Qwertykeys Best Yet? QK80 Review

[@Clackbait]

If you enjoyed the video, don't forget to hit the LIKE button, and Subscribe for more content! ❤️

[@bhentehquatroh1]

i might be crazy but both pcb sounds very similar to me. i could barely hear the difference but there is a little bit.

[@jenslingspaint3523]

Really neat breakdown of flexcut vs non-flexcut. I really appreciate the direct comparisons because it helps me as someone new to this hobby.

[@Clackbait]

My pleasure homie. 🙏

[@HanSoo417]

would love to see a sound comparison between taped flex cut vs non flex cut pcb.

[@Misfirem]

This B Roll was top TIER with headphones on son. No flex cut is SO the move for this. Awesome choice. Glad you got to cover it, hopefully this marks a shift in what manufacturers lead with when it comes to flex cuts.

[@Clackbait]

Hahaa. And I know you got some dope headphones! Thank my dawg!

[@FitLabb]

Getting even closer to showing your face in videos bro….. Haha! Definitely a great board for the price & a perfect choice for someone just getting into the custom hobby. While this one isn’t for me personally, I’m happy to see the brand continuing to evolve & improve over time. PS: 💯% true that while comments and dropping a thumbs up 👍 on a video helps…By far the the biggest boost for a video with the all-mighty algorithm comes when people actually watch your video from start to finish. KZbin largely determines if a video is good or not based on how much of it people stick around to watch, and that helps determine if it gets pushed out to a broader audience or not. There’s nothing worse than when someone you know goes to watch your video and gives it a quick thumbs up thinking they’re helping you, but then click out of watching it seconds later, since that does far more damage to your video than the relatively small amount of help the thumbs up gave it…..

[@Clackbait]

Yeessssss. Thought I'd put that info out there cu a lot of people don't know that. And why would they really? Haha

[@TheBibigabi]

I joined the hobby last year, at the hype of flex cuts, so I never really had the experience of non-flex cut PCBs. This video has made the difference apparent and am now a non-flex cut supporter. So glad that QK and Zoom are catching onto what the community wants with the QK80 and the Zoom75!

[@Clackbait]

Totally! They are both good options, just depends on your use case.

[@joesmith88812]

@@Clackbait is it anymore difficult to install? also is the Bluetooth pcb easier to install?

[@punkshoo]

Hell yeah, dude! Thanks for sharing the comparison. Its very insightful for a project Im working on and I really appreciate it! Fire video as always. 🔥

[@Clackbait]

My pleasure Punkshoo

[@HubertTheMad]

I almost joined the zoom TKL GB, but wanted to wait to see what QK was offering. Pretty cool how they listened to feedback and added a PCB without flex cuts and pushed the GB date back to get the PCBs on the hands of reviewers like you before the GB started. Thanks for your review!

[@Clackbait]

My pleasure my friend.

[@user-kz9rz8ui1c]

Great decision from them, and I sold my zoom tkl for it.

[@marioh5172]

cablemod coupon does not work in the eu

[@Bones_210]

I will happily watch all of your videos from start to finish in their entirety!! As always, fantastic content and super helpful information. I can feel a brown QK80 with no flex cuts calling my name..lol. Keep up the amazing work Clack!

[@Clackbait]

Nick! I really appreciate that homie. Means a lot. 🤜❤️

[@Legojunkie]

That is night and day different. The full PCB sounds so much better. Huge props to QK for listening to everyone's comments and criticism

[@Clackbait]

Yeah its pretty cool. I know Wuque is doing it for the Zoom75 as well.

[@dtdt2438]

Can you share more photos of this black version. I'm deciding between black and blue. Thank you !!

[@DMCnME]

I must be the only person that thinks the flex cut thing is over blown. Or maybe my ear can't hear thin :) I'm using the QK75 with the wireless PCB, in all it's flex cut glory... and loving it. Preference. Great video as always!

[@Clackbait]

Definitely preference homie.

[@laospaulieplayingpc]

Are you using foams?

[@DMCnME]

@@laospaulieplayingpc All foam but PE

[@alexchiku]

watching the video wasn’t enough, had to say something. the b roll is top notch and im always looking forward to hear your opinion in this hobby, your doing amazing

[@Clackbait]

Alex, I really really appreciate that man. Means a lot! ❤️

[@PokeMikPro]

I love your content broo I really enjoy watching your videos

[@Clackbait]

Awww man. Thank you so much! That means a lot to me

[@Emmori6]

Awesome video as always sir!

