The Promise87 is the most recent customized keyboard package from Wuque Studio. The corporate has gained fairly a little bit of acclaim following its wonderful Ikki68 Aurora and Mammoth75 keyboard kits, and the Promise87 is its most high-aspiring challenge to this point. It includes a full aluminum chassis, a novel gasket mounting system, weights on prime of weights, and one of the crucial distinctive designs we’ve seen on the positioning to this point.
With a worth that begins at $380 and tops out at $460, it doesn’t come low cost however delivers precisely the caliber of typing expertise you’ll count on at that worth. It additionally options an built-in moissanite gemstone with its personal RGB backlighting. This can be a keyboard you may pop the query with — so long as that query is “honey, can I please purchase one other keyboard?”
Promise87 Specs
| Switches | None included |
| Lighting | Caps Lock indicator, Gemstone backlight |
| Onboard Storage | 4 (VIA) |
| Media Keys | Secondary features |
| Connectivity | USB Kind-C to Kind-A |
| Cable | None included |
| Further Ports | None |
| Keycaps | None included |
| Building | Aluminum case, stainless-steel weight, PORON dampeners, polyethylene foam swap pad |
| Software program | QMK/VIA |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 14.25 x 5.4 x .8 (entrance) x 1.3 (rear) inches |
| Weight | 7.8 kilos (constructed) |
Design and Supplies of the Promise87
The Promise87 is a tenkeyless keyboard package that oozes high quality. It’s utterly boutique and embraces aesthetics. It’s not possible to take a look at it and never see the way it blends basic peripheral with trendy artwork. It received’t make sense to everybody, particularly at its worth, however is downright spectacular when considered via the suitable lens.
So, what lens is that? The Promise87 isn’t an introductory keyboard package. It’s designed for keyboard fans which have constructed one and even a number of keyboards up to now. It’s made for individuals who have seen what prebuilts and entry-level keyboards have to supply and are able to degree up; customers which have spent hours on keyboard-centric boards and sub-reddits, poring over boutique builds and customized keycaps units, and admire the small particulars and included options that give one keyboard an edge over one other.
By means of that lens, the Promise87 checks off a number of containers. It’s constructed with top-tier supplies. It’s heavy and fine-tuned with sound-altering foam. It has distinctive fancy touches like shiny chamfered edges, a mirrored again, and PVD bars throughout the blockers (when you select the winkeyless model). It options plentiful of preset configurations, so yow will discover a coloration scheme that matches your precise style. Then, if you’re performed, Wuque presents addons like extra plate supplies and PCBs that add issues like RGB backlighting or Bluetooth connectivity.
It’s a board that you simply shouldn’t have to mod in any respect to sound and really feel its greatest: Wuque designs round all of that. Out of the field, it ought to sound and really feel higher than any lesser DIY package you’ve used up to now. It’s a board that isn’t absolutely the top-tier of the mechanical keyboard pastime (these can retail for $800 – 1000 or extra) however that goals to ship the identical type of expertise with out breaking $550, even if you’re ordering a totally customized model of it.
Beginning with the supplies, the Promise87 is shockingly heavy. Absolutely constructed, it’s simply shy of eight kilos. The case is fabricated from precision milled CNC aluminum and options an inner stainless-steel weight, hidden from sight. Across the again are two extra weights that are available your alternative of PVD coated, mirror-finished stainless-steel or sandblasted aluminum at a decreased price.
It’s obtainable in 9 totally different colours: e-white, silver, pink, burgundy, lavender, violet, pine, navy and black. There are two totally different variations of every of those colours. The distinction is within the pair of weights that make up the again of the case (every half coming collectively within the center, making a diagonal line throughout its floor). The costlier model makes use of the PVD stainless-steel talked about above whereas the usual model swaps these for matte-finished sandblasted aluminum. Each variations have the choice for silver or gold weights, however the mirror-finished PVD editions add a rainbow prism coloration possibility, making certain each one will likely be barely totally different. All variations even have the choice of getting a laser marked brand circle engraved on the again for an extra 5 {dollars}.
