ZSA Technology Labs, Inc. is the company behind the Ergodox EZ keyboard that we had taken a look at in great detail, and appreciated a lot. It was a retail take on the open source Ergodox keyboard concept which, until then, was available as a kit or pre-assembled by artisans in low numbers, and was not a mass-market product. One could argue the Ergodox EZ is still not a mainstream keyboard, but it certainly made things much more accessible via options to choose from for a pre-assembled keyboard, as well as a powerful, GUI-based configurator for those wanting easier firmware access and control.

In that same vein, the parent company has now introduced the Planck EZ which, as the name suggests, is based on the 47-key Planck keyboard design. Designed in conjunction with Jack Humbert, the creator of the Planck, the Planck EZ aims to be a simple, complete, portable, mechanical keyboard built with layers and ergonomics in mind. The Planck EZ goes a bit further with adding in not only multiple switch options, but also backlighting and a buzzer that can also be controlled to play 8-bit tunes from the keyboard- definitely a first in my books! The Planck EZ is up for pre-order now beginning at $180, with an estimated shipping date in June 2019.

Cooler Master, a global leader in designing and manufacturing innovative gaming peripherals and computer components, announces it's the addition of its two new tenkeyless (TKL) mechanical keyboards, the MK730 and CK530. "As a mainstream company to pioneer one of the first tenkeyless form factor keyboards, it was a no brainer to offer our two best-selling keyboards in TKL form." says Bryant Nguyen, Peripheral General Manager.,"

[Editor's note: Our own review of the Cooler Master SK630 is published here for those interested.]

Cooler Master, a global leader in designing and manufacturing innovative gaming peripherals and computer components, today launched two low profile mechanical keyboards from its new SK series, the SK650 and SK630. "We created the SK series with design and functionality in mind. Especially for those who are workers by day and gamers at night." says Bryant Nguyen, Peripheral General Manager.

The SK650 and SK630 are slim profile mechanical keyboards with the perfect balance of "work and play." The SK series features Cherry MX low profile switches that provide a reduced travel distance and actuation point with the same signature durability and precision as a standard red switch. The boards are equipped with Type-C USB for convenience. Per-key backlighting, surrounding light bars, and macros can be fully customized through Cooler Masters easy to use Portal Software Application. On-the-fly-controls allow real-time adjustments to lighting and macros without the need of software, including Windows Lock On/Off to prevent accidental actuation during game play. Users can choose from two sizes depending on preference. The SK650 is a full layout keyboard while the SK630 is its little brother, a ten keyless layout for users with limited desk space.

Cooler Master, a global leader in designing and manufacturing innovative gaming peripherals and computer components, will be showcasing its new line up of wireless peripherals including the MH670 gaming headset, MM831 gaming mouse, SK621 65-key travel size keyboard, SK631 TKL layout keyboard, SK651 full-layout keyboard, and the GS750 headset stand with built in Qi wireless charging. "Showcasing this "Work and Play" line-up at reflects the Cooler Master commitment to bring high-performing products to gamers and creative pros of all levels." says Bryant Nguyen, Peripheral General Manager.

Audio
The MH670 is a wireless, hassle free headset that provides superior comfort through lightweight construction and plush swiveling ear cups. Its 3.5mm connection adapts to an array of devices including PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and most mobile devices. Virtual 7.1 surround sound and 40mm Neodymium drivers work in harmony to provide a full and a balanced sound with excellent noise isolation. Its detachable Omni-directional boom microphone and fold-flat design grants easy portability and usage beyond the gaming environment.

Tesoro announced today the launch of their latest keyboard, the Gram MX One, in time for Christmas in North America. Indeed, the keyboard is slated to be available December 24 for those wanting a last minute gift, and is part of their popular GRAM series of keyboards. This means that the keyboard uses the same body and case as their Gram Spectrum or SE Spectrum (but not the XS, which uses low profile switches), in the usual black or white color options to choose from. Adding to the options list is a choice of genuine Cherry MX Blue or Brown mechanical switches, both in their non-RGB variant.

The Gram MX One has single color blue backlighting integrated, and uses a minimalist design for those wanting something simple and more affordable than many of the new keyboards released this year. Durability and build quality are emphasized by the company, with specific mentions on the use of doubleshot injected PBT keycaps that adopt the floating style design on a thick steel plate as seen below. Pre-programmed onboard functionality includes lighting effects, key assignment and macro recording. The keyboard measures 445 x 139 x 32 mm and weighs 1.2 Kg (2.65 lb), and there is no word on pricing at this point despite imminent release.

