Introduction

QPAD earned their reputation by producing the first ever gaming grade hybrid mats several years ago. Today the company sells a large variety of PC gaming peripherals including: mice, mouse mats, headsets, and keyboards.

The keyboard we will be taking a look at today is their newest high-end offering. The keyboard features Cherry MX Red key mechanisms and red backlighting. Like its predecessor, the MK-80, the MK-85 sports a two port USB hub, audio pass-through and an impressive build quality. Retained from the MK-80 is the soft-feel finish on key-tops and the elevation system that allows for two levels of inclination.

The MK-85 is available with all the current Cherry MX keys directly from QPAD. The price is fixed at a staggering €149.90 which makes it one of the most expensive keyboards we have ever tested.

Specifications

• Key switch: Cherry MX Red mechanical switch technology
• Key strokes: 50 million
• N-key Roll-over: 64 key simultaneously
• Lighting: Individual LED back light
• Lighting features: Four levels of brightness
• Connectors: Gold plated connectors for extremely low latency
• Media keys: Media keys for volume control, play, pause and skip tracks
• USB Hub: Two high speed USB 2.0 ports
• Audio ports: 3.5mm Headphone-out and microphone-in jacks
• Cable: 1.8 meter extra thick cable
• Extras: 4 extra orange key caps and key cap puller
• Dimensions: Keyboard 44.45 x 14.48 x 2.54 cm (17.5 x 5.7 x 1 inch), Wrist pad 44.45 x 6.1 x 1.4 cm (17.5 x 2.4 x 0.55 inch)
• Weight: 1.27 kg (2.8LBS)
• Warranty: 2 year

The Package

The QPAD MK-85 mechanical keyboard ships in a huge cardboard box. The keyboard is securely fastened inside the box with two pieces of foam. Given the durable nature of the keyboard and the well-padded box I think it is pretty safe to say that no harm will come to the keyboard during shipping. That the keyboard is feature packed is highlighted on the front of the box.


The bundle for the QPAD MK-85 is pretty much the same as that of the MK-80. There is one big new addition and that is the inclusion of a driver suite intended for gamers who want to do custom functions and macros. You also get a key-cap remover and four bright orange keys.