Finally... An Amazing Keyboard That DOESN'T Need Modding... the Zoom 75

Finally... the Zoom 75
So I really like the Zoom series and even other budget / entry level line up boards put in place but other brands to really help push accessibility within the hobby. Honestly though, with the exception of the Mode Envoy, nothing has really wowed me to a point of wanting to use it. The Zoom series, among the other line ups, usually needed foam and I tired of the sound signature rather quickly. Not to say they werent good boards, they just left little to be desired from a customizing standpoint. The usual culprit here was flex cuts. They made the board thin and boring without foam.
Introducing the Zoom75, no flex cut options and therefore, you don't need to use foam! Which opens up how you can build your keyboard! It's a wild concept that I got criticized for about wanting more option with my purchase but Im glad the ball is rolling in a good direction now. I really like this board. I do think there needs to be an adjust for the pcb/plate assembly slightly shifting but other than that, it's solid.
The keyboard starts at $179 dollars which I think for what you're getting is a fair price. I did build mine with the added weight, but I have taken that out and tested it and it sounds great.
✅ BUILD SPECS:
Keyboard: Zoom75 - bit.ly/3KPJYq5
Plate Material: PC
Keycaps: GMK Polybius
Switches: Haze Switches - keyspensory.st...
Here is how i lube my switches and stabilizers:
Stabs - • How To Lube and Proper...
Switches - • How To Lube Your Switc...
Find me live here: / alexotos
📷 My Streaming Gear: kit.co/alexoto...
➡️ My Building Equipment: kit.co/alexoto...
⌨️ Some Keyboard Parts I recommend: kit.co/alexoto...
👕Merch: alexotos.creat...
➡️ What I use for keycap storage: amzn.to/3fGvdZq
Note: Some of these are affiliate links! They help support my channel.
◽️◽️◽️◽️◽️◽️
⬇️ Sponsors/Affiliates⬇️
kineticlabs.st...
salvun.com
fromscratchusa...
spaceholdings....
kibou.store/al...
www.ashkeebs.c...
omnitype.com/a...
modedesigns.co...
archetypemade....
zepsody.com/
stupidbulletst...
◽️◽️◽️◽️◽️◽️
Discord: / discord
◽️◽️◽️◽️◽️◽️
Remember to follow me on my socials, too!
www.alexotos.com
/ alexotos
/ otosalex
/ alexotos
/ alexotos
◽️◽️◽️◽️◽️◽️
Edited by Manoli Visuals

[@offbrandbiscuit]

"Why would you want to chase the end of a hobby, something that you participate in becaues it's fun for you and it makes you happy" Bro Alex unironically spitting fuckin' Socrates' secret wisdom here, shit is lowkey deep. Love you man

[@xeroze01]

The true end game is also about the community, the people, the experience and less about owning, buying THE keyboard. I felt this especially recently since I kind stopped buying boards altogether since I am content with what I have (by complete accident/unintended), and yet I didnt feel that I should just give up on the hobby itself because I still like the process of trying out new stuff, etc. I just stopped buying stuff for most parts outside of a few switches here, a metal keycap there, etc. Doesnt stop me from going to small meetups, trying boards from other friends, watching videos like this one though. The hobby is just as fun even if you supposedly found your "end game".

[@offbrandbiscuit]

@@xeroze01 I feel like endgame is when you reach the end of your 'cycle' tbh. As a consumer you buy from makers who are, like you, an enthusiast. And eventually you might reach the point you want to make your own boards to run those for people, and that's you effectively ADDING to the community and hobby, giving back in a sense. Even just insofar as buying keyboards, building and then using them is so much more fun to me than just looking for boards to buy or whatever

[@swordreflex]

Just subbed cuz of that statement alone

[@heatriangle]

i feel like you can reach the ultimate keyboard if you're lucky, but that doesn't necessarily mean leaving the hobby (as long as you have money, time, etc. to participate further)

[@offbrandbiscuit]

​@@heatriangle real shit man. I'd never want to stop participating in this hobby, it's too much fun

[@BluBarry1215]

I never thought I could eventually able to afford a board with a screen. Wanted one after I saw a few boards with it back then but they are expensive. The LCD screen is definitely one of the charm point of Zoom75. Btw, for the plate shifting around issue. Saw another KZbinr mentioned that there are actually like 2/4 holes on the plate, at the corners that meant to have pins inserted to hold them in place. But they didn't include the pins for prototype version.

