Can I customize the switches on this keyboard without soldering?

Yes, the keyboard features a hot-swap PCB, allowing you to easily install or replace mechanical switches without any soldering. This makes it convenient to try out different switch types or replace faulty switches, giving you complete freedom to tailor the typing feel to your preference.

What layout does this keyboard support and how many keys does it have?

The kit is designed in a Tenkeyless (TKL) or approximately 80% layout, providing around 87 key positions. This layout excludes the numeric keypad but retains the essential keys for efficient typing and gaming, making it compact yet functional.

Are the switches and keycaps included with the ID87 Crystal kit?

No, the ID87 Crystal is a barebone kit, meaning it does not come with switches or keycaps. This allows you to select and install your preferred switches and keycap sets, giving you full control over the look and feel of your custom build.

How does the gasket mount system affect the typing experience?

The gasket mount system cushions the keyboard plate from the case, significantly reducing vibrations and noise during typing. This results in a softer, more pleasant typing feel with improved sound dampening, which many enthusiasts find enhances both comfort and acoustics.

What materials are used in the construction of the ID87 Crystal keyboard case?

The case combines a solid aluminum top housing with transparent or semi-transparent bottom parts made from acrylic or polycarbonate. Additionally, the keyboard incorporates a brass weight and brass plate, which add heft and stability, contributing to a premium build quality and satisfying typing feedback.

Is the keyboard compatible with different types of mechanical switches?

Yes, the hot-swap PCB supports a variety of mechanical switch types, including popular 5-pin switches. This compatibility allows you to experiment with different switch brands and styles to find the perfect match for your typing preferences.

What kind of USB connection does the keyboard use?

The keyboard uses a USB-C connection, ensuring a modern, reversible, and reliable interface for your computer. This standard supports fast data transfer and is widely compatible with current devices.

How does the brass weight influence the overall feel of the keyboard?

The integrated brass weight adds substantial heft to the keyboard, making it feel solid and stable on your desk. This weight helps prevent unwanted movement during intense typing or gaming sessions and contributes to a premium, high-quality build sensation.

Can I build this keyboard without any prior soldering experience?

Absolutely. Thanks to the hot-swap PCB design, assembling the keyboard does not require soldering skills. You can simply insert your chosen switches into the hot-swap sockets and install your preferred keycaps, making it accessible even for first-time custom keyboard builders.

IDABAO ID87 Starting at $64.99

Name: IDABAO ID87
Brand: IDABAO
SKU: id87-crystal-keyboard-kit

Vendor	Location	Coupon Code	In Stock	Price (USD)	Link*
IDABAO ID87
	Global	-	Check vendor	Check vendor	Visit shop
ID87 Crystal Keyboard Kit
	Shipping to US	-		$65	Visit Shop

Vendor

Location

Coupon Code

In Stock

Price (USD)

Link*

IDABAO ID87

Global

Check vendor

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ID87 Crystal Keyboard Kit

Shipping to US

$65

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Compare IDABAO ID87 vs Royal Kludge R87 PRO vs KBDFans TOFU TKL Specification

Compare similar keyboards side by side, or use the comparison table to compare all keyboards!

Model	IDABAO ID87	Royal Kludge R87 PRO	KBDFans TOFU TKL
	65	89	90
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity Made with a Aluminum, Acrylic, Polycarbonate case	Released in 2024 Has Linear switch options Comes with a knob Provides dedicated media keys Supports QMK firmware Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity Equipped with a 6000 mAh battery Weighs about 760 g Sized at 43 x 131 x 43 mm Made with a Plastic case Features PBT keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting	Has Magnetic switch options Utilizes Hall effect sensors Supports VIAL configuration Includes screw-in stabilizers Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Wired only connectivity Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate Equipped with a 1000 mAh battery Weighs about 4900 g Sized at 40 x 360 x 140 mm Made with a Aluminum, Steel, Copper, Brass case
Score	Scores Performance: 48.1 Build Quality: 74.3 Productivity: 62.8 Customizability: 53 Portability: 55.7	Scores Performance: 83.5 Build Quality: 78.5 Productivity: 93.2 Customizability: 92.5 Portability: 85.3	Scores Performance: 74.3 Build Quality: 94.8 Productivity: 94.7 Customizability: 78.5 Portability: 70.4
Name	Name IDABAO ID87	Name Royal Kludge R87 PRO	Name KBDFans TOFU TKL
Release year	Release year 2025	Release year 2024	Release year 2025
Switch Options	Switch Options -	Switch Options Linear	Switch Options Magnetic
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 80%	Layout Size 80%	Layout Size 80%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard -	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Wired, Wired only	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Wired only
Polling Rate	Polling Rate -	Polling Rate -	Polling Rate 1000 Hz
Battery capacity	Battery capacity -	Battery capacity 6000 mAh	Battery capacity 1000 mAh
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style Gasket Mount	Mount Style Gasket Mount	Mount Style Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight	Backlight Rgb, South-face	Backlight
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Aluminum, Acrylic, Polycarbonate	Case Material Plastic	Case Material Aluminum, Steel, Copper, Brass
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material -	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material -
Dimensions	Dimensions -	Dimensions 43 x 131 x 43 mm	Dimensions 40 x 360 x 140 mm
Weight	Weight -	Weight 760g	Weight 4900g

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Product Description

The IDABAO ID87 Crystal is a barebone mechanical keyboard kit in a tenkeyless (TKL) layout, designed for enthusiasts who want to build a custom keyboard with a distinctive transparent look. It suits users who prefer to select their own switches and keycaps and value a balance of sound dampening and solid typing feel. This kit is good if you want a visually striking keyboard with gasket-mounted cushioning and hot-swap capability, but less ideal if you want a fully assembled board or included switches and keycaps.

Key Features

Hot-swap PCB allows changing switches without soldering, enabling easy customization or experimentation.
Gasket mounting provides cushioning between the plate and case, reducing typing noise and adding a softer typing feel.
Transparent or semi-transparent acrylic/PC case elements create a unique visual style that highlights internal components.
Brass weight and plate add heft and stability, contributing to a solid typing experience.
USB-C wired connection ensures reliable and modern connectivity.

Build Quality

Top case is typically aluminum or similar metal, offering durability and a premium feel.
Bottom case and some parts use clear or semi-clear plastic materials, emphasizing the "crystal" aesthetic.
Brass components increase overall weight, which helps reduce keyboard movement during use.

Typing Experience

Gasket mount dampens vibrations and noise, resulting in a quieter and more comfortable typing session compared to rigid mounts.
Hot-swap support lets you test different switch types to find your preferred sound and feel.
Switches and keycaps are not included, so the final typing experience depends on your chosen components.

Compatibility

TKL layout fits users who want a compact keyboard without a numpad but with most standard keys.
Supports multiple switch types, including 5-pin switches, based on user reports.
USB-C connection is compatible with most modern computers and operating systems.

Trade-offs

As a barebone kit, it requires assembly and separate purchase of switches and keycaps, which may not suit beginners.
The transparent case may show dust and fingerprints more easily than opaque designs.
Unknown firmware or keymapping options, so customization beyond hardware may be limited or require additional tools.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The IDABAO ID87 Crystal stands out with its distinctive transparent or semi-transparent 'Crystal' case design, combining acrylic or polycarbonate elements with a robust aluminum top case. Its use of premium materials such as a brass weight and plate, along with gasket-mounted dampening, delivers not only an eye-catching aesthetic but also a satisfying typing experience with reduced vibrations and enhanced acoustics.