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It's BEAUTIFUL but it's not for me - WorkLouder Creator Board

ShortCircuit@ShortCircuit622.9K viewsJan 31, 202211:34
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YT
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Description

Thanks to Secret Lab for sponsoring today's video! Check them out at lmg.gg All hail the macro king! He takes a look at a new company that was born from crowdfunding and actually released the product in a reasonable amount of time! Worklouder is made for creators, so let's see what a creator actually thinks of it.

Promos

Check out the WorkLouder Macro Keyboard: lmg.gg Purchases made through some store links may provide some compensation to Linus Media Group. ► GET MERCH: lttstore.com ► AFFILIATES, SPONSORS & REFERRALS: lmg.gg ► PODCAST GEAR: lmg.gg ► SUPPORT US ON FLOATPLANE: floatplane.com FOLLOW US ELSEWHERE --------------------------------------------------- Twitter: twitter.com Instagram: @shortcircuityt TikTok: @linustech Facebook: @ShortCircuitYT CHAPTERS --------------------------------------------------- 0:00 - SURPRISE UNBOXING! 0:16 - Initial impressions 2:38 - Trying out modularity 3:00 - RGB discovered! 3:16 - Resident LMG keebs impressions 3:55 - Pricing impressions 4:11 - Sponsors - Secret Labs 4:39 - Two weeks of use thoughts 6:06 - Community impressions 6:27 - Chatted to the Co-Founder 7:25 - Configurator impressions 8:04 - Additional thoughts and future development 8:33 - How the dials work 9:26 - Final thoughts

Start
AI OverviewDefault language

The video opens with an unboxing moment that immediately reveals the WorkLouder Creator Board as a highly visual, modular, ortho-linear keyboard. The host expresses genuine surprise at the product being shipped fully assembled, which sets the stage for a deep dive into its modular architecture and potential for customization. Initial impressions focus on the physical design, with emphasis on the number of dials and their discreet presence, as well as the promise of a GUI-based configuration alongside familiar QMK mapping. Throughout the segment, the host weighs the appeal of a compact 40 percent form factor against personal preferences for full-sized keyboards and a dedicated number pad, all while acknowledging the strong draw of the product for workflow optimization. The segment concludes with a reminder of price expectations and the sponsor break, foreshadowing a longer-term evaluation to follow. In the mid portion, the host spends substantial time testing the modularity and the utility of the dials, explaining why dials can be preferable to repeated keypresses for tasks like scrolling, volume control, or brush size in creative software. The discussion meanders through practical experiments such as moving modules, attaching a potential num pad, and exploring the separate dial modules, all while evaluating the tactile and visual feedback of the hardware. The host tests the built-in software GUI versus the older QMK workflow, highlighting the ease of graphical configuration while noting the absence of an API access claim on the website. There is also a critique of the ergonomic setup, including the base feet and the shallow key travel, balanced with an appreciation for the acrylic chassis aesthetic and the potential for further customization. By the end of this section, the creator acknowledges the board’s niche appeal to keyboard enthusiasts and to professionals who prize compactness and quick macro access. The final stretch revisits long-term use considerations, including the realistic expectation of spending substantial money on a highly specialized device. The host reflects on the learning curve of a 40 percent ortho-linear layout and the practicality of adopting such a device as a primary keyboard versus a secondary tool. He discusses community feedback, collaboration with the co-founder, and the iterative design decisions driven by creator and designer needs. The video closes with candid thoughts on how future updates, API access, and additional modules could improve modularity and viability for broader audiences, while reaffirming that the product does what it sets out to do for a specific type of user. Overall, the host provides a balanced verdict, acknowledging strengths while articulating why it might not be for everyone and leaving room for future development.

Topics · technology · hardware · reviews · crowdfunding · peripherals · productivity · creativity

Questions answered

What is the WorkLouder Creator Board and what makes it modular?
The WorkLouder Creator Board is a compact, 40 percent, ortho-linear keyboard with modular components that can be reconfigured by moving or adding modules, including separate dial units. It supports QMK mappings and a GUI for configuration, aiming to tailor shortcuts and macros for creators and designers.
Why might the keyboard appeal to some users but not others?
It appeals to users who value space efficiency, near-key proximity for shortcuts, and tactile dials for tasks like scrolling or brush sizing. It may not appeal to users who prefer full-sized keyboards with a num pad or those who require a more straightforward, plug-and-play experience without a learning curve.
What did the creator identify as potential future improvements?
Future improvements could include API access, clearer marketing about software integrations, and more modular options such as additional legends or num pad modules to enhance customization and broader usability.
Is the keyboard suitable as a primary workstation keyboard for most users?
For most users the keyboard may be challenging as a primary device due to its 40 percent layout and ortho-linear arrangement, but it could work as a primary keyboard for enthusiasts who want extreme macro control and compact desk setup.