The Promise87 is the most recent customized keyboard equipment from Wuque Studio. The corporate has gained fairly a little bit of acclaim following its wonderful Ikki68 Aurora and Mammoth75 keyboard kits, and the Promise87 is its most high-aspiring mission so far. It contains a full aluminum chassis, a singular gasket mounting system, weights on high of weights, and one of the crucial distinctive designs we’ve seen on the location so far.
With a value that begins at $380 and tops out at $460, it doesn’t come low-cost however delivers precisely the caliber of typing expertise you’d anticipate at that value. It additionally options an built-in moissanite gemstone with its personal RGB backlighting. This can be a keyboard you could possibly pop the query with — so long as that query is “honey, can I please purchase one other keyboard?”
Promise87 Specs
| Switches | None included |
| Lighting | Caps Lock indicator, Gemstone backlight |
| Onboard Storage | 4 (VIA) |
| Media Keys | Secondary capabilities |
| Connectivity | USB Sort-C to Sort-A |
| Cable | None included |
| Extra Ports | None |
| Keycaps | None included |
| Building | Aluminum case, stainless-steel weight, PORON dampeners, polyethylene foam change pad |
| Software program | QMK/VIA |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 14.25 x 5.4 x .8 (entrance) x 1.3 (rear) inches |
| Weight | 7.8 kilos (constructed) |
Design and Supplies of the Promise87
The Promise87 is a tenkeyless keyboard equipment that oozes high quality. It’s utterly boutique and embraces aesthetics. It’s inconceivable to have a look at it and never see the way it blends basic peripheral with fashionable artwork. It received’t make sense to everybody, particularly at its value, however is downright spectacular when considered by the proper lens.
So, what lens is that? The Promise87 isn’t an introductory keyboard equipment. It’s designed for keyboard lovers which have constructed one and even a number of keyboards prior to now. It’s made for individuals who have seen what prebuilts and entry-level keyboards have to supply and are able to degree up; customers which have spent hours on keyboard-centric boards and sub-reddits, poring over boutique builds and customized keycaps units, and recognize the small particulars and included options that give one keyboard an edge over one other.
By means of that lens, the Promise87 checks off a number of containers. It’s constructed with top-tier supplies. It’s heavy and fine-tuned with sound-altering foam. It has distinctive fancy touches like shiny chamfered edges, a mirrored again, and PVD bars throughout the blockers (when you select the winkeyless model). It options plentiful of preset configurations, so you could find a colour scheme that matches your precise style. Then, while you’re carried out, Wuque provides addons like further plate supplies and PCBs that add issues like RGB backlighting or Bluetooth connectivity.
It’s a board that you simply shouldn’t must mod in any respect to sound and really feel its greatest: Wuque designs round all of that. Out of the field, it ought to sound and really feel higher than any lesser DIY equipment you’ve used prior to now. It’s a board that isn’t absolutely the top-tier of the mechanical keyboard passion (these can retail for $800 – 1000 or extra) however that goals to ship the identical type of expertise with out breaking $550, even while you’re ordering a totally customized model of it.
Beginning with the supplies, the Promise87 is shockingly heavy. Totally constructed, it’s simply shy of eight kilos. The case is manufactured from precision milled CNC aluminum and options an inner stainless-steel weight, hidden from sight. Across the again are two extra weights that are available in your alternative of PVD coated, mirror-finished stainless-steel or sandblasted aluminum at a diminished value.
It’s accessible in 9 completely different colours: e-white, silver, pink, burgundy, lavender, violet, pine, navy and black. There are two completely different variations of every of those colours. The distinction is within the pair of weights that make up the again of the case (every half coming collectively within the center, making a diagonal line throughout its floor). The costlier model makes use of the PVD stainless-steel talked about above whereas the usual model swaps these for matte-finished sandblasted aluminum. Each variations have the choice for silver or gold weights, however the mirror-finished PVD editions add a rainbow prism colour choice, guaranteeing each one shall be barely completely different. All variations even have the choice of getting a laser marked emblem circle engraved on the again for a further 5 {dollars}.
