R**A
Excellent Budget Keyboard
I've had a fondness for mechanical keyboards that goes back to my days on the original IBMs back in the early 1980's. I wanted something that could work as a home keyboard with my Surface Pro and my iPad Pro and I specifically needed a tenkeyless keyboard. Obviously, I wanted it mechanical, but I also wanted Cherry Blues or equivalent. I already have a 60% for high mobility. It also HAD to be Bluetooth.My choices came to this keyboard, the Devro, or the Filco. I didn't want to go Filco because I didn't want to spend that much money on something I wasn't absolutely sure would work. I didn't care for the horribly short battery life on the Devro. My 60% was also RK, and has been a smashing success, so I decided to give it a try.After several weeks of use now, I've had no regrets. It's perhaps not quite as good as my Unicomp Model M or my two Razer greens, but it's still a fantastic keyboard. The keys are responsive without excessive wiggle; Kaihl switches, I believe. There is a bit of molding flange on the back underside of the keycaps, but that doesn't affect function and I'm only aware of it because I looked.I'm not going to comment on the backlighting, because it's mostly just a gimmick. I really don't care about it and just have mine set for a soft dark green. The keyboard can be raised by replacing the back rubber feet with elevated ones included with the keyboard. One the one hand, it's a bit of an odd approach, one the other, it does make sense on something that will get moved around a lot.The single biggest drawback to the keyboard is that the instructions are only in Chinese. However, I did a bit of searching and have been able to compile a list of functions I will put at the end of this review.I would note one particular spot of caution. The switching between Bluetooth connections is via the Q/W/E keys, which seems to be the common settings based off the original Logitech multidevice keyboards. The problem is, I've accidentally hit 1/2/3 instead, which sets a programmed lighting pattern. Nothing bad, just an annoyance to watch for.Overall, after a month of use, this has proven to be a reliable and very comfortable keyboard that has been used on both Surface and iPad. It has gotten some extended use and has performed well. I would recommend it. In fact, I have to several associates, already.Key Function:Fn+P : set Bluetooth to pairing mode (hold for 3 sec.)Fn+Q / W / E: switch to 1st / 2nd / 3rd paired Bluetooth connection, respectivelyFn+Tab: cycle between Bluetooth and USB connectionsFn+F1: My ComputerFn+F2: WebFn+F3: EmailFn+F4: MusicFn+F5: Previous TrackFn+F6: Next TrackFn+F7: Start/PauseFn+F8: StopFn+F9: Volume increaseFn+F10: Volume downFn+F11: MuteFn+F12 CalculatorFn+Esc: Restore to factory settings; Long press Fn+Esc 3 seconds, full keyboard backlight flicker 5 times, and then restore factory defaults.Fn+Scroll Lock: Cycle through RGB EffectsFn+Pause: Cycle through colors / themes for the selected effectFn+Insert: Cycle through effects/colors for the side panelsFn+Left / Right Arrow: Adjust effect speedFn+Up / Down Arrow: Adjust keyboard brightnessFn+1 / 2 / 3: These are some sort of special lighting keys. They highlight the upper left corner, WASD, or all alphanumeric keys. To exit these modes, press FN + Scroll LockScroll Lock will blink to acknowledge changing Bluetooth connectionsScroll lock, caps, and system keys will blink to let you know it can’t go any brighter / dimmer / slower / fasterP will blink while pairing (also when the battery gets low)Spacebar will half light up while chargingBacklight switching:Fn+ ScrLK: Backlight switching;Supports multiple dynamic backlight modes, and can be cycled handover. (Specific lighting effect is subject to material object).Fn+1!/2@/3#: Supports three custom backlit Mode switching;Fn+PrtSc: Custom backlight setSpecific setting method:1. Press Fn+1!/2@/3# to select a set of backlight mode.(for example Fn+1!);2. Press Fn+PrtSc to enter the custom backlight settings (when the indicator lights start to blink);3. Press the keys that needs to set the backlight, repeat this step, and complete other key backlight settings;4. Press Fn+PrtSc again to save and exit.Fn+Ins: Side Lamp Set;Flank supports switching multiple lighting effects.
A**.
Needs better instructions
The instructions that come with this keyboard are not helpful at all. It doesn't explain how to get started, only how to change the colors of the lights. And even that info is incomplete.You will be saved a lot of trouble if you follow these instructions:1. To start, plug your the keyboard into your computer via USB. The USB port is on the bottom of the keyboard, in the center.2. Then, press FN + TAB to switch it from USB to Bluetooth input mode.3. Press FN + P and hold those for three seconds, until the P key flashes. Now your keyboard is in pairing mode, and can be detected by your computer.And to change the lights on the sides of the keyboard, press FN + Ins.Also: after I had this for 8 months, it stopped holding a charge. Now the bluetooth mode only works for like 5-15 minutes before the lights shut off and it indicates low battery power. So it's not really "wireless" anymore. Doesn't matter how long I charge it.
W**M
Works ok but not as good as I was hoping
Not overly impressed with this product. It's range for Bluetooth is not as good as I expect. I use this on a PC that's connected to my living room and I my couch is only about 2 feet from the Bluetooth receiver yet I find that this Keyboard either drops signal and I completely have to reboot or it will start typing 1 letter over and over IE.... if I am typing a website it will start doing this www.aaaaaaaaaaamazon.com and I have to go back and correct it. I am not sure what is causing that but its kind of annoying. I am still using the keyboard and have tried disconnecting all other bluetooth devices from the PC in hopes that it was interference and I could pinpoint the issue but I have not been able to do so yet. Also the Keys are very loose so if you are transporting this keyboard from one area to another make sure you hold it from the bottom because the keys have fallen off multiple times.
C**P
Only paired once -- Update -- dead now
Quality of the keyboard is pretty good. Keys feel good. However, pairing only worked once and then when I plugged it in to recharge it, as soon as I unplugged it it stopped pairing. Can't use it without the wire anymore.In addition, instructions came in Chinese.I've contacted the seller and will follow up depending on their response.Update:Seller forwarded me instructions in English and everything is working great now. Thank you!Update:Keyboard stopped working 3 months after I bought it. Keys stopped responding and other keys when I clicked them would print multiple gibberish characters. Same behavior on different machines, USB, or wired.Ordered in November, dead in January, so not even 3 months.
H**S
For under $70 for a Bluetooth mechanical keyboard that is beautifully designed, it is hard to beat
One star for Bluetooth + one star for improving my typing speed and accuracy + one star for the dazzling light show + one star for the low price + one star for the alt+ keyboard that provides mathematical and Greek symbols: œ∑'®†¥¨ˆøπ“‘«åß∂ƒ©˙∆˚¬…æΩ≈ç√∫˜µ≤≥÷¡™£¢∞§¶•ªº–≠Removing the number pad centers the keyboard and makes more room for the mouse.Complaints: The asdf keycaps are too narrow and closely spaced for my large hands. The brown key switches that have give almost no feedback and are very loud. The keyboard is heavy and slippery to hold. The wider keys such as Del and Enter are wobbly. The microUSB cable connector near the middle of the back side of the keyboard is difficult to use if you plan on switching between wired and wireless frequently, however, it is well-hidden and not an eyesore.Conclusion: For under $70 for a Bluetooth mechanical keyboard that is beautifully designed, it is hard to beat.Hint: Fn+Ins controls the left and right side lights for a solid white backlight, repeat Fn+Scr until single color backlighting is selected then repeat Fn+Pause to choose 'white'
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3 weeks ago
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