QK65 Vs. the Zoom65 - BATTLE for ENTRY 65% SUPREMACY
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- Опубліковано 29 кві 2022
- #Keybored QK65 Vs. the Zoom65 - BATTLE for ENTRY 65% SUPREMACY
So... the entry 65% keyboard world got turned upside down when Owlabs decided to launch the QK65 through their sister brand, Qwertykeys. The QK65 is an OP premium board that is passing as a "entry" through its lower price point. However, there is another OP board that may be a challenger to the throne... the Zoom65. Which one will win?
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Scott went as far as to wear a muscle suit to make a point.
PROPS MY MAN
Hahaha thanks man!
What muscle suit? Scott always looked like a mega chad
@@mugiwara8295 My bad bro. Dude looks like an absolute chad NGL
And what a point it was.
My QK65's bottom is about as golden as that suit.
thats not a muscle suit
big difference in total price since QK65 refuse to get a US vender, the Zoom65 EE was $168 shipped, QK65 was $214, the $46 price difference can get you a set of high end switches
In my opinion, paying extra for better quality seems justified
I think they changed it to be 210 with free shipping instead to even out the shipping tag (and shipping got more expensive)
Zoom ee seems a lot worse tho. Like the stabs are way worse than the owlstabs, it sounds SIGNIFICANTLY worse (both with foam and without foam), and it has a lot of issues with the standoffs.
Eh it was 200-168=32 but shipping prices
@@user-kz9rz8ui1c The OWL stabs are not guaranteed to be included though. It's marked as a "gift", meaning you can get it, or not at all. They said it's about 80% chance to get it in the first production run, but you can't claim it if you don't get it.
Wow, as someone looking to buy their first custom mechanical keyboard, I watched a ton of videos and narrowed down my list to these exact two. You read my mind! I love the sound and look of both of these and have been going back and forth. It's really helpful to hear them both on the same mic/desk setup. Thanks!
Thank you very much for this video. I have been looking at the QK65 and am kicking myself for not getting in on the first round. Will not make that mistake on the upcoming second round of the QK65. Just when I think your work cannot get any better, you continue to impress! The intros have me rolling each and every time and the information you present is so informative. Great work and much appreciated!
Waddup typing this on my gold on blue QK65. Has lived up to the hype so far.
The Zoom looks incredible. The raked back gives it such a monumental stance, even if the rounded bezel isn't my cup of tea. It's incredible that it looks simultaneously larger, yet more sleek than the QK65. I still love the look of my QK (especially with some MT3 caps on it) but the design language of the Zoom is so interesting.
Great comparison vid, condolences on your knob.
I kind of wish you used the same switches and keycaps between both keyboards to get a better idea of the sound difference. I think the comparisons are more important now that both have super customizable editions coming up.
Exactly what I've been looking for. Thanks, Scott!
Lol, your intros never fail to make me laugh😂. I appreciate the effort you put into them. Great video!
Was internally debating for so long which keyboard is suitable hahaha thank you for rounding it up! Now i can look around to purchase the QK65 with ease instead , since the price point for zoom65 really isn’t that cheap as well after adding in all the extras which i could get on my own such as keycaps and switches
I bought a Qk65 for my first custom build and the quality is insanely good.
I really hope qk does a 75% with a knob.
Sick but…
where do you buy them
@@paulwehner1539 If you find out, please let me know!
How do you have it already? i dont think the units have shipped yet. im still waiting on mine for the end of may
@@melon9285 some have been shipped a weeks now
Things have come a long way since my GK64 lol. I’m really happy with my QK65 (was eyeing it ever since you did your video on it). My only “complaint” is that I can’t get it to clack like a bakeneko does lol. Thanks for the amazing content as usual!
I know your comment is 4 months old, but of youre still trying to make it clack, try akko cs switches and no under pcb foam. Worked for me :)
This is a video the community has been waiting for. Great comparison!
Humor, wit and keyboard science. Can't find a keeb reviewer more entertaining than Scott. Timely comparison as I'll receive both soon!
Always a good video! Can't wait for my QK65
The "wait, that actually happened" callback!! :chefkiss:
I am super hyped to get my board, which is supposedly waiting in customs here in the US now. That said, it's worth noting that for R2 they've raised the prices: to $210. Still seems like a deal (especially for that green that I missed by like 45 seconds in R1), but in this price bracket a few bucks matters.
