These keyboards are getting GOOD! - Zoom65 EE Keyboard
Vložit
- čas přidán 2. 06. 2024
- Thanks to MANSCAPED for sponsoring the video! Get 20% OFF + Free Shipping at manscaped.com/CIRCUIT
Plouffe has taken a look at a LOT of keyboards here on SC, but at this price point, is this the best budget enthusiast keyboard you can get?
Buy Zoom65 EE: geni.us/xF8q
Purchases made through some store links may provide some compensation to Linus Media Group.
Want us to unbox something? Make a suggestion at lmg.gg/7s34e
► SUBSCRIBE ON FLOATPLANE: floatplane.com/ltt
► GET MERCH: lttstore.com
► AFFILIATES, SPONSORS & REFERRALS: lmg.gg/scsponsors
► PODCAST GEAR: lmg.gg/podcastgear
► SUPPORT US ON FLOATPLANE: www.floatplane.com/
FOLLOW US ELSEWHERE
---------------------------------------------------
Twitter: / shrtcrctyt
Instagram: / shortcircuityt
TikTok: / linustech
Facebook: / shortcircuityt
CHAPTERS
---------------------------------------------------
0:00 Is Zoom65 still good?
0:25 Unboxing all the accessories and keycaps
4:24 Unboxing the barebones keyboard
7:25 Sponsor - Manscaped
7:49 Looking at the fully assembled keyboard
8:26 Trying out the keyboard ft. ASMR
9:14 Typing test
9:27 Pros and cons
10:13 Overall thoughts
11:25 Outro - Věda a technologie
This the second keyboard video in a row that comes out after the purchase window is closed. If I was Plouffe I would at least bring it up to whoever schedules the vids that there is a dedicated window of time before the board can no longer be purchased.
There’s a round 2 open
I agree, but I also don't envy the timeframe that they would need to push these enthusiast keeb videos out in to leave a reasonable amount of time before group buys end, to speak nothing of fitting that cleanly into their work pipeline. Not impossible, but I could see it being a fair bit of effort to prioritize these things over other videos.
He did mention in the video that it was sold out at 10:40
@@temp2421 pretty sure round 2 is also over? At least here in the UK it stopped at 1st OCT
I believe it’s more about the vendors getting their name out there with these showcases. All of these videos are sponsored.
They probably should change the title to have “custom” in it. I will agree that it is a great custom board through.
I agree, there's a enough people in the comments here who don't realize/don't get that it's a hobby with enthusiast tiers, that a clarification of what the reference point for "budget" is would be helpful.
Agreed, I clicked because I just got a steam deck, a dock and thought "oh great maybe I will find my couch wireless cheap keyboard"...then I hear 160$ wrote this comment and went on another video xD
I think this whole "custom" thing is a misnomer though.
What exactly is "custom" about these keyboards? They are manufactured in the 1000/10,000s. A custom keyboard would be a one off you either make or have made for yourself.
OK let me SEO the fk out of it: "The King of Budget Custom Mechanical 60% Keyboards"
@@user-lv6rn9cf8mYou are right it is a misnomer to a degree, but the reason this kit exists is because actual custom keyboards exist, and are much much much more expensive and can be far complex to assure compatibility and to assemble. It's not unlike RC cars, RC kits exists because people want a more involved experience than off the shelf less work than true custom enthusiast stuff. It's born out of the bespoke custom space and inspired by it. I do agree it's deserving of its own term.
Friendly reminder that 160 bucks before taxes is not budget by any means. It could be a compelling tag, but not budget. 60 is budget, 200 is not
The perspective is that of custom keyboards and fancy aesthetics. It's like saying a $100 watch is not budget because you don't like analog automatic watches and your $20 quartz watch works the same.
It's just luxury items of different categories and perspectives
@@_ExTitus I know that, but the word “budget” with no context, to a public this big is just misleading and clickbaity. You can say “good price”, but budget is a different thing, and that’s not objective, not when you are talking about 200$ for a keyboard. I just don’t like these smarteries to get easy views
A better description would be:
the king of "budget" custom keyboards.
I love how excited plouffe is when he gets to unbox a custom keyboard kit.