Across the entrance of the case, each key space has chamfered edges. The chamfers are designed to match the rear weight and are polished to a mirrored edge. Should you select the winkeyless model, the areas often occupied by the Home windows keys are crammed in by the case. These sections are referred to as blockers. Each blockers have PVD bars which might be equally shiny set into their middle.
Which brings us to essentially the most distinctive a part of the Promise87: the diamond. Properly, simulated diamond. Beneath the navigation cluster is one other PVD bar with a big moissanite stone set into its middle. It’s the one a part of the keyboard that’s backlit, too. A single customizable RGB backlight is positioned beneath this stone to offer it a glow and perpetual sparkle. Having a gemstone set into your keyboard isn’t going to be everybody’s cup of tea however is actually distinctive and attention-grabbing.
The Promise87 additionally leans into the delicate design parts that DIY mechanical keyboard lovers recognize. For instance, the entrance edge is beveled downward, making it extra comfy to sort on and giving it a extra distinctive facet profile. When considered from the facet, it nearly appears to drift because of the centered placement of the burden. Alongside the rear edge, there’s one other PVD bar and a USB port that’s hidden under the highest fringe of the case. There aren’t any seen screws; they’re all hidden under the keycaps to create a screwless design. It doesn’t matter what angle you view it from, it seems to be nice.
Wuque Studio additionally ran a restricted group purchase of a totally customized model of this keyboard. There, prospects might change each aspect of the keyboard’s design. You can customise every little thing from the colours of the chamfers, to the blocker traces, to mixing and matching the 2 completely different weight supplies, and even dropping the gemstone from the ultimate construct. This was restricted to 400 keyboards worldwide and offered out nearly immediately.
As with many customized keyboards, you’ll discover that it’s a reasonably easy design by way of the structure and added options. There aren’t any devoted media keys, no further USB ports, and no RGB lighting exterior of the moissanite stone and a white Caps Lock indicator hidden below the important thing. The one factor I miss right here is backlighting. Wuque informed me that they really feel the customized keyboard group doesn’t search for RGB lighting as a lot as customized keycap units, which is sort of actually true, however even a heat white backlight would have regarded very good with this keyboard.
A primary steel keyboard can sound and really feel horrible by itself, so what’s occurring inside the case is simply as vital as the surface. Wuque has carried out a number of layers of dampening to ship a smooth, poppy typing expertise that left me logging onto my laptop once I ought to have been sleeping simply to slot in a number of extra typing exams.
It begins with Wuque’s new gasket mounting system. The equipment comes with three units of gasket strips in blue, white and crimson. Blue is the softest and crimson is the stiffest with white falling within the center. These strips match onto tabs on the polycarbonate plate, which is a smooth, versatile plate materials that naturally offers when typing.
These tabs are sandwiched between each halves of the case, isolating the sound of your keystrokes and making a smooth typing expertise. Our pattern was lacking the crimson strips, however there was a noticeable distinction between the blue and white we had readily available for testing, so it’s protected to say that crimson shall be noticeably firmer to sort on.
Each the plate and PCB characteristic flex cuts between every row, permitting the keys to depress barely with each keystroke and create a softer typing expertise. The PCB can be barely thinner than common at 1.2mm as an alternative of 1.6mm, so that you don’t must hammer on the keys to expertise this impact. The inventory PCB consists of hot-swap sockets to shortly change switches with out desoldering, however a solder model is offered from the Wuque Retailer for a further $49.
Coming from previous Wuque keyboards, it got here as no shock that the keyboard integrates a number of layers of froth. The equipment features a set of PORON foams, in addition to a brand new mixture materials I’ll discuss quickly. PORON foam is extraordinarily widespread in customized keyboard builds as a result of it’s smooth, extremely dampening, and really resilient to repeated impacts. Right here, there’s a layer of plate foam to take away the empty area between the plate and PCB, a skinny layer of change foam to tune typing sounds and lend them a poppy, bubbly character, and a last layer of case foam that removes hollowness and reverberation from the empty area within the case.
