Tyvm for the review! Based on the suggestion of Haurjie, we have changed the screws of daughterboard to h1.5 so that users can take it out for pcb tests much easily than performing the old way like we instructed in the video. The build guide is changed accordingly too.
This will be a stellar gift board for friends and family Also one mod I found that helps for "empty" sounding boards is to put the plate foam in the lower chassis instead of the plate. Its a decent middle-ground foam that doesn't kill the sound but doesnt ping or resonate too much either.
Owlab/QK are really trailblazers. The qk65 was already a phenomenon when it first came out and set a trend for budget keebs to come. And now they’ve done it again by lowering the entry cost.
It's a perfect video from the real visual beauty to the sound. I watched and learned a lot!! I will visit you often in the future. Please upload a good video.
Just got then finished mine yesterday - got Purple Tri-mode, FC Plate, Gat Oil Kings and PBTfans Subarashi and used all the foam... looks and sounds amazing. It's very thocky but somewhat muted so I'll probably remove some of the foam. I think the ribbon cable was pretty easy after watching multiple build guides. Thank you for yours!
A lot of people are comparing this to a stripped down Envoy and while the Envoy obviously adds additional details, the Neo certainly comes with the same core features of a metal unibody construction, weight, and mounting via elastic material. I'm curious how it compares
Enthusiast boards are going to get a lot more cheaper, I got a fully built aluminum keyboard from China for 60$. Tri mode, hotswap, with switch and keycaps. If some manufacturers can do it then even enthusiasts brands can.
@@baconsaladking Just bought a prebuilt Ciidoo V65 v2 which was based on a group buy Final Key v65 case. Cost me $109 as it was on sale. Bought as a beater board for a new office job. Frankly its difficult to get much better at least for the price. It has poron foam on the inside, gasket mounted, poly carbonate plate, force break already applied to case , lubed switches, rgb , via support, wireless, and an aluminum case/knob. Gaskets are tuned for a decent amount of flex. All for $109. Switches and keycaps are actually not bad. Solid mid grade stuff. Sound profile is "marble" like with a silent style profile. I was looking to build something better and its like the custom keyboard market hasn't caught up or innovated enough as these chinese manafactures are throwing together keyboards that would have been "enthusiast" group buys in the hundreds of dollar range. As time goes on its only going to get better. Custom keyboard makers will have to innovate. My only complaint is the boring "vintage" aesthetic because the case is fairly minimalist and a spacebar that i had to stick some tape to help with ping.
It’s so wild to me how peoples sound preferences vary so much! I personally didn’t like the QK65 sound in that config at all compared to the Neo, but I do really enjoy that clacky sound.
Thanks for the review and sharing your thoughts on this! Wild to see what’s available at this price point especially relative to even only a couple years ago. I don’t have Zakus on hand, but I gather they’re quite similar to Geon Black switches (which I do have), and they are definitely higher pitched in my experience. Wasn’t surprised that they’d sound sharp on aluminum, I wonder if something in between POM and Alu would sound better without being too muted (like FR-4 or CF). I feel like CF is the one that’s the hardest to predict. Sometimes it sounds super sharp compared to FR-4, sometimes it seems to sound the same. No doubt also come down to plate thickness / switches / mounting style
Edit: nevermind you answer my question! Thank GOD tri-mode PCB supports VIA. Praise the lord someone is listening. 🙏 Already planned on getting one but think I'm going to at least get 2 at this point. Maybe 3. Different plate and weight combos so i can mix and match. I think that your config there has a very distinct clack. Which is good IMO since some others said it was muted. So I feel confident you can hit a range of tones depending on switch, plate, foam combinations. Only thing I wish they would have done, that i think would have been reasonable, is better rubber/silicone feet. Specifically to recess the screws in the weight and use a foot with a little nub that can be pressed in. Wiuld kake it allear screwless and IMO a bit more refined.
@@qwertykeys2119that's unfortunate. I don't have one so was not aware of that. Maybe screws could have just been excluded and weight connected entirely via magnets. Just an idea. Is there a reason you used an FCC connector and cable vs a JST? I already see people nitpicking on this.
