Closer Examination

As we saw already, the Bloody B820R is a full-size keyboard, and I have here a slightly modified 104-key ANSI layout version with the print-scroll lock keys and indicator LEDs swapping locations. This also helps in that the secondary functions associated with those three keys are now easier to hit relative to the function key cluster, while touch typing does take some time to get used to. The completely black color scheme is typical, but the top cover is brushed aluminum and has a light semi-gloss finish as well, giving the keyboard a sheen when light is directly shone at it.

The bezels are not the smallest or the largest, making this an average-sized keyboard overall. No dedicated media buttons here as pointed out earlier, and even the keys with secondary functionality are not indicated, aside from the standard number row in the alphanumeric key section. These secondary legends are printed on to the same row as the primary ones, allowing for better backlighting compatibility, but this also means being cramped for space since both are squeezed in. Bloody decided to make all the legends small, including those on keycaps with a single legend, which is a mistake in my opinion as people have responded favorably to larger legends on backlit keyboards, which allows more light to pass through - something customers looking at RGB-backlit gaming keyboards would prefer. The typeface is dictated by the limitations of seamed doubleshot legends, wherein only Ducky seems to have seamless doubleshot injection in use at this time. This takes away from an otherwise clean aesthetic relative to the keyboard's previous offerings, although the big "LK Gaming Keyboard Infrared Optic Shaft" with the Bloody logo and what looks like an attempt at blood streaks on the writing goes overboard again. On the other hand, it is not backlit in red as before, so it ends up as a middle-of-nowhere attempt to appease a larger customer base. I am just not sure whether it works, but time and sales numbers will tell.


There are four rubber pads on the corners on the back to help keep the keyboard from sliding around on the desk, and there are two feet at the top to optionally elevate the keyboard, which also have rubber pads to help prevent scratches. There are also several small openings in the back that can help with safely moving spilled fluids on the keyboard's body, adding to the spill resistance these keyboards have, but do not market aggressively. The non-detachable cable emerges from the middle, is braided in black and red, is the usual 6' long, and terminates in a male USB Type-A connector. USB 2.0 will suffice here due to the keyboard being rated at 500 mA, but that also means no USB hub unless it is a powered one.


The keycaps have an OEM profile, and the various rows are thus sculpted accordingly. They have a floating design, which allows for easier cleaning, but causes more light bleed, which may or may not be a good thing for you. The keycaps themselves are thin ABS plastic with an average wall thickness of 0.97 mm, so expect them to develop a shine due to finger oils with use. The legends are doubleshot injected, which is good and means they will not wear out themselves anymore than the keycap material itself would. As such, these are better than your average gaming keyboard keycaps as far as longevity goes.


Bloody has two switch options for the B820R - the LK2 Blue tactile/clicky and LK2 Red linear optical switches. This sample has the same LK2 Blue switches as my previous Bloody keyboard, so I was already familiar with these. The housing is opaque and thus, the RGB LED is located above the switch similar to single-color Cherry MX-style mechanical switches. Another thing of note here are the walls around the switch and the keyboard's body, which adds to the spill and dust resistance coupled with the keycaps flowing over these walls.

The larger keys are also stabilized differently from what I have seen before - no Cherry- or Costar-style stabilizers here. Instead, the intermediately sized keys (Shift, Enter, etc.) have secondary clips on either side of the switch where the keycaps plug into, and the space bar is actually stabilized not just by these clips, but two additional springs in the middle which are held in place by two small screws at the bottom of the keyboard. This provides the best-feeling space bar I have used so far, and I have thus far used over twenty different keyboards. I would definitely like to see this implemented more. This does come with a con, though, as screwing the space bar back in is extremely hard since the two screws have to be aligned perfectly in a small opening that is sunk into the bottom panel. It can be used without the screws, but won't have the same feel to it.

In terms of keycap layout, a Cherry OEM profile with standard row spacing would generally indicate compatibility with a lot of third-party keycap sets. However, owing to the walls on the body and around the switches, I have not had any luck with some of my third-party keycaps. Your mileage may vary, however, and I would love to hear you describe your experiences in the comments section. Good thing overall is that the keycaps provided will not wear out easily, although they will still suffer from the same limitations as any other ABS keycap.


This is where the provided replacement keycaps come in, wherein you get some options at the very least if nothing else works out. Note that the switches are not soldered in place, and if the keycap is tightly installed, both will pop out of the keyboard. If it does, do not freak out and simply separate the two carefully. As long as the switch is not damaged, you can simply push it back in and it will clip in place. As such, these optical switches are modular and replaceable, similar to what Tesoro has been claiming as a feature of theirs, but without switches being available for purchase separately the feature is of no practical use to customers at this point.