[@brocky]

Looks beautiful AND sounds great. Amazing how one simple change back to a non-flex cut pcb just raises the value of a keyboard.

[@creationfied]

If you hear the comparison between flex and non flex with the qk80, there’s a difference but the non flex just sounds more thunky

[@brocky]

@@creationfied you're right, QK80 sounds incredibly thunky. Even with the non-flex cut pcb. But the flex cut pcb sounds very very thunky

[@rzary_]

@@creationfied thats because it’s a 1.2mm pcb instead of 1.6mm

[@mac512-u]

i don’t know why but i always feel like alex and glarses could become really really good friends

[@alexotos]

I wish he'd come to Toronto to say hi to me.

[@janmichaelsuarez2996]

​@@alexotos Hi mate is that zoom75 flex cut or bon flex cut?

[@jojonokimyonabouken7615]

@@janmichaelsuarez2996non flex cut, still bouncey it seems or forgiving with bottom out. I’m gonna jump on one of these soon

[@accidentalinfluencer]

@@jojonokimyonabouken7615 hey bro you already got those keebs?, hows your zoom 75 doing? It's good? Or nah?

[@user-il6ei7mh5o]

100% right on the end game stuff. I have been around in the scene since 2012ish (Ducky III was my first board) and I tried to chase the "end game". Ended up being disappointed, and taking a hiatus. Don't do it. Enjoy it, and build as many keyboards as possible!

[@loosh_a]

I think this will have to be my first proper keyboard that I invest in, it's just so beautiful and the non flex option is definitely a huge plus for me too

[@ChubiPanda]

Alex's video with the yellow model is the reason I went for yellow with mine. Carbon Fibre back plate and PVD gold weight. It's going to look so good!

[@albertko1]

Seeing all the positive reviews and 75 enjoyer, I broke down and put in for one. Seems like it sounds good with any switch.

[@Emil77777]

I want to add another reason for the clone keycaps. For those have more recently got in to the market they'll see keycaps online that they love only to find out they were from a group buy three years ago and there a none available new or second hand. If they want that exact aesthetic then I don't really see a problem with doing that as it would be impossible to find them 'legit' elsewhere. Sure there are plenty of other keycap sets available elsewhere in stock but why settle for something you don't like?

[@alexotos]

I dont disagree on this sentiment! I personally have a different mindset on the matter when it comes to missing out on items, I have always found the idea of missing out to be sort of fun too. It allows me to appreciate from a distance and i find it helps with my spending habits but everyone is different and thats whats beautiful

[@Red.exe7]

@@Emil77777 Clones are fine for the majority of the part. They will get you 90% of the way there if you just want a certain colorway. I see no harm in buying clones for colorways, but I am not too fond if the clone maker copies the novelties. I find there is a lot of FOMO in the mech hobby.

[@Emil77777]

@@Red.exe7 If it gives you the aesthetic you want then it's all good but maybe copied novelties are a bit of a no no. I have a set of legit Olivia lights and a clone set of Olivia darks but made sure they were more of a colour homage and not copying them 100% and honestly clones have got so good that there is barely any difference between the two sets.

[@Red.exe7]

@@Emil77777 I find the main difference is wait times, lol.

[@alexotos]

@@gazehound you are cringe, see ya

[@MichaaeelJordan]

This board looks very nice! Can't wait to get it.

[@GlenESton]

Definitely one of the better “entry” boards that have come out lately. Meletrix did a great job on all fronts. Hopefully the support for gifs comes soon after these deliver.

[@mydogatethebones]

Gifs are supported :)

[@mavioz]

First time I watched your video. I like your vibe. You helped me calm down and chill. Thanks!

[@alexotos]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@Blxnksy]

Alex is now not only a keebtuber but also a life coach haha

[@perspicacity89]

Sounds, looks, and probably feels incredible!

[@Iced_Mints]

There’s the video! Been waiting for this a bit since your streams are always at midnight for me.

[@dcsoda1]

I really like the look of the case and it sounds very good. I’m just tired of the smooshed together 75% layouts I think. I do hope the screen becomes a thing though, very cool.

