WASD Keyboard v1 - First Impressions

WASD_Keyboard_1 by Charles McGraw, on Flickr


As many of you may have heard, a new keyboard company is in the business and looking to make a name for themselves with fully customizable keycap colors and multiple switch choices.

As a keyboard connoisseur, I get to look at the first production sample of the WASD Custom Keyboard v1. My personal choice in keycap color and switch types was based purely on the idea that I wanted to see all the various colors represented on one product, as well as being able to try out one of my more least used / owned switches, the Cherry MX Blue variety.


WASD_Keyboard_6 by Charles McGraw, on Flickr

Starting off, here's a general overview of the keyboard. I didn't find anything about this keyboards casing look to be all that interesting. The dark grey, semi-faded; WASD Logo was a nice touch though. It's not appalling like some logos on keyboards, and the font is very utilitarian.


WASD_Keyboard_5 by Charles McGraw, on Flickr

With a quick snapshot of the keyboard, you can see the engraved printing used on the keycaps. As well as the WASD Logo.
The printing on the keycaps is slightly raised, but in no way effects the feel of the keycaps in a negative fashion. Personally, I like the feel. It's unique and definitely something new. More so when you compare it against the Pad Printing commonly used on many keyboards.


WASD_Keyboard_8 by Charles McGraw, on Flickr

Spinning the keyboard to the side, we can see the angled rise of the keycaps which make for a more pleasant typing experience. Das Keyboards, Filco Majestouch, Rosewill, ABS, and Ducky all use this same type of slope.
It's a very standard design, but much better than the flat rise used by keyboards like the Deck Legend.


WASD_Keyboard_7 by Charles McGraw, on Flickr

Speaking of the keycaps, slopes, and feel; here's the best photo I could get to demonstrate the curvature of the keycaps themselves.
Again, a standard curve, but it fits even my large fingers well.


WASD_Keyboard_3 by Charles McGraw, on Flickr

Moving on, we have the spacebar removed to show that even the larger keys use Cherry MX-Blues; as it is, all around the board.
You'll also note the same stabilizers as used by Das Keyboards, Rosewill, & Filco.
Personally, I like the proxy-key style more. Though that more comes down to easy of removal than anything else.

WASD Keyboard has made sure that all of the keys using this stabilizer have been well lubricated, ensuring a smooth and squeek free travel.


WASD_Keyboard_4 by Charles McGraw, on Flickr

Here's a shot of all of the keycap color choices available right now. Very nice colors. They stand out without having to be, obnoxious.


WASD_Keyboard_2 by Charles McGraw, on Flickr

Another shot of the WASD Cluster, just because. The green color for the WASD cluster is the same as the optional keycaps you buy from Das Keyboards.


WASD_Keyboard_0 by Charles McGraw, on Flickr


WASD_Keyboard_12 by Charles McGraw, on Flickr

If you notice in this photo; I'm not afraid of warranty as I voided that sticker instantly. You may also want to take notice to the square cutouts in the bottom of the keyboard. This looks to be a spot where the casing could accept a wrist rest being attached. Personally I like the foam or gel kinds. Though, it's definitely an interesting feature that WASD could add to their keyboards in the future.


WASD_Keyboard_9 by Charles McGraw, on Flickr

Speaking of the future and possible features; here we have cutouts for USB & Audio jacks to be placed.


WASD_Keyboard_11 by Charles McGraw, on Flickr

More so, the daughter board with the Microcontroller looks as though it supports USB & Audio jacks being added to the board as well.
Do note, I'm not aware of the Microcontroller actually supporting this; I'm just stating that the PCB has the circuits already printed on. So it is possible.


WASD_Keyboard_10 by Charles McGraw, on Flickr

Speaking of which; let's take a look at the main PCB. This is actually a well done and well designed PCB. It allows for you to change between ISO & ANSI layouts. It is also a 2 layer PCB.
Another thing to note is that all of the switch contact points on the PCB are labeled and thus doing a switch swap/transfer or repair would be very easy as you won't loose track of what key is where.

Another interesting thing to note is that the right windows key is also silk-screened saying "Fn" meaning that multi-media functions may be possible as well.

The Good:
- Great key feel
- Printing is unique and feels nice
- Multiple colors and plenty of font, size, & style options
- Large body absorbs the sound of the MX-Blues to make them more subdued when bottoming out. Just leaving you with the crisp click of the switch.
- Solid build quality even with the no frills look.
- Keycaps are durable and easily fit onto other keyboards while matching.

The Bad:
- Blue LED's for the Cap's keys are pretty bright. I may disassemble the board and change the LED's or frost over the LEDs to diffuse the light some.

Other Thoughts:
- $140 for a fully customizable keyboard is definitely a bit on the higher side; but I don't think it's over priced. Perhaps another $10 off could be the tipping point for WASD Keyboards.

- Currently, there's no infill for the keys or alternate printing colors available; but WASD is looking into that. So that's another positive note for the future.

- Key Pullers, Keycaps individually or in sets, available as optional purchases for a very reasonable price.

- WASD Keyboard has mentioned a new version to come in the future that will be slightly cheaper but with more limited options. Still very customizable. [1]

Oh I know, I didn't want any though.

Especially on the windows key, I like the look of the blank bubble.

Yes, but that's actually a bit of an "oops" on my part. As I set it back in place, but didn't push it down all the way. Which is why it looks like it's not the same design as the rest.

I find no reason to go with Filco instead.

Rosewill, Das, Filco, Ducky, & WASD all have similar pricing in the US and more or less the same build quality. So it really depends on what you like more looks wise.
Also, which one suits your desires more. Ala, if you want media keys, Ducky is the only option.

These WASD boards are easy recommendations for first time users; more so since they can get the customized keycaps which will make many gamers, programers, and typists happy.