The DOMIKEY HAND RUBED series from KPrepublic is a mechanical key switch with key switches lubricated by hand.
The attractive point is that despite the very labor-intensive lubrication process, the price is very affordable at $21.50 for a pack of 35 pieces.
In this issue, we would like to review two types of keyswitches, ASTRONAUT and DEEPSEA, which have different pressing pressures.
Appearance of DOMIKEY HAND RUBED ASTRONAUT and DEEPSEA
Let’s take a look at the appearance of the key switch.
Thus, both keyswitches are made of a material that is not transparent to LEDs and have a stem structure on the box.
However, the structure appears to allow LED light to penetrate through a small gap at the bottom of the keyswitch.
Looking at the sides, we can see that the claw structure is two of the same shape as the Gateron.
The bottom of the board has a 5-pin structure, and the pin locations are compatible with CherryMX.
From this angle, you can see that there is a gap where a south-facing LED can transmit light.
Compare DOMIKEY HAND RUBED ASTRONAUT and DEEPSEA specs
Let us now compare the specifications of the two.
| ASTRONAUT | Deep Sea | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Linear switch | LInear switch |
| Housing | Nylon housing | Nylon housing |
| Stem | POM stem | POM stem |
| Spring | 18mm spring | 2-stage 22mm spring |
| Operating Force | Operating force 48gf | Operating force 42gf |
| Bottom Force | Bottom force 58gf | Bottom force 52gf |
| Travel | Total travel 3.6mm | total travel 3.6mm |
| Rubed. | hand lubed | hand lubed |
The main difference between the two is the pressing pressure and the length of the spring.
DeepSea has a slightly lighter pressing pressure, 42gf, which is equivalent to the normal red axis.
On the other hand, ASTRONAUT has 48gf, which is a pressing pressure equivalent to that of the yellow axis.
As for the length of the springs, the DeepSea is longer and has a two-stage spring, which gives the impression of faster return after pushing, albeit very slightly.
Total travel is 3.6 mm, slightly shorter than the usual 4.0 mm, which would allow for quicker entry.
Force curve diagrams are almost similar in shape.
Slightly, but the ASTRONAUT seems to be slightly faster at the point where the weight is felt after pressing.
Comparison of DOMIKEY HAND RUBED ASTRONAUT and DEEPSEA keystroke sound and feel
Now let’s compare the sound of the two types of keystrokes.
QWERTYKEYS’ QK60 and MELETRIX’s ZOOM65V2 were used for comparison.
If you listen to the keystroke sound, you will notice that DEEPSEA has a lower sound.
ASTRONAUT, too, is not so high pitched if heard objectively, but compared to DEEPSEA, I got the impression that it was slightly more high pitched.
As one would expect from a company that manually lubricates each and every keyswitch, the keystroke feel is smooth from the beginning to the end of the keystroke, with no drag whatsoever.
This characteristic was found in both keyswitches.
Would you recommend DOMIKEY HAND RUBED ASTRONAUT or DEEPSEA?
Based on the information explained so far, let’s see which keyswitch is recommended.
Who DOMIKEY HAND RUBED ASTRONAUT is recommended for
ASTRONAUT can be recommended for those who prefer a heavier typing feel than the red-axis or feel that the red-axis is too light.
Compared to DEEPSEA, the typing sound is slightly higher, but not enough to be bothersome.
You will love its smooth keystroke feel.
Who DOMIKEY HAND RUBED DEEPSEA is recommended for
DEEPSEA is recommended for those who usually prefer a lighter typing feel.
General red axes tend to be slow to return after pressing due to light pressing pressure, but DEEPSEA uses a two-stage spring to achieve a speedier return.
summary
These are the two new key switches from KPrepublic that we have reviewed.
Hand-lubricated and offered at this price, it is a phenomenal value for money.
This site and KPrepublic have partnered to offer a $5.00 discount off the total product price when you use the coupon code below.
Coupon code: HOTTYHOTTEA
Information and image reference: KPrepublic
