There is something entertaining about a company deciding to build a product simply because it can. Most keyboards exist to hit a price point or fill a slot in a lineup. The new Huntsman Signature Edition ($499) exists because someone at Razer clearly said, “What if we made the most overbuilt Huntsman possible?” and nobody in the room stopped them.

The result is a limited-edition showpiece that feels more like a celebration of the Huntsman platform than a normal retail product. It is expensive, shiny, and completely unnecessary for most people, which also makes it a lot of fun to test.

Update: As this review went live, the first drop of this keyboard sold out in just minutes. You can be notified of the next drop at Razer.com.

Razer had no input, nor did it see the contents of this review, prior to publication.

What it is (and why)

Razer has a habit of letting its engineers run wild on small, high‑end projects that exist mostly to prove what the company is capable of. The $279 Viper Mini Signature Edition was the most recent example. It was a magnesium alloy mouse that felt like a science experiment that somehow escaped the lab. The Huntsman Signature Edition follows the same spirit. It is not meant to replace the Huntsman V3 Pro TKL 8K. It is meant to celebrate how far the Huntsman platform has come and what it can be when the usual limits are removed.

At its core, this is still a Huntsman. You get the same Gen 2 Analog Optical Switches, Rapid Trigger, Snap Tap, adjustable actuation from 0.1 to 4.0 mm, and full 8,000 Hz polling. The Signature Edition takes that foundation and builds a luxury object around it. It is a showcase piece that highlights the engineering behind the Huntsman line and the attention to detail that usually never makes it into a mainstream product.

This is Razer asking a simple question: what happens if we build the ultimate Huntsman with no shortcuts.

What is different about it

The Signature Edition looks and feels like a completely different class of keyboard. The chassis is CNC milled from 6063 aluminum alloy, which gives it a heavier and more substantial feel than the Huntsman Pro TKL 8K.

How heavy? I'm glad you asked, as I weighed it myself. Just the keyboard by itself weighs 3.05 lbs (1.38 kg)! Most premium boards fall between 2.0 and 2.8 lbs. Something like the GMMK Pro is heavier at 3.3 lbs, but that's with a brass plate, for goodness ' sake. And Razer's own Huntsman V3 Pro TKL 8K, which this is based on, is ~1.8 lbs (0.8 kg).

The bottom case and accent pieces go through a physical vapor deposition process and are then polished by hand. Razer says the polishing takes around 50 hours. The result is a mirror finish that looks closer to high‑end watchmaking than gaming hardware. It immediately reminded me of Seiko’s Zaratsu polishing, where artisans spend days creating distortion‑free reflective surfaces. The Signature Edition has that same sense of precision and craft.

The packaging reinforces the idea that this is a special project. The keyboard arrives in a large presentation case with a vegan leather sound dampening mat, a PVD polished triple-headed snake keycap, a cleaning cloth, a keycap puller, magnetic rubber feet, and a Speedflex USB-C cable. It feels more like unboxing a collector’s item than a gaming keyboard.

Inside the chassis, Razer uses a full stack of acoustic materials. There is EPDM foam, EVA foam, an FR4 plate, and a silicone rubber sheet. The switches are individually lubricated and factory calibrated for true 0.1 mm precision. The reviewer’s guide highlights this directly:

The result is a deeper and more controlled sound profile. The Signature Edition has a full, rounded tone that feels closer to a premium custom board than a mass produced gaming keyboard.

How it compares to the Huntsman Pro TKL 8K

The Huntsman Pro TKL 8K is already one of the fastest gaming keyboards available. It uses the same switches and the same 8K polling. It has Rapid Trigger and Snap Tap. It is a performance monster. The Signature Edition does not change the fundamentals. What it changes is the experience around those fundamentals.

The Pro TKL 8K has an aluminum top plate, but the Signature Edition is a full aluminum chassis with hand-polished PVD metal. It is heavier, larger, stiffer, and more refined. The Pro TKL 8K has a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The Signature Edition is deeper and more consistent thanks to the internal foam layers and lubrication. The Pro TKL 8K feels fast and responsive. The Signature Edition feels smooth and controlled.

The Pro TKL 8K arrives in a standard retail box. The Signature Edition arrives in a display case with accessories that feel curated rather than bundled.

Both keyboards deliver the same competitive performance. The Signature Edition simply wraps that performance in craftsmanship and materials that belong in a different category.

tl:dr This isn't the same Huntsman Pro TKL 8K, but in metal. It's completely rebuilt from the ground up, but uses the same design principles and components.

Who should buy it

This is a 499 dollar keyboard. That alone tells you who it is for. It is for enthusiasts who appreciate materials and finishing work. It is for collectors who enjoy limited production hardware. It is for people who want the best version of the Huntsman platform and are willing to pay for it.

It is also worth noting that this is still 100 dollars cheaper than the new ASUS ROG Azoth Extreme 20th Anniversary Edition, which puts the price into perspective. Razer is selling the Signature Edition in limited drops on Razer.com, and only 1,337 units will be made. If you want one, you will need to move quickly.

This is not a keyboard for everyone. It is a keyboard for people who enjoy the idea of owning something rare and overbuilt.

Should you buy it?

You should buy it if ...

✅ You always wanted Razer's best keyboard, but at 3lbs, $499, limited edition, and with polished metal.

✅ You're a hardcore gamer, or someone who only wants the best.

You should not buy this if ...

❌ You don't clean your keyboard.

❌ You have to think about that $499.

If you want the best performance for the money, the Huntsman Pro TKL 8K is still the smarter choice. It gives you nearly everything the Signature Edition offers at a much lower price (or see my recent Razer Huntsman V3 TKL 8K review for even more affordability).

The Signature Edition is not about value. It is about craftsmanship, exclusivity, and the satisfaction of using something that feels special.

If that appeals to you, the Signature Edition delivers. If not, the Pro TKL 8K remains the practical pick.

But hey, there's something special here, and I'm glad Razer does stuff like this. For one, it's fun, and two, it often learns from these projects, and from them, that tech could trickle down into its normal projects.

And yeah, it's awesome to just use it for work for typing on, too! It's so solid, stable, and consistent it's like the world's most precise keys built into a rock.

Finally, I should also mention that, for $499, you are getting a 5-year warranty on the Razer Huntsman Signature Edition, compared to the 2-year warranty of its standard keyboards. This is the longest warranty Razer offers on any keyboard and is meant to reflect the premium materials and the limited‑edition nature of the product.

In summary, you can practically hear the moment Razer’s engineers snapped and decided to build a keyboard for the gods, and I think they nailed it.

Look, I am going to be honest with you: I am not a pro gamer. My days of staying up until 4 AM to climb the ranks in a twitch shooter are mostly behind me. But I still love high-end hardware, and there is something undeniably satisfying about using a tool that is over-engineered for its purpose.

The Razer Huntsman V3 TKL 8KHz is exactly that. Priced at $169.99, it sits in a competitive bracket (and not to be confused with the larger, but similar, Huntsman V3 Pro 8KHz reviewed last year). It is not cheap, but for the crowd it targets, it is actually quite reasonable. You can find it right now at Best Buy and Amazon, which makes the whole "I want it today" or "I might need to return it if my hands are too small" process incredibly simple.

This keyboard is positioned as a pure competitive tool. While the "regular" V3 Pro TKL has been a staple for a while, this 8KHz version is the new flagship for the speed demons. It feels like Razer took the feedback from the community, looked at the current esports landscape, and decided to turn every dial to eleven.

I've spent the last week with it, and while I technically don't need this keyboard (8kHz browser tab switching, anyone?), I'm going to keep using it, because it's pretty awesome.

What is 8KHz and Why Does It Matter for Gamers?

If you have been following the PC peripheral scene, you have likely heard the term 8KHz or HyperPolling tossed around like a buzzword. For those who do not live in the weeds of technical specs, here is the explainer: most gaming keyboards poll your PC at 1,000Hz, or once every millisecond. The Huntsman V3 TKL 8KHz polls at, well, 8,000Hz. This means the keyboard communicates with your computer every 0.125ms.

Is that overkill? For writing an email, yes. For a high-stakes match in Valorant? It is a genuine advantage.

HyperPolling minimizes input delay and provides a level of synchronicity with on-screen action that 1,000Hz just cannot match. When you combine this with Razer’s 2nd-Gen Analog Optical Switches, which "achieve highly precise input detection by measuring light passing through the entire switch stem," you get a keyboard that reacts before you even realize you have finished the press.

Razer claims these switches offer "2.5x better top deadzone management" than the competition, which is just jargon for saying these keys are incredibly consistent.

Snap Tap and Rapid Trigger Explained

The real magic of the V3 TKL 8KHz lies in the software and logic built into those analog switches. Specifically, we need to talk about Snap Tap and Rapid Trigger.

Snap Tap is Razer’s implementation of SOCD (Simultaneous Opposing Cardinal Directions) resolution, and was announced in 2024. In standard keyboards, if you hold "A" to move left and then press "D" to move right, you might just stop moving entirely. Snap Tap changes the game by prioritizing the latest input. If you are strafing and hit the opposite key, the keyboard instantly registers that new direction without you having to fully release the first key. It makes counter-strafing feel "crispy and responsive," as some pros have noted.

Then there is Rapid Trigger. Standard mechanical switches have a fixed reset point. You have to let the key go past a certain height before you can press it again. With Rapid Trigger, the key resets the instant it starts moving upward, even by as little as 0.1mm. This allows for rapid, repeated inputs that feel like you have been "supercharged." You can also use DKS (Dual-Step Actuation) to map two actions to a single keypress based on how deeply you push it. It is a level of customization that makes the older V2 models look like relics.

Building a Better Huntsman V3 TKL

One of my biggest gripes with previous Razer keyboards was the "pingy" sound or the rattle of the stabilizers. I am happy to report that the V3 TKL 8KHz feels like a significant step up in build quality. Razer has added thick foam dampening and individually lubricated the switches. The result is a much more "muted typing acoustic" that stays in your flow state. The bounce and build quality feel improved over the regular V3 Pro, and the aluminum top plate gives it a premium heft.

The keycaps are textured doubleshot PBT, meaning they are shine-resistant and the legends will not fade. I also love the new onboard configuration. You can actually adjust the actuation height or Rapid Trigger sensitivity directly on the keyboard using the LED array indicator. No more diving into Synapse every five minutes just to tweak a setting. It is a nice touch for those of us who hate having too much background software running.

Razer even includes a nifty guide that you can keep on your desk for easy reference (see above).

Navigating the Razer Huntsman Lineup

Razer now has seven different Huntsman keyboards, and it is getting a bit crowded. You have the V3 Pro (Full), the V3 Pro TKL, the V3 Pro Mini, and now this 8KHz TKL version, not to mention the older V2 models still floating around.

The V3 TKL 8KHz fits in as the specialized "pro" choice. Compared to the V2, you are getting the vastly superior 2nd-Gen Analog switches instead of the standard optical ones. Compared to the regular V3 Pro TKL, you are getting that 8KHz polling and the improved lubrication.

If you are looking for a map through this forest, choose the V3 TKL 8KHz if you want the absolute cutting edge of speed. Choose the Mini if you need desk space. Choose the Full if you actually use a numpad (though, why?).

Should You Buy the Huntsman V3 TKL 8KHz?

You should buy this if ...

✅ You're actually a "pro" or aspiring pro gamer

✅ You prefer TKL, don't need/want media keys or a numberpad

✅ FPS games are your jam

✅ You like what Razer is cookin'

You should not buy this if ...

❌ You're just a regular gamer

❌ You're not a gamer

❌ You have issues with Razer

So, who is this for? If you are a competitive gamer, the answer is a resounding yes. The combination of Snap Tap, 8KHz polling, and Rapid Trigger makes this one of the most advanced gaming tools on the market.

However, I have to make an exception for the productivity crowd. If you just want a great typing keyboard for office work and you game on the side, this might not be your first choice. The switches are linear and very sensitive. Even though the lubrication has improved the sound, it is still a bit loud for a quiet office environment (but not annoying loud, in my opinion, it's just ... you know, audible). Plus, do you really need 8KHz polling to write a spreadsheet? Probably not.

That said, I'm using this 90% for typing at work and absolutely love it, so take that as you will.

But if you want a keyboard that feels like it was built for the podium, this is it. It is a pure competitive tool that happens to be built like a tank.

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If you're a PC gamer looking up what kind of keyboard is best for your hobby, it is often recommended to snag yourself a low-profile keyboard.

These slim accessories feature short key travel distances so gamers can perform in-game actions faster, quiet typing to prevent distracting noise, and tight ergonomics that will stop a user's wrist from straining while in use.

One of the more affordable and reliable examples of these keyboards is the Logitech G515 Lightspeed TKL gaming keyboard (Tactile Switches), and it's currently on sale for $70.00 on Amazon, down from its usual high MSRP of $159.99.

Why buy the Logitech G515 TKL Lightspeed keyboard?

First off, the Logitech G515 Lightspeed has a sleek, minimalist, low-profile design with a lightweight yet sturdy build quality, so it's easy to carry around and comfortable to use for long periods without requiring a wrist rest.

The Logitech G515 Lightspeed's performance is just as solid with little to no input latency, whether it's being used wirelessly or wired. This means you won't have to worry about your controls feeling stiff or delayed when playing fast-paced games like Diablo 4 or World of Warcraft.

Other notable features include compatibility with Logitech's G-Hub software so you can remap its keys, macros, and RGB lighting, strong 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth connectivity, and a massive battery life of 600 hours or 36 hours with RGB lighting turned on/on standby mode.

The only real issues you might run into with this keyboard are that its switches aren't hot-swappable, it can only support one Bluetooth connection, and its MSRP of $159.99 can be seen as a bit overpriced for its mid-range level quality.

However, with this 44% discount for $70.00 on Amazon, the Logitech G515 Lightspeed now has a more worthy price that will please any PC gamer looking for a no-fuss, all-business gaming keyboard that won't break their bank account.

Alternative discounted configurations

• $119.99 at Amazon (was $159.99) (wireless) (Linear switches)
• $127.49 at Amazon (was $169.99) (wired) (Rapid Trigger switches)

Alternative discounts

• $119.99 at Best Buy (was $159.99) (Tactile)
• $119.99 at Walmart (was $159.99) (Linear)

FAQ

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If you're a PC gamer who's into fast-paced action games or competitive multiplayer titles, you'll need a highly responsive keyboard that can quickly detect your inputs so you don't suffer any frustrating latency that can get you killed.

The Corsair K100 Air Wireless is one such laptop, as it boasts incredible battery life, responsiveness, and satisfying tactile feedback that's now on sale with a 63% discount for $122.99 on Amazon.

Why buy the K100 Air Wireless keyboard?

For starters, the Corsair K100 Air Wireless keyboard features massive 8000Hz Polling rates via wired USB-C and 2000Hz Polling rates via wireless on a PC. Polling Rates are extremely important for gaming as they help reduce input lag and improve a gaming controller's responsiveness when being used, depending on how high the rates are.

Since this keyboard has 2,000-8,000 Polling rates on PC, you will have absolutely no trouble playing games with it and wiping out the competition in competitive titles like Overwatch or Call of Duty.

The Corsair K100 Air Wireless' performance is boosted even further with the inclusion of Cherry MX Ultra Low Profile switches. Their Gold Crosspoint technology, 0.8mm pre-travel, and 1.8mm travel time offer satisfying, tactile feedback and insanely responsive input detection regardless are its being used for gaming, work, or casual browsing.

Other notable qualities of the Corsair K100 Air Wireless include a sturdy metal chassis, an ultra-thin, low-profile design, RGB lighting that can be adjusted with integrated iCUE software, and a lengthy battery life of 50 hours.

The Corsair K100 Air Wireless also has three-way connectivity: 1ms Slipstream Wireless, Bluetooth, and USB-C wired, which can be switched seamlessly with the press of a button.

The only real problems with the Corsair K100 Air Wireless are that its Cherry MX Ultra Low Profile switches are not interchangeable, so you can't switch them out, and it has a rather shockingly high MSRP of $329.99.

I don't know about you, but I know I would never pay over $300 for a keyboard. Fortunately, Amazon Gaming Week has managed to reduce this absurd price tag down to $122.99 on Amazon, which is a lot more reasonable and great value for money considering the tech it has inside.

FAQ

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I use my Stream Deck+ every day, and I enjoy mechanical keyboards, so it's great to see Corsair combine the two products into one. The Galleon 100 is a regular full-size mechanical keyboard, but instead of the number pad, you get an Elgato Stream Deck instead, with 12 buttons that can be easily configured to do the same set of actions as any standalone Stream Deck.

If anything, Corsair is going beyond that by adding game-level integration, and it is pretty nifty. The keyboard itself has a lot going for it thanks to a new linear switch and gasket-mounted design, and having used it for all of January, I can say with some confidence that it is one of the most distinctive — and fun — mech keyboards available today.

How much does the Corsair Galleon 100 cost?

Corsair debuted the Galleon 100 on January 29, and the keyboard is now available in all the countries where the brand has an official presence. It costs $349 in the U.S., CAD $499 in Canada, £309 in the U.K., and the equivalent of $349 in most global markets. Similar to other Corsair keyboards, you get a standard two-year warranty. The keyboard comes with a single switch option (the MLX Pulse linear switch) and is sold in a black color variant.

Is the Corsair Galleon 100 a good keyboard?

The Galleon 100 is a definite upgrade over other Corsair boards, and while it isn't quite as heavy as some of the DIY keyboards I used — like the Angry Miao Cyberboard R4 or the Keychron Q1 Pro — it has a reassuring heft, and the build quality is excellent. The keyboard has a gasket-mounted design, and it has much better feedback than the usual top-mounted designs. It isn't quite as bouncy as the Q1 Pro, but it is much better than the magnetic switch-based keyboards I tested in recent months.

The ANSI version of the Galleon 100 gets the standard 87 keys, with a 5-inch panel on the right that doubles as a Stream Deck. It's a pretty cool idea to integrate the control center into the keyboard, and the Galleon 100 isn't any bigger than regular full-size boards.

It doesn't have RGB lighting zones on the sides like the K100, but there's an RGB Mood Bar above the keys that immediately identifies this as a gaming keyboard, and while it doesn't diffuse lighting that well, it is a cool ambient effect nevertheless.

If anything, the keys are the only letdown on this keyboard; the quality and feel of the keys don't quite mesh with the switches that it comes with. That said, I like the matte texture, and the keys are PBT double-shot and have shine-through legends with decent RGB lighting. It's easy enough to switch out the keys should you wish to do so, and I plan to do just that — a set of clear keys would look terrific on this board. On that note, Corsair only sells the Galleon 100 in black, and I would've liked to see a white variant.

The switch is a delight to use; it is a custom Corsair MLX Pulse pre-lubed linear switch with exquisite feedback, and there isn't much better you can get on a pre-built gaming keyboard. I prefer slightly heavier switches, but even with this one, the 45g actuation is pretty great, and it is the highlight of the Galleon 100. It has a 2.0mm actuation point with 3.6mm total travel, and while it isn't a magnetic switch with adjustable keystrokes, that isn't a huge limitation.

The keyboard has two USB-C connectors, but you need to use just one to power the board itself — the secondary cable is to enable USB passthrough. If you don't need the feature (I didn't), you can just use a single USB cable with the Galleon 100. As I use a custom CableMod coiled keyboard cable, this is what I did. Corsair bundles two decent USB-C to USB-A cables in the box, and you get a magnetic wrist rest with good padding.

Stream Deck integration brings limitless customizability

Obviously, the biggest differentiator with the keyboard is a 5-inch 720p full-color LCD display that's located where you would normally see a number pad. This is where the dedicated Stream Deck with 12 buttons is housed, and there are two rotary dials above it as well. You get to take full advantage of the panel; there are six preset screensavers, and you can cycle through these with relative ease — that's just plain cool to see on a keyboard.

What I like about this implementation is that you can easily toggle between a standard number pad and a Stream Deck; it's the defining feature of the keyboard. As someone who likes using full-size boards, it is a definite bonus. The keys on the Stream Deck are similar to those on my Stream Deck XL, and the feature-set itself is nearly identical.

The Galleon 100 gets additional extras by way of game profiles; basically, you get the ability to customize the buttons according to individual games, and that unlocks an additional layer of customizability. I tested it with Train Sim World 6, and it was pretty cool. But it's beyond gaming where I saw the most amount of use with the Stream Deck; it's just effortless to control Spotify, view system stats in real-time, and launch utilities.

My only point of contention with this keyboard is that it needs two different software utilities to control; the keyboard part of it is handled by Corsair's Web Hub, and it's easy enough to change settings, assign lighting, and so on. I have a half-dozen Corsair products, so there isn't any way to sync lighting with the rest of the gear that connects via iCUE. With the Stream Deck, you'll need to use Elgato's utility, and it would've been nice to just have a single location to change everything.

The customizability extends to the hardware as well; you can easily change the keys or the switches, with standard 3- and 5-pin switches slotting in without any issues. That said, a big draw with the Galleon 100 is the MLX Pulse switch, and it is one of the main reasons why I used the keyboard for most of the month. The linear switch is great for gaming and regular use, and I like the feedback it offers, and the acoustics are on point within the case.

Should you buy the Corsair Galleon 100?

You should buy this if ...

✅ You need a great mechanical gaming keyboard

✅ You have a need for the Stream Deck

✅ You need a keyboard with extensive hardware and software customizability

You should not buy this if ...

❌ You don't need the extras

❌ You want VIA integration, or a custom gasket-mounted board with other switch choices

It's hard to stand out in the keyboard category, but that's exactly what Corsair did with the Galleon 100. You're essentially getting two products here, and the pricing reflects that — it is considerably costlier than the rest of Corsair's portfolio and the best gaming keyboards.

If you need the usability of a Stream Deck that's built into the keyboard, there really isn't anything quite as good. Otherwise, there are plenty of regular mechanical keyboards available, with Corsair's own Makr 75 Pro (which I'll be reviewing next) coming with hall effect switches in a smaller design.

The last ASUS keyboard I reviewed cost a whopping $300, and — as much as I liked the keyboard itself — it was tough to recommend to most people. Now, I'm back with an even more expensive keyboard from ASUS. Is history repeating itself?

This is the ASUS ROG Falcata, and it's one of the most interesting keyboards I've ever had on my desk, thanks to the uncommon split design and absolutely ridiculous specs. ASUS is also asking $420 for the Falcata, making this one of the priciest peripherals I've ever tested.

I'd be lying if I said the Falcata hasn't won me over, though. Almost no one will actually go out and buy this wireless gaming keyboard for themself, but there will undoubtedly be those drawn to this fascinating form factor and insane performance. The ROG Falcata is unlike any other keyboard I've reviewed, for better or worse.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by ASUS. ASUS had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

My first split keyboard experience

Split keyboards aren't a novel concept, being an alternative approach to the ergonomic keyboards that plenty of people swear by. The idea is to be able to position each half of the keyboard to line up with how your hands naturally rest, making typing and gaming more comfortable over long periods of time.

Honestly, it does take some time to get used to an ergonomic keyboard, let alone a split keyboard — but the benefits are real. The ROG Falcata honestly does feel more natural to use than more traditional keyboards, but this ASUS board takes things a lot further than even other split keyboards.

For one, all the Falcata's most important components are on the left side of the board, so you can only use that for gaming (giving you the WASD keys and important shortcuts) for a significantly more compact setup. When you need both halves, a simple USB-C cable connects them; it's a slightly awkward design, but it works well.

Most ergonomic and split keyboards are also productivity-focused, and even the premium offerings tend to heavily compromise on performance. The ROG Falcata takes things to extremes with truly phenomenal gaming and typing performance, as well as a list of features too long to fully break down.

Hall Effect magnetic switches with adjustable actuation and advanced customization? Check. Support for an industry-leading 8,000Hz polling rate in both wired and wireless modes? Check. Bluetooth support for true multi-device connectivity? Check. Beautiful per-key RGB lighting and intuitive, multi-function, customizable shortcuts? Check. Detachable silicon wrist rests? Check.

On paper and in person, the ASUS ROG Falcata checks every single box for an ultra-premium wireless gaming keyboard. It's clear ASUS also put a lot of thought into how to make this split, 75% layout make sense.

Brilliant, but far too expensive for most

The ROG Falcata sold me on the appeal of a split gaming keyboard, but this keyboard has to nail everything to come close to justifying its price tag. I already mentioned the impeccable performance, but the simple feel of typing is just as brilliant.

The ASUS ROG Falcata's magnetic switches are responsive and precise, and the four-layer sound dampening helps deliver warm, gentle, and pleasant typing acoustics up there with the absolute best keyboards I've used. ASUS deserves some praise for that, at the very least.

Build quality is top-notch, and there's plenty of accessories included in the box to add further value, too. No part of the ROG Falcata made me think "this is simply not good enough for such a luxury product."

That doesn't mean there aren't some oddities. The silicon wrist rests are attached to bulky metal plates that you actually need to screw into the bottom of the keyboard (so they're not easily removed), and there's no built-in kickstand to adjust the angle or height — you instead have to attach these odd, spherical feet that come in the box. It just feels more awkward than it probably needed to be.

Overall, though, there's little to complain about. Battery life is impressive for a high-performance, RGB-lit wireless keyboard, and ASUS Gear Link is a fairly intuitive and responsive web-based app for diving into the Falcata's extensive list of software options and features. The multi-function wheel and button are also excellent, once you learn what each mode does.

I still never forgot that the ROG Falcata retails for $420, though.

ROG Falcata review: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if ...

• You want an ergonomic keyboard with serious gaming performance.
• You see value in being able to just use the left side of your keyboard.
• You want a truly luxurious, feature-packed gaming keyboard.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You understandably have no interest in spending so much on a keyboard.
• You're not interested in an ergonomic, split keyboard design.

When I reviewed the ASUS ROG Azoth X, I also criticized its high $300 price tag and the various oddities that came along with it, but that was a "normal" keyboard. The ROG Falcata is nearly 50% more expensive, but it offers something basically no other keyboard around does.

It's not just one of the most premium keyboards I've ever used in terms of features, performance, and typing experience — it's also one of the most versatile, thanks to the unique split keyboard design we don't often see cross over into the PC gaming world.

The ASUS ROG Falcata is honestly amazing, but there's a catch — most people simply don't want or need this, especially when it costs so much. It's absolutely a hyper-niche keyboard with plenty of its own bizarre characteristics, but I'm genuinely so happy that it exists. If you know this could be the keyboard for you, the ASUS ROG Falcata can be yours for $419.99 at BestBuy.com.

I've used a lot of different keyboards lately, and they've all tried to impress me in different ways. For this latest from HyperX, it's all about offering a premium, wireless gaming experience in a package more customizable than most.

Hot swappable switches, replaceable keycaps, a magnetic frame and badge, per-key and frame RGB lighting — you can make the HyperX Alloy Rise 75 Wireless your own, and trust that there will always be a great, feature-packed keyboard at the core. That's the idea, anyway.

In my testing, though, the Alloy Rise 75 Wireless doesn't always compare favorably to others in the same price range, especially with some oddities and instabilities that you don't expect from a premium product. This keyboard has been out for a while, though, so you can often find it for much less than its original retail price — a fact directly responsible for it earning a slightly more positive recommendation from me.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by HP. HP and HyperX had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

A flexible design packed with features

As much as I personally value a tenkey number pad, I've grown rather fond of the popular 75% keyboard layout.

The HyperX Alloy Rise 75 Wireless is a good jab at the form factor, too, but it's not my favorite; it's missing the "Del" and right "Ctrl" keys, for one, and you still get the shortened right "Shift." You do get an F13 key in the function row, though, which some people will undoubtedly value.

Layout aside, this is a gasket-mounted design constructed mostly of plastic, with an aluminum top frame that is actually connected via magnets. You can pull it off to expose the screws holding the keyboard together, and swap it out for a different color. There's also a small metal badge on the right side of the keyboard that can be swapped out for a variety of designs, with HyperX selling badge packs for $24.99 at HyperX.com.

Combine that with the ability to swap out the switches and double-shot PBT keycaps, as well as the per-key RGB lighting and RGB light strips on either side, and the HyperX Alloy Rise 75 Wireless feels more customizable than your average keyboard, even if the base keyboard only comes in standard black.

Being a premium keyboard, customization isn't the only thing the Alloy Rise 75 Wireless has up its sleeves. You get multi-device connectivity across HyperX's 2.4GHz, three Bluetooth profiles, and the USB Type-C port, a customizable dial, and even an ambient light sensor that can dynamically adjust the RGB backlighting to match your surroundings (you don't see that often).

Battery life is surprisingly good when off the cable, too, getting up to 80 hours of usage even with RGB lighting enabled. The features, design, and build quality are there for the price, but what's it like actually using this keyboard?

Software and firmware that's rough around the edges

Simply setting up the HyperX Alloy Rise 75 Wireless was a chore, and Windows Dynamic Lighting is to blame... Sort of. I had already disabled it, but it was re-enabled when this keyboard was connected — and only affected this keyboard, not any of my other RGB-lit accessories or peripherals.

Until I found the culprit, the Alloy Rise 75 Wireless simply didn't work correctly. Half the built-in keyboard shortcuts didn't work (and if they did, they gave no indication like they normally would), and none of my changes in HyperX's NGENUITY software would apply properly. I'm not the only person (or even reviewer) to encounter similar issues, too.

Once I disabled Windows Dynamic Lighting again and completely reset the keyboard and software, and reinstalled all firmware and software updates, the Alloy Rise 75 Wireless finally worked properly. Well, except for the RGB lighting occasionally turning itself off until I turned the keyboard off and on again. Oh, and the handful of times the keyboard also disconnected from my computer entirely, until I turned it off and on.

The HyperX Alloy Rise 75 Wireless isn't new, either; it's enjoyed a full year of support, and it was still one of the more inconsistent keyboards I've used recently. Tally up every issue, though, and they took up less than 1% of my time using the keyboard, so I wouldn't go so far as to call it broken or even deeply flawed.

The rest of the time, the Alloy Rise 75 Wireless has been great, with excellent performance and typing ergonomics. The acoustics are a little on the sharp and metallic side, though, and other keyboards in the $200+ price range simply feel better — so it's a good thing for the Alloy Rise 75 Wireless that it doesn't really cost $200+ anymore, which helps smooth over all of this.

Alloy Rise 75 Wireless review: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if ...

• You want a full-featured, premium, wireless 75% gaming keyboard.
• You'll actually take advantage of the increase customizability.
• You find this keyboard on sale for much less than its retail price.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• Small issues wear on your patience very quickly.
• You love creamy typing acoustics, like the best enthusiast keyboards.

The HyperX Alloy Rise 75 Wireless was released for $230, forcing it to compete with some of the best and highest-rated wireless gaming keyboards on the market. At that price, it'd be tough to recommend given how important consistency and stability are with a high-performance gaming accessory.

This keyboard doesn't really cost that much anymore, though. Whether you look at BestBuy.com or at Amazon.com, the Alloy Rise 75 Wireless normally goes for $130-140. That's much more palatable, and honestly makes this keyboard an excellent deal for those who want a premium peripheral without paying a premium price.

It won't go down in history as one of my favorite gaming keyboards, but the HyperX Alloy Rise 75 Wireless is a good option when on sale, delivering a ton of features, better-than-average customization, and a really nice overall typing and gaming experience. Just be prepared for some occasional oddities, though, which will remind you why I reviewed this keyboard more favorably, because its price has fallen.

When it comes to gaming keyboards, a lot of the better, high-end pieces will set you back more than any video game ever will. Even if you somehow ended up buying something like GTA VI for $100, many of these wind up at the price points of $200 or higher.

