Guess who's back? | NEW Mode SixtyFive Build

Mode kindly sent along a SixtyFive prototype for me to build and review, come along on the journey with me.
If you choose to buy one, or another Mode board yourself, consider using my affiliate link. For no cost to you, it supports this channel: modedesigns.com/IanOfEarth
The SixtyFive by Mode Designs is a 65% mechanical keyboard that has returned not only with its trusty top mount configuration, but has been reworked to support Mode's Lattice Mount system as well. It features a number of other design refinements and in my opinion, improvements. It also has more plate materials available than ever before, including the Polypropylene or "PP" plate that I got with my review unit.
In this review unit I also used the Roller Linear switches, recently highly reviewed by ThereminGoat, that contain metal ball bearings to lower friction and increase stability. Using these over the course of time since this build that have become one of my favorite linear switches to date. Rumor has it a v2 will be coming soon to more vendors than the v1 did.
Chapters:
00:00:00 - Intro & Comparison to 2021
00:14:22 - Case Prep
00:26:04 - Plate & PCB Prep
00:33:03 - Assembly
00:47:38 - Keycaps
00:51:57 - Impressions & 2021 Comparison
01:02:45 - Soundtests
Music from Epidemic Sound

[@MatthewEncina]

Thanks for these detailed reviews.

[@_IanOfEarth]

Thank you for your consistent support! Love doing these builds

[@sixxtylol]

Production quality is amazing. Great stuff

[@_IanOfEarth]

@@sixxtylol thanks for watching and for the kind words! :)

[@AAA_Photog]

such a shame the badge isn't MagSafe compatible (that was peak April Fool's content) great video as always! your attention to detail makes it easier to live vicariously through your builds!

[@_IanOfEarth]

Thanks, boo 🥰

[@modekeyboards]

Don't worry, the MagSafe badge is coming! February 31st, 2069

[@_IanOfEarth]

@@modekeyboards wait a second

[@respect386]

This is such a dope board. Great video!!

[@_IanOfEarth]

Mode does good work, thank you for watching!

[@justanotherpxrson]

I don't like that there isn't an option for a basic aluminum black or white accent this time around. there is black mirror which adds cost, and no option for white at all.

[@_IanOfEarth]

A note I would not have thought to give! Definitely email Mode support or chat in their Discord. They are very receptive to ideas.

[@justanotherpxrson]

@@_IanOfEarthI guess I could join their discord. I thought it was far too late for changes to be made tbh, I was kinda just venting slight frustration LOL

[@_IanOfEarth]

@@justanotherpxrson they add and remove materials and finishes all the time, never too late

[@pedroamaral8100]

great video! thank you!

[@_IanOfEarth]

Thanks for watching!

[@WoollyMittens]

Screw inserts would be nice for something of this price range.

[@_IanOfEarth]

It has Helicoils in all the needed places on the polycarbonate parts! :)

[@instantiatethis]

Thanks for being my lunch buddy 3 days in a row

[@_IanOfEarth]

Anytime my friend

[@instantiatethis]

You know what this guide needs? A Goose

[@_IanOfEarth]

Guide?

[@instantiatethis]

@@_IanOfEarth BUILD it is hard to type while you eat lunch okay

[@_IanOfEarth]

@@instantiatethis 😂 😭

[@instantiatethis]

Done with my lunch so probably see you tomorrow for my thoughts on sound tests

[@instantiatethis]

big time mode boi

[@_IanOfEarth]

we get each other 😍

[@instantiatethis]

Whats 60cm in freedom units?

[@instantiatethis]

hmm there seems to be no bounce with the lattice, I have noticeable bounce on the Tempo

[@instantiatethis]

yes always say you are sorry when you are rough with your keyboards

[@_IanOfEarth]

KZbin comments don’t have time stamps 😭

[@instantiatethis]

@@_IanOfEarth it is annoying that you don't get to know what all my brilliant commentary is about

[@instantiatethis]

I am probably not going to change my ways tho

[@instantiatethis]

I am not wrong no you tube is the one that is wrong

[@_IanOfEarth]

@@instantiatethis if you commented with a timestamp ;)

[@instantiatethis]

I still find split backspace baffling. Who needs so many keys?!?

[@_IanOfEarth]

we get it pain27 😂

[@instantiatethis]

I hope you are having a nice day.

[@_IanOfEarth]

no u

[@Krynis]

I noticed you don't use an alignment tool and the switches look slightly out of alignment, does that just end up being a non issue when a board like this is finished? I'm new to needing to support and align stuff.

[@_IanOfEarth]

The switches used are 5-pin and are self aligning. In busier parts of the board like around enter switches can get a little crooked, but the plate generally handles that.

