Reading through the feature list makes the Velocofire TKL02WS come off as an attractive package: TKL form factor in a minimalist design, wireless connectivity over 2.4 GHz rated at 1 ms response times, the option to go wired over USB Type-C on the keyboard, long battery life for the keyboard in non-backlit mode, doubleshot keycaps, mechanical switches with tactile feedback and white backlighting, and a nice set of pre-programmed and user-customizable functions. All that at $45? Something has got to give or we would simply be paying too much for most other keyboards. Sure, there are the occasional $30 wired mechanical keyboards, and some even have backlighting at or near that price point, but the wireless feature usually means more in the $$$ department, especially with the entire feature set we see here.

Turns out, shortcuts may well have been taken. I don't mind these with packaging as long as it does the job and gets the keyboard to you in good shape, and cutting down on accessories is valid too. Velocifire actually packs in a decent set of accessories, and surely the use of a Type-C connector costs more than, say, the micro-USB or mini-USB port. I do not know where the blame lies, be it on the wireless controller or firmware, but wireless connectivity is not up to par here. There are simply too many interruptions to forgive, especially when this affects the very basic functionality of the keyboard. The "CONTENT" switches are also an unwelcome surprise, if only on my sample where there are inconsistencies in the switches, and these are just the type of shortcuts not to take.

I really hope Velocifire sorts out the connectivity issues at the very least because the switches are still good enough, especially at the price point, but I fear the TKL02WS will never get a stronger opportunity to make an impact than now, and it is not a good tale at the moment even with the second sample providing an additional data point that was better than the first. If things do improve consistently, however, it will get a big recommendation across the board. As it stands now, there remains enough of an issue for it not to get one.