@@JustSomeGuy009 saves space and more durable than JST - most importantly, this particular FPC works with both sides, you don't need to make sure that you need to insert with particular side facing up
can't hear the difference between alu and pom plate tbh, even on high volume with earphones. also surprised that the PE foam didn't sound that apparent.
If you use the O-ring mount, then you can only use clip in stabs. Screw in stabs will work if you use the silicone gasket mount. I mentioned it in the video.
Yes, it's mentioned in their documentation in their notion site. I believe this is the recommendation for all o-ring mounted boards so not unique. And it's awesome they're including clip ins for everyone. Honestly I have no issue with plate mounted stabs and kinda prefer them as long as they're tight. Easier to take out and service.
Just came across your channel, your comparison with each configuration is really helpful to new comer like me, keep it up! btw what is your thought on sound vs the enoy with same configuration?
Hey thanks! I have not tested same config for Envoy vs Neo so I don't have any thoughts on that yet specifically for the sound. I do think it will come down to what switches you use to test in both cases though. I think some switches will have no difference, but some might have noticeable difference.
@@hardlinenexus That is really interesting! I never knew that some switches sound different across different keyboards while some don't. I need to dig deeper into this topic!
So for me, this config doesn‘t sound really good, but as everything in this hobby: personal preferences. Btw. I could hear the difference betweem pom and alu and yes, alu was definitely fuller and better sounding. Would have loved hearing this board with the plate foam. But overall, it‘s a really good budget keyboard
QK65 is not mine, belongs to a friend. And I am not a fan of the keycaps. I don't like weeb things but I was also too lazy to swap the keycaps for just a short time on the video XD
can you make neo65 thocky tho? im new to this keyboard thing and gb for neo65 already open in my area, i dont really like clacky sound as everyone that reviewing neo65 is using clacky sound? any enlightment? thanks in advance
You can make any keyboard thocky, it just comes down to your switch selection and what mods you do to it. I personally didn't do any mods here and wanted to really show what the base sounded like. From there it's open to what people do to it. I don't want to showcase a fully modded keyboard, at least not in this video
@@hardlinenexus thanks for replying faster than i expected suscribed and like, so in your opinion for someone new like me should i get this one is this good keyboard?
@@havoc2810 I don't know what keyboards youre coming from, but the first thing i start with is the layout of the keyboard. if you're not into 65% then don't get it, if you are or have never tried but are willing to try, then it would be a good one to jump into
@@skygardenrikka9910solution? For what? It's not supposed to fall out... If you want to remove the assembly the recommended method in their docs is to remove 2 screws on weight, remove the weight, and push the PCB from the back. Pretty simple.
I don't think it's necessary since it friction fits, but they could have gone the mode envoy approach with 2 screws with an o-ring that goes through to the PCB attached to the case. But then again it's not really a problem in the case.
It comes with clip-in stabs and you'll have to use those if you use the O-ring mount. But generally speaking screw-in stabs that you'll have to purchase on your own are much better.
Pretty sure any PVD coated weight is stainless steel underneath. It's PVD coated with a gold look. The brass and copper weights aren't PVD coated and have a different texture and look different then what's in this video.
I mean, most people aren't going to be tearing it apart over and over. You can swap switches and keycaps without taking anything apart. You can even change the mount without disconnecting the cable. To remove the PCB/plate they recommend you remove the 2 screws in the weight, remove it, and push the assembly out from the bottom since it friction fits in tight. Since you are doing that anyway you can just disconnect the cable from the daughterboard. So disassembly is 2 screws and disconnect from daughter board. What's the issue here?
The aluminium plate has a lot of resonance during the recording, and I'm curious if it sounds the same in person. For a kit this cheap it's hard to complain, but you can hear how they got it at that low of a pricepoint. It's in the same boat as the "Pingeneko" a while back.
I have an acrylic board that sounds so much better than this and it literally just has an acrylic plate with nothing else.. I get that this board is cheap, but cheap doesnt mean it has to sound not great.. Im listening to this on studio monitors, so unless you changed the audio, I should be hearing what you recorded.
