We first saw the new SUN switches from Kailh back at Computex this year, featuring centralized and bright lighting incorporated in mechanical switches that also offered a lower-than-average actuation and travel distance. At the 2018 Electronica tradefair in Munich, Kailh showed off the first retail keyboard to make use of these switches in the form of the Hexgears GK760.

Hexgears is a Chinese startup company in collaboration with Andrew Lekashman of Input Club fame, and already has an interesting keyboard in the form of the X-1 low profile wireless unit. The new GK760 is a full-size keyboard with 104 keys and ABS plastic keycaps, which also appear to be low in profile even though the actual switches are not necessarily so. This makes for a confusing choice, but we will hold judgement until we get our hands on one ourselves. There is an entire column of programmable G-keys (macro keys), as well as a dedicated volume scroll wheel and a thick plushy wrist rest to go along with a keyboard case with angles galore to provide an aesthetic different than the usual, while still looking clean and minimalist. We can also see what appear to be two USB passthrough ports, and secondary legends on the keycaps indicate lots of onboard control as well. No word yet on retail availability and pricing, and we look forward to seeing more of the keyboard and the new Kailh switches in action.

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.

The GRAM Spectrum TKL Mechanical Keyboard follows the award winning GRAM Spectrum, delivering a low profile design in a compact version. Featuring the Tesoro's low-profile Agile Switch, the GRAM TKL offers precise keystrokes, fast response and accurate actuation available within a shorter, beautiful tenkeyless body. Experience typing and gaming with an ergonomic, aligned mouse placement for optimal comfort with hours of use. While compact in size, features, functionality and customization are robust and plentiful with the GRAM TKL. Enhanced RGB with 16.8M color customization, the GRAM TKL is housed within double injected PBT keycaps and casing made from high-strength steel plate.

Hardware pre-orders are a mixed bag, especially when it comes to keyboards from a peripheral maker that you know are going to be available for retail sale one way or another. AZIO showed off their R.C.K. (Retro Compact Keyboard) series at Computex this year, with the defining features including a TKL form factor keyboard offering their Retro-series options of genuine leather or wood materials for the keyboard, a typewrite-style mechanical keyboard design that AZIO have used to good success in the past, and a combination of wired and wireless (via Bluetooth) connectivity as well. A 5000 mAh battery should provide months of battery life even with backlighting on, which is a nice change of pace from the current crop of wireless mechanical keyboards that struggle to go more than a few days on a single charge.

IndieGoGo as a platform used to be associated with crowdfunding a product, and indeed the original AZIO Retro series of keyboards came about that way. But the new R.C.K. range appears to be up for what AZIO terms is a "pre-launch" perk at a heavily discounted price, rather than this being a requirement towards getting the product to market. If you are so interested, the current pre-order price is $119 for a keyboard and matching palm rest (in leather or wood to match the keyboard), which is a 45% discount to the $219 MSRP for when the keyboard launches in December 2018. The special price ends September 15 and pre-orders have become an accepted norm in the enthusiast keyboard community today, but we still recommend thinking hard before going forward with pre-orders in general.

In addition to the fairly unique Rev-o-mate, i-Rocks also had a plethora of new keyboards to show off recently. These included updates to existing keyboard lines, new additions using mechanical and electrocapacitive switches, as well as a security keyboard/accessory utilizing fingerprints.

First up, we took a look at the K72E Capacitive keyboard. This uses the same platform as the i-Rocks K72M which uses their own mechanical switches except with new electrocapacitive (hence the E, rather than the M in the name) switches that we first saw in the i-Rocks K70E that was reviewed by us recently. As such, the K72E uses a removable (for modding or otherwise) aluminum top plate with beveled edges for a more defined look compared to the more standard rectangular cuboid normally seen. The top cover especially is on the thicker side of average, and allows for i-Rocks to make replacement covers available for those wanting different color options. The capacitive switches on the K70E were impressive overall, so this version should attract those who wanted those switches on a different aesthetic than the K70E that uses an acrylic top cover and paper skins for customization. Be sure to read past the break for more information on their other keyboards.

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.