The brand new foam materials consists of what Wuque calls Supercritical Foaming Materials. It combines the plate and change foams right into a single, elective unit. It appears like a mixture of PORON and silicone, however what it’s really composed of is anybody’s guess. Wuque recommends solely utilizing this with the aluminum plate, which isn’t included within the base equipment, so I didn’t use it in my construct for this evaluate. I like the idea, nonetheless, as combining these two layers removes a step of the meeting course of.
As is the norm for DIY mechanical keyboards, the Promise87 doesn’t embody switches, keycaps, stabilizers, or perhaps a USB cable. Whereas which will appear uncommon given the excessive value of the keyboard, every of those parts are sometimes customized chosen by keyboard builders to match a sure theme, typing really feel, and sound profile, so it’s comprehensible they’re neglected.
Taken as an entire, it’s a formidable equipment. There’s a lot to understand right here, particularly when you get into the nitty gritty of its design. It’s additionally price noting that the standard of the product is impeccable. There aren’t any stray marks or streaks from the anodization course of and never a single scratch on any shiny floor.
Purchaser beware, nonetheless: these PVD finishes are extraordinarily straightforward to scratch. I might like to see Wuque begin together with a protecting movie to maintain these surfaces pristine. The upcoming JRIS65 keyboard equipment included customized TPU protectors (the identical sort used for smartphones) for its mirrored components, and I’m far more assured of their safety than my very own means to maintain the weights pristine for his or her lifespan.
Assembling the Promise87
Assembling the Promise87 is barely extra difficult than many different customized mechanical keyboards, however isn’t tough when you take note of the completely different parts of the case and parts. There isn’t any construct information printed as of this writing, however Wuque Studios has been nice about offering detailed, pictorial guides with every of their prior keyboards. I might anticipate the identical nearer to launch.
After you’ve chosen your switches and stabilizers, you’ll start by constructing your PCB meeting. Step one is laying down the PORON change pad, then inserting and screwing in your stabilizers. Make certain these are lubed previous to screwing them on otherwise you’ll want to take action later when it’s far more tough.
With that carried out, the primary layer of thick PORON foam may be utilized. The PCB foam settles over the sq. for every change and must be straightforward to align. The plate units on high of this. Utilizing the polycarbonate plate, there aren’t any standoffs required. As a substitute, the switches themselves maintain every little thing collectively. This enables for a bit extra flex to the meeting and fewer steps within the construct course of.
Putting in switches on a PC plate with out standoffs is tougher than when a keyboard is totally constructed or if it makes use of a steel plate. You’ll wish to set up switches across the edges of the plate first to carry every little thing collectively. Typically the plastic plate will press down and never click on into the change at this level, so that you’ll want to make use of a fingernail or screwdriver to pop it up and into place.
One of many frequent stumbling factors for any such keyboard shouldn’t be leaving room across the cutouts for the case screws. For the reason that Promise87 hides its screws beneath the keycaps, putting in switches right here can block your entry to these threads, so that they should be saved till the tip.
As soon as switches are put in, the gaskets may be added. The equipment comes with three units of gasket strips in blue, white, and crimson (that are the ascending stiffnesses). These may be slipped onto the tabs across the plate. This completes the PCB meeting and the toughest a part of the construct.
With the meeting out of the best way, the final issues to do are set the PORON case foam into its place within the backside chassis and plug within the USB daughter board to the underside of the PCB. The meeting can then be set into the case, the highest half added, and the 2 halves screwed collectively. The ultimate switches and keycaps can then be put in.
