104 beautiful backlit keys
Outemu Blue switch (Very Loud!)
7 RGB colours with 13 breathing LED light patterns
Full anti-ghosting and n-key rollover capabilities
Aluminium top cover, not plastic.
Full RGB color, with plenty presets, we are working on a driver that allows you to customise each key.
No Kogan logo anymore
Vote in comments if you are interested in Kogan producing a tenkeyless version
The keys aren't the only difference. The ability to save your own custom key layouts is. That is what made the last one brilliant. You could colour the keys any way you like.
Yes this is not the save version of the previous version. We did few changes.The presets color options are also different. Apart from that, key components and performance are identical.
If you guys have any comments about what presets you prefer please let me know as well, potentially can change that for next batch.
The ability to set and save the pattern of lights for each game mode is the main thing missing.
does it come with a palm rest?
Doubt it. But you can make your own. I have a calculator as my palm rest
No it doesn't.
No
The photos show the UK layout (tall enter key), could anyone confirm?
It may have changed since I got mine several months back however, the one I got has the normal layout with normal enter key.
Tall enter key would be an instant deal-breaker for me.
As others have said, these blue switches are noticeably louder than Cherry MX Blue. They feel great, though.
The lighting is pretty restricted/limited, you can only use pre-determined patterns and modes.
All that being said, this is a very good keyboard for $35. I wouldn't pay the usual $99 for it but, at $35 it's a no-brainer.
That’s annoying
The fact that the rep is ignoring your comment makes me think you are right
Hi Candyman I am not ignoring the comments, it is after hours so I can only look into these things with limited time, also I want to confirm the info I provide is correct so I searched our inspection report.
I checked the QA report, can confirm the product is the same with the one on the image, so it is a tall enter key.
I didn't realise this is a problem/deal breaker, since our other keyboard also use same layout. Can you let me know more about this? Is this a preference thing or something quite important and we should fix in the future?
And thank you for point this out, leant something new :)
For me, it is a preference. Almost every keyboard I have used for the past two decades has been the US layout (which will be the same for most Australians).
When I occasionally (well, rarely) come across a UK layout keyboard, it's an instant no.
Agreed, US layout is the norm in Australia.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_and_American_keyboards…
From what I've seen, most keyboards in Australia are US layout (and by extension, the one most people will be familiar with).
People who are used to striking the left half of the Enter key with their right pinkie or the right half of the left Shift key with their left pinkie on the US layout will immediately notice. General typing with just the letters is obviously identical.
@O15 reported in his previous comment that he received a keyboard with us outlay. I wonder if they ship keyboards with us layout to Australia.
A few keys are in different locations so if you switch between keyboards you will be hitting the wrong keys constantly
Edit: in the user guide it says us layout https://help.kogan.com/hc/en-us/articles/360013002134
I will follow up on Monday to see what exactly is happening. Seems we either made a mistake in the manual or in the pictures. Currently I believe the user manual is wrong. Thank you for pointing out.
Just to clarify, this was several months back. The supplier for their board could have changed, since then.
Here is the deal I purchased.
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/372018
Canceled my order. I already switch from Mac to a US keyboard at work .. don't think I could handle a different one at home also. I do use the \ ~ | keys. Reflex jumped for the price but would prefer a US with Brown keys anyway.
Didn't notice the layout until today, wouldn't have ordered if I had known earlier because I hate the tall enter key :(
Price is still good though, oh well.
As requested, I honestly don’t care about tenkeyless. I’d vastly prefer something with quieter switches. Blue is much too loud.
Hopefully they release the smaller board with browns/reds
Second the brown switch
Same .. or could they release a replacement set for those of use with this keyboard? (cheaper then buying a new keyboard again?
)
I'm keen for a tenkeyless Brown switch board
Thanks OP - just pulled the trigger on one even though I'm not in need. Just looking to try what these switches are like!
I have an iMac with the default magic keyboard with numeric keypad AND and even don’t game, yet I’m itching to get one to see what all the fuss is about with mechanical keyboards.
Any benefit of one of these over a regular keyboard if you don’t game?
It's kinda like having a nicer car. Your current sh#tbox will get you from A to B but you can pay a little more to do it in style and comfort.
At this price, there is no reason not to try it. Be warned. It's hard to go back though.
Since there are several comments about the product features, I think might be good to summarize some here. The main purpose for me is to get some idea of what sort of keyboards would be a good buy for ozbargainers.
Do you prefer a cheaper version? If so, which selling points you do not care that much? For example, take away Full RGB and change to Fixed pattern color/single color/no backlight, change aluminium top to plastic, change the Outemu Blue switch to other China Branded Blue switch?
Do you prefer a more expensive model, but with the extra Macro keys? If so, what do you think the macro key worth?
Do you prefer a TKL version? (vote on top comments)
Do you prefer different switch for this and TKL version? Red? Brown?
