Welcome to another I/O Sam’s Ultimate Guide! This time on the chopping block we have The Key Dot Co’s Portico: TKC’s entry level 65%, gasket mounted, hot-swappable injection molded mechanical keyboard targeted at enthusiasts on a budget.
First, we’ll go through its design, quality, sound and software features. Then, we’ll play with the “Tempest Tape” and the “PE foam” mods to see if they can improve the Portico’s sound.
And finally, we’ll go through its pros and cons, and analyze how it compares to the ever-growing competition (NK65 Entry Edition, KBDfans KBD 67 Lite, Ikki68, GMMK Pro and Keychron Q1) in the red-hot market for entry level Mechanical Keyboards targeted at [aspiring] enthusiasts.
In the sound test chapters, you’ll also be able to hear how the Portico sounds with different switches (TKC Tangerines, Cherry MX Black Hyperglides, Infinity Key Cows and Glorious Pandas) and keycaps (ePBT Yolch in ABS and Infinikey Terminal in PBT), both in stock form and modded.
MAIN FEATURED PRODUCTS (affiliate link):
Wowstick 1F+ 64 In 1 Electric Screwdriver: https://www.banggood.com/custlink/3DGEOqG8uy
OTHER FEATURED PRODUCTS LINKS (some links are part of affiliate programs):
🔥🔥🔥NOTE: use coupon "iosam" for 5% off in Divinikey links🔥🔥🔥
- TKC Portico Keyboard – Build Kit: https://bit.ly/porticokb
- C³Equalz X TKC Dark Green Tangerine Switches: https://bit.ly/tkctangies
- Cherry MX Black Hyperglide switches (Divinikey): https://bit.ly/3x4Pop5 (use coupon code "iosam" for 5% off)
- Infinity Key Cow Switches: https://bit.ly/infinitycow
- Glorious Panda: https://shrsl.com/2wnu0
- Everglide Aqua King Switches: https://fave.co/2ZCTR5X
- ePBT ABS “Yolch” double-shot Keycap Set: World » https://kbdfans.com/r?id=nte1jj | US (Divinikey) » https://bit.ly/38IAGvX (use coupon code "iosam" for 5% off)
- Artifact Bloom Series “Glow” Keycap Set: http://bit.ly/artifactbow: https://fave.co/3pQPxdI
- Infinikey Portico Keycap Set: https://bit.ly/porticokeycaps
- Mstone Acrylic Keyboard Dust Cover: https://fave.co/3nMTkpI
- Mstone Black Crystal Wrist Rest - https://fave.co/3btN2WA
- KBDfans PE foam Switch Pads: World » https://kbdfans.com/r?id=l6oo5c | US (Divinikey) » https://bit.ly/3GLeLRl (use coupon code "iosam" for 5% off)
- Krytox 205 grade 2: https://amzn.to/3GDHAkk | https://ebay.us/G3ZAtJ
- Krytox 205 grade 0: https://bit.ly/3FS1nw1 | https://fave.co/413mV19
- Krytox 105: https://amzn.to/2NjBSuB | https://ebay.us/2oK4Fv
- Aluminum Mechanical Switch Opener - Kailh/MX Type - Flashquark: https://amzn.to/3dt3YwJ
- KBDFANS X AI03 2-IN-1 Aluminum Switch Opener: World » https://kbdfans.com/r?id=rpgrn0 | US (Divinikey) » https://bit.ly/3GKWXpt (use coupon code "iosam" for 5% off)
- Permatex Dielectric Tune-Up Grease: https://amzn.to/3hhMbsk
- Adhesive Non-Slip Grips for Quilt Templates: https://amzn.to/3fxLtt4
- TKC C3 Equalz stabilizers: https://bit.ly/c3stabsv3
