Wobkey Zen65 Review｜Customizable Keyboard with Three Keystroke Feel Options

Wobkey has released another masterpiece.

The Zen65 is a 65% ANSI layout mechanical keyboard sold by Wobkey.

Wobkey became famous with the “Rainy75” with a 75% ANSI layout, and has made its mark with the “Crush80” with an 80% TKL-ANSI layout that uses a screwless magnetic case.

Furthermore, with the release of the JIS model for the Crush80, we have the impression that it is gaining recognition in Japan under the business alliance with KIBU Corporation, the distributor.

Wobkey is proud to announce the release of the Zen65.

To add even more variation to the extreme “Thocky” feel and sound that we have described, Zen65 features three mounting options that users can choose from.

This machine may truly be said to be a keyboard at the extreme end of the “Thocky’s reach” spectrum.

This article reviews Wobkey’s new Zen65, which continues to evolve.

Zen65 was provided by KIBU Corporation for promotional purposes.

About Wobkey Zen65 Crowdfunding

Although Zen65 is crowdfunded, it is not an all-or-nothing (i.e., it will not be manufactured unless the minimum number of orders is met), which means that if you apply for a return, you will be able to purchase the model of your choice without omission.

After the project closes on October 30, production will begin, and the product will probably be in your hands by December.

Zen65 Price

classification	Discount Name	discount rate	Estimated general sales price	asking price	Difference (OTOKU)
Japanese-style array	limited price	21% off	32,800 yen	25,900 yen	6,900 yen
Lite system	discount for early booking	21% off	25,900 yen	20,500 yen	5,400 yen
	MK ratio	13% off	25,900 yen	22,500 yen	3,400 yen
Ultra system	discount for early booking	22% off	31,900 yen	24,900 yen	7,000 yen
	MK ratio	20% off	31,800 yen	25,500 yen	6,300 yen
Limited Kit	limited price	16% off	43,900 yen	36,900 yen	7,000 yen

As for the Zen65 price, the earlier you buy, the higher the discount rate.

If you want to get the best deal, you should complete the process as soon as possible.

For Japanese-language models and limited edition kits, a certain limited price is available regardless of the timing of purchase.

Wobkey Zen65 Overview

Zen65 is available in three grades, “Lite,” “Pro,” and “Limited,” each with different coloring and specifications.

Basically, the board is ANSI layout, but only Ultra’s Black has a Japanese layout version.

category	color	RGB	switch	plate (often as in “tectonic plate”)	Surface Treatment	battery
Lite	Black	ARGB	Violet Switch	PC Plate	180 mesh Anodic oxidation	3000mAh
	Silver
	White
	Pink.
Ultra	Black	ARGB	Luna Switch	FR4 Plate Flex Cut	220 mesh Anodic oxidation	6000mAh
	Black (Japanese layout)
	Silver
	White-Gold
	Pink-Gold
	Warm Silver
	Red
Limited (limited to 100 units)	Warm Silver Kit	NO RGB	–	NO Cut Aluminum Alloy Plate	220 mesh, anodized + pure copper bottom case	6000mAh

As is typical of Wobkey keyboards, thorough attention has been paid to the thocky feel of the keys, and for this model, a 1.2mm-thick flex-cut PCB and flex-cut switch plate are also used.

The sound-absorbing material is also carefully selected, and everything seems to be designed to create a “thocky” keystroke sound.

Another feature that will be a highlight of this year’s event is this selectable mounting mechanism.

The following three mounts are supported and can be reconfigured to suit your preference.

1. PCB gasket mount / plate gasket mount
2. Top mount
3. Positioning board gasket mount

As for the mounting method, the case is screwless like Crush80, so it can be easily changed without attaching or removing screws.

The board is also easily connected with pogo pins for easy customization in the future.

A high-capacity 6000mAh battery provides up to 45 days of operation.

The brass “sound cavity” under the battery compartment weighs a whopping 236g! This weight seems to play an important role in the typing experience.

[Photos] Wobkey Zen65 Review

Let’s take a look at the actual Zen65 photos.

It comes in a special gray case familiar to Wobkey keyboards.

The keyboard is wrapped in a special cloth, and the packaging is perfect.

The upper storage space contains various parts.

Since this unit is VIA-compatible, it is free to customize it, but it is also conscientious to include a detailed description of the default functions.

Contents include keyboard body, replacement key switches, replacement keycaps, manual, key switch/keycap puller, connection cable (A to C), various mounting parts, and manual.

Because it is an authorized import sold by KIBU, it comes with a well-written Japanese manual.

I am happy about this.

The color selected for this project is the classic silver body color.

I thought the weight was tremendous, and when I measured it, it was a whopping 1.5 kg.

As for the key layout, it is the usual ANIS 65%, and the default keycap is WIN.

Keycaps for macOS are not included.

There is a 0.25u space to the right of the bottom control key, which makes it easy to operate the no-look arrow keys.

The accent charms are very stylish.

Of course, replacement is easy.

The finish of the aluminum case is outstanding, as is the keycap.

The solidly beveled top frame is truly beautiful.

As for the appearance of the case, curves and straight lines are well separated, and various expressions can be felt depending on the angle of view.

The 220 mesh has a fairly fine bead-blast finish, so there is no strange glare and it is matte.

The back in particular has a very complex shape.

There are no switches other than a Type-C port on the back.

Each of the 3000mAh batteries is contained in just this gray-colored area.

The tilt angle is slightly higher at approximately 8 degrees.

There is no tilt leg and no adjustment is possible.

