Upgraded $69 Keyboard vs $500 Custom

If you take a $70 keyboard and fully supe it up, can it compete with a decked out $500 keyboard or is it doomed to FAIL from the very beginning. Today we're going to test it out.
Builds (affiliate links below)
Custom keyboard:
Zoom75 available April 11 meletrix.com/r?id=oku1hg
WS Morandi switches shop.wuquestudio.com/r?id=vgctha
Budget keyboard :
Keychron V4 www.keychron.com/products/key... or geni.us/XAfT (Amazon
SP Star Meteor Whites switches bit.ly/3LJfpjT
DCX Permafrost keycaps: massdrop.7eer.net/annnqb
0:00 The challenge
1:03 The $500 keyboard
2:41 The $70 keyboard
3:31 Upgraded switches!
4:55 The classic keyboard mod
6:10 O-ring mount for bouncy typing
7:03 $500 keyboard amazing case
9:13 Finishing up the builds
12:10 The final reveal
13:04 The WINNER
13:50 Typing tests
Buy Switch and Click merch: shopswitchandclick.com/
AFFILIATES & REFERRALS
---------------------------------------------------
✅All of the gear we use: kit.co/bvan1412/2022-stream-v...
✅For keyboard accessories (switches, keycaps, etc): kineticlabs.store/switchandclick and and divinikey.com/?rfsn=6411844.9... (use code switchandclick for 5% off)
✅Custom cables we use: store.cablemod.com?ref=54789
OTHER PLATFORMS
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Twitter: / switch_click
Instagram: / switch_and_click
Discord: / discord
All my links: wlo.link/@switchandclick
Jake and Betty, LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program , an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and mechanicalkeyboards.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases. All prices and star-ratings mentioned during the videos are at the time of purchase and what it was when we bought it, they may not be representative of the current data involving the products specified. Links starting with geni.us will most likely lead to Amazon.

[@SwitchandClickOfficial]

Zoom75 kit ranges from $179-$259USD. Differences between prototypes and mass production units Prototypes 1. Wired and Bluetooth 5.0, no per key RGB PCB board 2. One battery by default. 3. Red gasket sleeves 4. 4 screws at the 4 corners of back plate Mass Production 1. Tri-mode (Wired, Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4g wireless) and per key RGB PCB board. 2. 2 batteries by default 3. Black or dark blue gasket sleeves 4. Increase 2 screws on the center to firm back plate 5. Storage bag is pure black. Great wave storage bag is add on - $25 6. Removable plate alignment posts (optional install) 7. Stabilizers may be different

[@gamerwesttyy]

Can you upgrade magegee mk mini keyboard

[@knowledgewhizz4010]

@@gamerwesttyy yes plzz

[@AmadeusDoesStuff]

I feel like keyboard builds are like really expensive and actually useful adult lego sets.

[@vangough10]

I always thought that the keyboard hobby is basically an alternative to the gundam hobby.

[@milaneluu]

Adam keyboard entered the chat

[@fionamb83]

If you're like me and have been wanting that Rivendell lego set for ages, it's roughly the same price as the expensive keyboard in this video 😭 But yeah I can sort of justify spending money on tech to the people in my life, but if I came home as a 39 year old woman with a lotr lego set that cost 500 quid I'd definitely be judged.

[@zoltans72]

You want to say that Lego is not useful ? How dare you ? :)

[@gunshanator]

@@milaneluu me typing this comment with that keyboard:

[@ievaday]

Betty: 72$ for the Astronaut figurine is expensive Also Betty: *builds many several-hundred dollar keyboards*

[@krystplayzz8444]

Because it’s a tiny metal or plastic piece bruh

[@BraveClam]

Jake was pulling out all the stops in this upgrade battle! That O-Ring mod can make one heck of a nice upgraded/new typing experience!