Update Dec 20:- MSRP of the Gram MX One is $79.99 as per Tesoro, and at launch the model available for purchase will be the white color, MX Brown switch variant only. Others will follow thereafter.

Spire late Monday introduced Ergo, a wacky new gaming-grade mechanical keyboard that's the world's first TKL (tenkeyless) to feature a custom ergonomic key layout that reduces strain during prolonged typing sessions. The keyboard smartly splits the QWERTY keyset into two halves that are angled, and places certain vital keys along the gap in the middle. The spacebar, too, is split to fall right under your thumbs. Spire has taken the creative liberty to move quite a few important keys around from where you'd expect them, so there could be a short learning curve to get using this keyboard right. The keyboard offers RGB LED illuminated keycaps, backed by an unknown flavor of Cherry MX mechanical switches. Available now, the Spire Ergo is priced at USD $99.95 (excluding taxes), an optional wrist-rest ships for $30 more.

Das Keyboard today announced the launch of the 4Q mechanical keyboard, the first Cherry MX-based keyboard in the company's Q-series family of smart, cloud-connected keyboards that empower users to increase productivity by changing the color of its keys from information coming from the Internet.

The new gold standard for mechanical keyboards, the Das Keyboard 4Q takes the company's flagship mechanical keyboard-the Das Keyboard 4 Professional-to the next level by adding in the Q technology and RGB lighting. Concurrent with the 4Q launch is the introduction of Das Keyboard's Q marketplace for applets, a place where users can share and download free and open source Q applets.

Cooler Master, a global leader in designing and manufacturing innovative gaming peripherals and computer components, today announces the debut of ControlPad, the world's first PC keypad with analog Aimpad technology, designed for gamers, content creators, musicians, and more. "Designed as a passion project from the ground up, ControlPad aims to change the way we interact with our most used programs and applications on a more intuitive scale," says Bryant Nguyen, Peripheral General Manager.

ControlPad harbors 24 mechanical keys available in Cherry MX Red or Gateron Red switch types. It is fully programmable through easy to use software, has a removable wrist rest for ultimate comfort, two precision scroll wheels, fully RGB backlit, and finished in a sleek brushed aluminum. ControlPad is equipped with Aimpad technology that provides mechanical keyboards the precision control most commonly found in devices such as aviation joysticks, steering wheels, and gaming controllers, enabling analog control in digital inputs.

Today, ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG), announced a collaboration with Activision and Intel to produce a range of limited edition Call of Duty : Black Ops 4 products in advance of the upcoming release of Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 on PC. Expanding on the recently announced partnership, with Activision, which allows consumers who purchase qualifying ASUS and ROG products access to Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, similarly, consumers who purchase certain limited edition ROG Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 products will receive a game code that will allow them to access the Digital Standard Edition for PC at launch. In addition, a unique integration with ROG's AURA Sync technology allows the Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 emblems and RGB lighting elements to echo what's happening during gameplay.

CORSAIR , a world leader in PC gaming peripherals and enthusiast components, today announced the release of the new CORSAIR K70 RGB MK.2 and CORSAIR STRAFE RGB MK.2 range of mechanical gaming keyboards. Equipped with 100% Cherry MX high-quality mechanical keyswitches, the K70 RGB MK.2 RGB and STRAFE RGB MK.2 offer gamers a huge variety of switch type, including Cherry MX Red, MX Brown, MX Blue, Rapidfire MX Speed or MX Silent keyswitches.

Whichever switch you pick, the K70 RGB MK.2 RGB and STRAFE RGB MK.2 both offer the comprehensive set of features that gamers demand; per-key RGB backlighting, 8MB of onboard profile storage and dedicated media keys are just the start, all powered by new CORSAIR iCUE software to synchronize lighting and control across all your CORSAIR iCUE compatible devices. Staying true to the CORSAIR legacy for quality and choice, the K70 RGB MK.2 RGB and STRAFE RGB MK.2 are ready to make their mark.

