CK Bakeneko65: Build and Initial Thoughts
I received and built the CK bakeneko65 (an o-ring gasket mount board). I share some facts and thoughts on this board in this article.
Introduction
I wanted to try two variations in mechanical keyboards: a Navy board, and an o-ring gasket mounting style. Given my 65% form factor preference, these requirements kept me waiting for a while. Finally, CannonKeys launched the CK Bakeneko65, an o-ring mounted keyboard kit available in many colors (Navy being one).
Bakeneko65 is an open source project by kKatano and CannonKeys has modified it to accommodate for casting of the case and they have used their own PCB line. I ordered the CK Bakeneko65 from CannonKeys and it cost $165 for the kit (inclusive of the carrying case). Shipping from CannonKeys to India is costly, and I’d to cough up $72 for getting them here. Customs are inevitable and I was charged 42% of the order + shipping value for the same.
All the contents of the kit come in a foam carrying case that also has additional padding inside for the keyboard case. The case is nicely wrapped in a white microfiber cloth.
Case
The case itself contains just one piece made out of Aluminum alloy. I’ve the Navy colored one and it is painted. Other case colors except the Lavender are powder coated.
The case is made from casting process to reduce the costs and it has an option for adding additional sound dampening weight as well. The one I have contains a Zinc weight and it is also casted (hence the raw look). The only other weight choice was Silicone. The weight is removable as it is attached to the case using two screws.
The back of the case features the CannonKeys logo in the middle and recesses for four Bumpon Silicone Feet. I did not find any issues with the finish of the paint in the back.
CK Bakeneko65 uses a C3 unified daughterboard design and the case has a recess for the daughterboard and a long recess for the JST cable as well. It has 6 mounting points (semi pillars) for the o-ring to rest on. It also has the navigation cluster separator which adds to the overall appeal of the case.
I didn’t expect a flawless finish from a painted cast Aluminum keyboard case. However, there were far too many surface blemishes and inconsistent painting throughout the case. These were aggravated near the USB port. Having bought the keyboard as an A stock, I didn’t expect these many imperfections. To be fair to CannonKeys, these were called out in the quality guide and that rules out any replacements.
PCB and Other Parts
The kit comes with an ANSI fixed layout Hotswap PCB (no option to choose) and an FR4 plate (again no choice) as standard. A solderable PCB is available as extra add on that has stepped capslock, split right shift, and 7u spacebar support. The Hotswap PCB is the same that CannonKeys has been using in the Instant65, Savage65, and Stacked65 kits. It has white per-key LED lighting support and is VIA compatible (thanks for this). The kit comes with PCB mount Clip-On cherry stabilizers with a 6.25u PVD wire.
O-Ring Gaskets
The CK Bakeneko65 is an o-ring gasket mount board. Here, an o-ring gasket slides and fits between the plate and the PCB. This o-ring gasket provides the friction needed to hold the PCB-Plate assembly inside the case. By default, a 50A hardness Silicone o-ring gasket is included in the kit. I bought the other two o-rings as extras. The 30A is softer and the 70A is harder than the default 50A supplied in the case.
Build
Building the CK Bakeneko65 was pretty straightforward. It mainly involved five steps:
Attach the daughterboard to the case.
Daughterboard attached to the case. Prepare the Stabilizers. Due to the o-ring gasket mounting style, the backspace and space bar cannot make use of the screw in stabilizers. If the screw-in stabs are used, then the o-ring gasket will not fit properly and the PCB-Plate assembly will have difficulties getting inside the case. For those two keys, clip-in stabilizers are recommended. I used the new kid on the block, the TX Stabs for this build. I lubed the stab housings with Krytox 205G0 and the wires with Krytox XHT-BDZ.
Insert the switches into the PCB-Plate assembly. I chose the Penyu wildlife switches for this build. I’d lubed them with Krytox 205G0 and filmed with foam films. Care should be taken to support the hotswap sockets by hand from the back while inserting the switches and the distance between the plate and the PCB should be uniform throughout.
The PCB-Plate assembly with the installed Penyu switches. 
Uniform gap between the plate and the PCB. Fit the o-ring gasket into the outer perimeter of the PCB-Plate assembly.
PCB-Plate assembly with the o-ring gasket. Attach the other end of the JST cable to the PCB and lower the assembly. Tuck the o-ring inside the case until the assembly sits on the mounting points in all directions. Finally, attach the keycaps. I chose the GMK Hammerhead (dark base) along with novelties for this case.
The completed build weighed 1.25 kilos (1,250 grams) and it felt quite solid.
Typing Feel
The CK Bakeneko65 offers a comfortable 6 degree typing angle with a not so demanding front height of 18mm (measured).
The typing feel is not too hard and not too soft. However, I felt that it is towards the softer side. I could use this board for longer typing sessions as well. The typing feel is also bouncier due to the o-ring gasket and the bounce is noticeable when typed with little extra force. Despite the bounce, the daughterboard design helps to keep the USB-C port firmly at its place.
The case didn’t sound hollow and brought the true sounds of the long pole Penyus out. Without any foam and additional dampeners, I was quite happy with sounds produced by this board. Also, a shout to the TX stabs for being amazing.
Conclusion
My overall impression of the CK Bakeneko65 is positive and I’m wondering why I didn’t try similar mounted boards earlier.
Even though it doesn’t have the bells and whistles of a high end board, it does the job efficiently. It provides a soft, bouncy, and well sounded typing experience which I value more than the aesthetics.
Apart from the irregularities in the finish, and the non-usability of screw-in stabs, I didn’t find any issues with the board. I think this is a good value for money board.
Definitely enjoying the bounce!