The SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3 is an exceptional full-sized mechanical keyboard designed for gamers and productivity enthusiasts alike. With its robust aluminum top plate and durable plastic chassis, it offers both aesthetic appeal and long-lasting build quality. The keyboard is equipped with OmniPoint 3.0 switches that allow for customizable actuation points, providing users the flexibility to tailor their typing experience. Additionally, the keycaps are crafted from durable PBT material and feature a slightly textured finish, making each keystroke feel both comfortable and reliable. Its sizeable dimensions mean it occupies a good amount of desk space, but the inclusion of a detachable wrist rest ensures ergonomic support during extended gaming or typing sessions.
One of the standout features of the Apex Pro Gen 3 is its advanced lighting capabilities. The keyboard supports full per-key RGB lighting, allowing for extensive customization to match any setup or mood. Users can easily switch between different lighting modes, including static colors, breathing effects, and dynamic patterns. Furthermore, the keyboard includes features like programmable keys and customizable macros, making it an ideal choice for gamers who rely on quick access to commands and shortcuts. With its strong build, high-quality components, and an array of functionalities, the SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3 stands out in the competitive landscape of mechanical keyboards, catering to a wide audience with its blend of performance and comfort.
The Logitech G915 X is a cutting-edge full-size mechanical keyboard designed for gamers and productivity enthusiasts alike. With its low-profile Cherry MX switches, this keyboard combines a sleek appearance with performance-oriented features that enhance the typing experience. This model is not only thin but also heavier than its predecessor, the G915 LIGHTSPEED, providing a more robust and stable feel during use. The PBT keycaps ensure durability and prevent the common shiny finish seen in lesser quality materials, which enhances the keyboard's longevity and aesthetic appeal.
In addition to its sturdy construction, the G915 X excels in customizability with dedicated programmable macro keys and advanced RGB lighting options. Users can easily configure lighting effects and macros using the accompanying software, making it an excellent choice for gamers who want to personalize their setup. This keyboard's thoughtful design extends to its ergonomic features, with adjustable incline options that contribute to a comfortable typing posture. Overall, the G915 X balances elegance, performance, and durability to cater to a wide audience of users.
The NuPhy Nos75 keyboard stands out as a remarkable choice for both gamers and productivity enthusiasts. With its compact 75% layout, the Nos75 strikes a balance between functionality and portability, making it suitable for use in various environments, whether at home or on-the-go. This keyboard is equipped with novel Gateron switches, providing tactile feedback that enhances the typing experience. Users can appreciate the 50-million actuation lifespan of the switches, ensuring longevity and reliability over prolonged use. Moreover, its sleek aluminum frame not only contributes to a premium feel but also offers added durability against wear and tear.
In addition to its solid build and performance traits, the NuPhy Nos75 boasts a range of features tailored to enhance user experience. The full RGB lighting, customizable via dedicated software, allows for a personalized aesthetic, setting the stage for your gaming setup or workspace. Users have the ability to program keys to their liking, along with the option for macros to streamline workflows or boost gaming performance. Furthermore, the keyboard supports Bluetooth connectivity, enabling seamless pairing with multiple devices, thus catering to users who require flexibility in their device connections. The absence of wrist support is a notable point, as users accustomed to ergonomic setups may need to consider an additional accessory. Overall, the Nos75 is poised to please a versatile group of users with its thoughtful design and performance capabilities.
The NuPhy Field75 HE keyboard is designed with a compact 75% layout, perfect for those who need a space-saving solution without compromising functionality. This keyboard features high-profile PBT keycaps, providing a satisfying tactile experience while ensuring durability that can withstand heavy usage. The plastic chassis is robust and lacks any deck flex, which enhances the overall typing experience. It comes equipped with south-facing LEDs that are compatible with most aftermarket keycap sets, although the existing keycaps do not have shine-through legends; therefore, visibility in low-light conditions may be an issue.
A key highlight of the NuPhy Field75 HE is its hot-swappable PCB, allowing users to easily change out switches without soldering. This is particularly appealing for enthusiasts who want to customize their keyboard experience. The inclusion of a volume control knob and the innovative design of the 'GhostBar' spacebar, which features a silicone dampener, showcases the thoughtful engineering behind this product. While it does not include a dedicated wrist rest or numerous programmable features, the balance of solid construction, aesthetic design, and essential functionality make it an excellent choice for both gamers and typists alike.