Across the entrance of the case, each key space has chamfered edges. The chamfers are designed to match the rear weight and are polished to a mirrored edge. When you select the winkeyless model, the areas often occupied by the Home windows keys are crammed in by the case. These sections are known as blockers. Each blockers have PVD bars which can be equally shiny set into their heart.
Which brings us to probably the most distinctive a part of the Promise87: the diamond. Nicely, simulated diamond. Beneath the navigation cluster is one other PVD bar with a big moissanite stone set into its heart. It’s the one a part of the keyboard that’s backlit, too. A single customizable RGB backlight is positioned beneath this stone to provide it a glow and perpetual sparkle. Having a gemstone set into your keyboard isn’t going to be everybody’s cup of tea however is actually distinctive and attention-grabbing.
The Promise87 additionally leans into the refined design parts that DIY mechanical keyboard fans admire. For instance, the entrance edge is beveled downward, making it extra snug to kind on and giving it a extra distinctive aspect profile. When considered from the aspect, it virtually appears to drift as a result of centered placement of the burden. Alongside the rear edge, there’s one other PVD bar and a USB port that’s hidden beneath the highest fringe of the case. There are not any seen screws; they’re all hidden beneath the keycaps to create a screwless design. It doesn’t matter what angle you view it from, it seems nice.
Wuque Studio additionally ran a restricted group purchase of a totally customized model of this keyboard. There, clients might change each ingredient of the keyboard’s design. You possibly can customise every part from the colours of the chamfers, to the blocker traces, to mixing and matching the 2 totally different weight supplies, and even dropping the gemstone from the ultimate construct. This was restricted to 400 keyboards worldwide and offered out virtually immediately.
As with many customized keyboards, you’ll discover that it’s a reasonably easy design by way of the structure and added options. There are not any devoted media keys, no extra USB ports, and no RGB lighting outdoors of the moissanite stone and a white Caps Lock indicator hidden beneath the important thing. The one factor I miss right here is backlighting. Wuque instructed me that they really feel the customized keyboard group doesn’t search for RGB lighting as a lot as customized keycap units, which is sort of actually true, however even a heat white backlight would have seemed very good with this keyboard.
A fundamental metallic keyboard can sound and really feel horrible by itself, so what’s taking place inside the case is simply as necessary as the skin. Wuque has carried out a number of layers of dampening to ship a comfortable, poppy typing expertise that left me logging onto my laptop once I ought to have been sleeping simply to slot in a number of extra typing checks.
It begins with Wuque’s new gasket mounting system. The package comes with three units of gasket strips in blue, white and crimson. Blue is the softest and crimson is the stiffest with white falling within the center. These strips match onto tabs on the polycarbonate plate, which is a comfortable, versatile plate materials that naturally offers when typing.
These tabs are sandwiched between each halves of the case, isolating the sound of your keystrokes and making a comfortable typing expertise. Our pattern was lacking the crimson strips, however there was a noticeable distinction between the blue and white we had available for testing, so it’s secure to say that crimson will likely be noticeably firmer to kind on.
Each the plate and PCB characteristic flex cuts between every row, permitting the keys to depress barely with each keystroke and create a softer typing expertise. The PCB can also be barely thinner than common at 1.2mm as an alternative of 1.6mm, so that you don’t have to hammer on the keys to expertise this impact. The inventory PCB consists of hot-swap sockets to shortly change switches with out desoldering, however a solder model is accessible from the Wuque Store for an extra $49.
Coming from previous Wuque keyboards, it got here as no shock that the keyboard integrates a number of layers of froth. The package features a set of PORON foams, in addition to a brand new mixture materials I’ll discuss quickly. PORON foam is extraordinarily well-liked in customized keyboard builds as a result of it’s comfortable, extremely dampening, and really resilient to repeated impacts. Right here, there’s a layer of plate foam to take away the empty area between the plate and PCB, a skinny layer of swap foam to tune typing sounds and lend them a poppy, bubbly character, and a closing layer of case foam that removes hollowness and reverberation from the empty area within the case.
