QK65

The QK65 sent shockwaves through the keyboard community when it launched. Here was a gasket-mounted, aluminum keyboard with premium features at a price that undercut almost everything else. It felt like cheating.

The gasket implementation is genuine—not the "gasket-style" marketing speak some budget boards use. Poron gaskets and case foam come included, providing a typing feel that rivals boards costing twice as much. The signature "poppy" sound comes from thoughtful acoustic tuning, not happy accident.

Multiple versions have been released (R1, R2, R3, R65), each refining the formula. The core remains the same: an honest 65% that doesn't cut corners where it matters. The blocker version adds visual appeal, while the non-blocker maximizes desk footprint efficiency.

QwertyKeys also managed something rare in the hobby: consistent availability. While group buys for other boards take 12+ months, the QK65 restocks regularly. You can actually buy one when you want one.

For anyone considering their first "real" custom keyboard, this is the benchmark against which others are judged.