IDOBAO ID80V2

Specs

IDOBAO ID80V2 w/ Packaging Foam under PCB
T1 Swtiches lubed with Tribosys and filmed with Deskey films
Durock V2 Stabs lubed with Diaelectric Grease
PBT Notion by biip
Gothcaps Voidstone Brimcap
Crafted by Annie Shivtake Mervin

Thoughts - ★★★☆☆

So, this was my first personal foray into keebs. I had been borrowing my brother’s spare boards for months while I was waiting on my E7-V2 from Exclusive to come in. I got impatient and picked up an IDOBAO ID80V2 out of curiosity on both my brother’s and my end. It’s a simple board. It’s got its issues and it is what it is. It’s somewhere between a mass produced board and a full out custom. They are frequently in stock, but they also offer a bit more customization and a different aura than just grabbing a Drop or something similar.

This board is the second iteration of the ID80, which promised to work on the hollowness of the first version by adding a thick acrylic backing to take up more of the empty space behind the PCB. It sports a small brass weight on the upper back, a USB Type-C connection, integrated plate and a hotswap PCBA as well.

So, I won’t lie here, we had some issues from the start. On the IDOBAO Discord, there are tons of folks interacting with each other and helping each other out, as this is technically an entry-level board. The V2s were having issues with PCBs shorting, so copper tape was suggested on the Type-C spot. Done whatever. But, this is entirely on me, I didn’t properly check the PCB and test it before my first build. I was too excited. I only tested some random keys and that’s on me. Anyway, my first PCBA was borked due to some bridging on the microcontroller. I was asked by IDOBAO to fix it myself, but neither my brother or myself wanted to risk it on such a small spot, so we swapped it out. I shipped mine back to their USA facility and they shipped me over a new PCB. Got it all fixed up and working.

Over all, it’s a decent little board if you’re lucky and don’t get the issues. It’s not my favorite mount style and it’s definitely stiff with the integrated plate; however, it’s a decent stopover for someone who loves the 75% layout. I think it’s an ok start for me, but I’m sure once I get my various other boards in… that it’ll end up sitting on the side, or maybe I will take it to the office for work purposes. I’m not sure I would suggest a V2 over a V1 with the optional acrylic plate. It’s not that big of a different in my opinion and there are also folks making case foams for the V1s as well. I think I can just say that I’m not mad. I’m not elated. I’m more so complacent, especially now experiencing the Fjell and Noah boards while waiting on various issues with this board.

I think I’ll give this board a 3/5 stars for being alright, but not quite outstanding.