KBDFans Tofu65 3.0 - 65% Mechanical Aluminium Keyboard Kit

Tofu65 3.0 — the icon, redefined

The Tofu65 is one of the best-selling 65% custom keyboards ever — for many it was the first custom build and thus their entry into the hobby. With the Tofu65 3.0, KBDfans now brings the third evolution of the series: the beloved, minimalist silhouette of the predecessor Tofu65 2.0 is preserved, but underneath, the complete internal architecture has been carefully rethought. The Tofu65 3.0 is more than just a refresh — it's the consequent continuation of a classic, with more modern technology, improved acoustics, and impressive material and color variety. Designed by Wei.

 

Iconic design, reinterpreted

The exterior silhouette stays true to the minimalist Tofu design language — clean, restrained, and unobtrusive. But in the details, clear statements emerge: the two-part USB port segment at the rear and the optional two-tone color combinations for top and bottom case visibly set the Tofu65 3.0 apart from its predecessors. A classic, boldly modernized without losing its essence.

 

Massive material variety for top case, bottom case, and weight

The Tofu65 3.0 can be customized in nearly every detail — you freely choose from one of the broadest material and color palettes in the custom world:

• Top case material: Aluminum (anodized, e-coated, or RAW)
• Bottom case material: Aluminum, copper, or stainless steel (anodized, e-coated, RAW, textured, or sandblasted)
• Bottom weight material: Aluminum, stainless steel, or copper
• Plate material: Aluminum, carbon fiber, polycarbonate, PEI, or FR4

The color palette ranges from classics like Anodized Black, Silver, Grey through colorful accents like Anodized Red, Pine Green, Light Blue, Deep Purple, Tiffany to specials like RAW (Transparent Anode), E-White, E-coating U9. KBDfans additionally offers a live configurator at kbd.tools where you can visualize every color combination live and adjust weight and price — before placing the actual order.

Dual mounting system — top mount or PCB gasket mount

Both mounting structures have been completely rebuilt and are included in the package — meaning you can swap between the two typing characters depending on your mood:

• Top mount — the classic, firmer mounting variant with precise bottom-out and uniform sound. Mounting points have been deliberately placed to skip the spacebar area — minimizing resonance and hollow ring. Additionally, top-case silicone dampeners provide complete acoustic decoupling of the plate from the upper housing — significantly reducing structural noise transmission.
• PCB gasket mount — designed for maximum softness and flex. The support distribution is similar to the top mount, but deliberately more flexible — for an especially soft, "bouncy" typing feel with pronounced acoustics.

Plateless build option for extreme flex

A special specialty: in combination of solder PCB and PCB gasket mount, you can build the Tofu65 3.0 entirely plateless — meaning without a plate. The result is an extremely flexible typing feel and a uniquely deep, warm sound profile not found in classic builds. The ultimate choice for sound enthusiasts and modding lovers seeking maximum flex and acoustics.

Integrated force-break system

Inside works the thoughtful force-break system — specially shaped silicone pads placed between individual case parts to acoustically decouple them. The result: significantly reduced vibrations, no more metallic "case ping," and a clean, controlled sound — a detail you typically only find in significantly more expensive custom builds and that KBDfans has integrated here as standard.

Three PCB options — solder, hot-swap, or dual-mode wireless

We offer the Tofu65 3.0 with all three PCB options — all 1.6 mm FR4 with magnetic connectors and support for AVA, VIAL, and VIA:

• Solder PCB — the classic soldered variant for custom builders who want to assemble their build from scratch. Also enables the plateless build with the PCB gasket mount.
• Wired hot-swap PCB — wired via USB-C, with hot-swap sockets for solder-free switch swaps. Perfect for everyone who wants to experiment with different switches.
• Dual-mode PCB (Bluetooth + wired) — KBDfans' first dual-mode hot-swap PCB, powered by the ultra-low-power ZMK firmware. Connects via USB-C or Bluetooth; thanks to its efficient architecture, it delivers over 6 months of battery life from a single 1000 mAh battery — a perfectly minimalist wireless setup without cable clutter.

Note: The dual-mode variant offers only USB-C and Bluetooth — no 2.4 GHz wireless. KBDfans deliberately chose this approach since Bluetooth covers the needs of the vast majority of users, and the ultra-low-power design is what enables the enormous battery life in the first place.

 

Full customizability via AVA, VIAL & VIA

Whichever PCB variant you choose — the Tofu65 3.0 is compatible with three popular configuration tools:

• AVA — modern, browser-based configuration
• VIAL — open-source alternative with extensive features
• VIA — the well-known classic for fast configuration

This lets you remap every single key, record macros, set up layers, and tailor the board exactly to your workflow.

What else you should know

• Typing angle: 9° — slightly steeper than most custom boards, for a more pronounced ergonomic position
• Foam kit available as an optional add-on — for individual sound tuning
• Carrying case included for travel and transport
• Live configurator at kbd.tools for previewing all material and color combinations

Note on aluminum craftsmanship

With anodized and coated aluminum keyboards, minor cosmetic variations can occur — especially in the case interior, slight coating inconsistencies in the inner corners are normal due to the Faraday cage phenomenon and not grounds for warranty claims. The exterior surfaces are processed with the highest care.

Who is the Tofu65 3.0 for?

• Tofu lovers who want the iconic design language in its most modern, refined form
• 65% enthusiasts who appreciate the compact layout with arrow keys and the additional column on the right
• Custom build builders seeking maximum flexibility in material, color, mount, and PCB
• Sound enthusiasts who want to experience truly clean, controlled sound with the force-break system
• Modding specialists who want to experiment with plateless builds and various plate materials
• Wireless setup designers looking for a flexible Bluetooth setup with long battery life

Note: The Tofu65 3.0 is a barebone kit. Switches and keycaps are not included and must be purchased separately.