This Keyboard Makes Me Mad... Hi-Fi Keyboard by an Audio Company
#keybored This Keyboard Makes Me Mad... Hi-Fi Keyboard by Moondrop
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So... Nowadays, everyone and their cousins make a keyboard... case in point is this Moondrop Dash75... Moondrop is a Hi-Fi audio company... what business do they have encroaching on our Keyboard Turf?!?! Well... glad they did because they're putting some keyboard companies on notice... find out why!
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Links to Products Shown in this Video
Moondrop Dash75 (Pre-Order)
massdrop.7eer.net/VyE3eM
Moondrop Stellaris IEM
moondroplab.com/en/products/s...
Sennheiser HD6XX
drop.com/buy/massdrop-sennhei...
AKG K533 MKII
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Sony WH-1000XM5 Series Noise Cancelling Headphones
amzn.to/3hkzK4Z
RHA Earbuds
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Gateron Oil King Linears (Amazingly Smooth and Thocky)
keebsforall.com/collections/m...
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Shot on Sony A7 III + Sony FE35mm F1.8 and Shure MV7 Dynamic Mic
Sony A7 III
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Sony FE35mm F1.8
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Shure MV7
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So, I received confirmation that the Moondrop Dash75 is compatible with VIA! Moondrop is making a few more improvements to the Dash75 as well, so they'll provide an update to the launch date once complete. Linux compatible for those that asked.
other than stem length and spring stuff, what is the difference between box cjs and normal cjs?
Whats the starting price for this keeb
I see no mention of this keyboard on Moondrop’s website. Where in the world do I get one of these?
Same here I find no mention of the keyboard anywhere
@@NateFord they let me know that they are working on a few improvements and will update once that's complete!
I really get one of two impressions here: They hired another company to design this board, or they have an employee who really likes keyboards and figured they could leverage their position in the company to get their dream board made. Either way, kudos to them for following through on a quality board.
OR... Maybe Crinnacle+ and Shoobs is the same person! Haha, J/K... but you never know!
The integrated usb hub is a nice cherry on top
A lot of older audio techs know how to handle sound and electronics through high amp machines, I wouldn't be surprised if it was a older guy who wanted to do it right the first time, it reminds me of a white commodore 64 hub
From all of the aesthetics, accessories, to the internals, this board is definitely a unique offering for the price range. Would definitely recommend to those in the market for a prebuilt for around $299.
From a value perspective, as long as all these things are something you're looking for (DAC/AMP/etc) this is a stellar deal
@@Keybored don't you mean a STELLARIS deal
On some level, it makes SENSE that a company that is filled with people that worry about sound would make one of the nicer sounding keyboards out there. I just wish they would also make a version of this that is dead silent.
Gotta make sure the keyboard hits those sub bass frequencies
@@janemba42 lol
Eh… a lot of audiophiles are sporting $5 beat-down keyboards because every penny’s gotta go towards new cans. Mmmmm really want a pair of the Monarchs from thieaudio…
@@MrDMIDOV There are also audiophiles spending thousands on magic rocks because they think it will somehow improve their setup
hahahahah this comment made my day
It actually seems like a practical solution to be able to plug your headphones in to your keyboard. Even more so with a built in DAC/AMP
I know right? It improves the audio quality pretty drastically... and it can power high powered headphones. If it just had a knob!
@@Keybored my only compaint is that there is no knob. I hope they do something, even like a FN control on the actual keyboard to change the volume of the dac itself.
Yep, really sad that there's no volume knob. That's half the reason I bought my own DAC in the first place.
My only concern would be the whole purpose of moving a DAC from an electronically noisy PC over to a mechanically noisy and thumping keyboard. Does the mechanical noise and vibration cause any sound quality issues in the DAC
@@Catcrumbs agreed. What is the point of an external DAC without the volume knob. Really huge omission in my opinion.
100% someone (or a few people) at Moondrop has a custom mech they use at work and a big wig saw it and was like "we can do that".
Haha, probably this
Especially once the employee mentioned the $600-800 price tag. That’s when said big wig, knowing all about economies of scale and supply chain management, saw dollar signs.
This thing is an absolute monster. It HAS to be a loss leader from them, and I look forward to it. Really hoping they come out with a TKL version though.
There is way too much stuff packed into this at that price lol... I wonder if they'll end up raising it later on haha
they make a lot of profit off of their IEMs already considering they are pretty much one of the leaders in that scene. This is probably a hype catcher and then they will start to balance out the value vs profit later down the line if this isnt a one off project.