Next is the bottom surface.

Four small non-slip rubber feet are placed.

The gray-colored part is a separate part and contains the battery.

The bottom part is magnetic, and when you open it….

A USB dongle for 2.4GHz connection is included.

Then we will look at keycaps.

The keycap material is PBT and is a double shot.

The cosmetics are buggy as ever to be able to employ a PBT double shot at this price.

There are no burrs and the molding accuracy is excellent.

The keyswitches installed vary depending on the model.

Since this model is “Pro”, Kailh’s Luna switch was installed.

The pressing pressure is just right at 45gf, and the short strokes allow fast typing.

The design of the machine is such that it makes a “ringing” sound, so you can enjoy a pleasant bottom-hitting sound every time you hit the machine.

RGB diffuser is included.

I got the impression that the keyboard was well customized based on the overall keystroke sound.

The plate material is FR4 flex cut.

This flex cut may be the secret to the softness of the keystroke feel.

Now, let’s disassemble it.

The screwless construction allows easy removal by lifting the top case.

The four magnets are placed in four places, and thanks in part to these protrusions, they do not come off easily, but when force is applied, they do come off, creating a perfect balance.

The board set can be removed as it is because of the daughter board connection structure, which is connected to the daughter board via pogo pins.

I see that there is a solid sound absorbing foam between the switch plate and the PCB.

The default is a switch plate gasket mount with silicone socks.

Personally, this was the perfect softness.

Two pieces of sound-absorbing foam are also installed under the board and can be easily removed.

It is also good that these can be removed for adjustment if you want to hear more of the keystroke sound.

It was shocking to see that the board itself is also FlexCut.

Circuit design, what’s going on lol.

And the secret of the weight is this copper plate.

The stand-alone weight of this is a whopping 236g!

Copper’s high specific gravity creates an outstanding sense of weight and stability.

Well…I really can’t believe that you can get this at this price.

Advantages of the Wobkey Zen65

The following are four advantages of the Wobkey Zen65 that I have found in actual use.

Enjoy a wide variety of keystrokes on a single keyboard

The greatest advantage of the Zen65 is that it offers a variety of keystrokes on a single keyboard.

Furthermore, its customization can be reconfigured in an extremely short time thanks to the screwless case, which is also a great advantage.

The softest keystroke feel and the most Wobkey-like thocky keystroke sound would be the number 1 PCB gasket mount/plate gasket mount.

Both the switch plate and PCB are suspended in mid-air to absorb the maximum impact of keystrokes.

The next softest would be the No. 3 positioning board gasket mount.

This is, in essence, a gasket mount with the conventional method of mounting with only the switch plate, which provides a hip strike feel.

Those who prefer a hard hitting feel can also choose a non-sinking top mount.

The keys have a direct feel with no sinking, but the sound-absorbing material allows the user to enjoy a relatively dead keystroke sound.

Below are the typing sounds for the PCB gasket mount/plate gasket mount with default settings.

Compact and easy to use

Zen65 has a 65% layout with no function keys.

Therefore, it will feel much smaller than an 80% TKL keyboard, for example.

Even if your desk is not so large, it is attractive to have a place to put it.

No wrist pain without palm rest

The front of the Zen65 keyboard is only 19 mm high.

Most competing models have a 25mm to 30mm palm rest, so a palm rest is a prerequisite.

A wide variety of coloring allows you to choose the one you like best.

Wobkey Zen65 is available in six major color schemes.

In addition to basic “black” and the recently popular retro-style gray, you can choose from a variety of colors, including eye-popping red and more retro-style white.

Another attractive feature is the choice of girly neutral colors such as pink and violet.

Disadvantages of the Wobkey Zen65

The following four disadvantages of Zen65 were noted before the actual purchase

No function keys

This is a product specification, so we cannot say for sure, but Zen65 does not have function keys.

Therefore, a combination is required to press the function button.

The fact that one layer back may be difficult to use if you are not used to it may be a disadvantage in some cases if you normally use a keyboard with a 75% layout or higher.

Only Japanese-language layouts are not available in a choice of coloring.

The Zen65 comes pre-populated with Japanese-language models.

Unfortunately, however, for the Japanese-language model, only “black” is available as a case color choice.

It is a safe case color and easy for anyone to purchase, but a bit disappointing for those who would prefer to choose another coloring.

In some cases, customization is too expensive to use.

As mentioned as one of the advantages of Zen65, there may be cases where it is too highly customizable and therefore difficult to use.

However, in such cases, please be assured that the “default” state is still enjoyable enough.

If you like clacky keystrokes, consider this.

The typing sound of Zen65 is “thocky,” which is familiar to the ear, and provides a high-quality typing experience.

On the other hand, for those who like the “clacky” typing sound, which is the opposite of the Thocky type, a little tuning is required.

Specifically, the sound absorbing foam shown in the photo would need to be removed, the foam under the PCB would need to be removed, and the mounting method would need to be changed to top mount.

However, we believe that the Zen65 product design is only “Thocky all the way”.

Given that every element, such as the flex cut and gasket mounts, are completely “kotokoto-style,” those who are looking for a typing sound that is closer to treble should consider this carefully.

Summary｜The ultimate kotokoto experience for you!

This is my review of Zen65.

If you personally want Thocky at 65% size, Zen65 may be a kind of reach.

The best part is the low price, which allows you to type with such a good sound and customize it freely.

We felt that this keyboard was head and shoulders above the rest in terms of cost performance.

We invite you to experience the ultimate Thocky experience!