Hello keyboard connoisseurs,
thought I would kick off my becoming active on the Geekhack forums by posting a review of my recently purchased PLU keyboard.
I really did take a punt on this one, ordering from China is still seen as a risky undertaking, and mechanical keyboards are incredibly expensive, and while I dream of the Corsair K70, £120 would probably initiate a very negative response from my other half, I could maybe have gotten away with a QFR for about £70 delivered.
A company called banggood was having a special on several keyboards coming in at £50 with the offer of free delivery.
Took me 3 days to pluck up the courage and order, but in the end I couldn't resist saving £20 against the QFR, and the PLU ML-87 looked different.
Anyway 14 days after ordering (allowing for a Typhoon in Hong Kong) the keyboard finally arrived.
Packaging was ok, but definitely not Amazon crazy. I suppose had the ends taken a knock, I may have been complaining.
They keyboard itself is pretty weighty, and feels very sturdy, doesn't want to slide around on the desk, which is nice.
I pulled a keycap to check if they were real cherries in there and as in the pictures attached, they are.
The legs at the back were fairly cheap though, now I don't always use them depending on the type of keyboard, but they could do with being sturdier.
using the keyboard is amazing, a real step up from my Microsoft Sidewinder X4, responses are rapid, and I didn't experience any 'ghosting' while mashing away at various games.
typing speed is increased but I have to admit, I am wondering if I should have gone for Cherry browns or reds.
There is no backlighting, and the transparent keys look like they might enjoy some illumination underneath, (there is one blue light under the lock windows key .... key, that thing can light up a room!!!)
My only complaint on the keyboard is the Scroll Lock LED doesn't work, however while the supplier was more than happy to issue an RMA, I decided I would rather not go through with it as the rest of the keyboard is fine, and it could be a bit of a headache for such a minor issue, (I might open it up and see if its just a loose wire)
Considering the saving is around the price of an aftermarket CPU cooler, I would say it's worth a shot buying from abroad.
two things to consider though are the time it takes for RMA (although some UK suppliers have taken 90 days before), and the lack of a regional (Uk in my case) keyboard layout, which doesn't affect gaming.
Oh it was also my first tenkeyless keyboard, and I do still use numpads for work etc, however the benefit of the mouse being closer bringing my shoulders in (my main reason for trying a TKL) is great for gaming.
Hopefully my incoherent rambling review has entertained you, feel free to chuck any queries my way
