There are many accessories in these companies [PConline Horizontal Review] Since the rise of mechanical keyboards in mid-2013, it has been at least three years since the finger count. Three years of long and shortness can keep talking about long and short. It can make an industry

accessories are also counted in these stores.

[PConline horizontal review] started to have a huge rise in mechanical keyboards in mid-2013. Now, it has been at least three years since the finger count. Three years of long and shortness can keep talking about long and short. It can make an industry from its peak to decline, and can also push an emerging industry to prosperity. The esports wave has driven the development of the mechanical keyboard market, and its profits have also attracted a large number of domestic shafts and domestic mechanical keyboards to join the battle. From the chaos in the stage to the gradual formation of the current stage, the mechanical keyboard market has formed three levels of high-end, mid-end and entry-level according to the different shafts. Among them, the high-end products using CHERRY axis are basically above 1,000 yuan, the mid-end is between 600 and 1,000 yuan, and the entry-level is generally between 300 and 600 yuan. This time, we have collected ten peripheral/hardware brands with CHERRY axis for horizontal reviews. We also hope that it can give netizens some reference when choosing advanced mid-to-high-end mechanical keyboards.

Mechanical keyboard is a type of keyboard. From a structural point of view, each key of a mechanical keyboard has a separate shaft body switch to control the closure. According to the classification of shaft body switches, mechanical keyboards can be divided into tea shaft, blue shaft, black shaft and red shaft, but with the increasing competition, various domestic new shafts have gradually emerged. Each key of the mechanical keyboard consists of an independent shaft switch. The keys are sensitive to trigger and have a strong feel. They are suitable for office, games, and entertainment. They are usually used as relatively expensive high-end gaming peripherals and are also an ideal device for programmers.

Ten mid-to-high-end mechanical keyboards

The reason why mechanical keyboards are emerging is not only driven by the esports wave, but also because of its own sensitive triggering, diversified feel and long service life. It is precisely because it has the characteristics of long service life. Therefore, the ten products reviewed this time include Steelso APEX M500, Razer Black Widow Spider 2016 (using Razer Green axis, added in consideration of product brand and positioning), Logitech G610 Orion, DUCKY ONE, Zhiqi RIPJAWS KM780, Inte Varoran (Professional Edition), Asus GK1100 RGB, there are also products with a slight vintage like Corsair K70, Cooler Supreme Flame Gun XT, as well as classic products such as CHERRY G80-3494.

Product packaging, accessories and warranty

The first impression between people will be formed and dominate in the mind, so it is not unreasonable that "people rely on clothes, Buddha rely on gold clothes". Back to the product level, keyboard packaging not only assumes the role of protecting the keyboard during transportation, but also shoulders the heavy responsibility of improving the overall visual appearance of the product. Although all ten products are positioned as mid-to-high-end, there are still big differences in the appearance and accessories of pure packaging.In terms of packaging, the ten mechanical keyboards are basically all packaged in closed cartons, among which the CHERRY G80-3494 leather pattern gift box packaging is low-key, simple and luxurious, which corresponds to the classic keyboard shape; Logitech G610 Orion, Zhiqi RIPJAWS KM780, and Corsair K70 have added multiple coated outer packaging on the basis of corrugated cartons, which is solid and thick, and looks classy; after that, Razer, Asus, and Intai are closely following with their good wrapping properties, and although the packaging of DUCKY ONE, Steel, and Cooler Supreme are not bad, they can only be listed in sequence in comparison.

Although the mechanical keyboard itself can meet the user's needs, the existence of extra accessories (especially exquisitely-working accessories) has to be said to be a strong plus. Looking at the many products in front of you, the more abundant accessories are the Corsair K70, Asus GK1100 RGB, Cooler Supreme Flame Gun XT, and Zhiqi RIPJAWS KM780. They are all equipped with 6 or more keycaps and key pullers. Among them, the Corsair and Zhiqi special keycaps are specially designed for e-sports and have been improved in terms of texture, slope, etc.

As for warranty, the reference time given by each brand is either 1 year or 2 years (for more return and exchange warranty information, please refer to the instructions for details). Mechanical keyboards are known for their long service life. The ten products are positioned as mid-to-high-end, and they are all relatively famous peripheral/hardware brands. The quality is still trustworthy, but I have to point out that the 2-year warranty can still give players more confidence, and these product brands include Logitech, Corsair, Cooler Supreme and Zhiqi.

