Background, Lore & My Opinions:More
Introduction:We are fortunate to have so many keycaps available in the current market that we can finally start exploring and trying new (old) things with a bit more freedom. I know it’s a bit different to ICs we are used to but I’m curious to see how far we can go.
Life becomes more enjoyable if you can appreciate something for what it is, rather than wishing it was something it isn’t.Who are TaiHao?For those unaware, TaiHao are an established Taiwanese brand that makes mechanical keycaps. They mainly cater towards the mainstream market and have been making keycaps for MX switches since 2013.
Back when the hobby was still small, TaiHao was one of the few brands offering aftermarket keycaps and their products were a nice way for anyone to add a bit of colour to their OEM prebuilt (I still own a set from when I joined the hobby 8 years ago).
As the hobby grew and time progressed, enthusiasts found other premium options like SA and Cherry Profile and TaiHao eventually fell out of favour.Standard 104 kits offered by TaiHao
(Image Credit: TaiHao Website)
Here are some throw-back resources and Geekhack threads mentioning TaiHao:
Taekeyboard's Video Showing off TaiHao at Computex 2019:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUGMORT3YDc&tTaiwanese News Segment Featuring TaiHao (2013):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cc7Ky6PanCoReference Material:
https://deskthority.net/wiki/Tai-Hao_2013_keycap_group_buyshttps://drop.com/buy/tai-hao-red-abs-doubleshot-keycap-set/https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=48100.0Threads:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=58110.0https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=43745.0https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=43745.2350https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=43745.msg1137841#msg1137841https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=43745.msg1061957#msg1061957https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=61185.0Why OEM TaiHao ABS?Like how MX browns were previously mocked and dismissed, I think TaiHao OEM keycaps are actually a perfectly acceptable option for the modern community. The same reason people hated Cherry MX browns in the past is the reason people love and demand Cherry MX browns now; low tactile switches that were once laughed at are now respected because they provide something different in a market dominated by large-top-bump-tactiles.
Culture change so quickly with time and as time passes so do trends, thoughts and opinions. I understand some older community members have negative feelings associated to TaiHao but I’m here to challenge those impressions.
As a serious enthusiast, do you still hold the same opinions after much time has passed?
When was the last time you typed on a TaiHao set? Have you typed on a set recently and is it how you remember?
This GB is a great time for you to refresh your memory and opinion while also adding some cool, old-school swag to your current collection.
Pictures of Taihao Keycaps and Font Used
(Image Credit: Geekhack users LechnerDE & Daniel Beardsmore)
The community of the past only discussed the options available at the time and it was very different to our current market with new options emerging every day. It’s hard to take the advice from old forums seriously given it’s not adjusted to modern contexts and preferences.
We live in a completely different time where so many different switches exist and people now own numerous boards; this is completely different to the past and the meta has changed. You don’t take to heart the advice from someone playing on patch 4.20 if you are playing on patch Patch 13.20, rather, you benefit by acknowledging their points in accordance to the context at the time and compare + contrast it to your current circumstances.
I’d argue that thinner keycaps aren’t inherently bad and never were. Thin keycaps allow you to feel your switches and keyboard more than thicker keycaps. Options for switches and keyboards back in the early hobby were just limited and thin keycaps accentuated any flaws.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, XMI PBT for example has started to lose popularity because it’s too thick and mutes sound too much.
Thicker doesn’t necessarily mean better in the same sense that thin doesn’t necessarily mean bad.
Maybe it’s a bit like ironic fashion but SP DCS is an example of a keycap profile that has been fairly trendy recently. In the past, it was dismissed for being thin and odd looking since it used non-cherry font. Currently, as more DCS sets are delivering, people are finding surprisingly pleasing combinations that better suit their preferences. Thin keycaps might not be suitable for one configuration; however, it could be amazing and perfect for another. You won’t really know until you try.
Additionally, unlike SP DCS, TaiHao does not have any backlogs and the prices are also very, very affordable in comparison. They are flexible with kitting and will accommodate designer’s requests in addition to producing new tooling if needed. While existing TaiHao sets are not catered to enthusiasts, as a manufacturer, they are accepting custom orders and do have moulds for many keycap sizes we use.
Comparison of TaiHao OEM and SP DCS Profile
(Image Credit: Geekhack user Photoelectric)
Conclusion I genuinely think custom TaiHao keysets would be an exciting way to allow modern enthusiasts to experience a bit of keyboard history at an accessible price point.