I'd be surprised if this was sold at a loss, the dac will cost them much less than retail (reused part), and there are already cheaper metal boards
@@1fareast14 I highly agree, there is no way they are selling this at a loss. Keycaps are fairly cheap to manufacture, they probably have deals for the manufacturing of the cases as well. I would say they are easily making $100 US profit per keyboard.
PLENTY of room to make money at $300
Whoever worked on this really knows what they're doing. The attention to detail is insane. The even bezels of the function row, non exploded layout, the list goes on.
That's the surprising part. They got a lot of the small details right... even some keyboard guys can't even do that
Thats taiwan for you
@@zelven6109 moondrop is based in chengdu, china
@@nicoper shhhhh... it needs recognition
I was a doubter. I am not an audiophile by any means and this keyboard, on paper, just seemed gimmicky. Wasn't even on my radar. Guess what? It's going to make a fine addition to my collection, lol. Thanks for another great video, Scott!
I too was a doubter... I was ready to say it sucks haha... but I was proven wrong...
At first I took their announcement to produce a keyboard as a joke. Then I saw the keyboard but got skeptical. Then saw all of the reviews, and everything and damn! They actually delivered something really good. This is probably the best sounding prebuilt that I have ever seen and it comes with a good DAC/AMP! They literally slapped Glorious and Drops face with this keyboard.
Fine effort. Add per key RGB and a volume knob probably
The placement of the audio jack is well thought-out! At first I thought this is made of plastic but impressed that it's aluminum! My nitpick is just the integrated plate.
This thing is massively solid... you bang on it and it's just like surprisingly hefty. And I fully agree on the audio jack placement! It doesn't interfere!
@@Keybored I am a pursuer of HiFi audio before I got into the custom mech keeb rabbit hole. The thing I enjoy in both is the pursuit of clean sound. I am also impressed by the mods they already did and that stabs, Wow! This board definitely is now on my radar! Thanks for the coverage!
so where's the waifu?
Haha, it's on the box of the Stellaris... not on the keyboard tho... I wonder why they left it out
Probably NuPhy made that their thing now in the keyboard space lol
@@Keybored NOOO its over. I'm so alone nothing feels like home 😞✊
Not buying til thwy make waifu keyboard. I do like their waifu pods
Okay but fr I can’t buy any of their products because of the cringy ass marketing
I grabbed their Tessence switches when they were on drop and they're actually one of the best prelubed tactiles I've tried! I hope they're more widely available in the future
I'm definitely going to keep Moondrop in sights... they may be doing some big things in Keyboard space in the future!
Man they destroyed the budget IEM market with the Moondrop Chu's and they are already held highly in the high end audio market and now they're making one of the better pre-built keyboards on the market?? There's no way of stopping Moondrop if they keep up this pace. They're insane rn.
It does seem insane... not sure how they stuck all this stuff into this and make money on it... either that or others are ripping us off hard
@@Keybored I suspect that it's other's ripping us off hard unfortunately. For some components. The switches on their own are not that expensive as you know. Although the cnc'd cases are justifiably expensive, the pcb (with a stm32 or atmega microcontroller,hotswap sockets, diodes, transistors, etc look at the individual components and then check out digikey for bulk prices), stabs, keycaps, keyboard plate, foam, etc really shouldn't drive up the cost so much to charge 350+ usd prices even with 5+ COGS factor. Hell, even wooting's offering is cheaper and it uses hall effect and has decent software (which justifiably drives up the cost). I also doubt that most of these 'keyboard companies' have latency similar to let's say, a wooting 60he or a razer huntsman series keyboard.
@@Keybored probably other people are ripping us off
After seeing some videos and stream on the Dash, decided to look into G-Square myself. The studio was founded by Gary, a designer and manu from China, and went into the international market over a half of a year ago. Other examples of board he designed are the Vintage60S and the Spacetrek. In short, this dude knows his stuff.
The fact that they pretty much did the mods themselves is pretty sick, I knew if an audio company would make a cool keyboard, it'd be moondrop for sure
This is some sure-handed execution on the part of Moondrop. The advantage of audio companies is they are used to developing and testing complex acoustic/mechanical devices which keyboards are at the end of the day. I wonder if this allows them to better prioritize their battles and deliver functional value. Also, being as the company's other products slant towards clear, treble-emphasized footprint, it's not surprising they deviated from some strong current keyboard trends to steer towards their preference. Integrated plate. . . but the potential case ping is offset by the PC bottom housing. And then all of the low-cost, high-reward tricks are well implemented in foam config, stabilizer spec/tune, factory switch lube, and even tape mod. My guess is they made a stiff, direct feeling board precisely because that's what they like. . . and then properly balanced all the other variables to deliver a great out-of-the-box experience. What a confident first step. This could potentially ruin a lot of keyboard enthusiasts to onboard audio or bad DAC's forever.
