I can see the board through the cracks…!
Here comes a keyboard that knows all about boys’ romance.
The DIY keyboard kit “Lelelab Y2K 76” is a keyboard that you assemble yourself.
Only screwdrivers are needed, and no soldering work is required, so even beginners will be able to assemble easily.
The appeal of this product is its “rugged mechanical feel.
This article introduces the Lelelab Y2K 76.
- 圧倒的なメカ感のある唯一無二のルックスがたまらない
- LEDのライティングが綺麗
- 独立したマクロキーが便利
- キーボード設定ソフトが日本語に対応している
- 価格が安い
- 日本語配列の用意はない
- 執筆時点では技適未取得
- 通常のキーボードと比べると全高が高くパームレストは必須
- 打鍵感の癖がちょっと強い
Representative of GreenEchoes Studio
He launched his own media as a site operator and web writer, and now plans and manages multiple corporate media. He often types heavily in his work, and in his search for greater efficiency, he became addicted to the keyboard swamp and established “GreenKeys”.
[blog_parts id="41919"]
Lelelab Y2K 76 Keyboard Kit Overview
Lelelab Y2K 76 is a “DIY keyboard kit” that you assemble yourself.
KawamuraCompleted full kits are also available for sale.
For barebone kits, key switches and keycaps are sold separately; full kits include keycaps and key switches.
Keyboard Kit Features
- 65% + 73 keys with macro key layout
- Price: from $109.99
- Model: barebone kit/full kit/full kit (completed)
- Hot-swappable
- Equipped with rotary encoder knob
- Equipped with LED screen
- WPM counter, Pomodoro timer, and animations can be displayed
- Equipped with thermometer and hygrometer
- USB hub function (Type-A x 2/Type-C x 1)
- Suspension mount
- Keymap can be changed (dedicated software: LeleConsole)
- Equipped with backlight LED /underglow LED /sidebar LED
Kit Contents
- 1 PCB (all components are soldered and hot-swappable)
- FR4 plate x 1
- 3mm transparent acrylic top plate x 1
- 5mm frosted acrylic base x 1
- 5mm frosted acrylic stand piece x 1
- LED screen x 1
- EC11 encoder x 1
- Spring post (120g) x 16
- Gold aluminum knob cap x 1
- Silicon feet x 4
- M2*4 screw x 32
- M2 x 6 screw x 7
- M2*9+3 knurled nut stand x 7
- Dedicated connection cable
- Plate Stabilizer Set
Only the full kit includes the following
- Switch x 73 (currently: Gateron pro linear)
- Lelelab SuperX UV print set x 1 (random color)
Review] Lelelab Y2K 76 in photos
Let’s take a look at some photos of the actual Lelelab Y2K 76.
The packaging is very simple, with a special cardboard box covered with sleep.
I can see the design and ingenuity in the manual, such as the fact that it refers to the on-run.
This time, we were provided with a full assembly kit (already completed).
In addition to the 65% layout keyboard, the eye-catching design includes a rotary encoder and five macro keys in one left row, as well as an acrylic plate cover on the top of the keyboard with an exposed board section
The “design that looks like electronic parts” is fully emphasized, such as utilizing the patterns on the circuit board as a design and daring to use THD (through-hole components) instead of SMD (surface mount type components).
This LCD, to my surprise, also displays temperature and humidity.
Buta-san’s icon is also cute.
KawamuraThere is a sensor somewhere in this keyboard…!
Nice gold-colored rotary encoder knob.
On the top center of the keyboard, the reset button, boot button, and MCU can be seen.
The diagonal white squares are all LEDs, and the corresponding LEDs light up according to where the keys are struck.
On the upper right side of the unit, in addition to the Type-C port for wired connections, there are two USB Type-A ports and one Type-C port, which also functions as a USB hub.
(Probably functions only when the keyboard is wired. The hub functions via a USB cable connecting the unit to the PC).
I can also confirm the MCU (ATMEGA32A), although the name is not familiar to the general public.
The bottom is covered and descended by a half-clear, matte acrylic plate, with additional parts installed to attach typing angles to the keyboard.
