While everyone was bashing this board for looking the same as QK65 bla bla my man comes up with this brilliant video explaining that much more than just the look ! Loved the video as usual !
The origin of this board came from the voice65, which came out over a year before the qk65, im guessing most people didnt know this which is why they were talking bad about it too
@@givemesubspls6407 i mean at least the voice65 had the side knob with the light which made the front look more interesting, but just let people buy what they want to lol
@@BoatJacker2 its not just that he does it because hes paid for it, theres multiple factors that you arent counting in, 1st there has to be the idea, the the product, and then the marketing, reviews could be made to help share informatin about something you like doing or maybe it is just for money, however most hobbyists here do it for the fun of it and to get their opinions out there, it shows how much people differ from one another and its really a great thing to see
:) Thanks Matthew! It was just really cool seeing manufacturers trying to engineer and innovate. A lot of "the same" kind of keyboards out there right now, and always good to see progress. Thanks for stopping by!
If they can make a LINK series with more layouts, I think Owlabs would make more bangers. Having the choice between a closed-cell and opened-celled build is actually pretty cool, as you can rock either a more dense or more spread-out sound.
I liked the more concise technical segment you included in this video! I admit that some of your recent videos had technical segments that were a bit too long or complex for me to want to wrap my head around, but that's just me! I think you perfectly slipped in a meaningful and digestible amount of "mumbo jumbo" into this video. Great job, Scott!
This is a really good perspective for reviewing a keyboard, not only for one aspect but you try to find what is the creator want to achieve. Thank you so much Scott.
Man, the engineering in this board is impressive. Looks overcomplicated but they achieved a simplified assembly, very cool stuff. With this uncommon design I think more experimentation is required to find a likeable result as its behavior is different than most boards out there. Thank you for sharing
Absolutely! I just like the fact that manufacturers are trying new things and trying to innovate. I feel like a lot of new boards have been copies of others and it's good to see some progress!
Thank you for providing these type of insights! I can’t speak for everyone but the way you explain things makes it easier for someone like me that is new to the hobby take a more educated decision when considering keyboard, switches etc. But at the same time explaining these concepts in an easy and funny way! As oppose to just boiling it to preference. By far my favorite kb channel. On a side note have you considered reviewing some of the newer Akko kb like their Alice plus? Thank you
:) Thank you very much! Glad that I could be help to both the OGs and the newcomers! I haven't had a chance to review the Akko boards as of late. However, with enough interest, I can def look into it!
The open/closed headphone analogy is actually brilliant. Though I won't be joining on the Link (joined QK65 R2), the meticulous detail as to how all the components are individually designed and then mesh together is pretty incredible to see. I know Alex wasn't a huge fan of the sound without the foam, and generally doesn't love the PE-foam sound signature; but I'm sure many people will be very happy with their PE foam-ed up boards and hearing the QK/Link back to back really does illustrate that even similar boards (from the same company same form-factor, with all that foam) will have nuanced differences!
Definitely! As long as companies start to understand the individual effects of all these foams, etc., they can start to shape the keyboard sound to a certain direction they want to hit. Hope we see more of it in the future!
im ashamed after watching so many of ur vid i didn't sub finally did just now ur content is goated and i love ur approach and how u explain stuff its honestly amazing keep it up
Love this video, with your complete explanation of what made this keyboard unique. I originally didn't care much for this board as I saw it as just another version of the QK65, but this video changed my opinion on that. I completely agree with you on this keyboard being one of the most innovative technically designed keyboards as of late, with the incorporation of knowledge from the audiophile scene. I always felt that keyboard design needed to mesh knowledge gained from the audio scene to expand on keyboard sound profiles. I also want to ask, while this keyboard is able to produce the open back type of sound like you described, is it also able to be configured to have a closed back type sound like the QK65?
Fr4 plate actually sounds absolutely amazing tbh. I'm so happy it's higher pitch nobody can say it sounds like a normal pe foam board lol. We have all been saying we want that airy sound again! But this is still different then the normal airy sounding boards lol.