Summary: single, from the perspective of packaging, accessories and warranty, there is no doubt that the Corsair K70 appears to be more conscientious, but the user experience is not simply superficial skill. We will continue to analyze more details later.

public model changes a lot more

is relatively stable but creative

No matter how gorgeous the packaging is, the main thing that is displayed in front of you and me when you are actually using it is the keyboard itself rather than the carton. Therefore, we will also take a look at the shape, details and work of these ten mechanical keyboards in this link. As the player group becomes younger, the shapes of mechanical keyboards have become diverse, and the more "exaggerated" ones are the domestic axis entry-level products. However, each carrot and vegetable have their own preferences and different market positions. We cannot generalize based on personal preferences.

Back to these ten products, Steelero APEX M500, Cool Supreme Flame Gun XT, DUCKY ONE, Logitech G610 Orion, and Asus GK1100 RGB keyboard shapes are actually derived from the traditional narrow-bezel mechanical keyboard shapes.

Among them, the coolest Supreme Flame Gun XT is average, mainly the comprehensive blessing of skin-like coating;

Steel-Series APEX M500 has reformed its material, the fine bite of flowers feels dry, and the trapezoidal pattern is arranged at the bottom, which is low-key and unpretentious while expressing the style of e-sports. The multiple outlet design is convenient for players to manage the wire when dealing with the access at different locations;

Logitech G610 Orion Because of the independent button and roller multimedia control system, the top will be wider, and the other sides and the bottom are also bright and textured, and the two adjustable height foot supports also show their unique ideas;

Asus GK1100 RGB uses metal material as a panel, with curved and smooth transitions on both sides and decorated with convex points, and the bottom is a simple multi-mouth design;

DUCKY ONE has selected a translucent blue ABS to create a keyboard body to suit the taste of young people. The two adjustable height foot supports at the bottom are similar to Logitech. In addition, the bottom of the keyboard is also designed with a simple multi-mouth port.

In addition to changing the traditional narrow and ultra-narrow frame shapes, some brands of mechanical keyboards have also created their own unique keyboard shapes.

For example, CHERRY, the leading figure of the axis body, whether it is the CHERRY G80-3494 that appeared this time, or the 1865, 11900 and other products, their "old-fashioned" shapes may be regarded as "classic" by some netizens, or jokingly called "little bully" by some Wang family. However, no matter what netizens call it, the rigorous work and the use of materials are worthy of recognition;

Razer Black Widow Spider 2016 mechanical keyboard continues the Black Widow series styling design. In addition to the left macro custom key, the panel is also replaced by light matte technology;

Varoran is a later "cross-border" hardware brand - Yingtai, which launched a mechanical keyboard, but the shape is not a public model that is casually picked on the market. The overall shape of the keyboard is flat, and the right indicator light nameplate display, the bottom metal tube and irregular polygon cutting in the four corners is also quite unique;

Corps Ship K70, Zhiqi RIPJAWS KM780 The shape of the mechanical keyboard is more in line with the young people's market. The mainstream metal panels are paired with floating keycaps and removable hand holders, which are not only easy to clean, but also not easy to fatigue when typing for a long time. The pure black color scheme gives users a calm and domineering feeling but not exaggerated. It is supplemented by an independent multimedia operating system. The two products are attractive to users who use desktop computers and have spacious desktops. The surrounding metal tube design of Zhiqi RIPJAWS KM780 is full of European and American style.

Summary: mechanical keyboard shapes of each brand are basically three categories: "public model" narrow border, "improved" ultra-narrow border, and personalized and characteristic shapes. Although each has its own preferences, it is actually a keyboard shape. It is obvious that narrow border keyboards such as Steelso will be suitable for users with not much desktop space, while large keyboards such as Corsair feel more suitable for desktop computer users. Of course, the specific choice must be based on the actual desktop situation of the individual.

affects the feel and keycaps

affects the feel and keycaps

affects the feel and the feel. In addition to the brand and type of shaft body that we often hang on our lips, the material and details of the keycaps are also important considerations. This ten peripheral/hardware brand mechanical keyboards basically use CHERRY axis. If there is no abnormality, the difference in feel will not be too big (the steelless CHERRY G80-3494 will be slightly different from others. Black Widow Spider 2016 uses Razer green axis, which is added considering the product brand and positioning). After talking about the general shape of the keyboard, we will also return to the keyboard details.