AZIO Corp underwent a massive makeover in their product line the last few years, focusing on their typewriter-style mechanical keyboards and then doubling down on it to give their products a different look than most others. Their Retro Classic line from last year introduced vegetable-tanned genuine leather to the keyboards, and then there was a special edition that made use of genuine wood trim as well. At Computex this year, AZIO showed more of the same being applied to other products, as well as hinting towards the use of more such unique materials in the future.

The Retro Classic full-size keyboard was shown in a new orange leather color, which went well with an entire system a wrist rest and mouse pads as well. This was next to another wood option, this time a lighter tone that went well with the white keycaps as opposed to the darker grain wood and black keycaps from the previous version. AZIO also showed off more mouse pads under the R.C. Mouse Pad name in two sizes (medium and XL) and multiple genuine leather color options to match the rest of their portfolio.

Vortexgear, which is more commonly referred to simply as Vortex, has a close collaboration with iKBC when it comes to their product line and this year at Computex was no different. Indeed, it was evident that Vortex were joining in the fray of making 2018 the year of wireless mechanical keyboards now that RGB is a done deal, with every single new product having that option.

We began our look at the Vortex section of the giant Mistel/iKBC/Vortex booth with the new members to their popular Poker series of keyboards- a 60% form factor keyboard that offered onboard layers and programmability at a time when this was just a dream for even keyboard enthusiasts. The Poker IV is scheduled to work with their new software driver, thus finally allowing end users the freedom to customize layers and keys to a larger and easier extent than before. The two-tone keycap color scheme we saw with their recent keyboards carries over here, as does a thick plastic case to hit a wallet-friendly price point. On the back is a toggle for the power alongside a battery tray for two AAA batteries. New this year to the Poker series is also the so-called Poker Vol. 2 that trades in for a thick metal case and a split space bar. Images for the new Poker keyboards are seen below, and there is more to go after the break.

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.

Ducky had more to show at Computex this year besides their flagship keyboards, with some additions to their more budget-friendly Ducky One 2 (second iteration) and the entry-level Zero series, along with the Blade keyboard finally making a full appearance. The One 2 series received a new member to the family with the One 2 Mini that comes in either an ANSI 61-key or an ISO 62-key form factor. As with the rest of the One 2 series, these get a dual-color bezel too, albeit plastic instead of metal as with the Shine 7. The One 2 Mini series will come in many color versions, each of which further has multiple Cherry MX switch options as well as backlighting options (none, single color, RGB backlit). All of them retain the excellent PBT doubleshot injected keycaps with seamless legends we saw before, and these also have front printed legends (albeit laser etched owing to difficulty in making these doubleshot injected along with the top legends) to help configure layers that compensate for the fewer number of keys. Another feature to note is the detachable USB Type-C connectivity, with onboard functionality and the three-stage height adjustment being retained from the rest of the series. Images of the new One 2 Mini keyboards are seen below along with the relatively new One 2 RGB, and there is more to read after the break.

Ducky shared a large booth with VARMILO at Computex this year, and they made good use of it showing off a lot of new products that require multiple posts to cover in good detail. We begin with the flagship Shine 7, the hotly-anticipated successor to their Shine 6 RGB keyboard (a review of which is incoming here very soon). Ducky had received some flak from their loyal customer base for using a plastic case for the Shine series recently, and they were quick to acknowledge this was an error on their parts and that the Shine series should always showcase the best of their technology inside and out. As such, the upcoming Shine 7 uses a thick zinc alloy case, and the case itself comprises of two pieces such that the available color options for the keyboard will always use dual color-anodized exteriors. Seen below are the various color combinations showcased at the event, and Ducky is eager in collecting feedback on what the customer wants them to adopt for the final retail versions as it would not be feasible to produce every single option. Be sure to comment on the story if you have a preference, and read past the break for more.

Continuing on our coverage of Computex 2018, now we take a closer look at the VARMILO brand, a subsidiary of Shenzhen Zhihaihe technology co., LTD. based out of China. They shared a large booth space with Ducky Keyboard, and there were more than a few interesting products to be seen here- some previously released, some released very recently, and others announced for the first time at the trade show.

Beginning with products that were new is the VARMILO V Motion. This is a $170 keyboard with an optical sensor at the top left corner on the front which detects hand motion such that the keyboard backlighting can be effectively controlled by a simple motion of your hands. The rest of the keyboard, which can be easy to ignore given this revelation, features a standard 104-key US ANSI layout in a metal frame and thick plastic case. A video, courtesy the brand, is past the break so you can see better how the V Motion works.

Computex 2018 was a busy event for everyone in the industry, and this included switch maker Kailhua Electronics Co., LTD who had a booth under their brand Kailh at the trade show. Shown here were their new SUN switches that feature centralized lighting to allow keyboard makers to not have to worry about keycap legends being stuck to the top for good backlighting and illumination. The SUN switches currently are a single version with a tactile bump and an operation force of 50 gf at an actuation distance of 1.8 mm and a total travel distance of 3.5 mm.More on the offerings at the Kailh booth after the break.

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.

We visited AZiO's booth to get a sneak peek of their upcoming products. First up, we got a glimpse of their Atom, Aventa, and Bluetooth Retro Classic mice. The AZiO Atom is an ambidextrous RGB gaming mouse which is available in black or white. It boasts a 280-degree surround RGB lighting system with onboard control. The Atom features an anti-slip surface finish to provide users with a better grip and a Pixart 3360 optical sensor for dead-accurate precision. The Aventa, on the other hand, sports a more aeronautic exterior with a Zinc alloy exoskeletal frame complemented by an ergonomic hand grip. Both the scroll wheel and 3D logo possess RGB backlighting. The Aventa utilizes the exact same sensor as the Atom. Lastly, the Retro Classic is built with a metal frame with bolts and makes use of a refined leather and plastic interchangeable surface.

AZiO also had some interesting keyboards on display as well. The MGK Ultra is the company's latest RGB backlit gaming mechanical keyboard. It's available with Cherry MX Blue, Red, Brown, or Silver switches. This keyboard features a full RGB backlit control which doesn't require the use of software. The lighting is separated into two independent zones. The interchangeable top plate is made of bulletproof Kevlar and exotic carbon fiber material, and the spacious palm rest is magnetic. An integrated USB 3.0 hub and audio ports are also present on the keyboard.

The Glorious Modular Mechanical TKL Keyboard (GMMK-TKL) is a tenkeyless mechanical gaming keyboard manufactured by the guys at Glorious PC Gaming Race. But what really differentiates the GMMK-TKL from your typical mechanical keyboard is the modular design that allows users to easily swap between switches. The GMMK-TKL supports various MX-based switches from popular brands like Cherry, Gateron, Kailh, and Zealios. This design gives the user full control over which switches to use on the keyboard. One can even think out of the box and use a combination of different switches on the same keyboard.

Besides the hot-swappable switch design, the GMMK-TKL has everything that you would expect from a mechanical gaming keyboard. The minimalistic design contains zero branding, which is complemented by a very attractive sandblasted aluminum face plate for a premium look. RGB LED backlighting is also present on the GMMK-TKL. There is support for 16.8 million colors and 18 pre-installed effects plus one user-defined effect.

Kinesis is a company with over 25 years of experience developing and selling ergonomic peripherals such as their Advantage keyboard and partnering with others such as DXT and Evoluent for mice. Their products have been predominantly on the higher end of the price range for keyboards, and they do not offer a keyboard with features that the gaming keyboard market tends to look at- until now. Kinesis have now announced an update to their Freestyle series of split keyboards that aims to appeal to both the gamer and the typing professional alike in the form of the new Freestyle Edge.

The Freestyle Edge introduces genuine Cherry MX mechanical switches to the Freestyle series, a change from the membrane switches before. Customers can choose between Cherry MX Red, Brown or Blue switches, and the keyboard has blue backlighting added as well now. In addition, there is an 8-key macro bank to make use of a fully programmable keyboard with some preset functions pre-programmed included multimedia control and lighting control.

ErgoDox EZ is a startup company that sells a pre-assembled ErgoDox, two-piece ergonomic keyboard. Wetook a look at the "Shine" variant earlier this year, and were left impressed by it despite the high price tag. At the time, the only switch options came from Gateron since Cherry was not able to satisfy the needs of smaller companies and Kailh still had a question mark regarding quality control. Six months on, things have changed drastically to where they now offer switch options of only Cherry and Kailh including the (still rare) Cherry MX Silent Red and the new Kailh Speed switches- a direct response to the Cherry MX Speed (silver) but with their own unique take on them.

The new Kailh Speed switches come in four options named Copper, Silver, Gold and Thick Gold with shorter actuation distances as expected but now with the option of tactile and clicky switches as well. In fact, the Kailh Thick Gold also offers a clicky feedback on the downstroke as well as upstroke. You can get more information via Ergodox EZ themselves here. Pricing is the same irrespective of the switch chosen.

Cooler Master, a leader in design and manufacturing computer components and peripherals today announced the launch of two new keyboards, the MasterKeys S and MasterKeys L. Both additions come fully equipped with Genuine Cherry MX switches, on-the-fly- adjustment capabilities, iconic minimalistic bezel design, and PBT keycaps.

The MasterKeys PBT series is everything you like about the MasterKeys line, enhanced for a superior typing experience. It has the build-in hybrid N-key rollover, and genuine German Cherry MX switches we all know and love for their durability, accuracy, and tactile satisfaction. Cooler Master has added extra thick 1.5mm PBT keycaps, the king of all keycaps. Wear and tear, smoothing, or fading of keys are a thing of the past thanks to these durable PBT keycaps. And for the gamers out there, there is a pack of 7 extra red keycaps included to accent the 'gaming' keys. Additionally, with Cooler Master's exclusive on-the-fly system, you can switch layouts, from QWERTY, Dvorak or Wokrman and even switchable OS Modifiers from Windows, Mac or Linux. All through the use of simple On-the-Fly key shortcuts that do not require supplemental software.

AZiO appears to be cashing in on the new hip trend of old-school typewriter keycaps. The company unveiled its new high-end mechanical gaming keyboard, the Armato, and while most would expect it to accompany with an RGB LED lit variant; AZiO dedicated a variant to classic typewriter keycaps, called the Armato Classic Edition. It's not just keycaps that set the two apart. The Armato uses Cherry MX Brown switches, while the Armato Classic Edition features Kailh Blue switches, for more tactile feedback. Both keyboards are characterized by a standard 104-key layout with locally stored macro profiles, and a rotary volume control wheel. The Armato comes with red LED back-lighting, while its Classic Edition variant comes with white LED lighting. Both keyboards feature large firm palm-rests.

CORSAIR, a leader in high-performance gaming hardware, today announced the immediate and worldwide availability of its new LUX range of mechanical keyboards. Building on the phenomenal success of the CORSAIR K70, K70 RGB and K65, the new LUX range adds a host of new features and improvements. With enhanced lighting, USB pass-through and a back-lit optimized key cap font, CORSAIR LUX keyboards retain the core-design, premium materials and commitment to quality that has earned the CORSAIR K-series over 300 global media awards, making them the benchmark for high-performance keyboards.

Alongside the signature CORSAIR aluminum construction and 100% German-made Cherry MX keyswitches, the LUX range adds an enhanced internal lighting controller, allowing for finer color adjustment and even more vibrant patterns and effects. Paired with CUE (CORSAIR Utility Engine) software, stunning lighting effects are just a few clicks away.

In celebration of the H440 launch, NZXT is happy to announce its collaboration with Ducky Channel to create the extremely limited edition NZXT Shine 3 Mechanical Keyboard. Available in black/white and black/red flavors, the keyboard features Cherry MX Red switches and an abundance of LED backlighting capabilities.

The NZXT Shine 3 features seven different backlighting modes with user defined dynamic LED backlight areas, allowing you to choose exactly which keys you would like to have illuminated. Physical DIP switches allow you to access additional features such as: windows key lockout, ctrl and capslock swap, windows key and alt swap, or demo mode. The Shine 3 also comes standard with a braided, detachable cable and will be available exclusively on the NZXT Armory Store for $149.99.

DuckyChannel, the well known mechanical keyboard manufacturer from Taiwan, took the wraps off its new Shine 3 keyboard this week at Computex (Taipei) where it displayed pre-production versions of what seems to be an aesthetically augmented Ducky Shine 2. No details were given in regard to any functional upgrades, probably because at this stage things are nowhere near finalized, however from the pictures below and the video here we can clearly distinguish three different versions of the keyboard, a beautiful looking aluminium tray version, a green camo version with complementary green key caps and a vanilla black version as well. Probably the most distinctive feature of the new keyboard consists in the myriad lighting modes available to the user, and it is also the feature to surely make it to the production version, no such certainty for the aluminum tray or the camo color scheme.