geekhack
geekhack Community => Reviews => Topic started by: shut up on Sun, 02 November 2014, 10:53:47
-
This is my Adesso Mkb-125B compact keyboard. A budget mechanical keyboard that's great for typists.
(http://i.imgur.com/iDKvegZ.png)
Build quality- 6/10
"For $70 you can't be picky." Wrong. Be picky, but don't expect a Model M. The build quality of this keyboard is slightly below average. Both of the feet stands were very loosely placed and were not even, causing the keyboard to rock side to side. I had to put a furniture slider pad underneath one to keep that under control. The keys are made of a fairly smooth plastic, but the letters are already starting to wear out after a year of only occasional use, which was disappointing. It does seem fairly durable and the plastics all feel solid and sturdy.
(http://i.imgur.com/0Km3HNP.jpg)
Comfort- 6/10
The comfort of this keyboard is questionable, Both of the feet positions are either too low or too high and the spacebar seems to be angled away from you. The keys also seem to be sloped inwards towards the middle of the keyboard also, which is interesting. For extended typing, it's not extremely comfortable but is very easy to type without looking because of the angle/slope of the keys.
(http://i.imgur.com/RxPpMyV.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/BqKmNXo.jpg)
Layout- 7/10
Some of the main complaints about this keyboard include the size of the backspace key and the location of the spacebar. I personally found none of these to be a problem, and easily adjusted to the layout. The backspace key is the same size as the rest of the keys, but seems to do the job pretty trouble free for a compact keyboard.
(http://i.imgur.com/5vVe53V.jpg)
Typing experience- 7/10
This keyboard is equipped with real Cherry MX Blue switches and features a metal place underneath the keys, making it a very easy to type on keyboard, with no gimmicky gaming features. It's great for typists in particular because it isn't aimed particularly at a specific group. The keyboard is also compatible with Mac computers, although num and scroll lock don't work. It's also very loud though, even for a blue switch keyboard.
(http://i.imgur.com/dUTdLTo.jpg)
Value- 10/10
While it may not be a gaming keyboard and it may not be the most comfortable thing out there to type on, it's a great deal at $70 considering what you are getting and what you could be getting in the same price range. Watch out for discounts, and it's available online at Newegg and Amazon. It's also available at most Microcenter stores.
Compatibility- 10/10
As I've mentioned before, it works with Mac systems well, and mine shipped with a USB/Ps2 adapter.
The Verdict- 46/60. A good product, but with room to improve.
Do I recommend it? Yes, and no. It all depends on the user and how much it's going to be used.
Bonus category- Size. (Not included in final score)
It's about two and 3/4ths generic pens long.
(http://i.imgur.com/D03xzil.jpg)
-
Good review.
It's interesting to see a value keyboard reviewed, especially one that doesn't get much light here.
-
Thanks :thumb:
-
The layout is a bit of a turnoff. For that price point I'd rather pick up Monoprice's offering of a Cherry MX Blue switch keyboard.
-
The layout is a bit of a turnoff. For that price point I'd rather pick up Monoprice's offering of a Cherry MX Blue switch keyboard.
This takes up less sideways desk space, which is a big plus for me.
I might pick one of these up, actually. I love odd boards like this.
-
Got any questions about it? ;D
-
Got any questions about it? ;D
Dimensions?
Also, if you try and twist it, does it creak?
-
15 and 3/4th length
6 and 3/4th top to bottom
As far as creaking goes, There is a small creak from the bottom left, but nothing seems to move/flex from the naked eye.
-
15 and 3/4th length
6 and 3/4th top to bottom
As far as creaking goes, There is a small creak from the bottom left, but nothing seems to move/flex from the naked eye.
Good things.
I'll order one if I don't win any CCs.
-
Layout looks really good exept for the function row.
-
Layout looks really good exept for the function row.
To be honest, the function key layout is super easy to get used to. I didn't expect it, but it felt natural after several hours of typing. It's a pretty great little keyboard.
-
6Kro?
-
6Kro?
I'd assume so.
-
6Kro?
I'd assume so.
You know what they say about people who assume. :)
-
6Kro?
I'd assume so.
You know what they say about people who assume. :)
They're ****s?
-
It's iOne, isn't it? What stabs are there? That could give a hint. What does soldering look like? Also, weren't the old infamous iOne keyboards (like pre-2013 Razer BlackWidow or XArmor something) known for being only 2KRO?
I guess I'd hate the Esc position. I already hate F keys being that far on Cherry G80-18xx/11xxx.
-
Appreciate the review, thanks.
-
Sure :thumb: Glad you enjoyed it!
-
Thanks, I always wondered about this keyboard. I would never buy, but I wondered about it's quality.