Buzz
This is my review of >_Dosa40 - A 40% mechanical keyboard by a Vietnamese artisan. I purchased it for 3,120,000 VND. Hope this review is helpful for anyone considering a purchase. Feel free to ask any questions in the comments.General Information about >_Dosa40 - A 40% Mechanical Keyboard by a Vietnamese Artisan
Do you enjoy the tactile feel of mechanical keyboards but despise the bulkiness they often bring? Do you desire a compact keyboard for your cafe outings yet crave durability and a satisfying typing experience? If your answer to both questions is yes, then a 40% keyboard might just be the perfect choice to consider.Today, I introduce to you a compact keyboard crafted by a Vietnamese maker, aptly named >_Dosa40.This keyboard is not only compact with Bluetooth connectivity and flashy RGB LEDs, but also features a Type-C connection for charging or direct computer use for those hesitant to drain the LED battery. Moreover, it houses a 2,000mAh phone battery inside, ensuring that even with LEDs on, it can last a whole week.
Image courtesy of the talented maker D. Manh Tuan on Facebook.Things I Love
What I adore most is its compact layout and incredibly lightweight design. Constructed solely from 3D-printed plastic, it can be effortlessly tucked into a backpack for journeys across the globe without fear of scratches. Despite its featherweight, the keyboard feels sturdy and far from flimsy or cheap.The keyboard I purchased arrived as a kit with a battery (a keyboard circuit board along with an FR4 plate). Thanks to the surplus of KTT Kang White switches from a friend who sells them, I saved the hassle of searching online. These are the latest switches from the reputable KTT brand, crafted with new molds to enhance smoothness, reduce wobbling, and typing noise. Technically, they are linear switches (similar to cherry red), with stems made of POM material, nylon housing underneath, and new 68g springs for a heavier feel. 3 pins, 4.0mm travel. Overall, they offer a weighty typing experience with a solid sound.Another highlight is the Panda Keycap I found on Shopee for 350 bucks. These keycaps feature an XDA profile, ensuring uniform design and size for all keys, unlike Cherry or SA profiles. This characteristic allows me to freely mix keycaps across different rows without worrying about height discrepancies.
Things I Dislike
The compact layout is so small that I find myself needing time to readjust to the shortcuts and key combinations. Typing special characters or numbers requires the use of the FN key along with the corresponding key. For instance, I've assigned numbers 1 through 0 to the top row from Q to P. However, with so many numbers, I might not remember them all, so I had to replace the T key with the number 5 as a marker.As a result, I've deduced that numbers 4, 3,... are on the left, while 6, 7,... are on the corresponding right side.😁
To Buy or Not to Buy?
Not recommended for purchase. Due to its high cost and lack of suitability for daily work typing, as it lacks many keys, requiring time to get accustomed to and remember special characters.However, if you have the money to spare and want to delve into the world of mechanical keyboards, you can certainly consider getting one. The compact layout makes it easy to carry around without needing to spend extra money on switches and keycaps.