That's where the NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL comes in at the regular price of $129.99, but it's just $49.99 at the moment! An insane deal for a keyboard I reviewed earlier this year that I had nothing but praise for.

Even this week's price, if you missed the Monday deal, is an insane value at $69.99. I can't believe you can get this keyboard for that price.

Is the NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL worth it?

The NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL was one of the most surprising keyboards I've used, coming in with hall effect switches, 8KHz polling, and all the bells and whistles of top-end gaming software to bring the best functionality of your keyboard to your fingertips.

Seeing the keyboard at this price doesn't make any sense. From time to time, writers can post about a deal they think is decent and give you multiple reasons as to why you should buy it. For me, this deal is literally that shocking.

If it weren't for the fact that I recently picked up a Razer Huntsman V3 Pro 8KHz, I'd still be using the Elite MiniTKL. The Razer is just a little bit better, but for a whopping $200 more.

As for gaming features, I already mentioned the 8KHz polling rate. What I didn't mention was the customizable actuation from 0.6mm to 4.0mm. Nor did I mention the Rapid Trigger and Snap Tap addons available in the NZXT software.

These three addons alone are game-changing for any serious gamer looking to take their game to the next level. Rapid trigger is one of those things that brings a level of responsiveness most players didn't know they needed beforehand.

I don't want to forget how well the NZXT Elite feels when typing. As I called it in my review, "you'll feel like you're typing into a cloud of pure softness," and I still stand by that. It's one of the most pleasant experiences to type on.

I even went on to say, "Every keystroke felt like some sort of fidget device that calmed my soul. I know this all sounds like gushing, overly colorful language with no real substance, but I need to emphasize the delight and dreaminess of the keyboard strokes in full."

Long story short, you're missing out on this keyboard if you're in the market for a top-end gaming device and don't have the funding to splurge on some of the $200 devices out there today. At an original MSRP of $200, the NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL is my top pick for any gamer looking to pick up something new on a budget.

FAQs

More Cyber Monday 2025 - quick links

• All our TOP recommended Cyber Monday deals: Just the best
• Mini PC deals: up to 47% off tiny PCs
• GPU deals: early price drops on NVIDIA RTX before they go up
• Microsoft Surface deals: save up to $500 on premium PCs
• Xbox accessories: best deals on gadgets for your Xbox Series X|S and PC
• Gaming laptop deals: the best laptops for the best price
• Xbox controllers: our top picks for best controller deals
• ANC headphones: great Cyber Monday deals on the best ANC headphones
  
  Even more Cyber Monday deals:
• Dell deals: 13 deals from Dell.com that you shouldn't miss
• Best Buy: 34 hottest discounts on laptops, monitors, gaming, and more
• Walmart: 7 top laptop deals you shouldn't miss
• Samsung monitors: the best Samsung display deals we've found
• Retro gaming: handhelds, arcade machines, old school consoles, and more
• Gamer merch: Blizzard’s Warcraft, Overwatch, and Diablo IV collectibles
• Game keys: 10 PC game codes are even cheaper at Loaded (formerly CDKeys)
• Accessories: Even more PC accessories starting at $17

Once upon a time, there was a moment when it wasn't Cyber Monday — but it was Amazon's big event in this particular example. Yes, I bought Logitech's highest-rated wireless keyboard in July 2019 because my wife needed something for her TV-connected PC, and boy, do I feel smart for buying the $23.99 Logitech K400 Plus from Amazon.

This thing must be nigh-on indestructible (hyperbole, do not take seriously), because it has survived countless drops from the sofa and even splashes of Diet Coke. Indeed, she's played World of Warcraft for hours with interspersed breaks of Stardew Valley — or was that Sun Haven? I don't know — and it's still going strong, albeit with faded keys. It's the most convenient keyboard you could buy.

Is the Logitech K400 Plus a good keyboard?

Absolutely, it is. I doubt I'm making any revelations when I say that Logitech manufactures great keyboards (and mice) — anyone who has stood near a computer has undoubtedly noticed its peripherals and how long they last. Still, I wouldn't blame anyone looking for the best Cyber Monday keyboard deals for overlooking this deceptively simple option.

The keys seem a little shallow — because they are — but not to a point that typing feels subpar. On the contrary, I've used the K400 Plus in a pinch with a few keyboard-less devices like my Surface Pro X and typed out entire articles with the thing.

It's a capable little unit, and the touchpad offers surprisingly unique functionality with a separate, yellow, 'left-click' button mounted in the top-left of the chassis. It works better than you might think; I hold the whole keyboard like an oversized Xbox controller, my right thumb on the touchpad and my left thumb on the yellow button. Nifty.

Now, to be transparent, we are using a couple of Duracell AAA batteries in this keyboard right now, but that's only because I bagged a similar bulk-buy bargain on these coppertops years ago.

However, you do not need high-end alkaline batteries to keep this keyboard going for months. I know for a fact that I replaced Logitech's included batteries, and any brand works fine. Of course, if you're a Duracell fan, you can still pick up a 10-pack for $8.48 with similar Cyber Monday battery deals.

FAQs

Cyber Monday 2025 — Quick links

• All our TOP recommended Cyber Monday deals: Just the best
• Mini PC deals: up to 47% off tiny PCs
• GPU deals: early price drops on NVIDIA RTX before they go up
• Microsoft Surface deals: save up to $500 on premium PCs
• Xbox accessories: best deals on gadgets for your Xbox Series X|S and PC
• Gaming laptop deals: the best laptops for the best price
• Xbox controllers: our top picks for best controller deals
• ANC headphones: great Cyber Monday deals on the best ANC headphones
  
  Even more Cyber Monday deals:
• Dell deals: 13 deals from Dell.com that you shouldn't miss
• Best Buy: 34 hottest discounts on laptops, monitors, gaming, and more
• Walmart: 7 top laptop deals you shouldn't miss
• Samsung monitors: the best Samsung display deals we've found
• Retro gaming: handhelds, arcade machines, old school consoles, and more
• Gamer merch: Blizzard’s Warcraft, Overwatch, and Diablo IV collectibles
• Game keys: 10 PC game codes are even cheaper at Loaded (formerly CDKeys)
• Accessories: Even more PC accessories starting at $17

Black Friday sales are already live, and one deal slashes 48% off the best ergonomic keyboard you can buy. In the UK, the Logitech K860 Ergonomic Keyboard has dropped to £59.99, saving you £55.

I've used the Logitech K860 for years, and I recommend it to any of my colleagues who write for work. It's comfortable, reliable, and has held up well to real-world use.

In the world of tech, it's tempting to look at new gadgets exclusively. Generally speaking, I wouldn't recommend a piece of hardware that came out five years ago, but the Logitech K860 is an exception.

Despite debuting in 2020, it remains one of the best ergonomic keyboards on the market. I've recommended it for so long that I almost assume people know how great the Logitech K860 is.

I purchased my own in 2022 as a Christmas gift to myself. I've since typed over one million words on it. The keyboard has held up well over that time and its keys still feel responsive. If I split time between my home office and somewhere else, I would absolutely grab a second Logitech K860 through the current deal.

While I love my Logitech K860, there are some aspects of it you may dislike. The keyboard lacks backlighting. I use mine at a well-lit desk, so that's not a factor for me. The keyboard also requires a pair of AAA batteries, which isn't that much of a hassle but is a bit of a bummer in 2025.

It's easy to recommend the Logitech K860, especially when it drops below half price. If you love ergonomic accessories, you should also check out the Logitech MX Vertical mouse, which is currently 55% off in the UK.

FAQ

More Black Friday 2025 - quick links

• The very best Black Friday deals from all categories
• Mini PC deals: up to 47% off tiny PCs
• GPU deals: early price drops on NVIDIA RTX before they go up
• Microsoft Surface deals: save up to $500 on premium PCs
• Xbox accessories: best deals on gadgets for your Xbox Series X|S and PC
• Gaming laptop deals: the best laptops for the best price
• Xbox controllers: our top picks for best controller deals
• Samsung monitors: the best Samsung display deals we've found

Millions of people use Logitech products every time they sit down at their computer, be it their webcam, headset, mouse, keyboard, or any other accessory. Logitech has built up a reputation for offering consistently great and smartly designed products.

It's a reputation so solid, actually, that the Logitech Pebble Keys 2 (K380s) has been one of our top-rated keyboards for ages, even without a full, in-depth review. I know many people need more before they make a final purchasing decision, though, so I've been using the Pebble Keys 2 for a few weeks now to get a feel for this affordable board.

After a whole lot of typing, I'm very comfortable calling this the best all-around wireless productivity keyboard for less than $50. Those looking for a reliable, affordable, and compact keyboard for working on the go should look no further than the Logitech Pebble Keys 2 (K380s).

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by Logitech. Logitech had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

Too pretty for the price, but not always practical

The Logitech Pebble Keys 2 doesn't quite look like most keyboards with which you'll be familiar, and the reason is in the name: pebble keys. Rather than traditional square or squircle keys, this keyboard goes all-in on circles.

The Pebble Keys 2 is all curves, a slim and light low-profile board swimming in charisma. It caps out at 16mm and weighs a good chunk less than half a kilogram (even with batteries installed). This is a compact design that can easily slip into any bag and won't look out of place on any surface.

Those circular keys add a lot of character in each of the three colorways, too, but not everyone will love them and the odd spacing they cause. If you're used to more traditional keyboard designs, it may take some time to adjust to typing on the Pebble Keys 2.

This low-profile design also doesn't include adjustable stands, so you'll have to content yourself with the single, static angle for typing.

When it comes to build quality, the Pebble Keys 2 is rock solid for the price, but it won't fool you into believing it actually costs $100 instead of $40. It's constructed entirely of plastic, and there is some flexing and creaking if you go looking for it. When actually using the keyboard, though, the Pebble Keys 2 never felt cheap under my fingers.

All the features you expect and more for only $40

Assuming you can acclimate to the circular keys, the Logitech Pebble Keys 2 performs wonderfully as a keyboard. The low-profile switches are responsive and consistent, with a near-silent action for those who want to work quietly.

All the qualities of a great keyboard are here, and the Pebble Keys 2 can boast other features and refinements not guaranteed at this price point, such as smartly chosen function key shortcuts (my personal favorite is a dedicated shortcut to open the Emoji panel).

This keyboard also supports Logitech's intuitive, reliable Logi Options+ software on macOS and Windows; you don't get a ton of software features here, but you can reprogram the function row shortcuts and create custom profiles for different applications.

You also get wireless Bluetooth support across Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS platforms, with three profiles you can quickly switch between. I was really impressed by the wireless performance, too, with quick pairing and connecting, no errant disconnects or lag, and a happy lack of annoying double-typing often seen with cheaper Bluetooth keyboards.

Even more impressive is the battery life. Yes, the Pebble Keys 2 does rely on AAA batteries, but I've been using this keyboard for weeks, and the battery level hasn't even noticeably dipped. You could potentially get years of use out of this keyboard before ever worrying about replacing the batteries.

Part of how Logitech pulled such astounding endurance off, though, is by not offering keyboard backlighting, so the Pebble Keys 2 can be slightly inconvenient to use in darker environments.

Logitech Pebble Keys 2 review: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if ...

• You want an affordable but capable wireless keyboard for multiple devices.
• You care about aesthetics and like those circular keys.
• Countless months of battery life is a huge boon for you.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You need keyboard backlighting.
• You'd rather a more traditional keyboard design.

I've placed countless keyboards on my desk, many boasting elaborate designs, extensive feature sets, and intimidating prices. Despite such a dramatic history with these peripherals, the Logitech Pebble Keys 2 (K380s) has coolly secured a place in my reviewer's heart.

This keyboard is cheap and cheerful, with a fun design and a modest list of features, but it's also a damn good keyboard for the price. The typing experience is consistent, the performance is flawless, the battery life is truly exceptional, and it's all in an affordable package that you'll hardly notice in your bag.

If you're looking to spend less than $50 and want a versatile, portable, and attractive keyboard for your setup, save yourself some time and get the Logitech Pebble Keys 2 (K380s) for $39.99 at Amazon.com or $39.99 at BestBuy.com. For just one pair of Hamiltons, you won't be disappointed.

Keychron has become a part of my regular keyboard rotation, and I've been impressed with the company's diverse family of thoughtfully designed, enthusiast-focused keyboards. Now, Keychron's most ambitious board yet has found its way to my desk, and it's definitely interesting.

This is the Keychron Q16 HE 8K, and Keychron calls it the "world's first fully ceramic keyboard." There's no visible aluminum or PBT plastic here — body and keys, the Q16 HE 8K is entirely coated in ceramic, and the result is striking. Under the hood, the Q16 HE 8K is just as impressive with the latest and greatest technology Keychron can muster.

So, what's preventing this keyboard from being a total slam dunk? Well, it's because ceramic probably isn't a great material to use for a keyboard in the first place. As cool as the Keychron Q16 HE 8K is, I wouldn't easily recommend it to any but the most fashion-conscious keyboard enthusiasts.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by Keychron. Keychron had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

A beautiful but divisive ceramic design

Keychron is no stranger to designing attractive keyboards, but the Q16 HE 8K's all-ceramic design firmly stands on its own. For better or worse, there's no other keyboard quite like this — and there's a bit of both going on.

This is a 65% keyboard. I'll be the first to lament that you give up too much with a 65% layout, and that TKL and 75% keyboards are best, but Keychron always does a great job with spacing, key sizes, and placement. This is as good as the 65% layout gets.

The ceramic design is also striking. Whichever color you choose, the Q16 HE 8K does skew more toward "work of art" than your average keyboard, especially when it has been untouched by filthy human hands. Alas, keyboards are tools, and that's where matters begin to fall apart.

At a glance, the Q16 HE 8K is everything a great keyboard needs to be, but the ceramic material has four major side effects. First, this keyboard is heavy. At over 1,000g, it weighs slightly more than the larger Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% I reviewed — and that premium keyboard has an internal battery and a wrist rest.

Points two and three relate to the keys, which are both slick and insistent on stubbornly clinging to every single smudge and fingerprint. The feel of the Q16 HE 8K's keys is less pleasant and comfortable than other keyboards, and attempting to keep this keyboard clean enough to actually admire its beautiful design is a frustrating exercise in futility.

Finally, there's a real reason to be concerned about durability. Ceramic isn't necessarily fragile, but you do have to baby the Q16 HE 8K to avoid chipping. In fact, my space bar came chipped out of the box, which was sealed and very securely packed in its shipping box.

Form reigns supreme over function with this keyboard's design, but Keychron absolutely didn't cut corners on what's packed inside.

Truly impressive internals... that are heading to other keyboards

The Q16 HE 8K debuts Keychron's new custom "Ultra-Fast Lime" switches, which utilize Tunneling Magnetoresistance (TMR) magnetic sensors to deliver unparalleled precision, reliability, and responsiveness — even compared to Keychron's previous magnetic keyboards, which use the more common Hall Effect technology.

Like other magnetic keyboards, the Q16 HE 8K boasts an adjustable actuation point and features like rapid trigger (registering a press the moment a key is depressed), last-key prioritization (always instantly registering the latest key to be pressed), multi-stage assignments (being able to use multiple shortcuts with a single key press), and more.

Aside from the general improvements of TMR versus Hall Effect, though, the Q16 HE 8K also lays claim to a seriously impressive 8,000Hz maximum polling rate — just like the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro 8K we recently reviewed. This may not be positioned as a gaming keyboard, but almost nothing else on the market can brag about this level of sheer performance.

Typing on the Keychron Q16 HE 8K is wonderfully responsive and consistent, and it's just as good as the best gaming keyboards for staying competitive in the most demanding games. If this keyboard's typing experience has one weakness, it's that it's loud; the typing acoustics may be beautifully "thonky," but everyone in the same area code as you may not be as appreciative.

Keychron also makes a lot of keyboards for enthusiasts, and while the Q16 HE 8K does fall in the same category with its hot-swappable switches and key caps (and included tools in the box), it's definitely not as friendly to hardcore keyboard fanatics. The Q16 HE 8K only supports a very small list of Keychron-approved magnetic switches, and accessing its internals requires removing the non-adjustable rubber feet to reach the screws hidden beneath.

Keychron Q16 HE 8K: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if ...

• You're looking for an artistic keyboard that makes a statement.
• You can actually make use of these advanced features and performance.
• You can accept a high price tag when it's in the name of luxury.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You need a keyboard that can take some hits and stay clean doing it.
• You care a lot more about features than you do aesthetics.

Previously, Keychron has seriously impressed me with its keyboards — and I have a strong feeling it'll continue to do so moving forward. On the surface, the Q16 HE 8K should be another unreserved victory for Keychron. Many of the best qualities for a top-notch enthusiast-grade keyboard are reflected here, after all, combined with a truly ridiculous level of performance.

On so many fronts, the Q16 HE 8K does justify costing $229.99 at Keychron.com (or, depending on when you read this review, on Kickstarter), even being completely dependent on a wire. This keyboard's greatest differentiator is also its most potent weakness, though; "ceramic" looks great in a headline, but I'm far from convinced that it's a great material for a keyboard that anyone is supposed to actually use.

That's why I'm so excited to get my hands on the upcoming Keychron Q3 HE 8K that you can see for $229.99 at Keychron, part of a new series from the company that pairs the incredible internals of the Q16 HE 8K with a more traditional aluminum and double-shot PBT design. Unless you're genuinely interested in the Q16 HE 8K's ceramic design, I'd recommend staying your hand and waiting for my thoughts on the Q3 HE 8K, too.

Low-profile keyboards can be a great option for PC gaming as many of them feature space-saving, compact designs, wireless connectivity, and high-performance rates.

One of the best examples of these keyboards in the mid-range space is Logitech's G515 Lightspeed TKL wireless keyboard, which is now on sale for a 31% discount at Newegg, reducing its MSRP from $159.99 to $109.99.

Newegg is also giving away a discount code to bring that price down further by $15 if you type in 'GTE23665' at checkout.

Why should you buy this low-profile keyboard?

The Logitech G515 Lightspeed may not be as refined as Logitech's newer products like the Logitech G515 Rapid, but it's still an exceptional gaming keyboard worth the price for players looking to upgrade their PC gaming experience for a mid-range price.

It has a simple and clean design that's easy on the wrist and a pleasure to type on, thanks to its shallower keycaps sporting a 1.mm actuation distance and 3.2mm travel distance.

The Logitech G515 Lightspeed's linear and tactile switches have a solid performance when reading your inputs, whether it's general typing or hardcore gaming while in Game Mode.

This stellar performance even carries over while it's being used wirelessly, ensuring that you will not suffer any lag, latency, or missed inputs during gameplay.

On a side note, this keyboard features RGB lighting to make its minimalist design pop in the dark, which you can customize through the Logitech G Hub software hub.

All in all, it's a great low-profile gaming keyboard that will meet your gaming needs while saving you tons of money in the process compared to its premium brethren like the Logitech G915 Lightspeed TKL keyboard.

Plus, with this special 31% offer, reducing its MSRP from $159.99 to $109.99 at Newegg, or even $94.99 if you use Newegg's 'GTE23665' promo code at checkout, it's now more affordable than ever, making it the perfect Halloween Trick-or-Treat present for PC gamers.

FAQ

Corsair makes some of the best gaming keyboards; that much is clear after using all of the brand's keyboards over the last four years. But with the likes of Keychron dominating mechanical keyboards thanks to its value-focused products and gasket-mounted designs, and a wave of Chinese brands rolling out budget hall effect keyboards — like the Syntech Chronos 68 I tested recently — it's evident that Corsair needed to switch up its strategy.

It managed to do just that; the acquisition of Drop allowed Corsair to overhaul its keyboards, and the K65 and K70 showcased what's possible. The Vanguard Pro 96 is the natural evolution of this journey, with the keyboard offering Corsair's custom hall effect magnetic switches, a slate of gaming features, and all the extras that are limited to DIY boards. So, is it any good? I used the Vanguard Pro 96 for a month, and I think this is the best Corsair keyboard yet.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by Corsair. The company had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

Corsair Vanguard Pro 96: Pricing and availability

Corsair introduced the Vanguard Pro 96 on September 25, and the keyboard is now on sale globally. It costs $229 on Amazon in the U.S., £209 in the U.K., and the equivalent of $229 in other global markets. As of writing, the keyboard comes in a standard black model, and Corsair may roll out additional colors later on. Similar to other keyboards, the Vanguard Pro 96 gets a standard two-year warranty.

Corsair Vanguard Pro 96: What I like

Corsair's keyboards have evolved quite a bit over the years; I still like the K100 and K100 Air, but they look archaic next to the ever-shifting designs in this category, so it's good to see the brand overhauling its aesthetic. The Vanguard Pro 96 looks similar to the K65 and K70, and Corsair did a decent job stuffing a 96% layout into a chassis that isn't much bigger than your usual TKL keyboard.

Basically, you get a dedicated number pad as well as the navigation cluster, so you're not really missing out on a traditional full-size board. The overall aesthetic immediately screams gaming keyboard, and the build quality is great. The keyboard has an aluminum frame around a plastic body, and while it isn't as heavy as the Keychron Q1 Pro or other boutique brands, it still has a decent amount of heft. It stays planted on a desk, and I didn't notice any issues with the build in the month I used the board.

Interestingly, Corsair added six macro keys to the left side of the chassis, giving you added customizability without taking up much any room. I also like that there's a rotary knob that you can use to adjust the volume; the aluminum knob has a good texture and tactility, and it doubles as a way to interact with the menu.

Another new feature is the built-in LCD panel; the keyboard gets a 1.9-inch panel with 320 x 170 resolution, and it serves as a visual indicator to see settings that are currently active. You can also add your own imagery to the panel, which is pretty good. Corsair includes a magnetic wrist rest with the board, and while it isn't as good as aftermarket options, it's good to see that you get one in the box.

The key selling point of the Vanguard Pro 96 is the Corsair MGX V2 hall effect switch. It has linear actuation and is even pre-lubed at the factory — something that you usually only see with boutique brands or Glorious. The switch has 35gf actuation and 4.0mm travel, but the best part is that you can adjust the actuation point, going from 4.0mm all the way down to 0.1mm.

Just like other hall effect switches, you get the ability to set dual actuation on the same key, and while it takes a while to get used to the feature, it's an instant differentiator while gaming. The MGX V2 switch is easily the best the brand has delivered yet, and it has smooth actuation and is terrific while gaming.

In fact, the board sounds much better than its siblings, with Corsair noting that it used several foam layers to deliver better acoustics. It isn't something I usually look for in a gaming keyboard, but it genuinely makes a difference and makes the Vanguard Pro 96 stand out from its rivals.

Other niceties include 8,000Hz polling and the ability to swap out switches. This has been a point of contention with earlier Corsair boards, so it's good to see that it isn't an issue here; if you want to use any other magnetic switches, you can do so with ease.

The keyboard gets PBT double-shot keys, and I like that the legends are shine-through, which allows the RGB lighting to diffuse to a greater degree. On that note, the Vanguard gets bright LEDs, and you get a good amount of customizability when it comes to lighting effects.

Corsair Vanguard Pro 96: What I don't like

Corsair got its iCUE software to a point where it's actually good to use, so it is puzzling to see that the Vanguard Pro 96 doesn't use that — it has a web driver instead. Annoyingly, Corsair built out its own solution called Web Hub instead of using the industry-standard VIA, and the result is needless fragmentation.

The web driver is clunky to use, and I had issues while tweaking settings and macros. Thankfully, Corsair has indicated that it will add Vanguard Pro 96 integration into its standard iCUE suite, and that should be available via an update.

The only other issue I have with the keyboard is the location of the USB-C cable. It's tucked into the chassis at the back, and it prevents me from using my coiled keyboard cable. Corsair bundles a USB-C cable in the box, but I like using my custom CableMod keyboard cable, and not being able to use that with the Vanguard Pro 96 is annoying.

Corsair Vanguard Pro 96: The alternatives

I'm partial to Keychron, and its Lemokey gaming sub-brand's L5 HE is a terrific alternative. It has an aluminum body, has magnetic switches with adjustable actuation, and is built like a tank. You miss out on a control panel and macro keys, but if you don't need those and just want a high-end keyboard, the L5 HE is a standout choice.

Corsair Vanguard Pro 96: Should you buy it?

✅You should buy this if ...

• You want a high-end gaming keyboard
• You need fast magnetic switches
• You want near-instantaneous key triggers

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You need reliable software

Overall, there's no doubt that the Vanguard Pro 96 is the best keyboard yet from Corsair. The brand's hall effect switch is terrific, and it is at its best while gaming. You get all the extras that you need in a gaming keyboard, including vibrant RGB lighting, dedicated macro keys, and a control panel.

It's just as good in daily use as gaming, and I'm glad to see the brand evolving in line with the mech keyboard category as a whole. It's costlier than most boutique brands, but you get a great feature set and plenty of reliability, and what is arguably one of the best gaming-focused magnetic switches yet.

Not too long ago, I reviewed the Logitech G515 LIGHTSPEED TKL, a unique low-profile wireless gaming keyboard with enough personality to win me over. Now, Logitech is expanding the G515 family with a new member: the RAPID TKL.

The RAPID TKL is more expensive thanks to its magnetic analog switches and a healthy list of new features, but it loses any ability to connect to your devices wirelessly in exchange. It's an interesting peripheral with a standout design.

I've been using the Logitech G515 RAPID TKL for a couple of weeks now, and my overall feelings on this keyboard are largely similar to its wireless sibling. It's a solid addition to the Logitech G family, but the G515 RAPID TKL isn't turning the world on its head by any means.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by Logitech. Logitech had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

A familiar design with some new tricks

I don't blame Logitech for re-using the G515 design once again. This tenkeyless layout is comfortable and clean, and the two-tone, low-profile chassis looks great in any setup.

Put the G515 RAPID TKL next to the G515 LIGHTSPEED TKL, and the uninitiated would struggle to accurately tell the difference. This is the more expensive keyboard in the lineup, though, and it does feel slightly more premium than the LIGHTSPEED variant I previously reviewed.

Everything just feels a little more tightly put together, and I enjoy the subtle details like the WASD keys being a different hue. Considering the RAPID TKL costs $10 more than the wireless LIGHTSPEED version, though, there's obviously more going on underneath the hood.

So, what are you trading wireless connectivity and an extra $10 for? Logitech's low-profile, magnetic analog switches, which use a similar technology as Hall Effect thumbsticks in controllers. Unlike mechanical switches with a set actuation point, these magnetic analog switches can detect input across their entire range of motion.

They're supposedly more precise and durable, but magnetic analog switches also allow for adjustable actuation, and the G515 RAPID TKL can handle 0.1mm intervals. You also get rapid trigger (key presses are registered the moment you begin pressing) and keystroke priorities.

Most people won't need these features, but competitive gamers that demand the absolute best performance from their keyboard can find a ton of value in magnetic analog switches and the features they bring to the table.

Logitech G Hub also gives you more software customization features, like various RGB lighting effects, the ability to assign up to two unique shortcuts per key, customizable onboard profiles, and more. It's a good experience, especially for gaming.

Great for gaming, not my favorite for typing

It's clear what Logitech's goal with the G515 RAPID TKL was: make a high-performance, low-profile gaming keyboard. That's it. To that end, Logitech very much succeeded. A tried-and-true design with new magnetic analog switches tackles that goal with much aplomb.

When gaming, the G515 is unerringly consistent and responsive, and it offers a degree of adjustability that hardcore gamers relish. This keyboard also demands that you want a low-profile keyboard specifically, though, and this form factor can't take full advantage of its magnetic switches.

Shallow travel and a low actuation force (the point is adjustable) diminish the G515 RAPID TKL's merits as a keyboard for typing, at least as far as I'm concerned. This keyboard just feels soft across the board, and that's worth noting when most gamers are also using their PCs for work, school, creativity, and a whole lot of other things that aren't strictly gaming.

Logitech's pricing for the G515 RAPID TKL also puts it within striking distance of something undeniably more premium, like the Razer BlackWidow V4 Low-Profile HyperSpeed I reviewed. That keyboard can't boast the adjustable actuation features of the G515 RAPID TKL, but as an overall package it delivers more (and it's wireless, which helps justify its added cost).

G515 RAPID TKL review: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if ...

• You want a low-profile keyboard with adjustable actuation features.
• You don't mind being connected by a wire.
• You like the two-tone design of the Logitech G515 family.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You need a wireless keyboard.
• You're looking for an undeniably great value.

I really enjoyed my time with the Logitech G515 LIGHTSPEED, but it didn't exactly blow me away. I feel the same about the G515 RAPID TKL, which pretty directly trades the versatility of wireless connectivity for the performance of magnetic switches (and a few extra bucks).

If you understand the value of magnetic switches and the features they enable, like adjustable actuation, and you're looking for a sleek low-profile keyboard that won't hoard your precious desk real estate, then the G515 RAPID TKL is an excellent option. It's not what I'd consider affordable, but this is a quality product.

If you'd rather have full-sized keys, though, I'd sooner suggest something like the Keychron K8 HE I reviewed, which is a better overall value in my opinion. That being said, I really like the Logitech G515 RAPID TKL gaming keyboard, and it does earn my recommendation as an attractive and performant low-profile option for the competitive PC gamer.

If you're interested, you can pick up the Logitech G515 RAPID TKL for $169.99 at BestBuy.com in both black and white colorways.

The latest trend in mechanical keyboards is hall effect switches; these switches rely on magnets instead of conventional pins to make contact with the keyboard, and they come with a distinct advantage: the ability to customize the actuation point.

Doing so has inherent benefits to gaming, as you don't have to press a key all the way down to trigger the keystroke. Keychron, Glorious, and other DIY keyboard brands have plenty of products in this category, and even the likes of Corsair are getting started with HE boards.

Syntech is a new brand that's looking to get in on the action. It is the latest in a long line of Chinese manufacturers that have burst onto the scene in recent years, and like most of its rivals, Syntech is catering to keyboard enthusiasts.

How much does the Syntech Chronos 68 cost?

Syntech is best-known for its handheld console and Meta Quest VR accessories, and the Chronos 68 sees its debut in the world of mechanical keyboards. The Chronos 68 is a 65% keyboard with 68 keys in total, and it is on the smaller end of the scale as these products go. The keyboard costs $139, and it is available in white and black models.

I'm using the white version of the keyboard, and it comes with yellow accents that livens up the design a little. The smaller size means it easily fits on a desk without taking up too much room, and the frame itself is made out of aluminum. Even then, the keyboard isn't particularly heavy at 850g, and it stays planted on a desk thanks to the heft, and the four rubber feet at the bottom ensure it doesn't move around.

Like other keyboards in this category, the Chronos 68 uses two foam layers to deliver a better typing experience, and it genuinely makes a difference. It isn't a gasket-mounted board, so it misses out on the bounciness, but it has smooth actuation and decent acoustics. Build quality is great, and I didn't see any issues in this area in the two months I used the keyboard.

What I particularly like is that the keycaps have see-through legends, allowing RGB lighting to shine bright. The built-in LEDs get bright, and you get a decent number of lighting effects. The PBT keycaps are of good quality, and the matte coating ensures no smudging; they still look pristine after two months.

The highlight of the Chronos 68 is the hall effect switches; you can customize the switches as needed, with Syntech offering Gateron's excellent Magnetic Jade Pro linear switches as an alternative to the default Outemu Magnetic Sealed Switch. The caveat is that you'll need to shell out an additional $40 to switch to Gateron.

I'm using the Outemu Magnetic switch, and it's pretty good in its own right. I still prefer Gateron's Jade Pro as they have smoother actuation and just feel better in daily use, but Outemu's alternative is decent, while not being anywhere as costly.