"80$" is a fishy way of putting it. Yeah sure it costs 80 without a plate and before shipping and taxes. A normal hotswap config with plate will do you 120$, it's gonna be just as expensive as a qk65. It's a bit misleading. Keep in mind that vendors will have prices which are a bit more expensive due to taxes as well. Just kind of an uncool thing. Yes, I know, all of the reviwers do it, but it's still very annoying. Still, a decent review
Not to stir anything up, but rather just for humor. That's why at the beginning of the video I literally said the "starting price point for the lowest configuration". At about 1:40 I labeled the approximate cost of my configuration. What's fishy about it? They're facts and what I presented is fair info. Again just for humor lol, nothing serious, but if you go to a restaurant and sit down, order a plate of pasta, get the bill... do you tell the waitress "hey this is misleading and fishy because the pasta plate on the menu says $9.99, but you charged me tax, gratuity and a tip is expected? it's a bit annoying..." ??
@@hardlinenexus It's more about what you said at the end, you said something like "just for 80 bucks", since literally nobody will order the plateless version. But yeah I get your point. At least you didn't put it in the title, and I'm sure some other reviewer will upload a "This budget king costs only 80$". It's more a dissatisfaction with this kind of barebones reviewing which happens in basically all of the reviws that are available on youtube
it does, mr. suit is my main keyboard. but mr. suit is also a different layout and also a completely different price point too, it's not a fair comparison lol
Nice channel! This along with things like TM680, ciy Tester68, TKD Cycle7, and (hopefully revivals of old discontinued boards) have the potential to completely wipe out bigger companies like KBDfans, Cannonkeys, and Keycult etc. with their insane value keebs. Like most of the features in those ultra expensive boards aren’t even that noticible, like 1 degree less typing angle or whatever or 1 percent more colorful weight that can up the price by like $300 compared to these budget keebs. This market is cursed…💀🗿🫃
Actually people buy Keycult because of their A-stock standards, quality finish and the brand name. It's worth it to some people. It's more of an art side that people pay for rather than the functionality.
Tyvm for the review!
Based on the suggestion of Haurjie, we have changed the screws of daughterboard to h1.5 so that users can take it out for pcb tests much easily than performing the old way like we instructed in the video. The build guide is changed accordingly too.
Any plans to do a pcb with rgb for this?
@@coyotex850 we do have one - it's the wired ansi hotswap pcb
@@qwertykeys2119 when this keyboard will release
@@trilecebey 30th of August!
Hey, does it have a soft?
This will be a stellar gift board for friends and family
Also one mod I found that helps for "empty" sounding boards is to put the plate foam in the lower chassis instead of the plate. Its a decent middle-ground foam that doesn't kill the sound but doesnt ping or resonate too much either.
Polyfill is ideal if you have it to maintain the most amount of flex/movement in the board
Owlab/QK are really trailblazers. The qk65 was already a phenomenon when it first came out and set a trend for budget keebs to come. And now they’ve done it again by lowering the entry cost.
Nice to see you again. Enjoy all your excellent reviews and build videos. Have a great day, bro.
It's a perfect video from the real visual beauty to the sound. I watched and learned a lot!! I will visit you often in the future. Please upload a good video.
Just got then finished mine yesterday - got Purple Tri-mode, FC Plate, Gat Oil Kings and PBTfans Subarashi and used all the foam... looks and sounds amazing. It's very thocky but somewhat muted so I'll probably remove some of the foam.
I think the ribbon cable was pretty easy after watching multiple build guides. Thank you for yours!
I have ordered mine. So excited to own it.
Very cool review and great video! Hope your channel grows dude.
thank you!
Dang I love the clacky sound of your Neo65. Thanks for the vid!
A lot of people are comparing this to a stripped down Envoy and while the Envoy obviously adds additional details, the Neo certainly comes with the same core features of a metal unibody construction, weight, and mounting via elastic material. I'm curious how it compares
Enthusiast boards are going to get a lot more cheaper, I got a fully built aluminum keyboard from China for 60$. Tri mode, hotswap, with switch and keycaps. If some manufacturers can do it then even enthusiasts brands can.
Tm680 tester68 and this are so value, but isn’t envoy 200 dollars
@@baconsaladking Just bought a prebuilt Ciidoo V65 v2 which was based on a group buy Final Key v65 case. Cost me $109 as it was on sale. Bought as a beater board for a new office job.
Frankly its difficult to get much better at least for the price.
