QK65 w/ FR4 Plate & Boba U4T's

QK65 White with Gold Build
Configuration:
FR4 Plate
Gasket Socks
Owlstabs lubed w/ Krytox 205g0
Boba U4T's Lubed w/ Krytox 205g0, filmed with deskkeys
PE Foam, Plate Foam, Case Foam (not silicone foam)
Chapters:
0:00 Typing Test
0:40 Stabs
0:57 a;sdkfja
1:02 Flex test

[@suoped8789]

Sounds incredible. I'd say one of my fav sounding builds i've seen

[@rab6325]

This is the exact build I was planning to do, this sounds really good. Can't wait for the restock so I can cop this board!

[@hardwareabstraction]

Yeah definitely am liking the FR4 more than the POM plate surprisingly. Loving the quality and the sounds

[@junkidpang4130]

@@hardwareabstraction Hows the flex comparing between pom and fr4?

[@hardwareabstraction]

@@junkidpang4130 Weirdly enough, the FR4 feels more flexy than the POM for me.

[@halashao9415]

@@hardwareabstraction is it more soft than pom on the bottom out for u?

[@kayjaylin]

One of my favorite sound profiles on youtube for keebs.

[@Andry-or7mh]

Dude, this is one of the best custom keyboards out there.

[@RealColeFarlow]

The stabs sound heavenly.

[@D4RK_IL]

this build sound insane great jobb

[@gaiaxyc9177]

I just replicated your keyboard because I realized I have extra boba u4ts and some Keycaps I forgot about, it sounds amazing

[@Puz_zler]

One of the best sounding keyboard wow

[@dark119roblox2]

the best sounding keyboard i have heard....

[@auro8649]

superior sound *-*

[@H3Y0o]

I see that you are from team U4Ts... A man of class, you've earned my subscribe...

[@hardwareabstraction]

They're awesome! Love how they feel and sound!

[@H3Y0o]

@@hardwareabstraction I believe you... Coming from an U4T user myself.

[@westgaming1403]

it is sooo creamy and respect for the build and how fast u type

[@SomberP]

Sometimes I think about keyboards like that scene from American psycho “Oh my god. The sound is so creamy, those crisp white keycaps with subtle legends. That soft thock…it’s perfect”

[@Sgt_Glory]

Let's see... Paul Allen's keyboard...

[@mr6291]

I've come from the future with a video from the past: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3nXYWR6a9eCgqs

[@tisthegreat7420]

I can only imagine how much foam that board has. Nice build.

[@hardwareabstraction]

Yeah the value on this board is insane, and the board actually sounds pretty good without foam too which is a good sign.

[@tisthegreat7420]

@@hardwareabstraction indeed. I'd love to know how it sounds like with no foam and mx blacks.

[@hardwareabstraction]

@@tisthegreat7420 I don't have mx blacks, but I have Lubed and Filmed Gateron Ink Black V2's if you're interested

[@tisthegreat7420]

@@hardwareabstraction oh man the marbliness on that thing.

[@BlueNavigationUnit]

@@hardwareabstraction I'd be very interested to hear this!

[@chos8761]

Sounds amazing

[@KoiChev]

this is so thockyy!! i love it

[@itsleonardo5596]

uuuh super thock my friend. love it!

[@hirun6459]

Damn! This sounds sooo good can you upload a long version in "asmr" type

[@hardwareabstraction]

Been thinking about it! Need some free time to do that but that’s definitely in the pipeline

[@darrincheng771]

BRuh, u4t are now the new meta. wait till holy boba's enter the meta

[@AnhBoyDad]

Love it brother

[@Simon-is2xd]

Thats D E E P T H O C C !

[@laowu830]

Very nice!

[@benteoh8890]

DAMNNN!!!! THIS IS NICEEEEE

[@lil_syba]

Fuuuck this sounds amazing!

[@GloomzyLion]

I snorted when you used the AirPods case as a clapperboard! xD

[@hardwareabstraction]

Haha yea - it also gives a good baseline for people to see how the microphone does of recording the keyboard sounds. Makes sure there it's not too filtered etc.

[@lil_liamalbert]

Holy fuck this sounds so good

[@Yukeena]

Dude...I was gonna go with a POM Plate, but holy shit, this sounds amazing. fr4 plate sounds much better

[@hardwareabstraction]

Yeah personally really enjoying the mix of pop and thock FR4 brings.

[@deegee6062]

that board sounds so good! I've seen a lot of people getting FR4 plates lately, what makes them so special?

