Lunar II / SKCM Amber / AEK II JP

Clean version:

Case: Lunar II

Switches: Alps SKCM Amber

Plate: 1.2mm Aluminum

PCB: Lunar II

Keycaps: Apple Extended Keyboard II JP

The Lunar II became an instant classic for a host of reasons. A stylish curved bezel perfectly suits the AEK keycaps the board was designed for, giving this 60% a rather unique aesthetic. The board is also a tray mount, but the plate is screwed into the case, not the PCB. Typing feel is soft and pleasant as a result of the gaskets on top of the mounting columns, and firmness can be adjusted somewhat by tightening or loosening the plate screws.

Most of all, the Lunar II breaks the typical rules for what defines a great-sounding Alps case. Normally, the ideal sound comes from large cases with lots of extra internal volume, ideally made of plastic. Yet this compact 60% sounds excellent. The dual solenoids add novelty to the experience as well, and make this a fun board to keep on your desk.

This one is built with SKCM Ambers. They feature the sharpest and strongest tactile impulse of the SKCM clickies and, as a result, also have the best sound. They work very well in this chassis. The dark-colored weight originally came with the silver version of the Lunar II and was obtained in a trade with another Lunar II owner who wanted to make his case unique. Finally, the keycaps feature Japanese sublegends and icon mods rather than text mods.