Qwertykeys QK65 Review- This, the Zoom65, Ikki68 or the Bakeneko?

Qwertykeys is setting the bar pretty high with the Qk65 and in my opinion, it is probably the best sub-200 dollar keyboard in the market right now.
Corrections: On 02:23 I say the weight is alu but it is actually stainless steel. My bad.
-On the Zoom65 paint, I meant that it can easily get scuffed (you can check BadSeed's video). I have badly phrased it in a way that may be interpreted that the paint just comes off so I apologize for that. I still think that the QK65 finish/coating is better than the Zoom65.
SALE INFO
For NA, EU, UK and Oceania, the sale is scheduled at 6:00PM EST on 30th of March at Qwertykeys.com. Regional vendors will follow after.
To know more about the group buy, click the link below or join Qwertykeys Discord.
alkaline-sting...
Qwertykeys Discord
/ discord
For Philippines, you can check Zion Studios PH for OwLabs/Qwertykeys and other keyboard drops.
zionstudios.ph/
Build:
Qwertykeys QK65
Gazzew Boba U4Ts
POM Plate
Hammerworks CRP Tulip
All foams
Disclosure: Zion Studios PH who is the official distributor for PH for OwLabs, is a channel sponsor but they did not have a say on the content of the video. The opinions here are mine. This is not a paid review nor do I get any commissions from them.
Zion Studios
zionstudios.ph/
/ zionstudiosph
Zion Studios PH KZbin Channel
/ @zionstudiosph
Join the Zion Studios PH Discord Channel.
/ discord

[@TheDredgenProject]

Corrections: On 02:23 I say the weight is alu but it is actually stainless steel. My bad. -On the Zoom65 paint, I meant that it can easily get scuffed (you can check BadSeed's video). I have badly phrased it in a way that may be interpreted that the paint just comes off so I apologize for that. I still think that the QK65 finish/coating is better than the Zoom65.

[@DamnAwesome]

I loved that you also talked about the other boards!

[@potatavious]

gj the title is exactly the question ive been asking in every discord server

[@TheDredgenProject]

Hope it helps!! Thanks!

[@potatavious]

@@TheDredgenProject yeah, it helped! Just one more question, in terms of sound profile, (i like an epoch thock pe foamy sound) which one would you prefer?

[@TheDredgenProject]

Epoch or this board? I have already sold my epoch but they sound very similar.

[@takoyakeys]

I got the IKKI and now considering the ZOOM… and now this keyboard, lmfao. The obsession never ends.

[@tsqlifesnippets]

Love the look! Cute yet minimalist ☺️

[@CaloysKeyboards]

I thought I was over 65 percents but, man, I need this (the black/chroma specifically lol) in my life! Great vid as usual ☺

[@TheDredgenProject]

Thanks! Yeah I want a chroma back plate too!

[@Sapientiaa]

@@TheDredgenProject The backplate is not aluminum it is steel. You should change that in the vid.

[@TheDredgenProject]

@@Sapientiaa yup I edited it in!

[@shampoodaitv7222]

@@TheDredgenProject will the bottom plate be available for purchase individually? TIA

[@TheDredgenProject]

@@shampoodaitv7222 someone asked this on the Discord and they responded that unfortunately, the bottom plate is the most expensive part of the board. It would not be economical to produce just that part.

[@rayabanid5418]

2:23 I'm confused on this part. I thought the bottom part is a PVD coated stainless steel?

[@samskordi6079]

Yeah it is, he probably just misspoke

[@TheDredgenProject]

Yup I misspoke, let me put it in the pinned comment.

[@rayabanid5418]

​@@TheDredgenProject Thank you for the clarification, sir! I'll wait for Zion Studios announcement on this board. Can't wait!

[@TheDredgenProject]

@@rayabanid5418 yes sir. COVID is making things a bit difficult but hopefully we get more details soon!

[@Sum-Texan]

These demonstration videos are selling me on the QK65. Great video. I gotta ask, where did you get the tiny keeb mat?