You mention the benefits of “matching” switches to specific keyboards/configurations to maximize the end product. I feel like this would be a great subject to cover as a follow-up video to your “thock vs clack” video. Maybe the start of a series dedicated to keyboard “sound.” From my experience, This is a process is currently founded on trial-and-error or anecdotal evidence. Basically, you’ve got to try different switches on a board to see which one you like or watch a typing test with your keyboard specific parts to approximate the differences.
Unfortunately, a lot of the matching is that trial and error. I realized that some great switches just sound terrible on certain boards, and some really stand out. For this Link, putting in a more bassy, heavy sounding switch like the oil king kind of fought against the higher pitched, snappy sound of the Link. But putting in a long stem SOTC really helped to emphasize the snappy clack, and really made the board come alive. It's crazy all the different levers you can pull to shape the keyboard sound
i love the unique engineering of this board, always looking for something that has an interesting design! but my question is: is it possible to make it thock instead? im still learning about materials and how it affects the sound, but i assume the metal casing in boards result in a clackier sound.
@@sadmochineko it has no flex cuts, and PC is a deeper sounding material. The different foam would be doing most of the work to make it sound deeper but the PC plate would help a bit. Pom would work too.
Interesting that you brought up the parallel with open and closed headphones. I would point out that there are many closed back headphones that manage to sound open and wide, but I can definitely see what you mean on the level of basic acoustics. But just like how it's very much possible to get a wide sounding closed headphone and a narrow sounding open headphone, you definitely got the LINK65 to sound on the deeper side. In that sense, maybe the more open air design helps emphasize the sound characteristics of the other components, whereas a more closed design tends to sort of lay over a specific sound over the sound of the other components?
Super interesting content. The headphone analogy was great, and the idea of a switch matching a keyboard is fascinating. I would love to hear a little more about this and how to match switches to boards. 👏👏 Edit: Oh I see you replied to someone saying it's trial and error. Still, it would be interesting to know your "matches" for other boards
:) I usually start by putting in a switch that I know how it typically sounds. If the board allows that switch to sound like it should, it's a pretty neutral board and can take most switches fine. Some boards sound deeper and some sound higher. Some sound muted and some sound loud. Then you get a pretty good idea. If the board is overly muted, then grab a set of switches that are a bit too loud, vice versa. Then at the end of the day, you can get that exact sound you're looking for
Idk if the keyboard is fingerprint, I emna Andy nguyen got prints all over it and was barely able to get them off. Great video Scott and do you know of the qk65 is going to become an Instocm on sale keyboard anytime soon?
Can you recommend any switches that are similar to the JWK SOTC? I wanted to buy them for this keyboard since they sounded so good, but it looks like they're sold out now. Would love yours (or anyone's) help here! Thanks!
@@Keybored that is true, I appreciated the comparison and I'm sure others will too. I don't agree with your comparison to headphones though, it would be the same thing if the case was open. I am guessing there's less resonance from the plate and pcb, so the emphasis is on the sound of the switch resonating throughout the case, like you said. very interesting board, I really like Owlab's innovating
I totally wrote this board off because it was a 30min group buy on a day I worked in the middle of my shift. Then I had a late break and walking to my car I look at my phone and see it's 6:27pm and it clicks out of no where that this GB had 3 minutes left. With my phone I was able to get to qwerty's site, select the grey case with chroma back and ordered in the last minute of the GB. I'm so excited. I'm either going to go with GMK Rainy Day, GMK Digital Nightmare, or GMK NTD.
This is one very interesting board, but at 400 bucks it does make me pause for a bit. How different of a typing experience between a gasket mounted and spring?
More than deadening it, they're small little segments so that there is less material to "resonate" at each key press. In addition, there are a lot of openings where air and sound can go in and out of, so the board overall has a more airy sound, and can translate to a more "thinner" or "sharper" kind of sound as well.
Do you have a recommendation for tactile switches that you would suggest for a similar sound profile as the linears u used in ur link65 with the fr4 plate?
@@Keybored thank you! Your video really helped me decide on getting this keyboard as i was on the fence and unsure of the plate! Appreciate your explanation of the board!
