@JustSomeGuy009

About to watch the video, but IMO 99% of the perception of "premium" comes from a scarcity of a product that has been perceived as sought after due to hype created by content creators. With a small part coming from the style/design of the keyboard such as elegant lines, unique color, weight design, etc. But note that style/design is not QUALITY and trying to argue this would be akin to trying to argue one form of art/architecture/music/etc is better than another. If you've ever dealt with the world of classic cars then this will be familiar to you. There is a reason Barrett-Jackson auctions talk about the rarity of the car and the previous sale prices were and less about the features, functionality, benefits, and overall quality of the product.

I will also say that the cost does not directly reflect quality as there are brands and group buy runners that simply charge higher margins because they can vs others. Brands that will create a perceived quality disparity in competing products to sell you the "more expensive" product at a higher margin because the actual cost difference is trivial. This is common in many industries by many companies. Apple products come to mind immediately.

Also, IMO most of the time when someone starts talking about the "sound" of the keyboard they are selling you a lie because they really have nothing of substance to say.

EDIT: Try to argue why a Unikorn, Jane, etc boards sell for what they do vs what you can get for <$300 USD without hitting the points I've made above. I don't believe anyone can without just talking out their backside. Also, leaf springs are starting to become available in cheaper boards and it's actually not a cost issue as the materials to mount a board this way are expensive, it's about existing molds designed for a certain way and them reusing these molds as long as they can, which is why everything looks and appears the same. Also, IMO both boards sound nearly identical which is exactly what I would expect when most of the parts are the same. It's what I've always argued, that the case actually is contributing the least to the sound anyway especially the more designs move to "isolate" the switch/plate/pcb from the case unlike old boards where they were mounted directly to the case. I'm also glad you swapped the sound files because it's something I've said for ages. None of the people that talk about cases being so unique to sound and all this nonsense about sound of keyboards will submit to double blind ABX testing like you would do with audio tests for say compression algorithms. They say they can hear things but would actually put that to the test. It's placebo. It's very common in the world of audio and we've fought it for decades through proper ABX testing.

@Ray.F

I love your take about how the threshold for "quality" is not shifting from one end of the spectrum to the other, in fact, it's expanding for both spectrums! This is very true especially for the hobby in 2023. Overall, great video, and I've subbed.

@Jh-us2kq

the production quality of this video is freaking insane man i felt like i was watching a well made movie keep up the good work

@Leonardo-wn2fp

Another insane video. It's just fantastic to get such great cinematography and a ton of infos on custom keyboards. You're gold man! I truly enjoy the stuff you put out and appreciate every vid!

@joseph3164

Always a fan of your production quality! Thanks for your analysis and videos.

@wealth7385

lactose intolerant keyboard aficionado gang rise up

@Liam_on_capra

Very good video you deserved more subscribers. I can really see the effort that went into this Video

@jonathangapay1724

This was a pleasure to watch. And your take on premium vs budget also applies to many things, like watches.

@ImOnMy116

This is a fantastic video, really really enjoyed the content! The car suspension analogy to the mounting styles was fantastic, I will be using that one myself in the future. I think Shoobs got me initially very interested in the flexy keyboards (which I still very much so enjoy), but I also really enjoy my much more stiff Mode Sonnet top mount. Preference and variety are huge in this hobby.

@Guackmonster

Damn you got me with the switcheroo - great video as always!

@J7T800

I still remember someone's words about the true value of a product, but I forgot who it came from. 

They said, "Cost doesn't always equate to value, because value is a divided concept."

@mikeoleksa

Nice job with this video. Especially the switch up of the sound profiles.

@albertko1

As a car geek way before entering the mechkey hobby, the car analogy can work... one common complaint about the R35 Nissan GTR is that it's "boring"... it is FILLED with electronics and wickedly fast but so many enthusiast owners move on because they get BORED of the experience.  Sure, it's brutally fast and capable, usually more capable than their owners or drivers are "talented."  However, the criticism is that they lack "feeling"... and meanwhile I know taller guys that twist themselves into a pretzel so they can drive a Lotus Exige/Elise on the track.  Heck, I know some REALLY big guys that cram themselves into a Miata every race weekend because they love the experience.  

I'm still relatively new to the hobby and still waiting on my first midrange group buys from MyKeyClub and QK.  I have been lucky enough to be able to try some higher end boards at physical keyboard stores.  

People in the hobby say it's all about "preference" and it totally is... and part of preference is perceived value.  I KNOW that certain materials are going to be much more expensive to produce a board with, but if I don't prefer that choice or the qualities that come with that choice, then there's no value for me there even if I have more than enough money to choose the more expensive board.  However, if there is a board that has the qualities I want at a very affordable (to me) price, then that's extra value... but if it's at a higher price then it's about my means to make that choice that becomes the value proposition.  Is the choice that I prefer valuable enough for that extra cash?   Will that experience be worth to you?  Not everyone that can afford a Porsche drives one.

@lawbinson

I have pricier metal keyboards, but I keep coming back to my cheaper plastic boards - the Kara, Praxis IM, and HHKB Hybrid. There’s something about them that I just love.

@f.m.f962

I just wanted to say... I appreciate the clicky showcase section in the last part

@G-tour

As always great commentary and editing, a pleasure to watch.

@MrSkullhead0

I have had the privilege 2 comparable boards for others, The Keychron TKL Vs the Geon Frog. Both are very nice. But you can tell the Frog had a bit more level of care when it comes to anodization and quality machining. The price jump could be considered diminishing returns. But when both sits on your desk, people stop to ask you what you have on your desk more if it’s the frog vs the Keychron.

@valervan

Love the production and the topic of the video 💪. I have to say tho that the audio for keyboard comparison sounded really strange and echoey. 

To the ones who are thinking between qk65 and link 65, as a link owner, i tried both the qk65 and link 65 back to back with same switches, foams and plates. Usually qk sounds deeper whereas link is more projected kind of sound. Might work better for some sound signatures than others, i love the marbly sound it has with Owlab neon or zaku switches.
The feel of the link is also much more reactive and springy almost. (Not in terms of flex but feel)

@scattermish

This video was thoroughly entertaining 😊

@chietopiaasmr

My favorite board is QK65 and even with that switcheroo, the sound I liked is the QK65’s