[@transentient]

I have one and it's very pretty, and sounds really suprisingly good. But the quality of the various pieces and design is really inconsistent. The bottom case doesn't have channels milled for the cables for the batteries on the tri-mode version for example. I got a CF plate, and the screws to attach the PCB to the plate standoffs leave the plate loose. And that LCD screen? It's amazing that we thought that would work. You are lucky if yours doesn't arrive busted. I also didn't get the right number of gasket sleeves in my package. I got the knob module and the knob falls right out when you flip the board over. There is a lot to like about the board but it really seems that right now, Qwertykeys has the clear advantage in terms of quality in the "entry level" keyboard price level.

[@__entiendo]

I really like the way this board looks with the screen. Idk how I feel about the blocker above the right arrow key. I think the square around the rotary encoder looks tacky but the screen really classes it up.

[@8bitsamurai6]

I hope they do a round 2 soon. I hatw i missed this one. Really want the lcd on mine. Will be a dope first 75.

[@niko1even]

for some reason, whenever i see an e-yellow board that's smaller than a TKL, i keep thinking that it's an E-Yellow Tofu

[@arpeykeys]

sounds really good, and probably the best sounding of all the entry level boards from qk, jris, and meletrix. Especially without foam. I'd definitely pick it up if I wasn't picky about the 75% layout.

[@notDmanTV]

I had my alarm set to get into the gb at 12 am. got the SE lavender with lcd and I cannot wait. just finished a zoom tkl too

[@marvkeebs]

This sounds sooo good. Cant wait to get mine in a few weeks😁

[@danosdotnl]

I love that they put Made in China on the top.

[@holztisch011]

Thats a nice board but I am staying with my zoom65v2 order. Just love that 65 layout.

[@ronalddimitri2477]

id ont blame you. the 65-67 layout is so nice. Perfectly small and very fun to program with macros

[@thirtyacres7504]

I think some people buy clones because they joined this hobby late and missed out on those keycap sets. Additionally, the colors are difficult to replicate, let alone the finish. Also, there are not many options when it comes to themed keycap sets for your favorite videogame franchise, movie, or character. To say it is mostly for inclusion isn't wrong, but there are many people that wish they could have purchased a keycap set because they weren't around then, or flippers ruined a group buy. I dislike group buys and FOMO.

[@ferdii8269]

I really REALLY need to see the orange one on a video

[@DisastrousCake]

I love the longer video!

[@VelcroSnake93]

I guess I fall into the category of not caring about feeling like I'm 'participating' in whatever keyboard other people have, I just want a nice keyboard with the key layout I'm looking for, and I don't care to fall into the diminishing returns of paying high prices for the 'ultra premium' keyboards that may be visually a bit nicer or have some more premium materials, but at the end of the day don't REALLY improve the typing experience over some of these more 'entry level' boards.

[@michaeleber4752]

So it is December and all of their keyboards are listed as Sold Out.

[@DaveAlkema]

Boy, is this board tempting. I have a QK75 which I quite like. I'm a wireless user, and this board instant wakes and has monster battery life. Overall I'm happy enough with my QK that I probably won't pick up the Zoom. That said, I am recommending it to some friends who I'm trying to get into the hobby.

[@andysit622]

This is essentially where I am at as well, I have the QK75 in black and I love it. I am trying to get my friends into the hobby and I really think that this keyboard will get them addicted as well.

[@DantesInfrgnome]

2:17 Me trying to support my homies in highschool

[@scarletdays1]

My banks about to judge me again

[@nainaigogo6666]

hey nice keyboard

[@oil3]

Man… I love your 3s. Did you do the coloring/mod yourself or get them somewhere?! Thanks!

[@duykey9370]

between zoom65 ee v2 and zoom75 (not mention the layout) which is better about the build, case, sound…overall

[@randomboiyo6254]

Hey guys, BEFORE you buy a Meletrix product, just know that it might potentially take a long time. Of course that's to be expected with group buys, but there is NO communications with Meletrix themselves, only the vendor. Some people who ordered the Zoom TKL back in 2022 still has not gotten their keebs.