Do you prefer a keyboard version with palm rest?
My opinion:
Thank you.
My opinion is coming from someone who has purchased multiple mechanical keyboards. Someone who's look at investing in their first and only will most likely feel very differently.
I'm down for cheap or expensive (to a point), as long as the features are right for the price. The price is what enticed me to get a similar variant of this keyboard earlier in the year.
The keyboard was $25 with a $10 off promo and free shipping via Shipster. It ended up being one of the best things I've ever spent $25 on and easily worth a decent bit more than that (see my thoughts in earlier post).
RGB - I don't care much either way. With the limited controls available for lighting, I would have been just as happy with the keyboard if it had a single colour (AS LONG AS IT's NOT RED!!!). I have a Deck which is pink backlight only, it looks bloody awesome, I love it. Heck, for $35, no backlight would be fine.
Switches - The blue ones which came with the keyboard I got earlier in the year are fine. They're noisy but I'm happy to work in the same room as someone else using one. I am probably more tolerant to keyboard clacking, though. I would not deploy these in an office for other people to use and have to listen to, however.
When I have deployed mechanical keyboards to office/administration people, I have always used brown switches. Is there a cheap brown switch variant available?
For home keyboard, macro keys are a must. For work, not very important. This is going to differ based on people's professions. Only one of my keyboards has dedicated macro keys.
My first mechanical keyboard I purchased was the Logitech G710+ (Cherry MX Brown) for $120 on sale. This has probably set an unfair price precedence in my mind.
To me, any keyboard at $100 or more must have Cherry switches or something equally as good. If a $100+ keyboard doesn't have Cherry switches, I'm going to think 'why should I buy this when I know I can get a Cherry switch board for the same money'.
I think keyboards which cost more than $200 are absurd. No keyboard I have seen justifies this price point considering what is available for less.
I have no interest in TKL. I don't need one and I don't want one.
I have used Blue and Brown. I'm not that interested in trying any other types. I think if it has to be between Blue and Brown, it should be Brown as this switch feels more suited to all-round use (gaming and typing).
Don't really care. My G710+ has a palm rest, it's useful I guess. If I didn't have a palm rest and wanted one, I'm sure there is a plethora of cheap palm rests on eBay.
Thank you for the long reply.
I use macro key a lot at work though :)
In those that you mentioned, I only care about the TKL with brown or blue switch. If you can keep the price at this same level, it would be brilliant.
TKL should be a LOT cheaper, since there is less materials and less switches and keys.
I bought "Velocifire Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Outemu Brown" TKL from Ebay for $49.99 (minus $20 discount voucher) and it's excellent.
Thank you
Copy. Thank you.
As someone else said, strong preference for an ANSI/US layout. I haven't used an ISO/UK layout keyboard regularly since the mid 90s.
Thank you. I will surely check the us layout.
If I'm going to buy a keyboard for the Christmas lights, it better be cheap, and I want to be able to set my own pattern.
Macro keys might be worth up to an extra $5.
I won't buy a keyboard without a number pad! Fullsize keys too please including the function keys.
The mechanical aspect doesn't interest me as much since i find I type faster on a membrane keyboard anyway.
I can add my own palm rest, so don't care.
IMO the most important thing for me on this keyboard is a better font, which seems like a simple "no cost" change but I know several people who would pull the trigger if it had a more traditional / minimalist font instead (myself included).
Hi OP,
1) I'm happy with normal backlight for a lower price. It'd be cool to have WASD changeable to red though!
2) No
3) No idea what TKL is but as long is it's good quality.
4) Yes. I want something quiet, I'd buy in a heartbeat at this price.
5) doesn't bother me.
TKL = TenKeyLess. Basically means the keyboard lacks a numberpad.
I have used Kogan keyboards before and I’ve been impressed for the price. The mx brown Armageddon version with the orange backlight was nice. Had one key die on me and Kogan support didn’t hesitate to replace the whole keyboard. I won’t be buying this keyboard due to the noisy blue switches but I can appreciate it’s a certified bargain!
There’s definitley a market for cheap mechanical keyboards. This post confirms this. Full RGB is the best for sure. I don’t really care about patterns as much personally.
I never really use macro but if included it would be fine to have it built into the software. I prefer if the keyboard is plug and play and doesn’t require software too (I.e. able to change colours without RGB)
I prefer 104 keys for sure. Keyboards without numpads slow me down. Some gamers might like TKL to allow more mouse space but not me.
Brown is my favourite for sure
I prefer using keyboards without palm rests but maybe make it an optional extra.
Thanks for considering my feedback
Sorry forgot to add:
Media keys are a must (don’t mind if it’s Fn + F key).
