8BitDo is known for making retro gaming-themed peripherals, and it's now expanded that line-up with two more products in a transparent green color way reminiscent of the original Microsoft Xbox gaming console. The 8BitDo Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard has received a refresh in classic transparent Xbox colors, and 8BitDo has launched its first gaming mouse, the Retro R8 Mouse in the same color way. The new colorway incorporates the expected transparent green plastic enclosures for the mouse and keyboard and also features bright red, yellow, blue, and green accent colors that, following the traditional ABXY button colors. Both the new Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard ($199.99) and Retro R8 Mouse ($59.99) are available for pre-order on Amazon, although it looks like the initial batches on the mouse have sold out for now.

While 8BitDo has opted for Kailh Jellyfish X switches, likely for their transparent appearance, the hardware changes to the Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard are mostly limited to the transparent green case, keycaps, and extra macro buttons. The mouse, on the other hand, bears further inspection, since it's a new product category for 8BitDo. On a surface level, the 8BitDo Retro R8 Mouse looks like a typical ambidextrous gaming mouse, with a claimed eight programmable buttons, USB-C, 2.4 GHz, and Bluetooth LE connectivity, and up to 26,000 DPI resolution. While it's not advertised as a lightweight mouse, it's certainly not heavy for a wireless mouse, coming in at 77 g. The Retro R8 Mouse also comes with a matching charging dock, which 8BitDo says will charge the mouse to 100% in 2.5 hours and acts as a signal extender. 8BitDo claims that the mouse can achieve between 26 and 105 hours of use from its 450 mAh Li-ion battery in wireless mode, depending on the polling rate and connectivity mode.

Alogic, a global leader in advanced connectivity solutions, is set to unveil and showcase an exciting array of new smart tech products at IFA 2024 in Berlin, beginning today. This year, Alogic will introduce innovative APEX mice, ECHELON Compact Wireless keyboards and ILLUMINATE monitor light with 4K webcam. The brand will also showcase its recently announced monitors including, Clarity Touch 5K, Edge 34 & 40 inch Ultrawide OHD, and Horizon 34 inch Ultrawide display. These cutting-edge products are expected to be available by the end of the year.

Leading the reveal is the Apex Wireless Performance Mouse, in black and white. The Apex mouse boasts ergonomic curves for comfort over long use, attempting to combat hand strain with a design conducive to a natural position of the hand. Apex includes preconfigured Mac and Windows shortcut profiles that make it easier for users to take screenshots, switch windows and navigate between desktops. Also included on Apex are extra buttons, a horizontal scroll wheel, and programmable keyboard shortcuts via the Apex Control app-which streamlines the process for Mac or Windows. Users can create custom shortcuts for Apex's buttons using the Apex Control app, available for Mac and Windows.

At Computex 2024, we discovered in Sharkoon's booth, among many other products, the latest additions to its keyboard portfolio: the Sharkoon SGK50 PBT Wood series. These newly announced mechanical keyboards have one particular thing - they are made of wood (body, baseplate, palm rest). To quote Sharkoon, "they are the world's first wooden mechanical keyboards to be mass-produced," so we can expect decent prices for something that was previously considered a premium, limited-edition product. They do look really nice and we already can see them fit to those who appreciate classic, elegant design with a touch of wood.

The keyboards come in three sizes: a 60% model, the SGK50 S2 PBT Wood; a 75% one, the SGK50 S3 PBT Wood; and the full-size 96% format known as SGK50 S4 PBT Wood. The primary difference lies in their size, as the internal components are the same - based on Sharkoon's SGK50 with Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches and a hot-swap PCB for 3-pin and 5-pin switches. Interestingly, each keyboard is unique in appearance, as the base is CNC-milled from a single piece of wood, giving them slight visual differences. We don't have an exact date for when these wooden mechanical keyboards will be available in stores. However, the prices seem to range from €149.9 to €169.9.

It's all about keyboards in Akko / Mons Geek's Computex 2024 booth, where they have on display the full range of mechanical keyboards already on sale, the new M1 V3 keyboard, new Pro switches, an all-wooden keyboard (case and keys), the premium Year of the Dragon keyboard, and a prototype all-resin keyboard. MonsGeek's M1 V3 mechanical aluminium keyboard with magnetic switches is the newest model available in a 75% format with 82 keys, featuring a multimedia control knob and extended color options. From Akko's side we have new the V3 Creamy Purple Pro 5-pin switches (priced at $0.22 each), standing out with a 3 mm total travel (2 mm pre-travel) and a 30 g operating force. With a 55 g tactile force, these switches offer smoothness and precision with a distinct, smooth sound.

