Boxed contents

- KBC Poker II
- USB cable (1.5m)
- Keycap remover
- Additional RGB modifier keycaps
- Fold-out manual (mostly in Chinese)

Appearance




After the multi-layer unwrapping we find the petite Poker II. Arriving after a long wait from Banggood.com in it's trademark 'The keyboard to cheer you up' packaging the box came with the expected accessories, including the Lego-like RGB modifier keycaps and key-puller.

Inside we see the black case and standard size PBT dark grey keycaps. Underneath the caps there are four LED lights - one for the CapsLock, Win key (when DIP switch 1 is on), and two under the spacebar for the Pn layer. There is also a fully backlit version available with ABS caps, however I chose to buy the standard version with PBT caps.

The Poker II keycaps use the Bank Gothic typeface, which at first seemed a little larger than expected, likely due to the overall compact size. The secondary Function (Fn) layer keys can be seen on the sides of the keys.



The more observant may also see some of the letters are off-center. One of my only gripes with the quality.

The case itself has a good heft to it, and along with the four rubberized feet sits solidly on the desk. The plastic feels sturdy and doesn't flex easily, which I wasn't expecting.





The 'Feeling' (of Cherry Reds)



As I type this the sensation is unlike anything I'm used to. The effect of Reds is as if I'm not really typing on anything, which is nice as it's smooth and linear but obviously not something I'm used to coming from rubber dome.

I'm typing a bit slower and mostly bottoming out currently, producing a series of light 'thuds', but the overall feeling is quite 'springy'. Literally it's like pressing on light springs.

Not all the keys are light however. The modifier keys in particular feel a little bit more weighty, the Backspace key probably being the most noticeable.



Having tried the red O-ring sound dampeners on some of the keys they do soften the sound of bottoming out, but at the expense of a little less smooth key movement I think. I might pick up a complete set sometime.

Worth noting is that I can rest my fingers on the keys and not have them actuate accidentally. Everyone has differing opinions on this, but I haven't found it to be an issue yet.



Adapting to the Poker II layout and case

One of the Poker II's unique features it it's two additional 'layers' accessible via two different keys - the Fn (Function) layer, and the Pn (Programmable) layer. The Function layer contains the common secondary functions, such as the arrow keys, PgUp/Down, etc. The Programmable layer is one that the user can assign custom combinations to, containing up to 14 keystrokes per key (more about this can be found in the English PDF manual).

For the past few weeks I've been using an Autohotkey script that emulates the basic Poker II Fn layout - specifically with the DIP switch 1+3 combo which adds a Fn key in place of CapsLock, making CapsLock + WASD the arrow keys. I've included the script below for those interested. In practice I feel that arrow key combo works well, as my left hand is free to use the mouse or other input devices.

Currently there is nothing I've mapped to the Pn layer, mostly as I'm not a fan of the Pn key's placement. I've been experimenting with some alternative arrow key arrays using the Pn layer, and it's very easy to set up. The LEDs beneath the spacebar give visual feedback so it's straightforward to follow. The Fn layer can also be remapped via the same steps.

Pressing Fn+Right Ctrl enables the programming mode, then to add a command to a key I press the key I'd like to remap then enter the series of keys I'd like mapped. To finish the sequence I press Pn, and to exit the programmable mode I press Fn+Right Ctrl again. It's possible to reset the key by following the same process but instead remapping the same single key back in. Now I can use the programmable layer by holding Pn down and the key(s) I've remapped, and as a bonus the layer works with any modifier keys used.




While I've adapted to the secondary function layout, it's the Cherry Red switches that will take some getting used to, as well the fact there are no more extra keys to fall back to. I imagine I'll unconsciously be reaching for some phantom keys sooner or later



Moving on to the case itself, it really is quite compact and the main benefit personally is the decreased space on the desk and between the mouse - although I would have liked to have seen either a wireless Bluetooth version or a USB hub included to reduce the number of long wires. But I'll be honest, the real reason I wanted a 60% was the aesthetic of a compact board (and I'm sure I'm not alone ).

The case is also fairly high - a full key higher than I'm used to. I think personally I could benefit from a lower profile case so I don't have to raise my hands as high.





Conclusion



Initial impressions are good overall. There isn't anything I strongly dislike about the board or the Cherry Reds which is always a good sign (even with the odd mistyped words here and there), and it does look adorable with the RGB caps

The quality of the board is decent, and I appreciate how solid the case is, even if the off-center keycap letters are a bit distracting. It's a minor criticism, but it's the type of thing that makes it the board feel that little bit cheaper.

For the Poker-curious trying out an AHK script beforehand helped a lot with my decision, as did buying a PCB-mounted Cherry MX switch sampler. Over the coming weeks I'll update the thread if I have any new impressions, but in the meantime I'll try to 'Enjoy the feeling' as best I can


Autohotkey script I used for basic emulation of Poker II Fn layer