The brand new foam materials consists of what Wuque calls Supercritical Foaming Materials. It combines the plate and swap foams right into a single, non-compulsory unit. It seems like a mixture of PORON and silicone, however what it’s truly composed of is anybody’s guess. Wuque recommends solely utilizing this with the aluminum plate, which isn’t included within the base package, so I didn’t use it in my construct for this overview. I like the idea, nonetheless, as combining these two layers removes a step of the meeting course of.
As is the norm for DIY mechanical keyboards, the Promise87 doesn’t embrace switches, keycaps, stabilizers, or perhaps a USB cable. Whereas that will appear uncommon given the excessive worth of the keyboard, every of those parts are usually customized chosen by keyboard builders to match a sure theme, typing really feel, and sound profile, so it’s comprehensible they’re omitted.
Taken as an entire, it’s a powerful package. There’s a lot to understand right here, particularly when you get into the nitty gritty of its design. It’s additionally price noting that the standard of the product is impeccable. There are not any stray marks or streaks from the anodization course of and never a single scratch on any shiny floor.
Purchaser beware, nonetheless: these PVD finishes are extraordinarily straightforward to scratch. I’d like to see Wuque begin together with a protecting movie to maintain these surfaces pristine. The upcoming JRIS65 keyboard package included customized TPU protectors (the identical kind used for smartphones) for its mirrored components, and I’m rather more assured of their safety than my very own means to maintain the weights pristine for his or her lifespan.
Assembling the Promise87
Assembling the Promise87 is barely extra difficult than many different customized mechanical keyboards, however isn’t tough when you take note of the totally different parts of the case and parts. There isn’t a construct information printed as of this writing, however Wuque Studios has been nice about offering detailed, pictorial guides with every of their prior keyboards. I’d count on the identical nearer to launch.
After you’ve chosen your switches and stabilizers, you’ll start by constructing your PCB meeting. Step one is laying down the PORON swap pad, then inserting and screwing in your stabilizers. Ensure these are lubed previous to screwing them on otherwise you’ll want to take action later when it’s rather more tough.
With that performed, the primary layer of thick PORON foam could be utilized. The PCB foam settles over the sq. for every swap and ought to be straightforward to align. The plate units on prime of this. Utilizing the polycarbonate plate, there are not any standoffs required. As an alternative, the switches themselves maintain every part collectively. This enables for a bit extra flex to the meeting and fewer steps within the construct course of.
Putting in switches on a PC plate with out standoffs is more difficult than when a keyboard is totally constructed or if it makes use of a metallic plate. You’ll need to set up switches across the edges of the plate first to carry every part collectively. Typically the plastic plate will press down and never click on into the swap at this level, so that you’ll want to make use of a fingernail or screwdriver to pop it up and into place.
One of many widespread stumbling factors for the sort of keyboard isn’t leaving room across the cutouts for the case screws. For the reason that Promise87 hides its screws beneath the keycaps, putting in switches right here can block your entry to these threads, in order that they should be saved till the top.
As soon as switches are put in, the gaskets could be added. The package comes with three units of gasket strips in blue, white, and crimson (that are the ascending stiffnesses). These could be slipped onto the tabs across the plate. This completes the PCB meeting and the toughest a part of the construct.
With the meeting out of the best way, the final issues to do are set the PORON case foam into its place within the backside chassis and plug within the USB daughter board to the underside of the PCB. The meeting can then be set into the case, the highest half added, and the 2 halves screwed collectively. The ultimate switches and keycaps can then be put in.
