Performance

The Kinesis Gaming TKO keyboard comes with 6-key rollover USB out of the box, but can be set to NKRO mode using onboard controls, which tests successfully using Aqua's test. NKRO mode remains active until the keyboard is unplugged or the V-drive is opened, at which point it defaults back to 6KRO mode. Similarly, all the keys onboard the TKO tested fine without any key chatter, and you can also see which functions get dedicated keys on the base layer above. The replacement Menu keycap does allow for a Menu function on the base layer in conjunction with SmartSet programming, but is the Fn key out of the box.

When first powered on, the TKO lights up in a wave effect for both the backlighting and edge lighting. The latter is not the brightest such implementation, but works fine as accent lighting to complement the backlighting. The light effect is good for making sure all LEDs are up and running, as well as a visual indicator that the keyboard is recognized and working as it should.


The whole point of SmartSet programming with the TKO is that the app is just an easier way to do it for those wanting a graphical interface. The keyboard as a whole supports everything with onboard controls, and that is the crux behind SmartSet programming. There are so many things you can do that it would take a few pages just to cover it all. This is also why Kinesis Gaming has an entire guide to it, linked before, but their user manual does a great job going over it as well. This includes layout changes, macro recording, profile assignment, and lighting controls. I used the latter to test a few things in combination with the app, including setting the keyboard to all white on the backlighting and edge lighting, where we have the doubleshot injected legends white with a pink hue even compared to the white light coming from under and around the floating keycaps. As seen above, there is also some light bleed when different colors are next to each other.

Here is a look at a couple of other onboard lighting effects making good use of the hardware drivers of the Kinesis Gaming TKO. I have mixed feelings about the color fidelity in static modes, but it does not play a big role with dynamic effects. I do wish the edge lighting were more prominent, which at this point is more for accentuation than anything else.



SmartSet programming allows for a lot of functional tweaks as well, including dedicated controls to switch between different typing layouts for more efficient typing. Here, I used the source code from an older keyboard review in a layout tester (courtesy of Patrick Gillespie). The results above indicate how QWERTY is not even close to the most efficient layout for me, and very likely you as well. If you are willing, try out Colemak or Dvorak as they will result in lower finger travel and fatigue overall. As such, the Kinesis Gaming TKO offers a significant functional tool if you are willing to devote some time to adopting either Colemak or Dvorak. Here is the link to the full results if you are interested, including a detailed analysis on key presses and distances moved.

Coming from an ergonomic split keyboard, using the TKO was definitely interesting, and yet there were many commonalities. Ergonomics was a common theme across both, and it was interesting to use the TKO for some casual gaming in tent mode. I found myself using both hands on the TKO, and depending on where I was using it, I switched from a positive to negative tilt from time to time. Yes, despite my wanting to use it all the time on a desk, the TKO is so portable I occasionally found myself using it on my lap on a couch as well. The layered functions are well thought out even outside of the vast degree of control on offer with SmartSet programming. Having the SmartSet button on the right next to the CTRL key was an inspired choice, especially as many combinations using this button make use of the R.Shift that can be used with the same hand. The Hyperspace configuration is also a very interesting take on the 60% form factor, taking cues from the Japanese (JIS) language layout, with the three keys allowing for the thumbs to take more advantage of the real estate naturally present there. Personally, I would only have two keys there instead of three, but it's still better than the full-size option to where I agree with Kinesis on going with the split space bar as the default option. In general, having fewer keys is also ergonomic in having fewer fingers travel across the board, though it does involve a couple of weeks of practice to customize the keyboard to your liking, be it by having the numpad on a profile or even changing layouts altogether.


This particular version uses the Kailh (Kaihua) BOX Brown switches, which are tactile while utilizing the same BOX design detailed before. The other options are also BOX switches, and you get an option of linear (BOX Red) or clicky (BOX White) switches as well if you do not prefer the tactile-only version here. These switches are rated for 1.8 mm actuation at ~60 gf force and 3.6 mm total travel at ~60 gf peak spring force, which makes these heavier than the Cherry MX Brown. Unfortunately, they are not really more tactile than the MX Brown switch, either. I would say the BOX Brown is my least favorite Kailh BOX switch. The thick PBT keycaps subjectively add to the typing experience as well, but this is contentious as some may prefer thinner keycaps.


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 Kinesis Gaming TKO keyboard sample at ~80 WPM as it comes out of the box with the Kailh BOX Brown switches. For context, you can find sound clips from other keyboards here, including those with tactile switches.