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Manta Keyboard Review: A Deep Dive into Design, Acoustics, and ValueThis video reviews the Manta, a $400 65% keyboard designed by Alexotos and Bowl Keyboards. It highlights the keyboard's unique design, acoustic performance, mounting options, and target audience, emphasizing its value as a passion product rather than a mass-appeal item. The review includes detailed sound tests with various switches and mounting configurations.
1. ⌨️ Introduction to the Manta Keyboard and Initial Issue
- ✅ The Manta is a $400 keyboard designed by Alexotos and Bowl Keyboards, aimed at users seeking something specific and inspiring.
- ⚠️ An initial upload had reverb issues due to prototype Milmax sockets contacting internal ridges. This issue has been fixed in the production units.
- ✅ The sound tests have been redone to reflect the corrected audio.
00:00 - 02:16
1. ⌨️ Introduction to the Manta Keyboard and Initial Issue
- ✅ The Manta is a $400 keyboard designed by Alexotos and Bowl Keyboards, aimed at users seeking something specific and inspiring.
- ⚠️ An initial upload had reverb issues due to prototype Milmax sockets contacting internal ridges. This issue has been fixed in the production units.
- ✅ The sound tests have been redone to reflect the corrected audio.
02:17 - 03:39
2. 🔍 Overview of the Manta: Design and Features
- ✅ The Manta is a custom 65% keyboard with gasket, gasket grommet, and gummy O-ring mounting styles.
- ✅ It features a sleek profile with a fin-shaped bottom weight and copper or brass pillars.
- ✅ Sound test: Cherry MX Black on aluminum plate versus Neo65 (control board).
04:27 - 05:27
3. 🤝 Collaboration and Design Philosophy
- ✅ Alexotos views keyboards as creative tools.
- ✅ Bowl Keyboards is known for boards like the Pangia and Cappy 60, and is a trusted vendor and designer.
- ✅ The Manta is presented as a passion project, similar to analog cameras or artisan watches, aiming for an emotional response.
06:15 - 07:35
4. ⚙️ Design Elements and Construction
- ✅ The fin-shaped bottom weight creates a chamber to shape the sound profile.
- ✅ The design went through multiple structural changes to address durability and unwanted pings.
- ✅ The final solution uses angled hidden screws accessible after removing keycaps.
07:36 - 08:34
5. 🔊 Acoustic Performance and Sound Profile
- ✅ The Manta sounds clean without needing foam, thanks to stepped internals that scatter the sound.
- ✅ It offers a balanced, controlled resonance without over-compression or deadness.
- ✅ The alphas are incredibly clean sounding, though the space bar is deeper than expected.
08:35 - 11:44
6. 👂 Sound Tests: Switch Lengths and Materials
- ✅ Long pole switches raise the pitch while maintaining the board's body tone.
- ✅ Sound Test: Granite vs KBCP
- ✅ Sound Test: HMX Lunar Stone on Carbon Fiber vs Aluminum plate
- ✅ Sound Test Clip: Keygeek Orange Boi, Alu vs Copper Bottom, Alu vs Acrylic Top
11:45 - 13:09
7. 🛠️ Mounting Options and Typing Feel
- ✅ The Manta ships with five full sets of mounting supports in different durometers (30A and 6A socks, 3A and 68 grommets, and one 5A O-ring).
- ✅ Even the lowest durometer options hold their shape well, preventing a mushy bottom-out feel.
- ✅ Harder gaskets provide a planted and controlled feel, tight and stable but not stiff.
13:10 - 14:56
8. 🎧 Sound Tests: Grommet vs Gasket and Hybrid vs O-ring
- ✅ Comparison of mounting setups on opposite ends of the spectrum.
- ✅ Hybrid combo (personal favorite) balances bounce and isolation.
- ✅ Sound Test: Grommet vs Gasket
- ✅ Sound Test: Hybrid mount vs O-ring
- ✅ Sound Test: CF plate, O-ring mount, HMX Lunar Stone vs Cherry MX Blacks
14:57 - 15:25
9. ⚠️ Build Notes and PCB Design
- ⚠️ The PCB's diodes and MCU are on the top, requiring gentle handling during builds.
- ⚠️ Plate forks should not be used as they will damage the board.
15:26 - 17:50
10. 💰 Value Proposition and Target Audience
- ✅ Value is not just about price but also about what the buyer cares about.
- ✅ Budget boards bring people into the hobby, while designer boards keep the passion alive.
- ✅ The Manta is for those who want something expressive and indulgent, appreciating the craftsmanship and design.
- ✅ It's for people who see more than just switches and keycaps, but a crafted and debated piece of art.