It has poron foam on the inside, gasket mounted, poly carbonate plate, force break already applied to case , lubed switches, rgb , via support, wireless, and an aluminum case/knob. Gaskets are tuned for a decent amount of flex. All for $109.
Switches and keycaps are actually not bad. Solid mid grade stuff. Sound profile is "marble" like with a silent style profile.
I was looking to build something better and its like the custom keyboard market hasn't caught up or innovated enough as these chinese manafactures are throwing together keyboards that would have been "enthusiast" group buys in the hundreds of dollar range.
As time goes on its only going to get better. Custom keyboard makers will have to innovate.
My only complaint is the boring "vintage" aesthetic because the case is fairly minimalist and a spacebar that i had to stick some tape to help with ping.
It’s so wild to me how peoples sound preferences vary so much! I personally didn’t like the QK65 sound in that config at all compared to the Neo, but I do really enjoy that clacky sound.
There are no wrong answers
@@hardlinenexus definitely agree!
Thanks for the review and sharing your thoughts on this! Wild to see what’s available at this price point especially relative to even only a couple years ago. I don’t have Zakus on hand, but I gather they’re quite similar to Geon Black switches (which I do have), and they are definitely higher pitched in my experience. Wasn’t surprised that they’d sound sharp on aluminum, I wonder if something in between POM and Alu would sound better without being too muted (like FR-4 or CF). I feel like CF is the one that’s the hardest to predict. Sometimes it sounds super sharp compared to FR-4, sometimes it seems to sound the same. No doubt also come down to plate thickness / switches / mounting style
Hell yeah, bro! I'm pretty sold on buying this!
is it just me or does the fact you don't use your thumbs to hit the space bar bother anyone else. There is so much potential for accuracy and speed
I couldn’t believe my eyes
where do we can order one of this ? i want to build my first custom kb but im not sure were to buy the full kits.
what does it mean if there is a light under the esc key and how do I turn it off?
Edit: nevermind you answer my question! Thank GOD tri-mode PCB supports VIA. Praise the lord someone is listening. 🙏 Already planned on getting one but think I'm going to at least get 2 at this point. Maybe 3. Different plate and weight combos so i can mix and match.
I think that your config there has a very distinct clack. Which is good IMO since some others said it was muted. So I feel confident you can hit a range of tones depending on switch, plate, foam combinations.
Only thing I wish they would have done, that i think would have been reasonable, is better rubber/silicone feet. Specifically to recess the screws in the weight and use a foot with a little nub that can be pressed in. Wiuld kake it allear screwless and IMO a bit more refined.
unfortunately those fall off easily as proven in our previous boards (qk65 kek)
@@qwertykeys2119that's unfortunate. I don't have one so was not aware of that. Maybe screws could have just been excluded and weight connected entirely via magnets. Just an idea.
Is there a reason you used an FCC connector and cable vs a JST? I already see people nitpicking on this.
@@JustSomeGuy009 saves space and more durable than JST - most importantly, this particular FPC works with both sides, you don't need to make sure that you need to insert with particular side facing up
can't hear the difference between alu and pom plate tbh, even on high volume with earphones. also surprised that the PE foam didn't sound that apparent.
Wait I thought this PCB didnt support screw in stabs and only supported clip ins? Am I wrong, because he used Owlabs screw ins stabs?
If you use the O-ring mount, then you can only use clip in stabs. Screw in stabs will work if you use the silicone gasket mount. I mentioned it in the video.
The non screw in support only applies to the o ring mount right?
Yes, it's mentioned in their documentation in their notion site. I believe this is the recommendation for all o-ring mounted boards so not unique. And it's awesome they're including clip ins for everyone. Honestly I have no issue with plate mounted stabs and kinda prefer them as long as they're tight. Easier to take out and service.
@@JustSomeGuy009 it's not plate mounted tho - pcb mount
Can you give me information of the keycap set :D
Your production quality is top notch! Love the video!
I found this for sale in Singapore and Europe but not us how to buy it in US?
Hope you can review the TKD Cycle7 next :D
Just came across your channel, your comparison with each configuration is really helpful to new comer like me, keep it up! btw what is your thought on sound vs the enoy with same configuration?
