Tag: mechanical keyboard

July 25, 2024

Hexgears Z2 Pro: Mechanical Keyboard with Display, Triple Connectivity

Hexgears has recently introduced its newest mechanical keyboard, the Z2 Pro, to the Chinese market. This keyboard stands out with its 1.14-inch TFT color display and a multifunctional knob. Let’s delve into its main features.

Hexgears Z2 Pro Specifications

The Z2 Pro features a 79-key arrangement with both the top and bottom covers crafted from aluminum alloy. It includes a double-stage footstand, which enhances its ergonomic design.

Inside, the Z2 Pro boasts a Gasket five-layer padding structure and a high-transparency acrylic hollow positioning plate. The switches are hot-swappable with a five-pin layout, allowing for effortless customization. The keycaps are made from dual-color PBT injection material, known for their durability and resistance to wear.

The keyboard uses Kailh Blackberry Ice Cream Pro switches, offering a linear and smooth typing experience. The switches have a total travel distance of 3.50±0.3mm, an actuation travel of 1.70±0.4mm, and an actuation force of 45±10gf. They support a mechanical lifespan of up to 50 million keystrokes.

Multifunctional Features

The Z2 Pro also includes a multifunctional knob and a 1.14-inch TFT color screen on the right side. This screen can display various information, providing additional customization and functionality. The keyboard also supports RGB lighting effects, adding to its visual appeal.

The keyboard is versatile in its connectivity options, supporting wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4GHz wireless connections. It offers a 1000Hz polling rate, ensuring minimal latency for a seamless user experience. The Z2 Pro is powered by a robust 5000mAh battery.

In terms of accessories, the Z2 Pro comes with a switch puller, a keycap puller, and a Type-C USB data cable. The keyboard dimensions are 330x147x48 mm, and it weighs 1546 grams. It is also compatible with custom driver software for further personalization.

Pricing and Availability

Hexgears will begin pre-sales for the Z2 Pro “Wild Flower” keyboard on July 26 at 10:00 AM. The keyboard is expected to be available for purchase on major e-commerce platforms shortly thereafter. It is priced at 729 Yuan ($100).

Tags: Hexgears Z2 Pro, Kailh Blackberry Ice Cream Pro, mechanical keyboard
July 17, 2024

Black Shark’s Black Emblem GD82 Custom Keyboard Launches

Black Shark Selection has unveiled the Black Emblem GD82 custom mechanical keyboard. Showcasing a mecha theme, this keyboard supports hot-swappable switches and boasts a battery life of around 160 hours. Initially available for 1,599 yuan, it is regularly priced at 1,799 yuan.

Premium Build and Customization

The GD82 features a full-key hot-swappable switch design and a gasket mount structure. It comes with a limited edition PBT keycap set designed for ergonomic comfort, a robust aluminum alloy body, and customizable RGB backlighting with advanced music rhythm effects. The keyboard supports full-key hot-swappable switches and utilizes a gasket mount structure with sound dampening foam. It also includes independent buttons for switching to wireless mode.

Connectivity and Additional Features

Providing both wireless (2.4G and Bluetooth) and wired connectivity options, the keyboard is equipped with a 4000mAh battery, offering up to 10 hours of continuous use and 360 hours of standby time. Other notable features include a dedicated volume control knob with mute functionality, KTT custom tea axis switches with gold-plated contacts, full-key anti-ghosting, and driver support for key remapping, lighting effects, and macro recording.

Tags: Black Emblem GD82, Black Shark Selection, mechanical keyboard
July 7, 2024

ATK Unveils Z87 Pro Mechanical Keyboard with Gasket Mount & Aluminum Top

Chinese peripheral manufacturer ATK has introduced the ATK Z87 Pro, a mechanical keyboard designed to appeal to both budget-minded consumers and performance enthusiasts. Let’s delve into its primary features.

ATK Z87 Pro Keyboard Specifications

The Z87 Pro features a compact 87-key layout, eliminating the num pad to create a space-efficient design favored by gamers and minimalists. This keyboard showcases a sleek semi-aluminum body with a CNC anodized metal top cover, combining durability with a premium look. Additionally, it includes built-in PVD decorative light strips that work in tandem with the keyboard’s backlighting.

The Z87 Pro offers a choice between Kailh Blueberry Ice Cream switches and Aniya switches, both of which are linear switches celebrated for their smooth keypress and speed. The keyboard also provides multiple keycap profile options, including MDA and OEM profile high-quality PBT keycaps, to ensure a comfortable typing experience.

Premium Typing Experience

The Z87 Pro features a Gasket structure that uses silicone pads to isolate the plate from the keyboard’s base, reducing typing noise and delivering a softer, more satisfying keystroke feel. This feature is generally found on more expensive keyboards, adding to the premium typing experience.

In terms of performance, the Z87 Pro boasts a 1ms response time, making it ideal for competitive gamers. Its 8000mAh battery ensures long-lasting usage. The keyboard supports three connection modes: wired, 2.4G wireless, and Bluetooth 5.0, offering versatile setup options.

Customization and Software

Equipped with a 16.7 million color ARGB lighting system, the keyboard allows extensive customization of its aesthetics. ATK includes its ATK HUB software, giving users detailed control over lighting effects, keyboard performance, and sensitivity settings.

Pricing and Availability

The ATK Z87 Pro is available in three color options: Silver, Ambient Side-Engraved, and Black. Pricing starts at an affordable 279 yuan (approximately $38) for the base model with Aniya switches. The version with Silver Blueberry Ice Cream switches is priced at 369 yuan (around $50). The keyboard is currently available on JD.com.

Tags: ATK Z87 Pro, budget-friendly, mechanical keyboard
July 5, 2024

Keychron B1 Pro Launches: Ultra-Thin Keyboard with 1200-Hour Battery

Keychron, renowned for its customizable mechanical keyboards, has introduced a new model named the B1 Pro to the Chinese market. This follows its global release in May this year. Let’s delve into its main features.

Keychron B1 Pro Specifications:

Weighing just 425 grams (0.94 lbs), the B1 Pro features a sleek 75% layout design with a body thickness of only 5.2mm, making it perfect for portability. The keyboard includes 77 keys, along with 12 multimedia keys.

The keyboard’s spherical keycaps are designed to fit the natural curvature of fingers, enhancing typing accuracy and comfort. Additionally, it comes equipped with scissor-switch keys that have a built-in 3.2° tilt angle for better ergonomics.

Versatile Connectivity

The B1 Pro is ideal for users who need to switch between multiple devices. It offers multiple connection options, including 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.2, and wired Type-C. Bluetooth 5.2 supports connections to up to three devices simultaneously, making it convenient for those who use desktops, laptops, and tablets. For low-latency gaming or tasks requiring the fastest response time, the 2.4 GHz connection provides a 1000 Hz polling rate.

The B1 Pro is compatible with various platforms, featuring a Mac layout but fully functional with Windows and Linux. It even retains the same multimedia and function key features as Apple keyboards, offering Mac users a familiar experience with improved tactile feedback from the scissor-switch keys.

Keychron provides a proprietary web-based driver for the B1 Pro, allowing seamless customization across Mac, Windows, and Linux systems. This driver lets users remap keys, create macros, and personalize keyboard layouts to enhance productivity.

Impressive Battery Life

One of the standout features of the B1 Pro is its exceptional battery life, lasting up to 1200 hours on a single charge. This equates to about 8 months of use with 5 hours of daily typing, significantly reducing the need for frequent recharging.

Pricing and Availability

The Keychron B1 Pro keyboard is priced at 238 Yuan ($33) and is currently available on Tmall in China.