[@xiii_centuries]

fr4 has a sound profile that’s kinda in between a pc and alu plate

[@daniellenselink4624]

Additionally, for whatever reason flex cuts seem to be more prevalent on FR4 plates (not sure if the case here tho) since PC and POM are so soft already. On boards like the Owlabs spring and the Space80, this makes the typing experience actually softer with a technically stiffer plate material.

[@hardwareabstraction]

FR4 has a unique sound that isn't pingy/hollow but isn't exactly thocky/deep either. It's a great inbetween. Other reasons people might go for FR4 is because its a little bit stiffer than the PC and POM plates, so they might like that a little bit more.

[@hardwareabstraction]

@BIGCHUNGUS123 probably POM

[@dan-nr7fm]

@@cspteja man u sure are special

[@Antihero-mu4bb]

Its... So... Gooooood

[@okuue]

this right here is the endgame

[@-AHMADANDIZAINURI]

Very deep

[@AlvaTheSpurned]

wow!

[@ducklord4794]

Mx browns sound so good 🤤

[@hardwareabstraction]

👀

[@urmama834]

Wow that's the poppiest keyboard i have heard in a while

[@rab6325]

Also how is the tacticility on the lubed U4Ts? I received some 62g the other day and stock they're great but I've heard lubing them removes some tactility

[@hardwareabstraction]

I have the 68g (just an FYI). The tactility is still pretty good, lubed they are still more tactile than stock glorious pandas. I'd say they're basically on-par , if not, just a lil less tactile than my lubed Zealios V2's. As long as you're not lubing the legs you should be fine. Hot take as well, I feel like scratchiness adds to perceived tactility. TLDR: Definitely lube them for thock and smoothness, tactility will still be there

[@TheInstaShark]

Use Tribosys 3203 and avoid the stem legs/leaf. That's all there is to it.

[@hueynguyen85]

creamy and thoccyyyyyyy jeeeeez !!!!

[@user-io7ks5im7h]

I almost thought that you made yogurt into a mechanical keb, cause that board's spilling.

[@dygger2]

WOWWWWWWWWWWWWWW

[@ozhuenlxbouginsrirluhnbrtw2266]

Bro came in with the airpods

[@auzyxwww]

i keep coming back to this video because of how the stabs/a;sdkfja/flex test sounds, its one of my favorite sounds yet this is like one of the only videos i can find that specifically do those tests, is it possible to get an extended version ?

[@hardwareabstraction]

Maybe! Really need to figure out the filming situation because I want the quality to look better.

[@adsanm9643]

@@hardwareabstraction i have a question, how could i try to recreate a marbly sound similar to this i already put in pe foam. only made a little difference

[@hardwareabstraction]

@@adsanm9643 Honestly theres a lot of different factors that go into what makes it sound like that. So hard to say, going to have to experiment :/

[@cheeki_beeki]

hello! love the build, how would you rates its flex? especially compared to other plates like pom and pc?

[@cheeki_beeki]

coz it seems like FR4 might have more flex compared to the pc and pom plate builds ive seen

[@hardwareabstraction]

Yeah personally I think the FR4 is flexier than POM, I don't have a PC plate sorry :/

[@Bonji343]

Did you do the bag lubing thing? Or did you just lube everything normally except for the legs with 205 or did you do the gazzew method?

[@Dekemyster]

Sounds so good dude. How did you lube your bobas?

[@hardwareabstraction]

Just everything except the legs :)

[@juniorss8333]

Hi! I need your help!! Did you film these switches? Would you recommend I lube AND film them as well, or just lube them and call it a day. Thank you.

[@hardwareabstraction]

Sorry for the late reply. I did film these switch, but thats because the top and bottom housing were crunching up against eachother when I typed. Personally the sound bothered me enough for me to film them, but if its not something you notice then I wouldn't bother filming it.

[@stick3899]

How did you mod your spacebar stabs? It literally sounds like perfection

[@zhieson]

It's probably just the OwlStabs that come with the board. There supposed to have a memory effect so you don't need to tune/straighten them at all. They're great on my Suit and Spring.

[@hardwareabstraction]

Yup just the owlstabs and only lube. Didn't use the stab pads. It's surprisingly hard to tune perfect stabs. If I'm being honest I can still here some rattle but if you use enough lube all the bad sounds go away

[@stick3899]

@@hardwareabstraction how often do you have to relube then? I'm assuming its a thick lube like dielectric grease

[@GTRECON]

@@stick3899 it says what lube he used in the desc, 205g0

[@moonside24]

Did you do anything to the spacebar stabs? I have a nearly identical build and everything sounds the same on mine as yours, but your spacebar sounds a bit softer and bassier. Did you do anything special to get that tone out of it?

