CKW80 Keyboard Review

The CKW80 from Velocifire was Sold Out! So, I bought the last Black, WK, Gold PVD (Brass) from Deskhero.ca, and I’m glad I did. The CKW80 is a premium keyboard, and while it is higher priced than most, the reasons for this justify the price: exceptional design, craftsmanship, and finish.

The kit arrived with all the tools necessary to build it, except for keycaps, switches, and stabilizers, which must be purchased separately. A leather carrying case is also included, adding a premium touch to the keyboard it contains.

CKW80 Guides / Documentation

The User Guide, Build Guide, and related files are all available for download from CKW80 - Google Drive. The guides provide exceptional instructions for a successful build experience.

Unique Features

• Three mounting types: PCB Gasket, Gasket, and Top Mount

• Layout: Stepped Caps Lock and Split Left Shift Keys, supports ANSI/ISO

• An interchangeable Type C connector on either the rear left or right side

• Dampening Foam: Full foam dampening kit

  • IXPE Switch Pad

  • Poron Plate Foam

  • Poron Bottom Foam

  • Battery Foam (2 Pieces)

  • LED Light Isolation Foam

• Multi-Pattern LED with combination key controls for Brightness and Speed

• Brass weight

• Artisan Keycap

• Tools:

  • Tweezers branded with the CKW logo

  • Screwdriver with H1.5 and H2.0 bits

• Leather bag

My Build

• CKW80 TKL Black/WK/Gold PVD ($599.00 CAD)

• Switches - Gateron Smoothie Silver Speed Switches (Gateron - $31.50 USD)

  • Operating Force: 45±15gf

  • Pre-Travel: 1.2±0.3mm

  • Total Travel: 3.4mm±0.4mm

  • Housing: Full POM material

  • LED Support: SMD​

  • Pre-lubed: Yes

  • Pins: 5-Pin

• Stabilizers - Swagkeys’ Knight Stabilizers V3 - Clear/Transparent (KNC Keys - $15.00 USD)

  • I opted for the Tuning Service using XHT-BDZ for an additional $10.00 USD

• Keycaps - GMK Base Kit - Black on White

  • I opted to build the keyboard with a split left shift key. While this is a premium keycap set, the kit did not include a shorter 1.5u shift key. Despite the mismatched legends, I made the layout work with the remaining keys in the set.

• Artisan Metal Keycap

• Mounting Style - Gasket Mount

Thoughts

Although the price is steeper than most, the keyboard adds a unique aesthetic to my desktop and is a pleasure to type on. The craftsmanship is exceptional, and the finish is silky smooth. The mounting options allow me to choose the Goldilocks profile that’s just right.

The keyboard has a light marbly sound and is surprisingly unique and uninhibited by the FR4 mounting plate and minimal flex cuts. Although the theme was inspired by “chain smoking,” those unaware of its roots will no doubt enjoy the LED's ambience.

VIA compatibility makes customization easy. However, I wish the keyboard’s PCB and Plate accommodated more SPLIT key options, including backspace, right shift, and a 3-piece spacebar, mirroring those available on the ZOOM TKL.

Related Articles and Resources

• CKW80 80% Mechanical Keyboard – Velocifire

• CKW80 - Google Drive

• CKW80 - TKL/WKL Mechanical Keyboard - Deskhero