[@TheDredgenProject]

Wagara deskmats from bolsa supply. Get the small ones!

[@nftbandit9645]

Did you get it yet? The QK65 is an incredible board. I absolutely love mine and frankly I am not sure if other boards can beat the whole package you get with price wise, sound wise, feel wise.

[@_lumpia]

Man the Boba’s sound great in that board! I’m debating between getting the POM, PC, or FR4 plate, can’t decide which would complement Boba’s the best

[@TheDredgenProject]

I have a bias towards fr4 tbh :) but bobas sound good almost always.

[@danhle42]

@@TheDredgenProject I run lubed bobas with pom on my Mr. Suit and it sounds very marbly. Im going to run fr4 and oil kings on my Owlabs Spring.

[@lmarcii]

pom and pc about similar stiffness, pc sounds drier while pom sounds creamier. FR4 is a pretty clacky and stiffer plate. Hope that helps.

[@_lumpia]

@@lmarcii I’m thinking of buying both pom and fr4 and seeing which stiffness and sound I like more

[@Tamago.]

Im probably getting the alu plate. The space bar sound so good with it.

[@krugerererehn9352]

whats the diff in build for this vs keychron q2? (besides the exploded layout and knob)

[@anti404]

Honestly, these comparative reviews are entirely what is missing from most reviews, which just detail the pros and cons of a singular board without comparing to alternatives. Currently, the Meletrix Zoom, KeebsForAll FreeBird, and QwertyKeys QK series all seem exceptional, with QK maybe pushing to the top.

[@Baffledbeans]

Hi do the boba u4t's have any interference when being used with north facing leds and cherry keycaps? Also do they sound/feel nice stock?

[@TheDredgenProject]

They should not have that much interference on north facing boards but it may differ depending on your keycaps. I haven't tried them stock though :(

[@axiechronous9800]

Hello bro, regarding the plate materials which do you think will compliment my boba u4t, pom like yours, or an fr4 plate? Thank you in advance!!

[@TheDredgenProject]

I think POM would be better imo but that is preference. (I haven't tried the fr4 plate, this is just based in exp) The bobas are already loud and I think FR4 would make it louder. If you like that though, I think it's fine.

[@URMPH]

Is the kbd67 lite r3 not "in the same league" as the QK65, Zoom65, Ikki68, or Bakeneko? I'm interested in the upcoming restock this March for KBD67 Lite R3, though I'm considering this board since it has so much value. I understand the materials are different but I was just wondering why it was not mentioned as a comparison.

[@deeneon223]

I think the KBD67r3 just isnt ‘flexy/soft’ as the other options. The silicone gaskets that come with it are too stiff and there isnt a usb daughterboard so it really kills the soft feeling. I think the zoom and qk dont have daughterboards as well, but they have the usb port protruding out more which mightve helped. In terms of sound though for the kbd67r3 its fine since it’s gasket mounted/has a silicone dampener

[@TheDredgenProject]

KBD67 lite sounds goodnbut as mentioned by DeeNeon, it is a bit stiff. I would say the biggest concern of the KBD67 lite is how light it is. A bit hard to feel you are typing on something premium when it is too light.

[@tem_mm]

I have a KBD67 Lite R3 and I feel like it's not in the same league for sure. I'm eyeballing either the QK65 or the Ikki68 right now. The KBD67 is pretty stiff like the others said. I also use D65 foam gaskets instead of the mute silicone dampener, but it's still super stiff. I'm stuck between the Ikki68 because I love the layout and pink color, but the QK65 has all of the foams, gasket socks, and aluminum case which is impressive too.

[@nickpiscopo5]

Do they ship to the United States?

[@letmargotcook]

Case for qk65? in the official site but the case is missing or am I wrong? where is it?

[@TheDredgenProject]

Wait can you repeat that?

[@letmargotcook]

@@TheDredgenProject in the official site I saw that only the pcb and plate are present ... the case and stabilizers are missing

[@jess1610]

Sir what is the size of QK65 in inches and where did you buy those mouse pad.TIA😊

[@TheDredgenProject]

Wagara Deskmat from Bolsa Supply :) I can't measure I don't have the board now since I am on vacation sorry :(

[@jess1610]

@@TheDredgenProject aww, still thank you sir, enjoy your vacation and wishing you a safe trip❤️

[@TheDredgenProject]

@@jess1610 Ill check once I am back!

[@jess1610]

@@TheDredgenProject thank you sir😊

[@kennethfajardo3604]

Hello bro, I can't seem to choose between qk65 and zoom65 essential edition, which do you think is a better buy and value overall? Thank you in advance for responding :))

[@TheDredgenProject]

QK65 to me. All my friends who have held both the QK65 and Zoom65 all want the QK65. :)

[@kennethfajardo3604]

Even with the new zoom65 essential edition that has bluetooth?

[@TheDredgenProject]

To me, yes but it would depend on how much you want bluetooth :)

[@198Immortal]

Price aside, would u get this or space 65 based on sound and feel (not looks)? Also, at 4:57 there seems to be a gap between the 2 pieces, do you know if this is just due to it being a prototype and will they fix this?

[@TheDredgenProject]

Hmmm that gap looks tolerable in my eyes. I didn't see it as an issue to be honest. For typing feel and sound, they sound and feel different but I would probably go QK65. The weight of the board adds to the typing experience.

[@SlyyTired]

So it’s in stock? Cuz I’m planning to get this but i don’t know if i can get it when it goes live so imma save up first

[@TheDredgenProject]

Not completely in stock, it will be a month or two before it ships.

[@SlyyTired]

oh okay salamat!

[@skrillz1456]

Budget builds just getting better

[@TheDredgenProject]

This board is an anomaly. It's crazy good value.

[@exslym]

Awesome video! What is the keycaps set name at 7:53 ?

[@TheDredgenProject]

CRP tulips :)

[@exslym]

@@TheDredgenProject thank you so much, dude!

[@nguyenhuynh1432]

It would be great if you could make a video review the Spark67, which also a aluminum gasket-mount budget keyboard. I think it could go neck and neck with QK65!

[@TheDredgenProject]

First time I am hearing about it! I'll see what I can do :)

[@zy8084]

I'm glad someone knows about Spark67, because R3 is already available and I shared it on Reddit with a lukewarm response. In fact, in China, keyboards for around $150 have already been made

[@neil5679]

Where could I purcahse the "Spark67"?

[@dan7696]

is this going to restock often like the 67 lite?

[@TheDredgenProject]

I am not sure about the restocks. They did say that they will have a lot of units on this drop though

[@_lumpia]

If you join the Discord, they’ve said that they plan to have regular drops and hope to keep it in stock down the line

[@TheDredgenProject]

@@_lumpia oh thanks I don't read up as frequently!

[@wbin5666]

There are few plates option for QK65. Which would you suggest for tactile feel?

[@TheDredgenProject]

People generally like stiff plates for tactiles so fr4 or alu probably :)

[@TROY-MCCLURE-1991]

Not to dismiss the board but what is the keyboard mat that you have on your desk?

[@TheDredgenProject]

Wagara deskmats from bolsa supply :) get the small ones :)

[@SEGRAYDJ]

did you sell that bakeneko recently?

[@TheDredgenProject]

Yup :) did you see it on the marketplace? :D

[@SEGRAYDJ]

@@TheDredgenProject thanks again for the quick delivery

[@teodycue]

Hi, was the sound test with the POM or PC plate? Thanks!

[@TheDredgenProject]

POM :)

[@teodycue]

Thank you! :)

[@iAndo-]

Is the POM or PC plate more flexible? Or are they about the same?

[@TheDredgenProject]

POM is a bit more flexible but they are very similar.

[@ajacobs2471]

Which deskmat is that?

[@Zeraphor]

You gained at least one sub with this video, great stuff! I gotta ask, what are those white audio nearfield monitors you are using and showing (blurred) in the video and what stands are they standing on?

[@TheDredgenProject]

Thanks! Audioengine A2+ on Kanto S2 stands :)

[@Zeraphor]

@@TheDredgenProject I ended up getting the very same combination after trying the Kanto small nearfielders and the rubbery Audioengine stands as well. The sound is pretty bassy but decent enough for YT videos and they fit greatly below my video monitors.

[@TheDredgenProject]

@@Zeraphor I still have mine and I am pretty happy with it :)

[@Justin08A]

what other keycaps do you think would match with the white and gold qk65?

[@TheDredgenProject]

CRP to me is one of the best fits but any white keycap set should be good :)

[@justinfournier2521]

@@TheDredgenProject so basically the 21kb (or xiami on taobao) would be a good alternative!

[@TheDredgenProject]

@@justinfournier2521 it sounds like it! I have ordered a set and Iam waiting for it :)

[@justinfournier2521]

@@TheDredgenProject I have the red cyrillic of those and I'd say they look and feel pretty good! I'm sure you'll like them :)

[@1700tt]

Ikki68 r2 vs qk65? I have the gb for the r2 but i might just sell that for this

[@TheDredgenProject]

Sound of the two boards will be different depending on your set up but I would go QK65. I will be selling my Ikki68 R1 which I have been using in my rotation. QK65 just feels more premium imo.

[@malmal5041]

Sheeeesh man got the board already 👀 (im immortal banana if u dont remember me)

[@TheDredgenProject]

Ey man!!!

[@malmal5041]

@@TheDredgenProject u got a discord server or no? since you got like 5k+ of a subs I'm thinking that you have one

[@TheDredgenProject]

@@malmal5041 no man I barely have time to make videos :) modding a discord will is a lot of work :(

[@malmal5041]

@@TheDredgenProject ah alright well then goodluck with the time that you got and keep uploading some boards that could steal my interest like this qk board

[@malmal5041]

i think ill get this board for sure looks like the keycult and sounds brilliant within its price and it could make other competitors to make a better board within the current budget which is 150 USD like the **coughs Q1 and GMMK pro (the q1 and gmmk pro killer?)

[@15tekkenking]

Where did you get the mini deskmat??

[@TheDredgenProject]

Wagara deskmat from bolsa supply. Get the small ones. :)

[@darthzylol]

Where can i buy that kind of keyboard pad?

[@TheDredgenProject]

Wagara deskmats from bolsa supply. Pick the small ones :)

[@darthzylol]

@@TheDredgenProject Thank you!

[@IronCan88]

I believe the bottom weight is stainless steel instead of aluminum, thus its super heavy weight.

[@TheDredgenProject]

Yup I misspoke :(

[@Red.exe7]

Is the typing angle too high?

[@TheDredgenProject]

It is high but not too much for me.

[@SlyyTired]

do you think there will be a r2 for this?

[@TheDredgenProject]

They said on Discord that they will try to have it constantly restocked but no guarantees.

[@MastermindxMastermind]

Hello I am a keyboard newbie, I am looking for a mode65 but cant seem to find one at a good price, does the QK65 serve as a good alternative if I cant find one? Or should I go straight Mode65?

[@TheDredgenProject]

I say it's a good alternative :) half the price too.

[@MastermindxMastermind]

@@TheDredgenProject Thank you very much

[@agikeebs1456]

You can’t the mode65 anymore they stopped producing it you would have to find it on the aftermarket

[@MastermindxMastermind]

@@agikeebs1456 Yes you are right, cheapest I found aftermarket is like $500+ tough one

[@TheDredgenProject]

Oh I did not know they stopped it :( I thought the intention was to keep it available.

[@xeroze01]

Is the sound test done with the plate foam between the silicone dampener and pcb like shown in 3:53? Or is it just the editing

[@TheDredgenProject]

All foams were included in the sound test.

[@clueydo_]

is there any issues encountered through out your usage?

[@TheDredgenProject]

No issues so far :)

[@dereal_deal]

Do you think this board will be a nice addition to an experienced keyboard enthusiast?

