Introduction

The iKBC brand made its debut in TechPowerUp's review database last year with the F87 RGB keyboard. We covered the full-size version of the same later that very year, but noted that both were actually released earlier in Asia and only recently were introduced to the US market with the launch of their global awareness and sales campaign. In the time since, they partnered with Massdrop for a metal case version of these very keyboards which then entered the market and is now available for purchase elsewhere as well. Indeed, enough time passed to where iKBC even made a version 2 of the keyboards, addressing a few changes needed along the way and attempting to provide a high-end keyboard that is likely to outlast most other competitors as well. Today, we take a look at the aptly named MF108 RGB V.2, and thanks again to iKBC for providing us with a review sample.


As the name suggests, the iKBC MF08 RGB V.2 is a full-size, modified ANSI layout keyboard based off the older F108 RGB, with the "M" standing for the metal case and frame used. There is only a black color option this time round, primarily because it is really hard to get aluminum in a white finish and most end up going with a silver color scheme instead. As such, the keycaps used are also completely black here. We get the same choice of genuine Cherry MX RGB switches, but with a few more options, including the MX Silent Red RGB my sample came with. Oh, and did I mention the keyboard weighs 2.5 kg? Let's explore this in more detail now by beginning with the specifications 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 is inside (other, in this case). No seals here, but two flaps help keep everything inside in check.


Gone are a second set of cardboard boxes, and instead, we get an extremely thick foam piece that surrounds the keyboard on all sides, and then iKBC has also added a plastic clamshell on top to ensure the keyboard arrives in pristine condition. There is a manual, which is well worth the read, as well as a notice about changes done to the legends on some specific keycaps compared to previous versions. Specifically, the front-printed legends on certain keycaps are not present anymore, which we will discuss in more detail in due time. The accessories come separately packaged in a cardboard box, which is on the side so it does not hit the keyboard at all during transit. Inside is a keycap set with a puller and a removable cable, which is one of the changes from the older F108 RGB keyboard.


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 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 ambient lighting. They are also made out of thick PBT plastic with an average wall thickness of 1.38 mm, so I am glad to see this has not changed.