Introduction

Back in May, we took a look at the iKBC F87 RGB keyboard, a TKL form factor keyboard that offers good build quality and driver-less RGB backlighting at the ~$125 price point, which garnered some interest from viewers but also a few messages about how a full-size version at that price would have been more attractive for the market. It is perhaps fitting then that we get to take a look at the full-size, 108-key version of the same today, which incidentally only costs $5 more. Thanks again to iKBC for providing a review sample to TechPowerUp.


The iKBC F108 RGB, as with the smaller F87 version, comes in two color options of black and white, with the keyboard case and keycaps matching accordingly. Available only in ANSI layout, it features full 16.8 M RGB backlighting, but with a caveat we will get into in due time. You get the same thick ABS plastic case and PBT plastic keycaps with doubleshot legends and a choice of four Cherry MX RGB switches, including the rarely seen MX RGB Black. So without further ado, let us begin this review with a look at the specs below.

Specifications

Packaging and Accessories

iKBC is using a cardboard packaging box with a wrap on top, akin to most manufactures, with a mostly matte black finish and glossy sections spread to indicate the company name, product name, and use of genuine Cherry MX switches on the front. This carries on at the back and sides where we see some salient specifications and a sticker over one of multiple switch options to confirm which version you have inside. No seals here, but two flaps help keep everything inside in check.


Open the box and we see a second, bare cardboard box with two compartments inside. The smaller compartment on the left houses the accessories that come with the keyboard, which are in turn placed in a plastic zip lock bag as an organizational measure. iKBC provides a metal wire keycap puller, which is my personal preference given they tend not to scratch keycaps when used, as well as ten replacement PBT plastic keycaps - five each in red and blue. Of these five, one is an R4 row keycap as it pertains to the OEM profile, whereas the rest are R2 row keycaps, meaning you can use the former to replace the top row (Esc key, for example) and the others for most of the remaining keycaps on the keyboard. These do not have any legends printed on them and are not going to support backlighting as well either, which merely makes them aesthetic add-ons in daylight.


The keyboard is in the larger, right compartment, and we see that it is covered by a wax paper wrap to keep it clean and free of dust out of the box.