[@Clackbait]

Thank you!

[@bearIyy]

sounds SOOOO much better

[@HoLiTio]

Beautiiful B-Roll and video as usual. No flex cut FTW!

[@Clackbait]

Thank you! ❤️

[@Toinou307]

Great review! I still prefer the sound with the flex cuts personally, but that's why it's great to have options!

[@Clackbait]

Totally homie. Its all about what you prefer.

[@pcov7692]

Another banger my guy. The B Roll king is back at it. Great review. I was pretty sure I was passing this one up but the option for a no flex cut PCB has me contemplating it all over again.

[@Clackbait]

Haha. There will be many more boards coming with non flex cuts

[@haihao2942]

i think there's someone who publish the difference between non-flex cut and flex cut where he try to bend the PCB. and the flex cut really does affect the bend

[@creationfied]

that aside, the cuts also cushion a lot more of the force making it more comfortable, which cannot be seen visually

[@haihao2942]

@@creationfied yepp i guess so, a lot of ppl focuses too much on the sound... the flex that literally cut accross the pcb(e.g: jris75), was intended for the pcb to be flex per row.. I agree that this kind of flex cut act like a cushion and tension releaser, which is not visually visible when influencer try to do flex test. It is not justified when some said the flex cut is "integrated". But need to see how it really perform tho, i havent had my hand on qk75/80/60

[@jessiequema2494]

How does this compare to the CKW80?

[@SwitchandClickOfficial]

Omg I have that exact same baby Yoda lego thing

[@Clackbait]

Ayyyeee. Great minds!!!

[@gabriellundmark]

They sound exactly the same to me

[@adonaynolivares4380]

Does the none flex cut pcb automatically have per key rgb or is that an add on you have to get

[@Clackbait]

Automatically

[@ADoovy]

How does this compare to the Zoom Tkl in sound and feel in your opinion? Great video BTW!

[@jimmyt9283]

Good evening, Clackbro! Awesome video! The difference between the flex cut and non flex cut pcb is stark in contrast! Awesome! Thank you very much for providing an in depth review. Very torn between choosing a brown ano or green

[@Clackbait]

Brown kinda fly no lie, did that rhyme? I try! Ayyyeeeee

[@xirxirxir]

the non flex cut sound so full its great.

[@Clackbait]

It does sound better

[@Zeraphor]

Thanks, finally we get the chance to hear a real 1:1 comparison. Hint to viewers: use decent sound equipment. My speakers don't show the difference as much as my headphones. Any chance you will go through the trouble to compare how much taping up the flex cuts (with different material) goes towards actually not having the cuts in the first place @Clackbait ?

[@Clackbait]

As soon as I get a chance, I'll try homie

[@Zeraphor]

@@Clackbait That's awesome. If you find the time to do this well you can help the whole community. No need to go all science about it like keybored but good examples to show the difference between flex cut PCB, masking taped cuts, electrical taped cuts, no cuts PCB will go a long way and afaik would be a first 1:1:1:1 comparison video and has a high chance to become the go-to guide for this. You hinted at different switches having different impact on these cuts as well. If you could also implement different switches in this there is a good chance the video will be goated.

[@Hans256xD]

but at this point if you need "decent audio equipment" to hear the difference is there really that big of a difference, with my Sony headphones i wasn't able to hear any difference when i closed my eyes and listened to the mashup

[@Adam-zk1yf]

Great video, keep it up!

[@Clackbait]

Thanks Adam!

[@ojgimpson]

Would you recommend the aluminium plate even tho it has flex cuts?

[@qwertykeys2119]

if you like harder feedback then yes

[@QuickSynchro]

Thank you for this in depth review! I am planning to get the non flex cut pcb and use the foams included as I love the deeper sounding sound profiles, would I still need a long pole switch?

[@Clackbait]

Naaa. It's all preference really. I love long pole switches personally. I just didn't use them in this to really showcase the difference

[@ImOnMy116]

This is what I've been hoping to see! I've thought for a while that a 1.2mm no flex cut PCB and a soft plate would be plenty bouncy / soft for most people, and it'd sound better. It looks like this more or less proves the point. Appreciate the review! TKLs are too big for me, but if QK / are willing to revisit the 60/65 form factor with plateless mounting and 1.2mm / no flexcut PCB, I'd be seriously considering it.