So the real question is, IS IT BETTER THAN THE QK65 imo the sound of the qk65 is better, though it might be more fun for typing on the link65. I think I would still stick to the qk65 because the r2 version already has pcb cuts and it's flexy enough
The Pom plate would make it seem more "thocky." But the black foam will dampen the sound a bit more, since it's a denser material and sound waves will lose more energy as it travels through it. Also, denser materials have the ability to dampen more lower frequency sound as well.
Surprised the fr4 plate is still in one piece. It looks like a small psuh would just shatter it. Also, should i get a link65 or promise87 ? cant really make up my mind
Another great review Scott! How would you compare the Link65 to the Spring? I love Owlab/QWERTYKEYS but I already own the Spring and am awaiting the QK65 r2, so not sure if this board would be too redundant.
The Spring feels "firmer?" thank the Link. I think how the 2 segments are separate in the spring is making it feel that way. The sound of the Link definitely is on the higher end, more open, less central and sharper than the spring. It's interesting, even with the same mounting system, the 2 boards actually sound very different
I think it actually sounds different from the Spring/Suit. I have those boards and the link is definitely more "open" sounding and also sharper. It's like a great definition of clack lol
I'm sure the QK with more open plates, clackier switches can get close to it. But also just the design of the link I think makes this sound the way it does
@@Keybored Thank you. Your review of Link 65 is indeed great. Sound is subjective. If one could modify a cheap board to sound premium, that wld be an art.
Yup, QK is definitely more "Bassy" and resonant than the Link. Very different sound signatures indeed. It's like when I first got an AKG K701 back in the day, connected through a DAC/AMP... then I played something like Kanye West on it and thought it sounded terrible... But then I played something like Fleetwood Mac and then was blown away... very different signatures indeed
Thanks Scott, your reviews and your take as engineer are always very enlightening. This board is wild! Too bad for me the layout is boring, imagine if this board comes with some innovative layout that would be bomb.
Leaf springs are a pretty reliable a proven suspension solution... I would love to see this idea taken to the nth degree... some madlad engineering full dampeners on it. A coilover pushrod suspension system... Not just sprung but also damped for compression and rebound.
According to my research on the stiffness vs weight, alu plates and fr4 plates have a similar sound range. Alu will be stiffer and slightly louder. I would go fr4 since it does feel more comfortable and they have similar sound signatures
@@Keybored Thank you! My dilemma is over FR4 or POM 😁 I was intrigued by the "airy" design of the FR4 here, but like the idea of POM's "softness". From what you both said, it seems like either is fine.
My only complaint with Owlab products is the pcb PE foam sheet as it doesn’t have all 5 pin locations cut out and I ended up bending 1/3 of the switches I tried to punch thru the PE sheet.
@@Keybored Maybe the pins on Tangerines are more fragile than others but I haven't seen anyone else talk about the cutouts on the sheet as of yet. Every other company that provides the PE sheet for the PCB that ive seen has all the pin cut outs.
What does (L + F) mean? Are there multiple plates involved? I see FR4 plate labeled, but in some videos I see FR4 and a PBT plate. What’s the difference? Sorry, I’m new to this hobby and it’s terminology.
I really wonder how the long term durability of this keyboard generation will be. While all these innovations in gasket mount, foams and flexible PCBs are very cool, I also see a lot of components that will not age as well as the classic mechanical keyboards.
I love the sound of these board all you guys do, but most of you use linear switches. And I get it. You're all really advanced typists that don't need any feedback to type really fast. I on the other hand, while I do type at "above average" (according to the simple test when you type is "typing test"), I still need some feedback and I still need to look down from time to time. Not a lot. But sometimes. That's why I use side printed caps. It gives the look of a blank cap while still having the symbol or letter if you really need it.
While everyone was bashing this board for looking the same as QK65 bla bla my man comes up with this brilliant video explaining that much more than just the look ! Loved the video as usual !
:) Thanks! I mean, if people are looking for QK65, should buy a QK65 haha
The origin of this board came from the voice65, which came out over a year before the qk65, im guessing most people didnt know this which is why they were talking bad about it too
@@givemesubspls6407 i mean at least the voice65 had the side knob with the light which made the front look more interesting, but just let people buy what they want to lol
It's what hes paid to do?
