The KiiBOOM Phantom 81 has taught me one vital lesson: not all mechanical keyboards are the identical.
You see, I’ve acquired some data of the business, however haven’t really delved deep into the number of switches obtainable outdoors of the clicky Logitech MX Mechanical and the heavier, quieter Vissles V84.
Then I attempted the Phantom 81, which prices $159/£128 (opens in new tab), and the distinction is evening and day with gorgeously smooth-yet-crisp linear-style switches (which are pre-lubed for further fluidity) and a rock strong construct high quality.
It’s one of many finest wi-fi keyboards round, however we’ve acquired to speak about that clear design…
KiiBOOM Phantom 81 design
The clear design is each fascinating and divisive, with shiny, colourful RGB besides. This hits two emotional responses for me: a love for the see-through construct with clear switches, which provides you a full glimpse of the circuitry inside, and a way of cringe in any respect the RGB.
It jogs my memory of the Nothing cellphone (1) and Nothing ear (1) in that it lays naked the inner workings of the machine and units itself aside from the competitors. However sure, that tremendous shiny RGB pulsing away does make me wince just a little.
I do must qualify this by saying that I’ve by no means been a fan of the “gamer” aesthetic (one thing you might need come throughout in a lot of my critiques)), and happily, by means of some easy key mixtures, you possibly can flip down the brightness, restrict the colours, and alter the patterns.
Nevertheless, when you have an RGB-focussed setup and love a flash flood of shade, you’ll adore the Phantom 81! For others like me, you’ll must customise it.
Regardless of this being a 75% keyboard, at 13 x 5.9 x 1.4 inches and weighing 2.6 kilos, this isn’t precisely what I’d name modern or transportable. However that dimension and heft performs to its benefit with a pleasant, strong construct high quality that feels sturdy and capable of stand up to years of typing of every kind — be it the light strokes of an article or the agency slaps of a passive aggressive e-mail.
One factor to notice, nonetheless, is that there isn’t a adjustable keyboard tilt. You’re caught with the angle KiiBOOM has outlined in its design. For me, this angle was high-quality, however in case you choose your keys to be at a barely steeper angle or just a little flatter, that’s not doable.
KiiBOOM Phantom 81 software program and battery life
The KiiBOOM Phantom 81 works proper out of the field. However in order for you the total expertise, you possibly can set up the KiiBOOM Driver. It’s not a fancy software program suite, and it might do with some work. You solely get entry to lighting customization, key sensitivity tweaks, and macro management.
However at its core, it does the job of providing you with software program entry to tweak sure performance. I hope an replace clears up the UI and permits it to be just a little extra accessible, although. One scenario the place the Phantom 81 does excel is in its battery life.
This keyboard is weighty, and part of that’s the 4,000mAh battery, which permits it to run nicely over 100 hours with RGB turned off. Activate the lighting, and that goes right down to round 60 hours, which continues to be mighty spectacular, worry-free battery life.
KiiBOOM Phantom 81 efficiency
Let’s reduce to the core of what makes the Phantom 81 so spectacular. Merely put, it’s a pleasure to sort on. This mechanical keyboard with customized pre-lubed crystal linear-style switches offers you a {smooth}, tactile really feel to each key with out that overly clicky-clacky sound that may be distracting. It’s closest comparability could be in case you’ve used a keyboard with Brown switches, solely with rather less sound and a greater cushioned affect on every key.
At 91 words-per-minute with 99% accuracy on the typing.com check (my common with different keyboards is across the 84-85 wpm mark), the numbers converse for themselves when it comes to pure typing bliss. This can be a productiveness beast that was a pleasure to make use of by means of the ferocious writing interval of Black Friday for me.
Backside line
So, this leaves me in a bizarre place to speak concerning the KiiBOOM Phantom 81. I’m not a fan of RGB-blazing monstrosities (which explains why I’ve turned its gentle present down dramatically). Alternatively, this is without doubt one of the finest keyboards I’ve ever used.
The typing expertise is downright flawless with a satisfying sound, with lubed switches and a snug affect on every press. The construct high quality is phenomenal with a pleasant weightiness, and wi-fi connectivity is quick and responsive with robust battery life.
In case you can be taught to dwell with the see-through fashion (I’ve), you’ll completely love this keyboard, and will probably be your typing companion for years to return.
