3 days ago
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.