The bit in the intro is wonderful, Scott.
Great skits, should include more of these in your videos they're great
I got the essentials kit for the Zoom65 solely for two reasons: color matchup & wireless option. This was exactly what I’d been looking for in terms of features and pricepoint. The knob was just another added bonus. The QK’s looks are also kinda plain in comparison for me compared to the color options for Zoom *(which I should mention had 80 color combinations for the May pre-order. I picked sky blue/white myself)*. Just something I considered.
Wireless is great call-out, actually. And though I am genuinely excited for my QK65 to arrive soon, you've given me yet another reason to consider the Zoom, which I agree has the more interesting case shape.
Your skits always hits home
Nice video! Can't wait to see more entry lvl keyboards in the future.
I mean, there are tons of them. But if you talk about the enthusiast levels, then you’re right.
For me, entry shouldn’t go more than 100-120, sorry if I’m a bit greedy, but for me
@@santiago.ordonez Yep. Would be more accurate if these were labelled "intermediate level" instead of entry.
Ayo a comparison to the best budget boards from 2021 like the kbd67lite or Ikki68 would be very interesting how the budget boards evolved
Both sound great! Sound knob is a huge bonus for me, I can't do without it. Almost a deal-breaker if there isn't any. Hah.
The Mike Tyson and Lebron James cracks absolutely killed me! Scott, your writing is a gift to us all, appreciate the thorough comparison here!!
Awesome video! Loved the intro skit!
Okay now we need: QK65 vs Tofu65 vs NK65 vs Keychron Q2 vs Bakeneko65
Please make it happen, and use the same linear switches across all for comparisons!
jris65
your intros are always so amazing, that muscle suit is just too good hahaha
Yesss I’ve been waiting for this video
I was debating between the anodized version and the e-white coating version... but I already have an E-white board coming so I got the nice blue one instead. I wish there was an all blue version though, or the blue top and chroma bottom.
Great video! Great comparison! 🎉
The video everyone has been waiting for!
I have the QK65 with both the POM and FR4 plates. And I have to say this board punches wayyyyy above its weight. the quality of the foams, extras and the board itself is just astounding, especially for the price. I really appreciate this comparison because I was trying to decide between each of these boards, and ultimately decided on the QK65 because of the finish on the board being something that I prefer to the Zoom65. However I love the way the keyboard market is looking with both of these keyboards out there.
which plate do u think is flexier and softer for the bottom out? ik that the pom is meant to be softer but like on the suit the pom is more stiff.
Which plate do you prefer and why? I’m waiting on mine to come in and I went for the FR4 despite loving how the POM sounds in this video.
Just want to put this out there... I had a zoom65 that I bought secondary that had a crooked knob... The knob itself was not crooked, it was not lined up correctly when assembled. I took it apart and made sure everything was lined up correctly and the knob is perfectly aligned now.
Man I would kill to know what containers/mount you're using for your switches over there. That junk is CLEAN and I need it.
omg the qk65 sounds soo marbly. I think the zoom65's foam sandwiches mute the switch characteristics too much but it still sounds good too
I’m going to do my best to make my QK80 sound like this QK65 when it comes in. Love the sound of that board
I primarily went with the Zoom65 over QK65 because of the knob and the bluetooth. I'm really happy with my Zoom65. I would like to buy a QK65 but I already reached my max number of boards for me (being Zoom65, Scarlet TKL, and Ikki R2)
How's the bluetooth experience so far?
Qk65 has Bluetooth now
So what I've learned is that I'm gonna be perfectly happy with my zoom 65.
I did EE with my choices of colors on this design (light blue with gold ano looks soooo nice), am really looking for that soft feel, want the wireless option, and can probably get a similar sound to the qk65 if I really feel like it with a PE foam mod instead of the poron foam layer
Ultimately my preferences are more in the realm of look and feel, and I'm happy to be going full tilt in that direction- grabbing KAT blank keycaps because they feel so soft to touch, and am gonna mod some boba U4Ts with a extra long two stage spring for some really sweet tactility. I also have plans to put some washi tape hole punch stickers on lesser used keys like numbers/delete/etc so that I am not fully screwed by the lack of legends on blank keys lmao, I think it'll look super cute
You made me smile. Hope your board makes you happy as well. Cheers!