[@TheDredgenProject]

Hmmm it depends a lot on what they have. I think it's still a good typing experience if you don't have the suit or jelly epoch. The weight alone makes it quite unique for a 65%. I am planning to use it as a beater board to replace my Ikki68 aurora :)

[@dereal_deal]

@@TheDredgenProject alright thanks for the suggestion. I actually have a sangeo60 which has a pretty stiff typing experience. Considering u think its btr than the ikki68 which is another board that i joined the gb for ill most likely make a purchase for this board and add it to my collection :)

[@tsaiduck]

Are these Boba U4T 62g or 68g?

[@TheDredgenProject]

68g I believe but I am not 100 percent sure.

[@tisthegreat7420]

First, lol i think this is the best budget keeb to exist right now, i would more for that thing

[@TheDredgenProject]

It will be tough to match this but I hope competition catches up. OwLab's factories are on crack.

[@tisthegreat7420]

@@TheDredgenProject yeahhhhh hope something similar to this will be available to us here in ph without waiting 10000 years

[@TheDredgenProject]

@@tisthegreat7420 I heard there will be a lot of stocks. They manufactured a lot of units for economies of scale so Zion Studios should have plenty :)

[@tisthegreat7420]

@@TheDredgenProject Yay!

[@ElTejocotetl]

I would loved to how you compare the typing experience with the ikki68...in my case i got the ikki68 since it won't get cheaper than ikki68 with brass weight and plate.

[@TheDredgenProject]

Ikki68 is a bit stiffer and higher pitched in my opinion :)

[@1700tt]

@@TheDredgenProject but compared to the r2 which has crazy flex

[@TheDredgenProject]

@@1700tt oh that's right. R2 has flex cuts now. I own R1 so I forgot that part.

[@xuchriscaomsh2109]

pls help i do not know to gewt this or a bakeneko 65 pls help

[@TheDredgenProject]

QK65 for me :)

[@kayashkel3862]

Must pick one up

[@sigh6046]

id love you to compare this to the kbd67 lite

[@kavjn6596]

where u got them keycaps

[@TheDredgenProject]

Aftermatket :(

[@Merkeebs]

Super setting my sights on the QK65 from Zion Studios as soon as it goes live. My Mr. Suit, Jelly, and Voice need to complete their OwLab sibling lineup haha.

[@TheDredgenProject]

That is a nice line up!!

[@fr4u_keebs604]

U better slide me a jelly 😏

[@JerelTeh]

this the exact colour that im gonna get!!

[@alifvilla535]

what stabs do you use ?

[@TheDredgenProject]

Owl stabs!

[@TheDredgenProject]

@@6r1zzy yup XHT BDZ on the wires and 205G0 on the housings.

[@SteashEdits]

I want a mode65 for under $250

[@AMusset]

How can you compare it to an « unbuilt » Bakeneko when it’s plus sides are typing feel and sound ?!?! It doesn’t pretend to be cute or to have a perfect finish but to offer a very good typing feel and tone. I have boards costing 4 times as much as the Bakeneko 60 but it stays in my rotation. The GMMK Pro is no longer in my rotation because it’s typing feel and sound feel cheap…. But yeah it « looks » good…. Except a keyboard is to type not only to look at.

[@TheDredgenProject]

Oh I didn't clarify it, I have tested a friend's Bakeneko though I haven't built mine. I agree that the sound and typing experience is good but I didn't like the finish of the case so I didn't bother building it.

[@ghostchan4674]

4:43 fr? guess i'll have new another keeb

[@TheDredgenProject]

Yes sir it's a thicc boi.

[@user-qk8rt9yf9v]

Remove the silicone pad to add more flex, i've seen other videos and the board is much flexier because they don't use the silicone pad

[@TheDredgenProject]

Yeah I was planning to do that but I had limited time due to a vacation. I'll probably make a video on that once I am back :)

[@nguyenhieu-qx6po]

Good, I am waiting that in Viet Nam.

[@cardbored_]

Where do you get the little keyboard desk pads?