Typing Demonstration for the Promise87
Typing Expertise on the Promise87
As with every customized keyboard, the typing expertise on the Promise87 will fluctuate relying on the switches, stabilizers, plate, and foam configuration you select. Issues are a bit less complicated right here, although, as the perfect sound (for my part) comes from utilizing all the foams, however swap and plate alternative will completely make a distinction.
For this overview, I constructed the keyboard utilizing a polycarbonate plate, all the PORON foams, pre-lubed WS Aurora Clear linear switches, and WS Aurora Stabilizers. I additionally outfitted it with This mix ought to present one of many softest typing experiences, coming in second to the POM plate, which is accessible as an add-on buy and isn’t a part of the inventory package. I didn’t take a look at the package utilizing the Supercritical Foaming Materials, as Wuque recommends this just for the aluminum plate, which I didn’t have available for testing.
Utilizing this configuration, the typing expertise is dampened however poppy. That is particularly evident on the stabilized keys, that are the perfect sounding I’ve examined on any keyboard to this point. The sound isn’t marbly such as you’ll hear on keyboards that use PE foam, however has an virtually rain-like high quality to it. Typing at full pace, it sounds virtually bubbly. However there’s additionally a physique to it, so it’s not even remotely skinny.
After I first constructed the keyboard, I used to be fearful that it might sound too muted because of all that foam. Like several foam-packed keyboard, it’s quieter and extra dampened, however solely the operate row has a muted high quality. Eradicating the case foam helps, however makes the opposite keys sound too skinny, so it’s greatest to depart all the foam in or to switch it with Polyfill.
Regardless of the plentiful quantity of flex cuts, the Promise87 isn’t particularly bouncy. The stacks of froth just about forestall massive motion. Just like the Mammoth75, the flex cuts serve to provide a softness to every key press. When you look carefully, you’ll be able to see each key given slightly below regular keystrokes. You’ll be able to press and see that bigger motion, however the sensible design right here is all in regards to the typing expertise you’ll discover throughout regular use.
It’s wonderful. The mixture of softness and sound profile make the Promise87 the Sid Meier’s Civilization of mechanical keyboards. As an alternative of staying up late to take “only one extra flip,” I discovered myself making excuses to kind. “Only one extra flip” turns into “only one extra typing take a look at.”
Talking of, the transition to the Promise was utterly seamless. Throughout greater than twenty checks on MonkeyType, I averaged 111 WPM. My common is ~110 WPM, so it’s proper on track.
Gaming Expertise on the Promise87
The Promise87 isn’t a gaming keyboard however nonetheless works effectively for gaming. It lacks the software-enabled options supplied by devoted gaming softwares from the Logitechs and Razers of the world, however is responsive sufficient for use for any sport you prefer to. In my testing, I performed via a number of ranges of Doom Everlasting, took to the battlefield in Name of Responsibility Vanguard, and swung via Hell’s Kitchen in Spider-Man Remastered. The Promise87 didn’t miss a beat.
Wuque Studio hasn’t publicized the polling fee for the keyboard, however it appears to be operating at 1000Hz or 1ms. I discovered this utilizing Keyboard Inspector software program, however keep in mind that it’s a fan-made software and ought to be taken with a grain of salt. Facet by aspect with my Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro, the 2 keyboards felt equally responsive.
One of many greatest highpoints it presents for gaming is its means to have as much as 4 layers of customized keymaps. I’ll speak extra in-depth about that within the subsequent part, however it’s doable to have distinctive layouts for particular person video games and to shift between them on the fly. It takes time to program and tweak, however is effectively definitely worth the effort when you play a handful of video games and need to customise your controls.
Software program
The Promise87 doesn’t have any particular software program of its personal. As an alternative, all of its programming is completed inside QMK or VIA. QMK is an open-source firmware that enables DIY keyboard builders to program in their very own instructions that are then saved on the firmware degree. This enables them for use on any laptop no matter OS or IT coverage.