[@TechComplexity]

jake just loves keychron

[@SwitchandClickOfficial]

For those interested in the Zoom75, I got an early prototype version but the final version will be better: Differences between prototypes and mass production units Prototypes 1. Wired and Bluetooth 5.0, no per key RGB PCB board 2. One battery by default. 3. Red gasket sleeves 4. 4 screws at the 4 corners of back plate Mass Production 1. Tri-mode (Wired, Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4g wireless) and per key RGB PCB board. 2. 2 batteries by default 3. Black or dark blue gasket sleeves 4. Increase 2 screws on the center to firm back plate 5. Storage bag is pure black. Great wave storage bag is add on - $25 6. Removable plate alignment posts (optional install) 7. Stabilizers may be different

[@kennyseghers5821]

After thus video everyone should be interested in the keychron. But if money is not an issue

[@MsToshi1990]

I been waiting so long for the Zoom 75 and went on a spending spree and got the Zoom75 SE in black, with all the top right addon options and 3 badges and the Kitsune Edition with GMK Kitsune Keycaps and Novelties. I am SO excited!

[@TheRoyalTamarin]

Missed opportunity to title the video "$69 Keyboard vs $420 Custom"

[@exilednmd]

Loved the sound of the alpha key rows on the Zoom 75. Heavenly

[@murraystechtime8530]

Great video, riveting competition, great outcome for both of you and fun to watch. Congratulations a winner, thanks for wonderful video...

[@SwitchandClickOfficial]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@21Breaker]

You are always so fun to watch! Hope you get 1 Million soon :)

[@SwitchandClickOfficial]

Thank you!

[@21Breaker]

@@SwitchandClickOfficial Np! Your videos are very inspiring. I think I'm gonna make a keyboard channel it seems so fun and entertaining!

[@pointeplusplus]

That sound is so nice on the zoom 75! And this comment is on the wrong video since you made the comment in the last one I watched but “hankering for tankering” is amazing and no one will change my mind 😊

[@p0r5ch3911]

I mean, the keychron sounds good and should be enough for most people. But the Zoom sounds insane. That is a endgame candidate.

[@gsaucewclee8943]

Hi i really love the sound of the zoom75 alpha key. is there some guide or your videos talks about making that kind of deep sound on a budget? isit the foam that helps? or the switches?

[@ChubiPanda]

The Zoom75 actually sounds good without foams too.

[@H2XBD]

god the sound of the Zoom alphas!! So milky and clean

[@iwontsmile7396]

while the custom keyboard defiantly sound better and probably feels better and looks better to type on I would still pick the cheaper one. Like you guys said it all comes down to the person and what they want and as we say in the video you had a green custom keyboard vs a black custom keyboard meaning keycaps sets and layouts are more likely to fit with the black set then the green and the Foams personally can purchase for cheap and there are defiantly better switches on the market. Personally, im doing the same thing with keychron keyboard with KNOB and Gmk Honor Keycaps with probably some akko V3 cream yellow switches a very nice switch that's very cheap and sounds very nice with tape mod and pe foam. still looking into other switches I'm a tactile person moving into linear switches and a gamer myself who have been using the glorious pandas for a while now on my moded Royal Kludge 61 with tape mod and GMk Red samurai.

[@ominousview]

" I have a tee shirt" lol. Yeah while the 500$ sounds better, I feel like it's only a little better. But how they feel, well built and more importantly how long they last may be worth it. But I would probably go Jake's route unless there's some added functionality besides a little LCD pic. Liked the comparison video

[@peanutbutterbean1738]

i stand by budget boards mainly because with the same money i can make multiple boards that i can rotate between when i want a different feel/look, and i just love working on keyboards so the more keyboards i get the more time i can spend modding them

[@SeriousSweet]

Im the exact same! I buy some medium-cheap priced keyboards of aliexpress and then mod them. In the end its still a lot of money put into it but i have more keebs to vary between and have on my wall for decoration than if i went with some premium builds. I also love to tinker, design, and build stuff so this is the way to go imo

[@bluebaguettes8118]

Switch and Click really started my custom keyboard hobby, keep up the good videos! and first

[@cristix2028]

Same here!

[@SwitchandClickOfficial]

Thanks! Will do!

[@AmazingTonyYT]

I recently ordered a Ducky One 3 TKL I’m so excited to see and try it

[@frustratedbanana]

Hello, planning to buy ZOOM75 and joining my first group buy. How would you describe the milky green color in perskn? It is yet to be my first alu keeb and I am still carefully deciding on what case color to choose. From the render, I love the color of the milky green since it is muted. Is it worth choosing or should I just stick with classic colors like EE white and black?

[@RandomTalksReal]

Best video I’ve seen this week

[@SwitchandClickOfficial]

Wow, thanks

[@RandomTalksReal]

@@SwitchandClickOfficial no problem bc it’s true and ur my favorite KZbinr probably you hipyo and ltt r my favorite

[@winchester9432]

Way cool video! Thanks guys...

[@SwitchandClickOfficial]

thanks for watching!

[@mxnjones]

I enjoy Keychron keyboards, so I'm rooting for Jake...besides, I've spent $500 on a keyboard, and I like and use my K8 so much more. It's a work in progress, I guess?

[@rottentrash9386]

I suggest a blind test next time so the viewer can guess 😂 just a little spice with the audience hahaha

[@georgian6]

Pricing for the zoom here is extremly exaggerated and the total cost of the keycron being downplayed. something to note. the zoom75 starts at $179 for the wired version and with the wireless version costing $199, so after keycaps and switches it could very well cost less than $250 total. Meanwhile the v4 costs around $75, and the sp switches costing as much as the board itself not to mention the keycaps and orings which would ultimately end up the same price of the zoom75. Imo the aesthetics, premium build, and features you get on the zoom is definitely worth the price.

[@wolf-xf6hf]

Yea this is valid but in all honesty there are like 3 keyboard brands that you could buy for quality of the zoom for 180. In actuality it’s probably a 300 dollar keyboard. Even mentally trying to compare the keychron q series or the mod 007 to the zoom even though they are the same price range is just mentally impossible they are just too different in quality.

[@Cavereous]

Yunzii yz75 is like a zoom75 on a budget

[@georgian6]

@@Cavereous Yunzii boards are made out of plastic, lacks gasket mounting and also has a 2mm pcb with 0 flex cuts, and also has no weights. They just aren't going to look, sound, and feel the same. The stabs they come with are really bad, and the board is also via incompatible. Not saying the pricing on the Yunzii is unreasonable but you just get what you pay for.

[@ekillops22]

Is that a NiZ Atom66 in the background? How do you like it? How is the combo RShift & UpArrow? I just ordered one to use with Mac since it has better placement of the Alt/Cmd key for MacOS shortcuts than my Atom68 and FC660C.

[@stevesutton772]

I think most of the overhead in keyboards is people trying them then returning them (having to be repackaged).

[@bigmanlynx3164]

i just got a zoom65 its not quite a zoom75 but i still love it

[@ShaneT5S]

8:03 Now I really want some veggie straws

[@itsdeonlol]

Buying a cheap keyboard and modding it will always be more fun!

[@walladazzle_MC]

jake NEEDS to start a keyboard channel he would be great at it!

[@BakedGunpla]

Jake literally just built a new keeb💀Great vid tho

[@kizu5234]

im actually so sad that I couldn't get the zoom75 with the screen

[@Bluz2601]

What about a video on a Razer green clicky switches full size keyboard?

[@your_average_cultured_dude]

that screen looks so cool

[@CKNS09]

You want that little space dude guy when you bought a $300 keyboard

[@potatofuryy]

Jake should probably stop down the aperture lol (or partially abandon autofocus I guess, the part where the shallow DOF actually worked out was pretty sweet)

[@Zjr_plays]

could you do a review on matrix keyboards I have them and love them but would love to get a review from you to see how you like them also you have way more knowledge then me on keyboards so you can tell me if my money is well spent

[@xiolian9880]

i would go for the custom keyboard but just for that sound i would stick with the keychron it sound good and more cheaper so im going with keychron

[@randonkbay]

Betty lost the moment she said "Price doesn't matter, only quality does."

[@j-19-zeta-77]

I was more curious about the folding knife. Link?

[@Pandaproductions516]

Can you please make a video on your knife collection 🙏 I saw that custom benchmade shown no love 😢

[@gAIMingEditz]

what build guide video did you use?

[@olivermchugh6383]

poring out thos permerfrost keykaps reminded me of lego.

[@abbu_0180]

The 500$ was clacky poppy and very creamy smooth- sounding

[@ikono.]

that auto focus is crazy lol

[@prefontaine2790]

"I have an awesome case because it's a custom keyboard!" 0_0 "I have a t-shirt." ^_^

[@chillPill84]

I hope to see a day that Jake wins a challenge

[@drauc]

Make sure and show the astronaut in an upcoming vid please ;)

[@jono708]

Which is better, Q1 Pro or Zoom75?

[@Zyzysu]

best vid i hav watched in 2023

[@rococopati]

Audiophiles and keyboard enthusiast are alike

[@frnzcsco]

Is RK84 really worth it? what you prefer between kumara 1552 RGB? help me please.

[@marlonestrella5054]

For the amount of abuse i put my keyboards through, i rather not spend more than 80 dollars. That amount spent on a luxury keyvoard can go towards a better graphics card or buy one of those awesome Lian Li towers Btw you ever thought about doing audio books? I fell aslwwp listening to your voice after 5 videos. It is so soothing

[@TechComplexity]

jake just loves keychron too much

[@arceecorso]

This is funny because I’m not asking about the keyboards but what pocket knife is that looks cool ? Oh and hope you have a wonderful week ahead.?

[@sentient.ball.of.stardust]

Okay but we need more than 2 seconds of typing sound testing on each please.

[@tjamesmedia.]

Peep Betty using Niz Atom as a daily driver 👀

[@Gettin.rizzy.]

Hey, I have been a fan of you for a while now and I have a question for you. I have a rk61 and I moded every aspect of it and it sounds great except for one thing... THE STABS!! do you have any recommendations for stabs for the rk61 that you so much and have a great day!!

[@Demise698]

Holee mod, band-aid on plate and more lube, maybe can tune it with a syringe. Remember to use thicker lube of the stabs like XHT-BDZ or Permatex Dielectric Grease

[@Gettin.rizzy.]

@@Demise698 I tried doing all that before I commented this and half of the stab fell out I understand that it clicks back in but the place that snaps it back into place broke. So I cant really do all that sadly I was asking for new stabs, Thank you for the recommendation though :D

[@kyl_1995]

Conclude: The expensive price for best sound, nothing is come with cheap😂

[@antoniocepaj7544]

I wonder what would you recommend for a wireless keyboard that doesn't require assembly, and any sort of maintenance, + it must be quiet as possible ? ❤❤ Thank you

[@Mistier]

Cidoo v65

[@krietiker908]

Can you try the Akko 5075s Kit

[@elementonyoutube6556]

$500 is a TON of cash for a keyboard. I do like the creamy sound of the custom and the Green Color that compliments the Matcha milk tea I'm having. Awwwww- I was secretly rooting for Jake. Maybe if he would have started with something different, he would have ended up with a stronger competitor to the fully custom. Oh well. 😊

[@krystplayzz8444]

When npc

[@mntish]

Keybored will be proud

[@TheHummusKing]

I really dont get the craze with flex on a keyboard. Back then flex was an indication of bad build quality im not sure when it became a good thing. Typing on a keyboard with little to no flex feels sturdier imo and feels nicer

[@PRIMEVAL543]

Isn’t the 70 dollar keyboard with the switches and keycaps alone more like 150+? For next video I’d maybe prefer a format with same price point in total costs. Like: - 200 prebuilt one where the only thing you can do is lube, and slight mods that cost basically no money vs - 70 dollar + mods like custom switches, keycaps, silicon mod or other stuff to reach the same price range And then compare

[@dupeboi]

i really want a screen on my keyboard too lol

[@voidmobile094]

please make more videos with jake!

[@samsung_fridge27]

As long as a keyboard is quick and responsive, spending 500 probably isn't worth it but it sounds so good.

[@BlakeAtStake93]

Camouflage paint likes to take a walk in the park.

[@astronautcheems7680]

ok ill be real here, in my opinion, the cheaper one actually sounds better. its all a matter of opinion tho so good keebs for both!

[@aoo7zero469]

Now me personally, the “cheap” one is still preeetty expensive to me 💀😭

[@bryce2010_]

I feel like jake is also getting into this hobby

[@SimGunther]

He has been along side her almost the whole time if you pay attention to the blog

[@mfnanda87]

omg i so wish betty would "fix" my keyboard sound lol 😢

[@erics411]

Is that the milky green color? Looks way brighter than their photos

[@erics411]

@switch seems like the photoshop photo got u in trouble lol sorry

[@DindilloYT-ITA]

the keychron v4 isn't bad but not like the v1

[@cupknee]

ok eff that price but it sounds nice. if i had more money i'd probably get it

[@StudyTeatime]

Can anyone tell me why people use weights in their keyboards? Wouldn’t it just hinder portability?

[@tomasaguyolioni4996]

Lord have mercy on your bank account😅

[@TwinsOfQuietus]

Okay, I've recently been watching your guy's videos, and their awesome! I have two questions, in regards to the tape mod, is it a fire hazard? Also, I'm looking to build a quiet keyboard for under $100 and was wondering if you all can do a mod build with a red dragon k643?

[@TheAlixSH]

GAS67, GMK67 and Tiger 80 Lite sound good and quiet enough to me. If it's for office use definitely get a 75% or higher form factor.

[@TwinsOfQuietus]

@Alīñk - Kiwiijuice89 Thank you I'll look into those!

[@NoSwitchyt]

Look into haimu heartbeat switches. By far the best silent switches. Or find wuque studios silent switches, the seem to be more available and are made by haimu. The ws white is linear, the ws grey is tactile. They're so much better than other silent switches.

[@z4k1_zaki65]

@@TheAlixSH If you can find, the Monsgeek M1 is a decent option too

[@Plainprofile.]

keyboards are kinda like finger speed increaser

[@CrestedCleo]

Day 2 of asking you to PLEASEEEEEE review the TTC tiger keyboard switches PLSSSSSSS

[@toddy_rblx]

nice civivi

[@mr.guillotine3766]

I haven't even watched it yet (it's playing now) but I'm voting for the cheaper option. We need options that aren't hundreds of dollars...hell, I wish someone would actually mod a Tezarre 61 so I can get ideas on how to do mine. (It's a $35 keyboard half the time, sometimes a little more, sometimes a lot less)...I know the optical switches limits what can be done there, but a lot of us simply can't afford to spend even $70 on a keyboard, let alone hundreds....Hypio did suggest I do a simple tape mod and probably hand lube the switches (they are factory lubed Gateron Optical Blacks because I like a heavier/stiffer response), but it would be cool to see one of you guys (you know who the group includes) take this on so I can get even more ideas, especially if they are budget (real budget, not your budget lol) options.

[@TomiNomy]

I want to get a custom keyboard for general use but mostly gaming, is the Zoom 75 worth it? or should I get something else, cus I have been looking at the Azoth lately tbh (I want a 75% or a TKL) and I don't really want to spend more than 250$ (unless I really have to, but I won't go too much over it) Edit: preferably wireless if possible

[@cruzcurdy6723]

Keychain q1 but if that’s to expensive I would go for the d60 lite or tiger 80 lite from kbdfans. But those don’t come with switches nor Keycaps so you would have to buy them separately.

