Getting a keyboard with Zealios V2 switches?

[BlazeModz]

Having a hard time trying to figure this out. From my understanding, Zealios V2 are just switches and there aren't any keyboards that come prebuilt with them, is there anyway I can find a pre-built keyboard that uses those switches that I may have missed? or do I really need to get all of the components and build it myself?

Any help is appreciated, thanks!

[Arch4Life]

building a keyboard is easy, tunning it is another story, but most pre-builts are poorly tuned or no tunning at all, so I would suggest you to build it yourself

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[BlazeModz]

building a keyboard is easy, tunning it is another story, but most pre-builts are poorly tuned or no tunning at all, so I would suggest you to build it yourself

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

Ah, dang. I understand. Is there any resources of where I can get the parts n learn how to do it? is it really difficult n easy to mess up?

[Arch4Life]

building a keyboard is easy, tunning it is another story, but most pre-builts are poorly tuned or no tunning at all, so I would suggest you to build it yourself

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Ah, dang. I understand. Is there any resources of where I can get the parts n learn how to do it? is it really difficult n easy to mess up?

well, it is easy and hard to mess up, I would suggest Tasha types, taekeyboards and Hamaji neo on YouTube for tutorials on building a keyboard, for soldering, you can visit juju cables, for part: kprepublic, ymdkeys, kbdfans,... (just look them up on google, they sell pretty good starter parts)

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[BlazeModz]

building a keyboard is easy, tunning it is another story, but most pre-builts are poorly tuned or no tunning at all, so I would suggest you to build it yourself

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

Ah, dang. I understand. Is there any resources of where I can get the parts n learn how to do it? is it really difficult n easy to mess up?

well, it is easy and hard to mess up, I would suggest Tasha types, taekeyboards and Hamaji neo on YouTube for tutorials on building a keyboard, for soldering, you can visit juju cables, for part: kprepublic, ymdkeys, kbdfans,... (just look them up on google, they sell pretty good starter parts)

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

Alrighty, Thank you!

[jamster]

Zelios, like many, many other switches, are enthusiast aftermarket parts. Boards will not come pre-built with them.

Typically the only switches that come on off the shelf boards are a smallish number of Cherry MX switches (blue, brown, red, sometimes at a stretch clear) and the equivalents from 'clone' companies like Gateron or Kailh.

The easiest way to end up with a Zelios board would involve buying a mostly built board minus the switches, and just add them yourself. IIRC Massdrop sells unpopulated boards, or GMMK (with the advantage of not having to solder).

[Ranger_Trivette]

ehi, that's geekhack... we dont buy pre-built boards 

join the addiction and build you first custom keyboard 

[phwog_]

if you want the minimal effort, go for a hotswap pcb. this removes the soldering step completely, and you can switch the switches at any time. I am sure there are prebuilts that exist that have tealios v2. one in particular I know for a fact is https://ohkeycaps.com/products/built-to-order-dactyl-manuform-keyboard

[HungerMechanic]

Having a hard time trying to figure this out. From my understanding, Zealios V2 are just switches and there aren't any keyboards that come prebuilt with them, is there anyway I can find a pre-built keyboard that uses those switches that I may have missed? or do I really need to get all of the components and build it myself?

Any help is appreciated, thanks!

You actually can get a decent prebuilt with Zealio V2 switches - the Varmilo TKL or maybe full-size with Zealio V2 67 G switches.

At least, that was being offered in the custom shop last time I checked.

There are disadvantages - Varmilo is headquartered in China, so if anything goes wrong, you are pooched. And shipping is expensive, like at least 35$ USD if not more, not including customs.

But I've done it - I actually ordered a TKL from Varmilo's custom store for a relative back in 2018, and they are still enjoying it now. Great keyboard, with nice case look and feel, freshly-retooled MX Browns [they didn't have Zealio at the time], lubed stabilizers [plate-mount, tho], custom keycaps, and custom LED arrangement.

It's the best-tuned prebuilt you can get as a TKL or full-size. But it's a bit exotic, no? Not sure if it's even still being offered.

[Leslieann]

Having a hard time trying to figure this out. From my understanding, Zealios V2 are just switches and there aren't any keyboards that come prebuilt with them, is there anyway I can find a pre-built keyboard that uses those switches that I may have missed? or do I really need to get all of the components and build it myself?