I never thought I’d actually buy into the real keyboard space, just watch the crazy videos, but this thing checks so many boxes
Love how the dac is just plugged in the board, which is funny as heck. Makes sense since why spend money when you already have it made as a seperate dac
Haha, yeah it was funny to see that it's actually connected VIA a USB-C Cable. Technically you can pull it out and use it separately lol
Keyboard sounds amazing! Love the soft, buttery clicks of the keys, they really perfected it.
Excellent review, you know your keyboards! And that was a great explanation of dacs and their use.
This is disgustingly good, looking forward to their future keyboards since I already have a 75% currently
I was so ready to say this thing is no good and keyboards are hard to make right so y'all don't even think about it! Then I was proven wrong haha
Does anyone know if it will come with an iso layout????
So your headphones, keyboard and mouse can be connected by a single usb port. This is honestly perfect. Perfect for a minimizing wires
You have been pumping out videos recently but still manage to keep the quality top notch. Keep up the amazing work! But remember to take a break if you need it.
i have to say that i wasn't expecting this keyboard be this good. That's very surprising and if I hadn't a dac+amp combo already, this keyboard would be a good option to consider buying
That's what I think too... even without the DAC/AMP... its still better than some others.
WOW! 🫡 this one really surprised me, Scott. The last thing I would've expected is a quality DAC/Amp inside. And the keyboard itself sounds amazing too! And an integrated plate? Pfff that's my jam 🤣 great review! Cheers.
Then this is perfect for you!
Literally slapped every keyboard company in the face.
Holy heck. This is such a great keyboard. Very unique and handsome. I’m not really into the retro aesthetic, but if I was this would be a dream board
Bro having an amp/dac combo built into the keyboard is fucking insane at this price point. Great value
dude, super creative. I love your work
Definitely will buy. These are perfect for gaming with my headphones or dusks 😍
This sounds better than I could have hoped for for something like this. Most of the time, keyboards made by non-keeb enthusiasts sound kinda terrible. Though, considering they're an audio based company, it would make sense that they prioritize something to sound really good. Quite impressed by this board honestly!
I have absolutely no need for this board, as I already have 5 different builds, but as an avid audiophile and keyboard enthusiast I want it so bad. The deeper switches (Oil Kings) sound so good wow. Wonder how it would sound with the new Badseed tactiles from my boy Brian. Great video Scott!
I still haven't had a chance to check out the Badseed tactiles! I'll have to grab a set next time around!
That intro of you getting slapped by the keyboard was hilarious 😂
"Your keyboard sounds good" now has a whole new meaning lol. Nice video as always sir!
Loved the Crinacle face attempt😂
An audiophile getting into the keyboard hobby recently, I appreciate your videos more than anyone elses.
Keychron: "I make the best prebuilt mechanical keyboards" Moondrop: "Hold my DAC"
Hahaha, this is a good one
This keyboard is so nice looking and sounding not to mention how good it sounds and with a DAC and amp built in it sounds like it's a great purchase. The keycaps design remind me heavily of Minecraft with the lettering and overall look of the keys! Really cool!
the sound of that keyboard had me hypnotised I love it
Hey! Great video as usual! Just wanted to add that sensitivity is just as important when it comes to how hard it is to drive headphones/IEMs!
Thanks Ken! I'm definitely not an audiophile haha so I don't know much about some of the technicalities :) I can only say it sounds good or bad hahaha
When so many keyboard enthusiasts are obsessed with sound, it almost seems natural that an audio company (professionals in sound) would take arse and kick names in the mechanical keyboard arena.
I was thinking of creating something like that for a long time. Great! Now, I can just buy it!
I have moondrop aria in ears and am really happy with them. Looks like an awesome keyboard. Moondrop makes really good stuff. I don't think they've made a single bad product.
I really wish they would have a version available in dark grey or black, the aesthetic of the board doesn't fit my workstation at all and even swapping the caps with my favorites wouldn't work. If they ever released this in blackout or whiteout though I'd probably pick up two for me and my husband lmao
Never thought this would be so good and I never thought about a DAC/AMP in a keyboard.