Video: Only 165 dollars
Video Title: 'Budget'
Me: Closes video
This is fascinating. As a lifetime strictly utilitarian user of keyboards, until the previous video I have lived under a rock when it comes to this whole artisanal mechanical keyboard enthusiast realm. The sheer expanse of quality levels, standards, materials, component classifications, and product scarcity brings this whole industry to an alluring boil. To say nothing of the amount of money you can spend on one of these things, but I mean why the hell not? I will very likely NEVER dip a toe into this world but I love seeing things go to the Nth degree like this!
If I may, I recommend checking out Alexotos here on CZcams or when he streams. He’s a keyboard content creator. VERY friendly to newcomers who would like to know more about the hobby, even if you don’t have your own custom board! It’s a great community to be a a part of!
Well said!
I recommend the Epomaker th80 or th66. Closest to enthusiast level acoustics out if the box. Recommend the gateron yellows for the stock switches but for 90 bucks you cant beat it either way.
Variable space bars are so important for split keebs, glad to see them
Enjoying your keyboard vids. It is good to get impressions from someone who isn't all of the way down the rabbit hole, but still really like mechanical keyboards. Keep up the good work!
Can we discuss the word budget!?????
Don't think an LMG channel has ever used the term "budget" right before
For a custom mechanical keyboard, this is actually a budget one, the premium boards cost 2-3x more than this board
@@randomyoutube21 then they should specify it in the title. “The King of Budget Artisanal Keyboards” or something
This thing isn’t a budget keyboard at all lol
@@tiestofalljays yeah i agree, the term budget is used poorly in the mech keyb hobby
I couldn't agree more.
Cheapest for its feature set does not equal budget.
Its budget considering new oem boards can cost over 300usd
the weight is in fact included with the barebones kit and matches with the knob is inside the box where the zoom 65 logo was explained. i know cuz i just built it and i spent 5 mins looking for it KEK.
Anyone else feel like the word Budget has started being redefined?
The US budget is trillions of dollars.
People assuming budget means low budget is the issue.
@@WayStedYou lol trillions of dollars is low when were talking about an entire country.
If you budget you limit yourself, you limit your purchases, the issue isnt thinking budget means low, its people not knowing how to budget anything, complaining about not getting paid enough, and thinking 100+ on a keyboard is reasonable in any way.
Hey Nick, I programmed my 65% with QMK to make single-press number keys be the number and double-tap number keys be the correspdonding "F" key. It's pretty easy, look up "tap dancing qmk" and you should find something relevant. That means you don't have to hit 3 separate keys
How do you type double numbers then?
@@austindoestuff by pressing the number key twice. for it to count as a function key the key must be tapped twice within 100ms, afterwards it counts as a separate keystroke
Bro, I love it when whats his name reviews keyboards. I would love to see a cheap keyboard review. Keep up the work!
Do you guys plan on taking a look at any of Wootings offerings? I placed an order for thr 60HE in July after watching Optimum Tech’s video. The only problem is it’s taking about five months. Something about being able to experiment with analog switches sounds so appealing. And it’ll be my first hot swappable keyboard.
My Microsoft keyboard designed for Windows Xp is still doing well lol.
It actually has features.
"Textured" is probably bead blasted. Love using that finish on products myself.
"Only 165$!" XD Lmao
3:14
That switch opener sound was eargasmic, wow
what are the names of the switches that came in the pre built board? I love the sound.
when $159 is cheap I know i'm in the matrix or a really crap sitcom
Coming from the same people that said the 3080 ti was good value I'm not surprised
$159 is nothing for a machined aluminum keyboard. You can get plastic boards for more than that.
@@heath3778 its not cheap for the uneducated
if you really just wanted a 65 board the LTC Nimbleback is $60
@@heath3778 Got an aluminum one for 30 bucks
In the world of custom keyboards 100 dollars is basically the entry point with prices easily soaring into the thousands.
As someone with this board
Bruh, it's been like... 2 months? Since the first EE came out?
Weird to say this to LTT...
But .... I dunno, you guys gotta start making those connections to get sample versions of these boards to give some critiques and to bring actual marketing to the boards, lol.
