Performance

The NIZ Plum x87 35g keyboard supports N-key rollover USB, which tested successfully using Aqua's test. Switch Hitter confirmed no chatter with these keys, and as is usually the case with keyboards these days, the right Windows key is replaced by an Fn key.

My particular version is the simplest of the lot in that it does not have any backlighting and only supports a USB connection. This means there is not a lot to test as far as external features go. But NIZ added some pre-programmed functions to their standard Office mode, they are just not indicated by any keycap legends. In addition to media and volume control on the Fn keys, you can switch the OS layout, toggle Win lock on/off, swap Caps Lock and L. CTRL, and of course enable Custom mode for key assignments. Most interesting to me, however, is the ability to change the trigger/actuation point of the switches. Typically, this is not possible with mechanical switches, but the electrocapacitive switch used here allows for three levels via Fn + F9. The indicator LEDs in the top-right corner blink the appropriate number of times to indicate which level you are on, with one being the quickest to actuate (~1.5 mm based on my testing), two being the default (~2 mm), and three being the slowest (~2.5 mm). There is no metric provided by the company to compare my findings, so I did guesstimate based on the nearest logical step. I also heard that firmware updates and the software allow for finer control over the actuation point, which I can't confirm as per my own experience.



The key-assignment options in Custom mode allow for users to go with layouts other than QWERTY, and here, I used the source code from an older keyboard review in a layout tester (courtesy of Patrick Gillespie). The results above indicate that 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 software drivers offer 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.


For those interested, KeyChatter has a nice primer on Topre switches, which provides a good base for understanding these electrocapacitive switches. These are rubber dome switches that work based on the measured capacitance without any metal parts touching each other, which in turns results in consistent, reproducible typing over long periods of time. Varmilo came up with a novel EC switch that is a hybrid of this and the more standard mechanical switch design, which in turn allows them to decouple the feedback mechanisms outside of actuation. But with the expiration of the Topre switch patent over 15 years ago, it was only a matter of time before we saw alternatives with the same tactile design.

We saw the i-Rocks version with the K70E before, but I dare say that NIZ with the Plum lineup is the only known alternative to Topre in the keyboard community. The feel of these switches is of course subjective and can only really be described in words since I can't relate the sensory feedback objectively otherwise. Compared to the average membrane switch, these feel a lot better throughout, and the ability not to have to bottom out is always a good thing. It is easier said than done with the stock 35 gf springs; however, the add-on springs up it to 45 gf. The tactile feedback is consistent and satisfying, and calling it a refined membrane switch would not be too big a stretch, which is why we see a lot of such comments online. Compared to genuine Topre switches, this is another story, though. Perhaps, it is the internal O-ring added to silence the switch, but the switches on the Cooler Master Novatouch TKL, which had Cherry MX stem sliders as well, felt slightly different to me. I honestly can't tell yet if I prefer this over the genuine article, especially since it has been nearly six years since I last used a Topre keyboard. For what is essentially a homage to the Topre switch, NIZ did pretty well. The price point has to accommodate all of this and more, however, since capacitive switch keyboards are more or less associated with the Topre brand just as mechanical switches and Cherry go together even today.


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 NIZ Plum x87 35g keyboard sample at ~105 WPM as it comes out of the box with the lighter 35 gf EC switches. For context, you can find sound clips from other keyboards here, including those with tactile switches. There is very little stopping you here from bottoming out, but it still does not feel or sound like a 35 gf mechanical switch—the Gateron White we saw before, for example. The stabilizers are also one of the best factory implementations around, especially paired with the rest of the sound dampening we covered in detail before. All this makes the NIZ Plum x87 an extremely quiet keyboard, which is perfect for the work environment as long as these keys are for you.