The BEST Budget Keyboard in 2023 (For Beginners)

How to build your first mechanical keyboard, or custom keyboard! In this video I build the Zoom 98 with thocky Morandi switches and Akko Keycaps!
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0:00 Intro
0:22 Why Build A Custom?
0:51 Preview of Keyboard Build
1:08 What's the BEST Keyboard?
2:08 How to Pick Switches
3:14 Josh's Keyboard
4:07 THOCK VS CLACK
5:09 Picking a Keyboard Layout
5:55 The Keyboard Unboxing
7:55 Why The Zoom 98?
8:53 More Building
9:53 Switches and Stabilizers
11:19 Plate Types
12:17 How to Lube Switches
13:37 IMPORTANT PSAs
14:33 Gaskets?
15:37 How to Pick Keycaps
17:35 Trying the Keyboard

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#MechanicalKeyboard #keyboard #CheapestMechanicalKeyboard #BudgetKeyboard #switchreview #switches #cooltech #techreview #keycaps #novelkeys #Hipyo #Hipyotech #MKBHD #Linustechtips #taehatypes

[Brunnen_Gee]

I didn't think I was a numpad person either until I got into smaller keyboards without them. I found out pretty quick that I used a numpad a lot more than I thought I did.

[BarrySmoother]

The lack of full sized keyboards is the #1 reason I never got into custom keyboards.

Numpad is a must have for me.

[JeBronLames]

I love it when Nola interupts their keyboarding with nothing but cuteness.

[concernedcitizen]

Go Team Numpad!

My Epomaker RT 100 is still my favorite keyboard! 1800 non-compact is way better than 1800 compact. The very small amount of spacing between the alphanumeric section, the numpad, and the arrow keys (which are displaced slightly downward on the RT 100) makes a lot of difference when it comes to touch-typing and knowing where you are as you try to hit arrow keys and go to the numpad. I will also say that when I'm using the arrow keys and want to hit Enter, it's a lot easier (and built into my instincts) to swing out my pinky to hit the numpad Enter key rather than shifting my whole hand upward and leftward to hit the alphanumeric Enter key with my index finger or whatever.

That Zoom98 looked like a great option for someone who rationally likes and needs a numpad. It's a bit closer to a full size keyboard than I prefer, but it's a great start and I hope he's having a great time typing on that! There really is something to be said about the comfort factor in our human-tech interaction, as Taeha Types pointed out in one of his introductory videos.

[SlightlyMntal]

Keycap video would be much appreciated! I found the OEM keycaps with Keychron were NOT my cup of tea, and switching to a more traditional cherry profile made the typing MUCH more enjoyable. However, some of the cheaper vendors on amazon are hit or miss on quality and there was a serious difference in sound even in caps that were advertised similarly (cherry profile, double shot PBT)

[MarbsMusic]

I think those final statements nail this hobby... it makes you want to type. The Nola kitty in the box was great as well, nice addition!

[wolvesunguarded]

I just built my Kitsune Zoom 75!!!! I love it so much and sounds amazing! I didnt even tune the stock stabs, just lubed them and they sound great! Definitely the best starter kit!

[wiawaysb]

the thing that makes numpad important to me is not so much the numbers but the enter and the four function keys i use those a lot. still that keyboard looks sick!

[Josh-]

I just built a Zoom 75 that's almost completely silent for work, and I'm going to get in on the Zoom 98 GB so I can build one for home. I really hate the whole GB model, but Meletrix has been so consistent about everything and they are so good about consistently updating and then delivering on time. Also, the Zoom 75 is easily the best keyboard I've ever built; I love how sturdy it is and the little screen on it is so helpful for remembering application commands because it has a notepad function; it's really cut down on the amount I have to Google.

[AleksiJoensuu]

I got the Keychron Q1, after lots and lots of reviews from Hipyo and some others. Thanks a lot for all this work Hipyo! ❤

There may have been some brands that might offer more for less, but Keychron has an excellent model range and availability in comparison.

For example, I need a keyboard with Nordic ISO layout - that already narrows things down a whole lot. Then I needed it to be in stock, relatively affordable, and to not need much modding.

I found a blue Q1 v2 knobless barebone at -50%. With some affordable end Gateron Pro Yellows and a Keychron blue and white PBT set, the total came to around 150€ including taxes and delivery.

All I did to it was the "force break mod", and I'm very happy with the results. Really pleasurable to type on. I do miss my numpad, but my forearms really like the position more for both typing and gaming.

[carlcouture]

I literally screamed joyfully when he unboxed Nola and she meowed.

[Friezje]

The real move was to make a standalone numpad, so you can tilt it if you prefer or even use your left hand when you want to use your mouse with your right. Also I personally love the standalone numpad look.

[dcsoda]

Still pleased with my QK100 but glad to see more full size boards coming out

[AyeeItsLaRock]

What a wholesome and informative video 😅 I’ve been looking into building my own for work and this helped me feel less anxious about it! Thanks Hipyo, Josh, and Nola! 🥰

[michaelervin]

The production on this one is top notch I love the dialog

[fightingbearog]

This is me leaving a comment pushing for the 'keycap profile' video. Keep up the great work man!

[justinjenco]

I do not get the hate for the numpad. you could remove the whole top row of numbers and keep the numpad. its so useful

[Minitazmaniangames-iouc]

I like how he said "I love this guy!! I mean he's having fun!!! :O :O :O"

[MarylandDevin]

I just jumped down the rabbit hole of keyboards. This was the perfect video for me.

[adamwilson]

Probably one of my favorite HipyoTech videos so far. I really like the ones where you have your friends pick out their layout/parts and build!

I live in Seattle as well, BTW… I’ll be over to your place for my keyboard soon. 😉