The custom keyboard obsession is literally just sneaker collecting for people that don't leave the house.
Accurate statement
it is not though, someone is binning parts for you to achieve a certain level of quality and feel for the whole board and sells you a package deal.
Also they have features to adapt them after the fact. As someone who bought many "normal" boards to try them i can see the appeal. Don't like MX Brown, get a a set of Reds or non Cherry ones altogether.
Sneakers on the other hand are just expensive, because someone artificially decides they are.
The you buy them and put the away and probably never wear them because they don't gain value or loose it.
These keyboards on the other hand get used. So it is a bit oldschool in that sense, you buy premium but you buy once and i will last a good amount of time because of that.
@@DxCBuG Logitech K120 lasts 10years or so and does the same job. It just sounds like you're the perfect customer in this case, perhaps you should get some sneakers too ;)
@@Allexz listen, i provided some arguments why its not a comparison and you give a stupid snarky comment and throw in the cheapest keyboard that might be not shit. ... common... get real dude, you just dont value quality of feel for anything. You are cheap. That's okay. Still not comparable to buying sneakers. PS: the K120 does not do the same job for people interested in a hot swap board.. You can't change it, except throwing it in the bin.
GMK keycaps are like sneakers. The keyboards themselves actually cost a lot of money to produce and you can use them everyday for years and they'll keep the value (unlike worn sneakers and GMK keycaps)
In what way is $160 for a keyboard considered budget?
Most custom keyboard kits that have full aluminum frames typically start at $200+ USD.
Since when 165 dollars is budget for a keyboard.I suggest changing the tittle to: The king of budget custom keyboards.
I really like the sound of this keyboard, too bad it's too late to get one though. What other keyboards have a similar sound that are actually available?
late?? why?
Funny thing is, the group buy for this ended last night lol.
We have a very different idea of what a budget keyboard is
imo, title should include budget *custom* keyboard. a good budget keyboard, period, is $100, tops. and this is coming from someone who owns a mode80(iykyk)
I really love the energy of this video, Plouffe is like a kid in a candy shop! Great stuff!
The real budget keyboard is and will always be the Logitech K120.😅🤣
Using mine since 2005.
the most budget keyboard is the membrane you find at a garage sale for 0.25
@@_ExTitus I stole mine from school works like a charm till date.
Legend
Absolutely true, cheap and reliable. I prefer mechanical keyboards for the feel, but certainly I could live with a K120
there is no way he just said $165 is budget.
In the custom market this is very cheap and you get a lot of quality stuff for the price.
I mean, it is budget for "custom" keyboards, it's a good video but I wished they had made that clarification. They aren't mainstream products. It's the same sense that $800 is "budget" for a new gaming pc build these days. If you don't care about gaming and just want something that works, why would spend $800 on a "budget" build when you can get a used Optiplex on facebook marketplace for less than $200 or a new desktop for $500 at Best Buy? It's just different standards, neither is wrong because they aren't talking about the same thing.
No, he compared it to the ridiculous prices of mainstream keyboards. Like Logitech keyboard with keys that break off in a year for $250.
Just finished my zoom65 Olivia light 2 days ago. Eargasm all day
appreciate the keebs content! A++
I love watching a video and then seeing that the window to purchase was closed the day before the video went live
"Its only $165 which is pretty cheap..."
me sitting here typing on my £15 ($17) keyboard
The Navy Blue is the one I have and I love it!
I love Plouffe's excitement for keyboards. However, one thing these videos have missed is any kind of explanation as to why these expensive, enthusiast keyboards are objectively better than a sub $100 keyboard. GPUs have FPS, even headphones/earbuds have objective measures as to why they are "better" than another. However, these super expensive keybaords are SO subjective.
Would love an in-depth review of what objectively sets high end keybaords apart from a $70 Corsair.
I don't think there is anything objectively better, if you don't count that they feel and sound better and thus makes the user happier to use it. I like to compare it to musical instruments, sure you can make "music" with a cheap plasticky whatever from a toy store. But if you're going to use it everyday, you want something that looks good, is pleasant to use and so on.
