Lighting and Performance

The DeepCool KG722 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 68 keys in total, with Fn not shown above and plenty of other pre-programmed secondary functions as mentioned in the manual bringing back all the missing keys and then some. I did find it interesting that Tilde (~) got a dedicated key, but as discussed before, this is likely the OEM platform forcing things. You can of course remap the keys using the software drivers, but there are no spare keycaps for any such changes. I would have liked these layered functions to be indicated on the keycaps for a lower entry barrier to the smaller form factor, but it is not easily done with front-facing legends.


Regardless of whether the software program is running or not, the default lighting effect for the keyboard is the static blue on the packaging and Esc keycap. For some reason, DeepCool has the LEDs at only ~80% brightness out of the box, so you have to manually increase it to 100% via onboard controls or software. This does a good job of showing the backlit legends too, which are easily read with the keyboard on a desk. While there are onboard controls over the various lighting effects and associated options, I did use the software drivers for finer control over everything. This included setting all the LEDs to white 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. It's closer to pink than white and could certainly be improved. There is very little light bleed owing to the thick case and non-floating keycaps, so that's a good thing. Seen above are also a couple of dynamic lighting effects on the keyboard, with one video taken directly above the keyboard to show how the keycaps go from backlit on the legends at an angle to pretty much looking like black keycaps straight down.

The form factor can take some getting used to, especially if you are coming from a TKL keyboard, as the DeepCool KG722 is even smaller and built with ergonomics and space savings in mind, particularly with the bunched-up keys on the right of the keyboard, where you would expect gaps, and the smaller R.Shift key will get you the first time. The goal of a 68% keyboard is to give you every key you would want while omitting those you might not always use. This also places the mouse closer to the keyboard, with your hands more naturally placed to the width of your shoulders, or simply gives the mouse more room to move around for gaming or otherwise. If you are not the kind to touch-type with your hands hovering over the keys, you might want to get a wrist wrest since this is a medium to high profile keyboard. The ability to fully remap keys means you can play around with different typing layouts, such as Dvorak over QWERTY, which can further facilitate your journey down a more ergonomic keyboard experience—frustrating to start with, it hopefully eventually turns into a more pleasant one.


As for the actual typing experience, this review sample of the DeepCool KG722 came with Gateron Red RGB switches, which we previously examined both inside and out. 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 bottom out since the spring doesn't fight back much after actuation. That having been said, the switch 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 DeepCool KG722 keyboard sample at ~85 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 given the relatively light nature of these switches, which did help test how the foam sheet and case come together. There isn't much in the way of sound dampening, but we do not get any pinging off the plate as the foam immediately below minimizes higher-frequency sounds. It's still not as solid and thocky feeling as many other keyboards I have used with these switches, mostly due to the thin ABS keycaps and barely lubed stabilizers rather than the steel plate and plastic case. Overall not bad, it is by no means premium either.