[@Clackbait]

Anytime Alex

[@danmedits]

Clackbait is shaping up to be one of the best reviewers here in KZbin. So glad to be a part of this channels growth from the beginning. 🎉

[@Clackbait]

Ayyyeeee.. Much love my man! Always appreciate your support!

[@RLkeebs]

Good to see QK listening to the community, definitely can hear a difference!

[@JacobGoetzMagic]

lets go clack

[@Clackbait]

Thanks Doofen!!

[@foundlost5583]

Thank you. Thank you. Hopefully this starts a trend away from flex cuts or at least a non-flex cut option.

[@aragami0686]

I wish a 1.6mm, no flex cuts, no per key RGB and solder only pcb exists, would be the best for sound imo

[@Clackbait]

Agree with everything but the solder. Not so sure that makes as much of a difference with the sound.

[@aragami0686]

@@Clackbait from people's complaints about the F1 with hotswap RGB pcbs like the Pachi h87 (at least from my local australian community), it might make a fair bit of a difference

[@Clackbait]

That's interesting. I'll look into it my friend.

[@_r_mck]

Please offer a masterclass on your b-roll. Another great review.

[@Clackbait]

Hahaaa. Not sure I'm worthy! But I appreciate you homie.

[@shroomy666]

I read this in one sitting on a whim a while back and I didn’t really feel much after finishing it. I know it’s meant to be a simplistic story, but I felt like the plot didn’t have much substance or depth and I was left wanting more in the end. This isn’t one of those comments where I want to be different for having a different opinion or something - I genuinely came into this manga expecting to enjoy it a lot because of all the praise it was getting. I thought it would be something similar to Goodnight Punpun where it would leave me just pondering about life (goddamn that manga really changed me though). I feel like I need to read it again to understand it? Or maybe read the light novel. Convince me guys!

[@Clackbait]

Bravo! 👏

[@shroomy666]

@@Clackbait Oh sorry this was about another video about a manga I’m not sure how it posted here lol. I think KZbin glitched out. I did find your video really useful though, was trying to figure out the difference between flex and non flex in preparation for buying the Zoom 75 later today lol

[@Clackbait]

@@shroomy666 haha. No worries. Use my Meletrix link when you buy!

[@3cch1fb]

Sounds fuller for sure!! Thank you for a great demonstration💙

[@Clackbait]

My pleasure homie

[@asachimaeggrolls]

great vid as usual c: Also had two quick questions (i'm kinda a noob to this lol) if anyone had any answers. Is it possible to add a volume know to the QK80? I know that the QK75 had the option of having a knob and that was so cool. If so, is it as simple as putting on your own knob or do you have to manually solder a rotary encoder or something. Also the stabs that the keyboard came with -- are they good and are they prelubed? thanks in advance

[@riptigerehrenhabub4634]

There is no possible way to add a rotary encoder to the board, cause the pcb doesnt support it. The stabs it comes with are owl stabs, theyre decent but come unlubed and defintely need modding to be completely rattle free

[@amizan8653]

non flex cuts does sound a bit better but... I think I prefer the bounce of flex cuts more.

[@qwertykeys2119]

hence we provided both options :P

[@Clackbait]

Totally bro. All preference.

[@jackiexu8]

so much great content and info. thanks!

[@Clackbait]

Thanks Jackie! ❤️

[@brocky]

I'm thinking for QK boards, POM is the way to go. Did you get any other plates for the QK80? Curious to hear your thoughts on other plates with the non-flex cut PCB.

[@Clackbait]

I have all the plates

[@RealAndyOriginal]

keycaps?

[@Clackbait]

Ahhh I shoulda mentioned that. DCX permafrost

[@FullHavocJosh]

QK really is setting the bar for entry level. Awesome to see another great vid!

[@Clackbait]

Thanks fam! ❤️❤️

[@Subparkilla]

That non-flex-cut PCB is very tempting. I initially had zero interest in purchasing this QK release due to already owning the QK75 and not pursuing anything over a 75% layout. Now I'm starting to second-guess my judgement. Damn you, Clack! LOL

[@Clackbait]

Hahaa. My bad Brandon. Just bringing the facts.

