Lighting and Performance

The AQIRYS Aludra TKL supports N-key rollover USB out of the box, which tested successfully using Aqua's test. Switch Hitter confirmed no chatter with these keys either, and seen above are all the functions with dedicated keys on the base layer. There are 87 keys in total, with the R. Win key replaced by an Fn key. This form factor is easily adjusted to as there is no need to rely on any layers, although it does in turn take up more room on the desk. Still, for those who do not need a dedicated numpad, this TKL form factor works out well. The indicator LEDs still being present is a cherry on top.

When first connected, the Aludra TKL lights up in what the company calls an "Outward" lighting effect, which is seen above. This is a dynamic lighting effect that goes through the 16.8 M colors on offer, and the coordinated side lighting makes for an impressive light show. It also confirms that the keyboard is powered on and recognized by the PC, and gives us a good first look at the backlit legends on the keycaps for a combination of function and form.


Seen above are some of the other available lighting effects accessible via both onboard controls and software, with full 16.8 M RGB per-key lighting for some static RGB modes having me quickly test for light bleed. There is very little bleed owing to the two-piece case and non-floating keycaps, and my eyes were more enraptured by the four-way side lighting, which is bright, even alluring; that is, if you love RGB lighting on your desk. I then used the software drivers to test for color fidelity since RGB LEDs can struggle to put out a true white and require calibration on the hardware and software fronts from keyboard makers. AQIRYS managed a white that has a light pink hue, making the color passable, but not class-leading by any means.


As mentioned on the previous page, there is currently no way to control the side lighting separately in the software. You need to use the onboard controls seen above, which can be a pain. Imagine using both software and hardware controls to coordinate the back and side lighting, and then perhaps the per-key lighting on the backlighting segment in the software before any onboard controls to customize the side lighting further. I don't expect things to change anytime soon. It's at least a working solution. AQIRYS also added some other quality-of-life pre-programmed functions tied to the Fn layer, including media playback, volume control, and shortcuts to commonly used programs. Key mapping provides the ability to try out different typing layouts, such as Dvorak over QWERTY, and macro recording/assignment and game mode are useful for both productivity and gaming. The Aludra TKL is otherwise a very easy keyboard to pick up and get going, especially if you have used a mechanical keyboard with the same OEM keycap profile before.


As for the actual typing experience, the Aludra TKL only comes with a single switch, the Gateron Red RGB. I have used the non-RGB and RGB versions of this switch numerous times in the past, as well as the higher-end Gateron Ink Red version separately covered before. This is a linear switch that aims to replicate the functionality of the Cherry MX Red. As such, actuation takes place at 2 mm travel and ~45 gf average force. Peak travel is 4 mm, so you will likely bottoming out since the spring doesn't fight back much after actuation. That having been said, the switch itself is plenty fine as a stock keyboard option. It is smooth enough for linear switches, though at this price point, it is competing against pre-lubed switches.


As always, the sound of a keyboard is based on more than just the switch type. So when comparing sound clips, consider the keyboard as a whole. In this case, I have provided above an example sound clip of me typing on the AQIRYS Aludra TKL keyboard sample at ~90 WPM as it comes out of the box with the Gateron Red switches. For context, you can find sound clips from other keyboards here, including those with linear switches. I did bottom out constantly, which isn't surprising for the reasons mentioned above. The lack of any foam dampening means there are two sound signatures—that of the switches bottoming out on the plate and reverberations of the pings in the case itself. The latter is especially felt with the space bar key and makes for a higher-pitched sound than I personally like. It's no different from the vast majority of mainstream keyboards, but that means the Aludra TKL needs to do more to distinguish itself and appeal to both keyboard enthusiasts and gamers. After all, there is not much here that distinguishes it for gamers over most other keyboards, either.