When they told me hey... we put a DAC/AMP into a keyboard... I said WTF? Then I got it and it makes a lot of sense!
Very nice keyboard. Moondrop really seems to be positioning themselves to be one of the better budget options in several markets now. I personally think the idea of having a DAC built into a keyboard is a very cool idea. I'm not a personal fan of some of the choices made on that keyboard (such as the legends) but I would be willing to buy a similar product.
Not really into keyboards but this was recommended to me and it was pretty entertaining, you earned a sub
Haha, glad to hear that! Welcome to the channel!
Now this is a great idea, expands the functionality of the keyboard and the price tag is kinda justified. I see this as a great prebuild option that you just pick up and take advantage of all the features. I would eventually change the keycaps to a more lively colorway. Thanks for sharing with us
Absolutely! I'm glad it was helpful
Wooow ! Scott that's a game changer. Wake up call to the keyboard companies. Awesome video thnx!!!😁👍
Man this thing is nice! I would like to see a keyboard in the vein of the Kinesis/Ergodox that follows this one's example
god i wish i could find any nice off white aluminum keyboard that i could afford. and i wish i could afford the stellaris. you’re very lucky to be able to review them and have them
i actually really like the fact that the dac/AMP is also (technically) removable. so if you want it to be a external one instead, you can easily remove it and plug it directly into your pc.
I just ordered this on Drop today based on this review. Here's hoping the quality is as high for the group buy as it was for these press samples
Would you ever do a video on the Moondrop switches? I came across them by accident, without online reviews or anything, but they just sound like pearls dropping on marbles and I've never heard anything as beautiful as them. The switches converted me from a thock fan to a clack fan!
bro that out of the box type test is unbelievable
Just got mine! Smaller than what I’m used to but I really love it. Dude… is it heavy 😂
I've never dipped my toes into keyboards before, but this looks like a really good place to start!
I can get behind the subtle digs at the GMMK Pro. Glorious was a one hit wonder it seems.
Please... PLEEEEEEASE make a natural version of this keyboard!!! 100% I'd buy it!
I ordered an EVGA hotswap keyboard when they were clearing those out for 40 bucks because it was cheaper than buying the switches alone. I wanted the switches for my Drop Alt, and it turned out to have compatible stabs that were better than the ones preinstalled in my Alt. That was a fun surprise.
The little laugh when you namedropped the Drop Sense75 lol
This is right up my alley. As somebody that doesn't think keyboards should flex like a $200 laptop from Walmart, I enjoy a nice solid plate. And integrated plates are the best in that regard. And having a clean noiseless DAC for IEMs is pretty huge as well as my current DAC has way too much noise. Just hoping they make more of them. And enough to actually have some stock somewhere other than drop.
I have a Moonriver 2 and it’s great. The balanced 4.4 output has even more power than the standard 3mm.
Been using the Moonriver 2 with my Steamdeck, awesome little unit, my only minor problem was addapting the 4.4mm balanced to 2.5mm that my IEMs and Fiio M9 use
Looks a bit like an Amiga, good one :) a bit of nostalgia feel to it.
that genuinely sounds like one of the best keyboards you can buy
They did good.. great job Moondrop!
I hope they bring out more stuff like this
just a note on the 6XX's, they say they are 300 ohms but they run just fine off an ipod nano lol. the keyboard absolutely is incredible though, haven't seen a factory tape mod before!
if i reaaaaalllllyyyyyyyyyyy have to nitpick then i suppose an audio company should have thought of adding an audio knob, but other than that, dang, this thing is perfect
There is a considerable overlap between audiophiles and mechanical keyboard fans. And fountain pens for some reason.
Just ordered this is a match made in heaven for me
Please make more audio content!
Holy crap? It has a 4.4 pentaconn balanced headphone output? Now that's very, very fancy!
LMAO.. I laughed so hard when you said Shoobs is Crinacle in disguise XDD
I really like the retro aesthetics. It would be nice if it had a usb C in addition to the A ports. Sounds great but I prefer feeling the click.
Biggest issue is lack of volume controls for the dac. Would be nice if there was a knob.
dayum seems like a great keyboard, sad that it is only available through drop pre-order
Speakers need an amp, and an amp needs an analog signal that speakers can 'understand.' That's where a DAC comes in. You're surrounded by audio DACs, whether you know it or not. Your smartphone has one, your TV has one, your PS4 controller has one, your car stereo [probably] has one, your AirPods (or whichever true-wireless buds you like) have _one for each ear,_ and so on. This video kinda made me wish I was ready for a new keyboard, but I'm not, and I already have a desktop headphone rig, but if I needed any one of these devices seperately right now, I'd seriously consider this keyboard.
this just became my wishlist for a keyboard ! owned a Chu as the value of the IEM is realllllllly good.
