Tag: mechanical keyboard

8BitDo has introduced its Retro87 M mechanical keyboard, which boasts a retro-themed design paired with an industrial look. This keyboard is notable for its distinctive M-shaped frame and detachable console, differentiating it from conventional designs. Priced starting at 499 yuan, the 8BitDo Retro87 M presents itself as an attractive choice for those in search of a stylish yet practical mechanical keyboard.

Customizable Super Keys

The Retro87 M blends aesthetics with functionality. It features PBT keycaps, Kaihua Box V2 white switches, and an upper structure design that ensures a gratifying typing experience.

One of the standout features is the inclusion of two customizable super keys, which provide additional versatility by allowing users to assign frequently used functions for easier access. The Retro87 M also supports Bluetooth, 2.4G, and wired connections, making it adaptable to various usage scenarios.

Design and Build

With its gray and white color palette, the keyboard aligns well with its retro theme. Its compact size and robust construction make it an excellent fit for different environments.

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).

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.