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 subject wasn’t fixed, and I might launch and re-press the important thing with out fail. It solely got here up in fringe circumstances the place I used to be transferring in a single path or performing one motion for an prolonged interval.
There have been a couple of situations the place a keypress would register a number of instances, however these have been few and much between in my testing, solely taking place two or thrice throughout 10+ hours of testing. That stated, I fear this subject might grow to be worse over time.
Fast-Entry Customization
{Photograph}: Henri Robbins
General, 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 come back aside with none instruments. This makes customization and modification of this keyboard extremely simple.
The parts used all really feel high-quality and strong. Each the highest and backside case are comprised of aluminum, and the snap-release mechanisms are steel as nicely. The case doesn’t have any externally-visible imperfections, and every thing appears to be assembled nicely.
The biggest draw back of the steel case is the fastened typing angle. Whereas most moldable keyboards have flip-out ft 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 typical individual 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 subject could be ignored with out subject. Or it may be fastened with aftermarket keycaps, or averted totally by selecting a special shade mixture.
Whereas the flex cuts within the PCB enhance typing really feel, additionally they make it more durable 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 subject is alleviated by disassembling the keyboard, since you may assist the underside of the PCB when putting in new switches, though this does make customization barely extra tedious.
General, for $140, you’re getting a fully-built keyboard that feels good to kind on, performs nicely, 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 the perfect at anyone factor, however it’s nicely balanced.