[@saaroot]

that yellow sure is nice though

[@jrjelk06]

how do you buy it tho? the website is so confusing

[@solotopp]

Have they fixed the pcb sliding? That would bother me SO much that I would not buy.

[@AphillyatedYT]

my gmmk pro sounds the exact same way and all i did was add the flex fit

[@nacnacnacnacnacnacnacnac]

Pretty sure the main reason people buy clones is because genuine sets are stupid expensive and take forever to actually arrive. Not only that, but sometimes (after months of waiting) they come with defects. I'd rather have defects on my $50 reps that I can return than my $200 genuine caps that i cannot return.

[@erones]

Hey, not sure if you'll see this, but by any chance, haven't you had a warping problem on your spacebars? I just notice that all spacebars that you have produced are just so perfect and rattle free. Would like to know how you achieve that in case that the spacebar is a little bit warped. All my GMK sets have a little warping on 7u spacebars and for the life of me cannot remove the annoying ticking :

[@missrespectful]

I’d love to see exactly how “orange” this board is so I can find a key set to match haha

[@KalbiKing]

Alex, with the Alfion Haze switches, did you re-clean and re-lube them or just use them factory-lubed? Wondering if you ran into any issues with inconsistent (too much) lube in the switches. Thanks.

[@user-hg9lj6wr1p]

Hi, I have the blade 60 e-yellow and I am just wondering how close is it to the yellowness of this zoom 75. Thank you!

[@brandman60]

hey always been super curious to where you get your keyboard mats from? Thanks :)

[@spacecables]

i see an alexotos vid, i like. simple.

[@heroclix0rz]

Re: why would you seek the end of a hobby? My goal with keyboard building isn't to build keyboards indefinitely, it's to optimize the tactile interface with my PC. The only thing that justifies me continuously iterating and trying new configurations is that perfection is impossible to reach, and my preferences will change over time. But if I am able to reach a 99% perfect config that satisfies 100% of my preferences at a given time, then I take pleasure in not iterating on the board further, and just using my creation. To me, continuing to iterate indefinitely means that I'm either: not sure what I want, not good at crafting what I want, or a keyboard influencer.

[@duykey9370]

What your thought between qk80 and zoom75 (not mention the layout) about the build, case, sound…

[@jc51373]

can't decide on this board or the Sonnet. Help me out!

[@bosenngantor9160]

I'm tempted to this after watched the video, but I kinda tired over that back plate style, I mean the whole glossy thing on the back tho, looks nice but I don't want to deal with cleaning it up every now and then, and I already saw few user of zoom tkl cracked their back case (of course it's personal error)...and I wish they started to do another thing for that backplate design, it looks kinda same with my old zoom65 too. Zoom 65 v2, tkl, and 75 are basically looks the same from the back. The design overall is nice, not really sold on the lcd thing, whatever, probably I will opted to badges, and of course the sound improve is nice for the class

[@z4k1_zaki65]

There are tons of options they’re providing to suit each preference, don’t like glass, there’s the PVD SS. Don’t like anything shiny, there’s CF. And about the design, as a brand you would want to maintain a certain design language for each series. Not just making stuff standardised, but also compatibility and manufacturing. If you don’t like the Zoom range, Wuque literally have several other series

[@AT-vj2mz]

No foams almost always sounds bad with pc plate IMO. I dont see whats wrong with using foams tho

[@ikillu2times]

Flexcut or no flexcut?

[@Musicformybuddies]

what earphones is he using??

[@AphillyatedYT]

sounds a ittle pingy but would dound better with a little foam

[@MaxWis]

I'm looking to get a new keyboard(after 10 years), and this would have been perfect, with the extra numpad to the side. unfortunately i'm late to the party. anyone that knows when you can order this again or simular products?

[@calvinhardy882]

Anyone know what keycaps are on his grey keyboard at the top of the video?

[@u4tuna]

amazing board

[@peterschonherr7771]

is there any way to get the mode boards in europe? Import taxes and shipping will make an entry board like this a no go otherwise

[@obeliskt1024]

I ordered the 199$ EE version, Lilac, black ano external weight&knob and no other add-ons. Final cost of everything (shipping/tax etc.) is 233$.

[@StoatCS2]

when I included the LCD it was only 239... are you sure you didnt include something else?