Tags: Keychron B1 Pro, mechanical keyboard, Multi-Device Connectivity
July 4, 2024

Keychron K15 Max Low-Profile Alice Layout Keyboard Starts at $104

Keychron has introduced the K15 Max, a new model in their K Max lineup of mechanical keyboards. Priced starting at $104, it is available now on Keychron’s official website.

Keychron K15 Max Keyboard Specifications

The K15 Max is impressively thin, measuring just 17~22mm in thickness, making it one of the slimmest mechanical keyboards with wireless capabilities on the market. It utilizes Gateron MX 2.0 low-profile switches, providing options for tactile, linear, or clicky actuation.

This mechanical keyboard features a 75% Alice layout, an ergonomic design that positions the split spacebar and Fn keys in a more thumb-friendly location, potentially reducing strain and enhancing typing comfort during prolonged use.

The K15 Max comes with double-shot PBT keycaps, known for their durability and resistance to shine through. Keychron has also revamped the stabilizers on the K15 Max to reduce key wobble, especially on larger keys like the spacebar. The keyboard includes 22 RGB backlighting effects with additional customization options and three adjustable typing angles for better ergonomic comfort.

Connectivity and Battery Life

The K15 Max offers versatile connectivity options, including 2.4 GHz wireless with a 1000 Hz polling rate for low-latency gaming, Bluetooth 5.1 for connecting to multiple devices, and a wired USB-C connection for charging and wired use.

It features a 2000mAh battery, providing up to 110 hours of typing time with the backlight off and 64 hours with the RGB backlight set to the lowest brightness.

Customization and Pricing

Further customization is possible through Keychron’s QMK/VIA software. This open-source firmware allows for remapping keys, creating macros, and setting custom layouts for both Windows and macOS. Keychron has also launched their Keychron Launcher web app, simplifying the customization process for new users.

Keychron offers three configurations for the K15 Max: a white backlight version for $104, an RGB backlight version for $114, and a hot-swappable RGB backlight version for $124. The hot-swappable version allows users to change switches without soldering, enabling them to test different switch types to find their ideal typing experience.

Tags: Ergonomic Layout, Keychron K15 Max, mechanical keyboard
July 4, 2024

Red Magic Launches Ice Domain Keyboard: 2.4GHz, 4000Hz, $137

The Red Magic Esports Universe launch event introduced more than just games; it also unveiled the Red Magic Ice Domain mechanical keyboard, designed specifically for gamers.

Users can easily clean the keyboard by detaching the magnetic shell. This space-efficient device features a compact 84-key layout and a CNC-carved middle frame, adding a luxurious touch. A programmable side knob allows for easy customization, and the magnetically detachable shell simplifies cleaning. Additionally, users can enjoy Magic Light Synchronous RGB lighting effects to personalize their gaming atmosphere.

Superior Performance

The Red Magic Ice Domain keyboard includes a Nordic + NXP dual-chip design, supporting both wired connections with an 8000Hz polling rate for ultra-fast responses and wireless connections with a 2.4GHz 4000Hz polling rate to minimize latency. Bluetooth connectivity enhances its versatility for various setups.

Customization and Battery Life

This keyboard offers a full-key hot-swappable design, allowing users to customize their typing experience with preferred switches. It comes with Red Magic’s original SPEED Pro switches and a built-in 6000mAh battery, perfect for extended gaming sessions.

Available in three stylish colors—Deuterium Peak Silver Wing, Dark Knight, and Deuterium Peak Transparent—the Red Magic Ice Domain mechanical keyboard is set to hit the market in August, with prices starting at 999 yuan (approximately $151 USD). The company also introduced the 9S Pro and a 32-inch curved gaming monitor during the event.

(Via)

Tags: Gaming Accessories, mechanical keyboard, Red Magic Ice Domain
June 26, 2024

Keychron Unveils Purple Q1 Max Mechanical Keyboard

Keychron, a renowned name in the mechanical keyboard industry, has introduced a new variant for its acclaimed Q1 Max keyboard – the Purple Edition. This high-end keyboard features a sophisticated design, an eye-catching purple hue, and a range of features designed to please both casual users and keyboard enthusiasts.

