Meletrix has become one of the “brands to watch” in the custom mechanical keyboard space over the last few years and it’s easy to see why. It has made a point to progressively offer more with each subsequent release, bringing features and customization options previously only available in expensive, limited-run custom keyboards to more affordable price points. The Ultraman-inspired Zoom75 TIGA takes that concept to the next level with 15 different colors, four different mounting options, a wide selection of customizable parts, and more build combinations that most other keyboards could dream of. Starting at $195, this keyboard kit is an outstanding value for anyone considering dipping their toes into the mechanical keyboard hobby.
Specifications
Current Price: Starting at $195 (Meletrix)
Click to Enlarge
Meletrix Zoom75 TIGA - Purchase Information
The Meletrix Zoom75 TIGA is available now at Meletrix’s official web store, as well as a number of different vendors, including KeebsForAll, Mechanical Keyboards, MechLand, Dangkeebs, and more. Prices start at $195 and rise to $210, not including any addons you may want to purchase along with it. The group buy is live now and runs until November 18th. Fulfillment is expected between January and February of 2025.
For a full breakdown on pricing, please see the chart below.
Click to Enlarge
For a full description of the color combinations, including details on finishes and individual components, please see the chart below.
Click to Enlarge
Meletrix Zoom75 TIGA - Design and Highlights
Over the last several years, Meletrix has become one of the leading brands in the world of custom mechanical keyboards. Its latest releases, such as the Zoom65 V3, have been truly impressive, offering users more options than any other brand I can recall — from color to components to mounting styles that would usually be reserved for high-end custom keyboards, it challenges convention for what you should expect at a given price point.
With the Zoom75 TIGA, Meletrix is at it again. The TIGA is a follow up to the original Zoom75, which released last year. In my review, I dubbed it “affordable excellence,” and still use that keyboard to this day despite an ever growing collection. The TIGA continues that pedigree, delivering a keyboard that is clearly in the same family while branching off and trying new ideas while also giving users more options than ever.
As the name implies, the keyboard uses a 75% layout. There’s a full function row and arrow cluster, as well as a column of navigation and editing buttons. This layout is popular among gamers because of its compact yet still full-featured layout. The LCD screen is also included by default in the upper right, but just like last time, it can be removed and replaced with a magnetic badge or for two extra buttons.
The screen is cool — I like it. It’s able to display the time, all of the key indicators, display important system information like CPU and GPU temps, and even display custom GIFs. At the time of review, the Pocket Wuque app hadn’t been updated to support the new screen yet, but Meletrix has support for all of its other keyboards, so I trust them when they say, support will arrive before customers receive their keyboards.
There’s also a volume knob positioned above the arrow cluster. Whether you’ll like this placement is subjective and whether you’ll find it a good fit for gaming is even more so. I find that it’s just about perfect to change the volume when I’m typing normally but it’s less convenient when gaming with my right hand on the mouse.
Another change with this model is on the bottom. The original had a solid bottom that could be anything from PVD finished steel to glass decorated with a gradient finish. This time we have a solid metal back with a three-dimensional design in the center that houses the weight. This inner bevel is covered by a “soul grille” decoration that gives it a more unique look. I like the finishing of the weight. It’s etched with a reflective pattern that’s color matched to the rest of the case. I think it’s a play on “75” and “Zoom” but it’s honestly a bit hard to tell. It looks cool, though.
Speaking of colors, the Zoom75 TIGA offers more color options than ever before. There are 15 colors to choose from in all (see above). Each offers its own color combination and theme. Most of the options, other than black, are coated with a new Acustatic technique for a more refined finish. This is an enhancement to the electrostatic finishing process and offers more vibrant colors and a smoother finish. Having tested some of the prior Zoom keyboard with the older electrostatic coating, this is a noticeable improvement in the smoothness and overall quality of the finish.
Aesthetically, these new color combinations offer some new design elements that add interest to the design. We’ve gone over the top design elements but the intricacies continue around the back. The bottom case, contrasting in color, sweeps up in an arc on both sides. Two smaller colored wings are tucked inside these, offering an accent to the two existing tones. There’s also a magnetic badge that attaches about the USB port. This sweep of contrast also applies to the sides that bevel inward and let the bottom case peek out below.
Though the keyboard comes with its themed add-ons installed, you can purchase different colors for the front badge, the rear badge, the smaller wings around the back, the soul grille, and the weight the sits behind it. You can color match (at extra cost) to create something your own. I placed an order for my own in Grape Purple, one of the new colors, and purchased gold accents to go with it.
There’s also plenty of customization options inside the keyboard. It comes with your choice of four different plates: polycarbonate plastic, POM plastic, FR4, and aluminum, as well as brass at an additional cost. There are two different PCBs, one flex cut and the other not (preferred for sound over flex and vice versa depending on what you value most). Both support tri-mode connectivity for Bluetooth with up to three devices, a wired host, and 2.4GHz wireless for a 1ms wireless connection, perfect for gaming.
You can also choose the type of “foam” you would like. You can opt for a PORON foam kit, a “classic” foam kit, which is a bit denser, and most interestingly, cork. This isn’t something I’ve seen on any keyboard key and is intended to offer a bit more pop and clack (higher-pitched sounds) to the typing experience.