[@obeliskt1024]

@@StoatCS2 ah well I ordered from a local reseller so the additional fee is expected. Taxes/shops margins/shipping/duties

[@StoatCS2]

@@obeliskt1024 nice, well have fun building!

[@sineadryan8078]

Is this the essential edition or special edition? I’ve seen people say that if you get the essential edition it isnt compatible with the lcd module, is that correct?

[@SL0THHHHHH]

Serious considering whether I should get the GT Silver or Black/ Black SE to pair with GMK Olivia, any opinions? 😂😂

[@nathanaelniklaus2981]

Black is so good looking, but it's like every other keyboard...boring to go with that if there is a bunch. Definitely the GT silver, orange for me

[@akieu09]

this in comparison to the jris75?

[@willyc2685]

i got the zoom65 v2, the stab is not really good.

[@Jpnhobi]

Hey alex, wwhats the cable you're using?

[@cl-audio322]

Hi guys, custom keeb noob here. Can someone tell my why he is thrilled about no flex cuts? I looked up flex cuts vs no flex and from what I understand, flex cuts the board will flex? Is there a general consensus on why someone would choose flex cuts or no flex cuts? Thanks.

[@aftl_ryz8549]

Flex cuts sound extremely thin and bad, while doing not that much to nothing

[@JANGO79OnInDY]

22:55 Will it be repaired?

[@janmichaelsuarez2996]

Hi this has no foam at all?

[@sickosforlife199]

Are the switches pre lubed or did you lube them yourself?

[@VectorLogics]

Hi alexotos ! Just got into the hobby , loved your videos. Wanna ask about the flex cuts vs non flex cuts pcb , what are the difference? Why do you prefer non flex cuts ?

[@obeliskt1024]

Heard him say that flex cuts mutes the sound and many people don't like how it sounds. And some consider flex cuts a nuisance when changing out switches because when they pull, the flex cut may go with the direction you're pulling up, making it harder to change switches and scary for some since they feel the pcb might break.

[@alexotos]

Thank you! Flex cuts end up thinning the sound of a keyboards greatly at the expense of some "flex". A proper mounting system can still add flex and bounce without thing sound. It's why I advocate for non flex cut pcbs.

[@VectorLogics]

Thanks obelisk and Alex ! Went with the non cut PCB, alu plate and internal weight ! 😆 hopefully won’t regret on not getting other plates 😂 them choices to make tho !

[@yuyifu2262]

Downside being its not CNCed.

[@Accronym]

anyone know the mouse he is using in this video?

[@adityaramesh1764]

I wanted this board so fucking bad but shipping to my country is literally half the cost of the keeb itself :sadge

[@krisrobitzsch]

I buy clones from time to time. But I only buy high QUALITY caps. They gotta be 1.5mm and fully molded. I really don’t care, everybody buys things that are or were ripped off something else at one time. Nobody has a patent on colors.

[@benbrown9305]

i think they put made in china on the front of the box because they're proud that their home is making beautiful things like these keyboards!

[@riceshakes]

FLEX CUT BAD ALL KEYBOARD WITH FLEXCUT BAD we get it dude holy

[@z4k1_zaki65]

He builds keyboard almost everyday, hearing thin and muted sounding boards too often isn’t fun and yet companies are still making boards with it without actually testing them properly …..

[@riceshakes]

@@z4k1_zaki65 flex cuts don't automatically mean thin and muted. And they do test them, they're just marketed towards the foam lovers. I prefer foamless keyboards too but just because a pcb has flex cuts doesn't mean it's bad.

[@z4k1_zaki65]

@@riceshakes He builds keyboard for a living, he has encountered this too many times. A good example was the QK80, where after so many complaints they have decided to make pcbs with and without flex cut. In this build, he proves that you can achieve flex without having any flex cut. So why introduce something that isn’t necessary? Most of my builds are foamless, but wouldn’t it be nice if companies would spend a little of testing, and make a keyboard, that sounds nice, with and without foams?

[@jacobturner1004]

what is ur screw holder/marble spinner thing. Is it from kbd fans coz they have a simmilar sort of thing???

