Restoring old Gaming Keyboards

[jani80k]

Dear all,

recently I have started a budget project.

Instead of buying expensive Kits I decided to buy old gaming keyboards from eBay Classified and pimp them.

I started off my project with an Ozone Strikebattle. Cherry MX Browns were desoldered and shiny thin ABS keycaps were removed.
I soldered in some Kailh Speed Bronze switches and put some Tai Hao Red and Black Keycaps on. Stabilizers were lubed with Superlube.

This keyboard is now a joy to use in CS:GO.

Next up is a banged up Lioncast LK20.

EDIT: LEDs are soldered in as well. The light bleed because of the clear tops is much nicer than with the MX Browns that were initially built into the board (which had black tops).

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[abrahamstechnology]

Nice, I did this with a Razer 10KL a while back
viewtopic.php?f=62&t=20181

[jani80k]

Nice, I did this with a Razer 10KL a while back
viewtopic.php?f=62&t=20181

Yes, very nice - I like your result! I must say, I love the switches. And like you, I have no issues with the actuation being too early.

What switches should I use on the LK20? I tried Speed Copper and I don't like them because they are not tactile enough. Other tactile switches I also don't like. The only tactile switch that I like is Box Royal (but too tactile for gaming) and MX Clear Stem in Speed Copper Housing (too expensive, will save that for a more premium build). Speed Silver is too similar to my 2 existing MX Silver boards so I don't want that either. I was thinking maybe Box Black with Ducky Skyline Keycaps (both within my budget).

[abrahamstechnology]

Sounds good, for a tactile I'd say try out Outemu Ice Clear.

[jani80k]

The LK20 was all banged up when I got it for a good price on ebay classifieds. MX Blues were desoldered. No RGB this time. Kailh Speed Copper Switches and Tai Hao Carbon ABS Double Shot installed.

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Switches lubed with 3203. I hate to say it but they are so much better than MX Browns, it's not even funny.

[jani80k]

Sounds good, for a tactile I'd say try out Outemu Ice Clear.

I saw your post too late and had already ordered some Kailh Copper Speed switches...

Maybe a moderator can merge your thread under mine so we can have one for all Gaming Keyboard restorations? Or could you repost your pics here?

Of course only, if you don't mind.

[abrahamstechnology]

Sure, here are some pictures of the Razer.

[jani80k]

Sure, here are some pictures of the Razer.

Cool, thanks!

[emmehoppe]

Wow! This keyboard is so cool!

[Muirium]

Yeah, the wonders of a good set of switches and caps. It’s a lot of TLC required, but these gamer boards have decent chassis to work with.

[ddrfraser1]

Nice. This is how I got my start as well. It’s cheaper and easier that building from scratch. Here’s one I did last year. Cherry MX Board 6.0 with jades and Maxkey Portland.

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