@@BoatJacker2 its not just that he does it because hes paid for it, theres multiple factors that you arent counting in, 1st there has to be the idea, the the product, and then the marketing, reviews could be made to help share informatin about something you like doing or maybe it is just for money, however most hobbyists here do it for the fun of it and to get their opinions out there, it shows how much people differ from one another and its really a great thing to see
Loved the headphone analogy at the end. Very helpful. Interesting to see this type of porus foam enter the space.
:) Thanks Matthew! It was just really cool seeing manufacturers trying to engineer and innovate. A lot of "the same" kind of keyboards out there right now, and always good to see progress. Thanks for stopping by!
If they can make a LINK series with more layouts, I think Owlabs would make more bangers. Having the choice between a closed-cell and opened-celled build is actually pretty cool, as you can rock either a more dense or more spread-out sound.
Really great stuff! Love the explanation of the sound profiles and the clean and simple build - great work!
Thank you so much Nathan!
I'm super excited to get mine! Thank you for your videos! Always so interesting and knowledgable! Learn something new everyday! 😄
This is the exact review I was looking for to help me decide whether or not I wanted to get the LINK65! Such great details, thanks!
You're very welcome!
I liked the more concise technical segment you included in this video! I admit that some of your recent videos had technical segments that were a bit too long or complex for me to want to wrap my head around, but that's just me! I think you perfectly slipped in a meaningful and digestible amount of "mumbo jumbo" into this video. Great job, Scott!
Great Video as always! The built is stunning and your explanations are awesome. Keep up the good work!
:) Thank you!
This is a really good perspective for reviewing a keyboard, not only for one aspect but you try to find what is the creator want to achieve. Thank you so much Scott.
Absolutely! Thank you for watching!
Man, the engineering in this board is impressive. Looks overcomplicated but they achieved a simplified assembly, very cool stuff. With this uncommon design I think more experimentation is required to find a likeable result as its behavior is different than most boards out there. Thank you for sharing
Absolutely! I just like the fact that manufacturers are trying new things and trying to innovate. I feel like a lot of new boards have been copies of others and it's good to see some progress!
@@Keybored yes gotta appreciate innovative ideas indeed
Another great video! I love how detailed you get with your explanations.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for providing these type of insights! I can’t speak for everyone but the way you explain things makes it easier for someone like me that is new to the hobby take a more educated decision when considering keyboard, switches etc. But at the same time explaining these concepts in an easy and funny way! As oppose to just boiling it to preference. By far my favorite kb channel. On a side note have you considered reviewing some of the newer Akko kb like their Alice plus? Thank you
:) Thank you very much! Glad that I could be help to both the OGs and the newcomers! I haven't had a chance to review the Akko boards as of late. However, with enough interest, I can def look into it!
The open/closed headphone analogy is actually brilliant. Though I won't be joining on the Link (joined QK65 R2), the meticulous detail as to how all the components are individually designed and then mesh together is pretty incredible to see.
I know Alex wasn't a huge fan of the sound without the foam, and generally doesn't love the PE-foam sound signature; but I'm sure many people will be very happy with their PE foam-ed up boards and hearing the QK/Link back to back really does illustrate that even similar boards (from the same company same form-factor, with all that foam) will have nuanced differences!
Definitely! As long as companies start to understand the individual effects of all these foams, etc., they can start to shape the keyboard sound to a certain direction they want to hit. Hope we see more of it in the future!
I like the comparison between the QK being closed back and LINK being open back. That's a pretty accurate analysis.
Thank God for clack, I love it. Sounds clean and lively.
It's a very open, clacky kind of board :)
Awesome review as always Scott! The white foams look very interesting; can’t wait to try it. Which configuration was your favorite?
best review of the link vs any other content creator so far imo. thanks for this!
Thank you very much for the kind words!
im ashamed after watching so many of ur vid i didn't sub finally did just now ur content is goated and i love ur approach and how u explain stuff its honestly amazing keep it up
Thank you so much for the sub and support! I really appreciate it!
Love this video, with your complete explanation of what made this keyboard unique. I originally didn't care much for this board as I saw it as just another version of the QK65, but this video changed my opinion on that.
