Defender 68 Rapid Tenkeyless Wired Gaming Keyboard with Magnetic Switch RGB HotSwapple Aluminium Base 65 Layout 68 Keys

This arrived in a descriptive white box which told about the features and specs of this keyboard in both English and Chinese. Inside was the keyboard protected in a plastic bag and by a clear hard plastic cover and closed cell foam. Also included was a nice braided USB cord, a key cap, key switch puller, a set of extra colorful key caps for certain keys such as the space bar, and a large and easy to read manual card that listed all the function key shortcuts. The first thing I noticed about this keyboard was how heavy it was. It is a 65% keyboard and I think it weighs more than any other keyboard I have. This definitely will not move from where you put it. The second thing I noticed was the build quality. It is the best there is. I do not think it could be any better. I was very surprised, happily so! I am going to do pros and cons from here as it is easier to follow. Lots of pros, and only one con which I am not taking a star off for. First the pros: 1) Build quality. All metal construction and feels like it would last a lifetime. 2) The colors and design looks great. Subjective but I really like it and think it would go with most gaming setups. 3) The specs, all high quality. The Gateron magnetic jade switches are very quiet with a nice soft sound. They feel great and I enjoyed using them both for gaming and on the desktop. The space bar has a slightly different sound than the other keys, but it is not better or worse, just different. 4) Hot swappable. Why you would want to do that I don't know, as these Gateron magnetic switches are awesome. 5) RGB lighting. It looks very nice and it is easy to adjust the different effects and brightness using the function key. I believe there is also software you can download that might offer more functionality, but it is not necessary and it worked great without it. 6) PBT key caps which resist finger shine. These key caps are also a source of the one con I have. 7) It is not height adjustable, but it has a nice typing angle and was very comfortable for me to use. You can always add a soft wrist rest should you desire. Cons: 1) Just one. That is that the key lettering on the PBT key caps are printed on and they are not etched so they do not light up. On this keyboard the lettering is a light purple color so it is fairly easy to see unless your in a really dark room. This keyboard is so good otherwise I do not want to take a star off for this. The key caps appear to be a standard size, so they would be easily replaceable with etched key caps that light up. Yes it is a little added cost but in my case it would help me see the letters better so I will definitely be doing it. In my opinion, this keyboard is first and foremost a gaming keyboard. That is where it shined for me and it just worked beautifully for that. Once I get a nice new set of etched key caps installed, it will be perfect. It is expensive, but the quality is there to justify the price. It is just a great keyboard that exceeded my expectations! Read more

Nice keyboard but it has its flaws. It definitely has some heft to it being more of a premium keyboard. The aluminum sound is nice and full and doesn't sound hollow. It has a very nice polling rate, but it needs to be set with its web-based software. It's not at default the fastest rate. Keycaps are not shine through besides the ones that are transparent. I also don't like the port location where it's on the left. For a keyboard this expensive, I was expecting it to be in the middle. Taking apart the keyboard is strange with its side screws and not as convenient as some other keyboards out there. The design is nice and stands out from other keyboards of the same layout. It doesn't have a way to adjust the angle it sits as most metal keyboards seem to have. Read more

Oh my. I am in love with this keyboard. It is excellent. From sounnd and feel to the visuals, it feels like this keybaord was designed for me. Its a lovely typing and gaming experience. Legit some of the nicest feeling and sounding magentic switches I have ever used. Even the spacebar sounds and feels good to use. That is saying a lot if you've been able to use a lot of HE keyboards. This is by far one of, if not my favorite, magnetic keyboards I have used to date. Nice rgb and easy to adjust. Good app. Wired only is a bit of a bummer but almost all HE boards are wired only. I think its something to do with power draw and HE switches needing constant power for them to work properly. Very easy to recommend this board. Especially if you are an anime lover like myself. I really hope they do a colorway for unit 2. I really really hope they do this keyabord in like a 80 layout or something like that. The addition of the f row would bring this keyboard to perfection. Read more

This feels really nice. It has some serious weight to it and the feel of the keys is good under the fingers. I know it is meant for gaming, but I don't game. I just type. For that purpose, it does really well. Wish there was more adjustability in the angle of it though. Would definitely improve the usability a bit. Read more