Enhance your productivity with the AZURE K652 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard.

In an era dominated by technological advancements and innovation, wireless keyboards have emerged as a game-changer — especially for me. I never thought I would stress/worry about cables strewn across my desk, but as I transitioned to a position that allowed me to work from home, I really found the value of desk real estate.

A wireless keyboard offers the freedom to work or play from anywhere within its range, untangling us from the constraints of wired setups. With their sleek design and ease of use, these keyboards have become increasingly popular among individuals seeking convenience and efficiency in their daily lives. I’ve tested out many wireless keyboards and I’ve found that the slim keyboards — like the AZURE K652 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard from Redragon — are my favorites.

About AZURE K652 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard

The Redragon AZURE K652 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard is a game-changer for Mac users seeking a reliable and efficient typing experience. With its sleek design, advanced wireless technology, and mechanical switches, this keyboard offers optimal performance and convenience for both work and play. Whether you are a professional needing precision in your daily tasks or a gamer looking to enhance your gaming experience, the Redragon AZURE K652 provides the ideal solution with its premium features tailored specifically for Mac users. Say goodbye to tangled wires and hello to seamless connectivity as we delve deeper into the world of this impressive wireless mechanical keyboard.

Main Features

• 75% 84 keys layout (full rollover)
• -35% ultra thin design
• 3-mode connection: USB-C wired, BT 3.0/5.0 & 2.4Ghz wireless
• 100% WIN/MAC system support
• Professional Software Support
• Aluminum Top Plate
• RGB Backlit
• Extra Full Set with Added 7 Orange Keycap
• Different switch types available: Outemu Red, Outemu Blue, Outemu Brown, Outemu Low Profile Red
• Keyboard Size: 12.5 x 5.0 inch
• Item Weight: 494g
• Switches: Low Profile Switches

Pricing & Availability

The Redragon AZURE K652 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard for Mac is available thorugh redragonshop.com for $69.99 and Amazon for $52.49 (at the time of publishing).

User Experience

The box the keyboard comes in is mostly white with a full-color image of the product on the front. There are quite a few details highlighted and the back includes the main features in several languages. When you open the box, you’ll find the keyboard and its accessories safely tucked away within the packaging. The package includes the keyboard, a detachable USB-C cable, the user manual, an extra set of keycaps and a key puller.

While I typically don’t like to make direct comparisons between products, I couldn’t help but notice how similar in design this keyboard was to the NuPhy Air75 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard. That’s not a bad thing because to date, that wireless keyboard has been my favorite low-profile keyboard. So the first thing I noticed was that the keyboard sits flush to the desk. There are lifts on the back that can be flipped out, but they don’t raise the keyboard too much. There is a handy attachable lift that I’ve acquired called the ESC Flip Pro. It can be removed and reattached to keyboards and I’ve swapped it between keyboards multiple times. It really helps me with the low-profile, slim keyboards.

I selected the Outemu Brown switches for my keyboard layout. I like the softer feel of brown switches and since the brown switches and red switches are listed as suitable for “Office/Gaming”, I opted for the brown ones. I have red switches in the aforementioned NuPhy keyboard and found the brown switches are a little more clicky than the red switches are. I have found the switches/keys to be remarkably responsive and very easy to type on.

The build quality is amazing with this keyboard. I love the feel of the aluminum frame and it’s very easy to remove keycaps and replace them as needed. I also really love that there is a USB/2.4 Ghz wireless connection option because it makes it very easy for me to switch between my two primary laptops that I have connected to a USB hub. With the Bluetooth connection, which still works very well, there is a lag between switching, but the USB dongle makes it possible for me to swap seamlessly between systems.

My typing experience with the Azure K652 keyboard has been quite enjoyable. The only hang-up I have is when I switch back and forth between different styles of keyboards. If I am typing only on the Azure wireless keyboard, my fingers adapt to it very quickly and my speed and accuracy with typing excel. In order to test this more accurately, I used typingtest.com’s benchmarking test. The image below shows my score in comparison to the average test scores.

Pros

1. Long battery life
2. quiet-responsive keys
3. colorful RGB backlighting
4. USB dongle makes it easy to switch between systems

Cons

1. Would be nice if it had more of a lift to it
2. No 10-key number pad

Conclusion

The Redragon AZURE K652 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard for Mac offers a sleek and reliable option for Mac users in need of a wireless keyboard. Even though it is compatible with both macOS and WindowsOS, it’s refreshing to know that as an Apple user you don’t have to jump through hoops to get it working with your system.

The keyboard’s compact design and its quiet yet responsive keys make this keyboard a versatile choice for any user. The long battery life and convenient USB-C charging add to its appeal, making it ideal for on-the-go professionals or students. Whether you’re typing up documents, gaming, or simply browsing the web, the Redragon AZURE K652 provides a comfortable and efficient typing experience.

For more information, visit redragonshop.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

Experience quiet typing with the Kensington QuietType Pro Silent Mechanical Keyboard.

I’ve been a fan of mechanical keyboards for many years. One of my favorite keyboards — the Apex M800 by Steel Series — was my ‘go-to’ peripheral for a really long time. In fact, I used it so much that the switches started wearing out and the keystrokes weren’t registering like they were supposed to. Ever since then, I’ve been on the lookout for a good mechanical keyboard replacement. The tricky thing is that the Apex M800 had soft keystrokes and it’s been hard to find a keyboard that feels close to that — until Kensington released their QuietType Pro Silent Mechanical Keyboard. It checks off all the major features for me and it has a soft typing feel that I love.

About Kensington QuietType Pro Silent Mechanical Keyboard

Designed for noise-sensitive home or office work environments, the QuietType Pro Silent Mechanical Keyboard features reduced keystroke noise to minimize distractions during online meetings, and incorporates camera and audio controls to optimize the virtual meeting experience. And, since the keyboard has mechanical switches, it’s sturdier than membrane keyboards and will likely hold up better to long-term daily use.

Main Features

• Design by Professional for the Modern Workspace → Provides responsive keys, a quiet typing experience, n-key roll over (NKRO), and universal compatibility for Windows and macOS—to maximize productivity and minimize distractions.
• QuietType Keys → The MK7500F keyboard combines Kailh Midnight Pro Silent Tactile switches with sound dampening pads—so you can type with confidence knowing that you are not distracting others or disrupting a call or meeting.
• Multiple Connection Options → Connect up to five active devices—three via Bluetooth, one using the included 2.4GHz USB receiver for a reliable connection up to 10 meters away, and one using the included USB-A cable so you can charge and use the keyboard at the same time. Provides 128-bit AES government-grade encryption security.
• Durable Ergonomic Full-Size Design → Supports all-day typing comfort via a thoughtfully designed full-size aluminum frame with high-quality laser etched ABS keycaps, quiet tactile switches, dual position feet with 5 and 7 degrees of adjustment, and a gel wrist rest pad.
• Fully Customizable Keys → Users can customize their experience by programming keys, creating macros, adjusting key mappings, managing profiles, and more with the optional Kensington Konnect software.
• Adjustable White Backlight → The white backlight allows for easy key identification in low light settings, can be easily adjusted via the built-in shortcut keys, and lasts up to 90 hours after a full charge, even with the backlight at 100%.
• IPX4 Spill-Proof Design → Verified and tested to protect your mechanical keyboard from the accidental spills that occur in busy workspaces. Includes washable silicon dust cover to protect keyboard when not in use.
• Wipe Down Protection → Meets MIL-STD-810H Method 504.3 Contamination by Fluids with disinfectants with no degradation.
• 3-Year Limited Warranty → Covered by Kensington with professional support and a 3-year limited warranty.

Pricing & Availability

The keyboard has a list price of $199.99 and is available through Amazon. If a user needs to purchase the keyboard in bulk, they may contact Kensington using the embedded form on their product page.

User Experience

The Kensington QuietType Pro Silent Mechanical Keyboard comes in a large box. The outer carton features an image of the keyboard along with several of the features — including the switch type — called out. The box was quite a bit heavier than I expected. The keyboard weighs approximately 2 lbs 12 ozs and the wrist rest weighs 1 lb 10 oz. So, even after I removed the keyboard from the box, it still felt full. In addition to the wrist rest and keyboard, the box also housed the following:

• 1 x 6ft USB-C to USB-A cable
• 1 x 2.4G Wireless receiver
• 1 x dust cover
• 1 x welcome card
• 1 x instruction guide
• 1 x battery warning insert
• 1 x compliance sheet
• 1 x warranty card

Set-up

The keyboard is ready to go out of the box, but users can customize functions on the keyboard using the Kensington Konnect software (available for macOS and Windows). The first thing you have to do is decide how you prefer to connect to the keyboard — Bluetooth, Wirelessly, or with the cable. I selected the 2.4G Wireless Receiver option because I could plug it into my dock and use it with both my MacBook Air and MacBook Pro without having to select different Bluetooth inputs.

This keyboard was designed to fit all types of users and there are macOS and Windows profiles built into the keyboard. The O and P keys allow the user to switch between the different system modes. I primarily use macOS computers, but I will sometimes switch to a Windows machine during my work day. So, having that capability is really convenient.

One of the more important steps in the set-up process is installing the Kensington Konnect software. This give users the ability to customize the key functions. The software is very easy to use. You simply select the key on the keyboard and then the action you want it to complete. Even the meeting control buttons are customizable. I have created multiple profiles for myself since I switch between a work and personal computer throughout the day.

Lighting

While I appreciate the backlight option on the MK7500F, I also feel it’s unnecessary. The backlight is very dim in my opinion and it just doesn’t serve much purpose. Since Kensington’s focus for this keyboard was for working environments, I can understand why it doesn’t include flashy RGB lighting, but it would be great if a sister model was released with that option. That is a feature I have come to really enjoy with my keyboards and I sort of miss it with the Kensington keyboard.

Typing

The QuietType Pro Silent Mechanical Keyboard is very comfortable to type on. I use my keyboards for 8-12 hours a day and do a substantial amount of typing on them. Even though I really enjoy slim/low profile keyboards and this one has more of a classic key-type to it, I’ve not found myself getting tired or my hands cramping while using it. The keys are evenly spaced out and there is no heavy tactile bump to worry with like some mechanical keyboards. My 72WPM typing average even saw an increase to 74WPM.

Conclusion

The Kensington QuietType Pro Silent Mechanical Keyboard is an excellent option for those who are looking for a quiet mechanical keyboard. It combines the best of both worlds by offering the tactile feedback and durability of a mechanical keyboard with the quietness of a membrane keyboard. It’s a full-size keyboard with a compact feel and it’s comfortable to use — even for long periods of time. Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable, yet silent, mechanical keyboard, the Kensington QuietType Pro is definitely worth considering.

For more information, visit Kensington.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

Enhance your gaming experience with the Corsair K100 AIR Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard.

The Corsair K100 AIR Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard was released to the public on October 4, 2022, and is the tech company’s thinnest high-performance keyboard to-date. It boasts an elegant brushed aluminum frame and versatile connectivity options for multiple devices. The keyboard offers a premium experience for gaming users and productivity-focused customers alike.

The K100 AIR is a wireless keyboard that features an unbelievably slim profile of just 11mm at its slimmest point, making it a great fit for any desktop or workstation. It features hyper-responsive CHERRY MX Ultra Low Profile mechanical key switches, offering reliable keystrokes without the height of a full-size key switch.

The keyboard can be connected in three ways, including hyper-fast SLIPSTREAM WIRELESS, low-latency Bluetooth on up to three host devices, or USB wired mode on PC and Mac. The keyboard’s long-lasting battery provides up to 50 hours of life with RGB backlighting or up to 200 hours with the backlighting turned off. The K100 AIR is also customizable, allowing for remapping keys, programming macros, and customizing RGB lighting through the CORSAIR iCUE software.

Main Features

• Ultra-thin frame for increased comfort
• Multi-device connectivity
• Double shot keycaps
• Per-key RGB lighting with adjustable brightness
• Up to 50 hours of battery life
• Brushed Aluminum Frame
• Eight “Stealth” Indicators
• Dedicated Media Keys and Aluminum Volume Roller
• Programmable Macro Keys
• Cherry MX Ultra Low Profile Tactile Keyswitches
• Per-key RGB Backlighting
• Secure Connection AES 128-bit encryption
• Slipstream Wireless Receiver
• Detachable Braided USB-C Cable
• 8MB Onboard Storage – Save up to 50 customer profiles

Pricing & Availability

The list price for the Corsair K100 AIR Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is $279.99 and it’s available from corsair.com and Amazon. It is possible to utilize payment plans through either site (Corsair uses Klarna and Amazon provides financing through their Prime Store Card).

For more information, visit corsair.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

Keyboard provides a solid typing experience for work or play.

Mechanical keyboards are becoming increasingly popular for use in the workplace. They offer an array of features that make them ideal for long typing sessions, such as faster response time, durability, and custom keycaps. I’ve been a fan of mechanical keyboards for many years now and I’ve been on the hunt for the ideal one for my workspace. For a little over a year, I’ve been using the Air75 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard from NuPhy and loving it! So, when the Halo65 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard was introduced, I decided to give it a try.

About

NUPHY’s Halo 65 mechanical keyboard is a great option for anyone looking for a reliable and comfortable keyboard for work. It has a robust aluminum alloy frame that is both lightweight and durable, as well as a full-sized 104-key layout.

The Halo 65 also boasts RGB backlighting with 16.8 million colors for customizing the look of your workspace. Its keycaps are designed for both durability and comfort, providing a great typing experience. With the Halo 65, you get a reliable and comfortable mechanical keyboard that is perfect for working. Explore the full Halo65 story on Nuphy’s website.

A stand-out profile

NuPhy’s Halo 65 Mechanical Keyboard features a solid unibody aluminum frame with a laser-polished ABS base, available in matte black and ionic white, that creates a vibrant, minimalist look. The ‘Halo’ band of light forms the central piece that unites the design.

Easy connection interface

NuPhy’s Halo 65 Mechanical Keyboard is designed to minimize delays, with a tri-mode connection integration, perfect dual-OS support, and a 4000mAh built-in battery that can sustain 320 hours of continuous use. The NUPHY Halo 65 Mechanical Keyboard has been updated to provide native dual-OS support, including shortcuts for Apple’s Spotlight and Dictation keys in Mac mode, with the intention of providing extra value to users.

Looks great, feels better

The NuPhy Halo 65 Mechanical Keyboard features double-shot PBT keycaps with an ergonomic rounded-corner design that is grease and scratch resistant. It also comes with 17 extra keycaps for personalization. The NUPHY Halo 65 Mechanical Keyboard features GhostBar, the world’s first noise suppression space keycap, which utilizes Silentcone technology to completely eliminate hollow sound and blend the space bar sound with other keys while maintaining the same weight and touch response.

Less mechanical noise

NuPhy’s Halo 65 Mechanical Keyboard offers a complete noise-reduction and stabilization solution, combining built-in Plate Silicone, PCB Silicone, Bottom Silicone and Spacebar Silicones, to create a clear and mesmerizing typing sound.