At Computex 2024, DarkFlash, maker of PC hardware and accessories, unveiled the DY450 and DY450L computer cases. The DY450 and DY450L boast a versatile design that supports ATX, Micro ATX, and ITX motherboards, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of builds. While the DY450 offers ample interior space with dimensions of L451 x W258 x H491 mm, the DY450L takes it a step further with slightly larger dimensions of L451 x W258 x H568 mm. Both cases feature a sleek front I/O panel equipped with USB 3.0, Type-C, and HD Audio ports, providing seamless connectivity and immersive audio experiences. Constructed from durable SPCC 0.8 mm material, these cases are built to withstand the rigors of modern computing, ensuring long-lasting performance and sturdy build quality. The DY450 offers a generous drive bay configuration supporting up to 5 HDDs or SSDs, while the DY450L provides ample storage options with support for up to 4 drives. With 7 and 9 expansion slots, respectively, and support for 90-degree installation, these cases offer unparalleled versatility in component placement and arrangement.

DuckyChannel International Co., Ltd., a leading manufacturer dedicated to providing top-notch hardware solutions such as mechanical keyboards and professional mice, has unveiled upgraded versions of its One 3 Pro and wireless three-mode Zero series models tailored to different user groups. Building on the strengths of the One 3 series, the One 3 Pro Nazca Line incorporates Ducky's innovative QUACK Mechanics+ along with features such as an 8K reporting rate, triple-shot true PBT keycaps, and a south-facing switch design. It also introduces an upgraded Cherry MX2A switch series, enhancing existing outstanding features and injecting innovative functionalities. The wireless tri-mode Zero 6108, on the other hand, features hot-swappable technology and PBT double-shot keycaps, catering to both the work and entertainment needs of users.

One 3 Pro Series Mechanical Keyboard
The frequency at which the keyboard reports to the computer. A higher polling rate results in lower input lag. Ducky One 3 Pro Nazca Line delivers inputs with an 8,000 Hz polling rate for optimal performance. Faster polling rates mean that keystrokes are detected more quickly, resulting in less lag and fewer missed keystrokes. This can be particularly important in fast-paced typing situations, such as gaming or coding, where even a slight delay or missed keystrokes can be costly.

We always had more Middle-earth keyboards in us. We just had to get back on the horse. For our latest release, we mean that in more ways (and more boards) than one. Meet the Drop + The Lord of the Rings Rohan Keyboard: a heroic typing staple sent from our stables in two styles, each inspired by the kingdom of horsemasters. Choose from the brown Edoras or the green Aldburg, named after the Riddermark's two biggest cities—and adorned with pad-printed artwork from OSHETART depicting a Rohan-inspired seal your entire desk can rally around.

MUSTER THE ROHIRRIM—IN 2 COLORWAYS
And like the great gathering of the Rohirrim before the Battle of the Pelennor Fields—these keyboards are sporting something of an army themselves. That army comes in the form of a newly created DCD-profile keycap set (in matching green or brown) featuring a host of Rohan-inspired novelties designed by OSHETART—including galloping horses, a cavalry helmet, the beacons of Minas Tirith, and iconography from Anglo Saxon culture: an inspiration for Rohan. Throw in tactile Holy Panda X Switches paired with our nearly silent Phantom Stabilizers, and you're ready to type—type now, for ruin, and the world's ending.

Drop, the leading community-driven e-commerce brand, today unveiled the CSTM80, its inaugural keyboard in its CSTM series of highly customizable mechanical keyboards. On the heels of launching its Battlestations shopping experience earlier this year, Drop continues to push the boundaries of personal expression for its enthusiast community with design-forward innovations.

The CSTM80 is a tenkeyless mechanical keyboard featuring a magnetic top case that users can switch out and pair with a matching cable and keycaps to reflect their personal style and preferences. At launch, users can choose from several different color cases, as well as two designed cases, to match their preferred aesthetic. Unlike other "customizable" keyboards on the market that only allow the top cover to be swapped out, the magnetic case on the CSTM80 encapsulates nearly the entire keyboard, allowing for greater customization among users and expanding the canvas for designers to craft more intricate designs.