USB/headphone pass through is a very useful feature and part of the reason why I liked my old Kogan keyboard so much
Other feedback:
1. Change font of the keycaps on this keyboard. Hideous.
2. RBG is good
What I am looking for in a keyboard:
- brown switches
- RGB
- dedicated media controls (volume scroller, next and back track)
- some macro keys (but not too many)
Currently I am using the Logitech G910
My opinions
Additionally I'm not a fan of the futuristic/gamer font on the keys: There's nothing wrong with utilitarian typefaces when it comes to keyboards. (Ariel, Helvetica, Futura, etc)
Hey Rep, I hope I'm not too late to jump onto the bandwagon here. I've got one of the original Kogan mechanical keyboards from many years ago which sported Cherry browns, has simple media keys, plain blue backlighting with red WASD, and also USB/audio passthrough. There is an optional driver package but IIRC it only allowed changing lighting presets and a small number of assignable macros. Although it was a gift it was bought on sale at $89 with free shipping, which at the time was an absolute steal of a bargain. As others have pointed out, today you can get multiple brands and models sub-$100 so the competition is fierce in this space. That 'board has been through three users, including myself (twice), and is still going strong; it's currently being used by a colleague at work who's never had a mech 'board before and is learning how awesome they are. The takeaway message here is if you build a quality product then it's going to last.
Having said that, here's my opinion per your questions.
To save money I'd be happy for single colour and minimal light customisation. No backlighting would be a deal-breaker for me - keep the pretty lights! I agree the ability to make WASD a different colour is a good idea. If the faceplate is to be plastic it had better be good; I personally prefer aluminium because I want a 'board that's solidly built. Switch brand is not a problem for me, however I agree that anything approaching $100 or above must have Cherry switches.
I don't use macro keys so I'm happy to see them go to keep costs down. Besides, there's a plethora of free programs available to remap existing keys and build macros without the need to have dedicated keys.
No! I see the value of TKL for reducing both cost and space, but I type IP addresses all day long and this is hella annoying without a numpad. If you want to make it smaller or reduce material then stick with island keys and a frameless design, but please keep the numpad and PRNTSCRN group.
My number one preference is Browns as I think they're the most versatile. Blues are too noisy for many situations and Reds are too soft. I don't know what the cost of making different models and keeping stock of them is but offering people a choice might be an option.
Nope. Save money & material and ditch it. You can get one cheaply enough if you really want one, and in another material that's more suitable to your needs.
Here's some bonus thoughts:
Agreed that US layout is much more preferable.
Minimal media keys would be nice, at least a volume controller.
I don't think audio or USB passthrough is important and will help to keep the USB cable thinner. A braided cable would be super nice if it doesn't add to the cost.
You could save a bit of money by changing the keycap material. Some people will argue this is paramount, but the only time I've encountered trouble with fragile keycaps was when I pulled them off for cleaning and broke one. My guess is the vast majority of people buying cheaper mech 'boards would not be doing this, and anyone who does will either be buying a 'board with better quality keycaps or replacing the caps with a custom set.
Thanks for being responsive, I'm always happy to support a company that listens to its consumers, and even happier to do so for a company that's active on OB!
$64 in savings or a divorce a few months down the track… hmmmm.
Divorce is likely to happen no matter what you buy…. Save the $64
If saving $64 leads to divorce I’d go find a new wife Now
so true it hurts
Does anyone know if I am able to use this with my Apple MacBook Pro?
Any USB keyboard (that doesn't require drivers) should work on any modern system with a USB port.
Is Kogan the next Xiaomi? He's been dipping his fingers into a lot of pies lately.
Yes but the quality is inferior.
I have the older version and it's absolutely amazing. Any chance they'll bring out a red or brown switch version? Gotta say, it's loud AF!
How would it compare to this? https://www.amazon.com.au/Element-Mechanical-81-Replaceable-… I can see it has the same switches.
A couple things I can see:
1st - Not all blue switches are created equal, they are all slightly different when it comes to noise, sound, feel etc. Otemeu blues, from what I understand never having tried them before, are a relatively high quality blue switch. The one you listed don't have a brand listed, which usually means they are made a lot cheaper and will have inconsistent quality across the board. For example, some switches will be less 'clicky' than others.
2nd - This keyboard appears to have individual and customisation RGB lighting for each key, the one you listed has preset colours for each row.
3rd - This keyboard is a full size with numberpad, the keyboard you listed is more compact and doesn't have the numberpad or separate row for arrow keys/printscreen row keys.
4th - The one you listed is more expensive
Ultimately, i'd much rather this keyboard than the one you listed. But, some people don't really care about any of that and just want a clicky keyboard with flashy lights. I'm just a keyboard nerd :)
I really don’t need it, but I really want to buy it
grabbed one thanks OP
My job is transcription - I ordered one of these last time when they were around this price, and I've typed around about 15,000 words a day on this bad boy since then. It's held up really well and is an absolute delight to type on. It's very, very clicky; if you can type fast, it sounds like a machine gun going off.