The ability to adjust the actuation point is quite novel, and it makes a noticeable difference while gaming. It may not have the extras that you get with Razer and Corsair gaming keyboards — like extensive RGB customizability or rotary knobs — but the Chronos 68 excels at the basics. I still enjoy Glorious' GMMK 3 Pro, but the fact remains that Syntech's offering costs less than a third while still providing hall effect switches.

Ultimately, if what you need in a gaming keyboard is highly adjustable keys and good build quality, you'll like what the Chronos 68 has to deliver. It holds its own against the best gaming keyboards, and I don't really have much in the way of negatives to point out.

Back when we reviewed the Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro, we called it the "best low-profile, high-performance optical gaming keyboard." It seems Razer received more than a few requests for a true mechanical variant, though.

Fast forward a few years, and we now have the Razer BlackWidow V4 Low-Profile HyperSpeed — a rather long name for a rather compact keyboard. It's a BlackWidow because Razer's low-profile DeathStalker family isn't going anywhere, but it will continue to employ optical switches.

I've been using this new BlackWidow keyboard for a while and getting a feel for Razer's brand-new low-profile mechanical switches, and those waiting for Razer to fill this low-profile niche should be happy. The price tag isn't nearly as slim as the keyboard, though, and that'll sting many a wallet.

Two sizes and an eight-button difference between them

The BlackWidow V4 Low-Profile HyperSpeed comes in full-sized and tenkeyless flavors, both in the same black colorway. As expected, the designs are nearly identical — with around eight differences.

This low-profile keyboard is around 18.5mm in height, constructed mostly of plastic but with a brushed aluminum top-mounted plate. The protruding plastic shelf (most noticeable with the TKL variant) is odd, but I like this design.

It's too bad build quality isn't quite as refined as I'd expect for such a premium product — the seam where the metal top plate meets that aforementioned plastic shelf is uneven, for example.

The keys are a good size and the layout makes sense, though, and all the features you expect of a premium wireless gaming keyboard are here. You get Razer HyperSpeed Wireless (with a hidden garage for dongle storage), three Bluetooth wireless profiles, two-stage kickstands, sticky rubber feet, and an assortment of additional buttons and controls.

If you're like me and prefer your low-profile keyboard to be of the tenkeyless variety, though, you'll have to accept a compromise — eight fewer customizable macros.

Both versions get the control dial, the triple-function macro, an "AI" button set to open Razer's new AI Prompt Master (that you can remap to anything else you want), and a dedicated battery level button that strangely can't be customized. The full-sized version adds five remappable macro keys and three media control keys, all aligned on the top plastic shelf that's oddly empty on the TKL version.

I'm not sure if there's an engineering constraint here or something else, but I wish Razer had made room for at least some of those extra keys on the smaller keyboard.

Slim and prim, but is it good enough for the price?

Macro criticisms aside, is the new Razer BlackWidow V4 Low-Profile HyperSpeed actually worth spending at least $199.99 at Razer just for the tenkeyless version? I get it — making unique low-profile variants of Razer's in-house Green, Yellow, and Orange switches must've been a tall order.

Squeezing two layers of sound-dampening foam, per-key RGB lighting, five onboard profiles, and a large enough battery to support up to 980 hours of use (in power-saving mode) couldn't have been easy, either. That's all on paper, though; I've been actually using this keyboard.

It always feels like there's something preventing the BlackWidow V4 Low-Profile from achieving greatness.

The typing and gaming experience is excellent (with separate modes to improve consistency or responsiveness), but this keyboard is absolutely on the loud side. The RGB lighting looks good, but it's dim and doesn't highlight all the secondary functions. The battery life can be great, but even modest RGB lighting can seriously tank that endurance. Wireless performance is nearly flawless, but you'll be limited to a 1,000Hz polling rate no matter how you choose to connect.

BlackWidow V4 Low-Profile review: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if ...

• You want a low-profile keyboard, but make it mechanical.
• You can't have low-profile switches without ditching the wires.
• You want great gaming performance in a compact package.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You don't mind the extra vertical mass of a normal low-profile keyboard.
• You don't think "low-profile" should mean "higher price tag."

I'm not certain just how much demand there is for a high-performance, low-profile, mechanical gaming keyboard — especially one as premium as this one — but Razer has been expanding into a lot of more niche categories with its latest launches, and this is no exception.

The BlackWidow V4 Low-Profile HyperSpeed is really good, too, and I think people will like Razer's new low-profile mechanical switches a lot. There are enough compromises or weaknesses to deter potential buyers when such a massive price tag looms over this sleek board, though.

That's especially true when brands like Keychron are increasingly pushing into the PC gaming space with more value-driven, enthusiast-focused boards. Still, I really like this keyboard, and you can get it now, too, from $199.99 at Razer.com.

I have genuinely grown to love ASUS' laptops over the last few years, but I'll be honest and tell you that the company's accessories have historically never impressed me. When I reviewed products like the ASUS ROG Delta II gaming headset, ASUS failed to shift the needle in a meaningful way.

I frankly didn't have high hopes for the ASUS ROG Azoth X, an ultra-premium wireless gaming keyboard going up against some real heavy hitters from companies like Razer. Now that I've actually used this keyboard for a while, I can admit that ASUS surprised me.

Will I start recommending the ROG Azoth X to all my friends and family? Absolutely not, this is still a $300 keyboard — and one with plenty of imperfections at that. Still, I do really like this keyboard, and it's good enough to make me pay more attention to what ASUS does with accessories in the future.

A divisive design backed by actually good hardware

Once again, while in the midst of a candid mood, I only agreed to review the ASUS ROG Azoth X because of its distinct (but divisive) design. With a clean, white keyboard at its base, ASUS' default keycap set marries black, bright reds, and subtle blue hues in a glorious mess strewn with classic ROG iconography.

I wouldn't blame anyone for being turned off by this design in the same vein that I wouldn't judge anyone for being drawn to this design. ASUS is one of the few major companies still holding on to that infamous "gamer" aesthetic, and in the Azoth X, I do think it fits rather well.

It's a mostly plastic construction, and while this keyboard is put together well, it doesn't quite feel like a $300 keyboard. At least ASUS didn't cut any corners with the internals, as you're looking at a gasket-mounted design with five sound-dampening layers, an FR4 positioning plate, south-facing PCB, three-sided translucent dye-sublimated keycaps, an integrated OLED display and control dial, and ASUS' rather nice linear and tactile ROG NX V2 Mechanical Switches.

A USB Type-C port for charging and wired connectivity, a dedicated garage to store your 2.4GHz wireless dongle, a switch to change between connectivity modes (including Bluetooth), two-stage stands, an included color-matched silicon wrist rest — the ROG Azoth X gives you all of it, and you also get Windows and macOS keys included in the box alongside a two-in-one tool for swapping out the keycaps and switches.

So, I like the design and I (mostly) like the hardware, but what is it like to actually use this keyboard? Spoiler, I also like it.

The typing and gaming experience with the ROG Azoth X is lovely. The layout makes sense and is clearly labeled, the switches feel consistent and responsive, the keycaps have a great texture to them that doesn't cling to every smudge and stain, and the typing acoustics are great (although the spacebar is noticeably clunkier than the rest of the keys, and the difference does bug me a little).

Performance is fantastic, and the ROG Azoth X does support "Speed Tap," which is the last keystroke prioritization feature we've been seeing in all the best gaming keyboards lately.

You can configure everything you need to through ASUS' solid Armoury Crate software, but there's even a lightweight web-based version if this is your only ASUS product. If you do have more than one ASUS product, you can connect one more supported ASUS accessory to the Azoth X's wireless dongle and free up an extra port.

Honestly, I've really enjoyed this keyboard... so, what's the catch?

You don't need to spend $300 on a keyboard, and there's a better option if you do

If you've seen how much the ASUS ROG Azoth X costs, you already know what its biggest weakness is. Very few people are willing to drop $300 just on their keyboard, especially when you can get some incredible boards for a whole lot less.

Just to pick out one example, I recently reviewed the Keychron K8 HE, a $130 80% keyboard that boasts hot-swappable magnetic switches and keycaps, per-key RGB lighting, tri-mode connectivity, and web-based software. The Azoth X is the nicer keyboard, but is it $170 nicer? I don't think so, at least.

Even if you do want the best of the best and you're willing to pay for it, there's an obvious alternative to the ASUS ROG Azoth X that I flat out like more, and that's the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% I reviewed.

That keyboard also costs $300, but the design is sleeker, the build quality is higher, the typing and gaming experience is superior, the RGB lighting is brighter and more vibrant, and the software is more feature-packed. I still criticized the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% for costing $300, but it justifies that price tag more than the Azoth X does.

The only area where this keyboard genuinely impresses over other options is its endurance. I've been surprised by how long this keyboard lasts on a charge, even with RGB lighting enabled. ASUS did a good job on that front.

ROG Azoth X review: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if ...

• You love the distinct multi-tone design and keycap set.
• You other ASUS products and want everything under the same roof.
• You don't mind dropping $300 just for that little extra something.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You want a keyboard that offers great bang for your buck.
• You can get the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% for the same price.

When I saw how much the ASUS ROG Azoth X actually cost and given some of my past experiences with ASUS accessories, I'll admit my expectations were lowered considerably. Now that I've used this keyboard for hours, I've been converted — even if that $300 price tag still stings.

The build quality could be better, the OLED display is still of dubious usefulness (that's true for any keyboard with an OLED display), the spacebar feels radically different from the rest of the keys, the RGB lighting isn't particularly vibrant, and the design is decidedly divisive. All those minor complaints add up when you're spending so much.

The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% has its own share of similarly impactful flaws, but it's still a much better keyboard overall. If you're going to spend $300 anyway, get that one instead. If you don't want to spend $300, why are you here? If you fall in that in-between area and find the ROG Azoth X on sale, though, this is a really good keyboard.

You can buy the ASUS ROG Azoth X wireless gaming keyboard for $299.99 at BestBuy.com or $299.99 at Amazon.com right now.

Time is counting down on the last day of Amazon Prime Day, bringing a close to some amazing deals.

While stock remains, you can get a gorgeous Halo-green 8BitDo Retro 87 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard for just $99.99 at Amazon. This is the lowest price this accessory has ever been.

However, this deal is only available while supplies last. At the time of writing, 51% have already been claimed. So if you want one, you'll need to act quickly.

Beautifully transparent and customizable, too

8BitDo specifically designed this mechanical keyboard in a way that's reminiscent of the original Xbox. The transparent casing, specifically, fills me with nostalgia for the early 2000s, when see-through tech was popular.

Of course, there was also that Crystal Green Limited Edition of the original Xbox that looked very similar to this color.

I like the added touch of having the vibrant arrow keys match the look of the ABXY buttons on the original console's controller.

It's important to note that there are 87 keys, which include several helpful Function buttons and the full range of navigation keys above the keyboard; however, there is no number pad. So, you'll have to rely on the number row at the top of the alphabetic keys when entering numeric data.

These are double-layered ABS keycaps, and the keyboard supports n-key rollover, so you can rest assured that your input will go through even if you are pressing multiple keys at once.

In addition to your basic keys, there are controls at the very top left of the keyboard for your added convenience. First, there's a switch that goes between Bluetooth, Off, and 2.4GHz. Then, there's a volume dial and three super buttons that can be customized to do whatever you want.

On the far top right of the keyboard, there's a dedicated Xbox button, which, when pressed, brings up the Game Bar.

This Xbox Edition keyboard also comes with a wireless dongle that can be stowed beneath the keyboard in a plastic indentation. To keep it in place, the dongle is stored here magnetically.

You don't need to use software to remap any of the super buttons, but you will need to use a program to make other customizations to the keyboard.

To help you with that, you'll need to download the 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2 from the 8BitDo website. This program can also help you set the RGB backlighting to the color you'd prefer.

In addition to the keyboard itself, this purchase comes with Dual Super Buttons, a separate device with two large buttons (labeled A and B) that can be plugged into the keyboard for additional controls while you game.

Should you wish to change out any of the keys for separately purchased keycaps, you can do so easily since the keys are hot-swappable.

At the end of the day, the Xbox Edition of the 8BitDo Retro 87 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard is a great accessory for gaming while doubling as a nostalgic-looking collector's item for Xbox fans.

If you're interested, you might want to grab it while it's discounted to its lowest price ever and selling for just $99.99 at Amazon. Of course, you will need to have an active Amazon Prime membership. to gain access to these savings.

I also recommend...

When it comes to PC gaming, a regular old keyboard for typing isn't going to cut it. You will need a highly advanced keyboard dedicated to gaming with responsive buttons, a sturdy build, and some RGB lights as a bonus.

One such device is the NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL, a keyboard that's taking PC gaming by storm with its hall-effect switches, customizable actuation, Rapid Triggers Snap Tap, and other advanced features.

The NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL Keyboard is usually available at a high retail price of $199.99, but Amazon Prime Day has chopped down its MSRP with a 25% discount to $149.99 on Amazon for a limited time.

Why should you buy a NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL Keyboard?

With the surging popularity of PC gaming, 3rd party gaming accessory companies like Razer, Logitech, Alienware, and many others are scrambling to produce the best keyboards possible for PC players.

One of these companies, NZXT, has this year created one of the finest gaming keyboards we've seen in recent memory - the NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL Keyboard.

This powerhouse of a mini tenkeyless keyboard puts most of its competitors to shame thanks to its highly responsive Hall Effect switches, sturdy and compact design, customization options, and other advanced features.

Our own keyboard expert, Michael Hoglund, even gave the NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL Keyboard a near-perfect, 4½ out of 5-Star review, while stating, and I quote, "This is one of the best keyboards I've used. With customizable actuation, rapid trigger, a synced 8k polling rate, and hall effect switches, it is a must-have for any competitive PC gamer.

What makes this keyboard rank among the best PC accessories out there is a multitude of reasons. For starters, this keyboard is equipped with Hall Effect switches for its keys.

Much like Hall Effect sticks for a controller, Hall Effect switches for keyboards are designed to help register a player's inputs faster and more accurately with little to no input lag by using magnets to measure a player's hand position, distance, and movement.

This results in creating a device that can register keystrokes with more accurate actuation measurements and debouncing compared to traditional and mechanical keyboards.

This feature alone is an excellent boon for PC players as it can help them quickly perform advanced maneuvers in competitive FPS franchises like Call of Duty or Overwatch, without fear of their inputs not being read.

The NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL Keyboard also has customizable actuation options to help further its input reading capabilities with settings that go from 0.6mm to 4.0mm.

To top it off, the NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL Keyboard is equipped with Rapid Trigger Mode and a Snap Tap feature. Rapid Trigger Mode lets the player reactivate a previously pressed key by pressing it once, then, upon releasing it, follow it up with a downward movement of the key.

Snap Tap, meanwhile, allows a user to enable two different actions on a single key. For example, pressing W halfway will let a player character walk, but pressing down all the way will let them run.

Combine these aspects with Hall Effect switches and a polling rate of 8000Hz, and you've got a keyboard that can register inputs with just the slightest movement of a player's hand, and be customized to perform multiple actions with just a few keys!

Other positive qualities of the NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL Keyboard include a sturdy build with a 150 million keystroke lifespan, keycaps equipped with sound-dampening foam to reduce distracting noise while typing, and some RGB lighting to provide comforting lights that help the user see the keys better.

That being said, there are a couple of minor drawbacks. For one, it's a wired keyboard that connects to a PC via USB-C cables. So if you're the kind of PC gamer who hates having to deal with cable management, you're better looking for a wireless keyboard like the Keychron Q1 Pro.

Another issue with the NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL Keyboard is its price. It fetches a steep MSRP of $199.99 at most retailers, making it way too expensive for gamers living on a small budget to buy.

However, this issue has been temporarily diminished thanks to Amazon Prime Day. For a limited time, you can get your hands on the NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL Keyboard for the reduced price of $149.99 on Amazon and save $50 while you're at it.

If you want to have your keyboard shipped fast, you can also sign up for an Amazon Prime Membership to gain access to same-day shipping. Amazon Prime Membership also has other practical benefits like exclusive discount deals on Amazon, access to Amazon's multimedia streaming services, and more.

Hall Effect magnetic sensors are all the rage in personal technology right now, notably in controllers and keyboards. My review of the Keychron K4 HE was my first experience with the latter, and I came away extremely impressed.

Keychron is continuing to expand its Hall Effect family with new layouts and designs, and now we have the K8 HE wireless keyboard. This board boasts a more compact 80% layout than the 96% of the K4 HE, but it's functionally the exact same keyboard.

Seeing as I already went in-depth in my original K4 HE review, I won't be rehashing the same conversations. Instead, I want to use this fantastic keyboard to discuss how you don't need a gaming keyboard to get a great keyboard for gaming.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by Keychron. Keychron had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

Another excellent keyboard from a brand I trust

It didn't take much for Keychron to win me over — this company has impressed us with everything Windows Central has tested, and gave me fresh appreciation for the value of customizable, enthusiast-focused keyboards.

Meant to be taken apart and reassembled, with hot-swappable switches and easily replaceable keycaps, anyone can make a Keychron keyboard their own (but always get the same top-notch typing acoustics and software features).

Lately, though, Keychron has begun addressing the biggest weaknesses of most boutique keyboards — performance. That's where families like the K-series come in, and especially the HE variants that use Hall Effect switches.

In addition to improved wireless performance and stability, reduced latency, and RGB lighting, Hall Effect switches enable adjustable actuation and advanced software customization for features like rapid trigger, last keystroke prioritization, and much more.

All of it is meant to improve your ability to compete in the most demanding games, but without sacrificing the foundation of customizability and acoustics that make so many people spend so much money on these keyboards.

The Keychron K8 HE boasts the same tray-mounted design (with a special edition featuring rose wood sides), Gateron double-rail magnetic switches, tri-mode connectivity (including 2.4GHz and three Bluetooth profiles), native support for both Windows and macOS, and support for Keychron's web-based software.

Everything I loved about the K4 HE is repeated here, but in a more compact design that somehow feels more spacious (there's literally more spacing between sections, that's the reason). Of course, that also means the K8 HE shares the same flaws, just in a smaller form factor.

The cable Keychron includes in the box is still far too short, which continues to be odd when the company includes so much value (like tools for taking apart the keyboard and keycaps for macOS and Windows) here.

You'll notice that the cable is too short, too, because the Keychron K8 HE once again doesn't boast the most impressive battery life (per-key RGB lighting will do that), and you need to plug in to customize the K8 HE using the Keychron Launcher, which never stops being lame.

For those who care, you also can't buy a barebones version to build yourself — all K8 HE models come preassembled.

You no longer need to consider a "gaming" keyboard

Gamers typically demand different approaches to design and features than tech designed for productivity, creativity, or luxury, so they're more likely to go to brands like Razer, Alienware, Corsair, ASUS, and many others for all their gaming peripherals and accessories.

Tech that can blur the lines and do it all has become increasingly desirable, though. Keychron is making its bespoke keyboards better for gaming with improved performance, more features, and RGB lighting, while companies like Razer are meeting Keychron in the middle with products like the hot-swappable, acoustics-focused Razer BlackWidow V4 75% we reviewed.

In fact, I recently built my first keyboard from scratch thanks to the BlackWidow V4 75% Barebones, which just gives you the base so you can use your own switches and keycaps.

Honestly, this is the right direction to head in. We no longer have to worry about "categories" and can now focus on what matters: am I getting the design, the performance, the features, and the value that I want?

It gives us more choice than ever. You can still go get the pre-built gaming keyboard that makes all the decisions for you, or you can build your own and still enjoy a fantastic gaming experience.

Either way, the typing should feel immaculate (seriously, keyboards designed around the feeling and acoustics of typing are addictive once you try them).

My final thoughts on the Keychron K8 HE keyboard

✅You should buy this if ...

• You want the unparalleled per-key customization of magnetic switches.
• You want to game on the keyboard that you can recreate yourself.
• You care a lot about the typing experience and acoustics.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You don't want to be limited to just certain Hall Effect switches.
• You'll never use all the features and adjustability Hall Effect gives you.

The Keychron K8 HE is unsurprisingly excellent, just as the K4 HE was. Keychron already made awesome keyboards, but now they're making awesome keyboards that can game.

Part of the appeal is the use of Hall Effect, of course. There will always be some that prefer more tactile mechanical switches, but in many ways, Hall Effect is objectively better. They're more durable and more adjustable, hands-down.

No single-actuation mechanical switch can compete with multi-level macros, analog input modes, instant response times, and all the other features that Hall Effect enables. At the end of the day, though, the Keychron K8 HE simply provides another option to gamers, keyboard enthusiasts, and everyone in between, and that's pretty cool.

You can configure your Keychron K8 HE from $129.99 at Keychron in standard and special editions.

When I reviewed the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%, that was my first taste of Razer's ambitions to move away from the take-it-or-leave-it, mass-produced feeling of the majority of the most popular keyboards people buy it.

It was the gaming company's attempt to step into a new market dominated by tiny, specialized companies with highly enthusiastic customer bases passionate about one thing: the freedom to build their own keyboard with the most luxurious typing experience imaginable.

Well, the next step of that plan is here; Razer has taken the next step to seeing that plan realized. The Razer BlackWidow V4 75% Barebones is here, and it's Razer's first, proper offering to custom keyboard builders that want a high-quality base designed with gaming in mind.

It just so happens Razer let me put together my own keyboard from everything it offers, and I spent some time building it and putting it to the test.

What is the BlackWidow V4 75% Barebones?

My colleague is the one who reviewed the Razer BlackWidow V4 75%, which was actually Razer's first attempt at building a keyboard entirely designed for the enthusiasts who need to be able to change everything.

That means a gasket-mounted design with high-quality stabilizers and multiple sound-dampening layers, open support for the vast ecosystem of custom switches and keycaps, and as few obstacles as possible to putting it all together.

The end goal? A wonderful typing experience, impeccable gaming performance, and the most luxurious typing acoustics (sound and feel are really important to enthusiasts), regardless of the parts you install yourself.

Razer shocked us with how well it executed that plan with the BlackWidow V4 75%, but there are a lot of people who fully intend to use their own switches and keycaps, and don't need the default hardware that comes in the box.

For those people, the Barebones edition is just the base keyboard by itself, fully ready to be assembled however you desire.

The experience of building a keyboard from scratch

Alright, let's talk money first.

The Razer BlackWidow V4 75% normally comes fully pre-assembled with Razer's Orange Mechanical Switches (a lovely tactile blend of tactile and linear) and standard double-shot ABS keycaps for $199.99 at Razer.

That's regardless of you getting it in black, or the special white ($199.99 at Razer) and new Phantom Green ($199.99 at Razer) colorways. I'll have an article going hands-on with that new translucent green design from Razer in the near future, so stay tuned.

The Barebones variant does not come with switches, keycaps, or the magnetically attached leatherette wrist rest. It's just the keyboard base, open and ready for your own switches, keycaps, and whatever other modifications you want to do.

The Razer BlackWidow V4 75% Barebones costs $139.99 at Razer for the black colorway, and strangely costs $149.99 at Razer for white. There's no Barebones option for the new Phantom Green design, nor can you get a Barebones version of the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% (so you're going to be stuck with a wire).

If you want to get everything from Razer, you can pick up a full set of Razer Mechanical Switches for the 75% Barebones for $74.97 at Razer in Green Clicky, Yellow Linear, and Orange Tactile varieties. You can also get the full Razer Phantom Keycap set for $34.99 at Razer in black and white.

Because the Barebones doesn't come with it in the box, you can get the Razer Ergonomic Wrist Rest for the 75% Barebones for $19.99 at Razer.

Razer gave me some freedom in what keyboard I could build. I unfortunately couldn't get the 75% Barebones in white (Razer told me it might send me that color when it's able to), but I did select the Green Clicky switches and White Phantom keycaps for a different look and feel from what I'm used to.

Of course, I wasn't restricted to Razer. I just don't have any switch or keycap sets lying around, as I'm not particularly invested in custom keyboard building. That's why I was especially intrigued by this product and the obvious opportunity to see what all the fuss is about.

The actual process of putting your keyboard together is rather monotonous.

The Razer BlackWidow V4 75% Barebones is already an extremely high-quality foundation, in that you're getting an aluminated top plate, two layers of sound-dampening foam, a PCB board already enhanced with fire-retardant tape (one of the first modifactions many builders make), support for Razer-specific features like Synapse, 8,000Hz polling, and Chroma RGB, and more.

Still, Razer makes it easy to take apart this gasket-mounted deck to replace the pre-lubricated stabilizers (there are even holes for screw-in stabilizers) and alter whatever else you want before you get to the switches and keycaps.

The BlackWidow V4 75% supports standard 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches (that includes the Pro and Barebones variants, of course), so you have a lot of options.

Actually installing those switches takes some time and often a fair amount of force, and you will feel the flex in the PCB board that is characteristic of a gasket-mounted design (more absorption for unwanted sounds while typing), but I didn't encounter a single failure while putting together my keyboard.

Installing the custom keycaps is even easier. I'll be the first to admit I didn't immediately fall in love with the two-tone Razer Phantom keycaps, since you can clearly see the divide between opaque and translucent plastic, but the effect is worth it once the keyboard is connected and that per-key, North-facing RGB lighting is enabled.

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the panda-esque black-and-white design, though, which I mostly requested because I wanted something different than the standard BlackWidow V4 75%. I also love the feel of the Green Clicky switches, but the advantage of a "barebones" keyboard like this is that you can choose the switches and keycaps you want.

Is Razer really where you should go for this kind of keyboard?

The keyboard I tend to return to whenever I don't have another keyboard already lined up to review is the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%, but I can absolutely see the appeal of building your own custom keyboard.

With the BlackWidow V4 75% Barebones, Razer is offering an incredible base for those who want to piece together their own premium, wired keyboard for gaming and productivity, with wide support for all the most common modifications keyboard enthusiasts make.

It's a fantastic step for Razer, which has historically occupied the premium space for the "normie" consumer rather than the enthusiasts who prioritize user customization over cohesive ecosystem integration. Now you can have both, at least with your keyboard.

That being said, I do think the pricing of the Barebones feels off. If you got this deck and wanted to get the switches and keycaps from Razer, too, it'd cost you an additional $50 over buying a fully assembled BlackWidow V4 75%... and you wouldn't even get the wrist rest included.

Still, I'm incredibly happy Razer is actively pursuing this niche category that values customer autonomy, and this does feel like an awesome foundation for those who want to put together a truly bad ass keyboard.

You can buy the Razer BlackWidow V4 75% Barebones from $139.99 at Razer right now.

Not everyone needs a keyboard that can connect to multiple devices across operating systems and go wherever they go, but those who do are often met with the same compromises.

Ultraportable keyboards are usually designed with purely productivity in mind, but Razer is bringing an intriguing new option to the market with the Joro. It's definitely a premium wireless board, but it's also designed for gaming on the go.

I've been using the Razer Joro since I initially went hands-on with it, and there's simply no other keyboard I'd rather slip into my bag before setting out on a trip. Having full macOS support will also be extremely valuable to a lot of people.

There are certainly more affordable high-quality traveling keyboards, but the Joro has a style all its own. I just wish it was actually as good for gaming as Razer claims it is, though a future update may help a lot.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by Razer. Razer had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

Razer Joro review: Cheat sheet

• What is it? A premium, ultra low-profile, wireless keyboard compatible with Windows, macOS, and mobile devices.
• Who is it for? Those who need a slim and ultraportable keyboard that works just as well across devices, and isn't half-bad for gaming.
• How much does it cost? The Razer Joro retails for $139.99 at Razer, and is available in one color. You can also get this keyboard for $139.99 at Best Buy or $139.99 at Amazon.
• What did I like? The attractive, sleek, and intelligent design, the comfortable typing experience, and the multi-device compatibility.
• What did I not like? The higher price tag, the compromised gaming experience, the lack of backlighting for secondary key functions.

Razer Joro review: Pricing and specifications

There's no shortage of budget keyboards that will get the job done if you just want something functional and portable, but the Joro is attacking the premium segment.

The Razer Joro can be purchased for $139.99 at Razer, which puts it up against the best in the category. It's sadly only available in one color (black), too, as many people would probably prefer silver or grey.

You can also buy the Razer Joro for $139.99 at Best Buy or $139.99 at Amazon, depending on your retailer preferences.

In the box, you'll find the Razer Joro wireless keyboard and a USB Type-C to Type-C charging cable.

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Razer Joro review: What I like

When I reviewed the Razer Blade 16 (2025), one of the biggest upgrades was the keyboard. To make the Joro, Razer essentially took that redesigned keyboard out of the Blade 16 and put it in its own chassis.

Becoming the lowest-profile keyboard in Razer's lineup necessitated using the shallow scissor switches found in most laptop and productivity keyboards, rather than the mechanical or optical switches found in Razer's dedicated gaming keyboards.

The Razer Joro is small. It comes in at just 16.5mm at its thickest point, gently sloping down in a soft incline for a more ergonomic typing experience. With a 75% layout that takes full advantage of all available space and a minimalist design devoid of flashy accents, the Joro is ready to slip into any bag with ease.

The Joro's build quality doesn't suffer from that thin profile, either. An aluminum top plate preserves the Joro's premium feel and prevents any flexing or bending. Whatever work Razer did when redesigning the Blade 16's keyboard also benefits the Joro, too, as there's no hint of a metallic or hollow feeling when typing.

Outside of the actual keys themselves, all you'll find on the Joro is a simple power switch and USB Type-C port in the upper right corner, and four impressively grippy rubber feet on the bottom.

The Razer Joro obviously isn't going to compete with the top mechanical keyboards when it comes to typing, but this typing experience is just as good as some of the best laptops.

Typing is comfortable and consistent, and it takes little time to become proficient with the Joro. I particularly love the 75% layout, which feels properly uncompromised. You get decent-sized keys with great spacing, full-sized arrow keys, dedicated page navigation keys, and proper function row shortcuts and media controls.

The single-zone RGB lighting is also bright and colorful, evenly illuminating every key. There are built-in shortcuts to change the lighting effects, change profiles or layouts, enable the power saving mode, and more — and it works across devices.

The Joro is designed for multi-device use in general. It supports up to three Bluetooth devices, and Razer put in the work to ensure every Joro function — including all its shortcuts and multimedia keys — work with everything.

Most importantly, this is the very first keyboard that Razer designed for Windows and macOS. Relevant keys also boast macOS iconography, and you can easily switch to the macOS-specific layout with the Fn + Tab shortcut. Razer Synapse is even available on macOS in preview now, with the Joro as the first fully supported peripheral.

You can use the Joro as a wired keyboard, but it's absolutely designed to go all wireless, all the time. It's not the latest Bluetooth standard at 5.0, but you have three Bluetooth profiles with dedicated buttons on the function row.

It's easy and seamless to connect the Joro to new devices, and it's quick to switch between devices with a press of a button. I've had one instance where the Joro absolutely refused to connect to my PC, forcing me to do a complete reset, but for the most part it has been perfectly responsive and reliable.

Razer won't give me anything more specific than "up to 1,800 hours" for battery life, but with real world usage (as in, not in an extreme power saver mode and with the backlighting actually active), the Joro has solid endurance. It has withstood several dozens of hours of usage, and it's simple enough to top it off with any Type-C charger.

You can also download Razer Synapse (including on macOS!) for access to additional features, including customizing up to five onboard profiles, setting up Razer HyperShift shortcuts, enabling Razer Snap Tap (last-key prioritization) and gaming mode features, and more.

The Joro doesn't boast the most in-depth or feature-packed software customization (or per-app profiles), but it's still better than the vast majority of ultra low-profile keyboards you'll find elsewhere.

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Razer Joro review: What I don't like

The Razer Joro may be designed like a portability-focused productivity keyboard, but it's positioned as a gaming keyboard alongside the rest of Razer's offerings.

Admittedly, the Joro is immediately much more suited to gaming than most travel-friendly keyboards, especially with support for features like Razer Snap Tap last-key prioritization, Razer HyperShift shortcuts, and N-Key Rollover/anti-ghosting.

Scissor switches will never be a proper replacement for traditional mechanical switches when gaming, though, and you'll notice the downgrade. Right now, the Joro is also restricted to Bluetooth, which introduces noticeable latency and potential interference issues.

Razer is set to update the Joro's firmware in the future to allow it to connect to existing Razer HyperSpeed Wireless dongles with Multi-Device Pairing, like the Razer Basilisk Mobile mouse I reviewed. That should help a lot, but I'm reviewing the device based on what it is now.

I'm also fine with the single-zone RGB lighting (that's already better than the basic white LED backlighting of most travel keyboards), but I do wish the secondary functions of keys were highlighted, too.

Above all, though, the Razer Joro is simply expensive. It's a premium peripheral, certainly, but you can get excellent wireless travel keyboards for less.

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Razer Joro review: Also consider

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Razer Joro review: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if ...

• You want a high-quality, ultra low-profile wireless keyboard for travel.
• You need great multi-device compatibility, including with macOS.
• You want a great travel keyboard that's better than average for gaming.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You just want a low-profile gaming keyboard and don't plan to travel.
• You need the lowest wireless latency for competitive gaming.

The Razer Joro isn't quite like any of the other best keyboards we've tested, in that it's an ultra low-profile, ultraportable keyboard with some gaming influences. It's great for productivity and mobile work, but it also wants to be a reliable gaming companion.

This keyboard gets far more right than wrong, with excellent build quality, an intelligent design and intuitive layout, peerless multi-device compatibility and native macOS support, and a comfortable typing experience.

For traveling, it's the only keyboard I personally need now. If you're specifically approaching this keyboard from the gaming side, though, the Joro isn't nearly as good for PC gaming as it is for working and creating on the go.

That could very well change once this keyboard gains support for Razer HyperSpeed and its decreased latency, but this will always effectively be a laptop keyboard (no matter how good), and it'll never quite replace a proper gaming keyboard in terms of performance or typing experience.

Still, I really like this sleek peripheral. If you do, too, you can buy the Razer Joro for $139.99 at Best Buy or $139.99 at Amazon. I also reviewed the Razer Basilisk Mobile, the wireless mouse counterpart to the Joro.

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Keyboards can get awfully tiny, but sometimes you want the most compact form factor without sacrificing any performance or features.

That's where keyboards like the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini (Gen 3) comes in, a wired peripheral designed for the hardcore gamers who want to keep their desk as clean as possible.

SteelSeries uses its latest magnetic switches (utilizing Hall Effect technology) to make the third-generation Apex Pro keyboards some of the most feature-packed and user-customizable on the market, and the Mini is the smallest of the bunch.

With a 60% layout, the Apex Pro Mini is demure and understated, but still boasts features like adjustable actuation, last-keystroke prioritization, dual-stage shortcuts and activations, and much more.

It's an impressive board, but you're also paying a lot of money for a wired keyboard — and other companies are starting to offer very compelling alternatives.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by SteelSeries. SteelSeries had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

Apex Pro Mini review: Cheat sheet

• What is it? A miniature wired gaming keyboard with a compact 60% layout, with advanced features like adjustable actuation.
• Who is it for? Gamers who need the absolute best in gaming performance and customization, but want it in as small a package as possible.
• How much does it cost? The SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini (Gen 3) can be purchased for $219.99 at Amazon. You can also buy this keyboard for $219.99 at Best Buy.
• What did I like? The intuitive 60% layout, the excellent gaming performance, and the optional software for added customization.
• What did I not like? The average typing experience, the wired connectivity, and the high price tag compared to the competition.

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Apex Pro Mini review: Pricing and specifications

The SteelSeries Apex Pro line sits at the top of SteelSeries' keyboard offerings, so the Mini is as premium as they come.

You can get the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini (Gen 3) for $219.99 at Amazon, and it's also available for $219.99 at Best Buy. If you'd rather buy from the source, you can pick up this keyboard for $219.99 at SteelSeries.

Wherever you buy this keyboard, it'll only be available in black (at least for now), but you can buy it in a few language layouts, and it supports replaceable keycaps. The SteelSeries Apex Pro is also available in full-sized and tenkeyless (wired and wireless) variants.

In the box, you'll find the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini (Gen 3) gaming keyboard, a detachable, braided USB Type-C to USB Type-A cable, and a keycap removal tool (which can be stowed under the keyboard in a dedicated compartment).

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Apex Pro Mini review: What I like

The SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini is a 60% keyboard, meaning it sacrifices the tenkey numberpad, dedicated function, page navigation, and arrow keys, and extra macro buttons and multimedia controls — all in the name of being as compact as possible.

This keyboard is indeed diminutive in every dimension, but it's also surprisingly intuitive. A dedicated SteelSeries button highlights all the shortcut keys on the board, allowing you to switch onboard profiles, change the RGB lighting, adjust the actuation, control media, navigate pages, use the function keys, and more.

There's definitely a learning curve, but the Apex Pro Mini is responsive in everything it does. SteelSeries' latest OmniPoint 3.0 switches enable even more features, too, thanks to the Hall Effect magnet technology.

Since these switches can detect any input between 0.1mm and 4.0mm, you can adjust their actuation and reset points, enable features like Rapid Tap (which always prioritizes the last pressed key), Rapid Trigger (which recognizes a key input the moment you begin pressing), and dual-stage activations (different functions at different press depths).

We've seen other keyboards with similar features, either with analog optical switches or similar magnetic switches, but SteelSeries has been in this space for a few years, and its execution is among the more refined.

Overall, the Apex Pro Mini is an excellent peripheral for gaming thanks to its in-depth software customization options. The SteelSeries GG Engine is a stable and intuitive software suite, giving you easy access to all the settings and features you could need.

The possibilities are endless for building custom profiles, assigning custom shortcuts and meta bindings, and generally making this keyboard the ultimate control hub for your setup.

Performance is excellent, too. Keys are instantly responsive, with zero ghosting, reliable debouncing, N-Key Rollover, and rapid resetting. Even the per-key RGB lighting is lightning fast when highlighting shortcuts or reacting to on-screen content (when configured).

Build quality is equally excellent. The majority of the frame is matte plastic, but the top frame is high-grade aluminum, and SteelSeries has improved its keyboard construction with per-key pre-lubricated stabilizers and three separate sound-dampening layers.

Rubber feet keep the Apex Pro Mini well-grounded, and there are two-stage stands if you want a more angled typing experience. There's even a secret compartment on the bottom of the keyboard, hiding the included keycap removal tool behind a silicon flap.

SteelSeries does offer alternative keycaps sets in other layouts and languages, and you can always search for third-party solutions to further customize your keyboard. However, the default double-shot PBT keycaps feel comfortable, durable, and perfectly grippy, and ably resist smudges and oil buildup.

It's also worth remembering that SteelSeries' default keycaps are labeled with the various keyboard shortcuts specific to the Apex Pro Mini's 60% layout, so keep that in mind if you plan to swap these keycaps out.

There's not much to say about connectivity or battery life, since this keyboard is wired-only, but the detachable USB Type-C cable is high quality and securely attaches to the Apex Pro Mini.

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Apex Pro Mini review: What I don't like

I'll put aside my personal dislike of 60% keyboards (you're just giving up too many keys), especially since the Apex Pro Mini is one of the best examples of how to do this form factor right.

I can criticize this keyboard for three reasons, though: the pricing, the connectivity, and the typing experience. I guess the RGB lighting isn't as vivid and bright as the best from Razer and Alienware, either, but that's a nitpick.

First, the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini (Gen 3) is $220. It's only $20 more for the tenkeyless and full-sized variants (which also include wrist rests) and $50 more for the wireless tenkeyless model.

You can absolutely find great alternatives for less, some with more features or greater hardware customization. The Apex Pro Mini lacks any wireless connectivity, too, which will be a dealbreaker for many.

My greatest complaint is that the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini doesn't offer the best typing experience outside of gaming, considering its price. Other premium keyboard brands have been upping the ante with more refined typing experiences and more luxurious acoustics in the last few years.

That's especially obvious when you look at bespoke custom keyboard brands like Keychron, which is investing more into gaming-grade features and performance. Don't get me wrong, the Apex Pro Mini is both comfortable and precise, and it feels great — it's just not as good as I'd expect for $200+.

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Apex Pro Mini review: Also consider

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Apex Pro Mini review: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if ...

• You're looking for a 60% keyboard with full-sized performance.
• You can take advantage of the adjustable actuation and other features.
• You're more than happy taking time to set up your keyboard's software.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You need wireless connectivity.
• You want the best typing experience and most premium hardware.

If I had to give you a single company to source all of your gaming accessories, SteelSeries would certainly be a contender.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini (Gen 3) may not be one of the absolute best keyboards in my eyes, but it's still a fantastic peripheral with top-notch performance and a wealth of software features.

SteelSeries put in some serious effort to make this compact, 60% layout as comfortable and intuitive as possible, and the magnetic switches offer some obvious advantages over traditional mechanical switches.

More companies are taking notice of this technology, though, from both ends of the spectrum. Bespoke keyboard brands are creating some seriously incredible gaming hardware, while gaming companies are paying more attention than ever before to typing experiences and acoustics.

With the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini (Gen 3) charging you $219.99 at Amazon to add it to your desk, you'll want to be sure it offers everything you need and not much that you don't. As long as you do that, you won't be disappointed.

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Over the past couple of months, I've been testing the Hexgears DeathStrike GK760, seeing how this keyboard holds up over extended use, whether I'm working or playing games.

Overall, the keyboard itself is quite solid, performing reliably as I write tens of thousands of words here at Windows Central or cast spells in Avowed. Each key can be easily swapped and gives a pleasant "clack" without ever jamming or popping loose.

The color customization options are also quite nice, allowing me to shake up the design in just a couple of seconds, depending on whether I want a cooler or warmer tone for a particular time of day.

Unfortunately, there's one major drawback: the hand rest is extremely poor quality. You'll see it for yourself below. It's a shame, as it's the one warning I'd issue before grabbing this otherwise great keyboard.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by Hexgears. The company did not see the contents of this review prior to publication.

Hexgears DeathStrike GK760 review: Cheat sheet

• What is it? An RGB mechanical keyboard with an included wrist rest.
• Who is it for? Anyone who wants a clacky keyboard that'll hold up for work or games.
• How much does it cost? It's available for $159.99 at Hexgears.
• What did I like? The color customization options are intuitive and easy to use, remaining pleasant on my eyes, day or night. Meanwhile, the keyboard works well for extended writing sessions.
• What did I not like? The hand rest is of poor quality, rapidly falling apart after only a couple of weeks of usage. The keyboard also wasn't packed well in shipping, resulting in the keys being loose in the box.

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Hexgears DeathStrike GK760 review: Specifications

The Hexgears DeathStrike GK760 mechanical keyboard includes everything you'd expect, with a set of keys that all fit into place with a snug click.

Naturally, you can easily swap out any particular keys with your own existing stockpile, if you prefer. The keyboard connects via a braided USB cable. It's sturdy and feels like it's built to last without easily getting caught on something at your desk.

At just over 3 pounds, the keyboard feels dense, not too heavy but certainly not flimsy or lightweight. The keyboard also features a volume wheel and 2 USB 3.0 ports for any accessories you'd like to connect.

There is also a wrist rest in the box. It's not attached to the keyboard, but is designed to fit snugly against it.

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Hexgears DeathStrike GK760 review: The Good

According to Hexgears, the DeathStrike GK760's Kailh Sun BOX Switches are rated for 50 million clicks, and I have no reason to doubt that number.

I have been using this keyboard every single day for the past couple of months, writing, playing games, and writing about playing games. In that time, I've had no performance issues, with each key reliably typing with a super-satisfying "clack" every time I type.

After just a few weeks, it made me realize I was enjoying working from my laptop less, simply because I was missing the physical and auditory feedback of this keyboard.

While I don't have an extensive collection of preferred keys to swap in and out, you can naturally do so with no problems. Each key pops out easily with a gentle lift, yet stays in place no matter how hard I type.

Fortunately, I don't need to make any alterations to make this keyboard pleasant to look at.

The DeathStrike GK760 boasts an RGB array with 16.8 million color combinations, meaning I'll never run out of ways to tweak the lighting. Changing the current lighting is done with just a couple of clicks on the keyboard, allowing me to cycle through presets, make colors radiate out from where I press a key, create individual highlights, and much more.

I enjoyed changing it to a cooler color when working early in the morning or in the evening, while the warmer tones stood out better during the middle of the day. Having a constant backlight is better for me than brief highlights, but having the option is still nice.

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Hexgears DeathStrike GK760 review: The Bad

Unfortunately, there is one massive issue with this keyboard, and that lies with the aforementioned wrist rest. While it is certainly comfortable to use, it's not even remotely built to last.

Just a couple of weeks into testing, I found that the lining for the hand rest was flaking off, practically dissolving further every time I went to use the keyboard. I took the picture you see above after only a few weeks.

I wouldn't expect a soft hand rest to last as long as the keyboard it's paired with, but this is an extremely poor quality build, with a shockingly minimal lifespan. If you do decide to get this keyboard, I highly recommend picking up an alternative hand rest, such as the Vaydeer memory foam wrist pad, which is available for $17.99 at Amazon.

Outside of that, I'll also note that the keyboard was not packed extremely well in shipping, which led to the keys being loose in the box when I opened it. Nothing was damaged at the time, but it still bears mentioning.

Hexgears DeathStrike GK760 review: Also consider

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Hexgears DeathStrike GK760 review: Final thoughts

You should buy this if ...

✅You want a mechanical keyboard that's satisfying to use

The distinctive noise of using a mechanical keyboard is extremely important, and the Hexgears DeathStrike GK760 doesn't let me down here. You can pop a key out, replace it, and keep on working on a project or playing a game in mere seconds.

✅You appreciate RGB lighting that can be customized in numerous ways.

The suite of options included for customizing the Hexgears DeathStrike GK760's lighting doesn't get old. You can change it up in an instant depending on whether you're working, playing games, or just feel like seeing something different.

You should not buy this if ...

❌You want a hand rest that will last.

The hand rest that is included with the Hexgears DeathStrike GK760 is shockingly low-quality, and if you use your keyboard regularly, it won't make it more than a few weeks before dissolving.

It's been a long time since a product I was testing left me with such conflicted feelings. I've enjoyed using this keyboard day-to-day, and others will have a great experience with it too.

At the same time, the state of the included hand rest is appalling, and I hope this is something Hexgears can address in the future. Right now, this is a factor keeping it out of our best keyboards list, something I would want to see change with future revisions.

The DeathStrike GK760 is currently available for $159.99, and at that price range, I emphasize caution around the hand rest if you opt to grab one.

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Keychron is already well-known among keyboard enthusiasts for crafting quality mechanical keyboards.

The K4 HE is one of the latest premium custom keyboard options from the company, but is unique for employing magnetic Hall Effect switches. A technology that gained popularity in controllers, Hall Effect dramatically expands the capabilities of the K4 HE.

Now, you can build your own keyboard with adjustable actuation, rapid trigger, keystroke prioritization, and even four-level macros. It's an impressive array of features packed into an attractive chassis, but at its core is a simply great keyboard.

The Keychron K4 HE's 96% layout is comfortable and intuitive, and the typing experience is wonderful. You can't enter this category without mastering typing acoustics, of course, and the K4 HE passes this with flying colors, too.

I do have a few minor qualms, especially when it comes to navigating the wired-only software with a cable that barely reaches my PC, but none of that stops me from considering the K4 HE as one of the best keyboards I've used.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by Keychron. Keychron had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

Keychron K4 HE review: Cheat sheet

• What is it? A premium, custom keyboard using magnetic Hall Effect switches.
• Who is it for? Those who value ultimate control over every element of their keyboard's software and hardware.
• How much does it cost? The Keychron K4 HE goes $134.99 at Amazon for the fully assembled Standard Edition, $144.99 at Amazon for the Special Edition, or from $134.99 at Keychron if you want more options and add-ons.
• What did I like? The wonderful typing experience, attractive and customizable design, and absurd number of features.
• What did I not like? The software requiring a wired connection, and the included cable being woefully short.

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Keychron K4 HE review: Specifications

Regardless of which version of the Keychron K4 HE you purchase, in the box you'll find the fully assembled keyboard (including the case, PCB, switches, and preinstalled macOS keycaps), a complete set of Windows keycaps, a braided USB Type-A to USB Type-C cable, a USB Type-C to USB Type-A extension adapter, a USB Type-A 2.4GHz wireless dongle, a keycap and switch removal tool, a screwdriver, and a hex key.

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Keychron K4 HE review: What I like

Bespoke keyboards are still relatively niche, appealing mostly to a small but passionate group of enthusiasts that value customizable hardware and luxury acoustics.

Keychron is one of the bigger brands in the space, and the K4 HE is its latest attempt at a jack-of-all-trades custom keyboard that equally excels at productivity, gaming, cross-device compatibility, and customizability.

This is a 96% layout, a relatively uncommon size that gives you the tenkey number pad of a full-sized keyboard in a more confined space.

It also fully supports both Windows and macOS out of the box, with Keychron being nice enough to provide swappable keycaps that adhere to your preferred operating system (as well as a handful of cosmetic alternatives, like differently colored Esc and Enter keys).

It's a wonderfully comfortable layout, with each individual key carefully sculpted for an optimal typing experience. These are double-shot PBT keys that promise good durability, and the font is clear and legible.

In general, I really like this design. There are sleeker keyboards than this, with the K4 HE using a plastic case with an aluminum frame, but both white and black colorways look incredibly clean, and the per-key, North-facing RGB lighting is decently vibrant and highly customizable.

If you want some added flair, the Special Edition that I received boasts rosewood accents on either side. The dimensions are slightly different from the Standard Edition, but the keyboard is functionally the same.

As a keyboard, the K4 HE is excellent. The Gateron Double-Rail Magnetic Switches, which employ Hall Effect technology, offer a consistent, responsive linear action with a rapid reset.

Keychron's expertise in typing acoustics makes itself known in the K4 HE, too, with a silicon acoustic pad and two separate layers of sound dampening foam provides a soft, even, and warm sound profile despite this being a tray-mounted design (rather than the more expensive gasket-mounted design favored by the most premium keyboards).

I'd be lying if I claimed I preferred the K4 HE over the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% I reviewed, but that keyboard also costs twice as much. For the price, the K4 HE is awesome, and it's equipped with an incredibly impressive list of features.

The use of magnetic switches over more traditional mechanical switches allows for far more precise, granular control over your input. In a broad sense, this means having adjustable actuation, or being able to change exactly when input is measured when depressing a key.

Historically, that was a feature reserved for extremely expensive keyboards using custom analog optical switches, like the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro I reviewed, but we're now starting to see more keyboards using Hall Effect technology.

Using the Keychron Launcher, you can customize the actuation distance of each individual key between 0.2mm and 3.8mm in 0.1mm intervals. You can enable rapid trigger, a feature that dramatically shortens the actuation reset so you can mash a key without missing any inputs.

You can tune keys to always prioritize the latest or deepest input. You can set individual keys to emulate a gamepad's analog triggers or thumbsticks with granular input. You can even assign up to four functions to every key, dependent on how deep you press it and in what combinations.

It's an incredibly deep layer of customization that you won't find in most keyboards, and the Keychron K4 HE boasts onboard memory to remember your separate profiles for both Windows and macOS (in addition to its healthy amount of built-in shortcuts and features).

Unlike many custom keyboards (including other options in Keychron's catalog), the K4 HE is also a great performer when gaming, even outside of the utility gained by the adjustable actuation.

Many wireless keyboards not designed for gaming are afflicted with egregious latency, as an instant response isn't as crucial with standard typing or productivity work. The K4 HE drags that latency down to just 3.4ms in 2.4GHz mode, though, and boasts up to a 1,000Hz polling rate in both wired and wireless modes.

With added Bluetooth support on board, the Keychron K4 HE can adapt to gaming, productivity, and creation across multiple devices with ease. Battery life in wireless modes has also been quite good for me, even with the RGB lighting enabled and its standby is efficient enough that I don't bother turning the keyboard off overnight.

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Keychron K4 HE review: What I don't like

I have some minor complaints about the Keychron K4 HE's design, like how it's a little on the chunky side and is always propped at an angle — which not everyone wants.

The switches on the side that allow you to change connectivity or OS modes also feel cheaper than the rest of the keyboard, and the labels are tiny and blend into the casing so you have to have perfect, direct lighting to even begin to read them.

The advantages of Hall Effect switches also come with one disadvantage, too. Yes, these switches are hot swappable and Keychron includes all the tools you need for customizing your K4 HE in the box, but this keyboard is only compatible with other Hall Effect switches. More specifically, other Hall Effect switches you can only get from Keychron.

More than all that, though, is a two-fold problem with the Keychron K4 HE. On one hand, the Keychron Launcher is packed with an absurd number of features, but on the other hand it's a slightly awkward web app that requires a wired connection to the K4 HE.

The K4 HE really feels designed to be used mostly wirelessly, and it certainly doesn't help that the angled, braided cable Keychron includes in the box is woefully short. When I need to charge the K4 HE, it has to sit on my mousepad to reach the cable — and my desktop is close by, not mounted below my desk or somewhere else.

The former issue could potentially be solved in a future firmware update and the latter could be fixed by Keychron simply supplying a longer cable in the box (or you using your own), so that goes to show how good this keyboard is that I have to nitpick.

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Keychron K4 HE review: Also consider

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Keychron K4 HE review: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if ...

• You want a wireless, custom keyboard that can also do gaming.
• You want to be on the cutting edge with adjustable Hall Effect switches.
• You value being able to customize every part of your keyboard.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You want to be able to use any key switches you want.
• You won't use any of the Hall Effect features and options.

Magnetic switch technology like Hall Effect and Tunnel Magnetoresistance (TMR) have already begun to take over controllers with more reliable, precise, and adjustable thumbsticks and triggers, and now we're seeing the same tech in keyboards.

The Keychron K4 HE isn't the first to use the tech and it won't be the last, but it's still one of the best custom, wireless keyboards you can buy right now that excels at every typing aspect — be it gaming, productivity, or creation.

Great typing acoustics, respectable hardware customization, an attractive price tag, and an absurd number of software features made possible by those unique Hall Effect switches makes the K4 HE a stupendously easy recommendation.

Not everyone will make use of any of those Hall Effect-specific features, though, and the wired-only launcher is kicked while its down by the ridiculously short cable in the box. Those are minor qualms, though — this is a killer keyboard.

You can grab the Keychron K4 HE from $134.99 at Amazon, but you may have better luck with availability at the source from $134.99 at Keychron. I also want to mention the Keychron K2 HE, a 75% version of this keyboard, that you can now get from $135.99 at Amazon.

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The Logitech ERGO K860 is one of the best devices I've ever owned. It's certainly the best keyboard I've ever used.

The split-key design of the keyboard allows me to write all day without straining my arms or hands. I feel cramped on any other keyboard and often find myself taking the ERGO K860 around the house with me even though my work laptop has a giant keyboard of its own.

Right now, you can grab the Logitech ERGO K860 for $104. That's almost $25 off the retail price of the ergonomic keyboard.

Why I love the Logitech ERGO K860 ergonomic keyboard

With how short the lifespan of most tech is these days, it's honestly a bit surprising that I haven't found an upgrade to the Logitech ERGO K860. There are other ergonomic keyboards, of course, but my keyboard has lasted well over the years and given me no reason to look elsewhere.

Despite being used to type over one million words since purchase, my Logitech ERGO K860 is in near-mint condition. The only real sign of wear is that a few of the keys are shinier than when I unboxed the keyboard.

Despite first shipping in January 2020, the Logitech ERGO K860 still tops several lists of the best ergonomic keyboards.

Logitech hit a home run with the ERGO K860 and hasn't changed things since. The keyboard is comfortable, feels good under my fingers, and has a full number pad and row of function keys.

When one of the cons of an accessory is that it's a full-sized keyboard, it's clear the list of negatives is short. To be clear, it's a good thing TechRadar pointed out the size of the keyboard in their Logitech K860 review, but that size is only a con for some people.

If you use your keyboard at a desk or large table, the expansive layout of the Logitech ERGO K860 is a positive.

The only knock I'd share on the Logitech ERGO K860 is that it lacks backlit keys. I turn off key backlighting on all my devices, but I know it's important to many people, so it's worth flagging up the omission.

I recommend the Logitech ERGO K860 to other journalists and people who type a lot. It's a no-brainer to suggest the keyboard at a discount.

There's never a better time to be interested in mechanical keyboards; dozens of new entrants are rolling out exciting products in this category, and there's an exhaustive amount of choice if you need a new keyboard.

I tested the Glorious GMMK 3 Pro back when it launched last year, and while I still prefer traditional gasket-mounted designs, I'll admit that hall effect switches make a real difference while gaming.

That's what makes Luminkey's Magger68 so interesting. It is a 65% keyboard with a striking design and hall effect switches, and its affordability gives it a clear edge.

I predominantly use 80% keyboards, but I've been using the iPad Pro M4 to write quite a bit these days, and the Magger68 became the go-to choice to pair with that device because of its smaller size.

The inherent advantage of hall effect tech — the ability to set custom actuation points — is available here as well, and the best part is that you get Gateron's excellent Magnetic Jade Pro linear switches.

Combine that with the interesting design, and you have an intriguing keyboard that's great for gaming as well as regular use.

Luminkey Magger68 HE: Pricing and availability

Luminkey introduced the Magger68 in October 2024, and the keyboard is now on sale in select global markets. It's available on Amazon for $139, and on Luminkey's website for $119. There's a Professional variant of the keyboard that costs $149 on Luminkey's website; this model has a heavier back plate and a slightly modified design, and it includes Gateron's Magnetic Jade Pro switches.

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Luminkey Magger68 HE: What I like

The Magger68 comes in a single 65% size, and it has the standard 68-key configuration. It is noticeably smaller than TKL and full-size keyboards, and the allure is that it doesn't take up much room on your desk. It is good for portability as well, but as it has an all-metal enclosure, it is quite heavy. The keyboard angle is a bit high, so you'll ideally need to use a wrist rest — there isn't one bundled in the package.

I'm using the Professional variant of the Magger68, and it looks pretty distinctive. The E-Milky White color option in particular has an elegant look, with the cream white design contrasted by orange accents. The arrow keys have a see-through design, and they do a great job diffusing light.

Interestingly, the E-Milky White model has Kanji sub-legends in orange, and they're done well. The chassis itself is made out of metal, and it has a good heft to it; it stays planted on a desk without any issues. The construction sees two halves joined together, and thanks to the aluminum plate that sits below the keys and two silicone layers, you get a great acoustic sound, and better feedback than most other hall effect keyboards I used.

On that note, the Magnetic Jade Pro switch is fantastic; the linear actuation provides a smooth feedback, and the 36gF actuation is good enough that it doesn't come across as too light. The switch is pre-lubed, and it has a POM stem with a polycarbonate housing that allows light to diffuse well, and a PA66 bottom shell.

If you need a lighter actuation, the regular model of the keyboard has the Magnetic White Pro switch, and it has a 30gF actuation; I prefer slightly heavier switches, so I went with the Jade Pro, but it's good to see that there's an alternative. Both switches have a linear actuation.

Like other hall effect switches, you get a magnet integrated into the Magnetic Jade Pro that allows you to tweak the actuation point. The total travel of the switch is 3.6mm, but you can set it to trigger from anywhere between 0.1mm to 3.5mm, and it makes a sizeable difference while gaming.

This is the key differentiator for the keyboard; the ability to adjust the actuation point gives it a distinct advantage over other gaming keyboards. Similarly, 8000Hz polling means it is in line with most mainstream gaming keyboards in this regard, and it connects via a detachable USB-C cable.

The keycaps don't have shine-through legends, but they have a good build quality, and they're made out of PBT. It has a good texture, and after three months of use, the keyboard still looks pristine. RGB lighting is pretty good too, and it diffuses well around the keys. You get custom lighting modes and a decent amount of configurability in this area.

The Magger68 does a fantastic job in regular use. While hall effect keyboards don't have the same bounciness as gasket-mounted designs with traditional switches, Luminkey did a good job delivering a great feedback. The advantages of the hall effect switch make the keyboard a great choice for gaming; being able to trigger keys quicker makes an immediate difference, and Luminkey's software makes it relatively easy to tailor actuation settings and macros.

Like most other mechanical keyboards, it's straightforward to customize the Magger68; you can easily change the switches or the keys and add your own. As it uses hall effect switches, you'll need to go with other magnetic switches, but other than that, there are no limitations.

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Luminkey Magger68 HE: What I don't like

I like the Luminkey software in general, but given how easy it is to use the web-based VIA utility that most mechanical keyboards now use, it was a little annoying not to have it on the Magger68. VIA makes it easier to modify settings and set up macros, and I use it to good effect on all my keyboards.

The only other thing is the switch selection; I prefer linear switches and have used Gateron's excellent Box Ink Black V2 switches for most of the last two years, but a tactile option would have made the Magger68 just that little more enticing. In a similar vein, Bluetooth or 2.4GHz connectivity would have made it much more versatile; I mostly used this keyboard with my iPad Pro M4 via USB-C, and not having to use a cable would have been preferable.

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Luminkey Magger68 HE: The alternatives

You'll find a good selection of hall effect switches these days, and I'll be reviewing a series of boards over the coming weeks. If you just need a reliable design from a well-known brand, Keychron's Q1 HE is a solid choice — albeit a costly one at $219. It comes with Gateron's Magnetic Nebula switch, Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connectivity, outstanding build quality, and the software is easier to use. I've had this keyboard for over six months, and it is a standout choice if you don't mind shelling out the cash.

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Luminkey Magger68 HE: Should you buy it?

You should buy this if:

✅ You want a hall effect keyboard that looks great

✅ You need a good value

✅ You want a smaller-sized gaming keyboard

You shouldn't buy this if:

❌ You need a keyboard with Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connectivity

❌ You want a tactile switch pre-installed

There's a lot to like with the Magger68, and Luminkey did all the right things with the keyboard. The all-metal chassis gives it decades-long durability, and the smaller size means it doesn't take up much room on your desk. The E-Milky White variant has a good presence thanks to the white and orange color scheme, and the keys are of a high quality.

The biggest reason to pick up this keyboard is because of the hall effect switches. Gateron's Jade Pro is fantastic in daily use as well as gaming, and the adjustable actuation along with good linear feedback makes it a standout choice. The only key feature missing is Bluetooth connectivity, but if you don't really need it and want a 65% mechanical board with the latest magnetic switches, the Magger68 still stands among some of the best keyboards as an easy recommendation.

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Over the years I've been doing this job, I've had a lot of mechanical keyboards grace my desk. Most of the time, though, there's one thing about them that I don't like for personal use; The layout.

Because the U.S. is by far the dominant market (and the biggest target for our content) almost every time one of these hot new keyboards comes in for review it has a U.S. layout.

That might sound like a nothingburger, and I'd say I agree about 80% of the way. But there are quirks with the U.S. layout that I just don't like, so when the review is over, I'll often switch back to something else with a U.K. layout.

8BitDo has come in clutch, though, finally offering its retro-inspired mechanical keyboards with other localized layouts that are more fitting for those of us in Europe, including, yes, a proper U.K. layout.

That means I have my beloved giant Enter key back, everything is in the place my fingers expect it to be, and thank goodness, a £ key as well. Like the good lord of keyboards intended.

What this means is that I can finally fully dive into using one and properly appreciate it as my everyday keyboard, which is what it became within about 35 seconds of using it. It's not perfect, and it certainly isn't for everyone, but for what it is, I think it's absolutely superb. It's going to take something special to stop me using this thing.

Stunning retro design, layouts to suit all

When you've been typing as long as I have, your fingers have a mind of their own. I never look at the keyboard when I'm typing, and switching to a U.S. layout does interfere with this at times. Some of the symbols aren't in the same place, the Enter key is way too small (seriously, who thought that was a good thing) and I make more mistakes.

The UK layout of the 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard has fixed all of that. Nothing else about the keyboard has changed, it just means that I'm enjoying it a lot more than if I'd caved and got one in with the U.S. layout.

The design isn't just about how it looks, either. While the C64-inspired design of the version I have is deliciously old-school brown, the size is perfect, too. There's no numberpad to get in the way (I get it, some people LOVE numberpads) and there are some handy buttons and dials on the top.

One is for volume, one is to quickly toggle between Bluetooth or 2.4GHz wireless, and three buttons to interact with the keyboard's other features, admittedly, none that I'll be using on a day-to-day basis.

The retro feel goes beyond just the look, too. Like old school keyboards, there are no height adjustable feet on this, it's fixed the whole time, but the keys are aligned in a curved layout, so it's always comfortable to type on.

The keys slope upwards from the Spacebar, not severely, but just enough to give it some good ergonomics. The switches underneath are Kailh White, which is something I haven't tested before, but I like them.

Keyboard makers were onto something back in the day. The sound of the keys is also retro-esque. I'm not suggesting it's exactly the same sound as you'd have heard decades ago, but it has that tone, particularly from the Spacebar and Backspace. There's a nice thunk, you don't have to press particularly hard, but it's a satisfying typing experience for sure.

I will point out that while it does have some weight to it, it does have that hollow feeling, and the plastics may not be to everyone's liking. They're fine, it's not as if it feels cheap, but if you're used to the most premium of keyboards, you may be disappointed. Then again, at this price point, there's nothing really to complain about.

Interesting and innovative accessory package

As with the U.S. layout version of the 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard you get some additional goodies included. These are a little old-school joystick, which, again, I'm not really the target audience for, and two big red buttons. Oh, and some stickers to put on the buttons if you wish.

The buttons in particular caught my eye, because they're potentially great news for accessibility. They connect to one of the ports on the back of the keyboard, and with the companion app you're able to program the keyboard operation they fulfill.

They're called "Super Buttons," and while I haven't personally found a glaring use case for them, that they exist at all is nothing to snigger at.

The software allows you to map simple functions to the buttons, or if you're in need of something more detailed, you can set up your own macros, too.

Additionally, it has a hot-swappable PCB, and while the promotional material does show the Doubleshot ABS keycaps removed from the keyboard, I haven't actually been able to pull them off. And I'm not trying any harder.

It's not as though you'd buy a keyboard like this, though, and slap on some custom keycaps. If you're buying one, it's surely to embrace the brown.

The Xbox version is quite similar to this

Also of note is that there is, in the U.S. at least, a version of this keyboard dressed up in an official Xbox paint job. That version isn't exactly the same as the C64-inspired design I have, but it's close. The Xbox version uses different switches, and has RGB backlighting.

The C64 did not have backlit keys, therefore, neither does this version of the keyboard. That could be a dealbreaker for you, but I find it refreshing to just have a good-looking keyboard that isn't blinking at me.

The Xbox version also has the Super Buttons, but no joystick, and additionally has an Xbox button that can be used to quickly open the Game Bar on Windows 11.

Whether you buy the Xbox version, this C64 version, the NES-inspired design or the one based on a very famous old IBM keyboard, you're getting something special. If you don't like Tenkeyless keyboards, there are some versions with an integrated numberpad, but 8BitDo also sells a separate one, should you decide down the line you need it.

It's a nice little lineup they've got here, made all the better by having a wider range of localized layouts. I always wanted one of these, and I'm so glad that it lived up to expectations.

I love a good keyboard. One of my favorite things to do at any store with keyboards, whether Best Buy or Microcenter, is to walk over and start typing on the latest boards.

I'm always looking for the next thing, feel, or experience at my fingertips. It sounds silly, but spending 12+ hours a day on a keyboard pushes you to care a little more than most people.

That's why I jumped at the opportunity to review the NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL Keyboard. A keyboard with magnetic switches? Heck yeah!

So, let's get right to it and unpack why this is an excellent option for anyone looking for a premium experience.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by NZXT. NZXT had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

Function Elite MiniTKL: Pricing and specifications

• Features that match the high price.
• Magnetic hall effect switches that will change the way you game.
• Incredible range of options to customize your experience.

First, let's look at the price of the NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL. Packed into the smallest of packages, the Elite MiniTKL price comes in at $199.99. While it's not entirely on the cheap side, for the price, you're getting a wide array of 'awesome sauce.' From top-tier RGB lighting to incredibly accurate performance modifications, the Function Elite MiniTKL price point is rightly placed to dominate the market.

To compare fairly against competitors, it's a TKL keyboard in a mini form factor, so we'll keep it close to competitors' formats where it makes sense when comparing the price to the rest of the market. Take Razer's Huntsman V3 Pro TKL keyboard, priced at $219.99. NZXT is looking to take on a market leader, with its price point coming just below that.

The Function Elite MiniTKL, available in white or black, features the hottest switch type on the market: Hall Effect. It feels buttery smooth and is precise on every keystroke.

With killer software customizations and hardware capabilities that either touch or exceed the competition, NZXT is poised to tackle the high-end gaming keyboard market with a real winner priced at just under $200.

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Function Elite MiniTKL: Design and build quality

• A premium experience to the touch.
• Compact design that's aesthetically pleasing to look at.
• Top-end keycaps that match the industry leaders.

You expect something premium for a $200 keyboard, and NZXT doesn't disappoint. Much like its PC cases, when it comes to the Function Elite MiniTKL, the finish is top-of-the-line. A cold brushed aluminum metal encases the outside, leaving a premium look, feel, and security should anything from the outside bump into it. I'm one to sometimes pull the mouse a little too far to the inside on occasion when mid-1v1 in an FPS title. Bang!

The weight alone of this sucker is something else as well. Even though it comes in a compact mini format, the total weight measured hits a whopping 1.09 kg. For comparison, my Logitech G815 measures in at around 1.03 kg, which comes with a numeric keypad and macros buttons on the side. While small, the added heft keeps the board in place during the most hectic gaming moments, and I reckon it would even hold it in place on a rocking boat.

The sides of the keyboard feature a textured grip for added comfort when moving or changing the board's position. As with any keyboard today, it can be placed flat or at an angle using the attached feet. The added grip is a simple pleasure when changing that angle out.

In the box, users can expect four things. Alongside the keyboard, you'll find the standard USB-C to USB-A connector cable that's two meters in length, as well as a 2-in-1 switch and keycap puller tool if you're interested in swapping out or cleaning any keys. You'll also find three additional replacement switches if dire circumstances befall your precious keyboard.

Let's talk about these keys, though. Featuring Double-shot PBT keycaps, dual-rail switch design, pre-lubed switches, and sound-dampening foam, you'll feel like you're typing into a cloud of pure softness. Seriously, the hall effect switches alongside the other features, which lends itself to one of the more pleasant typing experiences I've had.

Speaking of typing experience!

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Function Elite MiniTKL: Typing experience

• Dreamy hall effect switches give a buttery feel
• I could do without the space bar ping

Coming from my long lineage of Corsair, Ducky, and Logitech keyboards, NZXT had some fierce competition to type against; they flourished. Right off the bad, I fell in love with the dual-rail switch structure combined with the sound-dampening foam. It's one of the cleanest, most aesthetically pleasing keyboards my fingers have ever graced. I'm not one for the super egregious, over-clicky boards that sound the horn of Gondor.

Every keystroke felt like some sort of fidget device that calmed my soul. I know this all sounds like gushing, overly colorful language with no real substance, but I need to emphasize the delight and dreaminess of the keyboard strokes in full. It really was a delight to use, and I didn't go back to my normal Logitech G815 to write this review. I stuck out the entire process with the NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL well after my initial testing phase had passed because it was a pleasure to use.

As I've mentioned before, the Hall effect switches, alongside the other build quality enhancements, are largely responsible for this feel. The best way I can describe it is this: With optical switches, it feels like a knife cutting through the air—direct, precise, but not flattering. The Function Elite MiniTKL feels like slicing through butter. While not entirely non-existent, it's the one action that I can imagine that feels like nothing while still feeling like something. You really need to try it for yourself.

There are some negative aspects of typing that I could potentially do without, starting with the space bar. As you can expect, I either jump or hit space quite often when using this keyboard, and there's a slight 'ping' sound. It's not super loud, but it's noticeable enough that it's very different from the typical keystroke sound associated with this keyboard. At first, I thought I could deal with it, but I plan to dampen the sound for longer-term use.

The lack of a numeric pad also means that the keyboard won't be the best for typing. A keypad is plain faster for specific things and can be helpful in games like Arma. Then again, you're reading a TKL review! But I needed to mention it as part of the overall typing experience.

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Function Elite MiniTKL: Gaming experience

• Customizable actuation gives gamers access to better response times.
• Rapid Trigger and Snap Tap are gaming-changing, although be careful these features aren't banned by your favorite games.
• The ability to sync polling rates is a niche option that I hope all keyboards offer going forward.

The customization options powering the board bring this keyboard into the future and should find its way into the hands of pro or pro-inspired gamers. The nutty actuation settings that rival the Razer V3 Huntsman boards come into full play, with per-key settings ranging from a minuscule 0.6mm to a full 4.0mm. That's 40 actuation points per key! There's even more than meets the eye when it comes to this NZXT keyboard, and it's all due to my favorite switch in gaming: the hall effect switch.

Both optical and hall effect switches have their advantages, especially when it comes to taking on noobs. Optical is technically faster technology, as it uses light rather than magnetism to measure the actuation point of the keystroke—speed of light and all. In practice, measuring the full range of latency gives a slightly different outcome. Hall effect switches also offer unparalleled actuation measurement and debouncing over traditional optical switches.

Optical analog switches, not to be confused with traditional optical switches, can measure actuation and eliminate debounce. However, any conventional Hall effect switch will always eliminate this as a result of the technology powering it. Hall effect switches also offer one more potential benefit: accuracy.

While optical analog switches can measure actuation, their measured difference can vary a full 0.5mm between keystrokes. Meanwhile, measured instances of hall effect switches keep that actuation range at a stunning 0.1mm. While we don't perform tests here, you can find the difference in latency between something like the Wooting 60HE at 1.8ms and the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro at 3.4ms. Hall effect vs optical analog switches, where the winner is the hall effect.

The NZXT board's magnetic switches are also faster and more accurate than your standard hall effect switch, or at least that's what NZXT argues. Powered by 905 Gauss magnets, NZXT claims competitors will generally offer 700 Gauss strength instead. What is Guass? It's a measurement of magnetic strength. So, 905 Gauss would be roughly 30% stronger compared to 700 Gauss strength.

To match the precise measurements of the switches, NZXT has thrown the kitchen sink of gaming options into their CAM software to improve your gaming performance even further. With Rapid Trigger, the release of a key at any distance followed by a downward movement will reactuate the key. With this technology backed by Hall effect switches and 40 points of actuation, even the smallest of movements will enable faster, more precise, repetitive movements.

On top of that, the Function Elite MiniTKL also comes packed with 2-in-1 actions, where users can enable two different acts per key press. Think of an activity as fundamental as movement, pressing W all the way down to run but only halfway to walk. Look out, racing games; we finally have an analog gas pedal on our keyboards!

The package all comes together with a polling rate that matches the fastest-responding keyboards on the market. At a staggering 8k, forget about your PC missing any key press and forget about any delay. Mixed with a sync function that aligns your computer's input polling rate with the keyboard's outgoing polling rate, you'll never miss another keystroke again. It's honestly astounding just how fast and accurate these devices have become.

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Function Elite MiniTKL: RGB

• So many options, you'll never use them all.
• Colors are vibrant, and play off well against the white casing.
• Not all colors match what was selected, a sure bummer.

Next, let's talk about the excellent RGB this board produces. For the most part, it's superb. The colors are vibrant and bright. They're either on par or more colorful than other keyboards I've used.

The customization is also excellent. Per-key colors are part of the selection process, and individual keys can house separate animation styles. While it can lead to a hectic piece of art, the ability to do whatever you want with every key is a significant plus. After all, how will you see what you're doing if your WASD keys aren't color shifting from a green to pink gradient while the number keys are rainbow swapping and the space bar is pulsing red? Exactly.

There are certain instances of RGB where colors don't seem to be what they should be. For example, when selecting the standard darker green, it presents itself as almost turquoise. It's not significant, but when I spend $200 on a keyboard, I want all my colors to be as close to their intended representation.

I noticed a few other issues with the perimeter RGB lighting. For example, they're not entirely identical when selecting the same hexadecimal color of purple for both the keys and perimeter. Upon closer inspection, this is due to the light of the perimeter being shown directly to the keyboard user while the per-key instance of RGB comes from underneath each key. Rather than direct lighting, it's the reflection of the light itself users see. It's a very minor inconvenience, but an inconvenience nonetheless.

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Function Elite MiniTKL: Competition

Other keyboards on the marketplace in this price range and format are numerous and name-brand when you think about PC peripherals. When it comes to NZXT, I think of prebuilt PCs or computer cases, not a keyboard. This keyboard deserves to change that perception.

Others in the market are the aforementioned Razer Huntsman V3 Pro, which features the TKL format with additional dials in a larger package and optical analog switches. Then there's the SteelSeries - Apex Pro TKL V2, which is a newer member of their premium Apex lineup. It, too, comes with hall effect switches but a slightly larger format matching that of the Huntsman.

Then there's the Keychron K2 HE, which, for $140, also has hall effect switches and can be used wirelessly. However, you sacrifice that 8,000Hz polling rate for 1,000Hz instead, which isn't ideal for everyone. After using anything about 1,000, I know it's a deal breaker for me. Its RGB is also less than good.

The competition surrounding this board is fierce but lacking when it comes to the total package. If you want a high-end Hall effect gaming keyboard that comes in a sturdy package, blistering speeds, and endless customization options, then the NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL is the clear winner in my book. When it comes to accuracy and feel, this is one of the best I've used.

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Function Elite MiniTKL: Final thoughts

All in all, this is one of the best gaming keyboards I've used. Alongside some minor and overcomable annoyances, I can easily say this will become my daily driver going forward. In the areas it lacks, I always have my other boards to fall back on if my numeric pad is an absolute necessity. At most, it's more demanding to hit my 4-digit PIN when I log into my PC.

The Function Elite is my dream keyboard, and if they launch a ten-key variety, I'll look into the full version down the road to fulfill my desires. Between the literal buttery smoothness of the keystrokes, the wide array of customization options, and the accuracy to boot, I'm more than pleased. It's a bonafide winner.

You should buy this if ...

✅You want a high-end board for gaming

You're a gamer looking for the next high-end board that features the highest available polling rates, great RGB, and the accuracy of hall effect switches. This is the ideal keyboard for gamers looking to save a couple extra dollars over the Razer Huntsman lineup.

✅A keyboard that feels as good as it looks

The chassis for the Function Elite is premium quality and looks fantastic under any lighting conditions. Pair it with your favorite RGB colors to really make the board pop.

You should not buy this if ...

❌You want a wireless keyboard

This board is not wireless and is only usable with a wired connection. Gamers looking to go cordless will need to look elsewhere.

❌You're looking to save money

While they may be missing some features, there are other keyboards that cost less and can at least come close to performing as well as the Function Elite. Don't break the bank if it's not what you're looking for.

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Overall, the NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL keyboard was a delight to use and will become my daily driver going forward. Placebo or not, I had one of the most "locked-in " gaming experiences on this beast and only missed out on a few features using this TKL format.

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In 2023, Microsoft scrapped its entire line of PC accessories, including popular items such as its ergonomic keyboards and mice. Incase would later step in to save the line, and just recently launched the first "designed by Microsoft" mice under the Incase brand.

These new Incase accessories are identical to the Microsoft ones, just with the Microsoft logo swapped out for the Incase one. Today, Incase is launching a new desktop keyboard that was canceled before it had a chance to ship, as Microsoft shuttered its PC line.

Dubbed the Compact Ergonomic Keyboard, this new accessory features a contemporary design with a split keyboard layout, similar to the Surface Ergonomic Keyboard but without the number pad and in black. It features the new Copilot key, can be paired to up to three devices via Bluetooth 4.0, and has around 36 months of battery life.

Incase is highlighting how small the overall footprint of the keyboard is, being just 13-inches by 8.6-inches. As it was designed by Microsoft, it fits in perfectly with the current Microsoft design language, matching up nicely with the current Surface portfolio with an identical key font and similar feeling typing experience with a key travel of 1.3mm

I understand that this keyboard was one of the very last PC accessories that Microsoft worked on before it decided to stop selling them under the Microsoft brand. The keyboard has been in limbo since then, but thanks to the partnership between Microsoft and Incase, it's finally available to buy.

The Compact Ergonomic Keyboard launches in the next few weeks, but it won't be cheap. Incase says the keyboard will go on sale for $119.99, which is pretty steep for a plastic Bluetooth keyboard. For that price, you're paying for that "designed by Microsoft" aesthetic.

• Check out the Compact Ergonomic Keyboard on the Incase website

Incase intends to launch many more designed by Microsoft accessories over the coming months, including more ergonomic mice, the older designed keyboards, and even some audio accessories. If you were ever a fan of Microsoft's accessories, these new Incase ones are exactly the same.

If you've been looking for Cyber Monday deals, you've probably seen a few good laptop and monitor deals from HP. However, laptops and monitors aren't the only Cyber Monday bargains from HP. The sleek, low-profile HP 970 programmable wireless keyboard is also a bargain, with its $88 price tag directly from HP. That's 31% off for a savings of $41.

I grew up in an era where I learned to type on a typewriter before transitioning to those big, chunky IBM keyboards. This past has somehow morphed into a love of thick gaming keyboards now in my adulthood, but those RGB-blasting monstrosities aren't ideal for every setup. Sometimes, I need my setup to look a little more on the modern professional side and less glowy gamer-zoned.

A low-profile wireless keyboard like the HP 970 is a great way to make your office look like a professional workspace where adult work gets done, even if you're secretly playing Stardew Valley in another tab. It's also just a great keyboard, in general, earning a "Recommended" award here at Windows Central thanks to its programmable keys, easy-to-use software, and the ability to pair to multiple devices. Oh—it even has a full-size number pad. You know, the one feature keyboard manufacturers love to hack off for reasons I will never understand? HP was clearly thinking of us productive folks for the 970.

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A responsibly made keyboard for responsible people doing responsible things

In his review of the HP 970 Programmable Wireless keyboard, Windows Central's Zac Bowden affectionately dubbed it "the best wireless keyboard HP has ever made." That's pretty high praise, given how many keyboards our staff uses. Bowden particularly praised the industrial design of the HP 970, which features a silver colorway that makes the keyboard appear as though it has an aluminum chassis. However, the 970 is made of post-consumer recyclable materials, making it a productive and good-looking keyboard for your desktop and an environmentally friendly choice.

The HP 970 features chiclet-style keys with scissor switches and just 2 mm of travel, snappy and tactile yet soft and comfortable enough for long typing sessions. This programmable keyboard has 20 different keys that can be customized with various commands, keystrokes, and app launchers via the HP Accessory Center app available in the Microsoft Store. There are some limitations, though, like the dedicated Windows Emoji key and Voice Dictation key, neither of which can be customized.

The keys of the 970 are backlit with a soft white glow, but the backlighting is limited in its customization. You can't change the color, but you can adjust the brightness of the white or set it to a fading animation if you really can't let go of your RGB-ified ways.

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• Samsung: Holiday deals on laptops, TVs, phones, and more are live
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"Too expensive" is a common theme among gaming peripherals, alongside garish RGB lighting and unnecessary features, but ultimately outshined by an outrageous price tag. That's what held the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Wireless back when I first got my hands on it in 2022, making it a problematic recommendation until now, as it drops to $128.99 at Best Buy.

This keyboard hasn't left my desk since I unboxed it, except to make way for other review samples temporarily, but it always came back — I love this keyboard, and at this price, so will you. My counter keeps climbing, too, now that Black Friday is over, but Best Buy doesn't seem to care because the deal is still live. Either way, the Apex Pro Mini isn't leaving my desk.

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• 🎮ASUS ROG Ally (Z1) | $349.99 at Best Buy (Save $150!)
• ⌨️Surface Pro Flex Keyboard | $279.99 at Best Buy (Save $70!)
• 🖥️Beelink Mini PC (Ryzen 5) | $279 at Amazon (Save $70!)
• 📺xScreen for Xbox Series S | $159.99 at Amazon (Save $40!)

Still my daily keyboard over two years later

I'll be candid: I don't use the SteelSeries GG companion app to control anything on this Apex Pro Mini because it became more of my daily driver for writing than it did for high-effort gaming.

Even if I did, I still have the option to record a sequence of keypresses into a macro just by holding down the SteelSeries logo key + X.

It might have been handy for typing "good game, well played" if I weren't playing Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 exclusively on Xbox and acting like an antisocial hermit in multiplayer.

Plus, I can flip through a few RGB lighting presets with the SteelSeries logo key + Z if I need more animated rainbows, though I could install the official app if I ever wanted deeper customization.

Essentially, I'm saying that the Apex Pro Mini Wireless is a functional gaming keyboard that works well enough without total reliance on a desktop companion app. Still, the extended personalization options are available whenever you want them, and you'll need the GG app if you dig into the dual-binding option that assigns two options per key based on how far you push it down. Check it out before Cyber Monday ends, potentially returning it to full price.

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• Samsung: Holiday deals on laptops, TVs, phones, and more are live
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The Razer BlackWidow V4 75%, which my colleague Ben Wilson reviewed, was recently released to the world and represented a shift in direction for Razer.

Instead of Razer's classic "you don't have to touch a thing" approach to hardware design, the BlackWidow V4 75% took cues directly from the best peripherals that hardcore keyboard enthusiasts obsess over. That means a focus on typing acoustics, a modular design with great foundational features, and open support for custom switches and keycaps. Now, the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% is here to take that fresh approach to gaming keyboards to an all-new level.

This is Razer's most premium, luxurious gaming keyboard ever; it's the kind of high-end accessory that only the most affluent or passionate should consider. If you do pull the trigger, though, you'll be getting a keyboard with impeccable build quality, a phenomenally comfortable and satisfying typing and gaming experience, and a host of features that aim to justify that extravagant price tag. There are a few quirks that should be nothing more than a memory at this price point, however.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by Razer. The company had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%: Pricing and specifications

Pricing highlights

• The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% retails for $299.99, making it the most expensive gaming keyboard Razer sells.
• This is a compact 75% keyboard with wireless and wired connectivity, hot-swappable switches and keycaps, and an integrated OLED control display.
• It is absolutely a premium gaming keyboard aimed at hardcore enthusiasts who are used to exorbitant price tags.

The Razer Huntsman V3 Pro I reviewed previously held the title of Razer's most expensive keyboard, but the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% comfortably takes the crown. This is an enthusiast, premium wireless gaming keyboard with a lot of features, so it's not too surprising that the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% retails for $299.99 at Best Buy.

That's absolutely in the upper ranges of gaming keyboards, but the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% can't really be described as a bad value. An aluminum chassis, Razer's best switches and most durable keycaps, an integrated OLED display and control dial, support for custom switches and keycaps, and multiple forms of wireless and wired connectivity let this keyboard compete with the absolute best money can buy. It's clear Razer also invested a lot of time and research into this keyboard's internal structure.

In the box, you get the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%, a plush leatherette magnetic wrist rest, a lovely braided USB Type-C to USB Type-A cable, a Razer HyperPolling Wireless dongle, a switch and keycap removal tool, and three extra Razer Orange switches. Razer covers the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% (and its mechanical switches) with its standard 2-year warranty, but it's worth reviewing that warranty if you decide to open this keyboard up for in-depth customization (like replacing the stabilizers).

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BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%: The good

The pros highlights

• The BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% takes everything great about its non-Pro sibling and simply makes it better.
• You also get the addition of new features like the integrated OLED display, Control Dial, and wireless connectivity.
• From a pure typing experience, this is the best keyboard I have ever used, and it's great to see Razer embrace the features loved by keyboard enthusiasts.

I'll start this review with some comparisons. Whether or not you're already familiar with the standard Razer BlackWidow V4 75% wired gaming keyboard, it's still worth wondering why exactly the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% costs $110 more. The non-Pro version is already a pricey peripheral, so what did Razer change? Honestly, not a ton... but the few additions can make a significant difference.

The backing FR4 plate is now made of white woven fiberglass to better reflect the Razer Chroma RGB lighting, and all the keycaps are more durable double-shot PBT plastic rather than cheaper ABS. Elsewhere, Razer added tri-mode connectivity with Razer HyperSpeed Wireless and Bluetooth support, and replaced the roller and dual media keys with an integrated OLED panel and Control Dial.

You're still getting the gasket-mounted design that sandwiches the keyboard plate in between the top and bottom frame with rubber padding (to achieve a softer feel), premium build quality with an included (and very comfy) magnetic leatherette wrist rest, triple-layer sound dampening (two layers of foam and a fire-retardant tape-enhanced circuit board), lubricated switches and screw-in stabilizers, and full support for custom key switches, keycaps, and third-party stabilizers.

If you're not a keyboard enthusiast, you may be wondering what this all means. Basically, the Razer BlackWidow V4 75% was a momentous launch for Razer as it finally delivered a keyboard that embraced enthusiast features like refined typing acoustics and in-depth customization. The BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% retains that sophisticated sound profile, adds multiple premium features, and doesn't lose a single ounce of modularity.

The result is one of the best typing experiences of any keyboard I have ever used. "Luxurious" is one of the most apt descriptions I could use — the Razer Orange mechanical switches that debuted with the BlackWidow V4 75% and make another appearance here are beautifully responsive with the perfect amount of tactility without a sharp click, and Razer's investments in sound dampening and acoustics have effectively eliminated metallic clacks, echoes, and high-pitched noises.

Honestly, I never really paid too much attention to how my keyboard sounded, relying more on feel, but I simply can't return to the standard Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro anymore, which now sounds obnoxiously loud and rough in comparison. The 75% version is such a dramatic leap forward in terms of the core typing experience; the acoustics are soft and pleasant, and the switches are firm and responsive. Those improvements translate to gaming performance, too.

Now, I am not a keyboard enthusiast and can't really speak to the benefits of a more modular design, but the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% does boast hot swappable switches with support for standard 3-pin and 5-pin switches, lets you install your own screw-in or plate stabilizers, and includes both a tool to easily remove the keycaps and switches as well as three replacement switches. The core features and sound-dampening capabilities of the keyboard will never change, but the typing experience and cosmetics can be bent entirely to your will.

The BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% boasts the flexibility and long-term durability that keyboard enthusiasts look for, but with features you won't find in most bespoke keyboard chassis. The OLED display is one such feature; this two-inch panel sits in the upper right corner of the keyboard and can display a ton of information. You can display keyboard or system info, an audio meter, fun screensavers, or custom GIFs and interact with both the keyboard and your computer through the OLED display, Command Dial, and Mode Button.

Those functions include audio and media controls, app switching, granular zooming and scrolling, RGB lighting brightness, and creating custom keyboard profiles in Razer Synapse that you can easily switch between. The value of an OLED display in a keyboard (especially a basic black-and-white one) is a little dubious, but it does add another layer of functionality and customizability to the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%.

Razer Synapse 4 support gives you full control over that OLED display and related controls, as well as the per-key and dual underglow Razer Chroma RGB lighting that looks stunning in typical Razer fashion. On top of that, there are various power-saving features to squeeze out more battery life, Razer HyperShift support to basically have endless keyboard shortcuts, and Razer Snap Tap support that aims to give you a competitive edge in first-person shooters.

I'll round out my positives with performance. I can talk about how the industry-leading typing experience translates to better gaming performance or how the elegant acoustics are less distracting and less likely to pierce through your headset, but I've said enough on both. The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% offers impeccable performance, and that's whether you're using a cable or relying on the included Razer HyperPolling Wireless 2.4GHz dongle.

Bluetooth 5.1 support is also here to connect to basically any device you want, and the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% is compact enough to fit in most bags or backpacks. I don't suggest using Bluetooth for competitive gaming, though.

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BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%: The bad

The cons highlights

• Besides the obvious weakness of costing more than most people would ever spend on a keyboard, the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% does have a few other flaws.
• Most of them are minor quirks, like a few keys randomly displaying the wrong RGB colors or a key sometimes double inputting.
• Battery life also isn't the most impressive without using the Power Saving mode, and polling rates are limited in a strange way.

The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% isn't a perfect gaming keyboard by any means, but the greatest barrier between it and someone actually buying it is the price. $300 is more than most people would ever be willing to spend on a keyboard, no matter how luxurious, and that's especially true when the non-Pro version of this keyboard costs so much less. I do believe this keyboard deserves its $300 price tag, but whether you should actually purchase it is a different question altogether.

As for those imperfections, I noticed a few quirks during my time using the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%.

For one, the "B" key specifically sometimes doubles inputs when I capitalize it (giving me "Bb" instead of just "B"), and closer inspection seems to suggest the reset point for that switch, in particular, is very slightly lower than the other switches. I also noticed that whenever the keyboard is in wireless mode, the "F" and "G" switches randomly change to red and blue, respectively — regardless of my Razer Chroma settings. Pressing either button fixes it for a few hours. The OLED display sometimes turns off completely, disregarding my power settings, too.

Those are all minor issues and could all be fixed with future firmware updates, but they're worth mentioning. More serious is the fact that battery life isn't altogether amazing for this keyboard. I'm not too shocked; RGB lighting can be a real battery drainer. That being said, companies like Alienware and Logitech seem to be able to squeeze more life out of their wireless RGB keyboards than Razer did here; in wireless mode, I found myself needing to charge every other day. There are plenty of power-saving options that can let you achieve near-endless battery life, but that means sacrificing features like the RGB lighting or OLED display.

Finally, the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% has lower polling rates than its more affordable little sibling. While the regular BlackWidow V4 75% can reach up to 8,000Hz polling rates while plugged in, the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% is limited to just 1,000Hz. Even more strangely, this keyboard can achieve a 4,000Hz polling rate in wireless mode. The vast, vast majority of people would never need 8,000Hz polling on their keyboard or any other accessory, but it's still odd that the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% is less performant in this metric and especially when it's plugged in.

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BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%: Competition

If you're considering the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% — either because you simply want an ultra-premium keyboard or because you're a modular keyboard enthusiast — the first question you should really ask yourself is, "Do I want a wireless gaming keyboard?" If you do, the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% is pricey but ultimately justifies its price with its sheer quality in design, typing, and performance.

If not, though, you're better off getting the regular Razer BlackWidow V4 75% for $189.99 at Best Buy. You're getting very similar quality and an overall typing experience, just with a cable attached. The OLED display on the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% is nice to have, but it's not enough of a feature to really make a sizeable impact in this purchasing decision, in my opinion.

• Recommended wireless gaming mouse: Razer Basilisk V3 Pro 35K for $159.99 at Best Buy
• Recommended wireless gaming headset: Razer Kraken V4 Pro for $399.99 at Best Buy

One of the strongest competitors for either hot-swappable BlackWidow V4 75% is going to be the Keychron Q1 Pro we reviewed, which is a frankly phenomenal gasket-mounted keyboard with magnetic Hall Effect switches rather than mechanical ones. You can get the Keychron Q1 Pro for $239.99 at Best Buy, making it a great option if you don't mind losing the more refined design and feature set of the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%.

You could also consider something like the GMMK 3 Pro keyboard we reviewed for another great option in the same price range or one of the exorbitantly expensive Angry Miao keyboards we reviewed if your budget is "yes." There's really no shortage of great enthusiast keyboards out there from niche companies, too, but the advantage of the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% is in its polished feature set and the after-purchase support of a major company.

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BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%: Final thoughts

You should buy this if ...

✅You want the absolute best that Razer can offer

The BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% isn't rocking every single high-end feature in Razer's keyboard portfolio, but as a complete package, it's absolutely the most premium of the bunch. This keyboard's design, build quality, and typing experience make it a cut above the rest, but you have to pay a cut above the rest to obtain it.

✅You want a great wireless keyboard with enthusiast-level customization

The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% boasts hot-swappable switches and a high-quality modular design alongside its excellent wireless performance, once again helping to justify that premium price tag. If you want greater portability or fewer cables as a keyboard enthusiast, this one checks those boxes.

You should not buy this if ...

❌You don't care about the hot-swappable switches and other enthusiast features

Sure, this keyboard boasts the best typing experience of any keyboard I've ever personally used, but that alone isn't really enough to justify paying $300. If you don't care in the slightest about the potential of swapping out parts like the switches or keycaps and making your keyboard your own, you can find other amazing keyboards that cost less.

It's going to be genuinely difficult for Razer to top the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%. This is a marvelous keyboard with a gorgeous design and a resplendent typing experience. Combined with its compelling feature set and the modularity to make a keyboard enthusiast drool, and Razer may be converting me into one of those hardcore fanatics. I don't know that I'll ever want to swap out these excellent switches, but maybe it's about time I invested in some custom keycaps.

What's most surprising is that Razer doesn't offer the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% (or the non-Pro variant) as a switchless, keycapless chassis that enthusiasts can buy as a base to build their own keyboard. We could see this in the future, as it's very common for these high-end, bespoke keyboards to let buyers save money if they don't need the default switches. The BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% is also only available in black at the moment, with no white or pink version, and there's no option to buy it with different Razer switches installed. That can all come in the future, though.

Right now, this is Razer's best keyboard. It's simply one of the best keyboards, period. Still, the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% is ridiculously expensive at $299.99 at Best Buy. It has its share of quirks at the moment, and you don't have to pay this much to get an amazing keyboard with a similar feature set if you don't care about the modular design or sound-centric typing experience. As for me, my old keyboards are looking rather unappealing now.

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Corsair makes a lot of gaming keyboards, and its designs used to be in line with those of Razer, SteelSeries, and Logitech. I used all of its keyboards, and the K100 and K95 Platinum RGB got the most amount of use.

Although both keyboards sell well, I switched away from them in recent years in favor of DIY designs, and having reviewed the Keychron Q6 Pro and Angry Miao's insane Cyberboard R4, I found myself liking these keyboards because of the increased customizability and gasket-mounted designs.

Corsair is also pivoting its keyboard strategy — motivated by its acquisition of Drop — and the K70 Pro TKL includes a host of upgrades. Although the model is technically still in the K70 series, it is markedly different to the rest of the products.

The K70 Pro TKL has magnetic switches, allowing you to easily adjust the actuation point from as low as 0.1mm to 4.0mm. You get good build quality, fantastic RGB lighting, a bundled wrist rest, and a rotary knob. Corsair's software is still a big differentiator, and iCUE has extensive customizability. Basically, the K70 Pro TKL is the best Corsair keyboard I used until now, and if you need a gaming-focused keyboard with magnetic switches, you can't go wrong with what's on offer.

Corsair K70 Pro TKL: Pricing and availability

Corsair unveiled the K70 Pro TKL on October 31, and the keyboard is now available globally. It costs $179, and the variant with PBT double-shot keys is an additional $10. The keyboard is sold in black and white models, and I selected the latter.

Elsewhere, it retails for CAD 249 ($179) in Canada, and over in the U.K., you can pick it up for £169 ($218). It is available for 1,790 SEK ($165) in the Nordics, and you can pick up the keyboard for the equivalent of $190 in most parts of Southeast Asia. Similar to other Corsair keyboards, the K70 Pro TKL has a standard two-year warranty.

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Corsair K70 Pro TKL: Design

Corsair's gaming keyboards have a distinct design, and the K70 Pro TKL maintains a similar aesthetic while offering a cleaner look. The top plate is made out of aluminum, and the brushed metal design looks great — particularly with the white variant I'm using.

As the name suggests, the K70 Pro TKL uses a tenkeyless design, so you get 87 keys in total — the number pad is missing. I like this design as it contains the entire nav and editing cluster but still doesn't take up as much room as a full-size keyboard.

The difference with the design is the addition of a rotary knob; it changes the volume by default, but you can customize it to undertake any action via iCUE. The knob has good build quality and has a button action that can be used to control music playback, and it is a welcome addition.

You get a dedicated Game Mode button that turns the LEDs to a static color (you can change it in iCUE), enables a custom polling rate, and decreases the actuation to 0.1mm. There's also onboard device storage that holds five profiles.

There are rubber feet at the bottom of the keyboard, and they can be raised to increase the angle — I found this to be a comfortable position in my testing. The bundled wrist rest is of good quality; it has decent padding, and unlike the K100 and K95, it attaches magnetically to the keyboard.

The only issue I have with the design of the K70 Pro TKL is that the bottom half of the chassis is made out of plastic. The overall build quality is still great, but the use of plastic in a keyboard costing $179 is annoying, and it doesn't quite have the same heft as you get with all-metal keyboards.

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Corsair K70 Pro TKL: Features

The K70 Pro TKL is packed with features, and the keyboard goes up to 8,000Hz polling. The default is 1,000Hz out of the box, but you can change it in the settings with ease. Like the best mechanical keyboards, the K70 Pro TKL has sound-dampening layers, which makes a difference in the acoustics of the keyboard and makes it much better to use.

The feel isn't quite as engaging as gasket-mounted designs — the Keychron Q1 Pro I reviewed last year is still the best in this regard — but it is better than other Corsair keyboards I used. The K70 Pro TKL connects via a detachable USB-C cable, and the 2m cable is color-matched to the keyboard.

While designed to be used with Windows, you can connect the K70 Pro TKL to an Xbox, and there's a PlayStation 5 mode as well. As there's no Bluetooth or 2.4GHz connectivity, you will need to plug in the keyboard to use with each device.

The keyboard has a FlashTap mode that's quite nifty; when you press opposing movement keys at the same time (like A and D), it prioritizes the movement based on the input sequence. As you get magnetic switches, you can easily adjust the actuation point on each key and even set up two actions on the same key.

Another thing Corsair nailed is the RGB lighting; the keys have shine-through legends, so you get vibrant lighting. Like everything else with the keyboard, you can customize the lighting effects or use any of the 16 preset modes within iCUE. Short of getting pudding-style keys, this is the best RGB lighting you can get on a gaming keyboard.

The only feature missing is the ability to change switches; Corsair's MGX v2 switch is soldered to the keyboard, and there isn't any way to use another switch down the line. Also, Corsair's iCUE software can be a bit daunting if you haven't used it previously, but it has a ton of customizability. 

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Corsair K70 Pro TKL: Performance

The key talking point of the K70 Pro TKL is the hall effect switch, and Corsair did all the right things in this area. The MGX Hyperdrive v2 linear switch has smooth actuation, and the magnetic contacts allow you to adjust the actuation point without any hassle.

I used all of Corsair's custom switches, and the MGX v2 is distinctly better; it doesn't have any noticeable wobble in regular use, the switches are pre-lubed at the factory, and you get great overall feedback.

I tested dozens of linear switches over the last two years, and while Corsair's option isn't anywhere as smooth as Gateron's Ink Black V2, it does a brilliant job in the context of a gaming keyboard.

The keys are of decent quality as well, but it's annoying that you'll need to shell out an additional $10 to get PBT double-shot keys — that needs to be standard on a keyboard that costs this much. The shine-through legends do a great job diffusing RGB lighting, and if you have a custom keyset you want to use, you can easily change out the keys.

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Corsair K70 Pro TKL: The alternatives

Keyboards with hall effect switches are gaining momentum, and there are plenty of great choices in this category. I reviewed the Glorious GMMK 3 Pro recently, and it has extensive customizability you don't get on any other keyboard today. The software is still a little flaky, but the GMMK 3 Pro has a better design, and it feels fantastic.

Keychron's Q1 HE is my go-to recommendation for its feature set and value. While it is costlier at $219, you get Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connectivity, an all-metal chassis, and excellent Gateron magnetic switches. It isn't aimed at gamers, so you don't get some of the niceties that Corsair bundles as standard, but if you need a great keyboard, the Q1 HE ticks a lot of the right boxes.

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Corsair K70 Pro TKL: Should you buy it?

You should buy this if:

✅ You need a gaming keyboard with hall effect magnetic switches

✅ You want great RGB lighting

✅ You want good customizability and the ability to set custom actuation

✅ You need a bundled wrist rest

You shouldn't buy this if:

❌ You want a keyboard with an all-metallic chassis

❌ You want a full-size keyboard

❌ You need Bluetooth connectivity

Overall, Corsair got a lot right with the K70 Pro TKL. The MGX v2 switch does a brilliant job while gaming and the ability to adjust the actuation point on each key is just plain cool. It does make a difference in daily use, and the switch itself is of a higher quality than what we've gotten in the past.

The design is pretty good, too, and while you don't get an entirely metallic chassis, it doesn't have much flex, and the build quality is great. The Game Mode button is a decent addition that lets you change several parameters in one go, and I like the rotary knob — it is highly customizable.

There are better keyboards to be had at this price point, but if you need vibrant RGB lighting and all the other gaming-focused extras that Corsair offers as standard, the K70 Pro TKL is a great choice. The magnetic switch plays a big part in my recommendation of this keyboard, and it is the best Corsair keyboard I used.

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Glorious is a well-known brand in the DIY keyboard category, and the GMMK Pro continues to be the go-to choice for a lot of users getting started with customizable keyboards. After using various gaming keyboards for the better part of a decade, I switched to the GMMK Pro a year and a half ago, and the difference was immediately noticeable; the gasket-mounted design delivered much better feedback, and the keyboard unlocked hitherto undiscovered customization options.

There are dozens of brands in this segment, but Glorious still stands out for its customizable designs, and the brand's pre-built keyboards lower the barrier to entry. Glorious is now looking to build on that advantage with the introduction of its latest keyboard, the GMMK 3. To say that the keyboard is an upgrade over the GMMK Pro would be an understatement — it is instead a ground-up overhaul.

The GMMK 3 comes in various sizes and has hall effect switches in addition to the traditional MX-style switches, and the Pro model gets Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connectivity alongside USB-C. But the biggest differentiator is Boardsmith, Glorious's new customization utility. With nine points of modularity and plenty of options in each category, there are endless design variations available — Glorious is touting over 1 billion combinations.

I customized a full-size edition of the GMMK 3 Pro with hall effect switches and used it as the default keyboard for close to a month now. It didn't take long to realize that Glorious is onto something great, and if you need a new keyboard, here's why you need to pay attention to the GMMK 3 Pro.

This review was made possible with a review unit provided by Glorious. The company did not see the contents of the review before publishing.

Glorious GMMK 3 Pro: Pricing and availability

The GMMK 3 and GMMK 3 Pro are available in three sizes: 65%, 75%, and 100%. Given the customizable nature of the keyboard, there are plenty of unique configurations you can select, and Glorious also has standard pre-built and barebones kits available.

The regular GMMK 3 comes with USB-C connectivity and MX switches, and it costs just $119 for the 65% version, $129 for the 75% model, and $139 for the 100% variant. This includes the fully assembled keyboard with Glorious Fox switches and GPBT keys for a good overall value. If you don't need the extras and just want the barebones kit, it is available in a black color scheme and costs $79 for the 65% version, $89 for the 75% variant, and $99 for the 100% design.

Glorious is going all-in on hall effect switches with this generation, and the GMMK 3 HE model includes the brand's hall effect switches with a customizable actuation point. This variant retails for $179 if you're getting the 65% model, $189 for the 75% edition, and $199 for the 100% version.

There's also a GMMK 3 Pro, and this keyboard is more interesting as it has 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connectivity in addition to USB-C. The chassis is also made out of metal, and it's just a better all-round keyboard. The GMMK 3 pre-built model is sold in white and black, and it starts at $239 for the 65% edition, $259 to $299 for the 75% version, and $299 for the 100% design. This includes the keyboard along with the Glorious Fox switches and GPBT keys.

Glorious is obviously offering a hall effect variant of the GMMK 3 Pro, and this model is sold in black and silver and includes the brand's Fox HE linear switches with customizable actuation. It costs $299 to $349 for the 65% and $319 to $369 for the 75% model, and there isn't a full-size edition in this configuration as a pre-built choice.

Similar to the regular model, the GMMK 3 Pro is also available as a barebones kit, and it costs $189 for the 65% design, $199 for the 75% model, and $239 for the 100% version. There's also a hall effect model that you can get as a barebones model, and that costs $259 and is available in just the 75% design — unless you use the configurator.

That's clearly a lot of configurations, and I didn't even get to the custom designs yet. The GMMK 3 can be easily customized by Boardsmith, Glorious's brand-new utility that allows you to tweak just about every area of the keyboard.

The version I chose has a 100% design, tactile hall effect switches (Panda), a blue and white color scheme with Pixel Punk keys, and a red rotary knob and badge. I used Boardsmith to customize my board, and it came out to $567 in total. Obviously, that's at the higher end of the scale for the GMMK 3 Pro, and you can easily build a custom design for much less. Also, it says something about the mechanical keyboard hobby that the GMMK 3 Pro isn't the costliest keyboard in my collection.

Glorious GMMK 3 Pro: Design

As the GMMK 3 Pro is inherently customizable, the design you end up with is going to look different — if you're going the custom route. The pre-built variants have straightforward color choices (white or black), and regardless of whatever model you choose, the chassis is the same.

Like the best mechanical keyboards, the GMMK 3 Pro has an all-aluminum chassis, and it is among the heaviest keyboards I used — it comes in at 5.67lb (2.57 kg). That's a good thing, as it ensures the keyboard stays planted on a desk. There are eight rubber feet on the underside, and you'll also find the Glorious logo emblazoned on the bottom plate.

You don't get much in the way of branding on the top plate, and other than the Glorious mascot logo on the badge next to the rotary knob, there isn't any way to distinguish the keyboard. I went with a full-size design as I need the number pad, and it is an absolute unit; the 75% model is a much better option if you don't need a dedicated number pad.

The keyboard has a medium inclination; the angle isn't as high as the Keychron Q6 Pro I reviewed earlier in the year. You don't get the ability to change the angle, and in my use, I found a wrist rest was necessary with the keyboard — and yes, Glorious sells one.

The build quality is better than that of the GMMK Pro, and out of all the keyboards I tested recently, only the Angry Miao Cyberboard has a more obsessive attention to detail. The rotary knob is attached securely — this wasn't the case on my GMMK Pro — and there isn't any wobble. 

RGB has always been a big feature on Glorious keyboards, and you still get side-mounted LED lights on either side of the GMMK 3 Pro. These are just as customizable as the RGB LED keys, and there's even an RGB indicator on the badge this time. I also like that the USB-C port is centered; this is a minor point, but the coiled cable I use has a 1.2m length, and it's a bit of a hassle to extend it to the side, as is the case on most keyboards.

Of course, Glorious sells coiled cables of its own, and you can even get it in the same color as the keyboard. The packaging includes switch samples to give you a feel of the different switches that Glorious has to offer, and you get the usual switch and key puller tools.

Glorious did all the right things with the design of the GMMK 3 Pro. The extensive customizability is a huge differentiator, and it gives the GMMK 3 Pro a unique presence in this category. The build quality is among the best of any keyboard I used, and that's no small feat.

Glorious GMMK 3 Pro: Customizability

GMMK doubled down on customizability with the GMMK 3 Pro, and the Boardsmith utility allows you to change just about every part of the keyboard. You can obviously select the size — the keyboard is sold in 65%, 75%, and 100% variants — and you get pre-built, barebones, and custom options within those models.

I'll run through the various configuration options: once you choose the size, you can select if you want wired or wireless connectivity and standard MX style or hall effect switches. Going with the hall effect switches gives you better versatility as you can also slot in regular MX switches if you need them, but it raises the cost. The regular GMMK 3 lets you choose between north and south-facing LEDs, but if you're getting the Bluetooth model, you'll get north-facing LEDs.

Then comes the bottom case. I went with the Midnight Blue option, and there are nine choices in total in this area. You get a similar set of options with the top case as well, and as I wanted a two-tone design, I selected the Matte White color. Next, you can choose what switches you'll need, and Glorious has a good selection in this regard; I prefer the Panda tactile and Lynx linear switches. Of course, you don't need to choose one — you can build a barebones board with the configurator.

Similarly, there's plenty of customizability with the keys, with Glorious offering 22 options. There are a few limited-edition sets, and I went with the Pixel Punk option. There are 16 choices available for the badge and rotary knob colors and 11 variants of the coiled cable.

Lastly, you can select the switch plate, with brass, aluminum, FR4, and polycarbonate options available. I went with aluminum, and I selected poron foam for the gasket mount. Glorious had decent customizability on the GMMK Pro, and it did a great job building on that with the GMMK 3 Pro.

Glorious GMMK 3 Pro: Features

The GMMK 3 Pro isn't short on features. The keyboard connects over USB-C as well as Bluetooth and 2.4GHz, and you get a USB receiver in the package. The only issue is that there's no way to store the dongle in the keyboard itself; I tend to lose these dongles with alarming regularity, and Glorious should have built a cubby into the side of the GMMK 3 Pro to store the receiver.

I used the keyboard with USB-C and Bluetooth most of the time, and I had no connectivity issues in the latter mode. Battery life was decent as well; I got a week's worth of use before having to plug in the keyboard, and that's more than adequate. The GMMK 3 Pro has 8000Hz polling over USB-C, and that's a distinct differentiator over other DIY keyboards, which have 1000Hz polling as standard.

You can switch between modes via a toggle that's to the left of the USB-C port, and there's another toggle on the other side that switches between Windows and macOS modes. The HE edition of the GMMK 3 Pro has greater versatility in that you can use traditional MX-style switches as well as magnetic hall effect options.

RGB lighting is great in its own right, and while I prefer south-facing LEDs, the GMMK 3 Pro delivers decent diffused light. The Pixel Punk keys I went with don't have shine-through legends, so you only get diffused light, and if you want brighter RGB lighting, you can always switch out the keys.

You can customize lighting effects and change key combinations via Glorious Core, the brand's software. While the software was nearly unusable when I tested the GMMK Pro, Glorious overhauled the feature-set, and the new 2.1 build doesn't have many issues.

As the keyboard has hall effect switches, you get the ability to change the actuation point of the switch; you can do so at a global level or change per-key settings, and the latter is handy if you just need to change the trigger point of the WASD cluster. You can adjust the actuation point anywhere between 0.4mm to 4mm, giving you a significantly faster trigger than traditional mechanical keyboards.

Glorious GMMK 3 Pro: Typing experience

Glorious says it integrated all the learnings from the GMMK Pro and GMMK 2 into the GMMK 3 Pro, and that's clearly evident. The biggest change is the gasket-mounted design; I didn't like the stiffness of the GMMK Pro, and I had to change the mounts to get it to be springy. Thankfully, that isn't a problem on the GMMK 3 Pro, and the keyboard has a decent bounce that makes typing enjoyable.

While the feedback is better than the GMMK Pro, it isn't quite on the same level as the Keychron Q6 Pro or the Angry Miao Cyberboard R4 I reviewed a few months ago. Of course, the customizability extends to the internals as well, and if you want a bouncier feel to the keyboard, you can easily switch out the silicone gasket mounts.

The Pixel Punk keys are of good quality, and they have a textured finish that feels good in regular use. The double-shot PBT construction should allow the keys to last, and they diffuse RGB lighting to a moderate degree. The keys use a standard OEM profile, and there isn't much to get excited about in this area. I prefer MT3 or the Keychron derivate KSA profile as they are better in day-to-day use, but Glorious only offers OEM keys via its configurator.

The star of the show is the Panda HE switch; I predominantly use Gateron's linear switches, but I like the feel and sound of Glorious's Panda switch, so I went with that instead of the usual linear option.

The hall effect model of the switch is pretty great in its own right, and the ability to customize the actuation point leads to a noticeable difference in gaming. You don't need to fully press down on the key to activate it, and what's even better is that you can assign two keystrokes to the same key, albeit at various actuation points.

If you're going the custom route, I'd suggest just getting the barebones edition. The unique colors make a real difference, but you don't need to buy the brand's switches or keys — there are better choices to be had.

Glorious GMMK 3 Pro: The competition

There isn't another keyboard that is anywhere as customizable as the GMMK 3 Pro. If you just need a pre-built 75% or 100% keyboard, Keychron's offerings are still a great choice. The Q1 HE is the latest addition to the series, and it uses hall effect switches — just like the GMMK 3 Pro. The fully assembled model costs $239 on Amazon as of writing.

If you need a full-size keyboard, the Q6 Pro is an easy recommendation. The keyboard is available in barebones and pre-built configurations, and at $209, it is a terrific value.

Glorious GMMK 3 Pro: Should you buy it?

You should buy this if:

• You need a highly customizable mechanical keyboard
• You need fast switches for gaming
• You want the convenience of Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connectivity
• You need a keyboard that's built to last

You shouldn't buy this if:

• You need the best value
• You want a springy gasket-mounted board

There are dozens of great gasket-mounted keyboards available today, and most of these don't cost as much as the GMMK 3 Pro. What you're getting with Glorious is better customizability; the ability to tailor the chassis to your preferences is pretty great, and that is the biggest reason to choose the GMMK 3 Pro over its rivals.

The rest of the keyboard is pretty great as well; the hall effect switches are phenomenal for gaming, and the ability to set the actuation point is just plain cool. You get versatile connectivity, the battery life is great over 2.4GHz, and the build quality is among the best of any keyboard I used.

If you don't mind spending extra to get a custom keyboard, the GMMK 3 Pro is a great choice.

What you need to know

• Today, Dell announced its new Wired Collaboration Keyboard (KB525C) and Silent Mouse and KB Combo (KM555), which are aimed at office workers or students.
• The KM555 wireless keyboard and mouse combo is just $49.99, while the standalone wired keyboard is $34.99.
• Both keyboards are silent and offer Microsoft's new Copilot key.
• Our hands-on review gives both a thumbs up.

It feels like hundreds, if not thousands, of keyboards are available today, but few get Dell’s approval. Today, the company announced its new Wired Collaboration Keyboard (KB525C) for $34.99 and Silent Mouse and KB Combo (KM555) for just $49.99.

I’ve been using both keyboards for the last week and am impressed. When I first received them, I had no pricing details, so for all I know, the keyboard and mouse combo could be $100. Still, I was surprised to learn that these are bargain-level offerings while also offering some extra productivity functionality, including a Microsoft Copilot key and flexible keyboard configurations.

Here’s how they break down their differences and whether they are worth buying.

Dell Silent Mouse and KB Combo (KM555)

The Silent Mouse and KB Combo (KM555) are my favorites because of their smaller size. Despite their compact design, they still have a full number pad and full-sized arrow keys.

As you may have noticed, this is fully wireless and connects via Bluetooth LE 5.1 or the included 2.4GHz Type-A dongle (which stores nicely in the mouse or keyboard’s battery bay). I don’t love the removable battery bay door on the bottom, as it’s a bit finicky to remove and replace, but the good news is that those two AAA-included batteries should last up to 3 years, which is absurd.

The title of this keyboard emphasizes silence, and Dell delivers here. It is silent, making it the perfect keyboard for office or college students sharing a dorm room. Key travel is very good, with what feels just over 1mm, so it never feels shallow or bottoming out. There’s no flex on the deck, either, due to this keyboard's shorter wingspan.

On the rear of the keyboard is a small power on/off switch, and there are some one-level risers to give some elevation and a more ergonomic orientation.

This keyboard is among the first to include the new Microsoft Copilot key, which lets you call up the generative AI assistant with one press. I’m a big fan of Copilot and use it often, but how others feel about it remains to be seen.

Interestingly, while Dell doesn’t let you remap the Copilot key, it does let you reassign the function to 18 others, including the entire function row. Using the Dell Peripheral Manager software, users can reassign the keys to different actions, including categories for suggested, productivity, Windows features, and multimedia. It’s an impressively thorough configuration tool, which should make even the pickiest typists happy.

While not up to snuff with our best gaming keyboards, this Dell silent keyboard will make our best keyboards for 2024.

Turning to the Dell Silent Mouse (MS355), it’s also better than you’d think at this price (it does sell separately for $29.99). DPI scales from 600 up to 4,020, which is more than enough for most people (I set it at 2,250 while using a 4K 32-inch display, and my cursor zips across the large display).

While the polling rate, which offers 125Hz, 250Hz, or 333Hz, won’t compete with the best gaming mice (usually around 1,000Hz), it’s still higher than average for your basic office mouse, which is 125Hz (see our best mice for 2024 for more ideas).

Like the keyboard, Dell is quite flexible regarding configurations. You can swap the primary mouse button from left to right (the mouse is ambidextrous) and customize the scroll-wheel-press setting for Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Finally, since both devices run on batteries (2x AAA for the keyboard and 1x AA for the mouse), the battery status is visible in the Dell Peripheral Manager app, making it a breeze to check.

Dell Wired Collaboration Keyboard (KB525C)

Assuming you use Microsoft Teams or Zoom, the Dell Wired Collaboration Keyboard (KB525C), priced at $34.99, is an excellent choice for those requiring a bit more video call functionality.

It’s the same as the previous keyboard but with a few key differences. For one, it’s wired with a USB-A plug that also covers the Type-C one beneath it, giving users ultimate flexibility without the worry of misplacing the adapter (it's attached).

The other is some added “collaboration” keys dedicated to Zoom/Microsoft Teams (sorry, Google Meet), including video on/off, screen share, chat, and mic mute/unmute, which any person who regularly makes team video calls will appreciate. The keys are lit up to let the user know they are available to work and give an excellent visual indication if they are in use.

With this keyboard, the user can program only 15 keys, but that’s still more than average.

Due to its wider width, the Dell Wired Collaboration Keyboard (KB525C) has a bit more deck flex, but it’s not noticeable unless you press hard. Like the other silent keyboard, this one has the same key travel distance, silent keys, and risers in the rear.

The Dell Wired Collaboration Keyboard (KB525C) also has a dedicated Microsoft Copilot key for quick access to Microsoft’s AI assistant.

Should you buy?

Considering the sub $50 price point for the mouse and keyboard combo and the $35 wired keyboard, these new releases from Dell are excellent.

My only complaint is that I wish both keyboards required a bit less effort to press down the key, which feels a bit more resistant than I’d prefer. There are also no backlights for either keyboard, so these won’t be used in the dark for many people. That’s understandable for the wireless keyboard, as most do not offer backlights anyway (and if they do, battery life is terrible). Still, it would have been a nice upsell for the wired keyboard (while also driving up the cost, unfortunately).

However, overall, both these keyboards punch above their weight and would be ideal for any office worker or student looking for simple but highly productive keyboards that don’t break the bank.

I have dozens of mechanical keyboards, but for much of 2024, I just used the Cyberboard. The design and unique styling of Angry Miao's products is a big draw, but as I noted in my Cyberboard R4 review, it is the tactility on offer that convinced me to continue using the keyboard as my daily driver.

So when Angry Miao announced it was coming out with a new keyboard, I was obviously interested. The AM RGB 65 retains a lot of the same characteristics as the Cyberboard, but it switches to a 65% design, and the distinct retro styling gives it a lot of flair.

Angry Miao's keyboards tend to immediately grab attention, and that's the case with the AM RGB 65 as well. The keyboard pays homage to the Game Boy, but it is infused with the best that this segment has to offer — there's an adjustable leaf spring mount, custom switches that have an excellent feel, and a dot matrix LED panel that's highly configurable.

Like every other Angry Miao keyboard, the AM RGB 65 is aimed at enthusiasts, with the fully-assembled model I'm using debuting at $559.

This review was made possible thanks to a review unit provided by Angry Miao. The company did not see the contents of this review before publishing.

Angry Miao AM RGB 65: Pricing and availability

Angry Miao is taking to Kickstarter this time, and the AM RGB 65 will be available starting at 7 AM PT on July 23, 2024. The keyboard is sold in three color options: Cyber Grey, Cloud White, and Violet Fury. Similar to previous launches, Angry Miao is offering the keyboard as a base kit that includes the chassis and various accessories — the leaf spring mounting system and acoustic materials.

There's also a fully-assembled model that comes with the brand's Icy Silver Pro V2 linear switches and keys. The Cyber Grey model I'm using has see-through Glacier keys that are identical to the Cyberboard, and the other two variants have custom designs that don't have shine-through legends.

The Cyber Grey and Cloud White models cost $449 if you're just getting the base kit, and the bundle will set you back to the tune of $559. Because of the styling of the Violet Fury edition, it is costlier at $488 for the base variant, and the bundle comes in at $598.

To incentivize the launch, Angry Miao is offering an 8% discount during the initial 48 hours, so you can get the base kit of the Cyber Grey and Cloud White models at $413 and the fully-assembled bundle at $513. The Violet Fury goes down to $449 for just the barebones edition and $550 for the entire bundle.

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Angry Miao AM RGB 65: Design

Just like the Cyberboard takes its design ethos from Tesla's Cybertruck, the AM RGB 65 is an homage to the Game Boy, one of the best handheld consoles ever made. There are plenty of unique touches throughout the design that reference Nintendo's retro console — the bottom right corner has an exaggerated curve with a slotted design.

There's a pixel art window at the front; the USB-C port is styled to look like the Game Boy's D-Pad, and the weights at the underside of the keyboard mimic the console's A and B buttons. The brand clearly paid a lot of attention to the design, and this is an area where it continues to stand out. There's no shortage of mechanical keyboards with quirky designs, and Angry Miao manages to consistently strike the ideal balance between aesthetics and usability.

The biggest design highlight is the dot matrix LED that sits above the keys; Angry Miao went with the same configuration of 200 LEDs as the Cyberboard, but as the panel doesn't sit at an angle, it is much more visible, and it retains the same level of customizability.

Obviously, the LED panel makes the keyboard noticeable wider than its rivals, and even though this is technically a 65% keyboard, it is just as wide as traditional full-size keyboards. Thankfully, the length is on the shorter side, so it doesn't take up quite as much room.

The Glacier keys that are included with the Cyber Grey model are just as great; they have a see-through design that allows them to showcase the board's LED lighting to great effect, and if you're into RGB lighting, this is the keyboard to get. A subtle change this time is that the navigation and editing keys are labeled — that wasn't the case on the Cyberboard.

The build quality is the best of any keyboard I used in this segment; the AM RGB 65 is made out of aluminum, and it outweighs other 65% keyboards by a considerable margin. There's a lot to like on the accessory front as well; the keyboard comes in a custom box, and you get adjustable leaf spring mounts and additional foam.

