# BOYI GMK67 65% Barebones Kit Review: Hot-Swap Limits and Who Should Skip > Switches and keycaps are not included. Tags: keyboard, boyi, gmk67, 65-percent, hot-swap, tri-mode, barebones, gasket-mount Source: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0BW91X5CY Article page: https://web-autoai.com/articles/boyi-gmk67-65-barebones-keyboard-kit?lang=en Prices and ratings change over time — check the article page for the current values. --- ## Overview Switches and keycaps are not included, so it cannot be used straight out of the box. It has a gasket-mount structure and a polycarbonate plate, so feel and sound depend heavily on the switches and keycaps you choose. It supports Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz wireless, and USB Type-C wired mode. The 4000mAh battery is large enough to keep charging infrequent in wireless use. Hot-swap sockets accept 3-pin and 5-pin MX-compatible switches with no soldering. That count is smaller than for mainstream products, so treat the score as a rough guide. It still shows steady support among first-time custom keyboard builders. ## Key Specs | Item | Detail | |---|---| | Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 / 2.4GHz / USB Type-C | | Battery | 4000mAh | | Switches | 3-pin/5-pin MX-compatible, hot-swap | | Mount | Gasket mount | | Backlight | South-facing SMD LED, 16.8M colors | | Firmware | QMK/VIA | | Weight | About 500g | | Dimensions (W×D×H) | 32×11.9×4.1 cm | At about 500g it sits between a light portable board and a heavy metal-case kit. At 32cm wide it is clearly more compact than a full-size board, which leaves more room for the mouse. ## Compatibility Guide There are three connection modes. Bluetooth 5.0 suits phones, tablets, and laptops. 2.4GHz uses a dedicated receiver on the PC and is the default choice where input lag matters, such as games. USB Type-C wired mode charges and transfers data at the same time. Switches must be 3-pin or 5-pin MX-compatible, such as Cherry MX, Gateron, and Kailh. Optical and magnetic switches are not supported. Hot-swap does not mean any switch fits, so check the type of switches you already own. Keycaps need an MX cross stem. The backlight uses south-facing LEDs, so appearance can vary with keycap profile. QMK/VIA support lets you remap keys and set macros in software. ## Product Info The kit is sold under the BOYI brand by a seller on Amazon. Prices change a lot by seller and over time, so check the product page for the current price. The box contains the keyboard, a USB Type-C cable, a 2.4GHz receiver, a switch puller, and a keycap puller. Switches and keycaps are not included. You need 67 switches plus spares, so a 70-piece pack is a reasonable target. Budget for these extras on top of the kit. It sits in the entry-to-mid tier, with gasket mounting, VIA support, and tri-mode wireless that are common on pricier models. Warranty terms differ by seller. ## Best Use Cases * First-time custom keyboard builders: Hot-swap means no soldering, so you can try different switches. It is a good entry point for experiencing a gasket mount. You must buy switches and keycaps separately. * Typists who value sound and feel: The gasket mount and EVA foam reduce case resonance for a deeper, calmer sound, which suits offices and late-night use. * Multi-device users: Three connection modes let you switch between up to three devices, such as a desktop, laptop, and tablet. ## Before You Buy The biggest catch is that it does nothing on its own. You need to buy switches and keycaps, or you cannot type a single character. Beginners often misread "barebones", so check the contents on the product page. Wireless latency is the second issue. Bluetooth can feel laggy in games, so use 2.4GHz or wired for competitive play. It is a poor fit for spreadsheet or number-heavy work. A 4.4 average from 103 ratings is decent, but it cannot reflect unit variation or differences between sellers. Test every key and each connection mode as soon as it arrives, before installing switches, so any defect is handled within the return window. Amazon listing data is sometimes inconsistent with the actual product. Match the title, photos, and product name on the page against what you intend to buy. ## Build Flow The process is simple. First check that the board powers on and connects. Then push each switch straight into the hot-swap socket. Bent pins cause poor contact, so never press at an angle. Finally fit the keycaps and confirm the layout in VIA. Try a few switches first to check contact before filling every socket. ## FAQ **Q. Are switches and keycaps included? ** A. No. Buy MX-compatible 3-pin or 5-pin switches and MX cross-stem keycaps separately. **Q. Is soldering required? ** A. No. The hot-swap sockets take switches by simply pushing them in. **Q. Can I use magnetic switches? ** A. No. Optical switches are also unsupported, so stick to MX-compatible mechanical switches. **Q. Is it good for gaming? ** A. Yes, over 2.4GHz or wired. Bluetooth may feel laggy, so avoid it for games. **Q. Can I remap the keys? ** A. Yes. QMK/VIA support allows key assignments and macros in compatible software. ### Product Disclosure (Amazon) - Manufacturer: BOYI - Seller: 【ブルーノヴァ】_適格請求書発行事業者 - Fulfilled by: 【ブルーノヴァ】_適格請求書発行事業者 - ASIN: B0BW91X5CY - Note: This article covers a manufacturer-made product based on Amazon listing details.