Machenike KG98 Mechanical Keyboard Hot Swappable Custom Gaming Keyboard Pre-lubed Linear Switches RGB Sidelit Tri-Mode 98 Keys Compact

Solid, this thing is heavy. It is currently set up for testing and has been performing well. I like the feel of the keyboard. Read more

The Machenike KG98 mechanical keyboard demonstrates a solid and high-quality build, making it a great discovery for an enhanced typing experience. Its substantial weight and dense materials give it a phenomenal feel with virtually no flex. The keyboard boasts versatile connectivity with USB-C, Bluetooth, and 2.4Ghz, offering flexibility for switching between various devices. Furthermore, the extensive, fun backlighting options allow for complete customization. While the action and pressure differ slightly from my usual setup, achieving a test speed of 105 words per minute indicates its strong responsiveness, suggesting that full speed is easily attainable after a short adjustment period. This wireless mechanical keyboard is a highly versatile choice for upgrading any user's setup, whether for gaming, work, or studying. Its ergonomic design ensures comfort, while the hot-swap feature simplifies the process of customizing switches. The inclusion of pre-lubricated linear switches provides a smooth and pleasantly quiet typing experience. Coupled with the useful tri-mode connectivity and customizable RGB lighting, the KG98 delivers a comprehensive package that genuinely fits a wide range of needs. Read more

If you are not familiar with Amazon Vine, it is basically Amazon trading free* products for honest reviews. You see a lot of Vine reviews that are cookie cutter and based on templates. I aim to make my reviews honest and non-cookie cutter (other than this intro and disclaimer). * These items are not actually free as Vine members pay income tax on the items they receive. Therefore, I will never order something from Vine unless I actually intend to use it. I think this is important for readers to understand because it means I will never order an item just to provide a fake five star review to a company. If I review something as good, it means I actually enjoyed using it or it fills its intended purpose correctly. Items that don't meet my expectations will be reviewed accordingly. Why I ordered this item: I was using this really weird combo mouse/keyboard device for controlling my couchputer and I got sick of it. I found a nice bluetooth mouse and I ordered this keyboard. Likes: * This is exactly what I was looking to find. This might be my best Vine find yet! The build quality on this keyboard is phenomenal. * It is heavy with very little flex. * The materials it is made of feel high quality and dense. * The backlighting is fun and varied, with options and colors to fit my preference exactly. * Both USB-C and bluetooth connectivity! I would never use a 2.4Ghz dongle but I guess it's nice to offer that as an option. * The action and responsiveness is pretty good. I normally type around 120wpm on my Cherry MX Blue switched keyboard and I hit around 105wpm on this in my tests. The attenuation distance and pressure required are both slightly different than that on my daily driver, but I think with a week or two of practice I could get to full speed on this keyboard. * I probably won't be using a numpad on my couchputer, but I always prefer full sized keyboards like this. No likes: * I wish the letters on the keycaps were translucent, but this is a minor gripe that I could resolve with new keycaps so I did not deduct any stars. Would I pay full price for this product: Yeah at $60 this is an absolute steal. Final thoughts: What a great and versatile product. This basically has 99% of what I am looking for in a keyboard and I'm pretty picky when it comes to my instruments of typing. Read more

The media could not be loaded. I’ve reviewed several mechanical keyboards, and the Machenike KG98 board shares many similarities with other budget boards; however, this one has a couple of features that stand out. Foremost, the board has an easy-access and intuitive media toggle switch. Most boards go for the knob, but this is more of an up/down type of toggle. Likewise, the tri-mode connector selector switch has a similar slider selector switch. The tri-mode connection allows for direct USB connection, Bluetooth, and 2.4GHz modes. The 2.4GHz dongle is conveniently stored on the top back of the board, and it includes ergonomic kickstands. Like many boards, it features a 5-layer acoustic gasket design, which contributes to the keys' unique sound and feel. This keyboard utilizes traditional mechanical “creamy” keys that are fully actuated switches. At this price point, I was surprised to find that they were true mechanical keys, as they tend to be more expensive than magnetic hall effect keys. For the key to be fully actuated, the key press is about halfway through the keystroke. The spacing between the keys is slightly more than what I usually expect, but this also allows for more customization of different caps, if you so wish. On the same note, the board is nearly 100% full and includes a full number pad with math keys, as well as keys in a standard layout. The only place I’d say that was compacted is the spacing between the main qwerty layout and the numpad. The board's RGB settings can be swapped through a handful of presets, but I prefer the Arctic White theme that the board comes with. It has cool accents on the side that also give it the same style and flair. The RGB does not shine through the keycaps, though, and may be difficult to see in a poorly lit room; however, I didn’t have any issues with screens and other light sources. Keys and switches can be swapped. As shown in my video, they are in there good. I tried to demonstrate and show the keys, but I wasn’t able to get a good grip on them. The board comes with a couple of spare switches, so I know they are genuine switches. However, if removing them is really tough, that may be a problem if a switch needs to be replaced. Also, if you watched my video, you will notice that the board's RGB kind of just died at one point. I panicked that I broke it, but a reset brought it back. I’m not sure if this damaged it, though, because now my computer doesn’t recognize it through the USB port; however, the 2.4GHz dongle still works, and the board still types. I'm not entirely sure about the durability of the board, but I suppose some of that is my fault for roughly handling it. Overall, this is a pretty slick keyboard. The biggest surprise of this board is the price. A 98% keyboard for $60 is almost unheard of, with mechanical actuated switches to boot. There is no fancy LCD screen or anything like that, but that’s fine, especially if you want something basic and not so loud, both visually and physically. It’s a great value and is comparable to boards that typically cost $ 20-$ 40 more. However, I do question the durability, but as long as you don’t do what I do, it should be fine. Read more