The typing angle is slightly sloping at about 4 degrees, and the overall height is slightly higher than a regular keyboard.
The overall height is higher because a “spring” is installed between the acrylic plate at the bottom and the substrate.
Thus, there is a sinkage of about 5 mm when pushed hard.
Of course, keyswitches are hot-swappable.
The switch plate was made by FR4.
The keycap set this time is LeleLab’s original Apple Smoke.
It uses the slanted gothic font used by Apple in its early days.
The fact that it is a half skeleton rather than a complete skeleton is elegant and good.
The keycaps are skeletonized so that the south-facing LEDs show up very nicely.
Changing the key switch to one with an LED diffuser would give it a more crisp glow.
A large LED is built into the bottom of the keyboard, which securely illuminates the acrylic plate at the bottom, so that the entire keyboard glows.
The dedicated software “Lele Console” is used to change the keymap and set the macro keys.
It is important to point out that it is translated into Japanese.
The fact that the sound when testing the keys is an 8-bit sound reminiscent of the NES is very pleasing.
Benefits of Lelelab Y2K 76
- The one-of-a-kind look with an overwhelming mechanical feel is irresistible.
- Beautiful LED lighting.
- Independent macro keys are useful
- Keyboard setup software supports Japanese
- Low price
The one-of-a-kind look with an overwhelming mechanical feel is irresistible.
After all, the most attractive thing about this keyboard is this “mechanical feel.
Clear acrylic is used as the base, and the board also dares to use many “through-hole parts” to create a rugged mechanical look.
The keycaps are also made of “transparent” material, so the combination of transparency and a mechanical feel will give the user a uniquely cool experience.
Beautiful LED lighting.
As mentioned above, the entire keyboard is made of clear acrylic, which makes the lighting very beautiful.
The green LED color setting, in particular, gives a more matrix-like cyber feel.
Independent macro keys are useful
Unusually for a 65% layout keyboard, the Lelelab Y2K 76 has five macro keys in one row on the left side.
By using dedicated editing software, they can be registered as shortcut keys or set as “macro keys” that automatically perform a series of actions.
Keyboard setup software supports Japanese
In most cases, these overseas products are only available in English, but LeleConsole is available in Japanese.
The very easy-to-understand UI allows for intuitive operation.
Low price
The Lelelab Y2K 76 is priced at approximately $110.
At 150 yen to the dollar, the price is approximately 16,500 yen, making it an inexpensive category.
Disadvantages of Lelelab Y2K 76
- No Japanese-language layout available.
- Not technically qualified at time of writing
- Overall height is higher than normal keyboards and a palm rest is required
- Habit of keystroke feeling is a little strong.
No Japanese-language layout available.
Lelelab Y2K 76 is available only in English layout and not in Japanese layout.
There are no variations with respect to key layouts, only photo layouts are available.
This is a disadvantage that is often talked about, but it is not that big a hurdle, since the only thing that requires familiarity is the “alphanumeric – Japanese” switch, and it can be customized in any way by changing the keymap.
Not technically qualified at time of writing
The Lelelab Y2K 76 has not obtained technical qualification and, at the time of writing, cannot be used for wireless functionality in Japan.
A wired connection can be used without problems, but be aware that “removing the battery” is required when assembling.
Overall height is higher than normal keyboards, palm rest is a must
The Lelelab Y2K 76 has a slightly higher overall height than a regular keyboard because of its spring-loaded cushioning mechanism.
Therefore, not using the palm rest may cause wrist pain.
Habit of keystroke feeling is a little strong.
As mentioned above, Lelelab Y2K 76 uses a “spring mechanism”.
This is thought to have been adopted for the purpose of absorbing the impact of keystrokes with the spring, but the sink depth with the spring is deeper.
In some cases, some may take it as “squishy and unstable,” so check carefully before purchasing.
KawamuraPerhaps a separate purchase of spacers without cushions would solve this problem.
summary
This is my review of the Lelelab Y2K 76.
This one-of-a-kind look will be a very nice addition to your desk.
LeleLab also offers other keyboards, so please take a look at our online store.