I completely agree with you on this keyboard being one of the most innovative technically designed keyboards as of late, with the incorporation of knowledge from the audiophile scene. I always felt that keyboard design needed to mesh knowledge gained from the audio scene to expand on keyboard sound profiles.
I also want to ask, while this keyboard is able to produce the open back type of sound like you described, is it also able to be configured to have a closed back type sound like the QK65?
You convinced me to pick the FR-4 plate. It looks and sounds great! I might have to use my SOTC switches with this board too.
I feel like the owlab boards sound really nice with the long stem JWKs :) My spring has the Quartz R2 in them and it sounds great.
That idea for adjustable springs... true innovator... Owlabs should be really proud you've got this keyboard.
That would be awesome I think. Imagine changing up the feel by swapping out the springs... kind of like car modding haha
Fr4 plate actually sounds absolutely amazing tbh. I'm so happy it's higher pitch nobody can say it sounds like a normal pe foam board lol. We have all been saying we want that airy sound again! But this is still different then the normal airy sounding boards lol.
As always - a great video. Top Notch.
Thank you so much David!
Always trust your reviews 🙏🙏. Also when I saw that PCB I was like :0
I hope I didn't disappoint! I'll try my best to keep this factual and objective as possible!
You mention the benefits of “matching” switches to specific keyboards/configurations to maximize the end product.
I feel like this would be a great subject to cover as a follow-up video to your “thock vs clack” video. Maybe the start of a series dedicated to keyboard “sound.”
From my experience, This is a process is currently founded on trial-and-error or anecdotal evidence. Basically, you’ve got to try different switches on a board to see which one you like or watch a typing test with your keyboard specific parts to approximate the differences.
Unfortunately, a lot of the matching is that trial and error. I realized that some great switches just sound terrible on certain boards, and some really stand out. For this Link, putting in a more bassy, heavy sounding switch like the oil king kind of fought against the higher pitched, snappy sound of the Link. But putting in a long stem SOTC really helped to emphasize the snappy clack, and really made the board come alive. It's crazy all the different levers you can pull to shape the keyboard sound
It would make for an interesting video indeed. I second that request.
i love the unique engineering of this board, always looking for something that has an interesting design! but my question is: is it possible to make it thock instead? im still learning about materials and how it affects the sound, but i assume the metal casing in boards result in a clackier sound.
I feel like given its design, this keyboard will be mainly a clack board
poron and pe foam + pc plate will get you there
@@pogcat3773 would the pc plate really make so much of a difference?
@@sadmochineko it has no flex cuts, and PC is a deeper sounding material. The different foam would be doing most of the work to make it sound deeper but the PC plate would help a bit. Pom would work too.
If you want thick just wait for qk65, don't waste money on this link65.
I love that its a more premiuoom option
I must have missed it but what was the foam set up you use? White PCB foam/pe foam and that’s it?
"The g-string of plates," really had me going lol
By far my favourite keyboard guy who also blesses us with science❤️ Waiting for my lilac qk65🔥
:) That is an awesome colorway!
can i ask whats the background music ur using its phenomenal man
Interesting that you brought up the parallel with open and closed headphones. I would point out that there are many closed back headphones that manage to sound open and wide, but I can definitely see what you mean on the level of basic acoustics. But just like how it's very much possible to get a wide sounding closed headphone and a narrow sounding open headphone, you definitely got the LINK65 to sound on the deeper side. In that sense, maybe the more open air design helps emphasize the sound characteristics of the other components, whereas a more closed design tends to sort of lay over a specific sound over the sound of the other components?
The combining of keebs and pokemon was the perfect intersection of my youtube searches and recommends 🙏🙏
Hahaha, awesome!
Have you ever used any switches with click jackets? I haven't seen any videos of yours featuring those.
I'm so excited for this board!
It was a very fun board to build, and love how it turned out
Super interesting content. The headphone analogy was great, and the idea of a switch matching a keyboard is fascinating. I would love to hear a little more about this and how to match switches to boards. 👏👏
Edit: Oh I see you replied to someone saying it's trial and error. Still, it would be interesting to know your "matches" for other boards
:) I usually start by putting in a switch that I know how it typically sounds. If the board allows that switch to sound like it should, it's a pretty neutral board and can take most switches fine. Some boards sound deeper and some sound higher. Some sound muted and some sound loud. Then you get a pretty good idea. If the board is overly muted, then grab a set of switches that are a bit too loud, vice versa. Then at the end of the day, you can get that exact sound you're looking for
Oh yes those SOTC switches sounded amazing in there
It sounds so snappy clean!