Priced at 1118 Yuan ($154), the keyboard is currently available for purchase on JD.com in China. Let’s delve into its main specifications.

Keychron Q1 Max Specifications

The Keychron Q1 Max Purple Edition showcases a CNC-machined aluminum frame, presented in a striking purple color. It adopts a 75% layout, offering a compact form factor while maintaining essential function keys to boost productivity.

The Q1 Max uses a gasket mount structure coupled with premium acoustic foams, which significantly diminish noise and vibration, producing a satisfying and quiet typing sound. It also features hot-swappable switches, enabling users to customize their typing experience with various MX-style mechanical switches without the need for soldering.

Enhancing the typing experience further are the KSA double-shot PBT keycaps, known for their superior durability and resistance to finger oils. These keycaps come in two variants: classic KSA for standard typing or OSA side-printed for a sleeker appearance with excellent backlight shine-through.

Connectivity Options

The Q1 Max supports both wireless and wired connections. It offers a robust 2.4 GHz wireless connection with a 1000 Hz polling rate. For those who need to switch between devices effortlessly, the keyboard also provides Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity, allowing simultaneous connection to three devices. Additionally, a wired connection mode is available for a reliable and stable option.

Customization and Battery Life

Keychron has equipped the Q1 Max with a powerful ARM Cortex-M4 processor and 256KB flash memory, enabling extensive customization through QMK/VIA software. Users can remap keys, create macros, and fine-tune the keyboard’s performance to suit their specific needs.

Despite its feature-packed design, the Q1 Max offers impressive battery life with its 4000mAh battery. With the backlight turned off, the keyboard can last up to an astounding 180 hours on a single charge. Even with RGB lighting enabled, users can expect up to 100 hours of usage on the lowest brightness setting.

Tags: Keychron Q1 Max, mechanical keyboard, Purple Edition
May 16, 2024

Lenovo Unveils MK9 Mechanical Keyboard: 98 Keys, Type-C

Lenovo has recently introduced the MK9 wired mechanical keyboard, now available on e-commerce sites like JD.com. This keyboard is priced starting at 99 yuan ($14) and is expected to be available for pre-sale on JD.com soon. The MK9 is offered in four colors: Sakura White, Obsidian Black, Elegant Pink, and Sky Blue, catering to various aesthetic tastes.

Lenovo MK9 Keyboard Specifications

The Lenovo MK9 keyboard features a Gasket structure and a 98-key layout, reducing the size by roughly 20% compared to traditional 104-key layouts, making it more compact and efficient in terms of space usage.

The keyboard is constructed with double-shot injection keycaps, which use two colors of plastic to ensure clear and sharp fonts, minimizing character wear and extending the lifespan of the keys. It employs red switch key switches designed for a smooth typing experience, offering excellent tactile feedback.

The key switches have a lifespan of 20 million keystrokes, utilizing special material contacts that reduce oxidation, meeting long-term usage needs.

Additional Features

The keyboard also includes a PET soundproof cushion that optimizes keystroke sound performance, making it quieter and more suitable for office use. It features a Type-C interface with a detachable cable design, enhancing portability and ease of storage.

From an ergonomic perspective, the MK9 is equipped with a two-stage foot support design, offering three adjustable heights for comfort and adaptability to various typing positions. It also includes a satellite-axis balancing rod, which improves the stability and performance of larger keys.

Convenient Controls

The MK9 is also fitted with a rotary volume adjustment knob for intuitive and easy control of audio levels, which also supports a one-key mute function, adding to the keyboard's convenience. The dimensions are approximately 389.79 x 143.79 x 41.72mm, and it weighs around 780g±50g, making it a solid and sturdy option for users.

