Cat Keyboard

Build Log: RAMA Works Kara

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Disclosure: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links which means that if you use my links and end up buying something, I may earn a teeny tiny few pennies. Well the pennies are normal sized, there’s just few of them. Actually, I never receive any pennies at all come to think of it. It’s all internet money. Nothing is real. Anyway – I’m not sure where I’m taking this. It’s a disclosure, you get the idea.

I finally FINALLY managed to get in on a RAMA Works group buy and believe me, it was worth the wait. As with all RAMA boards, the Kara 60% keyboard was manufactured with exceptional quality and design – and at a more affordable price of $160 it is an easier entry to the world of RAMA design.

What is RAMA Works?

RAMA Works is well-known in the mechanical keyboard for providing enthusiasts with SOLID, beautiful keyboards. Their team based in Melbourne, Australia is extremely reliable and from what I’ve seen in the hobby, they have been the most successful single vendor of groupbuys. Led by founder RAMA (hence the namesake), RAMA Works provides the custom mechanical keyboard community with the ultimate end-game keyboard options.

Their boards don’t come cheap however – but you really get what you pay for. They are most well known for their SOLID full-metal case keyboards that can range from $400 to $800 new (some re-sell for even more on the secondary market!). The keyboard I am building today is actually considered one of their “budget-friendly” boards and is made of high quality ABS Plastic but it is certainly not lacking in any department.

The RAMA Works unboxing experience.

It was a great one. Look!

  • feat. Mona Cat

As RAMA boards are acquired through groupbuy, I am assuming that most (like me) have the package tracking page constantly refreshing. Everyone is STOKED to receive their package – and RAMA knows this so they make the unboxing experience as amazing as typing on the keyboard.

After a long day at work, I was greeted with this beautiful RAMA logo box at my front door. The packaging of the product itself was beautifully done with the illustrations. Even the hardware bags were specially made and the tools they give you are RAMA branded. From unboxing to sorting and building, everything is RAMA!

Putting it All Together

Thanks to the hotswap PCB for this kit, there is no need to bring out the soldering iron. This also means that you have a quick way to change your switches and you save a LOT of time when assembling the keyboard.

  • RAMA Everything!
  • Hardware, Switch Puller
  • NK Cream Switches
  • The instruction manual is actually very detailed! Super beginner friendly.

This non-conductive silicone layer is fitted over the PCB and creates a dampened sound when typing. Very unique compared to other customizations I’ve tried before. RAMA coins this unique mounting technology “MUTE”. I would describe the sound profile as “crispy”.

When you purchase the kit, you also have the option to add additional sound dampeners or internal weights to give your keyboard some extra heft. I chose to add the internal weight for mine. Though the keyboard by itself is very sturdy with the rubber feet, I like to have the extra weight to the board as it feels more secure on my desk. It also feels nice to pick up.

Final Product!

After installing my switches and assembling the board, I opted to mount my GMK Oblivion keycap set. Eventually this was switched out with MT3 White on Black because I felt this build would look best with less colors.

In this setup: