I generally do not treat crowdfunding products as full retail units in that things can change, and they often are pre-production samples which are incomplete, which means I don't give them awards, either. The AZIO IZO goes from a good value offering at the Kickstarter backer pricing to one that is quite expensive at the rated MSRP. I have learned to take Kickstarter MSRPs with a grain of salt, so there is no way I am going to make an exception here.

Pricing aside, there is a lot more to like than dislike. The single biggest factor to consider is the design scheme and whether this rounded design for the case and keycaps is for you. There are three colors to choose from, including this blue set I have here, a tamer white, and an even bolder burgundy. All three have gold accents through two keycaps and the knob, although replacement keycaps for the two keycaps are included. The option to do the same for the add-on accessories is missing, however. The numpad/calculator wireless kit uses the same switches and matches the design really well, but has a gold keycap without a replacement option. The mouse goes further down the rabbit hole with a gold scroll wheel and trim piece in the body. There is a desk pad and palm rest set I do not have here, but make no mistake—this set is going to grab a lot of attention if used in public.

Well, not as much as the switches. AZIO continues to provide only a single switch option, which kind of made sense before with the Retro typewriter-style keyboards but doesn't here. Having only a clicky switch will hurt sales, especially since there is no hot-swap feature, either. The chosen switch is not the best clicky switch I have used by any means, which hurts more. But looking at what is under and above the switches, there is enough to interest many. The 5000 mAh battery is humongous and provides for a really nice wireless connection combined with steady Bluetooth 5.0. The keycaps are doubleshot injected PBT plastic in a unique design and color, making them seem more like candy at first sight while working quite well in practice. I know, it's too late to add more switches to the ongoing campaign, but I would like to see more later on. Throw in the palm rest and things will be even better. The biggest possible improvement would be to cut down the pricing, especially if the company is targeting $140. The Retro series made out premium materials could be excused for its pricing, but there are way more options in this plastic case realm to where $140 will be a tough sell for the IZO.