Discover innovation at its finest with the all-new Epomaker Shadow-X Mechanical Keyboard.

Sleek Design FRL TKL 70% Layout for Optimal Space Utilization
Embodying an unprecedented 70% layout, Epomaker spares no effort in creating the cutting-edge mechanical keyboard in hopes of bringing better typing and visual experience to keyboard enthusiasts. Epomaker Shadow-X is designed with a sleek outlook to not only optimize the desk space but also to retain the full function of a keyboard. Despite its Function-row-less TKL keyboard, a simple shortcut effortlessly activates the function row when needed.

Intuitive LCD screen and Precision Metal Rotary Knob
Keeping up with the modern trend, Shadow-X features an intuitive LCD screen that presents essential things to users at a glance. Moreover, the screen is fully customizable using the Epomaker Driver, allowing users to personalize the screen with favorite pictures or GIFs, elevating the keyboard experience to new heights. Another standout feature is its metal rotary knob, ingeniously set as a connection mode switch. With a seamless rotation, this innovative keyboard effortlessly switches between various devices.

Peripheral and accessory manufacturer 8BitDo today announced pre-orders are open for their Nintendo themed 'Retro Mechanical Keyboard' and accompanying 'Dual Super Buttons'. The two themes available are the "N Edition" and "Fami Edition". The former features the red, gray, and white coloring of the classic NES, while the latter features the maroon, black, and white coloring of the Famicom. "Fami Edition" also features both English and Japanese characters on the keycaps. Both editions are the same base 87-key, or tenkeyless, layout with a power LED on the top right and two dials at the top left for controlling volume and the connectivity. On the topic of connectivity the keyboard features Bluetooth, 2.4G wireless, and USB wired options while up to four sets of Super Buttons can connect to the keyboard via the rear 3.5 mm jacks.

Beneath the themed PBT keycaps are Kailh BOX V2 White switches attached to a hot-swappable PCB, while the Super Buttons feature heavy Gateron Green switches for a more chunky tactile feel. The keyboard has n-key rollover support and the keys can be remapped using 8BitDo's Ultimate Software V2, with the Super Buttons being customizable on the fly without software. The software requires a minimum of Windows 10 1903 or Android 9.0. Inside the keyboard body is a 2,000mAh battery which 8BitDo advertises as offering 200 hours of usable life on a single charge.

Mistel Keyboards had a large booth at Computex this year showcasing products from the brand in addition to those from Vortexgear and Leopold. We'll cover the other two separately but this post caters to the Taiwanese peripheral brand Mistel. When I had last seen them in 2020, the man behind Mistel had told me of his plans to have ultra low profile mechanical keyboards as well as setting up Mistel's own factory to produce and sell keycaps. In 2023, both of these plans have come to fruition. The Mistel Air One uses Cherry's ULP mechanical switches we saw before on the CORSAIR K100 AIR in a 65% form factor. It is just 13 mm thick, weighs under 300 g, and yet manages to have sound dampening foam inside. The keyboard uses a machined aluminium chassis, supports both Windows and macOS, and comes with a carry bag too. Mistel plans to have a wireless version down the line but the wired Air One should be available for purchase soon.

Mistel also opened QKA Keeb—a sister brand dedicated to its in-house designed and manufactured keycaps. These range from simple black-on-white keycaps all the way to themed colorful sets, some of which were presented at the trade show. Also shown off were new split keyboards in the form of the MD600 V3—an update to the MD600 we reviewed in 2018—as well as a new curved key column version called MD600 Alpha. Both of these are 60% form factor keyboards that come with wireless connectivity and RGB support too. The MD600 Alpha can also be seen as a split Alice layout keyboard too once put together.

Gamdias has introduced a number of new products for gamers and streamers at Computex 2023. The Pheme M1 is the company's dedicated desktop microphone - it features a supercardioid pickup pattern that precisely detects and captures the user's voice with studio quality recording quality (192 kHz / 24-bit resolution). The microphone's feed can be muted via a single button press, and an ENC mode can also be activated. An in-built 3.5 mm headphone jack provides in-house monitoring so users can precisely dial in their audio stream's mix. A gain control dial grants the ability to adjust out clipping and peaking sound issues. The Pheme M1 sports an integrated RGB lighting system with 12 modes on tap (press the gain control dial to switch between these).

