Zoom TKL EE - Scarlet Red
Best customizable mechanical keyboard for dedicated hobbyists and desk enthusiasts.
The Meletrix Zoom TKL: Essential Edition in Scarlet Red offers a highly customizable Tenkeyless mechanical keyboard experience. Designed for enthusiasts, this kit allows for deep personalization of both aesthetics and typing feel. Choose from various plate materials like Aluminum, Polycarbonate, or Carbon Fiber, and select unique backplates including colored glass or PVD stainless steel finishes. Its compact TKL form factor is perfect for tailored desk setups, making it an ideal choice for dedicated keyboard builders seeking a personalized touch.
$179.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
74
/ 3654
#74 in Keyboards
Price vs Category Average
+28%
Above average
Layout Size
Tenkeyless (TKL)
/ Tenkeyless (TKL)
Who it's for
- Budget-conscious hobbyists wanting high-end features at lower costs
- Typists seeking a soft, premium, and dampened feel
- Desk setup enthusiasts wanting a bold, vibrant centerpiece
Who should skip it
- Users preferring simple, plug-and-play proprietary software
- Impatience-prone buyers needing a keyboard immediately
- Beginners intimidated by building and sourcing individual parts
Performance breakdown
Customization Depth
Extensive plate and backplate options allow for truly bespoke typing experiences.
Build Quality
Premium materials and robust construction satisfy the most demanding keyboard enthusiasts.
Aesthetic Appeal
The striking Scarlet Red finish makes a bold statement on any desk.
Assembly Complexity
Requires patience and technical skill to assemble from the kit components.
Typing Versatility
Swappable plates provide distinct tactile feedback profiles for every typing preference.
Desk Ergonomics
Compact TKL layout saves valuable space without sacrificing essential key functionality.
Key Specs
Layout Size
Tenkeyless (TKL)
Plate Material Options
Aluminum, Polycarbonate, Carbon Fiber
Back Plate Options
Glass (various colors), SS PVD Mirror (Black, Gold, Silver)
Key Switch Type
Mechanical
Backlighting Type
None
Number of Programmable Keys
0
Is Ergonomic
False
Has Numeric Keypad
False
Features
- Compact Tenkeyless (TKL) layout
- Customizable plate and backplate options
- Multiple premium backplate finishes
- Striking Scarlet Red colorway
- Supports mechanical key switches
- Enables deep aesthetic personalization
- Group Buy production model
- Ideal for custom keyboard builds
What customers say
The Meletrix Zoom TKL EE in Scarlet Red earns high praise, focusing on its exceptional typing feel and sound quality. Users consistently describe the acoustic profile as deep, satisfyingly uniform, and thocky. The keyboard's gasket mounting system delivers a soft, bouncy typing experience that promotes comfort during extended use. Aesthetically, the vibrant Scarlet Red colorway and premium finish are widely celebrated. Customers feel the overall build quality significantly surpasses its price, establishing this TKL as an outstanding value proposition. It offers a flagship level typing experience in a popular form factor, making it a highly recommended choice for keyboard enthusiasts seeking premium features without excessive cost.
Know before you buy
The Essential Edition is a streamlined version of the Zoom TKL, focusing on the core components needed for a high-end custom build. It provides the essential chassis and mounting options while allowing you to select your preferred plate and backplate materials to suit your specific typing preferences.
Plate material significantly alters the feel and sound of your keyboard. Aluminum offers a stiffer, more precise typing feel with a higher-pitched sound, while Polycarbonate provides a softer, more flexible experience. Carbon Fiber sits in the middle, offering a balanced, crisp typing feel.
No, the Zoom TKL EE is a barebones kit. You will need to purchase your own mechanical switches and keycaps separately to complete the build.
The Zoom TKL EE features a hot-swappable PCB, meaning you can install your mechanical switches by simply pressing them into the socket. No soldering is required for assembly.
Yes, the backplate is designed to be removable. You can swap between the available glass or PVD stainless steel options if you decide to change the aesthetic of your keyboard later.
The Scarlet Red finish is durable, but like any premium coated keyboard, it should be cleaned with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could scratch the finish.
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$179