Typing Demonstration for the Promise87
Typing Expertise on the Promise87
As with all customized keyboard, the typing expertise on the Promise87 will range relying on the switches, stabilizers, plate, and foam configuration you select. Issues are a bit less complicated right here, although, as the very best sound (for my part) comes from utilizing all the foams, however change and plate alternative will completely make a distinction.
For this evaluate, I constructed the keyboard utilizing a polycarbonate plate, all the PORON foams, pre-lubed WS Aurora Clear linear switches, and WS Aurora Stabilizers. I additionally outfitted it with This mixture ought to present one of many softest typing experiences, coming in second to the POM plate, which is offered as an add-on buy and isn’t a part of the inventory equipment. I didn’t take a look at the equipment utilizing the Supercritical Foaming Materials, as Wuque recommends this just for the aluminum plate, which I didn’t have readily available for testing.
Utilizing this configuration, the typing expertise is dampened however poppy. That is particularly evident on the stabilized keys, that are the very best sounding I’ve examined on any keyboard so far. The sound isn’t marbly such as you’ll hear on keyboards that use PE foam, however has an nearly rain-like high quality to it. Typing at full pace, it sounds nearly bubbly. However there’s additionally a physique to it, so it’s not even remotely skinny.
Once I first constructed the keyboard, I used to be anxious that it will sound too muted due to all that foam. Like all foam-packed keyboard, it’s quieter and extra dampened, however solely the operate row has a muted high quality. Eradicating the case foam helps, however makes the opposite keys sound too skinny, so it’s greatest to go away all the foam in or to exchange it with Polyfill.
Regardless of the plentiful quantity of flex cuts, the Promise87 isn’t particularly bouncy. The stacks of froth just about stop giant motion. Just like the Mammoth75, the flex cuts serve to offer a softness to every key press. Should you look carefully, you may see each key given just below regular keystrokes. You possibly can press and see that bigger motion, however the sensible design right here is all in regards to the typing expertise you’ll discover throughout regular use.
It’s wonderful. The mix of softness and sound profile make the Promise87 the Sid Meier’s Civilization of mechanical keyboards. As a substitute of staying up late to take “only one extra flip,” I discovered myself making excuses to sort. “Only one extra flip” turns into “only one extra typing take a look at.”
Talking of, the transition to the Promise was utterly seamless. Throughout greater than twenty exams on MonkeyType, I averaged 111 WPM. My common is ~110 WPM, so it’s proper heading in the right direction.
Gaming Expertise on the Promise87
The Promise87 isn’t a gaming keyboard however nonetheless works effectively for gaming. It lacks the software-enabled options provided by devoted gaming softwares from the Logitechs and Razers of the world, however is responsive sufficient for use for any sport you prefer to. In my testing, I performed by a number of ranges of Doom Everlasting, took to the battlefield in Name of Responsibility Vanguard, and swung by Hell’s Kitchen in Spider-Man Remastered. The Promise87 didn’t miss a beat.
Wuque Studio hasn’t publicized the polling fee for the keyboard, nevertheless it appears to be working at 1000Hz or 1ms. I discovered this utilizing Keyboard Inspector software program, however keep in mind that it’s a fan-made device and must be taken with a grain of salt. Aspect by facet with my Razer DeathStalker V2 Professional, the 2 keyboards felt equally responsive.
One of many greatest highpoints it provides for gaming is its means to have as much as 4 layers of customized keymaps. I’ll discuss extra in-depth about that within the subsequent part, nevertheless it’s potential to have distinctive layouts for particular person video games and to shift between them on the fly. It takes time to program and tweak, however is effectively well worth the effort when you play a handful of video games and wish to customise your controls.
Software program
The Promise87 doesn’t have any particular software program of its personal. As a substitute, all of its programming is completed inside QMK or VIA. QMK is an open-source firmware that permits DIY keyboard builders to program in their very own instructions that are then saved on the firmware degree. This enables them for use on any laptop no matter OS or IT coverage.