Hey thanks! I have not tested same config for Envoy vs Neo so I don't have any thoughts on that yet specifically for the sound. I do think it will come down to what switches you use to test in both cases though. I think some switches will have no difference, but some might have noticeable difference.
@@hardlinenexus That is really interesting! I never knew that some switches sound different across different keyboards while some don't. I need to dig deeper into this topic!
So for me, this config doesn‘t sound really good, but as everything in this hobby: personal preferences. Btw. I could hear the difference betweem pom and alu and yes, alu was definitely fuller and better sounding. Would have loved hearing this board with the plate foam. But overall, it‘s a really good budget keyboard
A bit unrelated but what are your thoughts on those Kenokeys keycaps on your qk65?
QK65 is not mine, belongs to a friend. And I am not a fan of the keycaps. I don't like weeb things but I was also too lazy to swap the keycaps for just a short time on the video XD
Did the sound test include the PE foam and plate foam?
Neo65 had PE foam only, was mentioned in the video sound test portion (at the end of it when my discussion starts)
gmk sparta was dope on this red kit
can you make neo65 thocky tho? im new to this keyboard thing and gb for neo65 already open in my area, i dont really like clacky sound as everyone that reviewing neo65 is using clacky sound? any enlightment? thanks in advance
You can make any keyboard thocky, it just comes down to your switch selection and what mods you do to it. I personally didn't do any mods here and wanted to really show what the base sounded like. From there it's open to what people do to it. I don't want to showcase a fully modded keyboard, at least not in this video
@@hardlinenexus thanks for replying faster than i expected suscribed and like, so in your opinion for someone new like me should i get this one is this good keyboard?
@@havoc2810 I don't know what keyboards youre coming from, but the first thing i start with is the layout of the keyboard. if you're not into 65% then don't get it, if you are or have never tried but are willing to try, then it would be a good one to jump into
Doesn’t seem to be on the website. When/where can you actually buy this? Seems to good to be true.
it hasn't launched yet
@@hardlinenexus Ah. Thank you. Sorry, I did not have time to watch the whole video. Release date/details?
Man nothing beats the Mr suit
When do you think will this release? And is it a group buy again?
i'll need to mention the release date on my description. getting that information right now and will update shortly.
@@hardlinenexusthanks bro. Give an update even if they say they got no dates yet. Thank you
@@kevincabarangao9002 They said late August
Alu and pom will have differences in real life and hard to hear it through recording.
Will the pcb easily to fall apart when the keyboard is upside down? I see there are no screws or something to hold the pcb, just the gaskets.
From another review, nopes - keycap fell out and ocb did not lol
@@YL_SC as I remember it's from nearLucid right lol 😂 hope QK can answer or having a solution for this.
@@skygardenrikka9910solution? For what? It's not supposed to fall out... If you want to remove the assembly the recommended method in their docs is to remove 2 screws on weight, remove the weight, and push the PCB from the back. Pretty simple.
I don't think it's necessary since it friction fits, but they could have gone the mode envoy approach with 2 screws with an o-ring that goes through to the PCB attached to the case. But then again it's not really a problem in the case.
@@skygardenrikka9910 it won't fall out ... nearLucid threw his keycaps out but the pcb is still in there...
very cool vid, bro
thank you!
do i need to get my own stabs?
It comes with clip-in stabs and you'll have to use those if you use the O-ring mount. But generally speaking screw-in stabs that you'll have to purchase on your own are much better.
Is that weight brass? Not SS pvd?
Pretty sure any PVD coated weight is stainless steel underneath. It's PVD coated with a gold look. The brass and copper weights aren't PVD coated and have a different texture and look different then what's in this video.
the weight is ss
where can i get those Gojo keycaps?
Idk man
The daughter board ribbon looks like a massive headache. I have another keyboard that uses a similar configuration and it discourages experimentation.
I mean, most people aren't going to be tearing it apart over and over. You can swap switches and keycaps without taking anything apart. You can even change the mount without disconnecting the cable. To remove the PCB/plate they recommend you remove the 2 screws in the weight, remove it, and push the assembly out from the bottom since it friction fits in tight. Since you are doing that anyway you can just disconnect the cable from the daughterboard. So disassembly is 2 screws and disconnect from daughter board. What's the issue here?
Keycaps name please ?