@@AndrewMcDreamy thanks! I've only got one friend I've already talked the ear off of and the servers I'm in are like... Very male dominated lmao
So now I've taken to UA-cam comments to gush
@@pmmmAMV Haha, at least you have a friend that listens. My partner is the only one polite enough to "listen" to me talk keebs once in awhile.
By the way, I've ordered the Zoom65 EE as well but in a safe/boring colour palette (white with black PWD mirror). If I go with black on white alphas, do you think I should have white on black mods (?) or blank black ones? For switches I want some silent ones, haven't decided yet though but perhaps alpacas with matching stabs.
@@AndrewMcDreamy so first off, keep in mind that the stabs for the zoom65 are irregular- they're put in from the bottom and are designed for use with the thinner than usual PCB
It may be difficult to replace stabs
Keycap-wise I think I'd keep the legends on the inverse modifiers, I think it might look odd to have legends on the qwerty keys but not on the modifiers
@@pmmmAMV Oh really? I didn't know that. Well, good thing I met you here. I'll review the stock stabs first.
I'll find something with legends then. Thanks for the help!
Nice keyboards. Glad to see manufacturers are really stepping up their 65% entry level options as they were pretty hard to come by even just two years ago... Just wish they would come out with more Bluetooth or wireless options which is a must for me as I like to use my keyboard from the couch sometimes.
That’s the one factor that makes the Zoom65 EE such an exciting prospect.
@@alaudbrother hey Anders, I'm an Anders too and I share your opinion. Crazy. Full disclosure, I ordered the Zoom65 EE.
@@AndrewMcDreamy equally full disclosure - I did too!
I remember you had removed some of the foam for the QK65, I remembered this when I heard the thockier sound. For the comparison did you have all the foam provided in qk64?
I also noticed others mentioning about switches, and I too am curious how the zoom would sound with the same oil kings.
Does the plate being different for each board matter in feel and sound?
Thank you for doing a great video and taking the time to answer questions, I was delighted to hear you were doing this when I asked about the qk65 and even more so to have watched it.
I might get both if the QK finally comes back in stock here, to which Owl labs has assured there would be an unlimited run for the R3. I wasn't able to snag the Chroma and now they will have more colors as well as mirror.
Both of these sound incredible
just got my zoom on Friday and i love it! im also hoping qk does a restock though so i can snag it aswell lmao
Great video! Any recommendation for the best thocky tactile switch besides the Boba U4Ts?
Literally got called out on snickering about that knob joke. 😅 Mad props, pun intended.
i hope you can take a look with the Spark67 too, in the same price tag with zoom65
qk65 restock is coming with the end of R1 shipping. Hopefully it restocks in a couple months or so. I'd really like to get my hands on a qk65 but I didn't have the cash at the time.
just ordered the black mirror varient in the china R2, cant wait for it to arrive!
That'll be a banger!
right when I thought your intros couldn't get any better...
The brass weight on the zoom didnt do anything because you built it with pe foam. You can put PE foam on a both a Jane and a tofu and it'll both sound similar
There is a restock of the qk65. When he first talked about Osume, I turned off the video and just stalked the website until I could get my hands on Sakura and some novelties. And now I am back in the market for another keyboard and I am back to the qk65. Was thinking E-white and maybe a mirrored bottom, hopefully try and match with everything. I have a black/clear build and navy/white. I don't want to get to specific of a bright color and have to live with finding keycap sets that I like with it.
Thanks for the vid
I love Osume keycap aesthetics. In fact, I love their website and pretty much all their stylistic choices haha.
@@Keybored I went with black on black. Only have Sakura still. But more Osume will come. They are doing tons of great things.
Great comparison.
Worth noting the group buy for the zoom65 essentials was a wireless pcb and included a battery. There was also PVD weight options. I optd for the zoom65 because it's going to be a work board and wireless declutters the workspace. Seems like you cannot go wrong with either board grab which ever is available imo.
Literally why I got the zoom65. Everyone's all about the QK65 but it has less features over all. Zoom65 is basically the only affordable metal case Bluetooth board with decent firmware. I've been waiting for something like this for a while
@@SplinteredJoker agreed. To be fair the qk65 looks and sounds better imo. But features the zoom65 is just jam packed.
One thing that has been annoying me has been that reviewers keep presenting the multi layout support on the zoom65 as a bad thing. But the fact it's a wifi hotswap pcb with multi layout support is unheard of.
Yeah that's the problem for me, wireless just isn't important to anyone. I understand it adds latency for gaming....but I can just plug it in for when I do that, I work more than I game. But ah well I'm satisfied. You guys can play with your $65 cables I like to keep things clean
@@SplinteredJoker not call cable is 45 dollars
i'm 1 of those who got the Zoom65 essential. Wireless and the knob are almost dealbreakers if the board doesn't have it. Makes the board so much more useful.
Can't wait for you to toss the Zoom65v2 into the ring to compare. Any info on prototypes coming your way?
Qk65 with the finish options on the stainless steel bottom weight just looks better in my opinion and the QK65’s sound is probably going to appeal to more people as it’s a thockier sound where the Zoom seems a little higher pitched. I bought the QK65 and have been really happy with the board.
Doesn't even sound "thockier" imo, he's using oil kings- what do you expect. The qk65 just has higher quality materials that accentuates the sound of the switch better than the zoom65
@@samskordi6079 this is a super late reply but I'm pretty sure that's what doug was getting at. tbh, the chassis and foams probably do more for the overall sound of the board than oil kings do. all things being equal, oil kings probably would make a board sound a bit deeper, yeah. but switches aren't the only deciding factor in sound.
intros getting better each video haha!
Putting together my zoom65 today and the screw in for the top frame snapped off. Also those same screw ins block some of the flex on the plate. I like it a lot, but there are definitely quality issues.
You can contact them or vendors for a replacement in this case
Hahaha wearing the muscle suit AFTER the skit was over, incredible
Video with potential mods for Zoom65? God, please.
I bought qk65 black Chroma❤️ its actually may first premium keyboard. From rk84 to qk65
The wobbly legends on those PBT Olivia caps trigger my OCD.
The one I'm really looking forward to is the Keychron Q65. It's a bit odd, with an extra column and knob on the left, but it's really close to my ideal layout. About the only thing I'd change to make it complete is to add a small touchpad or joystick or trackball under the space bar... or at least a connector to attach one. I can move the mouse using keys, but it's a lot faster and easier to use a pointer of some sort.
Bought both. But I like zoom65 essential kit more for it's Bluetooth function. For some reasons Bluetooth module for qk65 is limited in China, if I can get that that will be perfect.
damn I didn't know there even was a bluetooth module for the qk65- I'm more inclined towards the zoom65 but would probably pick the qk65 over it if it had bluetooth.
@@aaronk3920 Shipping battery from China costs like hell. So if I were you I won’t buy qk65 unless the Bluetooth module and battery comes in one package.
Are there any special modifications besides removing foams that would allow the elevation of quality for the zoom65’s flex + sound?
Reference: GMMK Pro saw + o ring stand offs, etc.
price asides, considering that they are both hard to get in terms of waiting time and stock, you shouldn't do anything like sawing lol
I can't wait until the qk65 restocks I somewhat regret not getting the first stock, but will probably go for one of the new colors
Yeah the new colors are even nicer
@@Keybored Are there newer colors?!?
I got my reserved in 1st batch but I also think that the new colours are amazing
I found the sound interesting. The QK sounded like bubbling or boiling water. The Zoom sounded like a waterfall or running water.
Broooooo this is the video I was looking for. Its a darn shame you didn't use the same switches and keycaps for both sound tests. The sound test should have been done with identical switches and keycaps with all guts removed to have a legitimate sound comparison. Still gave it an upvote but would have really liked a more appropriate sound test.
They are not at the same "Entry level" price tho, the QK65 with Gateron oil switches and Osume Sakura keycap adds 110 USD to the over all price, while Zoom65 Olivia Edition has everything.
whats the confiq for the qk65 in this video?
btw when you compare it like the it really made the zoom65 look real bad though
Dude felt really cozy in that muscle suit.
ok, the intro alone got you a like and a sub :D
Haha thanks!
For a little bit cheaper, I went with the Akko mod008. I really can't complain with it. Thoughts on the mod008 in relation to the zoom65 and qk65?
Had to jump on the Zoom65 essential for the bluetooth to cover a custom wireless option plus I already have a Mr Suit. Having that been said I'm recommending the QK65 to friends atm. Great video, thanks for the comparisons!
You're very welcome!
alright with that intro you got a new sub
I prefer the knob on zoom, but the QK65 sounds so much better. What switch was used in that QK65?
Gateron oil kings
Great video again! Quick question - what wrist rest are you using? Does it make tons of difference for you when typing?
I use the Keychron wrist rests and yes!
@@Keybored Thanks, chief. I love how you explain the rationale on your videos.
I'm thinking of imitating your L80 build and either one of these QK65 & Zoom65. Between the L80, QK65 & Z65, which one do you personally suggest?
I need the wireless connectivity btw.
great video again!
remember boys this man has a masters degree in some engineering and here he is still able to show some creative fun personality, what a chad
I honestly prefer the slightly higher pitched sound of that Zoom build to the QK65
been waiting for this
I really hope they're going to find a vendor for the EU for the QK65. This is the only reason I skipped it.
I love your intros
I love your butt. I mean the hippo butt! The keycaps? Dang it, why do I always do this ... I'm such an Alfred.
Haha thank you so much Hipyo! Adding some awkwardness to the video content!
I really wanted the QK65, but settled for the scarlet red zoom 65 essential edition with a PVD Mirror weight.
Can't go wrong with either!
@@Keybored love & appreciate you
Glad I went for the QK65 instead of the Zoom
Where would you slot the bakaneko in this comparison? Would you say it is a comparable board to these (havent watched the vid yet, sorry if this is addressed in the video)
I just finished my first custom, a creamy and poppy bakeneko would recommend it
Really enjoying your videos! Anyone know the keycap set on the QK65?
It looks like the Osume Sakura keycaps
@@DT-ko6ux Thanks!
Scott. You are the man.
Can we still get the zoom65? Will there be another pre order that we can still buy? I really want to build one but unfortunately can't find any.
i own both olivia dark zoom 65 and the e-white/gold qk65 I can whole heartedly say that BOTH are very good keyboards, however i do favor the qk65 and gifted the zoom65 to my gf. I think the qk65 feels more preimium overall, but the zoom65 def has features and a very diferent sound profile. both are good :)
Nothing go wrong with qk65 😃👍
@@wilsongautama9498 ive built over 15 keebs or so and the qk was one of the easiest builds and the fastest
@@Oridemos QK65 FTW :)
안녕하세요 저도 줌65 블루투스 모드 사용하고 있는데요 혹시 블루투스, 유선에서 블루투스로 잘넘어가시나요?
저는 좀 유선에서 블루투스로 넘어가는데 시간이 좀 오래 걸리는 경우가 빈번히 있어서요 ㅠㅠ
무선에서 블루투스는 칼같고, 블루투스에서 블루투스는 3초면 잘되는데
유난히 유선모드에서 블루투스 모드로 가는데 시간이(1분) 정도 걸릴 때가 많네요 ㅠㅠ
What plate did you use on the QK65?
any thoughts on the sequence65 (basically 65% version of the ciel/ cncd bakeneko) vs the qk or zoom?
Only reason I'd get it over those two is if it comes much sooner/you REALLY like the idea of gummy o ring mount
i bought the zoom65 a month back but i felt a huge distinction between the sound in the video compared to my own. Another thing that I find strange is that, it sounded deeper when i changed it to an OEM profile keycap (changed it out of curiosity as i don't really like the sound). Is it unique to my zoom65 or is everyone else's the same?
Video sound test vs actual will always sound different. Already watched tons of sound test and they always sound different in actual despite having the same config.
Can't wait till qwertykeys makes a 75% or a TKL keyboard
Me too!
@@Keybored I think it'll for sure propel their brand's size! Also, amazing video brother really enjoyed it! :)
Soon TM
@@qwertykeys2119 Yay :D can't wait!!
I’m glad to watch this vid, now I own both zoom65 and qk65 😂
Did you do a holee mod for Zoom65?
QK65 won for me simply because I didn't really like the short weird knob and it's seemingly crowded placement. I also liked the qk65's sound more.
Huh, I like the zoom65 more because of that knob ahaha. I respect your opinion though 👍
Can you do one for TKL and 75% ? Please ! :)
You gotta love the skits
crooked (k)nob, he he he great review as always! really emphasizes how they are built different and why it's important to test all build options
Do you think the keychron Q2 is up in the argument or does the QK65 completely blow it out of the competition ?
The scene changed when they dropped the QK65... that's the sad reality I feel for many previous great 65%.
@@Keybored thanks for the reply, really means a lot.
What keyboard layout do you use for typing? QWERTY?
Yup! Qwerty