Wow could be one of the most unique keyboard assemblies!
Hey, are you going to make a video for cheap but versatile keyboards like the feker ik75?
I am going to look at a few lower priced options in the near future as well! There are so many keyboards now and not enough time :(
sweet comparison, thanks a lot
No problem!
Owlabs LINK 65 review by the brilliant Keybored - checked! Good luck with the GB for this very innovative design!
Thanks for watching! It was a fun build for sure
The link65 is a very.good keeb but qk65 has a special place in my heart
dang, owl labs and qwarty keys, are always putting out crazy boards. I just got my qk65, and it blew my mind.
:) it's good to see manufacturers trying things!
Idk if the keyboard is fingerprint, I emna Andy nguyen got prints all over it and was barely able to get them off. Great video Scott and do you know of the qk65 is going to become an Instocm on sale keyboard anytime soon?
Best review i’ve ever seen fo far👍
Thank you so much! I appreciate it
Great video scott!
Thank you!
Can you recommend any switches that are similar to the JWK SOTC? I wanted to buy them for this keyboard since they sounded so good, but it looks like they're sold out now. Would love yours (or anyone's) help here! Thanks!
Is SOTC a color change for Durock POM? Altough SOTC is cheaper and better sound, but should I wait for SOTC or just get the Durock POM
damn, if I didn't have a QK65 already I would've definitely got a Link.
I really like that you compared them though.
:) They sound very different. When I go back and forth, it makes me do a double take
@@Keybored that is true, I appreciated the comparison and I'm sure others will too.
I don't agree with your comparison to headphones though, it would be the same thing if the case was open. I am guessing there's less resonance from the plate and pcb, so the emphasis is on the sound of the switch resonating throughout the case, like you said.
very interesting board, I really like Owlab's innovating
@@Keybored how different is it from the spring? I didn't like the spring that much
I totally wrote this board off because it was a 30min group buy on a day I worked in the middle of my shift.
Then I had a late break and walking to my car I look at my phone and see it's 6:27pm and it clicks out of no where that this GB had 3 minutes left.
With my phone I was able to get to qwerty's site, select the grey case with chroma back and ordered in the last minute of the GB. I'm so excited. I'm either going to go with GMK Rainy Day, GMK Digital Nightmare, or GMK NTD.
Both keyboards sounds really good
Thanks! The Link definitely sounds "Sharper" than the QK
This is one very interesting board, but at 400 bucks it does make me pause for a bit. How different of a typing experience between a gasket mounted and spring?
rocking brand new PBT Fans keycaps too. I'd love to see a comparison between PBTfans, Drop DCX and GMK caps.
They are all top notch!
I was just waiting for your review to decide if I'd get this board or not.
And I've decided I will definitely get it.
It's a nice board if you like a more open, airy and clackier build
@@Keybored I'll try the Drop DCX keycaps with this build. Their "fuller" sound makes me think they'll match well.
@@Keybored just got mine last friday and it's such a great board.
hey scott great video! just had a quick question. do you think the PCB limits/deadens the sound of the keyboard, especially without foam?
More than deadening it, they're small little segments so that there is less material to "resonate" at each key press. In addition, there are a lot of openings where air and sound can go in and out of, so the board overall has a more airy sound, and can translate to a more "thinner" or "sharper" kind of sound as well.
@@Keybored ah i see. thanks
Take a shot of water every time Scott says "actually" to stay hydrated
Hahaha hydrate at my expense
Do you have a recommendation for tactile switches that you would suggest for a similar sound profile as the linears u used in ur link65 with the fr4 plate?
I would say a long stem pole tactile will produce similar results. Like the Gateron Blizzards and Azure dragons will sound like that I assume
@@Keybored thank you! Your video really helped me decide on getting this keyboard as i was on the fence and unsure of the plate! Appreciate your explanation of the board!
