I sometimes bumped into a difficulty the place the keyboard would cease recognizing an enter if I held sure keys (sometimes Shift+W when gaming) for too lengthy (20+ seconds). Nonetheless, this difficulty wasn’t fixed, and I may launch and re-press the important thing with out fail. It solely got here up in fringe instances the place I used to be shifting in a single route or performing one motion for an prolonged interval.
There have been a number of cases the place a keypress would register a number of instances, however these had been few and much between in my testing, solely taking place two or thrice throughout 10+ hours of testing. That mentioned, I fear this difficulty may turn out to be worse over time.
Fast-Entry Customization
{Photograph}: Henri Robbins
Total, the meeting and design of this keyboard is spectacular. The standout characteristic is the fast disassembly system. This consists of 4 snap-release mechanisms with ball bearings and is derived that enable the highest and backside case to come back aside with none instruments. This makes customization and modification of this keyboard extremely straightforward.
The elements used all really feel high-quality and strong. Each the highest and backside case are constituted of aluminum, and the snap-release mechanisms are steel as effectively. The case doesn’t have any externally-visible imperfections, and the whole lot appears to be assembled effectively.
The biggest draw back of the steel case is the fastened typing angle. Whereas most moldable keyboards have flip-out toes to regulate the keyboard’s angle, the GX87 has a everlasting six-degree angle. It is a pretty normal angle (most keyboards sit between 5 and 7 levels), so it shouldn’t create any points for the common individual when typing.
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{Photograph}: Henri Robbins
There’s a slight mismatch of colours between the keycaps and the case on the all-white unit. The distinction is simply sufficient to hassle me, however realistically this difficulty might be ignored with out difficulty. Or it may be fastened with aftermarket keycaps, or prevented totally by selecting a unique coloration mixture.
Whereas the flex cuts within the PCB enhance typing really feel, additionally they make it tougher to take away and reinstall switches, for the reason that hot-swap socket will bend downward when making an attempt to put in a change. This difficulty is alleviated by disassembling the keyboard, since you’ll be able to assist the underside of the PCB when putting in new switches, though this does make customization barely extra tedious.
Total, for $140, you’re getting a fully-built keyboard that feels good to kind on, performs effectively, and is straightforward to customise. The switches really feel good, the gasket-mount system is well-engineered, and it is pleasing to make use of. It isn’t essentially one of the best at anybody factor, nevertheless it’s effectively balanced.