Tags: Compact Design, Lenovo MK9, mechanical keyboard
May 11, 2024

Keychron V4 Max Mechanical Keyboard: 3 Modes, 60% Layout

Keychron has pleasantly surprised its followers by unveiling the V4 Max, a customizable mechanical keyboard within the V Max series. This compact 60% layout keyboard is priced starting at a budget-friendly US$69 (approximately ¥498). The V4 Max aims to enhance typing comfort through its unique Gasket structure, PC positioning plate, and sound-dampening components. Additionally, users can add a personal touch with the inclusion of South-facing RGB lighting.

Customization and Connectivity Options

Users are offered a variety of customization choices, including three Jiadalong Jupiter switches (tactile, linear, or tactile with a bump) and durable OSA PBT double-shot keycaps. The keyboard provides flexible connectivity options, such as 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, and wired connections. To enhance compatibility, it features dual 2.4GHz receivers for broader device support.

Impressive Features and Specifications

The V4 Max comes equipped with notable specifications, including hot-swappable switches, a polling rate of up to 1000Hz for seamless responsiveness, and compatibility with QMK/VIA for personalized layouts. It simplifies the process of switching between Windows and macOS configurations. With a 4000mAh battery capacity, the keyboard ensures extended usage and supports 5V 1A charging for convenience.

Product Models and Availability

Keychron offers two distinct models for the V4 Max: the V4M-Z2 kit priced at US$69 for individuals looking to customize every detail, and the V4M-B1 keyboard priced at US$89, which comes pre-equipped with switches and keycaps. Notably, the official announcement and release date of the V4 Max remain undisclosed. Currently listed as out of stock on the official website, the launch countdown remains at zero. Would you consider purchasing this keyboard upon its restocking?

Tags: customizable controls, Keychron V4 Max, mechanical keyboard
April 16, 2024

ThundeRobot T96 Wired Mechanical Keyboard: Kailh Switches

ThundeRobot recently introduced a wired mechanical keyboard known as the T96 to Chinese gamers for just 299 Yuan (approximately $41). Let’s dive into its key specifications!

Specifications of ThundeRobot T96:

The T96 features an efficient 96% layout which takes up less space compared to traditional 100% keyboard designs and still maintains full keyboard functionality, saving 20% in space usage while conserving 100% keyboard functionality. Furthermore, an independent metal multimedia roller on its right side enables users to conveniently adjust volume and backlight brightness settings.

This keyboard comes equipped with Kailh switches, known for their rapid trigger speeds and robust construction. Produced at the same factory as ROG switches, they boast an infrared induction triggering mechanism with 0.2ms infrared induction trigger speed; 43gf trigger pressure; 55gf bottom-out pressure, prelubricated for smooth typing experience and prelubricated to help provide an enjoyable typing experience.

Enhance Features and Functionality:

To maximize user comfort, the T96 features an EVA cushion at its base as well as silicone dampening strips on either side of its spacebar to eliminate internal cavity noise. Furthermore, there is an integral metal positioning plate and USB-C interface for increased stability.

This keyboard offers full key hot-swap functionality to give users the power to tailor their typing experience with different switch types and 19 preset RGB lighting effects for an engaging gaming atmosphere.

Functional Enhancements and Extended Durability:

The T96 features quick-access function keys for managing screen brightness, desktop switching, calculator access, keyboard backlight adjustment, media playback control, sound muting and volume adjustment. Constructed using ABS upper and lower covers as well as double or triple shot injection molded PBT keycaps ensure durability as well as comfortable typing experience; PBT keyscaps are resistant to fading and wear as double injection molding makes the PBT injection molding more durable than its plastic equivalents.

This wired keyboard can be used with various operating systems, including Windows XP/Vista/Win7/Win8/Win10/11 as well as Android and Mac computers.

Tags: eSports-grade gaming keyboard, mechanical keyboard, ThundeRobot T96