[@berry_3249]

I’d love to see a comparison between a tape modded flex cut pcb and the non-flex cut pcb as QK stated they thought it would be the same

[@3cch1fb]

Alexotos taped up just the flex cut areas on his, and even with the minimal amount that was used, it still gave that “tapey” sound that you get with the tape mod. I personally wouldn’t want that sound so the non-flex cut pcb was a great solution👌🏼

[@TyrellW]

@@3cch1fb 🐑

[@3cch1fb]

@@TyrellW You tried, but no.

[@KNCKeys]

Ah man QK does it again!

[@Clackbait]

Mah man!

[@shooteronly1]

wireless no flex cuts would be great as i dont like foam but too bad i have to get flex cuts for this

[@KiD2x2]

Why no 3mode non flex PCb??? 😭😭😭

[@qwertykeys2119]

prototyping for trimode would take too long (wireless certificates etc

[@billzhang4742]

How would this compare to the tiger lite or tiger 80?

[@Clackbait]

More premium for sure with more options to customize. But I do like the tiger series

[@jammies701]

Nice vid

[@jessiequema2494]

Awesome that you compared this with other boards. It is a banger for its price however I already have the FROG TKL. Got any upcoming 65% review like the Envoy?

[@Clackbait]

Envoy review coming in a few weeks. Next is the Ginkgo65 R2 😉

[@jessiequema2494]

@@Clackbait looking forward to it

[@ranokw8854]

shift and bottom row sound still weird imo

[@Clackbait]

Yeah, as I said in my video, the mods are meh

[@Hans256xD]

tbh i hear no difference between the flexcut and the non flexcut PCB, i listened to the mashup with my eyes closed and couldn't hear when the build was swapped

[@tontiv]

how hard was it getting those tofu switches situated on the plate? 😂

[@Clackbait]

Haha. There are no tofu Switches in this board?

[@zekedgtl]

Mmm, so Frog TKL still hits harder than this? I didn’t expect that for some reason. Great vid again Clackman 💯

[@Clackbait]

Yeah the Frog is a really good board

[@bosenngantor9160]

there's not even slightest doubt that Frog is better for sure. Think of qk80 as a qk65 with tkl body and with prettier design and more customizable looks, more fancy overall. But sound and class wise, it's pretty much a foam board tkl that looks good, and cheap, which is more than enough for most ppl. But no need to compare to higher tier

[@SkyUnderscore]

A proper review with the non-flex cut!

[@Clackbait]

Ayyyeee. ❤️

[@jessiequema2494]

Finally.

[@Fleshlight_Reviewer]

Let's go no flex cut

[@pogcat3773]

clackbro dropping dem beats in da broll!!!! and dropping dem fax!!!! another clacksic fs

[@Clackbait]

Hahaa. Thanks Pog! ❤️

[@traymount-ib1fl]

Great

[@abelwoo]

No Flex Cut Sound Nicer

[@HoveKB]

Praise the lord! 😂😂 ❤ you brother.

[@Clackbait]

Hahaaa.. ❤️ always Hove!

[@NeonLine1982]

Is this an in stock board? If not, that's a shame

[@hansennoah1]

No

[@lilpain1997]

Oh I am so making this my new board... I will just swap over all my other switches and caps. Really wanting to try other pom as I usually go fr4. Oh as always, love the content

[@Clackbait]

Thank you so much!

[@dakeo9759]

🎉🎉

[@mohuba]

Once I noticed it, I could not unsee that missing shirt button 😅 Great video as always! ❤❤❤

[@Clackbait]

hahaaa. Yeah when I saw that I was like uhhhh. yeah i'm not re-filming that...lol

[@ssmith3617]

❤

[@Clackbait]

Always homie

[@ssmith3617]

I really need to get some more cap v2 golds

[@Clackbait]

Hahaaa. For sure my friend.

[@mikes41720]

Tempted to get the QK80. But I have to keep reminding myself that while TKLs look good, I just can’t get with the ergonomics when actually using it. It affects the mouse placement too much.

[@Clackbait]

Understood homie

[@mikes41720]

@@Clackbait but love your video. Glad that QK listened and brought out the no flex cuts PCB option!