The HyperX Alloy Rise is a robust full-sized mechanical keyboard designed primarily for gamers. It features a hybrid construction with a durable aluminum top plate and PBT keycaps, making it not only stylish but also resilient. The use of Cherry MX-style switches ensures a reliable and responsive performance, providing a tactile feedback that gamers and typists alike will appreciate. The keyboard boasts a hot-swappable PCB, allowing users to easily customize their typing experience by replacing the switches without any soldering required, a feature that sets it apart from many of its competitors.
In terms of ergonomics, the Alloy Rise includes a designed inclination range from 7° to 11°, which provides users with adjustable height options for comfort during extended gaming sessions. Although it lacks a wrist rest, its design accommodates users who prefer to use their own. The keyboard does not include dedicated media keys; however, it retains a volume wheel for quick adjustments. Backlighting options enhance the overall gaming experience, with full RGB capabilities and per-key lighting, controllable via HyperX's configuration software, thus allowing personalization to match the user's gaming setup. The keyboard's sturdy build quality, while showing flexibility under pressure, assures users of its long-lasting performance.
The AULA F99 keyboard is a compact 96% layout mechanical keyboard designed for users who want a smaller footprint without sacrificing essential keys. It boasts a sturdy yet budget-friendly build made predominantly from ABS plastic. The PBT keycaps ensure durability and longevity, which is a significant plus for regular gamers or typists. Additionally, the gasket mount design contributes to a unique typing feel, offering a more flexible response when typing or gaming intensely.
In terms of performance, the AULA F99 offers hot-swappable switches, which means that users can easily replace the stock switches with their preferred options without soldering. The keyboard supports both wired and wireless connectivity, making it versatile for everyday use alongside gaming. With full RGB backlighting and customizable per-key lighting configurations, the AULA F99 ensures an engaging aesthetic experience, although it has been noted that the backlighting clarity could be improved with better shine-through keycap designs.
The Logitech Keys-To-Go 2 is a uniquely designed portable keyboard that emphasizes a minimalistic profile and lightweight construction. With its compact (75%) layout, this keyboard is an ideal companion for on-the-go typing or as a versatile addition to your workspace. Weighing merely 0.49 lbs (0.221 kg) and measuring just 0.3 inches in height, this device can easily be tucked into a bag or briefcase without adding unnecessary bulk. The touch of ABS plastic for the keycaps adds to the overall lightweight nature of the keyboard, making it less strenuous during prolonged usage.
In terms of usability, the Keys-To-Go 2 streamlines the typing experience while allowing comfortable wrist positioning. Its unique design eliminates the need for a traditional wrist rest, favoring a low-profile nature that ensures ergonomic comfort. However, for users accustomed to tactile feedback from mechanical switches or adjustable inclines, this keyboard may lack some desired features. Despite this, it does offer programmability through function keys, allowing users to enhance their productivity through simplified macros. This makes it a practical choice for those who frequently switch between devices and require a compact solution that doesn't compromise on functionality.
The Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro (M4) is engineered to deliver a superior typing experience for iPad users. Encouraging productivity and ease of use, it features a compact 75% layout that provides a set of dedicated arrow keys. While the keyboard sacrifices a full Numpad and navigation cluster to achieve its sleek profile, it makes up for this with a full function row. This keyboard utilizes a premium build quality, crafted from aluminum and a rubberized plastic that not only enhances grip but also affords a lightweight feel, weighing in at just 1.27 lbs (0.574 kg). This makes it ideal for those who are often on the move.
The keyboard’s cantilever hinge design further elevates user experience by enabling expanded viewing angles, which range from a minimum of 90° to a maximum of 140°. Compared to its predecessor, the previous-generation Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad 2021, this version demonstrates tangible improvements in tailoring user comfort without compromising stability. The iPad attaches effortlessly with a magnetic connection, ensuring a firm hold during typographical activities. This thoughtful integration results in less strain on the user's wrists, allowing long hours of work without discomfort. While it does lack advanced customization features typical of gaming keyboards, it provides a robust solution for professional and casual users alike.