There are also four different mounting styles to choose from. You have classic Top Mount for a firmer typing experience. Silica Gel and Elastic Bar mounts are forms of gasket mounting with the latter offering a bit more flex and bounce while Silica Gel is less but still cushioned. I opted for the Split O-ring mount, which has you put small elastic o-rings around tables on the PCB which sit on tiny bars screwed into the case. It’s isolating, bouncy, and has a slightly elastic feel when typing quickly.
Another high point of this keyboard is its assembly process. I’ll go into more detail in the next section, but it uses a ball-latch system to hold the top case in place. When you want to open it up, it simply pulls off, no tools required. Inside, there are no pesky cables to connect either. The PCB, screen, and volume roller all use magnetic POGO pins that simply need to make contact to work. Switches are hot-swappable, so no soldering is required either, and it’s easy to change your switches whenever you like.
There are other new features worth mentioning, too. The RGB is brighter. It supports screw-in or clip in stabilizers. There’s a new, optional PET switch pad for enhanced crispness when typing.
It is, overall, a very well put together, high quality keyboard kit for the asking price. The amount of options it provides is exceptional and the experience of typing and gaming on it is just as good.
Meletrix Zoom75 TIGA - Assembly
Meletrix claims the Zoom75 TIGA features its easiest build process yet, and I think that’s a fair statement. It claims that it can be assembled in just 30 minutes. If you’re familiar with the process and know just what to do, that’s also fair, but for your first time, I would expect closer to 45 minutes if you’re consulting a build guide or using a softer plate that requires more finesse when installing switches.
Thanks to the POGO pin connections and quick release top, the process is quite straightforward. You begin by installing the stabilizers, which are clip-in and don’t require any screws. Then, you add the PET sheet, switch foam, and plate foam (or cork) if you want them. Lay the plate on top, press in switches, and then move onto the case.
Depending on which mounting style you go with, you may need to screw small mounts into the preset mounting points. Elastic bar and Silica Gel mounting just require sliding the sleeve or bar into place on the PCB assembly.
With that done, you can set the assembly into the case. The POGO connectors are magnetized and draw together well as long as you get them into the general area of where they should go. The only pain point is that they’re attached with ribbon cables and so take that extra few seconds that other keyboards don’t demand. In talking with Meletrix, however, it sounds like they’ve opted for this method so that there’s enough slack to allow for movement and a flex when typing, preserving its feel.
Finally, you put the top case back on, install keycaps, and you’re done.
Meletrix Zoom75 TIGA - Typing Demos
Since the Zoom75 TIGA can be built in so many different ways, I’ve included a selection of different typing demonstrations spanning different configurations below. These are some of my favorite keyboard content creators, so if you like what you see, please be sure to click through and give them a sub.
Video Credit: Rx003
Video Credit: Lewis Toh
Video Credit: Keybored
Video Credit: Clackbait
Meletrix Zoom75 TIGA - Use Impressions
I built the keyboard in several different configurations, all with WS Heavy Tactile switches, and was impressed at how versatile it is. My first build was with a POM plate on PORON foams with the Elastic Bar mounting style. It provided a lower pitched sound profile that evoked the classic “thock” sound that has been so popular over the last several years. The typing experience was soft, especially around the edges, but not overly so. When I rebuilt it with Silica Gel and Split O-ring mounts, I found Elastic Bar to land in the middle, so it would be a good option if you want comfort over endurance writing and gaming sessions without as much movement under your fingers.
Top Mount with the aluminum plate provided the classic mechanical keyboard experience from years back with its stiffness. The openness of the case below helped increase its volume and I enjoyed the higher pitched clack of the alu plate. It’s a totally different feel than any of the other mounting styles but is a good option if you don’t want additional movement at all.
I settled on the Split O-ring mount. I love how lively it feels under your fingers. There’s enough bounce to feel unique without being distracting when you’re trying to work or play games. I paired this with the cork plate and switch foam and both PET sheets. The end result was a delightfully full-bodied sound with distinct clarity in the higher frequencies.
This quality is a mix of great switches and the unique acoustic characteristics of the cork. If you’re a fan of tactile switches, the WS Heavy Tactiles are an excellent long-pole option. They feel downright bubbly to type on, come pre-lubed, and sound great too.
Overall, the Zoom75 TIGA is one of the best keyboards Meletrix has released and is a good value in the mid-tier price range. Just remember, since this is a kit, you’ll need to bring your own switches and keycaps.
Final Thoughts
The biggest endorsement I can give to the Meletrix Zoom75 TIGA is really this: After testing my sample, I immediately decided to join the group buy and purchased a Grape Purple version for myself, including a selection of different accessories. As someone who reviews keyboards for a living, I don’t need to purchase any keyboard. I have more than I’ll ever need. And yet, this keyboard hits all the right notes and is more customizable than the vast majority of the competition at this price. Its looks won’t be for everyone, but it’s a clear winner in my book.
The product described in this article was provided by the manufacturer for evaluation purposes.