Thermaltake, a leading brand in eSport gaming peripherals, showcased the latest X1 RGB Cherry MX Mechanical Gaming Keyboard at COMPUTEX 2018 during June 5 - June 9 at the TWTC Nangang Exhibition Hall (4th floor, booth number M0120). The keyboard comes in a sleek and stunning finish that delivers 16.8 million of true RGB color illumination with 12 dynamic lighting effects.

Best yet, it is exclusively compatible with all Thermaltake TT RGB Sync Power Supply and Liquid Cooling Solutions - Toughpower iRGB Power Supply, Pure Plus 12 RGB Radiator Fan TT Premium Edition, Riing Plus Series RGB Radiator Fan TT Premium Edition, Pacific W4 Plus CPU Water Block, Pacific RL360 Plus RGB Radiator, Floe Riing RGB 360/280/240 TT Premium Edition, Pacific Lumi Plus LED Strip - and any other product range sporting the TT RGB Sync logo, enabling enthusiasts to sync all RGB colors seamlessly to all Thermaltake compatible product lines for even greater color coordination. In addition, the X1 RGB comes with an exclusively designed smartphone/tablet app with voice controlled AI for access to light functions and essential macros. The app also includes an exclusive patented designed Virtual Game Controller (VGC) mode for a truly unique and astounding mobile gaming experience.

iKBC shared a booth space with Mistel, and decided that this year was the year of the wireless mechanical keyboard. In doing so, they showed off the Bluetooth version of their budget-friendly CD108 full-size keyboard. The new CD108 BT has PBT plastic keycaps, a battery tray for two AAA batteries on the back, cable management for the removable USB Type-C cable for when you want to go wired, dipswitches for onboard functionality controls and a choice of genuine Cherry MX switches to choose from. Releasing later this year, the iKBC CD108 BT looks to be one of the only options for a wireless full-size mechanical keyboard coming up.

Mistel Keyboard has impressed us before with their MD870 SLEEKER keyboard before, and another of their products is being tested as we speak. They did not simply rest on their laurels this year, as they introduced a whole slew of new keyboards and even stepped out of their comfort zone with a new power supply range as well. Beginning with the keyboards, Mistel first showed us their take on the Cherry ML low profile switch- not to be confused with the new Cherry MX RGB Low Profile switch that debuted this year. Indeed, Mistel tells us they prefer the Cherry ML paired with their wire-style stabilizers and the new MD650L comes in multiple color options as well as a handy accessory that ties the two pieces together at a point to add a pivot function for ergonomics to those who do not prefer a fully split keyboard. Images of the keyboard are seen below, and lots more to follow after the break.

Leopold is a brand that not many are familiar with given they stick mostly to the Asian continent, and yet their keyboards are liked enough to warrant distributors and enthusiasts to seek them out around the world. At Computex this year, they continued to show why they merit more popularity by introducing new keycaps using thick PBT plastic and dye-sublimed legends that look better than anything else I have seen before. Indeed, dye-sublimation often results in the dye spreading outwards from the mould and the lettering not looking neat and sharp, and Leopold tells us they have worked hard to solve this issue for good. As a result, they are now offering keyboards in two different keycap sets to begin with- a more traditional beige two-tone, and a gunmetal grey two-tone as seen below. The first keyboard I saw with these new keycaps at their booth was the FC900R PS, a 104-key unit with Cherry MX switches, dip switches on the back for onboard functionality control, a removable mini-USB port and more.

1stPlayer is a Chinese PC gaming peripherals vendor that went international this Computex, entering the European market. It showed off a small range of PC gaming wares, including power-supplies, case fans, and keyboards. The PSU lineup, which includes the mainstream Steam Punk series, and the entry-level DK series, are characterized by full-modular cabling. The Steam Punk 650W has no steampunk design elements, dons a matte white body, with a white LED-illuminated fan, and a fascinating combination of power outputs (for its market positioning and Wattage), including two 4+4 pin EPS, four 6+2 pin PCIe power, six SATA power, and three Molex. This unit features 80 Plus Silver efficiency. Next up, is the all-black DK 650W, with an identical power connector loadout as the Steam Punk 650W, but with 80 Plus Bronze efficiency. Both models feature flat modular cables.

Next up, is the company's case fan series, which includes the Fire Moon, and the Fire Dancer. Both are 120 mm fans with fluid-dynamic bearing, which are capable of daisy-chaining with up to two fans (3 fans in all). The Fire Dancer series features a more pronounced silicone diffuser for its RGB LED lighting, which covers almost 2/3rds of the frame's bore and perimeter. The Fire Moon series features a thinner ring along the perimeter of the frame. Both feature vibration dampening mounts. The two are sold in packs of three fans, which includes a proprietary RGB LED hub, and an RF remote.

