ZOOM65 v3 | Build + sound tests

Описание: PLEASE READ
*this board was sent to me by Meletrix

The GB period for the Zoom65 v3 ends July 2nd 9:30am (Beijing time)

This is my very first Zoom 65 so I truly have no idea what to expect. I know this is still a prototype but there were just too many flaws. I have sent my comments and feedbacks to Meletrix and they promised to fix all of the problems for the final productions. Below are my comments/thoughts about the board that needs to be fixed for the final units:

1. Board colour does not match with the render images. The Aquamarine on the renders look way more light and pastel than what I receive. My unit is almost like a dark green. Which is unfortunate because I was planning to build it with WS Purquoise :/

2. The tail light LED strip was my biggest gripe. The way they just tape the strip there made it look like a poor DIY job. And the taping obviously does not work because mine got hooked in between the catch ball and broke.

3. Some of the LEDs on the PCB were concerningly close to the stab holes and although I had no problem mounting all the stabs, I could not insert the stopper on one of the stabs because the LED is in the way.

4. I have trouble opening the magnetic external weight and I think the magnet is probably too strong.

5. The top mount screws they sent do not fit into the case as they were too short. So I used the longer screws from the mag lev mount. However, I was not able to screw in all of the top mount holes, as they were not aligned properly with the mounting holes on the plate.

6. With the top mount, it was very difficult to open the case. There was no where I could support to push open the case. Meletrix suggested to insert a switch puller through the hole where the toggle is, push down the bottom case and use your other hand to grab the top cover to open case. Is this the best method? I do not think so and I told Meletrix to please implement a better way or design to open the case when in top mount.

7. Some of the mounting screws were not magnetic and it was hard to pick the screws up and install onto the board. Especially if you have bigger hands, you may have problems installing some of the mounts. I suggested Meletrix to change all the mounting screws to hex and magnetic to make our lives easier when changing mounting styles.

I have sent all the issues I found above to Meletrix and they have promised to fix everything for the final units!

Despite the flaws, there are also some good points that is worth mentioning. The back plate of the Raw Aluminium is beautiful! The ripple effect was done just right. You also get to choose 7 different mounting styles in one board which would be perfect for those who loves to tinker with their boards.

The mag lev was the most interesting mount for me but a bit too bouncy with the 1.2mm PCB. Despite sounding a bit thin, the typing sounds best on the mag lev mount, to me at least. Which mount do you think sounds best?

Follow Meletrix socials and discord for more updates on the Zoom65 v3:
  / meletrix2022  
   / @meletrix2184  
  / discord  

Time stamps:
00:00 - unboxing + contents
04:51 - feet
05:08 - install batteries
06:49 - stabilizers prep
07:09 - PE sheet and install stabs
07:57 - plate foam, plate and switches
08:25 - silica gel mount
08:47 - o-ring mount
09:48 - leaf spring mount
10:32 - spring mount
11:15 - magnetic levitation mount
12:50 - pogo pin mount (no showcase)
13:04 - top mount
13:25 - case foam
13:52 - connect all ribbon cables
14:24 - module showcase
14:39 - keycaps
14:53 - turn on battery toggle for tri-mode PCB
15:13 - remove seal from weight
15:21 - open magnetic weight
15:46 - b-roll
16:06 - sound test 1 (silica gel mount/alu plate)
16:51 - sound test 2 (spring mount/alu plate)
17:34 - sound test 3 (leaf spring mount/alu plate)
18:19 - sound test 4 (o-ring mount/alu plate)
19:02 - sound test 5 (mag lev mount/alu plate)
19:46 - sound test 6 (top mount/alu plate)
20:28 - sound test 7 (silica gel mount/PC plate)
21:24 - sound test 8 (spring mount/PC plate)
21:58 - sound test 9 (leaf spring mount/PC plate)
22:42 - sound test 10 (o-ring mount/PC plate)
23:28 - sound test 11 (mag lev mount/PC plate)
24:14 - sound test 12 (top mount/PC plate)

Keyboard: Zoom65 v3 by Meletrix
https://meletrix.com/collections/zoom...

Screw trays: Tria by LAZYDESIGNERS
http://lazydesigners.cn/tria-spots/

Keycaps:
GMK Honey
Not available :(

Switches:
WS POM+
https://shop.wuquestudio.com/products...

Deskmat: QQmat
https://qwertyqop.com/products/qq-mat

Thank you for watching. I really appreciate it!

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