The PHEME M1 is a Full HD 1080p / 60 FPS resolution gaming webcam that can be controlled via a simple single tap system - the camera feed can be turned on and off swiftly for effective privacy protection. The smart system is capable of rapid autofocus and accurate footage capture, it also compatible with a wide variety of leading streaming platforms and software suites. Gamdias boasts that the PHEME M1's Transcendent lens has a less than a 1% distortion rating - which is superior to the normal market rating of 3%.

Varmilo has a big booth at Computex 2023 and showed off two new mech keyboards - the Minilo 75% and Shine Kara - the former is actually available to order direct from their web store right now, which is a pleasant surprise. The latter appears to be an early preview unit, and Varmilo has not confirmed a specific release date for it.

Customers can configure the Minilo 75% with three different high-grade gray tones - from the company's Morandi-style color scheme (inspired by Italian painter Giorgio Morandi) - Eucalyptus, Mendozae and Bluebell. The design is also divided into a three-layer color separation scheme (upper, middle and lower) that is pleasing to the eye. Varmilo states that this model provides a "satisfying sound, pleasant tactile feel and great rebound" user experience - thanks to a gasket mount system and padding within the casing.

Sharkoon gave us a good look at some upcoming additions to their SKILLER lineup of customizable mechanical keyboards at their booth Computex 2023. The new 75% layout SKILLER SGK50 S3 arrives as a fresh series replete with a selection of unique design bundles that pair a fully themed keyboard with a similarly themed mouse mat, as well as a standalone base model configuration. The variations exist as the SKILLER SGK50 S3D1 through SGK50 S3D6, each featuring dye-sublimation printed PBT keycaps atop pre-installed Gateron switches which are then mounted to a hot-swap friendly PCB design that can host both 3 and 5 pin switch bodies. Sharkoon includes a detachable braided USB-C spiral cable with a locking aviator connector. The SKILLER SGK50 S3 series supports full open-source QMK/VIA software customization, mapping, and macros. Barebone models of the existing 60% SKILLER SGK50 S4 as well as the new 75% SGK50 S3 are expected to be available for full user configuration and customization.

In a city named after night, the pursuit of one thing is shared by criminals, corporations, and citizens alike. It's apogee—the best, the greatest—and it's caused many to alter themselves with next-gen tech, building on their bodies and becoming borgs. The story's the same on the new Drop Paragon Series Cyboard: the latest installment in the highest tier of our Icon Collection.

Outfitted with the finest enthusiast components, including hand-lubricated Holy Panda X Clear Switches and Phantom Stabilizers, it delivers an unrivaled tactile typing experience. It also features hand-placed dampening material between the case and the PCBA to take that experience further with ultra-satisfying texture and acoustics. On the aesthetic side, apogee is all but attained via the Drop + MiTo DCX Cyber Keycap Set, elevated by an exclusive Cyber Yellow CTRL High-Profile aluminium case. It's a look straight out of 2077—hand-assembled in the USA for exceptional performance, and shipped with a soft carry case for secure, streamlined carry.

Das Keyboard, a leader in mechanical keyboards, today announced the introduction of the Das Keyboard 6 Professional, a full-size, premium keyboard built with the modern workday in mind. The new Das Keyboard 6 Professional features white LED backlighting for working day or night, double-shot ABS keycaps with crisp inscriptions, a 2-port USB-C hub, an oversized volume knob, dedicated media keys, and an energy-saving, instant sleep button. The Das Keyboard 6 Professional comes with Cherry MX blue or brown switches. With a premium, anodized aluminum top enclosure and detachable screw-on feet made of brass, the 6 Pro is extremely durable.

"The new era of work demands high levels of collaboration, communication, and typing, as well as periods of deep, focused work and breaks to stay healthy and productive throughout the day," said Daniel Guermeur, cofounder and CEO of Das Keyboard. "We designed our 6 Pro as an essential tool for professionals that want to conquer the modern workday with comfort and efficiency."