So the real question is, IS IT BETTER THAN THE QK65
imo the sound of the qk65 is better, though it might be more fun for typing on the link65. I think I would still stick to the qk65 because the r2 version already has pcb cuts and it's flexy enough
I love your videos keybored, thanks for making the best reviews!
Thank you so much for your kind comments!
i love the sound, its so thin and muted sounding.
:) I like that it sounds different
@@Keybored it's like air, idk if it makes sense
@@xanira6367 :)
If you used the black foam with pom plate, would it be more thocky?
The Pom plate would make it seem more "thocky." But the black foam will dampen the sound a bit more, since it's a denser material and sound waves will lose more energy as it travels through it. Also, denser materials have the ability to dampen more lower frequency sound as well.
Surprised the fr4 plate is still in one piece. It looks like a small psuh would just shatter it. Also, should i get a link65 or promise87 ? cant really make up my mind
Hmm... I haven't had a chance to check out the Promise87, so I couldn't speak to that. But yes, the FR4 plate is indeed crazy "thin!"
Thanks!
Thank you so much! I really appreciate it! :)
What about removing the silicon bottom from qk65? I think it will sound the same
My QK65 has it removed :)
Now I'm wondering what a case with holes would sound like, so literally being an open back keyboard.
Hahaha, it would definitely be a "open back headphone" then
"you start by pulling off the feet"
Best torture method confirmed??
Hahaha definitely
Another great review Scott! How would you compare the Link65 to the Spring? I love Owlab/QWERTYKEYS but I already own the Spring and am awaiting the QK65 r2, so not sure if this board would be too redundant.
The Spring feels "firmer?" thank the Link. I think how the 2 segments are separate in the spring is making it feel that way. The sound of the Link definitely is on the higher end, more open, less central and sharper than the spring. It's interesting, even with the same mounting system, the 2 boards actually sound very different
@@Keybored great info, thank you very much!
should i get this if i already have mr suit? will it be too similar on sound and feel?
I think it actually sounds different from the Spring/Suit. I have those boards and the link is definitely more "open" sounding and also sharper. It's like a great definition of clack lol
those keycaps are pretty sweet. tripleshot pbt
Well, this video helps settle my preferences. QK65 is definitely my go to, prefer the thocky and lower bassy sounds.
Hey, glad to be of help!
Can't wait for the QK60 review hehehe.
If there is enough interest, I can always reach out for a look!
watching this wearing my Shure 1540 closed backs, such a lovely headphone
Running and Dacs/Amps with it?
Does the clip design essentially give it a build in force break mod?
I'm sure it's doing all sorts of things. The case itself didn't have much ping at all!
Scott, what color did you get for your sample?
I believe mine is the "Grey Black"
Could you modified QK with the airy foam and improve the sound like the link 65?
I'm sure the QK with more open plates, clackier switches can get close to it. But also just the design of the link I think makes this sound the way it does
@@Keybored Thank you. Your review of Link 65 is indeed great. Sound is subjective. If one could modify a cheap board to sound premium, that wld be an art.
Excellent review.
Thank you so much!
So, if the Qk 65 evolves the Link 65 comes right? And after the Link 65 the Keycult no.2 65
Haha, the Charizard of keyboards
will u be looking at the Promise87?
:( Unfortunately not
Great Video!
can anyone tell me what keycap set that is? it looks stunning!
It's the PBTfans TWIST! I have the links to the products in the description below!
It does sound different but the qk65 definitely has more of that thock I prefer. Can’t wait to get my r2 build
Yup, QK is definitely more "Bassy" and resonant than the Link. Very different sound signatures indeed. It's like when I first got an AKG K701 back in the day, connected through a DAC/AMP... then I played something like Kanye West on it and thought it sounded terrible... But then I played something like Fleetwood Mac and then was blown away... very different signatures indeed
Thanks Scott, your reviews and your take as engineer are always very enlightening. This board is wild! Too bad for me the layout is boring, imagine if this board comes with some innovative layout that would be bomb.
Can you do a sound test without the weird white foams?