As much as we’d like to, we cannot go back to the past; those times are now only memories occasionally reminisced. Is it just the nostalgia talking, or does anyone else want to try and bring a bit of joy from 2013 back with us 10 years into the future, to 2023? [Interest Check] TaiHao ABS Keycaps - OEM ProfilePlease note this IC/GB is for TaiHao's Doubleshot, ABS, OEM profile keycaps; not to be confused with their Cubic or PBT series which are both completely different products.Why TaiHao as the manufacturer?I'm not suggesting these keycaps are better than GMK/Cherry profile, instead, I'm proposing it would be refreshing to re-introduce something old-school back into the market.
It might be a bit of a meme to consider thinner, OEM keycaps, but since TaiHao keycaps are inexpensive and a low investment, this would be a good chance to have some fun.
OEM keycaps from TaiHao unironically have features that many modern keyboard enthusiasts want.
I've listed some of the positives below:
• Recessed stem – This is the same as GMK and KKB keycaps and help bring the bottom row of your keycaps more in-line with the top of your keyboard chassis.
• Vibrant Double Shot ABS – No faded colours on edges like dye-sub keycaps. TaiHao will match ABS colours to Pantones we provide.
• Non-Cherry Font – In the current market this is a nice break from the standard
• OEM Profile - R0 Bottom row – OEM R0 Bottom row is tall like the popular R5/R0 Cherry profiles. Though slightly different to Cherry, OEM is still similar enough to easily adjust to.
• Reputable manufacture – Proven company with a very respectable portfolio and track record.
• Affordable and fast lead times – 1.5 months lead time and a price similar to their current range of keycap on the mainstream market. Since this set contains more keycaps it will be more expensive than their usual 104key kits.
OEM ProfileThis profile is very similar to Cherry, though is slightly taller.
Comparison of TaiHao OEM and Cherry Profile
(Image Credit: seo_khanhpv)
PriceThe goal of this project isn't to necessarily profit financially and therefore I want to keep costs as low as possible so we can hit MOQ. Unfortunately, The MOQ is 300 kits per colourway and we'll need some serious community support to achieve this. Fortunately, these keycaps are relatively cheaper than what most enthusiasts usually spend on a keycap set.
The target price is 30USD to 40USD for 139 Keycaps packaged in a gift-box. There will be margins in the final price to help support and compensate vendors.
KittingOld school colours with modern kitting to please modern enthusiasts.
Unlike TaiHao’s 104 keycap kits, this custom kit will contain 139 keycaps suited for many layouts such as F13 TKLs, TSAGNAN, 65%, ect.
No numpad in the basekit is a conscious decision to reduce costs. Some keycap tooling does not currently exist, however, Taihao can produce custom tooling at additional cost. This lack of existing tooling makes it hard to accommodate for 40s and other smaller form factors.
(Currently needing confirmation)
6U Spacebar stem location - center or offset
3800 Capslock stem location - center or offset
For HHKB Support, does Taihao have: OEM R3 1.5u Backspace, OEM R2 1.75 Control
Fire Red / Leaf Green / Blue
Official TaiHao Kit Renders
ColoursI'm proposing some safe and simple colourways for this IC/GB because I want to appeal to a wider audience.
We may have to choose only one colour if there is not enough interest. Please help fill out the IC Form!
https://forms.gle/cbvCuJpwGb4Q4Pb97Red – White / Blue – White / Green – White
Showcase of TaiHao Colours
(Image Credit: Geekhack user elton5354)
InspirationI was deeply inspired when I watched and saw the character . I thought to myself, she is literally me, and I decided to base my entire life around this, since then I have watched once per week at minimum and have posters of up all over my wall. Truly is the best character in all of animation, possibly all of film as well.
/s
Vendors*Pending - Please reach out if you are interested in being a vendor*
TLDR:With the rise in popularity for DCS sets and over-saturation of Cherry profile, I was inspired to re-introduce OEM TaiHao ABS.
I think complaining about thin keycaps is
toxic, elitist and outdated and these keycaps have a place in the market.
This custom Taihao keycap set would be a fun, harmless and cost effective addition to many modern enthusiast's collections.
Target Price:30USD to 40USD for 139 Keycaps @ 300 MOQ
Pros of OEM TaiHao ABS:• Recessed stem
• Vibrant Double Shot ABS
• Helvetica-Font
• OEM Profile - R0 Bottom row – Tall like R5/R0 Cherry
• Reputable Manufacturer
• Cheap/Affordable
• 1.5 months Lead Time
The keycaps share many similarities to the popular SP DCS Profile: • Non cherry font and profile
• Rounded edges
• Objectively thin
• ABS Plastic
• Customisable
CreditImages in this post are not mine. I've tried my best to give credit where possible.
Thank you to the past Geekhack users and enthusiasts for paving the way.
Memes:More
