My Best Sounding Keyboard - NK65 Entry Cream

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My best sounding keyboard build to date
Novelkeys NK65 Entry
NK creams lubed w/ Krytox 205g0
EPBT x BIIP Cool Kids
Video gear
Camera: geni.us/cN16f
Primary Lens: geni.us/Mfv0kQO
/ optimumtechyt
/ alisayed3
/ optimum
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[@har2252]

The reason the Tofu60 you have sounds a little metallic and high pitched as opposed to thoccy is because it’s a tray mount which you are most likely not using o-rings for. If you use the o-ring mod where you place o-rings on the stand offs between the PCB you can make your Tofu 60 sound much much better! I’d highly recommend doing so! As a keyboard enthusiast love seeing you step into this kind of content, hope to see more!

[@cadenplays7693]

Is the GMMK Pro board tray mounted, because it’s my first time and I’m planing on doing another build

[@dragonitefan9678]

@@cadenplays7693 Nope its gasket mount, it doesn't have much of a effect though a would check out a build video before building

[@har2252]

@@cadenplays7693 hey man, no it’s not, the GMMK Pro is a gasket mount which should be a less stiff and more bouncy typing experience than a tray mount. However you should know the gasket mounting on a GMMK Pro is poorly implemented and takes significant modding to be good. Unless you really liked the look of the keyboard there’s better value for money options on the market atm.

[@lylacfps]

@@har2252 That seems to be my situation at the moment, just really liked the silver GMMK Pro. Any tips on what kind of mods to do to improve the gasket mounting?

[@Chris_P_Bacon]

@@cadenplays7693 It's gasket mounted. However, I would suggest looking into the Keychron Q1 or Q2, after modding it performs quite a lot better. There are tons of reviews on KZbin on these boards

[@p0keyy]

Down the rabbit hole we go! Can't wait to see you learn and make a ton more custom keyboard content. Good vid!

[@escapenguin]

I've build a couple boards using this kit as a base and I'm always impressed at how great they sound with only a little work and mods.

[@ItsNotFrey]

FYI there are smoother switches for the price of NK Creams. Stuff like the Durock POMs and Gateron CJs offer roughly the same sound as NK Creams but are smoother and are easier to handle for beginners due to them having lighter springs than the Creams. Not saying that Creams can't be good, you can get or make worn/broken-in Creams that are extremely smooth and sound great, but it's not worth the hassle of breaking them in, and they are quite expensive on the second-hand market.

[@optimumtech]

I'll check them out!

[@kozuta8858]

Oil kings is good as well

[@aaaa00443]

Agreed, I feel like NK Creams are a bit overrated.

[@infrences]

@@kozuta8858 haven’t heard much from oil kings as much as things like CJs and other switches like the ice candies (I think that’s their name)

[@ItsNotFrey]

@@infrences Oil Kings are basically Gateron Inks with an opaque black housing, and insanely long 65g spring.

[@zacharyabella982]

I literally just finished watching the build you made for Aceu and now this beaut! Always love watching your stuff, mate. (P.S. I agree with what you said about really filling the space in compact cases as much as possible in regards to Aceu's PC!)

[@rubyredphoto]

My first custom arrives in 6 days and I have never been more excited about a delivery in my life! KBD75 V3.1

[@casiquekibra]

Congrats on yet another great build! NK65 is really good and super underrated among people entering the custom keyboard world Amazing look you got with the paint

[@CEngi]

The NK Creams are considered to be one of the scratchiest stock linears out there. You have to break them in first before lubing to have the best experience with them :)

[@ozhuenlxbouginsrirluhnbrtw2266]

Are they made to be broken in or is it like that with every switch. I'd assume every switch gets smoother after breaking in even if they're super smooth already

[@jameelkurabi]

@@ozhuenlxbouginsrirluhnbrtw2266 It's just creams that really benefit from being broken in. Most switches don't need to be broken in and will benefit from lube immediately. Creams still sound and feel great without being broken in long as they are lubed.

[@CEngi]

@@jameelkurabi Mx switches too, especially mx blacks

[@aapelikananena9699]

@@ozhuenlxbouginsrirluhnbrtw2266 i think it had something to do with the cream's material

[@FearForgeStudio]

@@jameelkurabi how do you break in a switch i never get it

[@kobb4467]

awesome! I've been into the custom mech keeb hobby for a while now, so cool to see you getting into this rabbit hole!