Any help is appreciated, thanks!

Check out the GMMK (not the pro).
It's a good solid starting point with hot  swap sockets and ok stabs. Order the barebones version, but you can also order keycaps at the same time, just don't get switches. Go to a place that carries Zeal switches, either Zeal or 1upkeyboards, others carry them, those are just two I know of. Then you simply plug in the switches and put the caps in place, no solde necessary.

Will it be as good as something tuned, no, but it;s going to be better than a lot of off-the-shelf and you get the switches you want. It's also hot swap, so later when/if you get comfortable you can tune it if you want. If you break it's it's not super expensive to replace, and if you decide to move to something nicer just take out your switches and put them in your new board.

[Whale_algorithm]

WASD makes prebuilt keyboards with Zealios 67g (I have one).

[Leopard223]

Zeal switches afaik can't come with prebuilt keyboards due to the PC housing not being able to sustain factory soldering.
If you're still after prebuilt, I think Ducky had a limited edition keyboard with modified zeal switches with different bottom housing, they're arent exacly the same but it will probablyt the best you could find.

[azzipa]

surprised this hasn’t been mentioned: kbdfans sells boards w zealios and many other ‘enthusiast’ switches. people look down on the tofu but i’ve steered co-workers in that direction and never had a problem. for some people it’s a gateway drug and they want a custom. others are satisfied. if you’re hesitant to take on your own build, the pre-assembled boards will get you >85% of a full custom (unless you have a very good idea of what you want). still not cheap. depending on switches you can hit $300. i have no affiliation, just passing on info.

[Rob27shred]

Zeal switches afaik can't come with prebuilt keyboards due to the PC housing not being able to sustain factory soldering.
If you're still after prebuilt, I think Ducky had a limited edition keyboard with modified zeal switches with different bottom housing, they're arent exacly the same but it will probablyt the best you could find.

Yeah they're Gateron Milky bottoms made with the Zealio molds I believe. He actually used to sell a 65g Zealio back in the V1 days that had the same type of bottom for people who were afraid of melting the PC bottoms.

[Sup]

Zeal switches afaik can't come with prebuilt keyboards due to the PC housing not being able to sustain factory soldering.
If you're still after prebuilt, I think Ducky had a limited edition keyboard with modified zeal switches with different bottom housing, they're arent exacly the same but it will probablyt the best you could find.

Not sure where you pull that off from but, Zealios can be used in OEM keyboards. The OEM that offered Zealios switches is WASDKeyboards with the CODE V3 TKL. The only reason that most OEM don't offer Zealios is because of the switch price. While OEM can just buy bulk from cherry for less than 15 cent a switch and all your average consumers see Cherry = High quality and Zeal is a no name to your average consumer and that he up marks the switch like 4-5x it's price from the factory is a no no for OEM's. It would make the keyboard to expensive compared to the competition.

https://www.wasdkeyboards.com/code-v3-87-key-mechanical-keyboard-zealio-67g.html

[MIGHTY CHICKEN]

I know ducky did a collab a company where they built custom duckies with zeals and "lubed stabs", but buying components yourself might be your best choice. Maybe try and get a hotswap kit, those are very easy to build.

[Leopard223]

Zeal switches afaik can't come with prebuilt keyboards due to the PC housing not being able to sustain factory soldering.
If you're still after prebuilt, I think Ducky had a limited edition keyboard with modified zeal switches with different bottom housing, they're arent exacly the same but it will probablyt the best you could find.

Not sure where you pull that off from but, Zealios can be used in OEM keyboards. The OEM that offered Zealios switches is WASDKeyboards with the CODE V3 TKL. The only reason that most OEM don't offer Zealios is because of the switch price. While OEM can just buy bulk from cherry for less than 15 cent a switch and all your average consumers see Cherry = High quality and Zeal is a no name to your average consumer and that he up marks the switch like 4-5x it's price from the factory is a no no for OEM's. It would make the keyboard to expensive compared to the competition.

https://www.wasdkeyboards.com/code-v3-87-key-mechanical-keyboard-zealio-67g.html

Well this the consensus of the reviews such as this , your explanation might be the main reason though. 
Are the switches in the CODE v3 the full PC ones from Zeal? I couldn't find much more info on that KB.