Perhaps reliability? Perhaps it feeling better makes you type faster/more productive. But again, subjective.
Well, I'm not the biggest keyboard nerd in the world - I own a paltry three customs - but I can try to give some kind of summary as to what sets a custom keyboard apart from a prebuilt.
As you say, they are, objectively speaking, mostly the same. A prebuilt $50 keyboard from amazon will input characters just fine. However, the build quality can differ pretty broadly depending on what you buy. This difference isn't necessarily exclusive to the divide between custom and prebuilt keyboards but rather between cheap and flimsy keyboards and more premium and expensive keyboards, custom or prebuilt.
Build quality is something enthusiasts often point to, as extremely cheap plastic cases are more prone to damage, cracking, yellowing, etc. over time. This is something that can happen to custom plastic cases, obviously, but the custom plastic cases are usually sturdier.
To some extent the materials used can also matter. Many prebuilt keyboards use a steel plate as well as a tray mounting design which involves screwing the pcb directly into the bottom of the case. This might seem rather insignificant - as "feel" is also something that's classified as subjective in the keyboard world - but IMHO it's more important than some might think as fatigue from typing can be a real factor in productivity scenarios. Pounding away on a rock-solid assembly can be rather tiring.
Custom keyboards usually address this by using plastic plates, having thinner or more flexible PCBs, and even different ways of assembling the keyboard altogether. Comfort for the typing feel is a big talking point when it comes to custom keyboards as well; the word "flex" is used very often in that kind of discourse.
They are better at cleaning your bank account
They are working on labs content exactly to answer these types of questions, ShortCircuit is supposed to be first impressions of stuff they like
@@lande.r1 yes, but this is really the only place they cover keyboards much at all.
How did the audio guys get the plastic to sound so crunchy and nice?
Still using my Cooler Master Quickfire Rapid I bought around 2012.
Nice, the video comes after the pre-order is closed. Nice timing.
"Linus Tech Tips" and I have different definitions for the word: "Budget". I paid $35 for my keyboard & mouse combo from Amazon.
More like, "Linus Rich Tips".
It's not that LTT has a definition for budget that's different. It's that in the custom machined keyboard market, this is a budget keyboard with a good value.
Not great timing for the video -- the group buy closed yesterday.
$200 is budget? Last keyboard I bought and I am still using it, cost 13 dollars.
In the custom keyboard space 100 dollars is basically the entry point with prices that can easily reach into the thousands.
@@spencerallen323 WELL, the Logitech k120 DELUXE keyboard is good enough for me. Sometimes I'll put stickers on my keyboard from other manufacturers!
Got this exact board and it took for ever to come but it was worth it. Put some proper switches in there.
Ayooo let s go!! Zoom65! I should be getting my EE from the first run this week!
Looking forward to see you review more enthusiast keebs!
Why release the video after the pre-order window? This makes no sense at all..
while i do love plouffe, genuinely one of my favorite faces on the channel, it often feels like keyboard reviews are more like christmas for him, especially when he's already well versed with the manufacturers and their products and would likely happily take any of the enthusiast-tier keyboards he reviews; i think it would be nice to have sort of an outsider's perspective as well, someone who is more into the corsairs and logitechs of the world rather than these, especially since the video isn't terribly long as is! i feel like we would only benefit from having the additional perspective of someone who maybe only has a passing interest in the higher end or is looking to get involved but doesn't know where to start
Keyboards of this caliber are basically for enthusiasts only, take a random guy and they'll barely feel the difference with a custom 150$ keyboard or a good comercial one
@@thunderarch5951 .. wouldn't that be something worth discussing though? That secondary perspective would make boards like this appeal to a wider demographic
Don't corsair and logitech keyboards also go for around $100 or more?
Once you go up to the 200-300 range of corsair or logitech I would say that a comparable custom is better in almost every regard.
I usually just buy kits and stuff that are under $200, but I buy almost all of my stuff on clearance or on sale. So that might effect my perspective
They just announced a zoom tkl so you can get your fn row. No knob though :(. Also the $159 ee barebones comes with Bluetooth and battery.
No Knob, No Thanks!
LTT really needs to hire a keyboard guy who isn't so utterly clueless.
Agreed. It’s nice to see custom keyboard content on the channel but the information is off or just wrong.
This! 100% this.
The sound alone sold me
Was legit just talking about wanting to get into a custom keyboard haha
you should check the Akko Alice Pro also
Just tell me if this is smaller than a full size keyboard, Will be cheap?
You should look at Melody96 Pro for those of us who want compact but need a numpad
Very good review, thanks. Separately, can you please list the name of some companies with full-size (100%) keyboards, wireless (both 2.4 & bluetooth), hot-swap, south-facing leds, QMK/VIA (ideally) within perhaps CAD$500 range. Thanks in advance.
No one is gonna reply to you xD.
Ask in r/mechanical keyboards
Ow yis the marble-ey sound is really nice.
My 150bucks ish fully custom board is not there yet. Need better stabs, the GMK's I have are not nice even after hollee modding and lubing them.
Quite a few people on CZcams might want to consult the actual definition of the word "budget".
8:32 NOOO NOT THE OILY HANDS ON THE MIRROR FINISHING
Holy shit, a stock Super key !!! If it had the function row it's be the perfect keyboard.
I would really put the word enthusiast in the title xD I was a bit annoyed seeing a product costing 160$ being called budget in any sense lol
Man that is super nice for the price
I want that assembled one that combo sound is amazing
I own the keyboard and I love it but a few warnings. If you get the Bluetooth model make sure you have a pc to change the key mappings. Otherwise you won’t be able to do it from a Mac. The backspace for some reason always sounds terrible and feels terrible so make sure you watch a video on how to fix it. There was a round 2 of this keyboard recently. It really is unfortunate that they barely got it (or posted a video about it)
Absolutely love mine too! But yeah the backspace is so weird and takes a lot of work (have a different switch in mine to help even more with it)
Pretty sure that Keychron is the king of "budget" keyboards.
Plouffe and his keyboards lol
I can relate as i love building them as well but dude geeks out over em. I love it
I was able to get this group buy but isn’t it weird to post this video a day after the groupbuy ended?
It’s not a knob with tactile, it’s called “Rotary Encoder”
What is it's purpose?
"Budget" and $160 starting price is funny. You could say "value" or "reasonably-priced" but budget is not even half that price.
Love sound of that keyboard but I just wish this had F-key row. I am a developer and having a F-row is a must there so using FN+something is major pain in the butt.
Consider a 75%
I would like a custom keyboard, but I need my spanish QWERTY layout for work. Any options?
A budget board is $165 now?
In the custom keyboard world, this is a steal
$300 used to be a budget keyboard
And even it is not full keyboard. It is a joke.
@@redheadsg1 just because you somehow find use out of a numpad doesn't mean not having one is a "joke"
So thats why budget is in quotes
sounds a lot like my Keychron. Very nice
It took me half video to realise he wasn't saying "prison" but "prism" 🤣
when will they actually release this..... i dont see anything on their website
How is $160 a "budget" keyboard?
$180, gotta pay for shipping :))
These keyboard weirdos be spending up to 1000$ for one keyboard so yes 180 is budget
Considering the average for custom keyboards are 300-400 this is Def budget lol
@@pr33tu_ don't forget about taxes
average for a good keyboard is $250-500 in the enthusiast keyboard space
the thing with these keyboards vs steelseries and stuff is that custom keyboards just have built quality, typing feel and sound going for them. everything else you can beat easily with 40 bucks, performance, handling and functionality is just so bad on custom keyboards...
Since you're actually pretty good with keyboards, something for mortals that can't spend their whole salary on peripherals?
Does someone know of a keyboard with the same switches like this one in the video (I love the sound!) that we could actually find and buy?
damn those keys sound glorious
I personally think Keychron is the King of the budget category! That's a nice keyboard though.
I applaud people who like linear switches. I keep making unintended presses while resting my fingers on the keys.
Get something heavier then
When I hear the word "budget" I don't think of something over $100....not when there are mechanical keyboards, with hot swappable switches for a lot less these days. I understand that mechanical ones can be more $, but still, to me at least, if you are calling it "budget" it should be maxing out around $60 and preferably less than that, and while you can't get a full custom one at that price, you can get ones you can customize for under $50 these days.