Looking at these ten mid-to-high-end mechanical keyboards, in fact, except for the CHERRY G80-3494 that uses original height keycaps, the rest are basically OEM height. The benefits of using OEM height keycaps are obvious. First of all, the cost of opening molds is reduced without designing the OEM factory. This is popular with both keyboard manufacturers and keycap manufacturers. Secondly, OEM height has become another standard in the market in addition to the original height, with high versatility and strong compatibility, and this is friendly to players who play keycaps to replace personalized keycaps.

Among the ten keyboards, CHERRY G80-3494 is made of PBT material and original height with radium carving characters. The overall touch is hard and a little slippery. It is combined with the five-leg shaft and unique steel-free design. The keys are a little tough when bottoming out. Although the feel of steel-free will be subtle, players who have no strict requirements will not have too many choices.

In addition to the special existence of cherry, among these many keyboards, the most commonly used keycap is the "ABS material + imitation coating treatment". Six brands including Steelero APEX M500, Razer Black Widow Spider 2016, Logitech G610 Orion, Corsair K70, Chichi RAPJAWS KM780, and Inte Varoran are all used. It is so popular that it is enough to show the delicate and comfortable feel of this keycap, but it is an indisputable fact that it is more comfortable to get involved in fingerprints.

The remaining three mechanical keyboards DUCKY ONE, Asus GK1100 RGB and Cool Supreme Flame Gun XT, ONE and GK 1100 RGB are all made of ABS material + dual injection molding. The surface is fine texture. Although the comfort is not as comfortable as the imitation-coated keycaps, the overall feel is relatively smooth and it is not easy to get fingerprints.

Although the process is the same, the keycaps of ONE and GK 1100 RGB are not injected with characters, and the wall edges of GK 1100 RGB are not injection molded, so you can still feel that the keys are thin and not thick enough during the tapping process (especially when they are struck hard).

Finally, the Flame Gun XT is directly made of ABS material and radial engraved characters. The main reason is that the product does not pursue lighting. Although there is no injection molding, the wall edges are still sufficient. Therefore, for the keycaps of the Flame Gun XT, in addition to the pure ABS easy to oil, the most important thing to worry about is the problem that its white characters turn black during the typing process.

In addition, the satellite axis and metal balance rod also have an impact on the feel of large key positions such as backspace, Enter, and spaces. In actual experience, the satellite axis feels relatively fleshy, while the metal balance rod is relatively crisp.

summary: As mentioned above, keycaps are another important factor affecting the feel of the keys outside the shaft body. At present, a large number of "double injection molding process" and "PBT material" keycaps have even been launched on the market as a promotional selling point, but "ABS material + imitation coating treatment" keycaps are easily stained with fingerprints and are widely used in mid-to-high-end products, which also shows that their feel is affirmed.

4 interface extension, how do you look back at the top

mechanical keyboard wire and interface

details finally return to the wire and interface. The braided wire is more resistant to pulling but easy to burst and is relatively hard. The rubber wire is easy to organize but has a slightly weaker pull resistance. Judging from the use of ten mechanical keyboards, most products still choose braided wires that give people a feeling of higher-end.

comes with braided wire, in addition to the high-end temperament, of course, there is also the placement of thick wires.

took out a micrometer and measured about it. The diameter of the braided wire reached 6.080mm. It makes people think of the small diameter wire and multiple outlet designs of the SUV APEX M500, DUCKY ONE and Asus GK1100 RGB.

In addition, the keyboard using braided wire will also come with more USB interfaces and audio interfaces. Among them, the Yingtai Varoran body expands into dual USB interfaces, one for two, which is quite surprising;

Razer Black Widow Spider 2016 In addition to the normal single USB expansion interface, its audio interface integrates headphones and headset functions, which is obviously a change made to some notebooks on the market;

and Corsair K70, Zhiqi RAPJAWS The performance of KM780 is fair in this regard. Whether it is a single USB expansion interface or a dual audio cable interface configuration, it can only be regarded as an extension of the computer/laptop interface;

As for Asus GK 1100 RGB, the dual USB interface only provides guarantees for the power supply of the CHERRY MX RGB axis, and the body does not have an extended USB interface, which is a bit large.

Summary : Although the cable and expansion interface are only small details, maybe you don’t think so, they also reveal the product’s positioning intention. For example, Steelero APEX M500, DUCKY ONE, and Asus GK1100 RGB thinner and softer wires plus multiple outlet designs, which have a taste of laptops and desktop hosts. However, the thick wires of Corsair K70, Zhiqi RAPJAWS KM780, and Inte Varoran have more interface expansion than those of desktop.

5. Consider these things back to the top

lighting effect

0 or more for more than 600 yuan. So how is the lighting performance of mid-to-high-end mechanical keyboards with CHERRY axis at this level?