[@hardwareabstraction]

Nope, just used some dielectric grease and 205g0. The spacebar material + thickness + weight has a lot more effect than you might think so that might be the reason.

[@moonside24]

@@hardwareabstraction thanks for the advice. Love that deep sounding spacebar, I'll try some modding to mine and see what I can come up with. Thanks!

[@Theslowsquid]

Awesome video. What mic did you use to record this?

[@hardwareabstraction]

Here's the link to the mic I have. It's a Fifine T669, so nothing fancy, but surprisingly good for the price. www.amazon.com/dp/B07Y1C6GDS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_5CM8RQ5ED5FQG1AX31BH?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

[@lalinhooka100]

could you explain these parts: FR4 Plate Gasket Socks Owlstabs lubed w/ Krytox 205g0 Boba U4T's Lubed w/ Krytox 205g0, filmed with deskkeys PE Foam, Plate Foam, Case Foam (not silicone foam) in detail for someone who has no idea about custom keybords? and from where can i buy those? i assume i cant buy a finish product like this...

[@brqybrqy986]

This keyboard sounds awesome what mods and switches did u use

[@hardwareabstraction]

No mods - Boba U4T 68g switches

[@Noahfain]

What are your thoughts on Alu vs FR4 as far as sound signature? When the QK75 comes out I'm going to buy a pom plate and either Alu or FR4. I have alu on my QK65 and really like it, but love how the FR4 sounds in this vid.

[@hardwareabstraction]

Sorry for the late reply. Honestly its up to personal preference. I don't really like metal plates but to each their own.

[@Noahfain]

@@hardwareabstraction Thanks for the reply, and love your vids. I really like the sound of Alu but feel its too stiff.

[@qwertykeys2119]

that's reference for creamy imho

[@ojgimpson]

wow.

[@jufranz6726]

Did you use abs or pbt keycaps? And btw, your keeb sounds amazing!

[@hardwareabstraction]

Haha so the amazon listing I bought it from said PBT. I haven't confirmed it but they seem like PBT from what I can tell.

[@jufranz6726]

@@hardwareabstraction thank you for the reply!

[@mle8603]

Watching your POM and FR4 video, the stabs for the FR4 sound quieter and not as poppy. Is that just the difference in video edit? How is it IRL? I'm torn between the two... one part of me says drop the dough and buy all the plates and compare. The other part wants to eat more than ramen. 🤣

[@hardwareabstraction]

Might be a microphone gain difference (i try to keep them consistent but it doesn’t always work out that way) But I would say the FR4 in person is a lot more crisp and poppy while the POM is just straight up deep. I’d say drop it on the two plates because it’s nice to switch up the sound profile on my keyboard. But personally I’ve been really enjoying the sound profile of the FR4.

[@mle8603]

@@hardwareabstraction Thanks brother, I was so tempted to get in the the Stone Age drop but will wait for the R2 for my first choice colourway :)

[@christan7236]

Cream!

[@zyphorx3604]

Sound nice! What case foam did you use?

[@hardwareabstraction]

Just used the poron one that it came with. Didn’t use the silicone one

[@sorsnig7442]

when that Za touch down

[@insomni7535]

well said

[@Tulkas805]

If you include the case foam without the silicone, is it just sitting at the bottom of the case away from the plate?

[@hardwareabstraction]

Yup thats correct. Figured its better than nothing, it should dampen SOME sound at the very least.

[@illegitimate0]

These builds with so much flex sound nice, but are they annoying to use? I'd assume when gaming the flex would annoy me, but I might be making up problems.

[@hardwareabstraction]

Actually they're pretty pleasant to use. After using a flexy keyboard and going back to a stiff keyboard, the stiff keyboard feels like typing on a brick. Definitely not bad as you think it is.

[@jayox6449]

What did you lube your u4ts with? Sounds clean

[@hardwareabstraction]

Krytox 205g0

[@YourCasualPlayer]

The bobas sound good in the normal keys but not in bigger keys. I wish there was a good switch that sounded really good in a space bar.😩😩

[@hardwareabstraction]

Hey sorry for the late reply! I linked the keycaps here. They're on sale right now because of prime day so act fast! www.amazon.com/Japanese-Minimalist-Suitable-Mechanical-Keyboard/dp/B08L7YXQ43/ref=sr_1_12?crid=M20NIYAGICYF&keywords=minimalist+keycaps&qid=1657708040&sprefix=minimalist+keycaps%2Caps%2C124&sr=8-12

[@LukkyTech]

I think the space bar sounds amazing 🤤

[@_German]

how did you get your spacebar so deep mine is pretty high pitches? is it because of the case foam

[@hardwareabstraction]

Possibly? I didn't do any mods to the board, just used the EVA case foam, not the silicone one

[@_German]

@@hardwareabstraction alright

[@rishi8775]

super thoccckkkky

[@erichong3430]

are stock bobas factory lubed? If so, did you just lube over them or clean them out first?