You don't get rubber feet at the bottom of the keyboard, but it sits at an 8-degree angle that's comfortable on its own. You will need a wrist rest to use with the keyboard (it isn't bundled with the package), but that is the case with every keyboard anyway.

Overall, Angry Miao did a fantastic job with the design of the AM RGB 65. It looks different enough from the Cyberboard that it has its own visual identity, but it also shares a lot of the same great features that make it a standout keyboard in daily use.

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Angry Miao AM RGB 65: Features

Design isn't the only thing Angry Miao excels in — the brand knows what features to include on its boards. The AM RGB 65 connects over USB-C, Bluetooth 5.1, and 2.4GHz, and you get a USB receiver in the package. This was a bugbear on the Cyberboard; even though that keyboard also had 2.4GHz connectivity, the dongle was sold as an accessory, so I'm glad to see Angry Miao bundle it with the AM RGB 65.

Connecting the keyboard via Bluetooth or USB receiver is straightforward, and it can pair with three devices at once in Bluetooth mode — you get the ability to toggle between devices. As it is a 65% keyboard, you don't get a dedicated function row; you'll need to press the Fn key and use the number row to trigger those actions. The navigation and editing cluster is limited to four keys — delete, page up, page down, and end — and it's located to the right.

The differentiator with the AM RGB 65 is the dot matrix panel, and it is highly customizable. There are preset patterns available out of the box, and you can use the brand's online configurator to make your own with relative ease. There are dozens of other effects available on Angry Miao's site, and you can download and install them via the AM Master software.

As the panel sits above the keys, I was able to get much better use out of it. I normally use a digital clock on my desk, but I didn't need it as Angry Miao offers that as a preset on the keyboard, and it's a nifty addition. Similarly, the built-in lighting effects are gorgeous, and there is a high degree of extensibility in this area.

The brand's AM Master software does a good job as well, but I would have liked VIA integration. Most mechanical keyboards now use VIA as standard, and the online configurator is extremely easy to use and has tons of features. I get that Angry Miao needed to use its own utility because of the dot matrix panel, but VIA integration above and beyond that would have made the AM RGB 65 even better.

On that note, battery life is decent as well, and the keyboard easily managed to last a week over Bluetooth. The only issue in this area is that it takes an extremely long time to charge the internal battery — charging is limited to 5W.

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Angry Miao AM RGB 65: Performance

The biggest difference versus the Cyberboard is that the AM RGB 65 uses the brand's latest Icy Silver Pro V2 switches. They have the same 37gf actuation point and bottom out at 45gf, but they come with a transparent nylon housing that allows for better illumination and changes the sound characteristics.

There's a noticeable difference to the sound, and while the Cyberboard R4 by itself had an excellent feel, the RGB 65 takes things to a new level. The change in switch housing also leads to better LED illumination, and the keyboard looks even more striking — particularly if you get the Cyber Grey model with the Glacier keys.

Angry Miao went out of its way to ensure the AM RGB 65 has great acoustics; the keyboard has poron foam as standard, and you get another section of foam underneath the switch bed. Below that, there are two additional layers that reduce resonance and increase bounciness, and if that isn't enough, you get an extra foam layer in the package that you can install as needed.

The result is that you get a wonderfully detailed sound with great feedback, and the low actuation point of the linear switch makes it a delight to use. I tend to prefer heavier switches, but the Icy Silver Pro V2 has the right balance between tactility and ease of use, and it is one of the best in this segment. In fact, the reason I used the Cyberblade over every other keyboard is because of the switch, and the V2 model is even better.

The leaf spring mounting system is fantastic too; it is different enough to traditional gasket designs that you notice it in daily enough, but you still get a similar level of bounciness. The best part is that it is highly customizable, and you can adjust the level of feedback available.

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Angry Miao AM RGB 65: The competition

Angry Miao's key differentiator is the unique design, and that's a big part of the pricing. There are plenty of affordable mechanical keyboards if you just need a gasket-mounted design, and my go-to recommendation these days is Keychron. The Q2 Pro has sturdy build quality and is similar to the Q1 Pro I reviewed, but it uses the same 65% design as the AM RGB 65. The assembled model comes in at $199, and that's a great value all things considered.

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Angry Miao AM RGB 65: Should you buy it?

You should buy this if:

• You need a 65% keyboard with a unique design
• You want build quality that will last decades
• You need Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connectivity
• You want a thocky sound and excellent RGB lighting

You shouldn't buy this if:

• You need the best value
• You want QMK/VIA integration

Ultimately, the AM RGB 65 looks more refined than the Cyberboard; it's clear that Angry Miao took all the learnings from its earlier keyboards and put that to good use here. The design is the main attraction, and the dot matrix panel and retro-styled chassis give the keyboard a distinct presence.

But the biggest reason to buy the AM RGB 65 is the way it feels; the abundant usage of foam along with the magnificent linear switch and see-through keys create an experience that's unmatched — you need to use the keyboard to understand just how good it is.

Pricing is obviously something that you'll need to decide for yourself, and coming in at $559, the AM RGB 65 is nearly three times as costly as most mechanical keyboards available today. That said, it conveys a sense of occasion that you don't get with any other keyboard and is easily among the best mechanical keyboards you can buy. 

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I've used plenty of gaming keyboards during my time as a PC gamer, but ever since I first used it three years ago in 2021, there's been one I strongly prefer over everything else on the market: Logitech's G915 TKL, a tenkeyless low-profile board that's about as premium as a keyboard can be.

Typically, you've had to pay a hefty price for that premium, as the keyboard doesn't often dip far below its expensive $229.99 MSRP. Thanks to the consumerism-fueled magic of Amazon Prime Day 2024, though, the Logitech G915 TKL is just $149.99 at Amazon — even after the conclusion of the sales event. This deal could go offline at any minute, though, so be quick if you're interested in it.

Everything about the Logitech G915 TKL screams "quality" — as it should, for a keyboard that normally costs over $200 — and it only took me a few hours to absolutely fall in love with it when I started typing with it for the first time. I find its truncated, low-to-the-desk design more comfortable to use than traditional keyboards since I don't have to raise my wrists, and the shorter key travel means every switch actuation feels quicker and snappier, too. This has made it my go-to whether I'm writing up news, guides, or deals like this one for work or spending long hours playing the best PC games, ranging from shooters to MMOs and everything between.

✅Recommended if: You're looking for a premium low-profile gaming keyboard with a robust design, excellent wireless connectivity, tasteful RGB lighting, and some other nifty bells and whistles

❌Skip this deal if: You want a wired keyboard, something with a more traditional design, or a board that's more budget-friendly

The durability of the tenkeyless design (AKA, there's not a number pad) is far more robust than you'd think it'd be when looking at how thin the chassis is, as it's constructed out of rigid aircraft-grade aluminum. Unlike most boards built with plastic, there's zero flex or "bounce" here whatsoever, which feels great. Notably, the same can't be said about the new G515 TKL (read our review) Logitech made to offer a less expensive take on the G915, which is only $10 cheaper than the snazzier board right now thanks to this Prime Day markdown.

The "LIGHTSPEED" wireless performance of the G915 TKL has been flawless in my experience; in three years of use, I've never run into a single connection hiccup or failure with its Bluetooth or USB dongle-based modes, and in terms of battery life, you'll get a lengthy 40 hours out of a full charge. When the time to juice up does come, it can charge from empty to full in just about three hours or so.

Some other highlights include a full suite of media keys and a volume scroll wheel that comes in handy when watching movies or TV shows, LED indicators for battery life and caps lock, subtle, yet colorful RGB lightning you can customize in the Logitech G HUB software, and a handy compartment on the back of the board you can store the USB dongle in during travel. All in all, it's undoubtedly one of the best gaming keyboards on the market, and a steal at this reduced price. Just be quick about taking advantage of it, because now that Prime Day is over, it could go away at any moment.

• Prime Day 2024 deals on laptops, mini PCs, gaming accessories, and more
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• Best Xbox controller deals from all retailers this Amazon Prime Day

Razer is one of the top gaming hardware manufacturers in the world, providing the games industry with all kinds of high-quality gaming laptops, controllers, graphics cards, keyboards, and gaming mice, among many others. One such product is the Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini HyperSpeed. This compact 65% mechanical keyboard features mechanical switches and Hyperspeed wireless connectivity to allow users to connect it to any PC wirelessly without the need for cables with no input latency.

Most online retailers sell this stellar keyboard for $179.99. However, that is not the case today, as Amazon is selling the Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini HyperSpeed for a 44% discount, reducing the MSRP to $99.99.

🔥 Today's best deals 🔥

• Amazon US | See all of today's Prime Day deals
• Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (3-months): was $49.99 now $31.99 at CDKeys
• Surface Laptop Go 3 (Core i5): was $799.99 now $599.99 at Best Buy
• ASUS 65W USB Type-C charger: was $64.99 now $29.99 at Best Buy
• Resident Evil 7 biohazard Gold Edition (PC): was $51.19 now $10.99 at CDKeys
• HP Victus 15.6 (Ryzen 5, RTX 4050): was $979 now $599 at Walmart
• Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max: was $59.99 now $34.99 at Amazon

Why should you buy the Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini HyperSpeed keyboard?

It has been three years since we reviewed the Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini HyperSpeed keyboard, and despite more advanced keyboards being released since then, we still consider it one of the best gaming keyboards on the market.

This 65% mechanical keyboard (a keyboard that has removed the Numpad and some navigational keys and moved and adjusted the arrow keys to create a more compact design) has many positive traits. It features a sleek, compact (320mm x 130mm x 25mm to be exact) design to free up extra space for your desktop set-up, 200 hours of battery life, a USB-C port, a sturdy build to help it withstand years of use, and RGB lighting for visual flair.

In addition, the Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini HyperSpeed keyboard includes mechanical switches that are quite responsive and padded to reduce noise while typing, as well as Doubleshot ABS Keycaps that make keys more resilient and prevent the text on them from fading away or being marred.

But say you occasionally need a Numberpad. Don't worry; we have some fantastic deals on those, too. You can keep one on your desk and slide it out of the way when you don't need it, having the best of both worlds.

By far its most impressive feature is its multiple methods of connecting to gaming PCs. It can be plugged into a PC via USB-C cable so it can be used as a wired keyboard or recharge its batteries. It can connect wirelessly up to three compatible laptops or desktop PCs via Bluetooth. or it can use the method it's named after – HyperSpeed 2.4GHz wireless.

With HyperSpeed 2.4GHz wireless, you will be able to play the best PC games without suffering any kind of input lag or signal loss. You can even connect multiple compatible Razer devices at once to the Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini HyperSpeed with the HyperSpeed 2.4GHz wireless method, and with only one dongle to boot.

While its compact design may not appeal to those looking for fully-sized keyboards, the Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini HyperSpeed is a must-have for PC gamers looking for exceptional wireless gaming keyboards that they can take with them to LAN parties or simply play PC games while on holiday away from home.

The biggest drawback of this keyboard was its pricy MSRP of $179.99. However, that issue has been severely mitigated thanks to Amazon Prime Day as Amazon is currently selling the Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini HyperSpeed for $99.99, so you can save $80 when purchasing one of Razer's best PC keyboards.

Gamers love a clean setup, which is exactly why low-profile and small form-factor keyboards are so popular. Logitech has long offered one of the best products in the former category with its G915 LIGHTSPEED wireless gaming keyboard, but that's an ultra-premium affair. Now, you can get a lot of the same experience in an all-new and rather attractive design... and at a much lower price point. The Logitech G515 LIGHTSPEED TKL Wireless Gaming Keyboard is here, and I've been using it.

I love the look of this keyboard, especially in its two-tone white and with the RGB lighting enabled, and it offers a great overall typing experience with your choice of switches. For gamers, performance is exemplary. There's a lot of good things to say about this keyboard, but it does feel restricted by its mid-range pricing when it comes to build quality, which you can tell at a glance or touch from the all-plastic body or loose keycaps.

I've been using the Logitech G515 LIGHTSPEED for a while now, so here's my complete and in-depth analysis of this new wireless, tenkeyless low-profile keyboard.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by Logitech. The company did not see the contents of the review before publishing.

Logitech G515 review: Pricing and specifications

Pricing highlights

• The Logitech G515 LIGHTSPEED TKL Wireless retails for $139.99 at Best Buy, and is available to purchase now.
• You can pick up the Logitech G515 in two colors (black and white) and two different switch types (linear and tactile).

The Logitech G515 LIGHTSPEED TKL Wireless Gaming Keyboard is a mid-range peripheral, coming in at $90 less than its more premium G915 older sibling. More specifically, the Logitech G515 has a retail price of $139.99 at Best Buy, and that pricing is the same whether you choose the black or white colorway, or the linear or tactile key switches.

For your money, you're getting a standard sized tenkeyless wireless gaming keyboard with support of both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth wireless connections (and the ability to quickly switch between them). Logitech G HUB support is also here, of course, giving you additional customization over the keyboard's features, like the per-key RGB lighting.

In the box, you'll find the Logitech G515 LIGHTSPEED TKL Wireless Gaming Keyboard, a 1.8m USB Type-C to USB Type-A charging and data cable, a USB Type-A 2.4GHz wireless dongle, and a USB Type-A extender cable. This keyboard also comes with a 2-year limited warranty as standard, offering some peace of mind.

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Logitech G515 review: The good

The pros highlights

• The Logitech G515's two-step design looks clean in any setup, and the per-key RGB lighting is high quality, too.
• The layout is comfortable, and the linear switches I tested have a great, responsive action.
• Wireless performance is also excellent, and battery life over the connection is dependable.

The Logitech G515 sets itself apart from the run-of-the-mill midrange wireless gaming keyboards with its design. It's a low-profile design, for one, meaning a shortened base and shallower keycaps that make the keyboard both look sleeker and be more comfortable to use without a wrist rest. Logitech also flexed its artistic side with a refreshed design language versus the more premium Logitech G915 that came before it.

This keyboard is all-plastic, which you do notice (and I'll touch on again later), but it's a rather fetching design. The keyboard is divided into two halves, with a more noticeable two-tone look with the white version. The top half houses all the keys, while the bottom half slopes up into a forehead that contains the power switch, charging port, and three buttons for toggling 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, and Game Mode.

It's a minimalist design that I personally love, and the per-key RGB lighting is gorgeous. That combination means the G515 can meld into any setup as long as you choose the right colorway. It's not a particularly heavy keyboard, but it does feel sturdy. The actual base has little flex to it, and the G515 does a great job staying seated on your desk when you're typing or gaming. There's a slot to store the USB dongle inside the keyboard, too, which can also be used to dual-connect to supported Logitech wireless mice.

When it comes to typing, Logitech offers low-profile linear or tactile switches with the G515, with both boasting a 1.3mm actuation distance and 3.2mm travel distance. I got to try out the linear switches (although I tend to prefer tactile), and they're wonderfully responsive, consistent, and comfortable. This keyboard feels great to type and game on, and the sound is soft and pleasant. Each switch is factory-lubricated, and there's a layer of sound-dampening foam here, too, so I can't say I'm too surprised.

If you want to squeeze more utility out of every switch, the G515 LIGHTSPEED TKL fully supports Logitech G HUB. This is a more basic software hub, but it still gives you decent customization of the LIGHTSYNC RGB lighting and very in-depth key and macro customization that Logitech dubs "KEYCONTROL."

With this, you can create and switch between various profiles, assigning shortcuts and various functions to every key — up to 15 layers, actually, if you use a combination of shortcuts, the Fn key, and an assigned G Shift key (which can even be on a mouse). That's more than I'd ever need, but G HUB is responsive and the interface is intuitive enough to make this feature useable.

Rounding the rest of the positives out, I had zero issues with Logitech's LIGHTSPEED wireless technology, which always instantly connected and stayed connected. There were no missed inputs, no lag, and no latency. Performance was excellent all around. Battery life is also surprisingly good; Logitech promises up to 36 hours with the RGB lighting turned all the way up, which seems accurate. What surprised me, however, is how good this keyboard's standby time is. I frequently forgot to turn the keyboard off overnight or even over an entire weekend, yet I never came back to a dead keyboard.

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Logitech G515 review: The bad

The cons highlights

• While I adore the design of the G515, the actual build quality does leave some to be desired.
• There's also a lack of additional features, like no extra macro keys, no dial, and no additional Bluetooth connections.
• Finally, if it matters to you, these switches are not hot-swappable (but the keycaps are).

The Logitech G515 LIGHTSPEED is a quality product that feels appropriately priced, but you can see the corners cut to meet that price in places. Mostly, it's in the keycaps. Yes, they're double-shot PBT with an anti-oil layer, so they're presumably durable and resistant to your fingertips, but they also feel a little too smooth and flat for my liking. At least you can replace all the keycaps if you wish, but you'll never get rid of the shakiness.

All the keycaps feel loose under your fingers, with a lot of movement in all four horizontal directions. It's not enough to make me concerned about reliability, but it is enough that you'll notice it (and may even observe keys not lining up perfectly straight like they should). Elsewhere, the heavy use of plastic is obvious, and you can tell where the various panels come together. The RGB lighting may look great, but it's also noticeably dimmer than any other gaming keyboard I've reviewed. That can all be forgiven at the price, though.

However, this keyboard is also light on extra features. Beyond the KEYCONTROL detailed above, G HUB doesn't give you much customization. There are no additional macro buttons or dedicated media keys, nor is there a customizable dial. Bluetooth connectivity is here, and that's great, but you only get one Bluetooth profile. Some may also lament the lack of a wrist rest, but I'm personally not as bothered by that omission since this is a low-profile keyboard.

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Logitech G515 review: Final thoughts

You should buy this if ...

✅You want a quality, low-profile wireless gaming keyboard

The Logitech G515 may not be swimming in extra features or luxuries, but it's still a really good low-profile gaming keyboard that doesn't need a wire to stay connected. It's perfect for those that want the basics in a slim and compact form factor. The typing and gaming experience is great, and minor compromises in build quality are easily forgiven at this price.

✅You love the design of this keyboard

I personally think the Logitech G515 is a fetching gaming keyboard, especially at this price level, and its two-tone design combined with the customizable RGB lighting and low-profile form factor means it could be an excellent centerpiece for your gaming setup. At the very least, it stands out compared to the sea of drab grey keyboards out there.

You should not buy this if ...

❌You value extra features and are willing to pay more for them

Other premium low-profile gaming keyboards from Logitech and companies like Razer may be more expensive, but they also boast a lot more features and luxuries in addition to their more premium designs, like more software customization and extra remappable buttons. There are also keyboards like the Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Keyboard, which may not be low-profile but it's still very compact, very premium, and boasts swappable switches.

The Logitech G515 LIGHTSPEED TKL Wireless Gaming Keyboard isn't the most exciting peripheral I've had on my desk, but I've been able to depend on it the last few weeks to be responsive, comfortable, and reliable when gaming, typing, and everything else. Logitech has done a good job balancing an attractive design with decent build quality and has covered all the bases with its low-profile switches and feature set.

Is it the best low-profile keyboard you can buy? Certainly not, but most of the better alternatives will also cost you more, and more affordable low-profile keyboards are often more designed for the office than for gaming. You'll also be able to save even more if you're okay with dropping wireless support, as the Logitech G515 LIGHTSPEED TKL Wired is coming later this year for just $100. That's an enticing price point to get practically the same keyboard.

If Logitech's goal was to build one of the best gaming keyboards for less than $150, I'd argue that objective was met. This is a no-fuss, low-profile, wireless gaming keyboard that comes out of the box, fully ready to go and looking great, and that's exactly what a lot of gamers are looking for.

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What you need to know

• Razer is beginning the rollout of a brand-new software feature exclusively to the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro line of premium gaming keyboards.
• "Snap Tap" takes advantage of these keyboards' adjustable actuation to eliminate any delays when switching movement directions and strafing in competitive games.
• Enabled or disabled on the fly like the Huntsman V3 Pro's other features, Snap Tap specifically targets the "A" and "D" keys and only recognizes the latest input between the two.

I'll be honest, this isn't the most exciting news in the world (for most people), seeing as it's one new software feature for exactly three premium gaming keyboards. Still, it's another example of Razer striving to go above and beyond with its software and hardware features, and makes the expensive and technically advanced Razer Huntsman V3 Pro line of gaming keyboards even more enticing for hardcore and esports players.

"Snap Tap" is an innovative use of the adjustable actuation only possible on keyboards like the Huntsman V3 Pro, which use analog optical switches. What does "adjustable actuation" mean? Well, traditional keyboards switches need to be depressed to a certain point to be registered, and released back to a certain point to enable another input. Analog optical switches have no such restrictions, and can register inputs with any amount of pressure and reset with any release of that pressure, between 0.1 and 4mm of distance with the Huntsman V3 Pro keyboards.

Razer isn't the only company with these advanced, hardcore gaming keyboards, but the Huntsman V3 Pro is probably the very best in the category. This new feature further proves that. The new Snap Tap feature specifically applies to the "A" and "D" keys on the keyboard, and makes it so that only the newest input (regardless of the pressure used) will be recognized. This means that, in competitive games like Valorant, Counter-Strike 2, or Apex Legends, strafing and counter-strafing no longer comes with that brief hesitation when switching between left and right directions. Your movement will be instant, always.

This is admittedly a very small advantage, but the highest-level players will (and apparently are) seeing improvements when enabling Snap Tap. When no chance of opposing directions being recognized simultaneously, players' movements are the highest level of responsive. This also pairs with the Rapid Trigger Mode, which makes every key register inputs instantly rather than waiting for a specific actuation distance to be reached.

In my Razer Huntsman V3 Pro review, I speak in-depth on this keyboard's many advanced features and customization options, many of which can be tailored to the player without any software. It's a seriously impressive accessory with genuine utility for a competitive player, and Snap Tap simply adds another tool to its arsenal. However, this certainly doesn't help the Huntsman V3 Pro be easier for casual players to wrangle, as the overwhelming amount of features and options leads to a steep learning curve for new users.

Still, it's one of the best gaming keyboards you can buy, and Snap Tap will add some extra value for current or future owners (even if it's likely not a reason on its own to buy this keyboard over another). Snap Tap begins rolling out to Razer Huntsman V3 Pro today via a firmware update delivered through Razer Synapse, although it may take up to a week for all players to see the update.

What you need to know

• Logitech G, the company's gaming arm, has announced a brand-new wireless tenkeyless gaming keyboard.
• A low-profile option for fans of the slim and compact, the new G515 LIGHTSPEED is centered around design and features.
• The wireless G515 is available starting today in both black and white for $139, with a cheaper wired version coming later this year.

There's a practically endless number of great gaming keyboards nowadays, but there's a sizeable sub-group of gamers that prefer the ultra-compact and slim designs you can only find with the low-profile form factor. These keyboards are a little harder to find, but Logitech has announced a new addition to the category with its new G515 LIGHTSPEED TKL Wireless Gaming Keyboard.

Hailing from the Logitech G gaming brand, the G515 is a mid-range low-profile keyboard that aims to balance beautiful design with a great feature set, and it's already available to purchase for $139 at Logitech.

The Logitech G515 LIGHTSPEED TKL Wireless Gaming Keyboard is very thin at just 22mm, and features new low-profile mechanical switches with just 3.2mm of total travel distance. Logitech fans may notice the similarities between the G515 and the very popular (and premium) Logitech G915 LIGHTSPEED keyboard, but Logitech has taken its design chops to new heights with the G515 alongside some other new features and improvements.

Of course, most of the people who will consider this keyboard will do so simply because it's low profile (enough that you likely don't need a wrist rest for a comfortable and sustainable typing experience), and because it doesn't break the bank. There are plenty of other reasons to add the G515 to your shortlist, though, including its beautiful per-key RGB lighting, tri-point connectivity, and advanced software customization.

The headlining feature being KEYCONTROL, a software suite added to Logitech G Hub that lets you assign up to fifteen different functions to every single key through a combination of key combinations, the G Shift shortcut key, your mouse, and even context-aware profiles and layouts. It's an absurd level of customization for those that want to be able to do absolutely everything with the press of a few keys. It's impressive, even if it's overkill for someone like me.

The Logitech G515 LIGHTSPEED tenkeyless wireless keyboard is now available in both black and white designs for $139 at Logitech. It's honestly a solid price for the feature set and quality here, but Logitech is planning to release a wired version of this keyboard with the same capabilities for $99 later this year, so look out for that.

My first impressions of the Logitech G515

A few hours before I sat down to write this, I unboxed the white Logitech G515 LIGHTSPEED TKL and replaced my daily driver (the Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Keyboard) with it. I obviously haven't had enough time with this keyboard to deliver a full review or label it as one of the best gaming keyboards you can buy, but my early impressions are positive. For one, this is the most attractive keyboard I've seen out of Logitech.

The two-tone silver and white design of my review sample is very striking, with a razor thin keyboard deck sloping sharply into the grey header that houses the connectivity buttons, the charging port, the power switch, and the USB dongle storage. It's a beautiful design, with the per-key RGB lighting gently diffusing across the deck in a similar fashion to the RGB lighting I praised on the Alienware keyboard I've been using for months.

That RGB lighting isn't very bright, though, and you can tell this is a mid-range keyboard if you look for the signs, like exposed screws and slightly uneven edges where different panels meet. It's obviously not as premium as our favorite low-profile keyboard, the Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro, but it also costs a whole lot less. As far as the actual user experience, the double-shot PBT low-profile keycaps, pre-lubricated switches, and sound dampening foam layer lead to a consistent, responsive, and quiet typing experience that feels great.

I also haven't had any issues with wireless connectivity in my limited time with this keyboard, although I plan to put it through its paces before you see my full review. I'll also want to explore the KEYCONTROL feature to see if it's actually useful or a convoluted gimmick, so stay tuned for that. For now, I'll leave you with this: the G515 LIGHTSPEED feels like a great all-around keyboard at first impressions, with a healthy feature set and lovely design for the reasonable asking price.

I'm excited to dive more into this keyboard's capabilities to see if this is the true low-cost alternative to the best low-profile keyboards that we've been needing. If you'd rather not wait that long, though, the Logitech G515 LIGHTSPEED TKL Wireless Gaming Keyboard is now available for $139 at Logitech.

Angry Miao is a boutique keyboard manufacturer based out of China, and it is known for its unique designs that stand out from every other brand. That's evident when you take a look at the Cyberboard R4; the keyboard's design is inspired by the Tesla Cybertruck, and it has angular lines and a large LED matrix display on the back.

I used a lot of keyboards in the last 18 months, but nothing comes close to the sheer ridiculousness of the Cyberboard R4. Obviously, the design has a lot to do with that, but the Cyberboard isn't just about the aesthetics; the keyboard has the best typing experience of any mechanical keyboard I used, and Angry Miao bundles a ton of accessories that allows you to tweak the sound of the Cyberboard R4.

It also has Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity, a massive 10000mAh battery that's designed to last weeks between charges, and there's even a wireless charging coil on the underside, and that's something you don't see on many keyboards.

All of this isn't cheap: the Cyberboard R4 costs $745 for the full kit that includes the keyboard, switches, and keys. That's exponentially costlier than most mechanical keyboards — if anything, that's in line with GPU pricing. Even if you're willing to plonk down that much cash on a keyboard, Angry Miao sells its keyboards in limited runs, and once the batch is sold out, that's that.

I used the Cyberboard R4 for just over six months now, and I can confidently say that I don't see myself switching to any other keyboard — this is on an entirely different level from the best mechanical keyboards. 

Angry Miao Cyberboard R4: Pricing and availability

Angry Miao unveiled the Cyberboard R4 in October 2023, and the Gangstar variant I'm testing is sold out. The brand is now selling a Graffiti version of the Cyberboard R4 that retails for $830 for the entire kit and $670 for just the keyboard. 

The kit includes the keyboard along with Angry Miao's custom Icy Silver Pro switches that cost $95 on their own, Glacier keycaps that have a see-through design, and Gateron's Ink Black stabilizers.

Angry Miao Cyberboard R4: Design

The Cyberboard R4 is the latest iteration in the Cyberboard series, and like earlier designs, the keyboard is inspired by the Cybertruck. That's clearly noticeable in the angular lines and the jagged edges, and as a result, the Cyberboard has a distinct presence that you just don't get with any other keyboard.

The design is functional; the keyboard sits at a 10-degree angle, and it is great for typing. The angle isn't adjustable, but it is comfortable in daily use, and I didn't see any problems in this area. The only quibble is that there's no wristrest bundled with the package.

Angry Miao draws on pop culture to come up with its custom colorways, and the variant I'm using is inspired by JoJo's Bizarre Adventure manga. The Gangstar color option has a pastel purple hue, and if you want a design that stands out a bit more, you'll want to take a look at the recent Graffiti line.

The build quality is in a league of its own; I reviewed Keychron's Q6 Pro and a slate of other high-end keyboards, but the Cyberboard R4 just feels sturdier. It is constructed out of 6063 aluminum alloy, and it is heavy — the base keyboard alone weighs 6.3lb (2.9kg), and the bundle with the switches and the keys comes in at 7lb (3.2kg). Some of that weight is down to the massive 10000mAh battery housed within the chassis, but even without that, it's clear that this thing is built to last.

As a result of that weight, the Cyberboard R4 stays planted on a desk. It has rubber feet at the bottom, and there's even a charging coil integrated into the design that gives it a distinct advantage. On the whole, the custom styling combined with unique colorways allows the Cyberboard R4 to stand out against every other mechanical keyboard.

Angry Miao Cyberboard R4: Features

While design is a key contributor to the Cyberboard R4's uniqueness, it has plenty of features. The keyboard has standard USB-C connectivity, and there's also Bluetooth 5.1 that lets you connect with up to three devices at once. Bluetooth connectivity is rock-solid, and I didn't see any issues when using the keyboard with my iPad Pro 12.9.

The keyboard has several layers of foam to reduce acoustic resonance, and while Angry Miao isn't unique in doing so, the quality of the foam used is markedly different to other brands. This allows the Cyberboard R4 to have a unique sound profile, and the difference is noticeable when switching to another keyboard.

Another differentiator is the Leaf Spring mounting system, which is very different from the standard top plate mount or even the gasket-mounted designs that most high-end keyboards use these days. The Leaf Spring mounts give you greater flexibility in adjusting the overall feel of the keyboard, and like everything else with the R4, it is highly customizable — Angry Miao bundles several leaf springs with the base kit.

Then, there's the LED matrix panel on the back of the keyboard. It has 200 individually addressable LEDs, and you get a set of presets out of the box that take full advantage of the panel. The best part is that you can set up custom effects via Angry Miao's online configurator, and it is pretty straightforward to do so.

You can also get useful information on the LED matrix panel, including the time and battery charge level. While I left it to a pattern most of the time, it's always entertaining to cycle through all the custom effects available. While the online configurator is easy to use, the same isn't true of AM Master, Angry Miao's software utility. It had issues connecting to the keyboard, and when it did, the changes I made wouldn't take — I had to restart the utility several times to tweak key combos.

Lastly, the Cyberboard R4 has a 10000mAh battery, and it has outstanding battery life. That's a given considering the size of the battery, and even with all the lighting effects enabled, the keyboard lasts well over a week. If you don't want to plug in at all, there's a Qi wireless charging coil on the underside of the keyboard, and you can pair it with a wireless charging mat and never have to use USB-C to charge the keyboard again.

Angry Miao Cyberboard R4: Performance

I test a lot of different keyboards and switches, but nothing I've used to date comes close to the typing experience of the Cyberboard. A lot of that has to do with the design of the chassis and the multi-layer foam; it just gives the R4 much better flexibility.