Tesoro, best known for its peripherals and gaming chair lineup, took to COMPUTEX to showcase the products it expects users to take keen interest to. The company's Durandal keyboard has been one of the crowd's favorite, and now, Tesoro is upgrading it to the Durandal MX One model, which features Cherry's MX RGB Silver Speed Switch. Other features include a high-strength steel plate casing with PBT double injection keycaps; USB 3.0 pass through; a detachable magnetic memory foam wrist rest (easily cleanable); and a sound control wheel and mute button. The Durandal MX One will be available from $149.99.

G.Skill unveiled the RipJaws KM670 RGB and KM660 RGB tenkeyless (87-key) mechanical gaming keyboards. While these are gaming-grade, they're being targeted at business users owing to their durability. The KM660 is more attention-grabbing, in that it has not just white keycaps, but also a translucent white silicone diffuser making up the top bezel, so its keys not only put up a light-show through the keycaps, but also leave behind a halo in the surrounding bezel.

The KM670 RGB, on the other hand, has a more sober 2-tone design, with a silvery aluminium bezel, black keycaps, and a piano black accent running the perimeter of the bezel. Under the hoods of both are Cherry MX RGB switches (various flavors available), and electronics with full NKRO (n-key rollover), anti-ghosting, onboard macro storage, and a detachable fiber sleeved USB cable.

Philips has been selling PC monitors for a while now, and at this year's Computex, the grand old Dutch company unveiled its first gaming-grade peripherals. This includes LED-backlit mechanical keyboards (both full-size and tenkeyless), and four different kinds of ergonomic gaming mice. The SPK8601BHSC and SPK8901SQWC are tenkeyless (87-key) keyboards. The former has a matte-black plastic bezel, and amber illumination, while the latter has silvery brushed aluminium bezel, and white LED illumination. Both keyboards feature "blue" mechanical switches (likely Cherry MX).

The full-size mechanical gaming keyboard lineup includes the SPK8401SQM, SPK8401SHW, SPK8401BHM, and the SPK8801. The SPK8401SQM features silvery brushed aluminium bezel, white keycaps, RGB LED backlighting, and Blue mechanical switches; the SPK8401SHW is its cheaper twin with white LED illumination instead of RGB. The SPK8401BHM has black brushed aluminium bezel, black keycaps, RGB illumination and Blue switches, the SPK8801 is its twin with white keycaps instead of black.

MSI is extremely proud to launch the Vigor GK80 and GK70 GAMING Keyboard as the latest additions to its Gaming Gear line of peripherals. With a strong focus on illumination using MSI's exclusive Mystic Light, both the Vigor GK80 and GK70 offer a gorgeous outlook and allow gamers to fully customize their setup down to each individual key. A premium base crafted out of anodized aluminum gives both models a very solid feel and is easy to clean thanks to the floating key design. Replaceable keycaps are included in two varieties: 12 with a rubber textured finish and 4 with metal surface to instantly find the right keys. Both keyboards feature Cherry MX RGB LED switches and exclusive hotkeys linked to MSI's exclusive Gaming App when paired with specific MSI GAMING series components for an amazing gaming experience.

ASUS is looking to introduce another keyboard solution to the market in the form of the Strix Flare RGB keyboard. The Strix Flare doubles down on the RGB goodness that has consumers diving for such products. It uses Cherry MX RGB switches (RGB Silver, Silent RGB Red, Silent RGB Black, Silent RGB Nature White); there's a white diffuser platform under the switches to more homogeneously spread the lighting effects; and the left and right sides of the keyboard sport LEDs that glow on users' desks. The clear plastic on the top right of the keyboard also basks in RGB goodness, and there are a couple of ASUS-branded stickers, and a single user-customizable one, that users can install there to achieve a desired RGB logo effect. All of this RGB goodness can be calibrated and individually controlled via ASUS' proprietary AURA Sync app.

Lighting and macros are adjustable and selectable on the fly; there are various media-dedicated controls on the left side of the keyboard, and there's profile configuration with ASUS' Armoury utility. The Strix Flare sports a detachable palm rest, USB pass-through, and is a wired affair that weighs in at 1,2 Kg with the cable, and should be available soon.