[@Andromaxlovetech]

Tiger lite is cheap and sound amazing. Also the zoom 75 but it is a lot more expensive. Surely the azoth is not worth the price

[@TomiNomy]

@@cruzcurdy6723 do you mean Keychron? it seems like the safest bet since it seems like its the cheapest cus for the others I still need to buy switches and keycaps and who knows how much thats worth right now

[@frostywuff]

Zoom75 support 3 way connection bluetooth, 2.45ghz and wired.

[@idaaa333]

@@TomiNomy tbf the q1 needs a lot more mods to feel and sound acceptable, and the zoom is basically good as soon as you lube stabs. then theres the looks, colour options, and layout options. the zoom wins in all those categories (looks is preference but i think it looks nicer). also the zoom has better build quality from what i have seen, and comes with better stock stabs asw

[@Unseen-Custom-Keebs]

👍

[@Punkertoon]

Both have linear switches. So neither is better. Tactile all day. 😂

[@Almond150]

true

[@wolf-xf6hf]

Lies linear gang for life

[@whitchellegera291]

Can't help but notice everytime you do challenges like these, you're just against a bunch of simps who aren't even trying to win.

[@GibbyTrio]

or don't spend $500 and buy the astronaut 👍

[@Cobinja]

Be honest. You didn't do tape mod because, well, battery, and you didn't want to do THAT again, right?

[@leeyinghan2617]

Which is objectively better - Zoom75 or QK75?

[@SwitchandClickOfficial]

They’re both super preferential since you pick your parts. I like zoom better though

[@Almond150]

zoom seems like it has better looks and build quality slightly, the qk might be slightly thockier and cheaper pretty small differences though

[@user-ke7nk8dd1u]

what keycaps is jake using?

[@user-ke7nk8dd1u]

never mind got it 😃

[@DanRobards]

Jake will never learn!

[@ABot_Realz]

no RGB? :(

[@StrawBerry-Bubblez]

4:26 just click its kinda cute just click it

[@piplup10203854]

😮 500 dollars for a keyboard! 😦 I’m going for the cheaper keyboard purely on the cost. I do think the more expensive board does sound good but that’s a lot of money 🤔 although I do kind of get it if you’re using it every single day and you keep with cleaning it and all that having a better sound throughout the use would be better over time but that would take a lot of time before it paid off 😅 so yeah cheaper board for sure.

[@username-ql8ox]

I spent just above 350 dollars on mine. I could justify it since I'll use it everyday AND I'm expecting it to last more than 4 years. Pretty worth in that case 😂😂😂

[@username-ql8ox]

Keep in mind, you're not only paying for the sound but also for the typing feel!! That part goes super unnoticed through KZbin videos cuz you cant exactly show it here lol

[@piplup10203854]

@@username-ql8ox Oh I totally get it, I bought an ergonomic keyboard over 5+ years ago and it costed me 350 bucks and I changed the switches around and it's been delightful since but I always struggle to find that balance of upfront cost versus long term cost and sure if you're using it everyday for 4+ years then it's a worthwhile investment but I still think of that large number and it would just make me feel better knowing I spent less 😆 but I only spent that kind of money once and I recognize that sure it's good but it's a lot of money and I'd rather have spent the cheaper amount especially when the sound and typing experience is pretty similar.

[@paushuts9727]

Although it does sound and feel better, there is no way it will ever be a justifiable price up for the upgrade in itself, it’s more of a hobby, somewhat niche so it is expensive. To enthusiasts, it’s about how customizable they are, and being able to have it fit your taste in everything from colors to switch type and weight, sound, and the experience of building it yourself :) you get a sense of accomplishment so you have a connection/like it more, just like with ikea furniture lol

[@zygort]

Betty’s stock board is worth than my custom 😂

[@Demontyxl]

of course lol

[@worxdfluffy9306]

telete niuu koorad

[@schtendo4464]

kinda disingenuous including GMK shoko in the build price of the Zoom but not including DCX Permafrost in the build price of the keychron