[@carince]

Nice to see you revisiting the custom keyboard scene and checking out different types of switches and keyboards, this is definitely one of the most addicting hobbies I have fallen into. Ill definitely try out spray painting my current kind of custom keyboard to probably matte black! Hope to see you grow more and I wish you luck in passing 1 million subscribers.

[@aeidein]

Good to see you getting into custom keyboards! Right now, the QK65 is the budget king, if you're interested in taking a look. I just finished building my first custom (Vega by ai03) and I love it! It's so gratifying being able to select and assemble every component to your liking.

[@ramenoodles1789]

Vega is nice!

[@owllaxe6785]

Hi, for the springs there is an easierway for lubing. you just put all your springs into a small plastic bag, add some krytox 105 and shake for half a minute. this should eliminate spring pinging.

[@fartparticles]

Beautiful lighting.

[@ElijahsLab]

I love the new space man. Background looks great

[@greee]

I built my first ever custom keyboard 1 week ago which is a gk61, i did all the modding even some addition mods like holee and bandaid mod, really really worth it, sounds absolutely fantastic in the end, cost me about 120$ for everything (keyboard, keycaps, lube, foam, switch opener, brushes, even the medical tape lol)

[@dontrom1588]

The thoc in the creams are always so satisfying.

[@JoeGaz]

Loved how soft and thocky it sounds! Great video!

[@bespokekeyboards]

Thanks for sharing Ali! Keep up the great work!

[@dalarcoin6851]

wow, I wasn't expecting it to sound that good!

[@goncxs1089]

Man got the cleanest back round 👌

[@E-danger47]

Super happy to see my favorite KZbinr getting into custom mechanical keyboards. Hope to see more keyboard content and you get better in the future. For the springs you should bag lube them using Krytox 105. And kinda wanna see you tackle better screw-in stabilizers such as TX, Durock V2s, or OwlStabs. You might also wanna check out different mounting options such as gummy o-ring, gasket mount, and etc. Also would like to see you mod your keyboards for the sound you’re looking for using tempest tape mod, polyfill mod, PE foam mod, and etc. It’s really fun hobby and finally happy to see you go down the rabbit hole.

[@silentoaths5086]

Sounds very similar to the board I built a year ago. I went with a metal tofu case but went with a poly carbonite plate to deliver that soft buttery sound. Switches I went with at the at the time were the tealios v2s with switch films which feel amazing. Without the films I dealt with excessive wobble on the keys. I'd also recommend dampening the sound with either a cloth, rubber mat, or ideally silicone part a/b solution. Doing so will improve acoustic profile of your keys and removes all hallow sounds that can produce from the case mixed with other parts of the keyboard .

[@qis_]

the editing and camera quality is just unbeatable...

[@wongobongo]

Nice, I have an NK87 EE. It's the board I suggest anyone getting into the hobby pick up. It does require a little bit of work to get the stabs sounding nice. I would suggest the 87 over the 65 (if you can afford the desk space) The reason being that it's more moddable and it come with plate mounted stabilizers.

[@fungalcoffee]

I got mine a while ago and really like it, the smoke with gmk boneyard looks incredibly good

[@oscarcharliezulu]

So excited for your review - ! I bought one in black and haven’t built it yet!

[@thespicyswede9302]

I have a NK87 EE with lubed/filmed Tecsee Oreos and switch pads. It’s such a comfy, warm, relaxing feeling sound and feel. NovelKeys is a great resource!

[@LachlanGB]

New House/setup looking fresh!

[@skystrobe3325]

i’m definitely interested in you going further down the rabbit hole, you are only covering the tip of the iceberg with these boards. I would love to see you review more premium boards with different mounting styles, layouts etc...

[@oSighhh]

nk65 EE was my first custom a couple of years ago. def worth it. sounds pretty good for the price

[@BlitzShott]

This is such a rabbit hole my friend, you may end up staring at keyboard reviews and mods for hours at a time soon (+ all those satisfying typing tests)

[@Calvinfromcalvinandhobbes]

Super excited for more keyboard stuff :)

[@MrWh4327782]

man, that space bar sounds so good

[@nicholashadweh5710]

Good vid but some things to note: when you were talking about switch films you mentioned that the film made the cream switch feel worse or different, I don’t remember what was said exactly, but the reason for that is because the purpose of switch films is to make the housing of the switches tighter by going in between a gap that the top and bottom housing may have due to poor tolerances. This provides a more consistent sound for the switch. The problem with cream switches though, is that they already have really good tight housings, so filming them actually is does more harm than good. Just wanted to point this out because not all switches need films but for the ones that do, it makes a really big difference.

[@JulienJeagal]

Just curious, what switches would you recommend films for? Gat yellows?