QMK is extremely well-liked inside the mechanical keyboard group, however it’s not probably the most person pleasant. To program a keyboard utilizing it, you’ll want to make use of a web based software just like the QMK Configurator, obtain the firmware and flash it to the keyboard utilizing the QMK Toolbox. It’s a nerve wracking course of even for veteran keyboard builders, as malfunctions in flashing can result in a bricked keyboard.
That’s the place VIA is available in. Reasonably than observe the old fashioned flashing course of, VIA means that you can make modifications in actual time utilizing a straightforward to interpret graphical interface. As soon as it detects the keyboard, you merely click on the important thing you wish to remap after which select what you prefer to there as an alternative from a deep number of choices on the underside half of the display. The modifications take impact instantly, no flashing required.
VIA additionally means that you can program as much as 4 layers of keymaps. Consider these like digital keyboards you’ll be able to swap to by holding a button. You’ll be able to reassign any key, however you’ll in all probability need to maintain your base layer principally intact. The secondary layers help you assign devoted keys for issues like media and lighting controls. You’ll be able to even assign keys to mouse management, launch Home windows functions, play macros, and intuitively transition between layers. This performance additionally makes it doable to create distinctive layouts for various video games and functions.
The extent of management supplied by VIA is intoxicating. It lacks gaming options such as you would possibly discover in Corsair iCUE or Razer Synapse, however with the ability to create utterly customized layouts means that you can tailor the keyboard to your precise workflow. These premade software program methods are highly effective, however you’re pressured to adapt to the software program. VIA could make the keyboard adapt to you. It’s a refined however necessary distinction that’s laborious to return again from.
For instance, I’ve set my Caps Lock key to ship Caps when tapped and to transition to my second layer when held, primarily making it a twin operate key. From there, all of my media and lighting keys are immediately beneath my fingertips. You would possibly miss devoted media keys, however I don’t. Because of VIA, I can maintain Caps and have them nearer to my fingers than is feasible with any conventional keyboard. The identical is true for the arrow keys and my most used navigation and modifying buttons. One other person’s structure could also be utterly totally different, however it should work precisely how they need it to, and that’s what makes it so nice.
In fact, there are some limitations. Since every part is being programmed on the firmware degree, superior macros are out. You’ll be able to map textual content strings and shortcuts, however there’s no easy document button with editable occasions and delays such as you’ll discover in most gaming softwares. Lighting can also be restricted to preset results and static colours, albeit with extremely customizable colours because of mappable hue and saturation keys. That’s much less of a difficulty on the Promise87 as a result of it solely has one RGB LED, however is unquestionably one thing to remember for totally backlit keyboards.
Backside Line
The Promise87 is a wonderful keyboard, accurately with a $380 beginning worth. However, if there’s one factor the customized keyboard pastime has taught me, it’s {that a} excessive worth doesn’t essentially imply an awesome mechanical keyboard. Fortunately, Wuque Studios has nailed it. The Promise87 is one in all nicest keyboards I’ve ever used, a lot in order that I instantly circled from this overview and ordered my very own. It even rivals my utterly personalized Rama Works U80-A, however the typing experiences are totally different sufficient that each may have regular locations on my desk.
You don’t must spend fairly a lot to have an awesome customized keyboard. Wuque Studio’s Ikki68 Aurora is one other wonderful possibility focused at rookies and begins at solely $150. TheKey.Firm’s Portico75 is one other nice alternative and includes a extra compact 75-percent structure. You possibly can build your own utilizing spare components, or let another person do the be just right for you and go together with a superb prebuilt just like the iQunix F97.
The purpose is, whereas the Promise87 isn’t for everybody, it makes good on its excessive worth. It sounds, feels, and appears wonderful. It’s additionally extremely customizable, so you’ll be able to tailor the typing expertise and keymaps precisely to your private style. If you end up within the thick of the mechanical keyboard pastime and are searching for your subsequent package, the Promise87 will remind you what makes keyboard constructing so enjoyable within the first place.