The REALFORCE GX1 is an exceptional TenKeyLess (TKL) keyboard designed to provide a compact yet premium typing experience. Its lack of a numpad makes it ideal for users who prefer more desk space or frequently travel. Despite the smaller form factor, the keyboard maintains a solid build quality with a plastic chassis and a sturdy metal top plate, ensuring it withstands the rigors of everyday use. It is particularly well-suited for both general typing tasks and professional environments where a clean workspace is essential.
The keyboard features unique Topre switches that contribute to its quiet operation, making it an ideal choice for environments where noise may be an issue, such as offices or shared workspaces. While the switches are not mechanical, they provide a satisfying tactile feel that resembles the responsiveness of a mechanical keyboard. Accompanied by high-quality doubleshot ABS keycaps that feature shine-through legends, this keyboard not only looks good but also enhances visibility in darker environments thanks to its effective RGB backlighting. Users looking to customize their setup will appreciate the keyboard's compatibility with Cherry MX-style keycaps, allowing for personalization and an added flair.
The Logitech G515 LIGHTSPEED TKL is a compact gaming keyboard designed for gamers who appreciate a sleek and well-performing device without the bulk of a full-sized keyboard. Its TenKeyLess design saves space and allows for more room to maneuver a mouse effectively, making it an ideal choice for competitive gaming environments. With its low-profile design, users can enjoy comfort during long gaming sessions without the necessity of a wrist rest. The keyboard builds on Logitech’s reputation for quality with durable PBT keycaps and a plastic chassis that feels resilient without sacrificing performance.
The mechanical switches provide tactile feedback that keeps users engaged and confident in each keystroke while the anti-ghosting performance ensures precise and accurate key presses even in the most demanding scenarios. Overall, the Logitech G515 LIGHTSPEED TKL stands out in a crowded market with its combination of elegant design, advanced features, and reliable performance.
The Keychron B1 Pro and B6 Pro are versatile keyboards designed for both productivity and casual use. These keyboards come in two distinct layouts: the B1 Pro features a compact 75% layout while the B6 Pro is a traditional full-size option. Their sleek designs make them an attractive addition to any workspace, offering a modern aesthetic combined with practical functionality. Weighing in at 0.94 lbs for the B1 Pro and 1.43 lbs for the B6 Pro, they provide a lightweight yet sturdy solution for users on the go, or who simply prefer a low-profile typing experience. The build quality is commendable for its price point, utilizing ABS plastic which, while not the most premium material, ensures a lightweight and portable design.
Both models are designed for mobility with wireless connectivity, enabling seamless pairing with multiple devices. They feature a rechargeable battery boasting an impressive battery life, extending up to 1200 hours with standard use. However, the lack of customizable macros and mechanical switches may deter some users looking for a more tactile experience. The inclusion of a silicone skin adds a protective layer against spills and spills, making it a good option for users who prioritize maintaining their device's longevity. Overall, the Keychron B1 Pro and B6 Pro are solid choices for those seeking an affordable keyboard without compromising on fundamental features. Their connectivity options and ease of use make them practical choices for a variety of settings, whether at home, at the office, or on your travels.
The NuPhy Halo96 V2 is a compact 96% mechanical keyboard that offers a sleek and sturdy design, making it an excellent choice for both gamers and typists. With its high-profile construction and aluminum top case, this keyboard provides a premium feel while ensuring durability. The use of doubleshot PBT for keycaps guarantees a long-lasting surface that can withstand heavy usage, while the innovative 'GhostBar' spacebar minimizes noise and vibration during typing. With multiple configurable RGB lighting options, this keyboard not only functions flawlessly but also adds a visual flair to any setup.
Designed for versatility, the Halo96 V2 features hot-swappable switches which allow users to customize their typing experience easily. Whether you prefer a tactile response or a linear feel, this keyboard accommodates your choice of 5-pin or 3-pin switches. The adjustable feet provide multiple height options, making it suitable for prolonged use with ergonomic considerations in mind. Additionally, the inclusion of stabilizers that are pre-lubed from the factory means that you won't experience the annoying rattle associated with larger keys. For those who prioritize aesthetics and functionality in their work or gaming spaces, the NuPhy Halo96 V2 stands out as a top contender.
Keyboard Enthusiast & Developer