Corsair has launched a revised version of their K63 tenkeyless keyboard. The revised version brings with it support for wireless connection protocols (Bluetooth 4.2 (2.4 GHz and 128-bit AES wireless encryption), which means that users will now have one less wire running from their desk to their PC. In another bid to differentiate this revision from the wired one is that the per-key red LED lighting in the wired K63 has been replaced with blue LED illumination for this wireless version - another way for consumers not to be confused and know exactly which keyboard to buy. Corsair is also giving users who prefer it the option to go wired via a USB connection, however.

Other features include a 1,000 Hz poll rate, N key rollover and 100% anti-ghosting capabilities. There's also support for Corsair's "Utility Engine". The 91 keys (with the same Cherry MX Red switches as found on the wired K63) fit into a W 366 mm x 173 mm x H 41 mm frame, and the unit weighs about 1.09 kg. This model is compatible with the Lapdog solution, if that's something you care about, and should be available around the $109 mark.

Thermaltake has announced another entry to their keyboard lineup, which takes the form of the TT Premium X1 RGB. This keyboard, as the name implies, employs copious amounts of RGB lighting (16.8 million color illumination with 12 dynamic lighting effects), and delivers users' option of tactile feel with the choice of either Cherry MX Blue or Cherry MX Silver switch options, in a 104-key ANSI layout. The keys are of the floating type, there's transparent housing for the switches to help all the RGB goodness better envelop the keys. There's a removable wrist wrest, and an added bonus of a USB and audio pass through, which means users can simply connect their chosen headset directly to the keyboard. There are also multimedia and RGB-specific buttons, with multiple profile presets support. There's also TT RGB Sync compatibility built into the keyboard.

CORSAIR, a world leader in PC gaming peripherals and enthusiast components, today announced the release of the new CORSAIR K68 RGB water-resistant mechanical gaming keyboard. Equipped with 100% CHERRY MX RGB keyswitches, every key on the K68 RGB is individually backlit and programmable, giving PC gamers virtually unlimited lighting customization in a vivid array of colors. Every keyswitch is also individually shielded from dust and liquid spills to an IP32 protection rating, defending against accidents so that gameplay never has to stop. Loaded with extras, from a removable wrist-rest to dedicated multi-media keys, and fully programmable with CORSAIR Utility Engine Software, the CORSAIR K68 RGB offers ultra-durable RGB gaming.

Like all CORSAIR mechanical keyboards, the K68 RGB uses only German-made Cherry MX gold-contact keyswitches for the utmost in reliability and consistency. Each switch is rated to over 50 million key presses, ensuring that the 50 millionth key press feels just as good as the first. Available with Cherry MX RGB Red switches, which provide a smooth, quiet and linear action, the K68 RGB's keys feel instantly familiar, whether you're typing or gaming.

Varmilo, a renowned Chinese keyboard manufacturer, is adding a PUBG-inspired keyboard to their already exotic lineup. The new Chicken Dinner mechanical keyboard certainly upholds the company's reputation for uniqueness. It features a distinctive multi-colored theme and high-quality dye-sublimated PBT keycaps. And just to put the icing on the cake, Varmilo replaced the number keys and some of the function keys with the corresponding PUBG in-game key bindings. The spacebar even carries the iconic "WINNER WINNER CHICKEN DINNER!" phrase. It's safe to say that the Chicken Dinner mechanical keyboard is fit for all tastes. Consumers who prefer compactness can opt for the tenkeyless model (VA87M) and those who need the number pad can grab the full-size model (VA108M). The wide selection of switches includes the Cherry MX Red, Blue, Brown, and Silver.

German switch maker Cherry officially announced their MX Low Profile RGB switches at CES 2018 a few days ago. Ducky Channel also seized this opportunity to promote their upcoming Ducky Blade Air mechanical keyboard which features the new low profile switches. Thanks to the slim design, the Ducky Blade Air stands just 22 mm tall, but boasts a full feature set that includes various RGB lighting modes, customizable LED zones, USB N-key rollover support, floating keycap design, Doubleshot keycaps, and macro support. The Ducky Blade Air allows consumers to connect the keyboard to their computers using an old-school USB cable or via a wireless Bluetooth connection. The keyboard works in a Windows or Mac environment, as well as with Android and iOS mobile devices.