Updated Rosewill keyboard on the horizon... Any speculations?

[irjoe]

So when newegg put out the RK9000 for the all-time low price of $65ish, I started wondering if they're cleaning house for a new product. A simple google search revealed this:

Rosewill Announces New Cases, Keyboards and PSUs at Computex: (http://forums.legitreviews.com/about41302.html)

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Making their world debut are the new Limited Edition Elite Ivory RK-9000 series and backlit RK-9100 series mechanical keyboards. You can now type away for hours in the dark while keeping your swagger. In addition to the popular mechanical keyboards, Rosewill will be displaying different networking accessories and server chassis. On display will be the RMX-N360RT which features Wireless N speeds and an easy setup for both ，beginners and advanced users. Next to their networking products will be their new server chassis, RSV-L4500. This chassis boasts a total of 15 internal 3.5” HDD with a max of eight 120mm fans strategically placed throughout the chassis for optimum airflow. All that airflow will produce a good amount of dust which Rosewill has minimized by including a front door that is equipped with a foam filter and a key lock for that extra added protection. Alongside Rosewill’s IT products, they also offer a diverse product line of consumer electronics that will not disappoint.

The official rosewill site also shows that they're prepping for new products to hit the market soon, I'd say its most likely there will be an updated RK9000 mechanical keyboards with backlit functions.

Now, the main question I have is; will the build quality and parts for the new rosewill compare with the ones currently being sold in the market?
They silently fixed the 1st version by fixing the keys, and also the faulty USB cord, but I'm hoping that they keep the model relatively the same with some additional functions.

But from what I've experienced from numerous manufacturers is that they accidentally land on putting out a good product, but goes on to churn out sub-par products that never comes close to the one-hit-wonder products. I hope this doesn't happen.
Any one else have more news on this?

[hashbaz]

Ooh that looks nice.

[square965]

As you said, with the crazy low price of $65 it seems like they are cleaning out old inventory. That said, it couldn't just be a backlit model, because surely they'd still sell both models simultaneously, with the backlit one being more expensive. I wonder if there is something else that will be different besides the backlight keys.

[tobr1an]

That keyboard looking good!

[TexasFlood]

As you said, with the crazy low price of $65 it seems like they are cleaning out old inventory. That said, it couldn't just be a backlit model, because surely they'd still sell both models simultaneously, with the backlit one being more expensive. I wonder if there is something else that will be different besides the backlight keys.

The thought that they might be clearing the current models out for a new model did occur to me.  But I'm OK with that.  I know some folks who go into analysis paralysis always waiting for the next product.  I figure you have to know what you want and jump on it when you see a deal & not worry about why. Sure backlighting is kind of cool but far from needed for a touch typist, or otaku keyboards with no labels much less lights wouldn't be at a premium.  I figure for typing, the switch is what's important and it's exciting to have my first red cherry keyboard on the way, and for $65 with a webcam thrown in, :biggrin:

[funxion]

They need to come out with a TKL...

[irjoe]

I thought ducky is making a TKL with LED's?

[i3oilermaker]

Came across this gem: http://www.hardwarezone.com.sg/tech-news-hands-rosewills-new-rk-9100-series-mechanical-keyboard

[JustCallMeCrash]

They need to come out with a TKL...

I'd go for one, if they ever decide to.  And they'll need to lift this stupid ban.

[The_Beast]

I'm fine with them clearing stock, I got two keyboards for $130. Sure the next model may be better but these are switches I wanted to test without buying $120 WASD or $150 Filcos just to see if I liked that switch. Plus I'm sure I could sell them both for what I paid, so I'm not losing anything by buying them.

[Quarzac]

These boards will hopefully become the new norm for mechanical gaming keyboards, considering they'll probably match the BWU in price and outperform it in quality.

[TexasFlood]

Maybe I did jump too soon at another RK-9000, but doesn't mean I can get an RK-9100 as well! :wink:

[rootwyrm]

That picture is classy.  Reminds me of the Tte Meka G1 Combat White edition.

Er, that would be because it is.

No, seriously. They are the exact same Costar CST-104 variant, just swapping controller. So that's most likely going to be Rosewill's "budget" board. Swap Fn+USB+Audio controller for the same controller WASD uses, paint it, and there you go.

The RK-9100's something else entirely though.

[TexasFlood]

Are they going to hardwire or micro usb this?

A picture in the link in my above post seems to show full size ports, not sure if that's all the ports though.



Here's a video show the pretty lights...

[rootwyrm]

Okay, those are some better pictures. Almost certainly hardwired, possibly with that massively thick braided cable. They're all CST-104 variants though, every last one. The shape around the USB ports threw me off, but, it's just a minor chassis change. May be Costar's got a new PN for the backlit ones - the 104-SYDNEY has no provision for LED switches.