Baby Kangaroo switches highlight Nuphy/Gateron partnership

Description from nuphy.com

Baby Kangaroo switches, or BBK, is the fruit of thousands of experiments to create the optimal tactile and acoustic experience for all purpose normal profile keyboard users, and the partnership between NuPhy and Gateron. With BBK, you get immediate, strong tactile response for each press: the tactility reaches its peak at just 0.5mm of travel, laying a firm ground early on for a well stabilized downstroke, followed by an extra-length two-stage spring enabled swift bottom out and a snappy return during the upstroke. BBK’s no-nonsense yet thorough approach translates to a typing experience that is robust, focused, and energetic, and a clean, crisp, lingering sound, thanks to its noise-reduction design and housing construction, as well as Gateron’s pre-lubing process and our built-in damper system.

Main Features

• ANSI 65% Layout
• Aluminum Frame
• KOP PBT Keycaps
• RGB Halolit
• 2.4G Wireless, Bluetooth 5.0 & Wired Connections
• RGB Sidelit & Backlit
• Hot-swap PCB
• NuPhy Console
• Type-C charging port
• Connect up to 4 devices
• Designed for Mac and Windows

Tech Specs

• switch type: night breeze/rose glacier/bbk/bbr/g-pro 2.0
• layout: ansi 65%
• number of keys: 67 keys
• hot-swappable support: yes
• n-key rollover support: yes
• backlight & sidelight: rgb-led
• backlight modes: 10
• sidelight modes: 4halolight modes: 4
• mode: 2.4G wireless, bluetooth 5.0 or wired
• connection type: usb type-c
• compatible system: macos/windows/android/ios
• angle: 5.5º/ 8.5º/ 11º
• operating environment: -10 to 50℃
• battery capacity: 4000mAh
• working time (all lights on): 10.5~24 hours (lab test result)
• working time (all lights off): up to 320 hours (lab test result)
• frame: aluminum
• bottom case: abs
• keycap: double-shot pbt
• dimensions: 12.5 inch x 4.5 inch x 1.48 inch
• weight: 2.2 pounds

Pricing & Availability

The NuPhy Halo65 starts at $119.95 and it is available in Matte Black or Ionic White. Users can select the Rose Glacier, Baby Raccoon, Baby Kangaroo, G Pro Red 2.0, or G Pro Brown 2.0 switches. A Twotone Wrist Rest can be added for $29 in either base color (Matte Black or Ionic White). Extra keycaps can also be added for $19 and extra switches can be added for $29.95-$66 (depending on the switch style you choose).

User Experience

The Halo65 comes in a well-designed, protective retail package. When you open the box, you find the keyboard wrapped in plastic with a simple user manual and its extra pieces kit. I really like that Nuphy includes both Windows and Mac options for the keyboards. I think this is something that every external keyboard should include but most of them do not. A 1.5m charging cable (USB-C to USB-A) is also included as well as the keycap/switch puller tool.

Setting up the keyboard is easy. There are a couple of options the user can choose from — cable, Bluetooth, or USB Wireless. Because I utilize a docking station and switch between two different computers it’s easiest for me to utilize the USB 2.4G Wireless connection. That way, all I have to do is change the computer and I don’t have to worry about switching inputs on the keyboard. Nuphy does make that process pretty easy because I do it with the Nuphy Air75 but I appreciate having the ease of the USB Wireless key.

Another design feature I really like is the lifts on the back. It may seem like a small detail, but it makes a big difference to me. As much as I like the Air75, it does lay quite flat. In fact, I have to add a third-party lift to it so that it’s more efficient for me to use. The Halo65 already has the lift built-in and you have more than one level to choose from.

Nuphy provides several options for the keyboard when you order it including main color and switch type. I opted for the ionic white keyboard with the Gateron G Pro 2.0 Switches. The brown switches feature a total travel of 4.0mm and an operating force of 55±15 gf. They are tactile switches and are considered to have a ‘medium’ sound level in comparison to the other Gateron G Pro switches. It’s a good switch for midway gaming and/or office use.

In addition to the brown switches, I also had the opportunity to try out the Gateron Baby Kangaroo Switches. They are also tactile switches and have a much more firm feel when you type. The brown switches and the Baby Kangaroo switches have a similar sound when you type but the Baby Kangaroo switch has a deeper bump than the browns. They do have a more shallow total travel distance of 3.4mm but they have a two-stage spring along with an operating force of 59±8gf. It’s a nice typing experience but since I prefer a bit softer feel when I type, I kept the brown switches as my primary switch type.

The Halo65 is very comfortable to type on. The brown switches have a nice clicky sound and feel but it’s not too loud. Personally, I do like my keys to be a bit softer sound-wise but I like the tactile feel and I can notice when I make a keystroke.

I really like the compact frame of it although there are a few keys I end up missing. I am used to the smaller form factor from the Air75 use but the extra 10% really does make a difference. For example, I’m used to the arrow keys living on the far right column of the keyboard, but I am also used to the home key being present and it is not on the Halo65.

This doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with the keyboard and I don’t mark it down for my personal opinion of the layout. Not too long ago, I got to try out another mechanical keyboard with taller keycaps. That keyboard was just a little too compact for my taste. So, the Halo65 was a very welcome change.

The Halo65 is quite a heavy keyboard weighing in at just over 2 pounds. I don’t carry it around my home office frequently, but I do notice its weight when I adjust the items on my desk. One big benefit to having a heavier keyboard is that it doesn’t slide around. The RGB lighting effects on the keyboard are also very nice. They aren’t super bright but they highlight the keyboard enough to show off the design features.

One of the optional accessories that can be ordered along with the keyboard is the Twotone Wrist Rest. This product is made with aluminum, acrylic, and rubber. There are several colorways to choose from. I selected the Ionic White version so that it would best match the keyboard. It does help even out your typing experience but it’s not exactly a soft resting option.

Conclusion

The NuPhy Halo 65 Mechanical Keyboard is a great option for anyone looking for a reliable and comfortable keyboard for work. It has a robust aluminum alloy frame and a full-sized 104-key layout with RGB backlighting and 16.8 million colors for customizing the look of your workspace. It also has double-shot PBT keycaps with an ergonomic rounded-corner design, and it comes with 17 extra keycaps for personalization.

The Halo65 features dual-OS support and a 4000mAh built-in battery that can sustain 320 hours of continuous use. It also features GhostBar, the world’s first noise suppression space keycap, and Baby Kangaroo switches, the result of a partnership between NuPhy and Gateron. It starts at $119.95 and is available in Matte Black or Ionic White.

For more information, visit nuphy.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

The RK84 keyboard is an affordable, fun option for any workstation.

Not too long ago, I reviewed the Redragon Draconic Pro K530 60% Wireless RGB Mechanical Keyboard. I really enjoyed using that keyboard, but since I’m not a gamer and use my keyboards for standard productivity, I found that my use was hindered somewhat by the lack of separate directional arrow keys as well as the missing system command keys.

After that review was published, it was suggested that I give the RK84 a try. The main reason was that it featured a compact — but still complete — keyboard layout. I’ve been thrilled with the experience of using this slightly larger, classic-feeling mechanical keyboard.

About RK84 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard

The RK84 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard features a 75% compact layout. It’s called “RK84” because it features a layout with 84 keys. Modern keyboards — or full-size — have up to 104 keys (US) included. The RK84 is able to have its compact layout because 20 keys were removed from it including — the number pad, Print Screen/SysRq, Scroll Lock, and Pause/Break. Print Screen, Pause, Insert, and Screen Lock are still included, but they are paired up together so that three additional keys can be eliminated.

The keys are hot-swappable and up to five devices can be paired and stored in the device’s memory for later use. There is pro-driver support available (Windows only) and the battery has a capacity of 3,750 mAh. The keyboard can be connected in one of three ways — wired, Bluetooth, or 2.4Ghz wireless.

The RK84 has a built-in USB hub (2 x USB-A, 1 x USB-C) and the keyboard can be elevated by placing the magnetic pad feet on the back. The keyboard naturally sits at an 8º angle, but adding the pad foot beneath it tilts the keyboard slightly more and might make it easier for some users to type.

One of the defining characteristics of the RK84 keyboard is its diverse RGB backlighting. The RGB light has 21 onboard effects with 5 levels of brightness. There are four different switches to choose from — RK Red, RK Blue, RK Brown, or RK Low Profile Red. The chart below calls out the differences between each switch type.

Main Features

• DIY Software Supports
• Wireless Bluetooth/2.4Ghz 80% RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
• 84 Keys, Compact 75% layout
• Three Modes Connectable Keyboard – wired, 2.4Ghz wireless, Bluetooth
• Removable Frame
• Key Switch: Hot-Swappable Brown Switch
• Additional Ports: 2x USB 2.0 passthrough
• Lighting: RGB backlighting
• Onboard Storage: Yes
• Net Weight: 1.77lbs (803.5g)
• Media Keys: Secondary FN keys
• Cable: 5.6-inch USB-A to USB-C cable
• Internal Battery: 3750mAh
• Operating Force: 50g-60g
• Keycap Type: ABS Double Shot Keycaps
• Measurements (LxWxH): 12.4 x 4.9 x 1.6 Inch (315 x 125 x 41mm)
• Operating System: Windows XP/Win2000/Win7/Win8/Win10/Mac/IOS/Android

Pricing & Availability

The list price for the RK84 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard is $99.98 from the rkgamingstore.com website. It’s also available from other online authorized retailers such as Amazon.

What’s in the Box

• 1 x RK84 mechanical keyboard
• 1 x User manual
• 2 x Magnetic Pad Foot
• 1 x 2-in-1 Keycap & Switch Puller
• 4 x Replacement RK Switch
• 1 x Type-C Cable

User Experience

The RK84 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard comes in a simple box. The box is black, orange, and white, and other than the barcode sticker on it, the name of the product is not anywhere on the box. I don’t know if this keyboard is sold on retail shelves, but if it is, I would recommend upgrading the packaging so that it matches the RK84’s style a little better.

The user manual is simple and easy to follow. It outlines the items that are included in the box with the keyboard, how to connect it to your computer, the backlight control on the keyboard, and the multimedia keys for Windows and Mac users.

I am a macOS user so I immediately switched the layout over so that it was more compatible. To switch the layout to Mac, you press FN + S. I take one additional step and change the modifier keys in my System Preferences, too, so that my CMD and Option keys are in the right position according to Mac keyboard layouts.

The keyboard is comfortable to type on. I did have to get used to the height of the keys. I’m used to a lower-profile keyboard but I still found the RK84 comfortable to type on. The RK84 is stylish and while it has a retro look to it, it’s also modern. The RGB effects are colorful and bright so they add a little special something to my workspace.

When it comes to testing a mechanical keyboard one of the things I always end up doing is a timed typing test. These can be found easily by searching for ‘typing test’ on Google. My average words per minute count is usually around 72 and with the RK84 keyboard, I found that I had a faster typing rate of 74 WPM.

My accuracy was graded at 100%. I would say that I’m usually pretty accurate with my typing skills, but I do still make mistakes. With the RK84, I was particularly careful while I typed because the keys are higher profile than I am used to.

Conclusion

The RK84 wireless mechanical keyboard is a great choice for anyone looking for a quality keyboard. It is well-built, has a nice feel to it, and is very responsive. It is durable, has great build quality, and is a great value for the price. I also find it enjoyable to use. If you are in the market for a new keyboard adventure, check out the RK84 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard.

For more information, visit rkgamingstore.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

The Draconic Pro is a solid, budget-friendly keyboard that is best suited for gaming.

Most of my waking days are spent behind a keyboard. I not only write a lot of content, but I also complete a lot of basic productivity tasks. Several years ago, I shifted from using a standard membrane keyboard to a mechanical one. I’ve found that it makes a big difference both in the way I type and in how enjoyable it is to use it.

With mechanical keyboards, each key has its own switch. That means there is less wear and tear on the keys, and they will last longer. The switches also give you a little more control over how the keys feel. And because each key is an independent switch, they can be rearranged to fit your needs. Mechanical keyboards are most used by PC gamers, but that is not their only purpose.

I’ve used many different mechanical keyboards over the years with the most recent being the Draconic Pro K530 from Redragon. It’s a compact mechanical keyboard that features easy connecting, easy switching, and wireless functionality.

About Draconic Pro K530 Wireless RGB Mechanical Keyboard

The Draconic Pro mechanical keyboard is 100% wireless and features a 60% compact layout. There are 61 keys included in the layout that are fully hot-swappable. Users have the option of connecting to the keyboard in one of three ways — USB-C wired, Bluetooth 3.0/5.0, or using the 2.4 GHz wireless receiver. The wireless connections offer upgraded, no latency connections and it’s easy to toggle between 3 wireless devices via the side switch.

The compact layout is ideal for FPS gamers since you never have to worry about your mouse hitting your keyboard and the keyboard can be oriented straight. In addition to the standard keyboard features, the Draconic Pro also has an RGB Illumination Builder using the pro driver (Windows only).

The keyboard is available in white or black and has three different switch options — Red, Blue, or Brown. The switches used in this keyboard are Outemu, which are lower-cost options to Cherry MX switches. A comparison between the different switch types is included in the table below. I selected the white version with the Red Switches. The keyboard ships with a detachable USB-C cable, a switch puller, a keycap puller, space switches, and a user manual.

Main Features & Specs

• Bluetooth/2.4Ghz/Wired 3-Mode 61 Keys Compact Gaming Keyboard
• 100% Hot-Swap Socket
• 1600mAh Battery
• No drivers are required for RGB lighting control
• Hot-Swappable OUTEMU Box Red Switches
• Free-Mod Plate Mounted PCB
• A converter or adapter is needed to work with NS, XBOX, PS4, and other platforms except for PC.
• USB Connector: Detachable Type-C Cable
• Keyboard Connectivity: Wired/Wireless (Bluetooth v5.0)
• Matrix: 61 Keys (Full Rollover)
• Height Adjustable: Yes
• Key Switches: Redragon Mechanical Red Switches
• Anti-ghosting: full N-Key rollover
• Media Keys: Available as a layered function
• Cable Length: 6 ft/1.8 m
• Backlighting: Yes, 16.8 M per-key RGB lighting
• Dimensions: 291.7 x 101.7 x 36mm (11.48 x 4 x 1.42in)
• Weight: 0.8 kg (1.76 lbs)

Pricing & Availability

The Redragon Draconic keyboard is available through redragonshop.com, Amazon, and other authorized retailers. The list price for the keyboard is $69.99, but redragonshop.com is offering it for $62.99 and amazon.com is offering it for $59.99 (at the time of this article being published.

User Experience

There are several factors I look at when I am trying out new keyboards — comfort, connectivity, switch experience, RGB lighting (if applicable), and speed. I’ve been a fan of Redragon keyboards in the past and while I LOVE the switches in this keyboard, I’m not the biggest fan of the 60% compact layout. I’ve actually found that the smallest keyboard I like for daily use is 75% layout.

There are a lot of positive features about this keyboard. It’s very comfortable for typing. The keycap height is a little higher than my daily-use keyboard, but it wasn’t hard to get used to. I found that if I am just typing text, I’m actually much faster with the Draconic Pro keyboard than with other keyboards.

My average words per minute count are around 72 and with the Draconic Pro keyboard, I was able to get up to 80 WPM on an online typing test. That said, I did struggle with the lack of standard arrow keys. Having to press FN + W, A, S, or D in order to use the directional keys was foreign to me. For a PC gamer, I’m sure it would be second nature.

It was very easy to connect to. I plugged the 2.4 GHz receiver into my docking station and my computer immediately recognized the keyboard. I tried the cable and Bluetooth connections as well and found those to be easily recognized by my MacBook Air, too. I never had any issues with the keyboard disconnecting on its own.

I want to point out that this is not a keyboard that is designed to be used with a macOS computer. It will work, yes, but there are certain features you miss out on using. For example, there is no CMD key. Only a WIN key. Without any programming or modifications, the ALT key functions as the OPT key, and the WIN key takes the place of the CMD key. Using macOS System Preferences, you can remap/program the keyboard so that the modifier keys are in the same order that you would find on an Apple keyboard.

The Draconic Pro does have software that works with it, but it is for Windows users only. This software allows the user to customize their experience. DIY Macro, backlight, and keybinds are fully supported. Without the software support, the user is confined to the preprogrammed lighting effects. There are 18 of them and the RGB lights are very bright and the colors are vibrant.

Conclusion

As far as wireless mechanical keyboards go, the Draconic Pro is a top-notch product. It’s very sturdy, looks great, and because it’s compact, it doesn’t take up much space. For most tasks, I felt very efficient but did end up missing the directional arrow keys quite a bit. The lighting effects and vibrancy of the colors are some of the best I’ve ever seen in a mechanical keyboard. It’s a very budget-friendly option for a mechanical keyboard. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a solid, compact keyboard for gaming — because that is what it is best suited for.

For more information, visit redragonshop.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

Gaming keyboard ensures that your day isn’t all work and no play.

As my teenage son expanded his interest in gaming, consoles drifted into second place, directly behind the “PC Master Race.”  He expressed interest in playing Minecraft and Roblox with his friends, Typer Shark to work on his typing skills, and to play Fortnite.  We had a basic computer set up for school with the ability to play some games. 

Excited about his foray into a new accessorizable world, he quickly desired upgrades to the “gaming” setup.  With school out and amazing grades rolling in, I asked what he wanted. Without hesitation, he requested to start with a light-up gaming keyboard and then possibly get a gaming mouse.  

The IOGEAR HVER STEALTH RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard arrived in a 19 1/4 inches long by 7 3/8 inches wide by 2 1/8 inches thick retail package.  The cover panel displayed the company name/logo at the top left of the panel in bright white font.  The HVER Stealth name was displayed along the bottom left using an attractive rainbow-gradient block letter font. 

The KALIBER Gaming name/logo was presented at the top right of the cover panel while the bottom panel listed three product features:

1. Dust/Debris Resistant boxed mechanical switches.
2. RGB per-key backlighting.
3. Rigid Brushed aluminum chassis. 

The dark-colored background provided a perfect backdrop for the raised, glossy, photo-quality image of the keyboard.  I loved that they chose to use blue/purple room backlighting to create a stacked backlight appearance. 

The RGB backlit keys contrasted nicely against the metallic black gaming keyboard, which then contrasted against the dark backdrop.  The resulting image provided a vibrant representation of the device and key layout.  I liked that the company shied away from plain vanilla colors.  Instead, they created a playful and colorful presentation.  

The lime green top, side, and bottom panels continued the playful theme.  The top panel listed the KG icon, HVER STEALTH name in bold white font, RGB Mechanical Keyboard, and IOGEAR name. Both side panels provided a small top-down view of the gaming keyboard, HVER Stealth name in bold white font, RGB Mechanical Keyboard, and the KG icon. 

The bottom panel provided a list of packaging contents (GKB740 Keyboard/Quick Start Guide/Warranty Card), chemical warnings, product manufacturing labels, and copyright/design details.  The back panel provided the IOGEAR name in white font and the HVER STEALTH name in rainbow block font at the top left corner.  The KG icon was present along the top right and the system requirements (windows 8.1/10/11, USB 2.0 Port) were listed at the bottom right.  

Like the cover panel, the main focal point of the rear panel was the large image of the keyboard.  The company did a great job with the black background and the contrasting color-filled lighting and the white font.  However, instead of displaying the entire keyboard, the panel successfully showcased the Numpad and KALIBER GAMING name. 

You will find a list of ten product features to the right of the keyboard:

1. Boxed mechanical switches reduce wobble and increase resistance to dust/debris.
2. RGB per-key programmable backlight with multiple lighting patterns.
3. Fully programmable keys for macro functions, shortcuts, etc.
4. Complete anti-ghosting with full key rollover so you never miss a keystroke.
5. Kaliber Gaming software to set custom backlighting and keyboard functions.
6. Windows key lockout function.
7. Double-injected keycaps never wear off.
8. W,A,S,D keys and arrow keys functions can be swapped for MMO and left-handed gamers.
9. Aluminum chassis provides a solid, flex-free platform. 
10. Heavy weight base for added stability when gaming.  For added exposure, the features were also listed in French and Spanish languages. 

I removed the lower flap, lifted the cover, and removed the plastic-wrapped gaming keyboard from the foam inserts. Before disposing of the outer packaging, make sure to remove the large 16-panel Quick Start Guide, the smaller white troubleshooting (with IOGEAR.com QR code)/product registration card, and the black key remover tool.  The 17 1/2 inches long by 5 1/4 inches wide by 3/4 inches tall keyboard had a triangular base shape. 

The back edge of the wedge-shaped keyboard was ~1/2 inches taller than the front of the gaming keyboard and created a comfortable/ergonomic height gradient.  Each of the 5/8 inches tall keys, except for the spacebar, had a finger-fitting concave design.  The gaming keyboard was arrayed in standard QWERTY fashion with a top row that contained ESC/REC, F1-F12 arranged in three segments of four, PrtSc, ScrLK, Pause.

The following row contained the tilde, number keys, -/=, backspace key, then the insert, home, and PgUp keys.  The next row contained the tab key, followed by QWERTYUIOP[]\ keys, and then the Del, End, and PgDn buttons.  The fourth row contained the caps lock button, ASDFGHJKL;’ buttons, and enter key. 

The fifth row contained the left shift button, ZXCVBNM,./ keys, the right shift button, and then the up arrow.  The bottom row provided the left control button, windows key, alt button, spacebar, right alt button, function button, menu button, right control button, followed by the left, down, and right arrows.  

You will find a NUMPAD at the far-right segment of the gaming keyboard with an additional five rows of keys. The top row provided the NUM key, and /*/- buttons.  The second row provided the 789 buttons and shared the + button with the 456 buttons on the third row.  The fourth row listed the 123 buttons and shared the enter button with the 0 and . buttons of the bottom row. 

Each of the gaming keyboard keys had a muted grey cutout that denoted the button function.  Some of the keys had a bold white overlay that detailed the add-on secondary functionality.  As an example, the Escape key also had “REC” printed in white font, while the 1-5 buttons had CM1, CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5 respectively. 

The – button had a walking icon, the = button had a run icon, and also had what appeared to be brightness functions as well.  Each of the function keys had an icon with secondary functions, as did the Ins/pgup/del/end/pgdn/up/down/left/right buttons.  Just above the KALIBER GAMING name printed at the top right of the keyboard, you will find LED lock indicators for Num, Caps, Scroll, and Windows lock.  

The base of the gaming keyboard was made of striped plastic.  You will find dual expandable risers at the top left/right of the base panel.  When deployed, the risers lifted the back of the keyboard an additional 9/16 inches from the base.  The resulting elevation change allowed the keyboard to feel a bit more ergonomic, with improved wrist positioning. 

To prevent slippage, the company added two 1 5/16 inches wide by 1/2 inches tall rubberized anti-slip grips at the front edge of the base.  They included a centrally located HVER STEALTH plaque, with model number (GK8740), barcode, and product manufacturing labels.  Lastly, you will find a generous 65 inches long braided USB-A cable jutting from the top of the keyboard.  

To test the device, I plugged the USB-A prong of the gaming keyboard into my desktop, in both the off and on status, and then repeated this test with my wife’s Lenovo Laptop.  The computers quickly registered the device without any requirement to search for drivers.  To evaluate the features of the device, I reviewed the waxy pages of the helpful, sixteen-panel Quick Start guide. 

The second panel detailed the contents, requirements, and plug-and-play hardware installation.  The third panel listed information about the HVER interface software installation (free download), and an operation guide that extended to the fourth and fifth panels.  Interestingly, the panel numbering system skipped the cover and assigned the second through fifth panels with green 1-4 numbers.  I was initially a bit confused until I realized that the manual presented the same information in two additional languages.  

The operation guide described the four LED mentioned above and then provided verbiage about the keyboard features/functions.  For example, the manual described the goals of the lockout buttons from interfering with your gaming/work session.  The mechanical nature of the keyboard provided full NKRO (N-Key Rollover), which meant that every key pressed will be recorded. 

This was mentioned to contrast against ghosting that can occur with nonmechanical keyboards, whereby keys pressed may be missed by the device/software.  The manual detailed the three functions of the LED edge light function (solid, pulsing/breathing, off) and the ability to toggle these functions with the Fn+F9 key combination.  The backlight function had 15 built-in modes, which were adjusted through the Fn+F9 key combination. 

My son loved that he was able to adjust several parameters of the lighting using the Fn system: up arrow to adjust pattern color back, down arrow to adjust color forward, left arrow to shift light flow direction right, right arrow to shift flow direction left, + to increase speed, and – to decrease speed.  

I believe that my son easily spent thirty minutes playing with the different lighting features alone.  Over the last two weeks, he has adjusted the settings several times and ultimately decided to create his own custom lightning effect following the instruction manual. He did test the feature and liked that the setup could be done mechanically instead of using the software. 

To adjust the setting, press the FN+1 button, then Press FN/esc to see the four status LED illuminate/flash.  Press each key that you want to illuminate and cycle through the options (red, off, blue, off, violet, off, white, off, green off, yellow, off).  When done, press FN+esc again to exit the mode.  You can repeat the process for Fn-2 through FN-5.  Through this method, you can adjust the colors for the keys that you want and even turn off large segments of the keyboard.  

The keyboard comes with preprogrammed hotkeys for F1-12 (my computer, web browser, email, calculator, stop, previous track, play/pause, next track, change lighting, volume down, volume up, mute).  I appreciated the functionality of the keyboard and found it to be quite useful and ready-to-play out of the box. 

As a bonus feature, you can use macro key functions through the download the software (I did not download the software to my son’s computer).  The keys were incredibly comfortable and quite responsive.  To test the key sensitivity, I navigated to livechat.com and took the speed test a half dozen times.  I was able to repeatedly achieve 97-103 words per minute with 97-100% accuracy. 

I felt the key height to be reasonable, the keys were responsive, and the tests showcased the quality of the N-Key Rollover.  The keyboard worked perfectly for my son and exceeded his every expectation for a gaming keyboard.  I missed having a wrist shield like the Vulcan keyboard that I had previously utilized.  However, the absence of the feature was not a negative for the IOGEAR keyboard. Additionally, for nearly a third of the price, I felt that the IOGEAR device was a steal.

Learn more about the IOGEAR Kaliber HVER Stealth Gaming Keyboard.
Follow IOGEAR on Facebook and Twitter.

Compact keyboard doesn’t quite measure up to user’s standards.

I have a pretty extensive collection of keyboards laying around my office. A few years back, I was really taken with a mechanical keyboard that was designed for gaming and it quickly became my primary work peripheral. The only issue I really had with that keyboard was that it was very large. I love that it had a numeric keypad and navigation keys along with the typing keyboard layout, but I wanted that package in a smaller format. That’s why the Korona Kore II from IOGEAR caught my eye.

DETAILS

The Korona Kore II is a compact keyboard designed for gaming. It features an 89-key layout (including 26 anti-ghosting keys) that is perfect for smaller desk setups. It has RGB multi-zone backlighting with multiple lighting modes. A unique 10-key layout is built into the compact design and a rotary control knob is included for easy audio and lighting adjustments.

A gaming mouse is part of this keyboard’s package. It features an updated 6,200 dpi gaming-grade sensor for high-performance when playing. The mouse also has RGB lighting built-in. The mouse buttons are programmable when using the Kaliber Gaming software (Windows only).

SPECS

Keyboard Configuration

• Function: GKM601
• Number of Keys: 89
• Numeric Keypad: Yes
• Anti-Ghosting Keys: 26
• Backlighting: RGB Multi-Zone LED
• Keyboard Technology: Dome switch
• Key Switch Type: Plunger
• Keycap Type: ABS; Laser-cut markings
• Hot Keys Function: Multimedia
• Windows Key Lock: Yes
• Keyboard Color: Black
• Keycaps Color: Black

Mouse Specs

• Max Resolution: 6200 dpi
• Sensor: PMW-3327
• Number of Buttons: 7
• Programming Software: Yes; Windows only
• Lighting: RGB LED
• Onboard Memory: 32K
• Weight: 97 grams (without cord)
• Report Rate: 125/500/1000 rps
• Frame Rate: 5000 fps
• Max Speed: 100 ips
• Button Life: 20M clicks
• Switches: Huano
• Cable Length: 1.75m (5.7ft)
• Dimensions: 131mm (L) x 72mm (W) x 39mm (H)
• Max Acceleration: 20G

USER EXPERIENCE

I’ve been searching for a compact style mechanical keyboard for quite some time. There are certain features I really want and at first glance, I really thought the Korona Kore II might be a good fit. Alas, it’s not my personal preference. Here are the features I was looking for and how this keyboard measured up.

Wireless Connectivity

Obviously, I knew this keyboard was not wireless. The keyboard along with its matching mouse are both wired with USB-A cable connections. While USB-A might be a ‘standard’ for peripherals, it feels somewhat outdated to me. In addition to that, there was no USB port on the keyboard itself, which meant that the keyboard and mouse were taking up two of my USB-A ports on my hub.

This can be a big negative if you plan on having these devices installed for the long term. In my case, my main computer is a MacBook Air so I have to use a docking station to connect to other devices. Two of the six USB-A ports – 33% of them – are currently taken up by this keyboard and mouse combo.

Mechanical Switches – Preferably Linear Style

My primary keyboard is the Nuphy Air75, which uses Gateron Low-Profile Red switches. They provide a smooth movement and are a bit quieter than more tactile switches. The Korona Kore II uses dome switches, which is kind of a hybrid between membrane and mechanical switches.

Therefore, it feels much different than a mechanical keyboard does. Honestly, this compact keyboard feels a lot closer to a membrane keyboard than a mechanical one. Each keystroke has a noticeable punch to it that feels like a rubber plunger.

Even though my main purpose for my keyboard is productivity-driven tasks, I want something that is going to last for a long time. That’s why I prefer mechanical keyboards over membrane ones (mechanical keyboards last between 30-70 million keypresses and membrane keyboards are only about 5 million presses).

RGB Lighting

While this is more of an aesthetic feature than a functional one, I still really like having an RGB backlight incorporated into my keyboards. It’s a nice touch and it makes the entire desk setup feel more alive. The keyboard and mouse both have RGB lighting and both are very colorful and bright. Users can control the lighting modes and brightness from the keyboard. As a Mac user, this was very helpful because a lot of gaming keyboards are Windows-centric and the lighting modes are sometimes unavailable if you aren’t using that operating system.

Compact Layout with Tenkey Functionality

For those who aren’t aware, ‘ten-key’ refers to the numeric keypad portion of a full-size keyboard. This traditionally includes the numbered keys 0-9, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division symbols as well as a decimal point, NUM lock, and Enter keys. Tenykey functions are used frequently in data entry, which I do on a regular basis.

Therefore, having ten-key on my keyboard is helpful. A lot of compact keyboards, however, do not include these keys. The Korona Kore II Includes a modified ten-key number pad that does not include the mathematic functions, but it does include standard navigation keys. The Korona Kore II hits this feature on the mark. I love the size of the keyboard and how the numeric keys are incorporated.

Speed

Finally and probably most importantly, I want to make sure any keyboard I use allows be to be fast and efficient when I type. Working with the Korona Kore II for a while made me feel as though I wasn’t getting tasks done as fast as I was with my Nuphy keyboard. One way I test this is to complete a 1-minute speed typing test online. Typingtest.com has a benchmark test, which I use to judge my personal best between keyboards.

In this case, I used the Nuphy and the Korona Kore II. As I suspected, I was faster and more accurate with the Nuphy keyboard. The image included shows the difference in the two benchmark tests. I was able to have a higher average on both keyboards, but I averaged 9 words more per minute with the Nuphy.

As far as the mouse goes, It’s has a fairly standard design as a mouse. I like the grips on the sides, and once I set the tracking speed, the mouse seemed to be as responsive as I like it to be. There are several buttons on it but unfortunately because I’m using a Mac I don’t have the opportunity to use those buttons. This is something I think IOGEAR should look into – macOS support. I would have liked the mouse a lot more if I could have programmed the buttons.

CONCLUSION

Keyboards are a fairly personal decision and one keyboard experience may not be the same from one person to the next. If I were to rate the Korona Kore II keyboard based on my personal matrix, it would only rank a 2 out of 5. It’s really not my cup of tea and not what I’m looking for in a keyboard. That said, in general, it is well constructed, and based on its description, I feel as though it does meet its own standards well. If you are in the market for a gaming keyboard that is non-mechanical, this is a budget-friendly option (retails for around $50) that might suit your needs just fine.

For more information, visit iogear.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

As a certified Mac enthusiast, I find myself spending a lot of my free time searching for accessories that will enhance my Apple experience. One of those elusive devices has been a wireless mechanical keyboard. While there are several different styles of wireless mechanical keyboards in the market, there are only a few – a handful really – that are made especially for Mac. Most of the time, the integration with a Mac ends up being an afterthought.

Don’t get me wrong. I understand why. Mechanical keyboards are traditionally used for desktop gaming and the majority of desktop computers (more than 73% of the market share as of December 2021 – according to Statista.com) run Windows as its operating system. Manufacturers have to design products for the majority first. I get it. But, I also hate having to convert the Windows keyboard layout over to a Mac layout in my head while I’m working.

I have tried the Keychron K1 Version 3 Bluetooth Mechanical Keyboard and while I enjoyed using it, the retro feel that the chunkier keyboards have was missing for me. After Robyn reviewed the Nuphy Air75 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard for Mac, I decided I really wanted to try out one of the keyboards from Nuphy Studio. Fortunately for me, they are about to release the Air60 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard for Mac and I got to try it out.

Why use the Air60 wireless mechanical keyboard?

The Air60, like the Air75, is an ultra-slim wireless mechanical keyboard that was designed with both Mac and Windows users in mind. Nuphy has a built-in OS switch on the keyboard and includes extra keycaps that can be swapped out with the factory standard keys (Mac config) to make the keyboard compatible with Windows users.

The keyboard features a low-latency 2.4g wireless connection and the keys are hot-swappable. The keyboard gets its name from the fact that it is 60% of an ANSI layout – which has never been done before. The Air60 is also designed to be compatible with laptops and other mobile devices. It is a great companion for MacBooks as well as 99% of other laptops. The Air60’s NuFolio V2 wraps the keyboard up for travel and makes a handy working stand when you connect the keyboard to iPads.

The Air60 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard also has built-in RGB lighting. The design is actually inspired by the early MacBook battery indicator that was hidden inside the case when inactive. The Air60 has more than 20 different color effects that are modified through a series of key combinations. Nuphy does have a customizable software console available for Windows users.

“…we added two RGB light bars on each side of the Air60 aluminum frame. The left sidelight shows the caps lock and connection mode, while the right sidelight bar indicates the battery level and system mode. When you activate the gradient light effect, the sidelights will illuminate your keyboard with an arresting glow.” – Nuphy.com

Additional Features

• Built with an aluminum frame and PBT keycaps
• Uses Gateron low-profile mechanical switches
• At its thinnest point, the keyboard is only 17mm thick
• Has a built-in 2500mAh built-in rechargeable battery
• Provides up to 48 hours of battery life (lab data)
• AirFeet make it possible to place the keyboard directly on top of a laptop to use in conjunction with it; the horizontal slats at its base can lodge in the space between the keycaps of the laptop
• 3 modes of connection – 2.4G wireless, Bluetooth 5.0, or USB-C cable
• World’s thinnest PBT keycaps – ergonomic spherical keycap design of 4.6 mm thickness
• Compatible with Mac and Windows users – Mac multimedia-keys layout for Mac users and F1-F12 keys to Windows users
• Switches are hot-swappable – three bonus mechanical switches are provided with the keyboard for testing

Specs

• switch type: low-profile gateron mechanical
• layout: ansi 60%
• number of keys: 64 keyshot-swappable support: yesn-key rollover support: yes
• backlight & sidelight: rgb-led
• backlight modes: 20
• sidelight modes: 4
• mode: 2.4G wireless, bluetooth 5.0 or wired
• battery capacity: 2500mAh
• working time: up to 48 hours (lab test result)
• connection type: usb type-c
• compatible system: macos/windows/android/ios
• angle: 3.5º/ 6.5º with magnetic foot
• operating environment: -10 to 50℃

Package Contents

• x air60 wireless mechanical keyboard
• 1 x usb-c to usb-a cable (1.5 m)1 x usb-c to usb-c cable (0.2 m)
• 1 x 2.4g receiver
• 1 x keycap/switch puller
• 3 x extra keycaps3 x extra switches2 x magnetic foot
• 1 x quick guide/poster
• 1 x stickers

What my experience with the Air60 wireless mechanical keyboard was like

I have long been a fan of mechanical keyboards and was very excited to test out the Air60. I really like the packaging of the keyboard. It is reminiscent of something you might find in a comic book store. There is a colorful anime-style character on the back of the box and to me, that just adds a sense of playfulness and fun.

Nuphy includes a lot of add-ons with the keyboard. One of the things I really like that they include is the extra switches. It gives people the chance to try out the different types of switches without having to buy a whole keyboard full only to find that you don’t like them. Here is a description of each type of key offered for the Air60.

• Gateron Low-Profile Red is a linear-style switch. Its travel path doesn’t have the bump used to provide tactile feedback. The smoother movement makes red switches quieter than tactile and click switches. We recommend it to gamers and office workers.
• Gateron Low-Profile Blue is a click-style switch. It has a distinct “click” sound when depressed beyond the tactile point, making it the loudest switch. We know that many typists like it.
• Gateron Low-Profile Brown is a tactile-style switch. A good blend of typing and gaming. Brown is widely considered to be the best “middle-ground” switch. Its tactile bump, silent travel, and medium actuation force make it a versatile switch.

When Robyn tried out the Air75, she had the Gateron Low-Profile Red switches on her keyboard. Those suited her just fine, but the Air60 came equipped with the brown switches, which is considered the ‘all-around’ option for most people. Since most of my keyboard activities actually just involve typing (emails, productivity tasks, design projects, photography editing, etc.), this type of switch is perfect for me.

Getting the Air60 wireless mechanical keyboard connected to my MacBook Pro was very easy. Once you enter into pairing mode, which should be the default when you first turn it on, the Mac’s Bluetooth picked up the signal right away. One of the things I noticed about this wireless keyboard connection right away was that the Mac recognized it as a wireless keyboard connection.

I didn’t have to go through the ‘recognize this keyboard’ dialogue that I usually get when I connect anything wirelessly to my computer. The keyboard connected and I got the transparent pop-up that says, “keyboard connected,” just like it does when I connect the Apple keyboard. It was very refreshing to have that kind of experience.

Prior to using the Air60, my main keyboard was the Apple Magic Keyboard with TouchID. So, I am used to typing on a flat keyboard. I have to say that the Air60 wireless mechanical keyboard is probably the best feeling flat mechanical keyboard I’ve ever typed on. That said, I did find myself having to stretch my fingers a bit to reach the number row of keys. Even though it’s a flat keyboard, the mechanical nature of it makes it sit up a bit higher than my flat Apple keyboard. Anyone who is used to a flat keyboard or typing on a laptop might have this same issue. It would be nice if there was an option to lift the keyboard from the back – about a 1/2-inch.

While I really enjoy typing with the Air60, I find myself missing the Touch ID from the Magic Keyboard. I use it daily so it becomes a little bit of a bear switching back and forth between the two keyboards.

Since Robyn had experience with the Air75, I had her try the Air60, too. She said that the feeling was very similar, but she did notice a difference between the switches. She also said that since she is used to a larger keyboard and the layout of the Air75 (it has a wider SHIFT key on the right side), she had a lot of missed keystrokes. Every time she went to tap on the right SHIFT key, she would hit the question mark button instead. That’s not really an issue when she’s using the Air75.

One of the tests we typically run at Mac Sources to test out keyboards is a typing test. We just look for a simple timed online typing test. We will take the test with our daily-driver keyboard and then take it again with the testing keyboard. We feel this helps to represent how productive you might be versus your standard keyboard that your hands are used to.

Since I’m used to the more compact keyboards, the Air60 felt pretty standard to my hands. I was able to get a 75WPM score with only a couple of points deducted for accuracy. My average typing score is usually around 72WPM.

Final Thoughts

The Air60 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard from Nuphy is a great option for Mac users. It feels great to type on and it’s completely customizable to your liking. I do wish that the Console Software was compatible with Mac users, but hopefully, a new version will be released that will be. I love that an additional keycap set is available so you can switch to the ‘dark mode’ keys if you want to.

I’ve been very impressed with the responsiveness of the keyboard as well as how easy it is to connect. The keyboard will even connect to the computer while in its sleep state so that you can use it to wake the computer up. I’ve found this to be a rare feature of wireless keyboards for Macs – unless they are made by Apple.

The Air60 will be released to the public soon and Nuphy has provided details about their pre-sale, which I’ve included below.

For more information, visit nuphy.com,  Facebook, and Twitter.

Wireless keyboards are an essential tool that every workspace should have front and center. They should be compatible with your style of work or entertainment and comfortable for you to use. In a way, choosing a keyboard is a lot like finding the right pair of shoes. Each has its own specific utility purpose and comfort level for the user. You could spend loads of time searching for just the right pair of shoes — and the same can be said for keyboards.

This past weekend I started renovating my office space. One of the biggest tasks involved was cleaning out and organizing my closet. In that closet, I found 8 different styles of keyboards. I ended up keeping only three and one of those isn’t even operational. I kept it because it has sentimental value. My point is that while there are literally hundreds of different keyboards to choose from, there is only one right choice for you. This search is what led me to try out the Vissles V84 Wireless Keyboard. 

DETAILS

The Vissles V84 Wireless Keyboard is a mechanical, hot-swappable keyboard. It can be ordered with one of four different types of switches – VS II, Red, Blue, or Brown switches. It is tenkeyless (TKL) and features a 75% layout. It’s compact and includes RGB backlighting. The keyboard is made with PBT and the switches are have a 60 million keystroke life span. The keyboard is designed to work with both Mac and Windows operating systems with macOS as the default layout.

The RGB lighting can be customized through Vissles software, but it is for Windows users only. The keyboard communicates wirelessly through Bluetooth 5.1 and allows for five different devices to be connected at any given time. There is a rechargeable 3750 mAh lithium battery built into the keyboard and provides up to 180 hours of runtime. The keycaps are easily removable using the included keycap puller and the footpads are also detachable. 

The VSII switches were designed by Vissles to be functioning mechanical switches that are softer in feel than other styles of switches. The description from Vissles is included below.

VS Mechanical Switch: Accuracy At Fingertips

V84 keyboard incorporates self-developed linear switches, they deliver smooth and consistent actuation by having an actuation force of 52 ± 10gf and the pre-travel of 2mm ± 0.6mm, the fast and low resistance trigger is perfect for long hours of typing. Rather than having a noticeable clicking noise, V84 is quiet and perfect for soft typing in an office environment. VS mechanical switches are durable with excellent performance, users can rely on their impressive lifespan of 50 million keystrokes.

IN THE BOX

• V84 keyboard
• Wrist rest 
• Keycap puller
• Switch puller 
• User manual
• Quick start guide
• USB-A to USB-C cable
• Extra key caps
• Magnetic feet
• Non-slip mat for wrist rest

SPECS

• Brand: Vissles
• Model: V84
• Layout: 75% ANSI layout
• Number of Keys: 84 keys(one of the few mechanical keyboards featuring Mac layout media keys)
• Switches: Linear switches
• Switch Brand: VS-II Mechanical Switch
• Bounce Time: ≤5msec
• Operating Force: 56 ± 10gf
• Total Travel: 4mm
• Pre-Travel: 2mm ± 0.5mm
• Switch Lifespan: 60M 
• Switch Compatibility: Hot-swap socket design, compatible with any MX-style switch (brands like Cherry, Gateron, Kailh, and Outemu)
• N-Key Rollover: NKRO on wired mode and 6KRO on wireless mode
• Keyboard Compatible System: Windows/Android/Mac/iOS
• Software Program Compatibility: Windows (users can still record Macros with Fn+ Z/X/C key to perform 3 sets of tasks without a software program)
• Connectivity: Pair up to 5 devices (simply tap Fn+Q/W/E/R/T to seamlessly switch between 5 devices)
• Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.1
• Materials: PBT
• Dynamic Backlit Types: 19
• Monochrome Backlit Types: 9
• Color: White
• Inclined Angle: 6-degree angle stand
• Interface: Detachable USB-C Interface
• Battery: 3750mAh Lithium Battery–lasts up to 180 hours (backlight off)
• Weight: 864g (keyboard) + 8g (foot pad)
• Dimension: 316mm × 126mm × 39mm
• Input: 5V/1A

USER EXPERIENCE

The keyboard comes in a simple, clean box. The front of the package features a wireframe illustration of the keyboard. The name of the keyboard is called out on the front as well and some of the specs are printed on the back. When you open the box, you will find the keyboard, a wrist rest, a charging cable, a quick start guide, a user manual, a cleaning cloth, and some anti skid pads that you can attached via adhesive to the bottom of the keyboard. Personally, I thought the padded wrist rest was a great addition to the kit as I don’t see many keyboards packaged with them. 

One of the things I noticed right away was that the keys were not mapped properly. My primary computer is a 2021 MacBook Air and I was excited that the V84 keyboard is set up to work with macOS computers. So, when I tried to use the keyboard naturally, I expected that the COMMAND key would work as it normally does on my laptop. Unfortunately, the COMMAND key on the v84 did nothing. Instead, the OPTION key was acting as the COMMAND key.

I did a lot of troubleshooting to try and figure out the issue on my own. When I couldn’t find the answer, I reached out to Vissles and got a very quick straightforward option to try. I was told to attempt pressing FN + COMMAND to see if the COMMAND key had been unlocked. I tried that option first. It didn’t change anything so I moved on to the next suggestion which was to press FN + S keys.

This was supposed to cause the keyboard to switch to a macOS system. Fortunately, that keystroke worked! Out of the box, the keyboard should be mapped for macOS computers, but if for some reason the COMMAND key isn’t working as it should, give these tips a try. 

As for the rest of the keyboard’s function, I was very pleased with it. I love the feel of mechanical keys but don’t always like the noisy clicks from the switches. Some people love them, but I do prefer a softer feel to my keys. I like knowing that I’ve made a keystroke and you don’t always get that sensation with a membrane keyboard and that’s why I prefer mechanical ones.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from the VSII switches but thought they might be a good option for me since the description states they are quieter than other mechanical switches. The V84 is very comfortable to type on. The keys are spaced out well – even for a compact keyboard – and while the keys are taller than I’m used to with slim keyboards, I didn’t have any issues adapting or even enjoying typing on the keyboard. 

I really love the simple functionality of it. There are some special key combinations you need to learn in order to get the full benefit of the keyboard, but it’s not overly complicated. One feature that I LOVED was the automatic connection to my computer. My work-from-home space utilized two different laptops – a 2020 16-inch MacBook Pro (for work) and a 2021 13-inch MacBook Air (for personal use). The MacBook Pro is typically used in closed clamshell mode. In the past, this has meant that any Bluetooth-connected peripherals had to ‘wake’ up the computer.

This usually took some complicated keystrokes or incessant tapping of the spacebar for several seconds to cause the computer to respond. I was shocked to find that I simply had to turn the V84 on (via the switch on the back) for the computer to recognize it. It turns out that the keyboard automatically connects to its last paired device. In my case, that was my MacBook Pro. It was the easiest wireless connection/wake-up function I’ve ever experienced. 

I’m always slightly bummed that macOS computers don’t have customizable software for keyboards like the V84. I love RGB backlighting and would enjoy being able to create custom effects. Maybe it’s something that Vissles will attempt to add on later down the road since the default system for this keyboard is macOS. 

CONCLUSION

The V84 Wireless Keyboard from Vissles is a great mechanical keyboard. It’s very well built and feels great to type on. It’s ideal for someone – like me – who wants to use a mechanical keyboard, but needs something just a little quieter than gaming keyboards typically provide. 

For more information, visit vissles.com and Facebook. 

Receive a $10 discount when you use the coupon code V84 at checkout. The coupon expires on March 31, 2022.

A solid, budget-friendly gaming keyboard that’s fun to use.

An estimated 87 percent of households worldwide have computers in them and one of the most essential pieces to a computer setup is the keyboard. Keyboards come in all shapes and sizes. Until just 10 or so years ago, I actually never gave much thought to the keyboard I was using. I always just thought I had to settle for the default keyboard that came with the desktop computer. Then, I was introduced to mechanical keyboards. I was instantly transported back to grade school when we had old PCs to practice typing on. They all had mechanical keyboards. Ever since I was reintroduced to mechanical keyboards, I’ve been somewhat obsessed with finding the ideal one for me. Ideal for me means a keyboard that is comfortable to use for long periods of time since I’m a writer; a keyboard that has a great clicky sound, but one that’s not too loud; and, a keyboard that has a great look and feel to it. In the search for this keyboard, I’ve come across the ENHANCE Pathogen 2 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard from Accessory Power. 

DETAILS

The Pathogen 2 is an evolution of the Pathogen gaming Keyboard. It has an improved polling rate and actuation delays are nearly eliminated. The Pathogen 2 features a response time of 1ms which is much faster than the 30ms response time of traditional mechanical keyboards. This faster response makes it possible for users to adapt to games quicker than ever before. The keyboard has an RGB backlight that has seven different lighting effects and is fully equipped with pro-level features. It also has a built-in wrist rest, which helps to reduce fatigue in your wrists and hands. The keyboard features blue tactile switches – the Xinda Blue Switches. They have no metal contacts and extended durability that last up to 50 million keystrokes. The keyboard is wired and has a 6-foot built-in braided USB cable. The cable is flexible and allows the user to wrap it in multiple directions so that cable management is never an issue. The keyboard’s body is metal which helps with durability as well as reducing sliding.  

SPECS

• Full-height suspended rainbow LED keycap lighting
• 7 LED lighting effects; customizable for Windows users
• Illuminated side panels and doubled shot keycaps
• Solid metal face plate
• Six foot braided USB cable
• Three-way cable management
• Dimensions: 17.52 x 7 x 1.61 inches
• Weight: 1.96 pounds
• 104 keys
• USA (ANSI) Layout
• Switch life: 50,000,000 inputs
• 1ms Polling Rate
• 12 multimedia keys
• WASD/Arrow key swap
• 26KRO (26 key roll over)
• Anti-Ghosting

USER EXPERIENCE

The Pathogen 2 keyboard comes in a standard retail box. The front of the box features an image of the keyboard as well as some basic details of the device. The back also has some imagery and additional details. When you open the box, you will find the keyboard wrapped in some protective material. The cable is wrapped up neatly and there are three pamphlets of information included. The user manual is one of those pieces and it’s multilingual. There are some instructions about the functions of the keyboard (beyond the standard use). It’s a very small print though. So, I wish that the user guide was actually a bit larger. To set up the keyboard, you simply plug it into a USB port on your computer (or docking station) and download the drivers (if necessary). My main computer is actually a MacBook Air (M1, 2021), but I connect to my external monitor and keyboard through a Thunderbolt 3 dock. While this keyboard is technically “Windows-only” compatible, it can be used with a macOS computer, but you end up losing a little bit of the functionality. I also use a Gaming laptop that I have really enjoyed using this keyboard with.

Comfort

Typing on the Pathogen 2 is actually quite satisfying. Before I ever connected it to a computer, I spent some time typing on the keyboard just so I could get a feel for it. I was really impressed with how precise each keypress felt. I didn’t have to use a lot of force to get the keys to register, but because the keys feel so solid, I wasn’t worried that the keys wouldn’t hold up if I did use too much force. Because it’s a full-size keyboard, the keys are spaced out really well and that makes it easier for me to type for longer periods of time. The one part of the keyboard’s design that didn’t help with comfort was the wrist rest. I appreciate that it’s there, but since it’s made out of metal, it’s not great after a long time. I would have liked it if a pad had been included as an option. 

Sound

The Xinda Blue Switches have a really loud click to them. I work from home now, but if I was still in an office, I’m not sure that I would be comfortable using this gaming keyboard in an office environment. It’s that loud. That said, I feel that the sound is really outstanding. It’s what you hope to hear from a mechanical gaming keyboard. Other types of switches don’t have such a pronounced sound, but Accessory Power didn’t include a key puller or an option for swapping the switches out. So, even though the switches can probably be swapped, there isn’t any indication that is the case. 

Look and Feel

One of the things I noticed right away was that the keyboard is very heavy. According to the specs, the keyboard weighs just under 2 pounds. My MacBook Air only weighs 2.8 pounds. Now, since this gaming keyboard isn’t really meant to be portable, the weight is somewhat irrelevant. In fact, it’s a good thing because when I am gaming I noticed it didn’t move around while playing. I really like the general design of the keyboard and the RGB lighting effects. It really looks like a classic gaming keyboard. 

CONCLUSION

The Pathogen 2 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is a really awesome addition to any computer setup. It’s very reasonably priced at around $50 (at the time of publishing) and it can work for any purpose. Even though the keys are a little too noisy for a busy office setting, they are great for gaming or a work-from-home setting. 

For more information, visit accessorypower.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

My favorite new keyboard.

I love playing with keyboards. I guess I’ve always just liked the ‘clickety-clack’ noises they make. I’ve noticed over time though that the right keyboard can really make or break your productivity, too. One of my favorite keyboards in the past 10 years has been a mechanical keyboard by SteelSeries. It is classified as a ‘gaming’ keyboard, but I used it for everything. The key placement and switch feeling were just perfect for me – no matter what I was working on.

That keyboard is quite large though and it’s unwieldy if you end up wanting to move it anywhere. I really enjoy full-size keyboards – the ones that have a 10-key number pad as well as the function/home/page up/page down/insert/delete keys and a full row of function keys. That said, I have become more realistic about desk space these days – especially since I work from home now – and determined that either super slim, non-mechanical keyboards or compact keyboards are the way to go. That is what led me to try out the NuPhy Air75 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard. 

DETAILS

The Air75 is an ultra-slim mechanical keyboard that is touted to have the “world’s thinnest PBT spherical keycap, low-latency 2.4G wireless connection, and hot-swappable functionality.” The keyboard has a 75% layout, which is indicative of its name. Air75 is compatible with both Mac and Windows-based computers. Extra keys are included to swap between the systems.

It can connect to up to 4 devices wirelessly with low-latency 2.4Ghz and Bluetooth 5.0 support. In addition to the Bluetooth connection, the keyboard can also connect via USB-C (cable included). It has a built-in rechargeable battery (2500 mAh capacity) that can provide up to 48 hours of battery life. This is 39% more power than the NuType F1. 

The keyboard features an ultra-thin aluminum frame and PBT keycaps. The keycaps have an ergonomic spherical design with 4.6mm thickness. The switches are low-profile Gateron Mechanical switches, which are hot-swappable. Three bonus mechanical switches are included with the Air75 so that users can experience different typing experiences.  The available switches are: 

Gateron Low-Profile Red is a linear-style switch. Its travel path doesn’t have the bump used to provide tactile feedback. The smoother movement makes red switches quieter than tactile and click switches. We recommend it to gamers and office workers.

Gateron Low-Profile Blue is a click-style switch. It has a distinct “click” sound when depressed beyond the tactile point, making it the loudest switch. We know that many typists like it.

Gateron Low-Profile Brown is a tactile-style switch. A good blend of typing and gaming. Brown is widely considered to be the best “middle-ground” switch. Its tactile bump, silent travel, and medium actuation force make it a versatile switch.

The Air75 also has a colorful backlight with more than 21 different color effects. There are two RGB light bars on each side of the keyboard that show different modes. Windows has software that allows the user to customize the lighting effects (Nuphy Console).  

IN THE BOX

• 1 x air75 wireless mechanical keyboard
• 1 x usb-c to usb-a cable (1.5m)
• 1 x 2.4g receiver
• 1 x keycap/switch puller
• 2 x magnetic foot
• 3 x extra keycaps
• 3 x extra switches
• 1 x stickers
• 1 x quick guide/poster

SPECS

• switch type: low-profile gateron mechanical
• layout: ansi 75%
• number of keys: 84 keys
• hot-swappable support: yes
• n-key rollover support: yes
• backlight & sidelight: rgb-led
• backlight modes: 21
• sidelight modes: 4
• mode: 2.4G wireless, bluetooth 5.0 or wired
• battery capacity: 2500mAh
• working time: up to 48 hours (lab test result)
• connection type: usb type-c
• compatible system: macos/windows/android/ios
• angle: 3.5º/ 6.5º with magnetic foot
• operating environment: -10 to 50℃
• Weight: 1.16 pounds
• Dimensions: 12.4 inch x 5.2 inch x 0.63 inch

USER EXPERIENCE

The NuPhy Air75 has a very nice retail package. The outside of the box features an image of the product (showing approximately 3/4 of the keyboard) and the key features of the keyboard along with the logo of the company and the name of the item. The back of the box shows an animated character surrounded by parts of the keyboard.

The back also has a callout box that shows which type of layout the keyboard in the box has (ANSI, ISO, or JIS). When you pull the sleeve off the inner box, you will find an outlined image of the Air75 on the cover. Upon opening the box, you will see the keyboard and find all the accompanying tools with it.

The USB-C cable that comes with the keyboard is USB-C to USB-A, which was a little disappointing to me since my main computer is a MacBook Air and only has USB-C ports on it. The default keycap option includes a variety of white, gray, orange, green, and yellow colors. There is an alternate version (Twilight) that can be ordered. I ended up with an extra set of those keycaps but opted to keep the default colors on the keyboard. 

The first thing I noticed about the keyboard was that it sits flat on a surface. While this mimics the layout of a laptop, which I am very used to, I prefer external keyboards to have a little bit of a tilt to them. I was disappointed that the keyboard did not have any feet to it so that it could be raised. This is easily remedied with an attachable lift like the ESC Flip Pro.

Next, I noticed just how soft the keys feel. The switches I ended up with are the Gateron Low-Profile Red switches. This is the option most recommended for office work so that you don’t disturb others with a lot of clicking. I have to admit that it has just the right amount of click noise for me. The feel of the keys is solid. They have a good bounce to them, but they don’t feel as though they will fall apart if you press too hard on them. 

The build quality of this keyboard is exceptional. Honestly, based on the pricing and packaging of this keyboard, it wasn’t what I was expected – at all! The back of the body features a gorgeous plaque in the center that calls out the brand as well as the model of the keyboard. The body feels solid and does not feel flimsy at all.

One of the things I really enjoy about compact mechanical keyboards is that they travel easily. The Air75 has a folio case that can be purchased separately from NuPhy and it’s perfect for transporting with a laptop and wireless mouse so that you have a complete mobile workstation no matter where you go. The body of the keyboard and all the other components are so well put together that you don’t have to worry about its safety – especially if you have the case for it. 

There was one small error I found with the keyboard when I first opened it. The “N” key was turned sideways.  I was, of course, able to pop the keycap off and replace it correctly with no problems, but it was surprising to find the ill-turned key. That little discovery did lead me to find just how easy it is to swap keys out. With the key puller that is provided, you can simply slide the teeth of the puller beneath the keycap and pull upward.

The cap will pop off the switch and you can decide to pull the switch at that point or swap the key cap. Pulling the switches out is also very easy. I’ve actually gone through swapping out switches for an entire keyboard and it is certainly a tedious process. I pulled two switches out of the keyboard so that I could replace them with the blue and brown switches that were part of the keyboard’s package.

They seemed very easy to pull and replace – easier than I’ve experienced with other keyboards. I did include a short video of the difference between the key sounds below. You will see that I did not put the keycaps back on the switches before testing them. That is because I wanted to be able to show which key was making which sound. 

Typing on the Air75 is very enjoyable to me. It reminds me a lot of the aforementioned SteelSeries keyboard from the beginning of my review. I’ve been very impressed with how easy it has been to get comfortable with this keyboard as it usually takes me a few days of work to really ‘bond’ with a keyboard as a part of my workspace. The Air75 fell right in place – as it had always been on my desk.

Another thing I was surprised about was how quickly I adapted to the keyboard layout. As I mentioned it’s very similar to a laptop keyboard in that the keys are closer together. While that doesn’t seem to phase me much when I go from laptop to laptop, it does usually throw me a bit when I go from laptop to external keyboard. This time, it only took me about 15 minutes of typing to really get used to the Air75.

And once I added the lifter to the back of the keyboard, it was even more comfortable. I was able to get a score of 72 WPM with 100% accuracy from an online typing test, which is higher than my usual average. 

CONCLUSION

The NuPhy Air75 has officially earned a place on my desk and become my primary working keyboard. The fact that it doesn’t have a 10-key number pad is unfortunate, but the comfort level and enjoyability I have while using it overwrite the loss of that feature. The style of the keyboard feels retro but has a modern quality to it. The colors make it feel like a gaming keyboard, but they are so subtle that you can use them in a professional setting without too much hassle. The Air75 is a truly unique mechanical keyboard with a bright future in my workspace. 

For more information, visit nuphy.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

Fun, easy-to-use RGB gaming keyboard.

One of my favorite accessories for workstations is the keyboard. I’ve been through dozens of keyboards over the years and found that mechanical keyboards are a lot of fun to use – even for daily tasks. My issue is finding the ‘right’ mechanical keyboard for me. I like a softer feel with mechanical keys which is why I was excited to try the Dark Matter by Monoprice Collider TKL Gaming Keyboard. 

DESIGN

The Dark Matter Collider TKL Gaming Keyboard is a robust, high-performance mechanical keyboard. It features a tenkeyless form factor, which is perfect for gamers. The size is compact for tournament gaming and for maximizing desk space. The keyboard has German manufactured Cherry MX Speed Silver switches and customizable RGB backlighting.

The keys are tested and rated for over 100 million keystrokes. The keyboard is wired, but the USB-C cable that connects it to your computer is detachable, which is perfect for travel. The keyboard also features N-Key rollover. The switches are designed to feature precise, lightning-fast operation. They are linear switches with low spring resistance so that users can unlock the maximum Actions Per Minute for gaming. 

USER EXPERIENCE

The keyboard has a striking retail package. It’s a dark box, which is a nice juxtaposition with the name “Dark Matter.” The front of the box has an image of the keyboard on it and the name is prominent under the image. The version of the keyboard that I got was the Cherry MX Speed Silver Switches and there is a sticker on the front of the box that indicates this.

The back of the box has a diagram that points out some of the features of the keyboard including the compact tenkeyless design, full n-key rollover, and the detachable USB-C cable. I appreciate this callout because if I were to see this keyboard on a retail shelf, this packaging would provide a lot of information to help me make a decision. 

Inside the box, the keyboard is wrapped in a sleeve. There is a USB-C to USB-A cable that is designed for connecting the keyboard to your main computer. There is also a key puller and a simple cheat sheet included in the box. Setup of the keyboard is quick and easy. You simply plug the USB-C cable into the keyboard and the USB-A plug into your computer or dock. The keyboard lights up immediately and is ready to use immediately. 

I love the feel of mechanical keyboards, but I don’t like the super loud ones. I also don’t like the extra clicky mechanical keyboards. One of my favorite mechanical keyboards has custom switches that are made by the manufacturer. They have a softer feel when you type, but they also feel stronger than non-mechanical keys.

I mention that because the feel of the keys on the TKL Collider keyboard is very similar to that keyboard. I really took a liking to this keyboard quickly and even considered swapping out my everyday keyboard for this one. The only thing that really kept me from doing it was the fact that it is tenkeyless. That isn’t a knock against the keyboard because it’s designed to be that way, but I prefer to have a full-size keyboard for my everyday use. 

Aside from rating the enjoyability of typing on a keyboard, I usually also do a timed typing test to see how well my fingers travel over the keyboard in comparison to my regular keyboard. Using the Dark Matter keyboard, I had a typing score of 72 words per minute and 99% accuracy, which is in line with my usual typing rate. I will also say that this rate is faster than other mechanical keyboards I’ve recently tested. 

CONCLUSION

The Dark Matter Collider TKL Gaming Keyboard is a solid keyboard that is very enjoyable to use. I became a fan of it right out of the box and nearly adopted it as my everyday keyboard. I’m a big fan of this keyboard and think it is a great option for just about every use. I can recommend it to others and think it’s a good investment. 

For more information, visit monoprice.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

Awesome keyboard experience for macOS users.

For many years now, I’ve been searching for a mechanical keyboard that was designed to work with macOS. There are many different styles of keyboards that will work with macOS, but they aren’t designed for it. That means there are Windows keys on the keyboard instead of Command keys and in order to use the keyboard, you have to think about the CTL key being the alternative keystroke for commands. Is it possible for an Apple user to make use of a Windows mechanical keyboard? Sure, but it’s not preferable. That’s why I’m really glad I found Keychron keyboards and their K3 Bluetooth Mechanical Keyboard. I’ve used a different model in the past, but I really liked the idea of being able to customize my experience by swapping switches out. So, I gave it a try. 

DETAILS

The Keychron K3 Bluetooth Mechanical Keyboard is an ultra-slim wireless keyboard with the world’s first hot-swappable low-profile Optical switches. The keyboard connects via Bluetooth or through USB-C. The keyboard features Bluetooth 5.1 and can work with computers, smartphones, tablets, or any Bluetooth-enabled device. The K3’s switches are 40% slimmer than conventional switches and it sits on a streamlined aluminum body. Since it’s designed for productivity and compact spaces, the keyboard features a 75% layout and does not include the 10-key number pad. It does still include multimedia and function keys. The RGB version of the keyboard has 18 different colored lighting effects that can be controlled by the light effect key on the keyboard. After 10 minutes of inactivity, the keyboard will go to sleep. You can disable the auto-sleep mode with a key combination on the keyboard. 

SPECS

• Number of Keys: 84 keys
• Layout: ANSI
• Version: Gateron / Optical / Hot-swappable
• Switches: Low profile Gateron mechanical / Low profile Keychron Optical
• Number of Multimedia Keys: 12 
• Frame Material: ABS+Aluminum frame
• Keycap Material: ABS
• Backlit Types: 18
• Backlit: Adjustable 4-level RGB backlit
• System: Windows/Android/Mac/iOS
• Battery: 1550mAh Rechargeable li-polymer battery
• BT Working Time (Single LED): Up to 34 hours (Lab test result may vary by actual use)
• BT Working Time (RGB): Up to 34 hours (Lab test result may vary by actual use)
• Connection: Bluetooth and Type-C cable
• Bluetooth version: 5.1
• Bluetooth Device Name: Keychron K3
• Compatible System: macOS/Windows
• Dimension: 306 x 116mm
• Height incl. keycap (rear) 22mm
• Height incl. keycap (front) 17mm
• Weight: About 483g / 1.06lbs 
• Operating Environment: -10 to 50℃

USER EXPERIENCE

The keyboard shipped in a stylish black box with the words “Keychron K3” stamped across the top in iridescent silver. There is a subtle black outline of the keyboard on the cover of the box, which is a really cool way to display the product. The side of the box has a label on it that describes the contents of the box – in this case, the Keychron K3 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard with RGB backlight and blue switches. The back of the box highlights the main features of the keyboard including the compact design, dual compatibility, wireless & wired options, the option to pair up to 3 devices, battery life, and light effects. There is an image of the keyboard on the back as well. 

When you open the box, you will find the keyboard, which is protected by a plastic overlay, a USB-C cable for charging or connectivity, a quick start guide card that is the size of the keyboard, a manual, alternate keycaps for Windows users, and key puller tools. One of the unique features of this keyboard is that it is the world’s first hot-swappable low-profile Optical switch keyboard. You have the ability to swap out every single switch within just a few seconds. I ordered the K3 with blue switches, which are ‘clicky-clicky’ style. 

I used the keyboard for a while out of the box and while I enjoyed the sound of the blue switches, I felt as though I wasn’t getting the best travel around the keyboard that I could. Fortunately, I was provided with Keychron’s red and black switches as well. The blue switches have an actuation force of 48 +/- 10gf while the black has 50 +/- 10gf and the red switches have 40 +/- 10gf. According to Keychron’s website, the red switches are quiet and a little less clicky. So after testing the black and red together, I decided to swap out the entire board and replace the blue switches with the red ones. 

Now, I have to admit here that this was my first foray into swapping switches on a keyboard. I had popped keycaps off of switches before, but I haven’t swapped out an entire board of them. Using the keycap puller and switch puller that was provided, I pulled all the keycaps off the switches and then started pulling all the switches out. At first, the switches were a little difficult to pull. I had to shimmy them back and forth before they would slip out of their slots. You can’t just pull them straight out. I tried that a couple of times and the switch actually came apart because of where I was pinching the switch. That’s when I discovered that if you gently move the switch back and forth it will wiggle out of the switch spot. Once I got all the blue switches pulled, I started installing the red ones. The installation of the red switches took a lot less time than pulling the blue ones. They pressed into place quite easily. 

One of the reasons I was so excited to use this keyboard was because it is a wireless mechanical keyboard that is designed to work with Apple computers. This is a rare find in the keyboard world since most of the mechanical keyboard consumers are gamers using Windows-based computers. That said, it was quite easy to connect the keyboard via Bluetooth to my MacBook Pro. I was even delighted to use the RGB functions which were centralized to the keyboard itself and not dependent on a piece of software like many RGB gaming keyboards do. The only part of the keyboard’s design I’m not a fan of is its height. It is supposed to be a low-profile keyboard, but it has a limited option for a tilt towards the user. There are no fold-out feet that raise the level, but I added a stand that can be added to the bottom of any keyboard and it makes using the K3 much easier for me.

I typically finalize my keyboard tests with a timed typing test. On average, my standard typing rate is around 69 WPM.  The typing test I completed with the K3 had a score of 70 WPM net speed (73 WPM with 3 typos). I’m usually a little slower on mechanical keyboards so I’m happy that ended up being the outcome. I think it would have been much slower if I had been using the blue switches. 

CONCLUSION

I’m really glad the K3 Bluetooth Mechanical Keyboard exists. I’ve had a lot of fun using it and customizing it for my personal tastes. It ended up not being a bit hassle and honestly, the price is very competitive for this keyboard versus other mechanical options out there. The keyboard is around $100 (at the time of publishing) and you can purchase the specific switches you want separately for around $19 a set. I think the K3 is a great investment and a wonderful addition to any workspace. 

For more information, visit keychron.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

I grew up alongside the Xennials through the ’80s and ’90s.  During this time, my mother worked several jobs, learned several skills, and promoted typing as one of those “must-have skills.”  By the time I took typing in middle school, I was already well ahead of many of my peers. In fact, my mother sublet my skills throughout late middle/early high school to complete dictation.  I was able to earn a little extra coin, while also enhancing my skill at keyboarding.  Since that time, I have developed a preference for full-size keyboards, a Numpad, responsive keys, and did not particularly care about fancy colors/add-ons.  However, as I moved off to college and nearly everyone was building their own PC, I wanted the visual pop to match the quality features.  I am happy to admit that you can now buy a sub $50 keyboard that fulfills all of the above needs.  

The Aukey TKL Mechanical Gaming Keyboard arrived in a 16 1/8 inches long by 7 5/8 inches wide by 2 inches thick black cardboard box.  The main cover provided a subtle glossy Aukey logo atop a matte black background, which extended to all surfaces of the box.  I found it interesting that so many surfaces were left unadorned.  Except for a white SKU barcode sticker on the top panel, the top, side, and front panels were bare.  At first glance, the back panel solely provided a single white barcode sticker.  However, upon further inspection, I found that the company listed the KM-G14 model number, Aukey address, and product manufacturing labels in black font upon the black background.  I removed the tabs from the front panel, lifted the lid, and removed the six-panel instruction manual, 24-month product warranty card with key sticker, and the 2 pounds 4.3-ounce gaming keyboard from the box.  

Sticking to first impressions, the 14 3/8 inches wide by 5 5/8 inches tall by 1 3/4 inches thick Aukey TKL keyboard felt quite heavy.  The device had an Esc key along the top left followed by the F1-F12 function buttons, PrtSc, ScrLK, and pause buttons.  The subsequent row provided the tilde ~ button, the numbers 1-0, -, +,  backspace, and the Ins, Home, and PgUp buttons. Beneath the number row, you will find the standard QWERTY layout (tab, qwertyuiop[ ] \, as well as the Del, End, PgDn buttons.  The fourth row provided the Caps button and the asdfghjkl; ‘ and enter buttons.  The fifth row provided the Shift button, the zxcvbnm, . / buttons, another shift button, and an up arrow.  The final row provided a Ctrl button, windows button, Alt Button, large space bar, then another Alt button, Fn button, an indented button, a second control button, and then the left, down, and right arrows.  In total, the KM-G14 keyboard had 87 ABS keycap buttons with 4mm actuator travel. Per the instruction manual, each keyswitch should survive through 50 million keystrokes and the keyboard provided a 1.8mg/5.9 foot USB-A/USB-2.0 black braided cable.

To get started, power on a computer with USB-A input ports and insert the USB-A cable into one of the ports.  The keyboard will immediately illuminate and run through a counterclockwise spiral color cycle.  The keyboard will then turn to a slow left-to-right ROGYBV wave pattern.  To change up the color scheme, press the Fn button along the bottom right of the keyboard and one of the Ins/Home/PgUp/Del/End/PgDn buttons toward the top right to rotate between the 18 light effects. If you press the FN/Ins button, the keyboard keys will illuminate in a single color and then cycle through the options. Pressing the same button combination then changed the keyboard to a slow flashing ROGYBV rainbow.  Finally, the keyboard will illuminate with a solid blue centered around the YUHJ keys then light blue, lighter blue, green, yellow, red, then purple.  Pressing the Fn+Home button once appeared to turn off the keys.  However, a simple press of any button led to a pebble in a pond appearance of color. Pressing the combination again led to a slow illumination of just the keys that I touched. Lastly, the combo created a row illumination pattern.

Pressing the FN and PgUp buttons provided a colorful sine wave pattern.  Pressing the combination again, the keyboard created a more involved pattern.  The colors started at the outsides of the keyboard, collected in a swirling pattern around the 789,yuiophjkl;nm, buttons, and then spread quickly outward.  Pressing the combo for a third time created a blinking Christmas Tree Light pattern.  Pressing the function and delete button created a variable color-changing wave pattern from left to right, similar to that described above. Pressing the combination again, the keyboard keys changed colors in unison.  Pressing the combination a third time led to a snake chase color change pattern.  Pressing the FN and End key once led to each key assuming one of the colors and then rotating through each of the colors.  When I pressed the combination again, I noted that the keyboard created more of a pastel matrix theme.  When I pressed it a third time, the keyboard created a moving row of colors in a top-down manner.  Lastly, pressing the FN button and PgDn button provided a left to right followed by a right to left wave.  Pressing the button again led to a single color illuminated keyboard.  Pressing the keyboard combination one final time led to a center-out pulsing color change.  

I enjoyed each of the above color options and personally found it fun to cycle between them.  If I pressed FN and any of the other options, it returned it to the first press option.  I liked the convenience of not having to remember what stage a particular light was on.  Additionally, I found that I could press the function button and the left arrow button to change the lighting speed change, while the function button and the right arrow key allowed the user to choose from nine different color selections.  The instruction manual provided a useful list of additional function and F key features: media player, volume control, mute, play/stop, previous/next track,  open email/browser/calculator, brightness up/down, choose color, lighting direction (left arrow), lighting speed up/down, lock/unlock windows key and reset (fn/esc/f1/f3/f5).  

Even though I prefer keyboards with Numpads, this tenkeyless keyboard provided a precise “anti-ghosting,” minimalistic experience.  The included blue switches were precise and never missed a single keystroke.  Using the livechat.com website, I was able to type 107 WPM/465 CPM with 98% accuracy with the keyboard.  I was pleased with the recoil, the travel distance, the mechanical clicking, the short keystrokes, and the overall design of the keyboard. The bottom of the keyboard provided four 1 1/8 inches long by 7/16 inches wide sticky, rubberized stabilizer-feet and a two-stage elevator for added comfort.  Although this may not be the most LEET of the keyboards, at the time of this review, I found the device selling on the walmart.com website for $27.99.  Honestly, for the price, it seemed as if Aukey was giving these devices away.  Whether you have a student at home, one going off to college, or you are looking for an upgrade for your work/home office, game/work in style with the AUKEY Mechanical TKL keyboard. For added features, reach out to the sales team/Aukey for added software for the keyboard.  

Learn more about the AUKEY TKL Keyboard.
Follow AUKEY on Facebook and Twitter.

A durable, compact wireless keyboard that makes it possible to work anywhere.

Ever since I started working from home, I’ve found that a good keyboard is worth its weight in gold. My entire job is computer-based and so I really need a reliable keyboard to keep me going. Over the years, I’ve bounced back and forth between using my laptop’s keyboard and an old-school mechanical keyboard and I’ve found that the mechanical keyboard tends to be more relaxing for me to use. The only issue I have now is that my favorite mechanical keyboard is wired and I don’t like having that giant USB cable draped across my desk. So, I started using the Satechi Slim X3 Keyboard, which is a wireless keyboard. It was quite an adjustment for me to jump from a wired mechanical keyboard to a wireless non-mechanical one, but the X3 was a solid keyboard to use. The X3 is a full-size keyboard complete with a number pad and while I have the desk space for it, some people may not and that’s why Satechi also designed the Slim X1 Bluetooth Backlit Keyboard. It’s perfect for people who want to have the convenience of the X3 keyboard in a more compact package. 

DETAILS

The Slim X1 Bluetooth Backlit Keyboard is a compact wireless keyboard. It is designed with Apple users in mind and features a full QWERTY layout. The keyboard allows for multiple devices to connect via Bluetooth and includes macOS function keys. The keyboard also has illuminated keys (white light only)  and charges via USB-C (cable included). The keyboard measures 11.14 x 4.5 x 0.39 inches and weighs 0.65 pounds. There is a battery indicator on the top right corner of the keyboard that notifies the user when the battery needs to be recharged. Satechi offers a 1-year warranty for the device and a user manual is included with all the details on the keyboard’s shortcuts. 

USER EXPERIENCE

One of the things I always look for with products is their packaging. While this might seem like a minor detail to some people, I think it’s really the first impression a person has of the product. Satechi does a nice job with their packaging. It’s always durable and products are well-protected by their boxes. Satechi also includes nice product images on the front and back of their boxes so potential customers know exactly what to expect from what is inside. One of the first things I noticed was that the X1 only allows for 3 devices to be connected to the keyboard while its big brother (the X3) allows 4 devices. Aside from the fact that the X3 features a full number pad and the amount of Bluetooth devices that can be connected, the two keyboards are very similar in features and in how they function. 

The X1 is remarkably compact and very easy to incorporate into any workspace. The keyboard is very durable and I think that if you have a case for it, the keyboard could travel nicely. It’s small enough to fit into a laptop bag so it could be used in remote locations, too. To be honest, when I go on vacation, this will probably be coming with me so that I can have an external keyboard with my laptop. I’m usually more productive that way. 

There are two ways to connect to the keyboard – using Bluetooth or the USB-C cable. Sometimes you can tell a distinct difference between wired or wireless connections, but with the Satechi X1, I had a consistent, fast connection whether it was wired or wireless. To get started with the Bluetooth connection, you press Fn + one of the Bluetooth keys and hold it for 3 seconds until the backlight starts to flash. At that point, you search for the device to appear in your laptop/computer/tablet’s Bluetooth menu (“Slim X1 Keyboard”). Once the X1 is selected, the pairing process is complete. After about 30 minutes of inactivity, the keyboard will go to sleep to preserve its battery life. Pressing any key will wake it up. It takes approximately 2-3 hours to charge the battery completely. I’ve not been able to wear the battery down completely yet, but the X3 keyboard has a reported 80-hour battery life when it’s fully charged. 

One of the ways that I typically test keyboards, is to complete a typing test on them. This helps me judge how productive I might be with it based on its responsiveness, keyboard layout/spacing, and general feel. So, after running a typing test with the X1, I got a score of 66 WPM. This is a bit slower than my typical typing speed, which is usually around 69 WPM. On the Satechi X3, I got a score of 72 WPM. I still consider the keyboard to be a winner even though my typing score was a bit low. 

CONCLUSION

The Slim X1 Bluetooth Backlit Keyboard is a great compact wireless keyboard. It’s great for any type of computer task and I think it is particularly useful for remote work. The low-profile keyboard is great for Apple users and the keyboard connects quite well to my MacBook Pro. I’m a big fan of this tiny peripheral. 

For more information, visit satechi.net, Facebook, and Twitter.

Work Hard and Play Hard

The AJAZZ K87OT Bluetooth Dual-Mode Mechanical Keyboard arrived in a 15 5/8 inches long by 6 7/8 inches tall by 1 7/8 inches thick retail package. The main cover panel displayed a large glossy, off-white-colored image of a QWERTY keyboard along the middle of the cover panel.  The keyboard image displayed the standard function row, number row, QWERTY layout, and arrow keys but did not show a Numpad.  Looking to the top left, you will find the English and Chinese Character AJAZZ’s name.  Looking toward the top right, you will find four icons with Chinese-only descriptions).  Along the bottom of the panel, you will find a Win/Apple Compatible icon, the K87OT (English and Chinese) model number, and a generic “Bluetooth Dual-Mode Mechanical Keyboard.”  Other than the sparse red accents, the panel felt rather one-dimensional and lacked the pizzazz that I expected from the name.   I wanted to know what separated this keyboard from the competition and what it could do for me.  To try to answer these questions, I turned to the remaining panels. 

The white-colored left and right panels showed the AJAZZ name and NACODEX in red/black font, while the black-colored front panel provided the same information in red/white font.  The black-colored back panel provided a UPC sticker, the model number, and the same generic verbiage as seen at the bottom of the cover panel.  Hungry for more information about the product, I turned to the back panel and found an attractive, glossy, oblique image of the Ajazz keyboard toward the left of the panel.  The top edge of the panel displayed the same title and icons as the cover.  However, the product specifications were listed along the bottom right of the panel ( K870T model, Type-C charging, USB 3.0, 362x134x34.5mm dimensions, 880g weight, RGB colors, WindowsXP/Windows7/8/10 and Mac).  Lastly, the panel had two SKU barcodes, product manufacturing labels, a 12-month warranty icon, and the company’s Shenzhen address.  

To access the keyboard, I removed the white lower tab and then lifted the front flap upward.  The first thing that I found was a black-colored bilingual AJAZZ X NACODEX User Manual resting atop an opaque plastic-wrapped keyboard. The 1lb 14.7 ounces (~870-880g) keyboard measured 14 3/16 inches wide by 5 1/4 inches tall by 1 5/16 inches thick, within the limits of error detailed on the packaging.  Interestingly, this keyboard was one of the heaviest that I have tested thus far.  Additionally, as I pulled the keyboard out of the opaque foam shell, the magenta-colored ESC key, the blue-green page key adjacent to the control button, and the lime green function key gave off a rather juvenile feel.  I set the keyboard aside, lifted the lower cardboard, and removed the accessories.  Within a 1 7/8 inches wide by 5 1/2 inches tall ziplock bag, I found several colorful key replacement tabs: two yellow “Shift” tab replacements, a white “Fn” key replacement, a white “Win” key replacement, two purple “ALT” tab replacements, and a magenta “Control” tab replacement.  Additionally, I found a 63 1/2 inches long white-braided USB-A to USB-C cable, a key extraction tool, plus a white “ESC” key and a magenta-colored “Control” key outside of the ziplock bag. I plugged the included power cord into a standard laptop port and the USB-C end into the keyboard.  I then allowed the powered-down 2000 mAh keyboard to charge fully.

Before you use the keyboard, you will need to review the instruction manual.  Locate the power button on the back of the keyboard and slide it into the “on” position.  According to the third section of the manual, you will need to press the “FN+A” button to convert to the MAC system or “FN+S” to convert to Windows. If you look closely at the keyboard, you will notice the Esc key and F1-F12, PrtSc, ScrLK, and Pause along the top row.  You will then have a standard QWERTY keyboard layout along the middle section.  Toward the right, you will have an INS, Home, PgUp, Del, End, PgDn array of buttons, a Bluetooth/wired mode button, and a light/sound button next to a scroll wheel.  Lastly, you will have up/down/left/right arrow keys.  To activate the Bluetooth mode, press the Bluetooth button above the arrow keys, and then press and hold the FN and P buttons for 3 seconds.  The P key will remain illuminated, and then you can navigate to settings, to Bluetooth, and select AJAZZ from the list.  Once connected, the keyboard was incredibly responsive to touch.  The mechanical keys were comfortable and responsive but were rather tall.  Each of the keys had a strong click feel but seemed to take longer than my standard keyboard.  Thus, it felt very responsive, but it felt like it slowed me down a little. 

While in MAC mode (my preferred testing mode), the function buttons allowed me to increase (F1)/decrease (F2) the screen brightness, call out desktops (F3), open launchpad (F4), return to the previous song (F7), Play/Pause a song (F8), Move to the next song (F9), Mute (f10), and decrease (F11) or increase (F12) the volume. The instruction manual also detailed several combination key features (see picture below).   Many of these features alter the color of the backlighting or the mode that the lights follow.  One of my favorite modes created a ripple effect, similar to dropping a stone in the water.  To activate the mode, press the FN+DEL keys until the chosen mode is found.  If you press function and page up, you can see a random color show.  You can use the FN up or fn down with any of the modes to increase or decrease the intensity of the effect.  Each of the Home, page up, del, end, and page down buttons will provide one of three preprogrammed lighting features. You can press FN+3 to default backlight the standard QWERTY keyboard keys.  Additionally, the system provided a default FPS gaming mode with illuminated AWSD keys and arrow keys (FN+1), a default LOL mode (Fn+2) with 1-6 keys, QWERDFGVB, tab, ctrl, alt, space buttons illuminated.  It also provided the FN 3 option for the QWERTY keyboard/arrows, as noted above. You can adjust the speed of the lights by pressing the FN + or FN – buttons.  

To test the keyboard speed, I navigated to several keyboard test sites and ran numerous tests.  I found anywhere from approximately 90 words per minute through 106 words per minute with accuracy ranging from 95% through 100%.  I was able to type faster on this keyboard than the standard MacBook Pro keyboard, but I found my Aukey RGB mechanical Keyboard and the Vulcan 120 AIMO RGB was more responsive and speedy.  I liked that the keyboard was able to charge in about an hour out of the box and that it had an auto-off feature if there was no use over a thirty-minute period.  Additionally, the keyboard had an auto-awake feature, which was quite useful.  It is important to note that the backlight features drain the battery much faster than the base functions of the keyboard.  I did not test time limits specifically as the keyboard without backlight promised 100 hours of use and up to 8 hours with lighting features.  This review wass not designed to be a full capability breakdown or a detailed how-to.  Instead, my goal wa to discuss the main features of the keyboard and my overall feel for the product. 

The robust, heavy keyboard was well built and will survive gaming sessions, paper deadlines, and work-related needs.  I liked that you could use the scroll wheel to turn up/down the lights, FN keys to adjust the modes/brightness/speed, etc.  The keyboard did not come with Apple/command buttons to replace the preinstalled keys.  Instead, you will need to use the alt key in place of the command button.  The option keys are also not listed on this keyboard.  For those interested in ergonomic typing, the bottom of the keyboard had rubberized feet to prevent slippage and height elevator adjustments.  The included power cable could be used while typing, but the choice for USB-A to USB-C was not ideal.  I really enjoyed using the keyboard with my MacBook Pro but was unable to power/charge the Keyboard without an adaptor/HUB.  If I were to rate my overall experience, I would give it a 9/10.  The keyboard has some amazing features but some that could have been better thought out.  I liked the packaging but felt it lacked a “WOW” factor.  I liked the colorful keys but would have liked some more masculine options.  I had the same feelings regarding the backlight illumination.  I loved the ripple effect but felt it was a little too pastel and nowhere near close enough to base colors. 

PROS:
– Longer Battery (2000mAh)
– Shine through Key Caps
– USB-C connectivity or Bluetooth mode
– Hefty to prevent sliding around
– Available in Black and White (Reviewed).
– No need to download driverss.

Cons:
-Weight not convenient to portability.
– 4 Hours is on the long end to charge.
– Tall Keys

For more information, visit a-jazz.com and Facebook.

A great external keyboard for any Mac user.

One of my favorite accessories is the keyboard. I remember playing around with my mom’s old typewriter just because I liked the sounds the keys made. As I was growing up, computers were becoming a common device in households and emails and the Internet was just starting to grow. So, whenever I get the chance to work with different keyboards, I jump at it. I like how many different varieties there are and how each one can feel just a little bit different. My current set-up lends itself to an external keyboard to pair alongside my MacBook Pro. I have a massive mechanical keyboard connected via USB at this time, but have been considering switching to a wireless keyboard just for the sake of saving space on my desktop. About a month ago, Satechi, one of my favorite accessory designers announced the release of the Slim X3 Bluetooth Backlit Keyboard and I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to work with it for a couple of weeks. It’s a great departure from my standard mechanical keyboard and I’ve really enjoyed using it. 

DETAILS

The Slim X3 Bluetooth Backlit Keyboard is designed to use with Mac devices and features an extended layout with a full numeric keypad, multi-Bluetooth, and shortcut keys that are optimized for Apple devices. The keyboard is ultra-slim and is fully equipped with adjustable backlit keys (white light only). The keyboard is rechargeable via USB-C (cable included) and users can connect up to four Bluetooth devices to one keyboard. Depending on the brightness level of the backlight, the battery can last up to 80 hours before needing to be recharged. There is a battery LED indicator above the number keypad that shows the battery level by flashing when it gets low. The X3 measures 16.65” x 4.5” x 0.4” and only weighs 0.97 pounds. Satechi offers a 1-year manufacturer warranty on the keyboard and it ships with a user manual that describes all the shortcut keys and functions of the keyboard. 

USER EXPERIENCE

The keyboard comes in a standard Satechi retail box. The front of the box has a large picture of the keyboard along with the name of the product printed on it.  The back of the box has several additional photos of the product in use featured along with some of the main details included. Those details are: Bluetooth wireless, function keys, connect up to 4 devices, aluminum construction, backlit keyboard, slim design, USB-C charging port, and rechargeable battery. When you open the outer carton you’ll find a black box with the words “Slim X3” and “Satechi” embossed on the top. When you open this box, you’ll find the keyboard with a small box nested beneath it. That box houses the USB-C charging cable, the user manual, and a pair of feet that you can attach to raise the keyboard to a more exaggerated angle. The backlight is plenty bright and I love how easy it is to adjust.

Getting started with the keyboard is pretty easy. I found that the keyboard had a charge out of the box so I was able to turn it on and immediately connect it to my MacBook Pro. In order to set the keyboard into pairing mode you simply press and hold one of the Bluetooth keys for approximately 3 second until it starts blinking and then you search for “Slim X3 Keyboard” to appear in your Bluetooth menu. Even though the X3 is designed for Mac use, it does just connect via Bluetooth or through the USB-C cable so it can connect to other computers. After 30 minutes of non-use, the keyboard goes into sleep mode. Pressing any key will wake it up. 

Aside from set-up and ease of connection, I usually test keyboards by completing a typing test. Using a simple typing test online I measured my typing speed and accuracy on the Satechi Slim X3 keyboard. The test showed I had 98% accuracy and an adjusted WPM rating of 72 WPM with the Satechi keyboard. I took the same typing test using my mechanical keyboard and ended up with 72 WPM adjusted speed with 100% accuracy. I noticed on both tests that I had a couple of messed up words that I corrected and I guess the test adjusted for that both times I took it. 

CONCLUSION

The Slim X3 keyboard is a great option for any type of productivity work. I’ve been using it for a couple of weeks and think that it works just a good – if not better than – my mechanical keyboard. If you like the Apple keyboard’s low profile, then you will like the Slim X3, too. I haven’t had any connection problems with the keyboard. It’s talked to my computer really well and with the exception of just a few double key taps, it’s been a great keyboard. 

For more information, visit  satechi.net,  Facebook, and  Twitter.

Get a Leg up on the competition with the tactile, responsive, colorful mechanical Keyboard from AUKEY.

According to a March 2017 PCGAMER.com story “Gaming Keyboards: what’s the deal with actuator distance?” (03/2017), there are three elements to evaluate before choosing a gaming keyboard (actuation distance, USB polling rate, and keystroke signal processing KSP).  When high-speed, exciting gameplay requires split-second action, you want a responsive keyboard with less travel distance.  Luckily, you can get a quality keyboard without breaking the bank. Whether you are looking for a COD setup or a way to improve other FPS like Borderlands or Fortnight, a keyboard upgrade will likely provide a quick boost to your abilities. WIth Aukey, you can conquer the competition while enjoying a dazzling light show.

The Aukey Model KM-G12 Keyboard arrived in a stealthy-black 17 7/8 inches long by 7 inches wide by 2 1/2 inches tall retail package.  Except for a flat black pyramidal shape on the main cover, the top, side, and front panels were all unadorned.  The bottom panel had a subdued matte-black inscription of the KM-G12 model number, the www.aukey.com address, the support@aukey.com address, product manufacturing labels, an SKU code, and their Chinese address information.  I was a little disappointed with the outer packaging due to the lack of information.  I was not able to learn about the product without rushing into the testing phase.  I lifted the front flap to access the product and removed the opaque-plastic-wrapped device and the AUKEY user manual.  Based on the bag’s shape, I determined that the device was a keyboard and that it was a mechanical keyboard based on the key sounds.  I removed the protective foam bands at each end of the keyboard and then slid the device out of the bag. To learn more about the keyboard, I turned to the AUKEY RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard user manual. 

The manual was broken up by language into English (1-4), UK English (5-8), German (9-12), French (13-16), Spanish (17-20), and Italian (21-24) sections.  The first and second pages of both English sections proved to be my favorite.  The manual provided a brief paragraph thanking me for purchasing the device and recommended that I read the entire manual before proceeding.  Beneath this section, I found the packaging contents, an ink-outline overview of the keyboard, and a very long keyboard specifications table.  The manual noted that the RGB Gaming Keyboard had 104 ABS-material keys.  Each key had a 4mm-0.5mm actuator travel and a pre-travel of 1.90mm + /- 0.5mm.  Each key has been rated for ~50,000,000 keystrokes, and the keyboard has both a standard QWERTY keyboard, function row, and a Numpad.  The 17.05” wide by 4.96 inches tall by 1.46 inches thick keyboard weighed in at an astonishing 2.2.b (1kg).  Set at the back of the keyboard, you will find a 60 1/4 inches long (5.25 feet) cable with a USB 2.0 end.  Designed for Windows XP, Windows 7/8/10, macOS, and Linux, the only limitation you may find is a MacBook Pro without a USB input port.  Luckily, a USB-C hub should solve that problem for you.   

The second page of the instruction manual detailed the function key layout (please see picture below).  As far as I could find, these were preprogrammed and not swappable.  For example, if you press and hold the FN button and F2, the volume will decrease.  Similarly, pressing the FN button and the F3 will increase the volume.  The F6/F7/F8 keys will allow you music/video features such as previous track, play/pause, next track.  You can access the internet browser by pressing FN+F10, adjust the brightness with FN up/down arrows, adjust the lighting speed with FN left/right arrows, and more.  The lighting effect controls were not as intuitive as I would have liked, and thus, you may either need to tape a key to the bottom of the keyboard or make a file to remind yourself later.  FN + PrtSc will allow you to cycle through the 12 lighting effect presets.  FN + Home will allow you to cycle through the 7 color settings.  FN + Ins will let you turn off or cycle through the 3 surround lighting effects, while FN + {gUp will allow you to cycle through the surrounding color settings.  My favorite feature was the FN + ESC option, which allowed me to turn the lighting on/off.  You can cycle through the 5 gaming lightning effects (FPS, CF, COD, LOL, racing games) by using the FN + PAUSE buttons for the game-centric crew.  If desired, you can edit/save up to 5 custom settings using the FN +ScrLk combination.  If you have ever accidentally pressed the windows key and lagged/died in-game, fret no more.  You can lock that button by pressing FN + Windows.  Lastly, you can rest all settings to the factory default by pressing FN + DEL and then holding them for 3 seconds. 

I pressed FN + PrtSc until the keys were solid. Pressing the FN+ Home changed amongst purple, white, red, green, blue, yellow, light blue.  Pressing FN and PrtSc again allowed the keyboard to pulse the color that you selected.  As an example, if the red color was selected, the keyboard would dim and then brighten. Pressing FN+PrtSc again caused a chasing effect. Pressing FN+PrtSc again turned off the lights.  Following the same pattern, the keyboard followed a rainbow effect, which resembled flashing Christmas tree lights.  Pressing FN + PrtSc again created a ripple/wave effect.  When I typed a key, the entire row illuminated. The next cycle brought the light in from the top left and bottom right and swirled around the “9, 0, I, O, P, K, L, ;, <, >. and ? Keys and then pulsed outward. Pressing the FN+PrtSc again caused the keyboard to pan between the colors.  If desired, you could press the FN + arrow Keys to increase/decrease the speed of the panning effect.  Pressing FN+PrtSc again caused a matrix-like effect on the keyboard.  I particularly liked this feature in the green color scheme. Pressing the FN+PrtSc on last time, the keyboard created a rippling effect, like a stone being dropped into water.  The next two cycles flashed colors for each key.  I did not find a key for these steps and had to test them one-by-one.  Amazingly, there are at least 84 combinations to enjoy, without even considering the surrounding effects.  If you add the four surround features (off, rainbow, color pulse, solid color) and the 7 surrounding light colors (white, racing/gradient, red, green, blue, yellow, light blue, purple), simple math suggests that you could have 2352 different combinations to enjoy.  If none of these suit your fancy, you could still create your own custom scheme. 

As I delved deeper into this review, it was a breath of fresh air not to have another battery-draining device. I know I cannot be alone in feeling like I regularly deplete pallets of AA and AAA batteries.  With this keyboard, you only need to plug the USB connector into a USB port on a computer or into a powered USB hub.  I tested the keyboard with my Kensington SD4700P Universal USB-C and USB 3.0 Docking Station with my MacBook Pro 15”.  Excitedly, I did not experience any lag while typing/playing.  The keys were firm and had a great recoil.  They may have been a touch on the louder side, but I actually like the mechanical keyboard’s sound.  After reviewing all of the beautiful color features, I turned to a speed test.  I used various online typing tests and repeatedly scored in the 99-116 range with accuracy from 90-100%.  I wanted to break the 120 WPM mark, but alas, fatigue set in, and I did not want to type anymore.  Somehow a user named APackOfSmarties achieved a 206 WPM score, and my 116 WPM did not even break the top 20.  Despite these humbling scores, I was pretty proud of my speed and the quality of the keyboard.  If you get a moment, check out the typing test website to see where you fall in the rankings.  Like the other keys on the 104 keyboard, the function keys worked very well and were incredibly responsive.  I liked that each of the function keys had a little indicator along the bottom edge.  Most of them worked on my MacBook Pro, but some did not (FN + F11 calculator did not open as an example).  The little indicators underneath the color changing options were vague and did not do as well as the instruction manual.  

To test the remaining features, I plugged the keyboard into my desktop and my wife’s laptop.  I do not typically mind typing on a laptop, but my wife does not like it at all.  She loved the performance upgrade when she plugged this peripheral into her laptop.  We played “Typer Shark,”  she played some Zuma, and we tested various other steam games. We typed, changed the colors of the keys, and truly enjoyed the experience. Despite the plethora of options for the colors, the Keyboard does not allow you to change individual keys’ colors. There were some inherent issues with using the Mac device, but the windows key did double as the Mac Command Key. Some may not like the fixed cable, but I preferred it over another battery setup. . If you are looking for high-end quality but at budget prices, look to the Aukey website. The keys feel remarkably similar to other keyboards I have tried, including those with coveted cherry MX switches.  You can use the included key removal tool to separate the key from the actuator. When you remove the keypads to clean, you will notice the blue-cross shaped button.  Many sources have claimed that you can swap out other “+” shaped keys with those from this keyboard.  However, I did not try that for this review. For under $70, this device is a steal.

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A great mechanical keyboard for beginners.

One of my earliest memories of a computer features the clickety-clack of a mechanical keyboard. I didn’t know that’s what it was at the time, of course. I grew up in the 1980s — the dawn of the era of personal computers. In the 80s, computers were making the shift from being something that only businesses had to a staple inside homes. By the time I was preparing to graduate high school, all my friends had access to a computer and we were starting to exchange emails. Somewhere in the past 20 years since that revolution started to take place, keyboards evolved into more than just a peripheral. Now, they are an expression of a personality. There are multiple ways to customize them and you have many different styles of keyboards to choose from. In the past few years, I’ve really taken to using a mechanical keyboard again and I’ve been fortunate enough to experience different styles and key types in the process. The most recent option for typing to cross my desk is the GMMK or Glorious Modular Mechanical Keyboard. 

DETAILS

The GMMK is a full size (104-key) pre-built gaming keyboard. It comes with Gateron brown switches and black keycaps. There is no set-up required – it’s just plug-n-play. The GMMK features a sandblasted aluminum faceplate, 100% anti-ghosting (full NKRO), LED backlighting  (several modes), modular switches, double-shot injection keycaps, and minimalistic design. The keyboard works with any MX switches and the entire keyboard can be replaced without the need for soldering. The RBG backlight features 16.8 million colors. Using the GMMK software (Windows only), users can assign macros to any key. There are discreet LED indicators built-in above the number keys that show when Soft Nums/Caps/Scroll lock is enabled. The USB cable has a gold-plated connector and a non-removable braided cable.  

USER EXPERIENCE

The GMMK arrives in a unique, simple package. The box is black and white with an image of a keyboard on the front. The box is fairly descriptive and lets consumers know that the keyboard features RGB LED backlighting, a 104-key layout, brown switches, a black aluminum body, and keycaps. You also know from the box that the keyboard is fully modular. The back of the box has a “tech specs” table that’s a very handy “at-a-glance” guide for consumers. The website and social media sites are also included on the box. When you open up the box, you will find the keyboard, a pamphlet that outlines other products that Glorious puts out, instruction on how to replace the switches, a couple of additional keys, a sticker, and a user guide. 

DESIGN

As far as design goes, this keyboard is pretty standard as far as 104-key layouts go. The keys are spaced apart nicely although I had a little bit of an issue when I moved back and forth between my daily-driver keyboard and the GMMK. The keys were just a little closer together on the GMMK than my SteelSeries keyboard. I like how the GMMK has its lighting effects clearly marked on the keys. The function keys (INS, HOME, PGUP, DEL, END, PGDN) each have a designated effect marked on them and to activate them, you simply press/hold the FN key and then whichever effect key you want to use. This is a much nicer feature than having to guess what effect is where on the keyboard. 

Speaking of the lighting effects, I found them to be very unique in design. While a lot of RGB keyboards include effects like BREATH and WAVE, they aren’t always as vibrant or pattern-driven as the GMMK. I really like the TOUCH effect. On some other keyboards this effect typically just highlights a single key when you type on it, but on the GMMK, the TOUCH effect starts a ripple throughout the keyboard that reminds me of twinkle lights on a Christmas tree. The effect starts on the key where you ‘touch’ first, but it animates outward from that point.

Another design feature I really like about the GMMK is that it has feet on it. While this seems like a trivial feature to mention, the truth is that I’ve seen a lot of keyboards recently that have no feet on them. This makes it harder for me to type on them for longer periods of time. I know this may not be the case for everyone, but for me, at least, I prefer to have the keyboard at a slight angle. The aluminum body does make the keyboard a bit heavier than other RGB mechanical keyboards in the market, but it’s not a deal-breaker in my book. 

Even though I typically don’t swap the keys out on my keyboard, I thought it would be a good idea to attempt changing the keys out on the GMMK since it’s supposed to be fully modular. I used the key puller to pull a cap off of the keyboard first and then I attempted to remove a key. I was surprised that the key actually came out easier than the keycap did. As it turns out, removing the keys is remarkably easy on this keyboard. The only thing to be cautious about is making sure the pins on the key align properly with the holes on the keyboard. 

EASE OF USE

The GMMK is ready to use out of the box. You simply plug the USB cable into a USB-A port on your computer or a connected hub. For me, I plugged the keyboard into a docking station that was connected to my MacBook Pro. Once it powered up (indicated by the flashing RGB lights under the keys), a utility popped up on my screen that asked me to identify the keyboard. This is typical for me, but others may not have the same roadblock. Aside from that, the keyboard operates normally without any special drivers required for use. There is software available for use with the keyboard, but it’s only available for Windows computers.

One of the ways I test a keyboard is to take a typing test with it. With the GMMK, I averaged 66 WPM. With my SteelSeries keyboard (my daily-driver), I averaged 71 WPM. So, even though the typing speed is slightly slower with the GMMK, I still found it comfortable to type on. 

FINAL THOUGHTS

The GMMK is a really nice mechanical keyboard. I think it’s a great option for beginners as well as experienced gamers. One of the things I like so much about this keyboard is that it’s a great practice option for new mechanical keyboard users to be able to experience what it’s like to replace keycaps and keys. The keyboard case itself is strong enough to withstand a beginner’s inexperience and the keys are easy to remove and replace so it doesn’t get frustrating to the user if they are trying to learn. The GMMK is available for around $110 (USD) pre-built with the Gateron Brown switches and black keycaps. You do have the option to customize your order so that you have different switches, different layout, and/or a different color. 

The GMMK is a fun keyboard to type on and work with. I think a lot of people could get steady use from it.

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