[@hardwareabstraction]

I just lubed over them with Krytox 205g0 haha cause I was lazy :).

[@erichong3430]

@@hardwareabstraction ahaha. I just built mine with FR4 and aqua kings and it sounds exactly like this sound test (uncannily so even when taking into account that PE foam tends to make all switches sound similar) just without the tactile bump.

[@dang_itx6000]

I need the bobas. Put some lotion my guy

[@gaiaxyc9177]

Hey i just got my qk65 R2 and I'm wondering how did you lube your switches?

[@hardwareabstraction]

Just with dielectric grease on the wires and 205g0 on the housings. Nothing too special.

[@hehbdhxhdhdhdbdbdbhhddhdhh2742]

1000th subscriber

[@staright2163]

You're so underrated:((

[@hardwareabstraction]

Thanks haha! Really appreciate the kind words :)

[@N0M0REz]

In the typing test did you include a silicone pad or just all foam?

[@hardwareabstraction]

Just regular foam. Didnt want to bother with a silicone pad

[@willrain89]

The Boba UT4 is tactile right ? its sound so dam good

[@hardwareabstraction]

Yup!

[@pikachu-dr1vs]

sheesh

[@zp2682]

so fcking good 🤤

[@nicogralki7317]

What Keycaps do you use? PBT or ABS?

[@hardwareabstraction]

The amazon listing I bought it from says PBT. I would try it out if I had acetone, but I don't so I'm going to just assume I didn't get swindled LOL

[@joygaming7245]

Hi, Is boba u4t heavy? I'm interested in boba. I mainly playing games.

[@hardwareabstraction]

Yeah they kind of are (they're 68 grams) but I personally don't think they're an excessive weight.

[@thokrak5953]

I tried to replicate this build and mine ended being way more clacky than this one also i didnt use the silicone dampener so i dont really know why. Have any ideas?

[@moonside24]

Mine is also pretty identical and also sounds slightly more trebly. Specifically the spacebar. I think it's just the microphone, post processing, desk, mat, room acoustics etc. There's just a lot of factors that subtly change the character of the sound you hear when you press play.

[@hardwareabstraction]

Yeah what moonside24 said. Also not sure if there are any differences between the R1 and R2 boards, so that could be another factor. I tried to replicate the recording to as close to what I was hearing.

[@ieatgrassforbreakfast]

Do you think I could get this sound with a linear switch, and what would you recommend to try and get this sound

[@ieatgrassforbreakfast]

Also what keyboard could I get to get close to this sound caus I’m too broke for this, 100 ish is my budget for barebones

[@park8445]

did you only use the foam provided from the kit?

[@hardwareabstraction]

Yup, nothing extra added or done to it

[@park8445]

@@hardwareabstraction do you prefer one plate over the other? im not sure which one to get

[@saifulislampi]

Which plate material would you recommend for boba u4t? POM or FR4?

[@hardwareabstraction]

I personally enjoy the pop and thock from the FR4 over the POM plate personally.

[@goat-]

what case foam did you use ?

[@hardwareabstraction]

Just the inner case foam, PE sheet, and PCB Foam. No silicone dampener.

[@dannytrieu2699]

How does it sound like this I put almost the same build in my mode65 but like I still get this high pitched clack. I even added foam and my spacebar cannot sound like that tf

[@hardwareabstraction]

Different boards have different sounds unfortunately. Although the materials, switches, keycaps might all be the same, there is the chance they could sound different. Different manufacturing methods and different ways the boards are designed will result in sound differences.

[@joemama8588]

Do you Prefer Fr4 or Pom on this build?

[@hardwareabstraction]

They're both super good! I preferred the FR4 just a little more though. It has more of a poppy sound.

[@hobbyjambo8580]

Do you have a t shirt or something below the deskpad? look girthy

[@hardwareabstraction]

nope haha?