[@nainaigogo6666]

No flex cut is a flex

[@Clackbait]

Hahaa. Indeed homie

[@nihalprakash8883]

What possible reason could anyone have to buy a keyboard above 300/400 bucks now that this is out? I mean they’ve covered every single layout with all plate options/colors/badges available. There is absolutely no reason to get a more expensive keyboard - aluminum is aluminum, what more “refined” sound can you get out of metal? unless of course you get something completely different like a full brass back (which I’m sure QK will put out soon as well), or you just like the aesthetics of a more expensive board which is fine but it doesn’t make for a better quality board

[@Clackbait]

The design and materials actually do make a difference. Ano quality, CNC detailing and more contribute to a higher priced board. But I get what you are saying. QK is doing great things at this price point. But there is obviously a reason why OwLabs exists right??

[@bosenngantor9160]

obviously your argument is invalid...

[@nihalprakash8883]

@@bosenngantor9160 you wanna explain why instead of just being obtuse?

[@nickthaskater]

Flex cuts shine when built plateless. Having a plate, let alone a solid full plate, negates the separation and flex (different from full board "bounce") of the board. Having more isolated, localized flex across the board gives a different experience.

[@Clackbait]

Typing feel wise, for sure.

[@gerryramosftw]

By the way for the flex cut PCB's, the PE sheet usually takes care of the thinness right?

[@Clackbait]

Yup! That's why I recommended what I did towards the end of the video.

[@Laughadaffadil]

obligatory comment clackbait pogpog

[@Clackbait]

Obligatory ❤️! Much appreciated homie

[@D4rksider]

B roll bass goes brrrr ✅ Like button goes brrrrr✅

[@Clackbait]

Hahaha. Thanks homie

[@muyaner2180]

I think people need to understand the difference between preference and superiority, especially when it comes to the sounding signature of keyboards. While it's very true that most designers push out flex-cut PCBs with no actual clue of what they are doing, this doesn't mean that the sound of flex-cut PCBs is inherently bad, so does the pe form or whatever types of material you put underneath switches. And imho those narrative of judging a keyboard's sound performance by taking all the foams out and "hear the actual sound of the keyboard" is pretty flawed. Did anyone ever ask people to judge how, let's say, a pair of speakers sound, by taking out all the absorbing cotton inside so you can hear the "actual sound" of speakers? It's pure nonsense because those filling materials ARE one crucial part of the design overall. In keyboard hobby, it rings true as well, especially when knowledgeable studio such as owlab is doing their designs. You would be extra dishonest to say their boards sound like any other boards with foams put in. If you like the sounding signature of those hi-end brands who design their boards with no foams, good, keep it to yourself, that's called personal preference, but never try to educate or, even worse, imply that people who like so called "foamy" sound are having terrible taste, it's ridiculous and pathetic. Don't jump too quickly to refute, we all know what's the trend nowadays. Sorry I have to rant a little bit, good work as always clack, It's an absolut pleasure to see that QK reach you out of all keeb youtubers to test their non flex-cut version PCB of QK80, I know it's a quality review before clicking it ;)

[@Clackbait]

Totally agree with what you said. In fact, I said the same thing in this video (but much shorter..lol). I appreciate the kind words homie.

[@jlee9360]

Don't understand why these companies just don't offer it all together you have to choose between rgb and wireless, flex cuts and wireless etc... just give us a flex cut version and non flex cut with wireless and RGB. Give us good choices not sacrifice one for the other.

[@qwertykeys2119]

our wireless pcb is not based on QMK which is a highly demanded feature by the community - hence we are offering a wired pcb just for that

[@qwertykeys2119]

also, wired pcb is cheaper, which has a selling point for the people that don't bother using wireless functions

[@jlee9360]

@@qwertykeys2119 Let's be real. The cost difference of the PCB would not keep anyone looking to buy a keeboard from budget premium and premium brands. People a shelling out $150 to $600 for DIY kits you think that extra 20-30 is going to keep them from buying the keyboard? We all know if you don't offer it in a package people will buy additional boards which means mo

[@qwertykeys2119]

@@jlee9360 our sale data shows that 70% of the buyers opt for the cheapest hotswap configs so i don't think it's fair to raise the price for them

[@0Metatron]

If they put something like a raid shadowlegends section in the middle I’m sorry but The cringe is too much to take and I hit the fast forward!! If there is no add like that then yes I do watch from start to finish.

[@Clackbait]

Oh for sure. Feel free to skip the ads all day homie! Hahaha. I was just referring to my video. Appreciate your consistent support over this year fam!

[@Demise698]

We need less flex cut pcbs

[@Frwt]

keycaps?

[@Clackbait]

DCX permafrost