Nova 65 Keyboard Review: Budget Gasket-Mount Gem Relaunching Soon
Nova 65 First Impressions: Beyond the Hype
When Odin Gaming's Nova 65 sold out during its group buy, mechanical keyboard enthusiasts took notice. After testing this $160 aluminum gasket-mounted board, I understand why. The unboxing experience immediately sets high expectations—substantial protective foam, space-themed packaging, and essential accessories including a premium switch puller and USB-C cable. Unlike typical bundled accessories, this puller doesn't compromise quality.
The initial heft signals serious construction, while the pre-installed Durock V2 stabilizers (a rarity at this price) hint at thoughtful engineering. Though our review unit had one faulty RGB LED, the overall lighting intensity rivals boards twice its cost.
Key Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Nova 65 Details |
|---|---|
| Structure | Aluminum top, polycarbonate bottom |
| Mounting | Poron gasket system |
| PCB | Hot-swap, south-facing LEDs |
| Stabilizers | Pre-installed Durock V2 |
| Price | $160 (barebones kit) |
Technical Deep Dive: Gasket Mount Realities
The Nova 65's gasket implementation leans functional rather than luxurious. Using vibration-absorbing poron foam strips between layers, it reduces case ping effectively but delivers minimal typing flex. This "air quotes gasket" approach resembles the GMMK Pro—competent for noise reduction without the pillowy feel premium boards offer.
During disassembly (which requires removing exceptionally long screws), we noted two critical design elements:
- Foam Sandwich Configuration: PCB foam noticeably dampens switch noise
- Standoff Controversy: Optional standoffs ease switch installation but create inconsistent typing feel. Removing them improves acoustics at the cost of beginner-friendliness.
Professional Insight: The V1's direct USB-C connection to the PCB caused durability concerns—a flaw Odin addressed for the Q1 2022 relaunch with a daughter board solution. This demonstrates responsive engineering uncommon in budget keebs.
Modding Potential & Performance Tweaks
Swapping the stock aluminum plate for polycarbonate transforms the Nova 65's character. The PC plate enhances flex and produces a deeper, more resonant sound profile—a $20 upgrade yielding premium-tier results.
Our build used SP-Star Marble Soda switches (code HIPPO saves 5%), but their factory lube proved insufficient, introducing spring ping. For optimal performance:
- Stabilizer Modding Essential: Despite Durock V2's quality, they arrive unlubed. Apply dielectric grease to wire ends and Krytox 205g0 to stems
- Switch Recommendation: Thocky switches like Gateron Oil Kings complement the board's acoustics
- Plate Choice Hierarchy: Polycarbonate > FR4 > Aluminum for sound depth
Value Verdict & Future Outlook
At $160, the Nova 65 disrupts the budget custom market. It outshines the NK65 in construction while matching the GMMK Pro's feature set at a 30% discount. The bundled keycaps ($50 separately) offer excellent dye-sub PBT quality but suffer from poor layout compatibility—only viable for standard TKL or full-size boards.
Exclusive Relaunch Intel: Q1 2022's iteration addresses all V1 flaws:
- Daughter board for reinforced USB-C
- Improved RGB consistency
- Expanded layout support
Immediate Action Plan
- Join Odin's Discord for stock alerts
- Pre-lube stabilizers before building
- Budget for PC plate ($15-20)
- Avoid bundled switches—invest in premium lubed options
- Verify keycap compatibility if using non-standard layouts
Final Assessment
The Nova 65 isn't perfect—its gasket implementation is basic, and stock switches disappoint—but as a platform for customization, it punches far above its price. With Odin's confirmed revisions for the Q1 2022 relaunch, this becomes the most compelling sub-$200 mechanical keyboard I've tested. When it drops, use code HIPPO for 5% savings on extras like plates and foam.
"Which mod—stabilizers, switches, or plates—would you tackle first? Share your build priorities below!"
Pro Resources:
- Switch modding guide: Taeha Types' lubing tutorial (authoritative)
- Plate material comparisons: Keyboard University's sound test database
- Group buy trackers: MechGroupBuys.com (trusted community hub)