- FLEXO PET cable expandable sleeve - 1/8" - FOREST GREEN - 10 FT CUTS: https://bit.ly/techflexgrn (get your 10% discount code here: https://wirecarecom.zinrelo.com/ref/SAM0W6SX)
- Cable Coiling Rod: https://zapcables.com/coil-collars/
- GX16 16mm Aviation Connector Plug: https://amzn.to/3iKxB18
- 650pcs Heat Shrink Tubing (Ratio 2:1): https://amzn.to/3jQqu6O
- DeWalt Box Cutter: https://amzn.to/3bLgF4N
- Nylon Hair Brush Set: https://amzn.to/3rUYMr1
- Wagner Spraytech 503063 Heat Gun - Furno 500: https://amzn.to/3g1fRgf
- Hakko FX888D Digital Soldering Station: https://amzn.to/2RtpUkl
- Hakko CHP PN-2007 Long-Nose Pliers: https://amzn.to/3xqk9U8
- Xool Tweezers Set: https://amzn.to/3rPrE3X
- Jeweler Pick-Up Tool: https://amzn.to/3b01qFq
- Architect Aluminium Rulers Set: https://amzn.to/3b3XF1F
- Aventor Electronic Caliper: https://amzn.to/378CLxk
- Cutting Mat: https://amzn.to/3qgNHjS
- Youkoyi Magnifier Lamp: https://amzn.to/3pmI56w
- Wiha Scisors: https://amzn.to/3aXEg2p
- GMMK Pro: http://shrsl.com/314gm
- Keychron Q1 Mechanical Keyboard: https://bit.ly/keychronq1
- Epomaker AK84S 84 Keys Wireless/wired RGB Hot Swappable Mechanical Keyboard: https://fave.co/3cbW6Qd
- IQUNIX A80 Explorer Wireless Mechanical Keyboard: https://iqunix.store/discount/iosam?redirect=/collections/iqunix-mechanical-keyboards/products/iqunix-a80-wireless-mechanical-keyboard-with-triple-mode-connection
- IQUNIX L80 Formula Typing Wireless Mechanical Keyboard: https://iqunix.store/discount/iosam?redirect=/collections/iqunix-mechanical-keyboards/products/iqunix-l80-formula-typing-wireless-mechanical-keyboard
- Razer Tartarus v2 Gaming Keypad: https://amzn.to/3uK3oBP
- Logitech G502 Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Mouse: https://amzn.to/3wvmAET
- Logitech G PRO X Superlight Wireless Gaming Mouse: https://amzn.to/3mr2wAS
- Logitech G703 Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Mouse: https://amzn.to/3BpF636
- Glorious Model O Wireless: http://shrsl.com/2wo0a
- Razer Basilisk Ultimate Wireless Gaming Mouse: https://amzn.to/3w0IOip
- Razer DeathAdder v2 Pro Wireless Gaming Mouse: https://amzn.to/2ZLabBl
💾🔑 VIDEO SPONSOR - KEYSOFF.COM 🔑💾
Windows and Office keys: https://fave.co/3kzRNTo
👉 Use Coupon Code SAM45 for 45% Off of Windows keys:
Windows 10 Professional at US$8.34: https://fave.co/30v4Bn3
Windows 10 Professional (2PC) at US$12.9: https://fave.co/3Cbglbd
👉 Use Coupon Code SAM58 for 58% Off of Office keys:
Office 2019 Professional Plus at US$30.43: https://fave.co/3DfDiLR
WEBSITES MENTIONED:
TKC's Keyboard University: https://keyboard.university
TKC Portico Beta Firmware File: https://thekey.company/pages/portico-beta-firmware-update
VIDEOS REFERENCED:
Holy Panda Wars - https://youtu.be/AfdfJ5jq6qM
The tape mod - https://youtu.be/4T8Ov74i4m0
GMMK PRO: The ultimate guide - https://youtu.be/J_axv-TkjkE
* Disclaimer: some products linked in this article are affiliated links and will result in a small commission (paid by the retailer in question) to this website's owner.