Today, Logitech expanded its Master Series with two new mechanical keyboards - the full-size MX Mechanical and minimalist MX Mechanical Mini - and MX Master 3S mouse. Logitech's Master Series brings advanced digital creators ultimate productivity tools, featuring high performance mechanical typing and precision tracking. "There is a growing community of software developers who fell in love with mechanical keyboards when they started playing games, and now they want the same feeling of precision and control with their professional desktop keyboard," said Tolya Polyanker, head of the MX Series for Creativity and Productivity at Logitech. "MX Mechanical combines the best of both - Logitech's gaming keyboard expertise with MX Master Series signature experiences."

MX Mechanical and MX Mechanical Mini offer the latest generation of low profile mechanical switches. Tactile Quiet (Brown) key switch makes it Logitech's quietest mechanical keyboard ever with an amazing mechanical typing feel. Clicky (Blue) and Linear (Red) switch options are also available in select markets. The keyboards are designed with dual-colored keycaps for an optimized peripheral view. Smart backlighting, in six lighting options, automatically adjusts brightness for ambient light and switches off when not needed for efficient battery consumption.

In today's times when most brands are moving towards digitalization, there is a brand that still believes in retro-themed designs for products that come into use in our day-to-day activities. We are talking about the brand called Lofree here. Lofree is a well-known brand that has got all the praises for having a unique design approach for modern products. They specialize in designing products such as mechanical keyboards, Bluetooth table speakers, table fans, etc. Today, Lofree took it to the internet and released three new products at a launch event. The launch event was also streamed online on their official WeChat channel. Lofree has added three new products to their Mechanical Keyboard catalog: the Wanderfree Moment, the 1% Mechanical Keyboard, and the Gift Box Wireless Mechanical Keyboard.

JamesDonkey is a fairly established peripheral maker based out of China with an unfortunate but catchy name, and has been known to provide good value offerings when it comes to keyboards, mice, headsets etc. The company reached out to us about its new TKL keyboard that JamesDonkey aims to make globally accessible courtesy vendors such as Mechkeys, and I thought it was worth talking about here at least—if not do a full review. The JamesDonkey RS4 is a new take on a feature-rich TKL mechanical keyboard with wired USB connectivity in addition to Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless options. There is a side-mounted multi-function wheel for volume and media playback, and a 4000 mAh battery helps with the available 16.8 M per-key RGB lighting too. It comes stock with two-tone PBT keycaps as well as Gaterons' new Pro Yellow 2.0 switches that promise a buttery smooth typing experience. The JamesDonkey RS4 is up for pre-order now at $79 and is expected to ship in May for those interested.

Epomaker announces the Epomaker Lite, a 60% form factor wireless mechanical keyboard whose patented Shallow Gasket-Mount design makes it unique from any other traditional gasket-mount keyboard on the current market. In addition to the new design, the Epomaker Lite also features many attractive features such as hot swappable switches, wired and wireless dual connectivity, and multi-device simultaneous connection.

What's a Gasket-Mount Structure?
The core concept of a gasket-mount design is to provide a soft typing feeling and raindrop-like typing sounds by avoiding direct contact between the keyboard plate and the other keyboard components. Instead of using screws to support the inner components, the traditional gasket structure uses small pieces of rubber/silicone gaskets on the edges inside the keyboard, making the gaskets be the main contact points between the inner bottom of the case, the PCB, and the top plate. Nonetheless, the conventional gasket structures only have the gaskets padding on the edges of the keyboard, leaving the center empty. This can cause a lack of support in the main typing area of the keyboard, resulting in an inconsistent sound and typing feel.

CORSAIR, a world leader in high-performance gear for gamers and content creators, today announced a colorful new lineup of its CORSAIR K65 RGB MINI 60% mechanical gaming keyboards: the Flavor Rush Series. These limited-edition keyboards, available exclusively from the CORSAIR webstore in the United States, are decked-out in four unique color schemes and kick off the new CORSAIR COLLECTIONS product line - limited-release gaming gear with unique color combinations and designs for personalizing your setup or building the ultimate PC gaming collection.