QMK is extremely widespread throughout the mechanical keyboard group, nevertheless it’s not essentially the most consumer pleasant. To program a keyboard utilizing it, you’ll want to make use of an internet device just like the QMK Configurator, obtain the firmware and flash it to the keyboard utilizing the QMK Toolbox. It’s a nerve wracking course of even for veteran keyboard builders, as malfunctions in flashing can result in a bricked keyboard.
That’s the place VIA is available in. Somewhat than observe the old-fashioned flashing course of, VIA permits you to make modifications in actual time utilizing a simple to interpret graphical interface. As soon as it detects the keyboard, you merely click on the important thing you wish to remap after which select what you prefer to there as an alternative from a deep choice of choices on the underside half of the display screen. The modifications take impact instantly, no flashing required.
VIA additionally permits you to program as much as 4 layers of keymaps. Consider these like digital keyboards you may swap to by holding a button. You possibly can reassign any key, however you’ll most likely wish to hold your base layer principally intact. The secondary layers mean you can assign devoted keys for issues like media and lighting controls. You possibly can even assign keys to mouse management, launch Home windows purposes, play macros, and intuitively transition between layers. This performance additionally makes it potential to create distinctive layouts for various video games and purposes.
The extent of management offered by VIA is intoxicating. It lacks gaming options such as you may discover in Corsair iCUE or Razer Synapse, however having the ability to create utterly customized layouts permits you to tailor the keyboard to your precise workflow. These premade software program programs are highly effective, however you’re pressured to adapt to the software program. VIA could make the keyboard adapt to you. It’s a delicate however vital distinction that’s onerous to return again from.
For instance, I’ve set my Caps Lock key to ship Caps when tapped and to transition to my second layer when held, primarily making it a twin operate key. From there, all of my media and lighting keys are immediately below my fingertips. You may miss devoted media keys, however I don’t. Due to VIA, I can maintain Caps and have them nearer to my fingers than is feasible with any conventional keyboard. The identical is true for the arrow keys and my most used navigation and enhancing buttons. One other consumer’s structure could also be utterly completely different, however it would work precisely how they need it to, and that’s what makes it so nice.
In fact, there are some limitations. Since every little thing is being programmed on the firmware degree, superior macros are out. You possibly can map textual content strings and shortcuts, however there’s no easy report button with editable occasions and delays such as you’ll discover in most gaming softwares. Lighting can be restricted to preset results and static colours, albeit with extremely customizable colours due to mappable hue and saturation keys. That’s much less of a difficulty on the Promise87 as a result of it solely has one RGB LED, however is unquestionably one thing to remember for totally backlit keyboards.
Backside Line
The Promise87 is a superb keyboard, accurately with a $380 beginning value. However, if there’s one factor the customized keyboard passion has taught me, it’s {that a} excessive value doesn’t essentially imply an incredible mechanical keyboard. Fortunately, Wuque Studios has nailed it. The Promise87 is one in all nicest keyboards I’ve ever used, a lot in order that I instantly rotated from this evaluate and ordered my very own. It even rivals my utterly custom-made Rama Works U80-A, however the typing experiences are completely different sufficient that each may have regular locations on my desk.
You don’t need to spend fairly a lot to have an incredible customized keyboard. Wuque Studio’s Ikki68 Aurora is one other wonderful choice focused at freshmen and begins at solely $150. TheKey.Firm’s Portico75 is one other nice alternative and contains a extra compact 75-percent structure. You can construct your individual utilizing spare components, or let another person do the be just right for you and go together with a superb prebuilt just like the iQunix F97.
The purpose is, whereas the Promise87 isn’t for everybody, it makes good on its excessive value. It sounds, feels, and appears wonderful. It’s additionally extremely customizable, so you may tailor the typing expertise and keymaps precisely to your private style. If you end up within the thick of the mechanical keyboard passion and are searching for your subsequent equipment, the Promise87 will remind you what makes keyboard constructing so enjoyable within the first place.