GMK Sparta
The aluminium plate has a lot of resonance during the recording, and I'm curious if it sounds the same in person.
For a kit this cheap it's hard to complain, but you can hear how they got it at that low of a pricepoint. It's in the same boat as the "Pingeneko" a while back.
yes if you build it with oring without foam it'll sound pingy
ive seen alot more expensive boards with shittier sound and the owners are coping with "preference" so i guess this is fine
I have no idea how to even buy it. The site is confusing AF.
It's not released yet. Expected end of August
Why has no one built this plateless!!!!!!!!
I would've done a plateless build test but I didn't get a solder PCB in my review sample. Hotswap isn't as stable and will have too much wobble
Mhh, what kinda of weight should I get!
Shiny surfaces tend to scratch easily so just be careful with it if you do
Can u still buy it
it hasn't launched yet
Yea yea every new board hype
Cycle 7 vs this ... budget is good these days.
they still in profit with that price ...the competitor just a focking green goblin with their price 💀💀💀
hahahaha same thoughts
I have an acrylic board that sounds so much better than this and it literally just has an acrylic plate with nothing else.. I get that this board is cheap, but cheap doesnt mean it has to sound not great..
Im listening to this on studio monitors, so unless you changed the audio, I should be hearing what you recorded.
Yeah pom pc sound the same alu and fr4 are pretty much the same and brass is totally different.
price is insane
for what you get, yeah it really is.
I really wish the would stop giving me shitty screwdrivers and stabs. They just end up in the bin and they still bring up the price.
not really - those are gifts and costs about $2-3 if not less
@@qwertykeys2119 they are still no good, end up in a landfill and I would prefer a free pc plate, which should cost roughly the same.
its nearly 200 dooars in australia
not cheap at all
Dude. You should post a warning for showing those guns.
should see my legs ;)
"80$" is a fishy way of putting it. Yeah sure it costs 80 without a plate and before shipping and taxes. A normal hotswap config with plate will do you 120$, it's gonna be just as expensive as a qk65. It's a bit misleading. Keep in mind that vendors will have prices which are a bit more expensive due to taxes as well. Just kind of an uncool thing. Yes, I know, all of the reviwers do it, but it's still very annoying. Still, a decent review
Not to stir anything up, but rather just for humor.
That's why at the beginning of the video I literally said the "starting price point for the lowest configuration". At about 1:40 I labeled the approximate cost of my configuration. What's fishy about it? They're facts and what I presented is fair info.
Again just for humor lol, nothing serious, but if you go to a restaurant and sit down, order a plate of pasta, get the bill... do you tell the waitress "hey this is misleading and fishy because the pasta plate on the menu says $9.99, but you charged me tax, gratuity and a tip is expected? it's a bit annoying..." ??
@@hardlinenexus It's more about what you said at the end, you said something like "just for 80 bucks", since literally nobody will order the plateless version. But yeah I get your point. At least you didn't put it in the title, and I'm sure some other reviewer will upload a "This budget king costs only 80$". It's more a dissatisfaction with this kind of barebones reviewing which happens in basically all of the reviws that are available on youtube
A numpad would be as useful as this dudes thumbs are in the typing test.
late but #tricepgang
mr.suit still sounds better
it does, mr. suit is my main keyboard. but mr. suit is also a different layout and also a completely different price point too, it's not a fair comparison lol
Don’t buy a stupid $120 Keybored all what I can say… meaningless
My main kb is Ms. jelly v2 lol , is worth when you get what you want or need be
broke the market ? No it didn't
im glad it sounds terrible loll high pitch with hollowness, gotta love the chinese
Nice channel! This along with things like TM680, ciy Tester68, TKD Cycle7, and (hopefully revivals of old discontinued boards) have the potential to completely wipe out bigger companies like KBDfans, Cannonkeys, and Keycult etc. with their insane value keebs. Like most of the features in those ultra expensive boards aren’t even that noticible, like 1 degree less typing angle or whatever or 1 percent more colorful weight that can up the price by like $300 compared to these budget keebs. This market is cursed…💀🗿🫃
Actually people buy Keycult because of their A-stock standards, quality finish and the brand name. It's worth it to some people. It's more of an art side that people pay for rather than the functionality.