My cat knocked the keyboard off my desk and one of the little hinges on the back fell off, so I've ordered this one as a replacement and will keep my original as a backup. Thanks OP.
I'm keen to try this but don't know if I can look past the UK enter key… it would just bug me I think knowing that it's not the US/AUS version enter key. The Rep seems keen on improving this soon, so I think i'll hold off for now and wait.
Anyone know diff between this and https://www.kogan.com/au/buy/rapoo-v52s-backlit-mechanic-ali…
Spill resistant yeah.
Mechanic Alike
Is that one individual backlit? Doesn't seem to say
If you mean no dialog and poor music, yeah sure its a 'review'
An unboxing yeah, certainly not a review.
at least you can see how it looks like
The one in the video seems to show a shorter enter key, so could it possibly be a different model?
Thanks OP, good deal :)
Instead of tkl would like a 60% for travel use.
even better with a detachable cable ;)
because my PC is on the floor to my left I am wondering about the cable length, if it was replaceable USB then I'd be less concerned.
Keen for 10-keyless!
Can you turn off the RGB?
I purchased this for the price, limited RGB and to try out the cheaper blue switches. The features for the price are spot on, if I were to buy another one the only changes I'd be after are going to brown equivalent switches as they're great for typing. If it didn't have the RGB gimmick I probably wouldn't have botheres, since I have some really good keyboards that don't have RGB.
I've been using a TKL keyboard on my main PC for about 3 years at home. Though I love the compact size there have been way too many occasions where I had to break out one of my full layout keyboards that it's no longer a feature I want for a primary board.
Macro's, I don't use them but know plenty of people that swear by them both in a work and gaming setup.
US layout, preferred.
Brown switch
RGB
Wireless
Under $50
Neutral/ Generic style font
A keyboard like this would sell out immediately
$20.38 shipping to Darwin.. - can't use Shipster either because it's 38c over the $20 postage allowance. /sigh
Otherwise great deal.
Yeah, if only they could drop the postage to $20 max (I get $26 and some change here).
Good deal!, too bad this probably wont fly at work. Would be been for Brown Switch & TKL
Hmmm as noted.. the Tall enter key and the 104 layout.. would mean that most Australia touch typists would be extra extra pissed off..
Glad I didn't order now….
Having the enter key.. narrower and taller.. is a disaster for anyone used to the standard US keyboard layout.
I'll be using this on my gaming desktop so typing will be less of a problem but I'm still upset I didn't notice this and 'assumed' US layout. This is my only impulse buy in December so I'm still happy.
Loving all the extra attention on this deal/thread regarding future keyboard revisions. I'll keep an eye out.
last time i got this (similar model) keyboard delivered i heard the keyboard switches before the guy even knocked on my door to card me
Just got mine delivered and I'm really impressed, the switches feel great and the vertical enter key doesn't impact my typing at all.
If this comes up again I'll pick up another for my nephew.
Just got mine today. I know you guys said it was loud, but I wasn't expecting it to be this loud… (clicking noises in background)
I kind of like the sound, agreed it's loud (I'm not allowed to use it for the bedroom PC), but it's really satisfying.
Well done Kogan, you've landed me with the gimmicks. :-)
Received my one today, not a bad keyboard at all for $35 how ever since it is a UK layout the shorter width enter key that takes up 2 rows is something that should 100% be addressed if there is ever an iteration of the product.
Just received mine and boy is it loud. I think I may have a faulty one where the colours are inconsistent. See photo https://imgur.com/a/s5Ge2OP
The row of F7 downwards is brighter than the rest. Anyone else having the same issue?
just received mine today, must say, total rubbish. One key doesn't work, and others colours are just not right. First pic should be "white", second should be "yellow"
I've too lodged a support request with Kogan 4 hours ago and nothing yet.
Wow your one is even worse than mine. Seems like the QC is non-existent for these.
Kogan support think this is not a fault and that colour differences are acceptable. What a joke!
Received mine yesterday, pretty good so far. One thing though - when my computer is turned off, the scroll lock light stays on and I'm not sure how to turn it off. Co-incidentally, while the computer is on, pressing the scroll lock key doesn't seem to do anything (light doesn't go on or off, scroll lock doesn't actually seem to activate when I press the key). Intended behaviour or possibly faulty?
edit: ooh, just saw that pressing FN+Windows key (shortcut to lock the windows key) turned on the scroll lock light. Pressing actual scroll lock key itself does nothing, which is totally fine for me because I never use it anyway.
I bought the one from about 6 months ago and this one looks exactly the same but without the Kogan logo. Absolutely brilliant keyboard for the money. I wanted to get one for my brother, what makes you think this is different?
Edit: I looked again, you are probably right - the keys are different.