EDIT: Let me state that I was asked to review this keyboard gy geekTH a banggood.com rep and was compensated with a coupon code for the keyboard.I would also like to state that this compensation does not alter my review on the keyboard itself.Okay! This is going to be my first major post here on GeekHack. This is a reivew of the FlashGet G600 MX Cherry Black.
Table of ContentsOrder and ShippingI ordered this FlashGet G600 from
BangGood.com which distributes from China. They offer worldwide free shipping(main reason I decided to order). Total shipping time was only 14 days, I cannot complain about 2 weeks free shipping overseas. The package was shipped very well and no damage was done to the keyboard or box for that matter. The only thing I would change would be to have it shipped in a box instead of the keyboards manufacturer box wrapped in soft foam and then put into a watertight shipping sleeve.
Shipping Score: 8/10
First ImpressionsMy first impressions of the keyboard was that it looked nice. It is technically a plate mounted board but the base is the plate. It is much like the Corsair K series in that matter. It had a nice weight to it. Typing on it felt very hard due to the MX Blacks ( I am a Blue kind of guy). Switch type is a preference though. I did not care for the logo. The contents of the box where as follows:
Keyboard with red key caps installed
Full set of black key caps
Detachable Micro USB cable(non-braided)
User Manual(Chinese)
Mini-CD to install programming software
Base and KeysThe base, it is metal over plastic like the Corsair K series boards. It has a metallic finish to the metal. I say that because it is not just brushed metal. The base has 3 cable channels. Has 5 rubber feet plus the feet are wrapped so when extended they also have a grip. The side profile is a slight upward line (a little more if using the feet).
Base Score:10/10 (for the price)
The Key caps are standard ABS plastic one set translucent red and the other solid black. The legends appear to be lasered on and do have a slight rough filling to them. The stabilizers are costar. The F1 - F12 key also function as media keys. The switches are standard MX Blacks (not much to say here). They feel heavy to me even after using them for over 3 weeks at work. I want my blues back
. But again switches are a preference but, I do not recommend Blacks for typing/Coding all day. Since the keys are ABS they will start to shine but I did not notice anything to would make me assume they will shine any faster than my WASD key caps.
Key Cap Score: 7/10 (two sets included)
Extended Use ImpressionsAfter using the keyboard for over 3 weeks(3 weeks at work, 1 at home). I can safely say that the keyboard is very well built for a sub $100 USD keyboard. Plus it does have a metal base/plate. The legend font is a very streamlined font, many straight lines. Font is also a preference for me. I like the font you may not
. I do like that the black set of key caps has windows Caps Lock, Scroll Lock and the Print Screen key(Windows key lock). The board is very quiet to type on and I am sure co-workers at the office appreciate that very much compared to my normal Blue board. There is a slight ping echo when typing sometimes but that could be just how I type. The board does not move at all thanks to the grips even when using the feet. All keys are responsive when typing. Since it is a TKL board transporting it to and from work has been a breeze. Not having a keypad is taking some getting used to but I do like that my mouse is much closer to my other hand especially when gaming. Since the base is the plate there is no extra plastic trim so the board is small even for a TKL. If I liked Blacks I could see me using this bored at work permanently.
I was first drawn to this board do to the fact that is had a metal top base which reminded me of a Korean custom (this is not a custom by any means) but to my non-keyboard enthusiasts at work I will never tell
. I still like the metal base very much and the media keys are very nice as well. Using the software provided you can customize your layout, more on that in the next section.
SoftwareThe provided software allows you to remap any key to any single key.(i.e. A -> H) and store them on up to 5 different profiles. The Insert-Home cluster can be set to use macros. Finally, it also allows your to change the polling Rate, Manually set the Windows Key On/Off, the response time and the LED light intensity. I have not done to much with the software though.
Software Score: 9/10 (lots of features, made for gamers)
ConclusionTo wrap things up, I have say that I really do enjoy the FlashGet G600, it is my second keyboard after a WASD V1 with Blues. The price is very nice at ~85 USD at least from
BangGood.com, not sure of other retailers. Its solid construction and programability as well as two keycap sets. The partial metal base and smaller form factor. I would recommend this board to anyone who wants a metal base look at a much lower cost and likes heavy switches(they do have Cherry Red version as well).
This seems to be a keyboard gears towards gaming and I would have to say that for gaming (FPS for sure) it would be a wonderful keyboard.
The Pros: Price, Partial Metal Base, Two Key cap Sets, Programmability and Free Shipping.
The Cons: Key caps (ABS), Non-Braided USB Cable, Longer Shipping Time, Possible ping sound when typing.
Overall Score: 8/10 within its price range.
Thank you for reading my first review here on Geekhack I hope to have more in the future as I acquire more keyboards and more in depth reviews as well the more I learn about keyboards in general.