And this video is out after they are already done taking pre-orders....so not very helpful even if it were truly a "budget" option...
It's "budget" for the elite only.
This is budget in the world of customs.
You will not find many CNC aluminum keyboards within this price bracket.
Well it's a budget custom keyboard
I still wonder what the deal is with coiled cables. Is there any kind of functional benefit or is it really just boiling down to looks? Clearly, the coil doesn't work in the same way as on old (30 years or so) keyboards.
I have always thought the idea of coiled cables are looks
@@Mohound on old keyboards, the coil served to automatically "retract" the cable when the keyboard was pulled towards the user and then pushed back. So there was a functional Element initially. I cannot see this working with modern coiled cables. Imo these serve no function apart from looks, while introducing elements i would count as negative features. No hate on those who like them though. Custom keyboards are a very subjective and personal element of a PC
$165 is not budget, how about giving some love to the tm680, the royal kludge line or literally anything else that isn't 165 dollars??
Is that a JDS Labs shirt? Nice.
after watching this video I want this board so bad but they're sold out everywhere now
Huh weird those keycaps they went out look to be for an iso layout but it seems the keyboard only comes in ansi, even in their UK distributer
The PCB actually has hotswap sockets for ISO enter, split left/right shifts, and even split spacebar/backspace!
I see why the title says "budget" in quote. It's budget for people with some $$$
99% of LTT's videos are people with $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$, not the poor plebs sadly.
Plouffe... could you please make a video on how to find /build the perfect wireless mechanical SILENT keyboard?
A detailed LTT video would be nice!I
Preferably in 2 or 3 price tiers like best bang for buck, high end, and no compromises tiers.
I would love to get a mechanical keyboard but I can't stand the noise! Even membrane keyboards drive me nuts!
And yes I have psychological problems and most people don't care about noises or even like them, I understand that, please don't hate!
Thank you!
I'd recommend channels like Switch and Click, Glarses, Hipyo Tech, Keybored, and Taeha Types for more focused content like that. I'm sure you'll find what you're looking for among one of those channels.
@@BlackTearsYT Thanks!
when u said budget my mind thought the price of 50 euros,this is too much ,most people find this price too expensive
Wuque studios Aurora switches, weight for first keyboard was in that slim cardboard box with the telescope he mentioned, $165 for the barebones kit not including switches, stabs, key caps and any other tools used to build which makes the keyboard more like $300 or more so Corsair or Logitech keyboards might make sense for some.. just a bit of research can go a long way
Thank you so much for naming the switches
I watched a few days ago and wasn’t sure if he named them in the video
you don't need any tools to build the keyboard itself and if you keep your keeb expenses low, you can keep it at 250$ or even lower..... some more research can go a long way for you aswell lol
@@ZedBC A WHOLE $50 yea cause fuck shipping right?
@@joon333 Just shop at a local vendor then?? I've seen several zoom65 olivia kits being sold for 200$ shipped. I got my Zoom65 EE for 170€ and with cheap switches and keycaps I could land at 200€ and have a 10x better keyboard to similarly priced boards of the big brands.
Research and shop efficiently, it'll bless you.
@@ZedBC lmao local venders ship starting at $20 not even going to read the rest of your comment. A little research goes a long way
That looks pretty nice. I am thinking of upgrading my keyboard. I have a Razer Black Widow now that I've had for years. I actually really like the black widow, but I want something smaller and one that requires less pressure on the keys. But wow its overwhelming picking a keyboard when you can't try them out in person first.
Well this is a custom keyboard. The switches are whatever you want them to be same as keycaps and plates. If you want customs that are in stock most of the time use Akko or keychron. Akko are great as they do great cheap switches and great keycaps as well and are very good on price ( in terms of custom market prices ).
Will you review the Corsair K100 Air when it releases tomorrow?
Is that a photo of Anya forger wearing sunglasses on the right shelf?
you guys should try the upcoming matrix corsa
Keeb fully unavailable, no preorders or anything. Got excited for this one too :/
Since when is a $159 keyboard "budget" ?!