Latest news with #Wobkey
Forbes
5 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Wobkey Zen65 Premium Feature Keyboard With A More Affordable Price Tag
Wobkey has announced its latest custom keyboard with a compact 65% layout. The Zen65 and launched on Kickstarter on June 3. The keyboard comes in two versions with a choice of stabilizers and it won't take up too much of your precious desk space. Despite its compact size, the Zen65 is probably one of the heaviest and most solid keyboards I've ever come across. Despite its heft, it has a soft and gentle typing action thanks to its factory-lubed hot-swappable switches. The Zen65 is the third keyboard from the Wobkey brand and its launch follows on from the Rainy75 and the Crush80 models. Made from high-quality materials, the new keyboard has wired, 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connectivity. Up to three Bluetooth hosts can be paired and switching between any connection is simple. A quick assembly ball-catch mechanism on the case makes it easy for modifiers to disassemble the keyboard for customization. And considering its starting price of $89, the Zen65 offers a lot of features for the money. The top case of the Zen65 has chamfered internal edges for a touch of refinement not often seen in many keyboards. An internal brass weight enhances the overall feel and improves the acoustics. For keyboard tweakers, there are four different mounting options enabling users to fine-tune their typing experience. The brass plate on the Zen65 Ultra's bottom case acts as a stabilizing weight as well as a useful cover for the keyboard's battery chamber. The brass plate is cut out to produce a larger gap between the printed circuit board and the bottom housing that sits beneath the mechanical switches. Wobkey says the Zen65's design produces a 'more refined typing sound.' Most mechanical keyboards use a flat ribbon cable to connect the PCB to the bottom case. However, the Zen65 has a unique magnetic pogo pin connector that makes it easy to assemble and disassemble the keyboard without the need for tools or screws. It's a thoughtful design that reduces the risk of damaging the PCB when modding or maintaining the keyboard. The top case of the Zen65 has thinner bezels on the sides and slightly thicker bezels on the front and back. Chamfered internal edges on the top case are anodized, an unusual and classy touch even on a premium keyboard. A range of multiple mounting options means the Zen65 can be modded to produce a unique sound profile. The gasket mount has a more open and soft typing sound while the top mount produces a tighter and more clacky sound with the modifier keys being emphasized a little more. Because the Zen65 has an option for a PCB-mounted design, it's possible to put together a plateless configuration of the keyboard, although Wobkey doesn't recommend that if using hot-swappable switches. The Zen65 is fitted with pre-lubed switches and dye sublimation PBT keycaps. Wobkey offers two switch options: the Lite version has HMX Violet switches while the Ultra model has Kailh Box switches. The stock switches and stabilizers used on the keyboard create a premium feel with minimal stem wobble. Offering compatibility with QMK firmware, the Zen65 keyboard can be fully customized and programmed using VIA software or the VIA web portal. Individual keys can be remapped or set up with special macros and system shortcuts to suit the way you like to work. The Wobkey Zen65 custom mechanical keyboard is on Kickstarter now with prices starting at $89 for the Zen65 Lite model and $129 for the Sen65 Ultra version.
Forbes
09-05-2025
- Forbes
Wobkey Rainy 75 Is A Heavyweight Player In The Mechanical Keyboard Market
The Rainy 75 keyboard is a 75% and 81-key mechanical keyboard available with a range of specs and ... More finishes. If ever there were to be a prize awarded for the world's heaviest computer keyboard, I think the new Wobkey Rainy 75 would have a strong chance of picking up an award. Despite being made from an aluminum alloy case, this 75% mechanical keyboard with 81 keys is built like the proverbial tank, weighing in at an impressive 2kg. The outer shell of the Rainy 75 is made from CNC-machined aluminum alloy with an oxidized surface and glass-steel decoration. There is a variety of colors and designs available with the price of the Rainy 75 increasing with the fancier finishes and specs. For those people who enjoy customizing their keyboard, the Rainy 75 is available in nine colors including White, Purple, Blue, Pink Luna, Yellow and Redvel Yellow. There is also a choice of plates to alter the keyboard's layout with up to 16 options and 5 accessories to give each keyboard a more individual finish. The 75% layout of the Wobkey Rainy75 offers a full row of function keys, separate cursor cluster and ... More navigation keys in a compact form factor. With the Rainy 75, Wobkey buyers get the option of choosing between factory-lubricated linear HMX Violet switches or Kailh Cocoa switches, depending on the model ordered. A five-layer foam and flex gasket structure increases comfort when typing and helps to reduce fatigue. The PBT double-shot keycaps used on the Rainy 75 offer a smoother typing experience and the material stays clean for longer, resisting the buildup of oil and grime. There is the option of connecting with the host device using a 2.4GHz wireless dongle, Bluetooth and USB. The USB option has a latency of 2ms, while the 2.4GHz wireless dongle manages an impressive 3ms with Bluetooth bringing up the rear with a 7ms latency. The built-in battery comes in sizes ranging from 3500mAh to 7000mAh depending on the model ordered. The stability of this new keyboard and its heft is partly down to the use of enhanced foams and a pro-structural design with a key sound that Wobkey describes as 'like raindrops.' There is a Poron foam layer with an 8x foaming density, while PET foam and EPMD bottom foam are insulated with a PET sheet to dampen the sound still further. The Rainy75 from Wobkey is available in a wide range of finishes with a choice of switches and ... More lighting. The keyboard also uses an FR4 plate with flex cuts but users can specify a different kind of plate for various layouts and acoustic properties. There is no doubt that the Rain 75 is designed to be one of the most tactile mechanical keyboards and promotes typing accuracy. To customize the Rainy 75, Wobkey has used QMK firmware so the keyboard can be programmed and customized with VIA software or the VIA website where keys can be modified and macros added along with other advanced features. The Rainy 75 can adapt to macOS or Windows layouts although there are no macOS modifier keys supplied. That said, with a standard MX keycap fit, users can always choose and fit their own keycaps to further customize the look of the keyboard. Pricing and Availability: The Wobkey Rainy 75 keyboard is available now and costs from $99 depending on the specification and model chosen. Orders can be placed at Tech Specs:
