Top critical review
3.0 out of 5 starsNot bad, but a far cry from perfect.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 13 May 2018
I got this keyboard because my old one broke, after quite a few years of use. I'm a touchtypest, and use my keyboard everyday for work so I hope this review will help decide whether to buy this or not. Below are my usual list of Pros, Neutrals, and Cons, along with some images to go along with the review.
Pros:
Small form factor = This keyboard is nice and small, a trait I was actually looking for in my next keyboard. This is roughly around half the size of my old one, which is nice.
Mechanical keys = If you've only used membrane or dome keys, a mechanical key, even knockoffs (found on this keyboard) will be an upgrade.
Mechanical "Power" key = I'm personally not a fan of software turn-off, nor am I a fan of some automated way of turning off a keyboard. Fortunatly this keyboard features a power switch at the back, which is a welcome addition not all wireless keyboards have.
Neutrals:
Function keys = A downside to the small form factor is the lack of keys, even common ones you'd expect to see. To remedy this you may occasionally have to press 2/3 keys need to be pressed simultaneously for the desired output. This can and will slow down a touchtypest like myself, and force everyone (at first) to look at the keys to see what needs to be pressed. Also, for reference the Function lock is "Fn" + "Ctrl".
Keyboard layout = Now thankfully the layout on this keyboard is evident from the image, something not entirely true for all keyboards fou nd on Amazon. That being said, it's not British English, but American English, something I don't like, but something I did kind of ask for (again, the product images).
Wireless Functionality = This keyboard operates via Bluetooth or by using the supplied USB cable. Personally I've been using it for quite some time and haven't noticed any abrupt disconnects, and it's working flawlessly on Windows, Linux, and Android. However, if you're planning on using this as a desktop keyboard, make sure your PC has Bluetooth or you already have a separate Bluetooth adapter, as this keyboard doesn't come with one.
The USB charger = The USB charger is surprisingly at a decent quality. With this post I've included of my min/max amperage I received and found it be decent. Granted better can be purchased, but considering it's bundled in, I have no complaints. Do note, In the images where I show the keyboard, the charger shown their isn't the one that comes in the box. The one I'm using is a much better charger and ones I personally recommend from a brand called Syncwire (also found on Amazon).
RGB = Now if you're a fan of RGB (for the record I am not), then you may be pleased to know this keyboard comes with that. What you may not like to hear though is that despite several modes, I've only found one colour option, and frankly it's ugly. Now I have heard there is software that can be downloaded from the manufacturer that can change the colour, but nothing came in the packaging, and to be honest I don't want some Chinese software on my computer, last time that happened I had to reformat my computer, and the time before that the software was a buggy mess.
Instruction Manual = Now this keyboard comes with an instruction manual that tells out how to do certain things, including Pairing ("Fn" + "P"), and other features relating to the function keys and the keyboards Bluetooth capabilities. Now sadly if you don't read Chinese, only some of the manual will be readable. I can't tell you what everything says, just the bare minimum. Hell if it didn't say on Amazon who the keyboard manufacturer was, I couldn't tell you.
Battery Life = This keyboard lasts approximately 1 and a half weeks on a charge (backlight turned off), and that's me turning it off once I'm finished with it too. Whether that's good or not, I'm not sure (hence why I'm putting it in Neutrals), but I feel it's worth mentioning.
Cons:
Key sound = Now remember this keyboard is a Cherry's MX Blue switch knockoff, meaning they're not the best for gaming, but are good for typists like myself. The keys do present a an audible click, that also seem to be a bit louder than the real Cherry variant. To make matters worse the somewhat serviceable (cheap) keycap plastic make the already loud audible click even worse with a clack sound bad even when wearing headphones. This is a loud keyboard, and if you live with others give this a wide birth.
Mechanical key quality = I haven't had this keyboard for that long, yet I can already hear quite a bit of wear if I push and release slowly. I don't think this keyboard will last very long. If you buy this, don't be shocked if you're returning it pretty soon or buying a new one altogether.
Actuation point variability = Now despite the keys being Cherry MX Blue knockoffs, I've noticed a little variation on when some keys activate over others. If you're typing rather fast and not watching what you're typing you may have pressed a key or two that didn't register. Something to bare in mind.