[@vitonash]

@@JulienJeagal I have silent alpacas and they definitely needed to be filmed. can't say much to sound (silent lol) but they definitely feel much better

[@regardie99]

Thanks for this! Bought a beige N65 and some Glorious Lynx switches for it after watching this.

[@itslukebro513]

This keyboard is the best-sounding keyboard I have ever heard 🤤

[@naddeist5056]

this keyboard looks so cool

[@D_SigGuy]

I love those key caps!!🔥

[@p.e.r.c.y]

I love my NK65 with Boba U4Ts, I love it. My only issue is the case is very creaky when you are handling the case, not really an issue during use but it's very noticeable.

[@jasknox1172]

i was actually going to get the nk65, so this video is awesome

[@dollyrr]

Its so nice to see tech KZbinrs get into custom keyboards, like actually get into custom keyboards.

[@bigsteve302]

great vid, love your style.

[@S85B50Engine]

I recommend using those Creams unlubed for a while to break them in before lubing, it makes a massive difference. Typing this on my Ultraglide MX Blacks.

[@Rawdilz]

Zoom 65 is a killer board that comes with everything you need including switches and keycaps for $180 and it would sound better as well.

[@igor.lacerda]

This off white takes me back, 90s kid! hahah 🤘

[@user-oc2cw9wm4d]

Looking forward towards your next 10 keyboard builds in the next 2 months.

[@HardwareFRA]

Verry nice video ! Thank you 😉

[@prathamgoyal7188]

Nice to see you try the budget options since the market is no so much more mature than before with keyboards like QK65 that just redefine budget.

[@jeffry3522]

Awesome build ❤❤❤❤

[@chanceyang6309]

akko makes some really good switches. They are a really good budget option that sound pretty good

[@jggg31]

Don't care much about m/k but I like and comment to support my boy!

[@Inn0IWNL]

its scratchy for my liking but it looks so good. love it

[@klubhead7070]

Just ordered the NK65 entry in beige 👍🏽

[@NotDawsen]

I can't wait to get my first custom keyboard

[@rage0exe]

Creams need alot of break in but once they are broken in they are whipped creams 😍

[@phykios]

need more keyboard content!!

[@BinggomanLive]

You definitely have to try some modding. The most popular ones are PE foam mod in between the PCB and the switches, and tape mod using 2-3 layers of masking tape below the PCB. Those moddings will improve the sound dramatically.

[@clapforjesus2491]

Can't wait for your T1 V2.0 review!

[@lozyl956]

love the background 🔥🔥🔥❤️❤️❤️💓

[@K1LO_]

Love that your doing more keyboard content! You can definitely replicate a similar sound in some alu cases. Check out some owlabs mr suit sound tests.

[@Merkyturk]

Those keycaps are fire

[@warpareee]

Working on replicating this exact keyboard.

[@bencarter5563]

Hi Optimum Tech, If you are looking to stay mainly within the realm budget keyboards, I strongly recommend taking a look at the QK65, which is absolutely peerless in its pricepoint and will absolutely blow boards like the Tofu and NK65 out of the water. It brings a genuinely refined, soft typing feel, premium materials, a clean aesthetic and aesthetic customisation into an affordable package. Also, Ietter option such as any JWK linear, any recent Gateron linear, and even Gateron Milky Yellows for a small fraction of the price. Have a great day.

[@evital0o0o]

my dream keyboard

[@ol1mar]

Wake up babe, new Optimum upload!

[@8bitsamurai6]

Glad your going farther into the custom world. Id prob got a bakeneko60 or 65 and some tangies or jwicks/ ktt for super cheap but smooth. Honestly their are alot of really good switches out now from gateron and jwk. Just depends on ur style and what you want to pay. The newer epsilon switches are said to be super good. Basically a manufactured creamsicle. Which you could make ur self with some tangies since you already have some nk creams.

[@DriftDynasty875]

Yo congrats on 609k subs

[@louis3318]

optimum is going down the rabbit hole

[@33void]

love the keycaps!

[@djashjones]

Reminds me too much of the 90s beige pc's

[@idmk]

Now we just need the best sounding mouse.

[@EdwinPohan]

Akko switches are also great budget for the money, and can even go in Outemu sockets without any modding for the cheaper hot-swappable keyboards.

[@redek1503]

Been using Akko jelly black lubed really happy with them so far

[@Monish_Raju]

I know you generally prefer 60% layouts, but I think you should consider the Vega by aio03. I feel like you'd really dig the minimal aesthetic of the board.

