Vicious40 Keyboard

This is my first non-ortho 40%, my first mid-to-high tier board, and my first soldered board. Overall, I am really pleased with all aspects of the process and the result is the most enjoyable typing experience I've yet had. Though I think it was useful to hone my instincts for small keyboards and the key combinations they require on a Planck, I love the greater ease in switching between layouts and sizes a board like this affords. That is, I can go to work and use a generic keyboard there without needing to reorient. I equipped mine with Invokeys Blueberry Chiffon switches in tribute to my first Keychron, which had similarly lightly tactile -- but in every other respect less pleasing -- Gateron Browns. The sound is pebbly, deep, and strong with just the tape mod; the case is weighty and imposing. It feels strangely luxurious to have the arrow keys in a standard layout. I'm still waiting on MW Voynich to arrive, but I think once it does this board will really take the form I'd hoped it would from the beginning.

I have to say, in general, the whole package felt more special to build and receive than expected. Though this board is in-stock, it is clear that the company cares about what it is like to receive the package, the travel case, and the accessories. I worried that in some respect I was selling out by not going with a group buy of some kind, especially since I cannot offer up the cash to do this often at all, but I do feel reassured by both the process and result.

As it stands I think this board is well worth a careful look, especially given the generally weird state premium forties are in. Short of a Fruitykeebs offering or something like the TMOv2, this is where I, for my part, have found it best to invest. I would appreciate more colors in the future, especially matte and pastel finishes. These are of course niche, so it makes sense CK doesn't offer them. Maybe limited runs? Anyways. I'm overall delighted.

This is a fun board! The sharp boxy design of the brutalist line and the inclusion of arrow keys in the layout makes it look like a feisty little 65%. The quality feels great, and sounds good with the included poly-fill and no other mods. I'm no expert on mounting methods, but the board has a little flex and wasn't too hard to put together. There aren't too many 40% non-ortholinear boards with arrow keys around, especially not in stock, so it's really cool to have something like this available at a reasonable price point. Carrying case is a nice touch too.

Great build quality and overall kit. The stability and even sound characteristics from top-mount are balanced nicely with the included o-rings for burger mounting, introducing some bounce and reducing the rigidity.

Split spacebar sounds amazingly poppy, and with the included polyfill or PE foam + force break, there is no ping or hollowness from the case.

Overall a great kit and awesome in-stock for 40s enthusiasts.