Leaf springs are a pretty reliable a proven suspension solution... I would love to see this idea taken to the nth degree... some madlad engineering full dampeners on it. A coilover pushrod suspension system... Not just sprung but also damped for compression and rebound.
QUESTION: Is the FR4 plate the only one designed in such an "airy" way? Thank you for your informative videos. I've learned lots.
Both FR4 and Alu plates are like that. POM and PC plates are soft enough, they don't have cuts like that.
@@LeonZhangCD I can't decide between POM and FR4... Thoughts?
According to my research on the stiffness vs weight, alu plates and fr4 plates have a similar sound range. Alu will be stiffer and slightly louder. I would go fr4 since it does feel more comfortable and they have similar sound signatures
@@Keybored Thank you! My dilemma is over FR4 or POM 😁 I was intrigued by the "airy" design of the FR4 here, but like the idea of POM's "softness". From what you both said, it seems like either is fine.
I finally got jwick v2s ;> waited for almost a month because they ran out o stock when right before i ordered
oh I see so its basically a levitating pcb
My only complaint with Owlab products is the pcb PE foam sheet as it doesn’t have all 5 pin locations cut out and I ended up bending 1/3 of the switches I tried to punch thru the PE sheet.
I'll have to check the sheet :)
@@Keybored Maybe the pins on Tangerines are more fragile than others but I haven't seen anyone else talk about the cutouts on the sheet as of yet. Every other company that provides the PE sheet for the PCB that ive seen has all the pin cut outs.
6:50 is that a reference to the andy v nguyen video: recreating my end game keyboard
Haha, did he say that during his video? Maybe it stuck with me subconsciously :)
But is it still nice and bouncy with all that foam? Or does it just turn into mush?
Still very nice and bouncy lol. It feels like a spring mounted keyboard with a snappy response
another g string plate, andy v nguyen will love this! especially for his e yellow tofu
Hahaha didn't realize he already said that.
What does (L + F) mean? Are there multiple plates involved? I see FR4 plate labeled, but in some videos I see FR4 and a PBT plate. What’s the difference? Sorry, I’m new to this hobby and it’s terminology.
L is lubed and f is filmed. These are for switches. There is 1 plate for each build and pbt is the material of the key caps. Hope that helps
I really wonder how the long term durability of this keyboard generation will be. While all these innovations in gasket mount, foams and flexible PCBs are very cool, I also see a lot of components that will not age as well as the classic mechanical keyboards.
That kmac I rebuilt for dang Wang still works lol. I think it's a decade old now. Hes got 2 of them that he uses daily lol
@@Keybored yes, but that Kmac has a metal plate, no flex cuts, no foldable PCB, no foam nor rubber. It feels more "heavy duty"
Petition for a 1hr sound test of Link65 with SOTCs. I need my ASMR therapy. 🤤
:) That would be something I can look into... my fingers might break off after tho lol
❤
I love the sound of these board all you guys do, but most of you use linear switches. And I get it. You're all really advanced typists that don't need any feedback to type really fast. I on the other hand, while I do type at "above average" (according to the simple test when you type is "typing test"), I still need some feedback and I still need to look down from time to time. Not a lot. But sometimes. That's why I use side printed caps. It gives the look of a blank cap while still having the symbol or letter if you really need it.
10:50 DAMN THATS A THOCKY KEYBOARD
Man can’t wait to get my qk65 pro!
True
lol read this comment on Alex’s vid too
LOL I guess you can put it that way too!
legit no similarities whatsoever besides both of them being 65%
its basically like saying "can't wait to get my keycult 2/65 lite"
@@kaibeh I definitely wants that
Would you ever consider making a discord / topre board review
ive always wanted an owllabs board but never had enough money but curently my keychron q3 is good enough
Q3 is a great board!
Dude might be getting this
It's a beautiful board, lots of engineering and a very unique type of sound signature
Great video Scott! I still can’t decide between qk 65 and tofu 65 /:
I would say overall, the QK65 is a better "well rounded" board.
@@Keybored thank you. However the tofu 65 is more available and the qk65 sells in group buys
If the qk is indeed available, definitely go for that :)
qk65 wins imo, it's just a better value at this point
@@1gn1t37 bakeneko then