It's crazy that they're offering this at $299... I hope they don't raise the prices later lol
so true, hoping that it would be available widerrr. living in Ph and hoping could grab this in the near future 🥹
A volume knob would make this perfect for me. Hell, it's an audio company, the knob would make thematic sense!
😶 I was left speechless when I heard the sound of the keyboard out of the box. I agree with your take and if I will ever go for a higher-end mechanical keyboard. Moondrop Dash75 is at the top of my list.
You should have seen me when I pulled it out... I was like alright alright... looks much better in person... but I bet it sounds bad. I bet these stabs are soooo bad... then bam. Put me in my place
doesnt even have to do with the dac but i love that windows 9x styled windows key
Ghost: "The greatest keyboard, ever made." Moondrop: *"For now."*
I just love Moondrop.
It's a crime that they didn't include a knob on this
Wonder if they can make it in a high volume quantity. Would love to get my hand on this for sure as someone who's starting to get into audio and keyboard at the same time. Probably will do well and I hope they make more in the future, maybe in Alice layout too.
That font.... Noooooooo. Sounds really fantastic out of the box tho, very impressed
This looks fantastic. I so hope they make an ISO version or I'm going to have a hard time justifying any purchase of this.
The problem with drop is they didn't drop it from high enough, meanwhile this keyboard is from dropped space, amazing.
I’ve had my eyes on this project since it’s launch and I want to get my hands on one so badly!!!
I didn't even realize it was a thing... and now I know that all-in-ones can also be good!
@@Keybored I think it would be cool if moondrop had barebones with different amp/dacs from their line up available to mix and match with other form factors. Also if a 100% keyboard could hold a “larger PCB” for maybe more power or something. But imagine if they stripped all their dacs and amps into interchangeable parts for these keyboards. You could have a custom keyboard and audio experience in one. Also I’m sure I worded that horrendously but hopefully it’s somewhat understandable
Moondrop makes some good products. I wouldn't be surprised if they were also working with Crinacle and Mecha. Crin who is the biggest audiophile in the earphone market just combined forces with mecha and he's worked a lot with moondrop in the past so I wouldn't be surprised if he had something to do with it.
Man I love the look, and I love the layout but my god that's an expensive keyboard, such a shame because I would have really enjoyed a 75 in that absolutely lovely vintage style
Hi! :D, the video was really enjoyable Seeing the 75 on the box, and not having an anime packaging (could it ended up having one? hmm).... hopefully they would bring a 65% :D, not now. but... later?
can you imagine if they could make an option to customize those badge, that'd be sick
Hi, I just stumbled on your channel and saw your quietest keyboard video. I was wondering if you have a video on the best fighting/gamer keyboard for streamers? As in it would need a couple of things: Fastest inputs. Like arcade stick buttons, or small depress distance Low sound Wired/Bluetooth with connectivity to consoles/fighting games Protective traveling case with detachable cord. Easy button swapping/mapping.. Plug ins for headphones and Possible peripherals like controller or rolling ball for golden tee games Color. There are gamer fightsticks like hitbox as an example but that is specific to fighting games. Anyways, thanks again. I'll subscribe.
Having worked at a high end audio company I can tell you this keyboard was made with love and passion.
Not completely sure on the details of the dac/amp in the board, but I think it may be using the same or similar circuit to the Moondrop Moonriver 2. If that’s the case, you are getting a dac/amp worth $189 on your $300 keyboard. I own the Moonriver 2 personally, but for anyone that doesn’t, the value is insane. This is Moondrop’s full send to get keyboard enthusiast addicted to audio lol. Smart move.
This seems like a genuine bargain considering the DAC it’s using alone RRPs at $179USD
It's crazy right? The DAC is actually not bad either!
Moondrop has always had a great attention to detail with their IEMs, so it's great to see they're applying that to their keyboards as well. I can't say I'll be going out and buying a Dash 75 anytime soon, but I'll definitely be keeping an eye on their future offerings. PS If you're reading this Moondrop, an Arisu with a built-in DAC/amp would be dope.
If I weren’t broke I would definitely get this lmao The youtube algorithm lord bring me here, definitely staying! Awesome work!