[@Krynis]

@@_IanOfEarth Thanks for the response that's very good to know!

[@instantiatethis]

How is watching over a bunch of days and commenting as I do effect the rithm? I think that is it for today.

[@instantiatethis]

Guess who is back again

[@_IanOfEarth]

The Mode SixtyFive! :D

[@instantiatethis]

@@_IanOfEarth that too

[@Ludalex07]

Cool build. What are those keycaps on the original SixtyFive?

[@_IanOfEarth]

CRP R6, thanks for watching!

[@instantiatethis]

Isn't a solid lattice block just a solid block?

[@_IanOfEarth]

Yes! :D

[@aris_acoba]

👋How are you finding this compared to your recently built Sonnet? If you were to keep only one, which would you prefer?

[@_IanOfEarth]

Tough one! I really personally value having an f-row so that gives a big edge to Sonnet. Also I prefer stiffer boards and the Sonnet being top or stack mount accomplishes that. If you are someone who doesn't need an frow all the time and a layer is fine, or you like a softer board: The SixtyFive gets way softer than the Sonnet can with any plate just due to the mounting options.

[@aris_acoba]

@@_IanOfEarth Thank you for this insight! Appreciate it

[@niclake13]

HUZZAH!!!!

[@_IanOfEarth]

We’re so back rn

[@QualityScrub]

HYPEEEE LET’S GOOOOO

[@_IanOfEarth]

None of you will ever love me like Scrub does

[@QualityScrub]

Babe, we’re just meant to be

[@_IanOfEarth]

@@QualityScrub babe, come to KeyCon 😏

[@QualityScrub]

I wish 😢

[@hrolvnir]

I’m not a 65 person but if they did the 80 with this language woof 😮‍💨

[@_IanOfEarth]

I would die

[@trippleaj]

How does it compare to the envoy?

[@_IanOfEarth]

Could you ask a more specific question?

[@trippleaj]

@@_IanOfEarth is it better, worse , the same. Difference in typing feel? Softer?

[@_IanOfEarth]

@@trippleaj Typing feel is nearly identical since it’s still Lattice Mount. Of course Top Mount will be much stiffer than anything the Envoy can accomplish.

[@trippleaj]

@@_IanOfEarth ok cool thank you. I have an envoy and I love it. I was just curious if there are noticeable differences.

[@instantiatethis]

Video is over now, talk to you some other time!

[@instantiatethis]

Why do you go bottom to top instead of top to bottom?

[@_IanOfEarth]

foooorrrrr?

[@instantiatethis]

@@_IanOfEarth for putting in switches

[@_IanOfEarth]

@@instantiatethis oh! the bottom and edges are the most fiddly

[@instantiatethis]

YOU DIDN'T SAY IM SORRY ON THE SECOND DROP

[@_IanOfEarth]

TIMESTAMPS

[@instantiatethis]

@@_IanOfEarth sorry I live in the now

[@_IanOfEarth]

@@instantiatethis 😩

[@instantiatethis]

I am not going to buy this I think because reasons but it looks very nice

[@_IanOfEarth]

How about that Encore though 😏

[@instantiatethis]

@@_IanOfEarth I got permission from Matt to buy expensive metal and wood instead of paying him back for vacation so I hope to make that happen for sure!

[@_IanOfEarth]

@@instantiatethis hell yeah

[@SlickSpingo]

Hello

[@_IanOfEarth]

Hello, hello!

[@instantiatethis]

WhErEs YoUr CoLoR?!?

[@_IanOfEarth]

*sweats nervously*

[@instantiatethis]

You keyboard thinks you hate them now

[@_IanOfEarth]

What does this even mean?

[@instantiatethis]

@@_IanOfEarth cuz you didn't say sorry. You dropped 2024 at the end of comparing it with 2021

[@_IanOfEarth]

@@instantiatethis ohhhhh

[@instantiatethis]

You want me to leave you a comment?

[@instantiatethis]

Did you watch Dune today?

[@QualityScrub]

I love how many comments you have posted on here 😂

[@instantiatethis]

@@QualityScrub Currently 44 minutes in... I may have more to say :D

[@instantiatethis]

Since I mostly Twitch I treat it like a live stream even though it isn't. I will probably post more comments as I watch the final 20 minutes over the next few days

[@instantiatethis]

If you ever want to get me a gift you have permission to get me Kapton

[@instantiatethis]

I just have use off brand scotch tape for these purposes. I am not so classy as thee

[@instantiatethis]

Should I buy you a pair of white gloves for not smudging up the butts you touch?

[@instantiatethis]

Plate forks are for the weak

[@_IanOfEarth]

i am weak