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TickType DP104: Review of a full mechanical keyboard with a retro and modern touch
The TickType DP104 is a full-size mechanical keyboard that combines premium materials, thoughtful engineering, and a playful design. It stands out for its CNC aluminum case, trimodal connectivity, quick-release system, and an interactive pixel display. It offers a refined typing experience with Rye linear or Cloud silent tactile switches, although it lacks open-source firmware and storage for the dongle.
1. ⌨️ Introduction to the TickType DP104: A full keyboard with unique features
- ✅ The TickType DP104 is a full-size mechanical keyboard with an aluminum case.
- ✅ It features an integrated pixel display and a quick-release system for easy maintenance.
- ✅ It's not just another version of Keychron, but an original design with distinctive features.
- ✅ The keyboard has a considerable weight of over 2 kg, reflecting its solid and robust construction.
00:02 - 01:15
1. ⌨️ Introduction to the TickType DP104: A full keyboard with unique features
- ✅ The TickType DP104 is a full-size mechanical keyboard with an aluminum case.
- ✅ It features an integrated pixel display and a quick-release system for easy maintenance.
- ✅ It's not just another version of Keychron, but an original design with distinctive features.
- ✅ The keyboard has a considerable weight of over 2 kg, reflecting its solid and robust construction.
01:16 - 02:22
2. ⚙️ Build quality and key features of the DP104
- ✅ Trimodal Connectivity: Offers USB-C wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4 GHz wireless connection.
- ✅ Physical Switches: On the back, to change the connection mode and operating system (Windows/Mac).
- ✅ Pixel Display: Includes six different modes (custom pixel art, typing effects, audio-reactive animations, scrolling messages, and system status).
- ✅ Internal Construction: Uses a beryllium copper double bridge leaf spring structure and triple-layer damping.
- ✅ Hot-Swap: Allows you to change the switches without soldering.
- ✅ Battery: 8,000 mAh.
- ✅ Quick Release System: Allows you to open the keyboard without tools for easy cleaning and maintenance.
03:16 - 03:53
3. 💡 Origin and design philosophy of TickType
- ✅ TickType comes from Quarter Keys, with links to brands like OLAB and Neo.
- ✅ They previously released the Evo 75 and Evo 80, both well-received pre-built keyboards.
- ✅ DP stands for D-pad, like the directional pad on old handheld consoles.
- ✅ The design philosophy combines childhood nostalgia with modern usability, keeping the shape simple but adding playful interaction.
- ✅ The DP 104 is not a flashy gaming rig, but stands out for its interactivity.
03:54 - 04:48
4. ✨ Pixel display modes and customization
- ✅ Custom Pixel Mode: Allows you to configure your own pixel art or choose colors.
- ✅ Audio Reactive Mode: Reacts to nearby sound.
- ✅ Fireworks Typing Mode: Each keystroke triggers a fireworks animation.
- ✅ Real-Time Typing Mode: Shows the most recent input.
- ✅ Scrolling Message Mode: Allows you to configure five messages that scroll across the screen.
- ✅ System Status Mode: Shows the time, battery, operating system mode, and caps lock.
- ✅ The modes are changed with physical buttons next to the screen, without the need for an app.
04:49 - 05:39
5. 🛠️ Quick release system, design and build quality
- ✅ The quick release system uses capture latches, magnetic pogo pins, and CNC machined aluminum parts.
- ✅ Allows you to open the keyboard in seconds to clean it, change the switches, or just explore.
- ✅ The design is considered retro-themed, with a full-size layout, bold legends, and playful accents in the navigation cluster.
- ✅ The pixel display and lighting give it a modern retro vibe without turning it into a toy.
- ✅ There are five color combinations available: Meca Grey, Powder White, First Light, Sky Blue, and Cat Paw Pink.
- ✅ The keycaps are five-sided dye-sublimated, with a nice texture and good color accuracy.
- ✅ The machining is clean, the edges are tight, and the finish quality is high for a prebuilt.
05:40 - 06:17
6. ✍️ Typing feel and switches
- ✅ The double bridge leaf spring system provides a smooth and controlled keystroke without feeling bouncy or unstable.
- ✅ The triple damping eliminates any metallic resonance.
- ✅ The polypropylene plate adds a bit of flex, keeping things comfortable during long sessions.
- ✅ The Rye linear switches sound deep and smooth, ready to use, suitable for the office without being boring.
- ✅ The Cloud silent tactile switches keep things even quieter, while offering some tactile feedback.
- ✅ The DP 104 sounds great for its price, but won't replace a modded build for enthusiasts.
06:18 - 06:53
7. 🎯 Who is this keyboard for?
- ✅ This keyboard is for people who want something premium, full-size, and ready to use.
- ✅ It works great as a home office keyboard, for a shared workspace, or even as a gift for someone who likes technology but doesn't want to build something from scratch.
- ✅ It's not for those who modify the firmware, as it has no open-source firmware or deep remapping options.
06:54 - 07:08
8. 🤔 Final thoughts on the TickType DP104
- ✅ The DP 104 feels like TickType asked a simple question: What if a full-size keyboard could be fun, well-built, and easy to use?
- ✅ Overall, the TickType DP104 manages to combine fun, build quality, and ease of use in a full-size keyboard.