I got the fully assembled kit, including the brand's Icy Silver Pro switches and the Glacier keys, and the combination is terrific. The switch in particular is one of the best linear options around; it is made in collaboration with Tango Works, and uses a Y3 composite stem, and a polished polycarbonate housing that allows RGB lighting to diffuse through.

The switch has a 37gf actuation force and bottoms out at 45gf, and while I usually prefer heavier linear switches, the Icy Silver Pro has an excellent feel. The sound characteristic is also among the best of any keyboard, and Angry Miao did a great job creating a buttery-smooth actuation and clean sound that's reserved for the best switches.

The Glacier keys have a see-through design, and that allows RGB lighting to shine. The only thing I don't like about the keys is the glossy coat, but outside of that, they're a solid choice if you want to maximize RGB effects on your keyboard. The adjustable Leaf Spring system also makes a big difference in the feel of the keyboard, and the customizability that you get here is unmatched.

Angry Miao Cyberboard R4: The competition

If you just need a good mechanical keyboard with a gasket-mounted design, Keychron's Q1 Pro is a great choice to consider. I used it extensively last year, and it has a sturdy aluminum design combined with a highly flexible gasket mounting system with excellent feedback. It also comes with Bluetooth connectivity and stellar battery life, and at $199, you are getting a good overall value. It doesn't quite have the same feel as the Cyberboard R4, but at nearly a quarter of the cost, that's not a big deal.

And if you want a keyboard that comes close to emulating the feel of the Cyberboard R4, you should take a look at the Mode Sonnet. It starts out at $299 for the base model, but you can customize it to up to $650 with all the extras available, and while it doesn't have the same ostentatious design as the R4, it has the same attention to detail.

Angry Miao Cyberboard R4: Should you buy it?

You should buy this if:

• You want a high-end keyboard with a unique design
• You need the best typing experience
• You want a highly customizable keyboard

You shouldn't buy this if:

• You need a keyboard that gives you good value

Obviously, no one needs a $750 keyboard. There are plenty of great mechanical keyboards available for a fraction of the price that are terrific to use. The key selling point of the Cyberboard R4 is its uniqueness; it doesn't look like any other keyboard out there today, and that LED matrix panel at the back is a lot of fun to use, even if it doesn't contribute anything meaningful to the usage of the keyboard.

The distinctive styling combined with the quality of materials used and the sheer customizability push the pricing of the Cyberboard R4 to the enthusiast segment, and all these features do end up making a difference — the typing experience is significantly better than any other keyboard I used up to this point.

If cost isn't an issue and you're after a unique design, the Cyberboard R4 may just be the keyboard for you. The keyboard is all about making a statement, and it does that incredibly well.

There's never been a better time to buy a mechanical keyboard; there are dozens of brands offering unique designs and features, and with hundreds of switches and keycaps available, customizing a keyboard is limited only by your imagination (and how much you're willing to spend).

If you want to go the DIY route but want something with proven reliability, Keychron's products are the de facto choice. The brand makes the best mechanical keyboards, and its Q Pro series features gasket-mounted designs that are terrific to use. In fact, I said in my Q1 Pro review that it is the best overall keyboard you can buy, and that holds true in 2024.

Keychron has built out the Q Pro portfolio in the last six months, introducing new models with different configurations. The Q6 Pro that I'm testing today is an interesting option as it uses a full-size 100% layout that includes a number pad and all the navigation keys. That's a rarity in and of itself in the DIY segment, as most keyboards tend to use a tenkeyless configuration.

But if you want a full-size keyboard and don't want to invest in a dedicated number pad, the Q6 Pro may just be the ideal choice available today.

This review was made possible with a review unit provided by Keychron. The company did not see the contents of the review before publishing.

Keychron Q6 Pro: Pricing and availability

Keychron launched the Q6 Pro back in December 2023, and the keyboard is now available for sale via the brand's website as well as Amazon. The fully-built models are sold out on Keychron's site, but they're available on Amazon for $229, which is a $20 premium over what they cost on Keychron's site.

The fully assembled models include keys and switches, but if you already have a switch and key set in mind and don't want those bundled, Keychron sells a barebones version for $152. The site is currently running a sale that discounts all keyboards by 20%, and the discount is valid until April 9. Following that, the barebones option will go back to its usual retail price of $190.

The Q6 Pro is available in three color variants: Carbon Black, Shell White, and Silver Grey (the model I'm using).

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Keychron Q6 Pro: Design and build quality

Keychron has the same design across its Q Pro range, and as a result, the Q6 Pro is identical to the Q1 Pro. The key difference is that the Q6 Pro has a full-size layout that includes a number pad and navigation keys. The inclusion of the number pad makes it considerably longer than the Q1 Pro, but it has the same great build quality.

The Q6 Pro features an all-metal chassis made out of CNC machined aluminum, and it is built to last decades. The build quality is among the best of any mechanical keyboard today, and the Q6 Pro stays planted on a desk. Coming in at 4.6lb (2.1kg), it is one of the heaviest keyboards around — this thing isn't designed for portability.

The rubber feet at the bottom ensure the keyboard stays planted on a surface, and the Silver Grey model has a better presence than the Carbon Black model that I used in the past. The grey chassis accentuates white keycaps much better, and the two-tone design for the keys provides a nice contrast.

One of my favorite features on the Q6 Pro is the rotary knob; it is used to control the volume by default, and it has a click action that can be used to mute the volume. You can alter the behavior of the knob via the software, and the metal knob feels great to use.

The keyboard uses a gasket-mounted chassis that sees the PCB insulated by several layers of foam and silicone gaskets, and this ensures better acoustic resonance and adds a bounciness while using the keyboard that you just don't get with a traditional mechanical keyboard.

You can change the behavior of the keyboard by adding a different insulating material or changing the pre-installed polycarbonate plate, and given that this is a DIY board, it is highly easy to do so. The screws at the bottom unlock the case, and you can see the layers of foam and polycarbonate plate around the PCB.

That said, you don't really need to do anything here, as the Q6 Pro delivers excellent feedback out of the box. Keychron is one of the best at gasket-mounted designs, and its keyboards continue to stand out in this area. Keychron also bundles all the accessories you need with the package, including a key and switch puller, additional silicone gaskets and rubber feet, and Windows/Mac keys.

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Keychron Q6 Pro: Features and connectivity

The Q6 Pro has all the features you need in a high-end mechanical keyboard in 2024. It connects via USB-C, with the connector located to the left. This is my only quibble with the keyboard; I would have preferred a centered connector, particularly considering the length of the keyboard.

Regardless, you get a decent USB-C cable to connect the keyboard to a Windows machine or MacBook, and if you don't want to go this route, there's Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity as well. The keyboard has a 4000mAh battery housed within the bottom plate, and it easily lasts over 50 hours with RGB lighting enabled.

Connecting the keyboard via Bluetooth is about as straightforward as it gets; pressing and holding the Fn and number 1 keys starts the pairing, and the Q6 Pro shows up as a Bluetooth target. You can pair with up to three Bluetooth devices at the same time and toggle between the three by using the number keys — there are Bluetooth sub-legends underneath the 1, 2, and 3 number keys.

I connected the keyboard to my Xiaomi 14 Ultra while I was reviewing the phone, iPad Pro 12.9, and a slate of Android tablets, and I didn't have any issues whatsoever. Battery life varies with RGB lighting, and if you turn off the feature, the keyboard lasts over 200 hours with ease.

While there are no dedicated media control buttons, you can use the F7 to F12 keys to change volume levels and control music playback. Customizability is a big part of what makes the Q6 Pro such a good keyboard; you can change the RGB lighting effects and key assignments via the industry-standard VIA software, and the best part is that it doesn't need any installation — it runs on any browser.

Talking about RGB lighting, the Q6 Pro uses south-facing RGBs that provide good illumination, and you get a lot of preset modes out of the box. You can change the backlighting or disable the feature if you're not keen on RGB lighting. The K Pro switches have a see-through housing that diffuses light very well, and if you want to use your own switches, you can do so easily.

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Keychron Q6 Pro: Typing experience

If you're going the fully assembled route, you can choose between Keychron's K Pro Red, Brown, and Banana. The Red is a linear switch that's similar to Cherry MX Red and is great for gaming; it needs an actuation force of 45gf, has 2mm pre-travel with 4mm total travel, and as it is a linear switch, it doesn't have to bottom out to trigger. It is also relatively silent, so if you're thinking of using the keyboard in an office setting, it is a good overall choice.

The K Pro Brown is a tactile switch that offers good feedback, and it is the ideal middle ground if you want a switch that holds up to daily use as well as gaming. It has a 50gf actuation point and the same 2mm pre-travel and 4mm travel as the Red switch. It is a bit louder, but it's still a decent option if you want the feedback that's characteristic of tactile switches.

I went with the Banana switch as it has a slightly higher actuation force of 57gf, and it is terrific. It has a distinct feel and sounds great, and while Keychron says it is similar to the Panda switches made by Drop and Glorious, it doesn't quite have the same level of feedback. That said, it has a similar tactile bump at the top of the actuation point, and it feels great.

The Banana switch has a higher 2.2mm pre-travel, but it bottoms out at 3.3mm, and it is a no-brainer if you want a switch that delivers increased tactility. If you want the best tactile feedback, the K Pro Mint is the switch to get, and a 110-pack is now just $12.

All three K Pro switches are pre-lubed, which reduces stem wobble and makes a noticeable difference in daily use. Having used several Keychron keyboards over the last 18 months, I can say with some confidence that the brand does a great job lubing its switches out of the box.

The feel of the keyboard changes drastically with the switch, and the K Pro Banana, in particular, is a great choice if you want tactile switches that are different from the usual Brown option. They have a noticeably better sound and greater tactility, and they pair well with the bundled keys.

On that note, Keychron uses a KSA profile for its keycaps, and they are taller and have a different feel to the standard OEM keys that are present on most keyboards. It takes a while to get used to the taller keys, but they ultimately lead to a much better typing experience. What I like the most about this profile is that it has a shallow indent at the top, which makes a difference when typing. The keys also have varying heights, and they're designed to deliver better ergonomics.

The keycaps are made out of double-shot PBT, and they're built to last — I've been using the Q1 Pro for over a year, and there are no signs of wear. The legends don't shine through, so the RGB lighting is diffused around the keys; if you want to showcase RGB lighting more effectively, you'll want to get a set of clear keycaps — I'm partial to G.Skill's Crystal Crown.

The F and J keys have a more noticeable indent, so you can identify them as the homing keys, and Keychron also includes a small bump to make it easier to identify these keys. The KSA profile is very similar to MT3, and having used several LOTR keys over the last two years, I've grown quite fond of this particular profile. It makes a clear difference in how fast I'm able to type, and the ergonomics are definitely better than the OEM profile.

The defining characteristic of the Q6 Pro is the gasket-mounted chassis; it has silicone gaskets, sound-absorbing foam, a polycarbonate plate, and case foam to reduce acoustic resonance. This design leads to a better sound and bouncier feel, and it is noticeably different from traditional keyboards. That said, the Q6 Pro is a bit stiffer than the Q1 Pro in this regard, and while you get the distinct feel of using a gasket-mounted keyboard, it doesn't have the same bounciness.

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Keychron Q6 Pro: The competition

If you don't want a full-size keyboard, the Q1 Pro is a great alternative. It uses a 75% configuration and misses out on the number pad, and the rest of the features are identical to what you get on the Q6 Pro.

If you want a full-size keyboard but don't need Bluetooth, the standard Q6 is a great choice. It uses a gasket-mounted design and has the same aluminum build, and the rest of the features are identical. Coming in at $164, it is a smidgen more affordable.

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Keychron Q6 Pro: Should you buy it?

You should buy this if:

✅ You want a high-end mechanical keyboard
✅ You need a full-size layout with the number pad
✅ You want a gasket-mounted design
✅ You need Bluetooth connectivity

You shouldn't buy this if:

❌ You want a portable keyboard

I used the Q6 Pro for the better part of a month, and I can't find any faults with the keyboard. Keychron did a magnificent job offering a full-size layout while still retaining all the features of its Pro series keyboards, and if you need a high-end keyboard with a number pad, there really isn't anything that is quite as good, making it one of the best keyboards we've ever tested, period.

The Q6 Pro doesn't have any gaming-focused additions, but the build quality and feel of the gasket-mounted design are significantly better than the best gaming keyboards. I used dozens of gaming keyboards over the past decade before switching to DIY boards, and my only regret is that I didn't make the switch sooner. If you're using a regular gaming keyboard, you will immediately notice the sheer difference in quality here.

The Q6 Pro is inherently customizable, and you can change the keys, switches, case foam, and just about everything on the keyboard. That said, if you don't want to do any of that, you can just get the fully assembled model and use it out of the box without making any tweaks.

But what makes it a great overall choice is the versatility; you can use it via USB-C or Bluetooth, and the battery life over Bluetooth is outstanding. Ultimately, there isn't another full-size mechanical keyboard that gives you as good a value as the Q6 Pro.

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When Razer launched the Huntsman V2 Analog in 2021, the gaming keyboard was the best the company had ever made. Fast forward three years and there are several newer keyboards from Razer and other accessory makers, but the Huntsman V2 Analog can still stand toe-to-toe with many of its newer competitors. The Huntsman V2 Analog has analog optical switches with adjustable actuation, Doubleshot PBT keycaps, a magnetic wrist rest, and Razer Chrome RGB lighting. Right now, you can get the Razer Huntsman V2 Analog for $99.99, which is its best price ever.

The deal through Woot only lasts until April 3, 2024 or until supplies run out. You can still get the gaming keyboard at a discount through Amazon, but the deal only brings the Huntsman V2 Analog to $117.

Razer Huntsman V2 Analog review

While the Razer Huntsman V2 Analog launched in 2021, it's still a solid keyboard today. Our Managing Editor Richard Devine used the gaming keyboard regularly until quite recently, showing the lasting power of the Huntsman V2 Analog. Devine gave the keyboard a 4.5/5 in his Razer Huntsman V2 Analog review.

Its adjustable actuation points on a per key basis, light and quiet analog optical switches, improved wrist rest, and controller-like function keys earned the Razer Huntsman praise in our review. The only major drawbacks were its chunky design and its price. Today's discount mitigates the price issue. Of course, the keyboard is now three years old, meaning competitors have appeared and successors have launched.

If you want something newer, the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro came out recently. The Huntsman V3 Pro is "the world's most advanced gaming keyboard," as highlighted in our review. For that title, however, you pay a much higher price.

The adjustable actuation feature on the optical analog switches was much newer when Razer implemented it in the Huntsman V2 Analog. "In looking at the new Razer Huntsman V2 Analog there's one obvious place to start. The star of the show is the new Analog optical switch which has a linear motion and adjustable actuation point which is configurable on a per key basis. If you so desire, every key on the keyboard can have a different actuation to the one next to it," explained Devine.

The conclusion of the review highlighted the switches, once again. "The star of the show is undoubtedly the new analog optical switches," shared Devine. "Whether you like linear switches, quiet switches, fast actuation or longer actuation, this keyboard can meet your needs. It ticks so many different boxes for a keyboard it's almost ridiculous."

At the time, Devine called the Razer Huntsman V2 Analog Razer's best keyboard. Of course, three years of innovation has introduced new keyboards in the gaming space. But the Razer Huntsman V2 Analog is still a solid gaming keyboard in 2024. Thanks to its current discount, it's also one of the best bargains.

I've been on a streak recently of reviewing exceptionally great products, and Logitech is continuing that with its MX Keys S wireless keyboard. A curated companion for the legendary Logitech MX Master 3S wireless mouse, the MX Keys S is wholly focused on productivity. It boasts a suite of features, including customizable function keys, per-app custom profiles, and multi-device connectivity for up to three devices at a time.

For those that need a capable and reliable keyboard for getting work done across devices and platforms, the Logitech MX Keys S is a fantastic choice. The hardware isn't perfect, though, and some of the weaknesses of the MX Master 3S mouse also apply to this product. There are areas in which Logitech can improve the next generation version of this keyboard, but the current product is still very easy to recommend to most people.

This review was made possible with a review sample provided by Logitech. The company did not see the contents of this article before publishing.

MX Keys S: Pricing and specifications

Pricing highlights

• The Logitech MX Keys S retails for $109.99, which is verging into the pricey side of keyboards.
• That price does feel reasonable considering the capabilities of this peripheral, but the wrist rest is an additional $19.99 purchase.
• You can save some cash by picking up the MX Keys S Combo, however, which bundles the MX Keys S keyboard, wrist rest, and MX Master 3S mouse for $199.99.

With a retail price of $109.99 at Logitech, the Logitech MX Keys S isn't exactly cheap. It's still a fair bit cheaper than the most premium wireless gaming keyboards (and especially bespoke custom affairs), but most people don't need to spend that much on a productivity-focused keyboard. The MX Keys S does justify its price, however, with a very polished and refined design combined with plenty of customizable features. It's available in three different colors to match your setup, too. In the box, you get the Logitech MX Keys S wireless keyboard, a USB Type-C to Type-A charging cable, and the Logi Bolt USB Type-A 2.4GHz wireless receiver.

The Logitech MX Palm Rest is unfortunately a separate, optional purchase. It's an extra $19.99 at Logitech if you want it, but it should just be included. Fortunately, you can pick up the MX Keys S Combo and effectively get the wrist rest for free and an additional $10 off the MX Keys S wireless keyboard and MX Master 3S wireless mouse. It's a fantastic bundle for two products that feel made for each other, especially considering they can both share the same Logi Bolt wireless dongle.

• Check out our in-depth review of the Logitech MX Master 3S wireless mouse

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MX Keys S: What's good

The good highlights

• Logitech has designed the MX Keys S for productivity use, with a roomy layout and lots of extra function keys.
• The typing experience is responsive and accurate, and there's a full-sized tenkey number pad.
• The function keys are very smartly chosen, but you can customize them all through Logi Options+.

At first glance, the Logi MX Keys S doesn't appear much different from the army of cheap, plastic keyboards you're liable to find in schools and businesses around the world, but actually using it quickly proves its quality. The keyboard layout is spacious and intelligent, and the typing action is responsive, tactile, and quiet. It's a great experience that ensured both accuracy and speed almost immediately after setting it up. In this way, the MX Keys S is very similar to its predecessor (you can read our Logitech MX Keys review for more info).

While this is a full-sized keyboard with a tenkey number pad (which I appreciate), it has a thin profile that doesn't take up an unreasonable amount of space, with a sizeable rear bulge that props the keyboard up at an angle and keeps it seated on solid rubber feet. There are three dedicated buttons for switching between devices quickly (one via 2.4GHz and two via Bluetooth Low Energy), perfectly match the Logitech MX Master 3S' multi-device connectivity.

When you're using the keyboard, battery life is quite good. It's not as long-lasting as its mouse companion, but I rarely had to charge the keyboard. Standby time is also excellent, so you don't have to stress if you accidentally forget to turn the MX Keys S, like with other keyboards. Backlighting is great, too; a proximity sensor activates the backlighting automatically when you get close, and an ambient light sensor automatically sets the appropriate brightness level.

What elevates the MX Keys S over other premium office-bound wireless keyboards, however, is Logi Options+. You can customize all of the Fn and additional macro keys with new shortcuts, including keyboard shortcuts, defined system actions, and even Logitech's smart actions, which let you perform a series of actions with one button press. What's more, you can create custom profiles for individual applications, with the MX Keys S intelligently switching between profiles. The MX Keys S is a comfortable, smartly designed keyboard with great platform compatibility (it's actually labelled for both Windows and macOS) and strong, reliable, and feature-packed software.

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MX Keys S: What's not good

The bad highlights

• The MX Keys S has the features and design of a premium product, but it's heavy and made entirely of plastic.
• There's also no way to store the USB dongle in the keyboard, same as the MX Master 3S.
• Finally, the wrist rest is an optional, additional purchase (and the wrist rest itself isn't exceptional).

I've really been enjoying my time with the MX Keys S, but it wasn't a struggle to find some complaints with it. For one, while the design is intelligent and the features are useful, this is an all-plastic keyboard that is surprisingly heavy, and the build quality isn't impeccable. Simply picking up the MX Keys S will result in some unsettling creaking and groaning, when the MX Master 3S mouse is beautifully with more premium materials.

The design could also improve, too. There's no way to adjust the height of the keyboard thanks to all the internals being shoved into one immovable bulge, and that bulge contains no way to stash the USB Type-A wireless receiver for travel purpose (the same complaint I had with the MX Master 3S). On a design-related note, while I love this keyboard for working, I certainly wouldn't choose it first for gaming — the key travel is just too short, and the wireless performance isn't reliable enough. You're better off opting for one of the best gaming keyboards, like the Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Keyboard, instead, which also boasts multi-device wireless connectivity.

• Recommended mouse: Logitech MX Master 3S for $99.99 at Logitech
• Recommended webcam: Logitech MX Brio for $199.99 at Logitech

My final complaint is a little more nitpicky; the MX Keys S Combo Logitech sent me to review does include the MX Palm Rest, a silicone-feeling thin and light wrist rest that sits detached from the MX Keys S. However, this is actually a separate $20 purchase from the keyboard itself. The wrist rest is fine, and I don't actually hate that it's detached (lets you move it where it works best for you), but it's not good enough to warrant being a separate purchase, in my opinion. If you do want it, though, the Logitech MX Palm Rest is $19.99 at Logitech.

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MX Keys S: Final thoughts

You should buy this if ...

You should not buy this if ...

For years now, I've been predominantly using gaming keyboards and gaming mice, so I wasn't certain what to expect from the Logitech MX Keys S (and its MX Master 3S mouse sibling). After using the duo for a few weeks, though, I can see the effort made to make this keyboard as good as possible for those with a job to do. The design, typing experience, extra keys, and software are all centered around being productive.

Both the MX Keys S and MX Master 3S are perfect for multi-device, multi-platform setups, and boast per-application smart profiles to adapt on the fly to any workflow. Whether you're tearing through Excel spreadsheets or editing videos for eight hours a day, these peripherals will make your job easier. I'll be switching back to my gaming-centric accessories, but only because I, you know... game. The Logitech MX Keys S is an excellent wireless keyboard, and the MX Keys S Combo you can get for $199.99 at Logitech is honestly a very compelling deal for a great keyboard, mouse, and wrist rest.

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Alienware, now under the Dell umbrella, has been making PC gaming accessories for years. Recent years have seen a resurgence in Alienware's efforts in the space, with mixed results.

Alienware has seemingly tired of falling short of greatness, however, and worked with over 100 esports athletes to create a duo of competitive PC gaming peripherals: the Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Keyboard and Mouse. Right now, I'm going to talk about the former.

I'm honestly very impressed with the amount of improvement Alienware has made across a single generation of accessories, with the Pro Wireless Gaming Keyboard offering a brilliant, fun, and reliable typing and gaming experience across the board. It's a great keyboard, especially for fans of the compact, but it is admittedly an expensive investment. On top of that, Alienware Command Center continues to be an unreliable software hub that's also very light on features despite recent updates.

• Read our in-depth review of the Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Mouse

Disclaimer: This review was made possible with a review unit provided by Dell. The company did not see the contents of the review before publishing.

Alienware Pro Keyboard: Pricing and specifications

Pricing highlights

• The Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Keyboard is not an affordable accessory, retailing for $199.99.
• It's available in two colors, Lunar Light (White) and Dark Side of the Moon (Black), which are otherwise identical.
• For the price, you're getting a 75% keyboard with three connectivity options and quick multi-device switching.

The Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Keyboard represents the new flagship for Alienware's PC gaming accessory lineup, and it certainly looks the part. This is a compact 75% wireless keyboard, meaning it does away with the tenkey number pad and condenses everything together as much as possible. It still features dedicated media control keys, however, which slightly smaller 60% keyboards do not have.

In general, though, this is a very well-rounded wireless gaming keyboard with Alienware's "Tri-Mode" connectivity. That means it can connect to your PC via a 2.4GHz USB Type-C dongle, up to 3 devices via Bluetooth 5.1, and can fall back on a wired connection when you need to charge up. That, combined with Alienware's clear focus on ensuring every part of the keyboard is premium, leads to a hefty retail price of $199.99 at Dell.

In the box, you get the Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Keyboard, a 2m USB Type-A to USB Type-C braided cable, a 2.4GHz USB Type-C wireless dongle, a unique USB Type-C to USB Type-C adapter, and a removal tool for the keycaps and switches. The Pro Wireless Gaming Keyboard was designed in tandem with its partner, the Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Mouse, which you can buy for $149.99 at Dell.

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Alienware Pro Keyboard: Design and build quality

Design highlights

• The Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Keyboard is very compact, with all available space taken up by keys.
• It's a lovely, rounded design with a plastic-and-silicone base and a very tough aluminum top.
• Build quality is overall fantastic, the per-key RGB lighting looks as good as usual from Alienware, and there's great attention to detail.

Alienware has a very distinct design language that isn't everyone's cup of tea, but you'd be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn't think the Pro Wireless Gaming Keyboard is one well-designed, attractive peripheral. The neat use of space, rounded edges and corners, rock-solid stature, vibrant RGB lighting, and smart layout all contribute to one of the best-looking keyboards I've had on my desk.

The design isn't just attractive; it's functional. There's no wasted space, with Alienware still finding room for dedicated, easily accessible media controls along the right side. The font on the keys is legible and pleasing to look at, with clever labels on the front of the keys hinting at secondary functions. The long silicone foot underneath the keyboard keeps it firmly planted on any surface. The stands for adjusting height open and close with satisfying snaps. Nothing is out of place, and the build quality all around is exceptional; I have no doubt that the Series 7000 aluminum casing, quality plastic base, and double-shot PBT keys will stand the test of time.

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Alienware Pro Keyboard: Typing and gaming

Typing highlights

• Alienware's first-gen Linear Mechanical Switches have just the right amount of resistance, feel very responsive, and have a satisfying sound.
• These switches strike a careful balance that, combined with the lovely and comfortable texture of the keycaps, results in a great experience typing or gaming.
• If you'd prefer something different, though, Alienware designed this keyboard to be compatible with custom keycaps and almost all 3-pin and 5-pin switches, and it's all hot-swappable.

How good a keyboard looks or even how well it's built doesn't mean anything if it's not fun or comfortable to use, but Alienware did a great job here, too. The first-gen Alienware Linear Switches are pre-lubricated and paired with two sound-dampening layers, resulting in a smooth and consistent action with an echo-free, satisfying clack with each press. Adjusting to the Pro Wireless Gaming Keyboard is practically instantaneous, with typing and gaming both being a joy.

It's difficult to strike that balance, but this keyboard is reliable and responsive. I'm a fan of the switches, but I also love the double-shot PBT keycaps on this keyboard, which feature a comfortable and grippy texture that also feels durable, with no sign of wear after hours of use. I still prefer a more tactile switch, but Alienware doesn't force you to use its design. Every key is hot-swappable and supports pretty much any standard 3-pin or 5-pin switch, and the necessary tool is included in the box. It's the kind of forward-thinking design I like to see from any company, and it shows that Alienware is indeed listening to feedback from its customers.

I won't go so far as to say the Pro Wireless Gaming Keyboard provides an electrifying experience with revolutionary innovations because it doesn't. Feature-wise, this keyboard is actually diminutive in comparison to competing products from Razer and SteelSeries. It's simply great all-around, with no weaknesses that'll make you wish you had a different keyboard lying around for certain tasks (although I do miss my tenkey sometimes). While more buttons and dials or an adjustable actuation would provide more value (and higher-end performance) for gamers, there's a simple exultation when using a product that trades the ostentatious for fundamentals that refuse to compromise.

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Alienware Pro Keyboard: Wireless connectivity

Connectivity highlights

• Alienware took the connectivity core of its previous flagship gaming keyboard and supplanted it with the Pro Wireless Gaming Keyboard.
• That means "Tri-Mode" connectivity, with three ways to use this keyboard with every device you may own.
• Whether you use 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, or even a wired connection, the connection is immediate, and the performance is flawless.

The Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Keyboard may not feature "Tri-Mode" in its name, but it definitely borrows that specific headlining feature from its direct predecessor, the Alienware Tri-Mode Wireless Gaming Keyboard (AW920K) that fought valiantly for my attention but ultimately resigned itself to life in a box. Credit where credit is due, though, Alienware's latest peripheral continues the trend of being more versatile than most of the competition, with more options to connect than most people will need.

The 2.4GHz wireless USB Type-C dongle will be the go-to for gamers, offering the most reliable connection with the least latency. Alienware still does an excellent job here, as I never once had an issue with performance or stability; the keyboard is also expeditious in its race to connect when powering on. Alienware's unique USB Type-C to Type-C adapter makes its return, too, but it lets you connect your keyboard to your PC and charge it when you need to use the exact same cable, and I appreciate that. Finally, Bluetooth 5.1 is here, with the Pro Wireless Gaming Keyboard able to remember up to three devices and switch between them with a simple button.

Given its small, easily transposed stature and connectivity prowess, the Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Keyboard is well-suited to a multi-device lifestyle, combining work and play in an effortless union.

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Alienware Pro Keyboard: Battery experience

Battery highlights

• Alienware claims up to a nye-unbelievable 798 hours of battery life with the Pro Wireless Gaming Keyboard.
• Using RGB lighting cuts that number down by over 90%, though, a hefty cost for aesthetics.
• Regardless, battery life (especially on standby) is much improved over the last generation, even if you can still kill this keyboard regularly.

The Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Keyboard can boast enough endurance to weather weeks of work and play, but that's only if you entirely disable the AlienFX RGB lighting. For many, that won't be an issue given the absurd gains in battery life, but I enjoy my cosmetic luxuries. With RGB lighting enabled, the Pro Wireless Gaming Keyboard can last around 70 hours of continued usage, but you can cut that number down even further if you forget to turn the keyboard off between sessions (although the standby is more efficient than Alienware's last flagship keyboard, it seems).

I found myself charging the Pro Wireless Keyboard about once a week with my usage (and forgetfulness), but it's a simple affair. Alienware's charging/dongle solution baffles the mind at first, but it does make it easy to plug your keyboard in and still be able to use it wired when you need to. Overall, Alienware kept what worked from before while also massively increasing battery life, so I can't complain here.

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Alienware Pro Keyboard: Other features

Other features highlights

• Hardware-wise, the Pro Wireless Gaming Keyboard doesn't boast any advanced features aside from its multi-device connectivity.
• It does integrate with Alienware Command Center to customize the AlienFX RGB lighting and set key bindings.
• Alienware Command Center is still unreliable, however, and lacks a lot of features (even customizing the onboard profiles is missing at the time of writing).

Razer, SteelSeries, and other companies may be engaging in features warfare, but Alienware is content polishing the basics. Any extra features will come in the way of Alienware Command Center, the phantom that haunts Alienware's entire hardware lineup. Look, Alienware has majorly improved this software; I've not encountered any of the crashes or hard freezes I did in the past.

However, it's still not reliable. The Command Center frequently and completely lost sight of the Pro Wireless Gaming Keyboard, and not even full reconnects would prompt a return. If the Command Center doesn't see the keyboard, I can't customize the keyboard. At all. Not that there's a lot to do here, anyways. You can customize the per-key RGB lighting with all the usual presets and patterns, and you can use Alienware's awkward (and a little limited) macro feature to rebind keys. You should also be able to customize the five onboard profiles and switch between them on the go with a dedicated key, but that feature was strangely missing at the time of writing (Alienware informed me it'll be arriving soon in an update).

Alienware Command Center will undoubtedly continue to evolve with future updates, but right now, it's still rough around the edges and light on features. Unfortunately, it's the Pro Wireless Gaming Keyboard's biggest weakness.

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Alienware Pro Keyboard: Competition