I often bumped into a problem 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 challenge wasn’t fixed, and I might launch and re-press the important thing with out fail. It solely got here up in fringe instances the place I used to be transferring in a single path or performing one motion for an prolonged interval.
There have been a number of situations the place a keypress would register a number of occasions, however these have been few and much between in my testing, solely taking place two or thrice throughout 10+ hours of testing. That mentioned, I fear this challenge might 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 function is the fast disassembly system. This consists of 4 snap-release mechanisms with ball bearings and comes that enable the highest and backside case to return aside with none instruments. This makes customization and modification of this keyboard extremely simple.
The elements used all really feel high-quality and strong. Each the highest and backside case are created from aluminum, and the snap-release mechanisms are metallic as properly. The case doesn’t have any externally-visible imperfections, and every part appears to be assembled properly.
The biggest draw back of the metallic case is the mounted typing angle. Whereas most moldable keyboards have flip-out ft to regulate the keyboard’s angle, the GX87 has a everlasting six-degree angle. This can be a pretty commonplace angle (most keyboards sit between 5 and 7 levels), so it shouldn’t create any points for the common particular person when typing.
{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 trouble me, however realistically this challenge might be ignored with out challenge. Or it may be mounted with aftermarket keycaps, or prevented completely by selecting a distinct colour 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 swap. This challenge is alleviated by disassembling the keyboard, since you’ll be able to help 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 properly, and is simple 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 the perfect at anybody factor, however it’s properly balanced.