Are ~$140 keycap sets worth it? • Domikey Cherry vs GMK

Summary

In this video, the creator compares Domikey’s ABS doubleshot keycap sets in Cherry profile to GMK, focusing on design, pricing, and overall quality. While GMK remains the gold standard, Domikey’s sets offer competitive features, including tripleshot legends and a wider range of keys at a lower price. The review touches on keycaps' materials, issues with storage trays, and some molding imperfections in Domikey’s set. Ultimately, the creator highlights the value for money Domikey provides compared to GMK's expensive and lengthy group buys, offering insights into more affordable alternatives like Akko's keycap sets.

Takeaways

• 😀 Domikey's Cherry profile ABS doubleshot keycaps were introduced in 2021 as competitors to GMK, featuring tripleshot technology for dual-color legends without UV printing.
• 😀 Domikey's all-in-one kits offer better value for money compared to GMK, with more keys included at a lower price point, though still expensive.
• 😀 Domikey keycaps are readily available for purchase, while GMK’s group-buy process can take months and come with inflated aftermarket prices.
• 😀 Domikey's Dolch colorway was purchased for $134, while a second-hand GMK Laser kit was bought for $140 on Facebook Marketplace after waiting for a price drop.
• 😀 GMK keycaps come in large, flimsy egg trays that are difficult to store, while Domikey uses smaller, stackable trays, though they are harder to open.
• 😀 The sound and thickness of Domikey and GMK keycaps are very similar, though Domikey’s spacebars are notably straighter compared to GMK’s which sometimes bend.
• 😀 Domikey’s tripleshot keycaps have a strange snagging issue on specific keys due to an odd ridge on the stems, but this is only a problem on Cherry MX switches.
• 😀 Domikey's font is similar to GMK’s but slightly wider, making the letters look more cartoony. The molding is consistent on alphas, but there are imperfections on modifiers.
• 😀 GMK is still considered the standard for high-quality, consistent keycaps, but Domikey could rival GMK if they resolve small molding and quality issues.
• 😀 Alternatives to expensive keycaps include ePBT sets, which are cheaper but have inconsistent legends, and Akko’s ASA profile PBT doubleshot keycaps, which offer great value and high quality for around $60.

Q & A

What makes Domikey's Cherry profile keycap sets stand out from GMK?

Domikey's Cherry profile keycap sets stand out because they offer a tripleshot feature, which allows legends of two different colors on the same key without resorting to UV printing. GMK does not have this feature, making Domikey’s sets unique in this regard.

How does the price of Domikey keycap sets compare to GMK?

Domikey keycap sets are generally less expensive than GMK, especially when purchased in all-in-one kits, which offer more keys for the price. GMK sets, particularly those from group buys, tend to have high prices and long wait times, while Domikey's sets are usually in stock and available for immediate purchase.

What issue was observed with the Dolch keycap set from Domikey?

A strange issue with the Dolch keycap set involved the S, D, and F keys, which had a snagging feeling when pressed. This was due to a strange ridge on the stem of these keycaps, causing friction with the switches, specifically Cherry MX switches.

How does the molding quality of Domikey keycaps compare to GMK?

While the molding of Domikey’s keycaps is generally consistent for the alphas, there are some imperfections in the molding of the modifier keys, such as slight chipping or overlap. GMK keycaps, on the other hand, are known for their high-quality, consistent doubleshot legends.

What is the main advantage of Domikey’s keycap packaging?

Domikey’s keycap packaging is more compact and stackable compared to GMK’s egg trays. This makes it easier to store the keycaps, though the plastic trays can be difficult to open and may cause keys to dislodge when trying to pry open the corners.

How does GMK’s packaging compare to Domikey’s?

GMK’s packaging, often in the form of flimsy egg trays, is known for being unreliable and difficult to store. The trays tend to disintegrate, and stacking them can dislodge the keys. Domikey, in contrast, uses smaller plastic trays that are easier to store, although they present challenges when opening and organizing.

What are some alternative keycap options for people on a budget?

For those on a budget, alternative keycap sets include ePBT’s ABS doubleshot sets, which are priced around $69, and Akko’s ASA profile PBT doubleshot sets, which are known for their high quality and affordability, with sets costing around $50-$60.

What is the main downside of ePBT keycaps mentioned in the script?

The main downside of ePBT keycaps, according to the script, is the variance in the thickness of the legends, which affected even the alphas. This inconsistency was significant enough to make the keycaps difficult to use and led to the speaker selling the set.

Why is GMK still considered the 'gold standard' in keycap manufacturing?

GMK is considered the 'gold standard' because of its high-quality, thick, and consistent doubleshot legends, as well as the overall premium feel and appearance of the keycaps. Despite the high price and long wait times, GMK remains the benchmark for enthusiast-level keycaps.

What are the key selling points of Akko's ASA profile keycaps?

Akko’s ASA profile keycaps are praised for their high quality, thick material, consistent legends, and large kit offerings. They are very affordable, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious consumers looking for good value without sacrificing quality.