TKD Cycle7 - Cream+ (copper inserts) | sound test + written review

Build details and written review below

Board: TKD Cycle7 (Peach)
Plate: FR4
Keycaps: KKB WoB + GMK Relegendables
Switches: NK Cream+ w/ copper inserts (lubed with 205g0)
Stabilizers: C3 (lubed with 205g0 + dielectric grease + holee modded)
Misc: with PCB flex cut plugs, gasket sock mount, no foams
Weight: 4.22lbs

Heard all the hype about the value proposition for this board, and it 100% delivers. In terms of construction, the coating is pretty good, the weight is nice and sturdy, and the ball latch enclosure is nutty. Makes it so easy to take apart and change configurations. The built in force break is a nice touch as well. The aesthetics aren't necessarily my taste and it certainly looks budget due to the simple lines and box on wedge design, but at this price you literally can't expect anything more complex. I feel like the LED is kind of ugly and unnecessary. The top and bottom bezels being just a bit wider than the side bezels also doesn't do it for me. However, FRLTKL is growing on me and is becoming one of my more favorite layouts, even though functionally it doesn't really make much sense.

Build experience was a breeze. JST cable is simple to plug in and again, the ball latch enclosure is so satisfying and easy, I look forward to more boards having that from now on.

Getting into the sound, this is where the board stands out to me. It sounds pretty loud and clacky on the FR4 plate, but that may be partially due to the switches. I used Cream+ switches with copper inserts, making the bottom out sound pretty sharp but very clean. The only thing I have to complain about the switches is that I think I hear a bit of leaf ping. But the board itself definitely has great sound in its own right, which makes sense given the internal brass weights. What particularly impressed me is the spacebar sound; no joke, it competes with my Kohaku with how full and resonant it is. I don't know if it's my particular configuration or whatever, but whatever it is, this spacebar slaps hard, and is one of the best in my collection. The board definitely doesn't need any foam, although you can experiment with adding case foam if you like. You won't be disappointed with sound on this board, and especially not at this price point.

In terms of typing feel, it's a pretty typical gasket sock feel. Not outright bouncy or anything, but definitely soft and no harsh bottom out. Bonus points for only having one mounting point near the spacebar, that might contribute to the full sound.

Overall, I can't recommend this board enough. I'm eager to see future releases by TKD (Cycle8 should be coming soon), and I think boards like this can only help the hobby. It undercuts manufacturers trying to get a quick buck on lazy/simpler designs, and it's nothing special or unique enough that makes more premium "endgame" boards not worth attaining. Not everyone has to buy one, but if you're curious about the ball latch system and/or prefer FRLTKL, I would definitely get it.

Side note: I hate that I'm using just an iPhone to record, but I'm too lazy/cheap to have a proper video and sound solution. Tbh, the iPhone mic sounds closest to IRL sound anyway (major copium)

Side note 2: for some weird reason every single stab was ticking for me even after lubing, I had to holee mod them all. I haven't had bad experiences with C3 stabs until now, so I might have just gotten really unlucky with my set.