[@LLMOFO]

Beautiful

[@takoyakeys]

There are some places you can get pre-broken in switches like the Creams and the Cherry Hyperglide Blacks! Might be worth considering if you want to stick to this switch.

[@chrisdotdash5154]

Great choice. Don't fall too deep down the rabit hole lol. But if you want a really excellent 60% that is relatively cheap and punches way beyond their price point, I highly recommend the Simpler60 or Bakneeko60. The Simpler60 is more customizable and versatile and has a better finish because it is CNC milled and anodized. The Bakeneko60 is a more budget option, priced at $130 USD, while the Simpler60 is $180-190 USD.

[@1800Prez]

leveled up for sure, sounds creamy as dude

[@KyVonDoom]

You surprised me with the lighter color, instead going for the usual black color. Good stuff!

[@mdzor5741]

patiently waiting for pinned post about kbdfan making this build available for purchase :D

[@P-sychotic]

I would love a switch lubing and even a keyboard modding video if you get to do some while making more keyboard!

[@harun.hussein]

I'm spoiled from the ceramic keycaps we saw from randromFrankp, it's sounds really good

[@hypernono9924]

Hey really love your videos However i do recommend one thing : GET the Qk65 keyboard, for the price it’s sooo good it destroyed the competition price wise (sales start on 10th of june)

[@Caution40404]

You should try QK65 or Zoom65! These two have premium sound and their price is great.

[@DonnyDonnMendoza]

I hate not having the desired/right colour available; so I often just wrap mine purely for the aesthetics LOL

[@echohotelsix]

i usually use mr.hobby clear coat for model kits. people said it has better and smoother finishes compared with the industrial clear coat spray.

[@etherlite7]

Nice to see you entering this rabb-, I mean hobby. But there are keyboards releasing as in stocks in the past year or so that have much better qualities than the NK EE, and they don't cost that far from NK, you can check the offerings from mode keyboards, geonworks (Frog especially, from S.Korea), and Mr Suit (from owlab, though they've stopped making suits). After that you can check other long term investments like group buy or aftermarket sales for deeper hole

[@bgftchkn]

It also looks quite similar to the Beige version of the NK65

[@maxvenegas4688]

Damn I actually liked the yellow

[@seollenda]

If anyone wants a good silent switch, I highly recommend the Silent Alpacas.

[@stanax]

The THOC is strong in this one.

[@jadon2k7]

where do you recommend to buy keyboard parts in Australia?

[@ftwtech]

NK Cream switches are pretty scratchy without lube imo. Check out the Banana Split or Oil King switches!

[@Fate025]

I've bought my NK65 Entry Edition Purple about 2 years ago. The only complaint is that they use plate mounted stabs which are never as good as screwin, PCB mounted ones. I have about 6 custom keyboards which I rotate and use, but my NK65 EE is still my BEST sounding and gives me the BEST typing experience. I can't really explain it. Maybe because the top mount gives it a good typing experience, but somehow it feels better than more modern gasket mounted keyboards, for which I do own 2 of them. Sound wise I also can't really explain it, but maybe how the keyboard uses their rubber foam just hits the right pitch with linear switches, giving that nice thocky sound profile. I would suggest for people considering to buy the NK65 EE that you might want to invest another $20 to $30 buying some aftermarket everglide, or durock plate mounted stabs, as they are a BIG improvement over the stock plate mounted stabs that come with the keyboard. Users might also want to holee mod their stabs before lubing, as the holee mod will remove any ticking that is caused by the stab metal wire hitting on the inside of the stabiliser sliders.

[@JeshuaKO1]

You should also check Akko PC75B Plus, that is a really good pre-build

[@arjunc37]

Sounds a little hollow, I would recommend the Tempest Tape mod on the PCB as well as trying to add some foam within the case if there is enough space for that :D

[@creepinwhileyousleepin]

Here come the keyboard aficionados lol “ well ackchyually “

[@PeterTruely]

You should try the qk65. It is an insane board for the price.

[@LeslieTheSteez]

I have the same build except I have NK Oblivion EDT with the Creams

[@rixxy5334]

Will you be reviewing the wooting 60he with Hall effect switches? I don’t normally bother with keyboard as they have almost no impact on in game performance but I’ve heard those switches actually make a noticeable different in movement and input.

[@hietrn]

looking forward to seeing more keyboard content from you, filming a switch should not affect the typing feel of a switch tho, you might have placed a film slightly off so it interferes with the stem while being pressed or something like that idk, but still, nice video, and keep up your good work.