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Back in my secondary school days, I was often meddling with computers. In fact, I even worked part-time for many years, repairing and building them. I would dream of building a computer with all the prime top-tier components and whatnot, but I never thought much about the peripherals such as mouses and keyboards. When mechanical keyboards became popular, I scoffed at the hefty price tags, and only got one sometime down the road for just over $100. Little did I know that years down the road, I would be smitten by a photo of a keyboard sporting a pretty set of keycaps - yes, the ones you see on my keyboard here! For some reason, I really fancied the design of the keycaps - probably something to do with the shade of red. So I shared the photo with a friend of mine whom I knew was into keyboards and stuff. That's how I found out that it was the GMK Red Samurai - and it was expensive! A typical GMK keycap set can cost from just over $100 to many times more if it's a highly sought-after and limited set. So, what makes these GMK keycaps the preferred choice? A German company, GMK makes keycaps that are of high-quality, with precise and sharp fonts, and are also available in many vibrant designs and colours, in part due to its double-shot manufacturing process and the use of ABS plastics. It was also said that GMK owned the original molds from Cherry (one of, if not the oldest keyboard manufacturer), and was making keycaps out of them, hence helping it achieve the accurate and quality shapes. Without thinking too much, I went ahead and pre-ordered a set of the GMK Red Samurai keycaps - but the problem was, I still had no idea what keyboard to install them on! After some looking around, I settled on ordering the KBDfans KBD8X Mark II. I fell in love with its simple, rectangular shape, and still appreciate how premium it looks. But this was only offered with a soldered circuit board (unlike the hotswappable ones which will allow you to plug the individual key switches in with ease) - not too much of a worry though, as it just means that there's some soldering work to be done. As for the switches, I was in love with the smooth feel of linear switches, and decided to go for what was widely regarded as the smoothest, best linear switch available - the Zeal PC Tealios V2. I took apart these switches and lubed them individually to achieve even smoother actuation. In my mind, this was supposed to be the one build to end all my desire for any more keyboards, and I hence went ahead and splurged on it. However, some time along the way, I would then realise that there are many other variables to a keyboard - and I went on and sank deeper, building various other keyboards as well... While the keyboard hobby got a little out of hand, and I ended up spending thousands of dollars on keyboards, the redeeming factor was that I could use them for work. They actually make work even more enjoyable, so all isn't lost I suppose. In fact, maybe if you guys type much at work, you too could consider building your own customised mechanical keyboard; it will be fun, I promise! - Zhi Xuan Board: KBDfans KBD8XMkii Brass Plate with case foam Switches: Zeal PC Tealios V2 Stabs: Zeal PC V2 gold-plated screw-in stabs Keycaps: GMK Red Samurai

Jaguar has unveiled more information about the upcoming Jaguar XE – it will employ extensive use of aluminium in its chassis, which is said to be the first in its class. Jaguar will use a new highly recycled aluminium alloy called RC5754 that was developed specifically for the XE. While the company is known for its aluminium construction, we weren’t too sure at first if the XE would get it. This is because its big brother the XF got a conventional chassis instead of an aluminium chassis like the big XJ. The benefits of using aluminium are obvious – just compare the weight of the XF 2.0 Ti and the long wheelbase XJ 2.0 Ti on CarBase.my – they both weigh 1,660kg despite the massive difference in size! Thanks to a body that will use over 75% aluminium content, expect the Jaguar XE to be one of the lightest cars in its segment. Because the engine has to lug less weight around, Jaguar is targeting to deliver a fuel economy of less than 4 litres per 100 km on the EU combined cycle for the most fuel efficient XE. The XE will use Jaguar’s new Ingenium engine family, which will also be shared with Land Rover. Ingenium engines will be modular in nature – they share the same bore, stroke, cylinder spacing, 500 cc capacity per cylinder and many common internal components. All Ingenium engines will be turbocharged and feature central high-pressure direct injection, variable valve timing and stop-start systems, and will also support pairing with an electric motor for hybrid drive. The Jaguar XE will get its global unveiling in a little more than a month’s time on September 8 2014. It will join many other other new entries to a market has traditionally been a 3-Series and C-Class game. How will it fare? We can’t wait to see how it looks like and experience how it drives.

As we know for aftermarket sport rim, sometime the centre hub doesn't fit exactly to the car. So a plastic centric ring is used for aftermarket rim fittment. I heard that rubber ring is better than aluminium type as it take vibration better...of course down side is that, it have to be changed frequently if it deformed. It can changed during tyre rotation....Do anyone have experience in this to share? And is these rings absolutely needed?

[extract] As the automotive industry enters the 21st century, we could see more and more automakers adding or introducing a variety of features and structural bracing onto their new, redesigned models. And when there

The current Audi R8 has been around since 2006 and the German automaker has decided that it is time for a change. Audi has projected a release date for the next-generation R8. The hard-top version will be released sometime in the second half of 2014 and the following year for the convertible version. Audi R8 GT Spyder Audi has revealed some details about the next-generation R8 and it seems that the company is taking a progressive approach to it. The next-generation Audi R8 will feature a two engine line-up and they will be naturally aspirated. The new engines will be enhanced versions of the 4.2 litre V8 (for the base model) and the 5.2 litre V10 (for the high performance version). Expected power output for the V8 engine is around 450bhp (414bhp). The V10

[extract] Mercedes-Benz has been manufacturing the SL-Class for almost sixty years. The first generation replaced the Mercedes Gullwing in 1954 and the model

[extract] The usage of lightweight materials in cars is not something new. Many automakers have done it and this trend is increasing. Usually, carbon fibre is the preferred material choice. Recent reports have shown that several automakers plans to shed more weight from their cars by infusing more carbon fibre parts and some have even invested in companies that manufacture carbon fibre. The main factors of carbon fibre usage are pretty well known. It is light in weight, pretty strong and for some; it gives out an image of exclusivity especially when most people know that it is an expensive material. The Lamborghini Aventador is one good example of how automakers infuse carbon fibre into their creations. The Aventador

My car now in the ws for some small problems. my mech asked if i want to change to Aluminium bonnet from the current CF. should i do it?

Any bros here have ever experienced broken aluminum lug nuts? Share your experience here... I have two such experience within 7 days. All I can say is bad workmanship on the person who tightened the rims.

Want to get something similar to this locally. Anyone knows?

would like to find out where on earth can get to fab aluminium piping? bcos intend to bring a set of pipe for fabrication....tanks

What the best way to polish aluminium rim? I dun see a lot of rim polish available off-the-shelf. So far have only come across turtlewax chrome polish. Any recommended stuffs to use to give your aluminium rim a shinny look??

I've seen magazines showing air filter heatshield made using Aluminium sheet. However, isn't aluminium more prone to absorbing heat ?