[@alexotos]

Its from JJW keyboards! It's the playtray

[@jacobturner1004]

@@alexotos ty so much love ur vids

[@tomspooner9093]

I dont get why people hate on flex cuts so much

[@aftl_ryz8549]

Because they sound pretty bad

[@tomspooner9093]

@@aftl_ryz8549 I havent used a ton of boards with flex cuts, but they sound fine to me. Less loud and you hear the case more

[@StoatCS2]

I am kind of new to this, but what is wrong with flex cuts?

[@billywells2020]

flex cuts on the PCB are known to produce thinner sounds from your switches. To many, its not worth the sacrifice to sound so many opt for non-flex cut pcvs or tape up the cuts.

[@StoatCS2]

@@billywells2020 thank you! So if I were to order this board, it would be worth it to buy the PCB without flex cuts... Thanks again!

[@MyPapa16]

Also it might cause strain on the pcb when you put in or replace switches.

[@Qahtanite]

damn I really want that

[@v1nnyc]

What's wrong with flexcuts?

[@Almond150]

They make the sound thinner. It’s especially bad on quieter boards, it is preference though

[@v1nnyc]

@@Almond150 good to know thank you

[@GantioKeys]

SPACEBAR SSSSSSSSLAPS 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@shenyingify]

I'm really curious, would GMK Gregory look good on this board? I'm wondering if the yellows will match close enough to look good

[@silver33]

It's always out of stock.

[@krisrobitzsch]

Can’t believe you call a zoom75 a budget board. A fully built zoom75 is like $500 On an off her note, that’s how I get myself to lube my switches. I tell myself to just do it for a few minutes and I end up sticking at it for atleast 40 switches. Lol

[@Redino20]

YOOO LETS GOOO

[@gvnady8380]

theres no such thing as endgame, you just keep on buying again 🤣

[@Niyaazd]

I think people buy clones (myself included) because our country has major shipping tax from the states compared to china imports.... basically accessibility (besides availability)

[@168baljut]

banger

[@johncarlosalangsang6511]

I personally buy keycap clones for the main reason that I can't afford the original ones. EVEN those 50 bucks worth of keycaps I can't afford it. I'll buy other "more" reasonable stuff rather than buying those plastics. In my country, there's this seller that sell clones that has good quality for its price and its PBT. They're thick and somewhat 'so-so' legends but for 20 bucks? that's good for me.

[@alexotos]

I get this. I have NO hate for anyone who buys them. I want people to have what they want, and I totally understand why people would rather get the clones. It just makes more sense for people who dont have access to real ones but want to participate. I personally choose to not engage in purchasing or direct replica products but everyone is different

[@johncarlosalangsang6511]

@@alexotos well if I have the money and opportunity to buy real ones, why not though? I also got your idea behind it. We're a community here and its great to have many choices nowadays.

[@misterhamez]

shitting on clones is just gatekeeping

[@miguelcollado5438]

on the topic of buying clones, i buy clones for use in the office or travel, because i know i will beat the shit out of it and drop foods/drinks on them with no care... my GMK's/EPBT's etc.. stays home for me to enjoy and swap around and build, break down and rebuild again. most of the folks that buy clones i know have other expensive quality kits at home with a bunch of keebs

[@rexammus]

it says made in china in the front because they're proud that they're chinese. It shows in the artwork as well. No shame in being patriotic.

[@TheAlixSH]

I only own cheap boards. So, what is it with flexcuts and elitists saying they are bad?

[@z4k1_zaki65]

Flex cuts are widely known to produce thinner sound profiles, it’s especially worse when the board itself is already quite quiet

[@ravyo8821]

That free space on the right side makes it unbuyable ugly

[@bosenngantor9160]

still f cheap tho

[@Moritz.Langen]

Meh it looks fine. I have no problem with it.

[@brianarthurona9461]

I want to chase the end of this hobby because I'm running out of money. This is an expensive hobby, if you have money then you don't want it to end. If not, then enjoy it until your wallet bleeds out.

[@parkersgarage4216]

def looks like its made in china thats for sure. the yellow is also terrible, i couldnt handle the screen being crooked and janky like that after spending that money. id pass on it, my current and first build is a space 65 r3 mecha-01w eva 01 switches and gmk mitolet caps. i even decided to solder my first one which was super simple to do. havent seen another board i liked yet.

[@ownalicous1]

oh sure no modding just an entire build even worse.... lmfao