Driver

This is usually where I take a load of screenshots of the software and show how some of its functions work, but with the AZiO MGK L80, there is no software at all, everything is done using the keyboard. This is the same on the RGB, red, and blue versions, whether you are creating macros or changing LED modes. Although it is nice to be able to do everything without installing any software, it can be a little long-winded and certainly has more of a learning curve to it than with software. Creating software does cost money, though, so if the savings are passed on to the customer, I am happy to skip it.

Performance

The AZiO MGK L80s all work great - the switches are nice to use and don't rattle or shake at all and the keycaps are of good quality and can be swapped out for others due to the "+" shaped stem on Kailh switches.

The LEDs are bright on all of these keyboards, and while there aren't as many available modes as on some competing products with the RGB variant, there are still more than enough to pick from. The keyboards are comfortable to use, and I really like their dedicated volume wheel.

Recording macros is pretty simple - on the RGB keyboard, simply enter Game Mode by pressing the small "G" key at the top of the board, before pressing the "M" key next to it and picking the macro key you wish to record the macro to. Three LEDs should now flash in white just above the numpad; once these flash, simply type in whatever you would like to record to then press the little "M" key again. Doing so will save what you just typed to the macro. Make sure you are in Game Mode to press the macro key again and it will repeat whatever was previously saved. This can take some getting used to, and you are limited to a very basic macro option, but it does work.

The blue and red AZiO keyboards work slightly differently. Instead of pressing the little "M" key, you'd press FN + the macro key you wish to record the macro to. The three LEDs should again flash in white before you type in what you want to record. Now, simply press the FN key to finish and save the macro. Whilst in Game Mode, you will be able to run the macro by pressing its macro key. Do note that if you save a macro to F1, F2, F3, or F4, the macro will run rather than you being able to use the F keys whilst in Game Mode. This could be somewhat of an issue in games that tie F keys to camera angles or other such functions since you will need to press the "G" key to turn off Game Mode before pressing the F key only to press the "G" key again for the macros to work. It isn't ideal, but with the lack of software, it was the only way I could make these work.

Using the LED functions sometimes also felt a little clumsy, but I was able to use all of the functions after a brief learning curve. Some of my favorites are below.


This mode keeps a constant white light on whilst colors ripple away from the center, giving it a somewhat pastel-like look I really liked. Press the same key again and it will turn off the white light to just have solid colors running through, like red or blue.


I think it must be a law to have this nice wave effect on keyboards; I can't think of a RGB board that doesn't have it. It is an awesome-looking effect, though, and really does show the spectrum of colors available.


I thought I would show the modes of the red and blue AZiO keyboards also; the red keyboard is set to breathe whilst the blue keyboard is just being taken through the other modes.