[@nontapatsumalnop4740]

name of the typing practice software used in the video plsss :-D

[@hardwareabstraction]

monkeytype.com/

[@mattheww6139]

Do you prefer the fr4 plate or the pom plate?

[@hardwareabstraction]

Definitely prefer for the FR4 plate. The POM plate is just deep all around but the FR4 gives it a nice thocky and poppy sound so that it doesn't sound too dull.

[@mattheww6139]

@@hardwareabstraction nice, great build. Hoping to get one in r2

[@hardwareabstraction]

@@mattheww6139 Nice! Excited to see everyone's color combinations

[@variancelog]

Hearing your two builds makes me wish I had ordered an FR4 plate myself. Such a nice deep sound but cleaner and poppies than the POM. I was going to add an FR4 plate but the Canadian vendor's site couldn't handle the traffic that day. Hopefully I can get one as an add-on of they have extras.

[@mattheww6139]

@@variancelog Good luck with getting one! Recently decided that I'll hold off the QK65 until a later round (preferably end of year) since they said that as long as the demand is there, they would keep on producing it. Planning to get an alice board right now, saw alexotos owlab spring video a few days ago and fell in love

[@ericjustinblancaflor9869]

you did not use the silicone dampener?

[@hardwareabstraction]

That is correct I did not.

[@alexj1580]

What did you do for case foam?

[@hardwareabstraction]

No silicone dampener, just the poron foam.

[@ponicles5330]

What mousepad did u use in this vid?

[@hardwareabstraction]

This one! It's actually on sale for prime day right now so act quick! www.amazon.com/KTRIO-Gaming-Mouse-Stitched-Micro-Weave/dp/B07DFFFNWL/ref=sr_1_10?crid=2YZVXX56CYKVP&keywords=desk%2Bmat&qid=1657707657&sprefix=deskma%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-10&th=1

[@mistify5425]

do you recommend use holee mod on owlstabs?

[@hardwareabstraction]

hmm, I don't think they're necessary. Honestly though, I have never successfully holee modded and found that most of the time you probably don't need it.

[@mistify5425]

​@@hardwareabstraction what method did you use to lube the boba u4t? Is it the gazzew method or else?

[@blinxIII]

what is the cable you use?

[@angelramos9083]

I would love to get a custom job from you

[@angelramos9083]

Board *

[@hardwareabstraction]

Sure! here's my discord: stepladder#8469

[@Axolotl-be5vf]

I'm a bit late, but if u have the zoom65, which would u prefer?

[@hardwareabstraction]

Sorry I don't have a zoom65, but keybored has a video comparing the two! IMO, I would also say that the QK65 is the winner

[@Axolotl-be5vf]

@@hardwareabstraction just asking cuz u seem to respond a lot, will GMK red samurai fit the Keychron Q2?

[@hardwareabstraction]

@@Axolotl-be5vf Yeah they should! Q2 is should be compatible with any keycap set

[@Axolotl-be5vf]

@@hardwareabstraction o thx!

[@rindagnir1470]

@@Axolotl-be5vf no it won't it will atomically dismantles! Don't do it!

[@timefire4674]

what was the thickness of the films you used?

[@hardwareabstraction]

Deskeys are .3mm i believe.

[@nguyenluyen1514]

Do you know, what switch does it use ?

[@hardwareabstraction]

Im using the 68g Boba U4t's

[@ih8people]

This keyboard sounds like bubblewrap. I cannot imagine how can someone stop typing with it

[@Michael-mm2zm]

do you plan on selling any of your keyboards? I would be interested if you do

[@hardwareabstraction]

Haha not at the moment, been thinking about commissioning boards for people though!

[@Michael-mm2zm]

oh ok, thank you for telling me. It's fine because my budget is nowhere near the price of those keyboards xd

[@user-un1lr3wr7c]

Which boba u4t it is? 62G or 68G?

[@hardwareabstraction]

68G!

[@depraved4549]

What are gasket socks??? Thanks in advance

[@hardwareabstraction]

They're part of this board specifically. Look at the review videos they should help you understand!

[@rinnoX1]

how much was this build?

[@TrippieMint]

I wonder if the zoom 65 if better then the qk

[@hardwareabstraction]

Judging based off the sound tests I think the QK is probably the winner, but obviously cant say for sure because i dont have the board

[@TrippieMint]

@@hardwareabstraction I heard the qk is like 40$ more than the zoom65 due to the lack of American vendors I also think the zoom65 is better on a budget because for just 180$ you get nice looking keycaps and good jwick switches the qk65 is better if you want great sound quality and feel I think

[@otis2512]

pe foam or ixpe