comment: >
  
  That’s a solid looking set. Looks like the alphas are more beige and the modifiers are more the tan like sandstorm.
context: After 1.5 years in the hobby and various modding and experimentation with boards and switches, I finally reached my endgame. The board to end my addiction: Norbaforce Mark II Ghost of Christmas Future Edition. Here are the specs:
  
  Case: Norbaforce Mark II Ghost of Christmas Future Edition 
  Internals: Realforce R2 RGB 
  Mods: stock MX sliders lubed w/ 205G0, Deskeys #3 Silencing Rings, Unreal Plate Gasket 
  Keycaps: GMK Sandstorm 
  Artisan: Namong Muted DJ Peng
  
  I’ve gone through many boards in my short time in this hobby - my first being an NK65 Aluminum, then KBD67 Lite, Sangeo60, Meridian R2, Bear65 v1, Frog TKL, Mode65, OwLabs Spring, Mr. Suit, Class65 v1, Thera75 v1, Ikki68 Aurora R2, the Tomo (my first GB), Kei R2, and finally, the F1-8X 722. It seemed neverending, but I absolutely loved the build process for each board and learned new things every time I tinkered with them. I now only own 4 of the listed boards above yet I still felt like something was missing. So I ventured into the world of topre, which is a huge rabbit hole itself.
  After so many builds and lubing/filming/spring-swapping so many MX switches, there was never one switch that I clung to. I do love my broken-in NK Creams, Ultraglides, Boba U4s, and Black Inks v2, but none of them really stuck until I tried topre. A properly lubed and modded topre board is actually game-changing, however that could just be my bias speaking... My preferences throughout the hobby changed frequently as well (i.e. preferring deep-sounding switches then the clacky sound and then back to deep again, liking small form-factor boards at first then loving the classic TKL look), but I was surprised to notice that my Realforce R2 TKL lasted longer on my desk than any other board (I would switch boards every day haha). I realized that out of everything I wanted in a keyboard, the feel and typing experience mattered the most, and topre was the answer.
  To end this already long post, the Norbaforce GOCF case was my one and only choice for an endgame topre build. I love the work Norbauer does, as well as his influence on the community and philosophy, so I’m glad to now own one of his designs. I could go on and on about keyboards but I think this’ll do. I appreciate it if you read this far! >
  
  Def gotta get my hands on the purple sliders one day. I was also looking at the XRF for an endgame topre case but unfortunately it was only compatible with the Realforce R1s! >
  
  can't wait for next year's birthday for your next endgame >
  
  lmao we all know this wouldn't be their endgame >
  
  Amazing, an endgame to be proud of. >
  
  Not going to lie. One of the sickest builds I've come across. Good work. >
  
  Thank you I appreciate it! >
  
  That frosted clear is so clean >
  
  Yup, GOCF was my only choice for a Norbauer case! >
  
  So uhhh… what’s going on with that spacebar >
  
  Flipped spacebar gang >
  
  Flipped spacebar best spacebar >
  
  Are these topre caps or did you use cherry adapters? If topre where did you get them? >
  
  This is GMK Sandstorm! The Realforce R2 RGB's sliders are MX-compatible so I used those >
  
  Super clean build and nice write up! >
  
  I just want to commend you on going full size. >
  
  There’s not nearly enough love for Sandstorm in this thread. I was able to snag it end of last year and so glad I did. Definitely an endgame set for me too. However I hate shining it, so I don’t use it as often as I’d like.
  I’ve told myself for years that if I owned an exotic super car I’d actually drive it but now I’m not so sure…
  What the hell, sandstorm board for the rest of the week >
  
  More shine just means more love! >
  
  YUM! >
  
  happy birthday, sick looking build! 🎉 >
  
  Thank you! >
  
  Happy Birthday! This looks so good! >
  
  Thank you so much! >
  
  Smoked polycarb is so hot. I don't know if it's the looks, the accoustics, or the fact that there are like two completely unsellable mutants for each one that is successfully produced within tolerances. 
  I am hoping xondat does another XRF round this year and I can finally get a polycarb case for my R1. >
  
  sandstorm looks amazing on PC >
  
  Sheesh, those are some pricey keycaps >
  
  Novelkeys have a similar design. I believed it's cherry sand for $50 usd >
  
  I’ve seen that one before but it looks more reddish/pinkish to me. GMK sixes is the closest I’ve seen to another full tan set, sixes is more beige, but it’s close enough for me and I like the grey lettering rather than the white >
  
  Closest I've seen to Sandstorm is DMK Silent Desert. Very curious to see how it turns out