Flavor Rush K65 RGB MINI keyboards adorn your desktop with bright, charming colors atop a brilliant white frame for truly eye-catching aesthetics. Choose from the refreshingly green Hint of Mint, Bubblegum Pop's burst of pink, the blue splash of Berry Wave, or a sweet slice of forever summer in Watermelon Blast. Each Flavor Rush keyboard also includes a new CORSAIR Artisan sails logo keycap - the first of its kind - launching today as a standalone product as well. This premium clear resin keycap lets maximum RGB backlighting shine through, giving your keyboard a brilliant accent point of light and color while showing off your CORSAIR flair. With all these color and customization options, Flavor Rush keyboards make unforgettable additions to your CORSAIR setup.

DuckyChannel International Co., Ltd., a leading manufacturer dedicated to delivering professional-grade mechanical keyboards and mice, is officially launching a new series to our rich lineage of mechanical keyboards. Introducing the Ducky One 3 series, the successor to our renowned One 2. The new One 3 will launch with an exclusive addition, the Cherry RGB Clear switch. Additionally, our brand-new QUACK Mechanics design philosophy is applied to further elevate our already prominent characteristics. Ducky is ecstatic for everyone to feel the incomparable typing experience from the moment you touch the keyboard！

4 Exclusive QUACK Mechanics Design Features

• True PBT Double-Shot Keycaps：Stain resistant keycaps with a frosted surface to embrace all challenges head-on.
• Optimized Construction：Designed with perfecting weight distribution and center of gravity in mind to enhance stability & precision.
• Authentic Acoustics：Reduces undesired sounds, immerse yourself in the raw acoustics of genuine switches.
• Tuned for Balance：Stabilizers fine-tuned for an exceptional typing experience where the user and keyboard become one.

Wooting is a brand that is near and dear to me in that it brought about the most innovating keyboard feature in ages with its analog control Flaretech switches a few years ago. It's debut product—the Wooting One—is a tenkeyless (TKL) form factor keyboard, which was then supported by the full-size Wooting Two. New switches and an updated software suite came about earlier this year with the Wooting Two HE, whose review is in the works as we speak, but that did not stop the company from seeing everyone else come out with a 60% form factor keyboard this past year too. Enter then the Wooting 60HE, and it's already a commercial success!

Wooting went the crowdfunding route with the 60HE, but hosted the campaign on its own website rather than going the Kickstarter or Indiegogo route and giving a cut to the platform. It was a risk that paid off big time clearly, with the campaign meeting its goal within 12 hours and now stretch goals in the consideration, with the first one being a differently color USB cable. If you fancy being a founder, hit up the link below and see some other cool features available, including founder's only swag and even an Easter egg on the PCB itself. The Wooting 60HE can be backed starting from €154.99 (inc. VAT), which in itself is a 10% discount over the eventual MSRP of €169.99, and delivery is slated for Q2 of 2022.

Epomaker announces the Epomaker NT68, a wireless 65% compact mechanical keyboard designed with versatility, which comes with a foldable carrying case which can be used as a movable stand. This is a slim, sleek, and smart keyboard designed for creators, developers, gamers, and anyone who seeks performance, portability, and comfort anywhere they need to work and game.

Type and play games efficiently and comfortably on your familiar keyboard layout - the NT68 can directly sit on the top of your laptop's built-in keyboard while preserving the laptop's trackpad at your most familiar position for more precision and control. No matter you are using windows system or macOS, the media keys you need can be easily accessed by designated shortcuts. By pressing FN+W/E, you can effortlessly switch the keyboard layout between Windows and macOS. If there are any specific preferences, NT68's software allows you to customize the layout and remap the keys based on any personal needs. Your customized layout can be stored as a layer in the keyboard, and you can save up to 3 customized layers， which refers to three different layouts to fit your various devices.

[Editor's note: Our review of the Mountain Everest Max keyboard can be found here]

MOUNTAIN, creator of innovative, premium peripherals with user-centric design to enable gamers to perform at their best, brings integration of OBS Studio to Base Camp. Starting with version 1.0.36, MOUNTAIN's critically acclaimed management software interfaces with OBS Studio to allow for easy streaming setup and management.

Users of MOUNTAIN Everest mechanical keyboards will be able to create custom key bindings to easily access OBS Studio functions, significantly decreasing the complexity of setting up a streaming or recording setup. Everest Max' surplus of available buttons offers plenty of room for different functions, doing away with the need to remember complex hotkeys.