDM5MDUwMkZMMktLNUYwTUI0ViZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNjM3OTgwMlVJVDM1SERCUjlWWiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=
I tried the Qisan Magicforce 69 (ISO version) and I don't think it's too expensive. It's a cute board that's inviting to be modded. The best part are actually incredible high quality PBT keycaps on the ISO version that support the international language they are made for for an insanely good price compared to enthusiast keycap sets - and you even get an entry level keyboard to mess with. The keyboard itself needs modding to not sound like a glockenspiel though - I don't even know if foam etc. helps enough. Going through the hassle of desoldering is probably a risk free way to learn about in depth modding but I wouldn't go through the effort for this otherwise medium quality keyboard. That's why I returned my MF69 in the end, even though I made a foam cutout and enjoyed my gateron reds on this keyboard.
The only reason why I say it was expensive what from what I see competitors doing. The price fluctuates on amazon, and many times the actual components of the build "switch" from time to time. From what I saw on amazon, they were offering sub-par switches, and my experience with my board is that they had thin keycaps, that don't take well to back lighting. The plastic bottom halfs screws can easily be stripped, and you have to take off the pads to be able to take it apart. There are a few reasons why I say this, as boards like the RK68 even offer wireless, and bluetooth. I understand that the top plate is nice on this board, but with the direction that keyboards are heading, I feel that there are better ones out there for the price that I saw. Now, that being said, I was judging it by the current iteration of the magicforce on amazon, and not every possible version that was sold. at one point they were sold with cherry switches. I definitely love the look and layout of the board, and am happy that I have it in my collection, but, I am not going to buy another, and cannot justify it to others, because you can find this layout on other boards. only if they make changes, even small ones, like hot-swap, or threaded inserts for the case, then I would gladly recommend this board, again. I am glad that you enjoyed this board. I am also glad that you modded, it, as I, too feel that the sound profile after modding it is much improved. I won't get rid of mine.
@@ireakhavok You are absolutely right about steep competition, especially for ANSI keyboards or maybe even ISO UK variants.
I am referring to the internatinal ISO versions and argue for a differentiated view for the different iterations of the MF68/69. I should have been more clear about that.
It would be great to hear your thoughts custom keebs and ISO variants. I know that places like novelkeys with their Gingham keyboard kit don't shy away entirely from the ISO variant, but I would feel bad about how much harder the search for parts must be, maybe I'm just an ignorant American in this regard and it is much easier when you know where to go
@@ireakhavok It's definately harder for us EU folk. I think it is getting better though, many GBs offer a choice in PCB and some even allow for ISO hot swap (i.e. Ikki68 Aurora) instead of variable solderable PCBs (i.e. KBDfans 8X MklI).
Keycaps are a different thing. While we have a good amount of vintage Double Shot GMK'ish Cherry G80 / G81 floating arround, finding a nice custom non-beige/grey set is either impossible or costs extra. So far there are no GMK sets with a light font on dark keycap (i.e. GMK Phosphorus) that support International NorDE / Azerty. PBT dye sub has better coverage but quality is sub par imho. I guess as a NorDe user I am still better off than our southern EU neighbours but still many enthusiasts here learn to touch type on ANSI to have an easier time finding nice keyboards / keycaps.
Can you give the link to the key caps in the introduction?
www.amazon.com/Gradient-Injection-Backlit-Mechanical-Keyboards/dp/B07P71DY9D/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=Gradient+Color+37+Keys+PBT+Keycaps&qid=1621060713&sr=8-3
www.amazon.com/Silver-Backlit-Mechanical-Keyboard-Keycaps/dp/B08DCHKW46
The original ones I bought are no longer available, but here are kits that are exactly the same as what that set was. The silver one is basically discontinued and hard to find.
@@ireakhavok Ok, Thanks!!
@@ireakhavok For the silver one is there any cheaper options on amazon?
@@venom_322 You could just go with Grey colorway, I think that would even look better than the silver, in my opinion, like this set. www.amazon.com/Seiorca-Doubleshot-Backlit-Mechanical-Keyboard/dp/B0773RLL6W/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=grey+keycaps&qid=1621106649&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExOEs3NUUwRzZSWTdaJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNDM5MDUwMkZMMktLNUYwTUI0ViZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNjM3OTgwMlVJVDM1SERCUjlWWiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=
It's a cute little keyboard...worthy of a proper mod! The foam definitely helps with the sound deadening.
It really is!