It has to be said that in order to widen the distance from top products, smart manufacturers have long given clear positioning of products that use the CHERRY axis at this price. Therefore, except for CHERRY G80-3494, Cool Supreme Flame Gun XT without lighting, most of other products have solid color lighting + lighting effects. Most of

? That's the exception? There are indeed some. Among these mechanical keyboards, the Asus GK1100 RGB is equipped with CHERRY MX RGB axis, and the lighting foundation is one level higher. Due to the driving limitations, it can only be used to customize 8 lighting effects + single key 7 colors.

key rush

If you want to ask what made mechanical keyboards survive in those years when film keyboards were prevalent? In addition to the long service life and differentiated feel mentioned above, the anti-collision ability of the buttons will also be one of the important parameters.Due to the limitations of the USB interface transmission bandwidth and the internal structure of the membrane keyboard, it is difficult for the membrane keyboard to have excellent anti-collision capabilities. Players often have to repeatedly confuse between different keyboards because of the conflict between several special key combinations. Since each key uses independent mechanical switches, mechanical keyboards have special advantages that film keyboards do not have in terms of anti-collision capabilities. In addition to the development of virtual USB technology, many gaming keyboards now have excellent performance without impact on the entire keyboard.

office-oriented CHERRY G80-3494 needs no more. The USB interface has 6 keys, and there is no impact on the full keys, and only under the PS/2 interface can be full keys, and there is no impact on the full keys; while the Cooler Supreme Flame Gun XT is a bit unexpected, but the game style can be full keys, but it is a little weak for laptop players (also related to the early launch); Razer Black Widow Spider 2016, turning on the game mode at any 14 keys, and there is no impact on the game; as for other keyboards such as Steelso APEX M500, they basically have full keys, but sometimes they may need to switch them on.

driver

After talking about key impulse, the next thing we are talking about is the driver issues closely related to the game. After all, Razer, SteelSeries and Logitech are the three major peripheral manufacturers, so the driver has developed relatively well since the early stages. Among the keyboards of

10, except for the three major peripheral manufacturers, Zhiqi and Asus also have complete drivers, while Corsair K70, Flame Gun XT, Inte Varoran, etc. were missed because of the early launch of the flagship, non-key flagships, etc. (These three other products of the same brand have drivers, CHERRY has always insisted on no driver, and DUCKY is integrated with the body rather than software control).

Of course, the software is better or the integration is better? In addition to personal habits, it has to be admitted that the driver software has detailed pages. The advantage is that it allows players to understand the keyboard status and customize the keys function more intuitive.

summary: lighting, to be honest, except for the coolest flame gun XT and cherry CHERRY G80-3494, solid color + lighting effect is not very attractive, and the Asus GK1100 RGB with better hardware foundation performs slightly better than others, but it is a bit regrettable that it cannot fully perform. As for the comprehensive performance of key conflict, key customization and drivers, SteelSeries APEX M500 and Zhiqi RAPJAWS KM780 have a feeling of standing out.

PConline Evaluation Room Summary

Note: The reference price mainly comes from JD Mall/TM official flagship store (the price will be lower during the discount period)

000 ten mid-to-high-end peripherals/hardware brand sub-flagship level mechanical keyboards, from ultra-narrow bezel to "Little Ba Wang", from 629 yuan to 900 yuan, among which the difference in shape and price gap are not small. So how do you make a choice? From the author's usual perspective of parameter-party game players, considering the comprehensive performance, you may also choose Steelso APEX M500 and Zhiqi RAPJAWS KM780 (it is recommended to directly use RGB, and this time you choose these ten products). After seeing this, many netizens may think that the author's choice is strange and does not suit his personal taste, but there are 100,000 Hamlets for 100,000 readers. As the saying goes, it is difficult to adjust. It will be more helpful for players to think clearly about what functions they need before choosing.

is written at the end. If you plan to use a mechanical keyboard that suits you, instead of searching for products aimlessly, it is better to consider these issues before and after making a decision (3W1H (what, where, why, how)):

, what is the purpose of buying it? (Office, games, use both sides and whether to show off)

, where to buy it? (Laptop small desktop/desktop large desktop)

, why buy this product/brand? (Cherry/Razer brand belief)

, how much is prepared, how to buy it? (Experience in physical stores/Internet cafes, discount period is cheaper, and the set price cannot be compromised, so consider it again)

After thinking about these clearly, refer to the recommendation, which one is more suitable for you? The answer may be clearer!