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YMDK Split 84 Barebones Keyboard

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01 / 09

... / KEYBOARDS / SPLIT & ERGONOMIC KEYBOARDS / YDMK

YMDK Split 84 Barebones Keyboard

Name: YMDK Split 84 Barebones Keyboard
Brand: YDMK
SKU: ymdk-split-84-barebones-keyboard
Price: 139 USD
Availability: OutOfStock
Rating: 2.75 (4 reviews)

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Frequently bought together:

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Stabilizers

Product Description

The YMDK Split 84 Keyboard provides a unique, split-handed layout perfect for those who want a tailored ergonomic experience different from the standard layout offerings. The keyboard itself is built in a high-quality aluminum shell for supreme durability and a substantial typing feel Read More

Customer Reviews

2.8

(4 reviews)

(1)

(0)

(1)

By Feature

Build Quality

2.3

(3)

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nuffs

Jun 10, 2023

Activities:Work & Gaming

Paired Switch:Linear

Keyboards Owned:9

Verified Buyer

Good keyboard on paper, doesn't deliver in reality

I wanted to like this keyboard a lot, as it seemed like a solid upgrade to my quefrency. Aluminum chassis, usb-c split connection, a 75% layout, preinstalled foam and even a fancy but subtle cat in the top left corner! But upon arrival, a lot of my excitement for this board went away. Like other reviewers mentioned, the aluminum used on this board is fragile and my board also has small dents on the side. Additionally, the foam installed in the board makes it extremely hard to place switches in. I had to manually rearrange the foam inserts not to interfere with the hot-swap sockets. And while I already knew before purchasing, the lack of qmk support is disappointing even if vial works very well on this board. For now, I think I'm sticking with my quefrency as my daily split but hope I can find a good use for this board in the future.

Recommends this product? No

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jlw_the_jobber

Jun 4, 2023

Verified Buyer

Could be awesome, but quality and packaging issues bring things down

I wanted to speak more highly of this board as I do like the feel and look so much. This is a heavy board which lead to some shopping problems. The packaging was not enough for separating the two halves from banging against each other in shipping, which cause quite a few small nicks and dents on the inside of the boards (where the two haves can connect); a cardboard divider could have easily fixed this issue. Besides the shipping related issues there are other QA (quality assurance/control) issues. The diffuser on my board had a lot of flashing around the edges (I assume) from the cutting process that I had to scrape off. I had multiple loose screws hanging out the bottom of the board (easy fix). There was also lots of loose dampening foam hanging out where one puts in the switches (again, another easy fix). Two issues that really stick out to me is the bent usb-C connection and the finger prints on the inside of the little light up logo/cat in the corner (see the pictures). I was able to "fix" the usb-c issue and it now functions but it is very tight. After having ordered the Preonic from Drop and having such a wonderful experience, I thought this would be a slam dunk. But the QA issues make it hard for me to suggest this to others. This is my first time ordering anything made by YMDK; if this is indicative of what I am to expect from YMDK, I think it's a hard pass on their products in the future for me. Edit: I forgot to mention, there is no documentation shipped with this board. Not even a QR code or a link for support or what-not. Might not be a huge issue, but I want people to know. Edit 2: Vial/VIA. Via did not work for me. Vial worked, but I had to program both sides. For example if I set up VIAL on the left side and then unplugged the board from my computer and then plugged it back in through the right side, I would lose my key bindings. This is not a huge issue but I found it to be odd.

(Edited)

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RemoTheDev

Jun 4, 2023

Paired Switch:Clicky

Keyboards Owned:5

Verified Buyer

YMDK learned lessons from split 64

YMDK learned a lot of lessons on this one from their Split 64 keyboard. Pros:

USB-C connectors on each side to be used together or separately (vs. the mini USB on the split 64)
base feet for a better raised feel (vs. no feet on the split 64)
10-key Marco placement was a nice touch and out of the way for minimal mis-keystrokes.

cons:

Aluminum base is a tighter fit when split sides are pressed together making it harder to split apart. I suspect this will loosen with wear and tear over time.

There are plenty of subjective pros and cons I can get into but these I tried to keep merely objective. In my build and review, I gave it a loud and stiff rating simply because I stuck Kailh Box Navy’s and NovelKeys K2SO PBT keycaps and they sound and feel different than my DSA / Box Navy’s on the split 84. That is what I was looking for. It’s not bad compared to my split 64 build, just different; I suspect it’s the PBT and the different aluminum base on the Split 84 with the feet. Something to keep in mind if you’re looking for a particular feel and sound.

Recommends this product? Yes

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totally

May 29, 2023

Keyboards Owned:5

Verified Buyer

Damaged in shipping, no replacements

Pretty disappointed that this got damaged in shipping and the only option is to either try and fix the damage myself or get a refund. Because of the damage it won't fit together. Must be some pretty soft aluminum.

Recommends this product? No

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