Tesoro Excalibur SE Spectrum

[VSG]

The Tesoro Excalibur SE Spectrum features Tesoro's new infrared optical switches co-developed with Gateron. This is a keyboard that aims to take customization to the next level, thanks to the ability to mix and match switches as per user preference. The choice is between linear and tactile/clicky switches that are rated to last longer than traditional mechanical switches with faster response times.

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[bug]

A clean, no frills keyboard with on board controls. Not bad, but a bit pricey imho. Around $75 it would be a much better proposition. For $99, I'd expect at least a USB hub.

 

[VSG]

A clean, no frills keyboard with on board controls. Not bad, but a bit pricey imho. Around $75 it would be a much better proposition. For $99, I'd expect at least a USB hub.

At this price point, companies seem to compromise on feature sets yet. Understandably, the big feature you are paying for here are the optical switches so I imagine in due time this $80-100 price range will be even more competitive than it is now to where you will see keyboards with all you want.

 

[bug]

At this price point, companies seem to compromise on feature sets yet. Understandably, the big feature you are paying for here are the optical switches so I imagine in due time this $80-100 price range will be even more competitive than it is now to where you will see keyboards with all you want.

Neah, that's not it. My cheapo €15 keyboard has both a USB port and jacks for headsets and microphone. So I know these features come cheap.

 

[VSG]

Neah, that's not it. My cheapo €15 keyboard has both a USB port and jacks for headsets and microphone. So I know these features come cheap.

It's not cost, as much as market segmentation. Why add these on a $99 keyboard when it can be added on a $125 keyboard and get that sold too? That's what I meant about how this price range will get better for the consumer sooner than later.

 

[bug]

It's not cost, as much as market segmentation. Why add these on a $99 keyboard when it can be added on a $125 keyboard and get that sold too? That's what I meant about how this price range will get better for the consumer sooner than later.

And here I was thinking the differentiation was in software/customizability and the physical switches used. But ok, that at least makes sense.

 

[Mescalamba]

Its expensive cause mechanical switches (even IR ones) are expensive. And especially Gateron is by no means cheap. Just try to get replacement swtiches, for example even regular Cherry MX Black. Only way these boards are reasonably priced is due cheaper prices for thousands of pieces. If you want like 5, you wonder if they made out of pure platinum.

99 USD for full size keyboard with Gateron switches is actually rather cheap.

This keyboard seems as rather nice price/value compromise. Only true downside is probably not so great compatibility with replacement caps (on other hand natives are doubleshot, which is another round of applause for Tesoro).