Lighting and Performance

The XVX M61 Tiger supports N-key rollover USB and 2.4 GHz out of the box, which tested successfully using Aqua's test. Switch Hitter confirmed no chatter with these keys either, and seen above are all the functions with dedicated keys on the base layer. There are 61 keys in total, with the Menu key replaced by an Fn key and the keyboard adopting a typical 60% keyboard layout with Esc replacing Tilde (~) on the alphanumeric section, which is all you get here. Everything else is positioned on the Fn layer, you need the manual to know what function is where. I wish there were front-facing legends on the keycaps to cut down on the entry barrier, but at least the Fn layer is logically placed to where anyone who's used a 60% keyboard will transition over to this one fairly easily. If you are new to the form factor, however, then be patient since the learning curve can be somewhat steep and may result in poor typing initially, before you get more comfortable with the smaller keyboard. There is then scope for further improvement owing to less finger travel, and customizing key mapping via software, allowing you to have the keyboard function exactly as you wish it to.

Regardless of whether the software drivers are installed or not, the XVX M61 Tiger lights up in the rainbow wave effect seen above when first connected. This is a dynamic lighting effect that goes through the 16.8 M colors and confirms the keycaps are indeed opaque, making more accent lighting between and around the keycaps as opposed to through them. The keycap legends are not backlit thus, although I suppose this does let the user know that the keyboard is powered on and recognized by the PC.


Seen above are some of the other available lighting effects accessible via both onboard controls and software, with full 16.8 M RGB per-key lighting for some static RGB modes having me test for light bleed. There is very little light bleed, owing to the thick case and non-floating keycaps, and the lighting is restricted to around the keycaps, meaning you are not going to be distracted by any light bleed. This isn't a keyboard for those who want a light show, especially as alternative options these days come with backlighting support, clear keycaps, or even a clear case for plenty of side and under lighting, too. I then used the software drivers to set all LEDs to white, testing for color fidelity, since RGB LEDs can struggle to put out a true white and require calibration on the hardware and software fronts from keyboard makers. XVX managed a white that has a light pink hue, making the color passable, but not class-leading by any means. You can access the lighting effects and associated options via onboard controls, only necessitating using the software for fine-tuning.

Wireless connectivity is another feature that is going to interest potential customers, with the XVX M61 Tiger going with 2.4 GHz over a pre-paired USB dongle rather than Bluetooth. 2.4 GHz has a stronger signal through walls, and a lower latency, but at the expense of battery life. It doesn't help that XVX saved on cost by going with a relatively mediocre battery in 2022, 1850 mAh on this RGB keyboard. With continuous use and LEDs at 100% brightness, the battery will only last a little over an hour. The good thing is that a typical use case over longer periods of time will inevitably involve breaks, whereby the LEDs first turn off before the keyboard goes to sleep. The Fn key LED will flash red to indicate a low battery, and the left side of the space bar will light up when charging, turning off when the keyboard is fully charged. It takes 6–8 hours for the battery to fully charge on the 500 mA over 5 V DC USB 2.0 limit, which is potentially frustrating in wireless-only mode if a heavy user.


As for the actual typing experience, I mentioned before how the XVX M61 Tiger only comes with the Gateron Yellow RGB switches at this time. We've covered this particular switch before multiple times already, as well as the analogous Gateron Red and the higher-end Gateron Ink Red version. The Gateron Yellow is a linear switch rated to be slightly heavier than the Cherry MX Red, but with the same actuation and total travel distances of 2.0/4.0 mm respectively. Actuation force is thus expected to be near the rated 50 gf, with a bottoming-out force of ~60 gf. I quite like the Gateron Yellow when compared with all the affordable Cherry MX Red-style medium-force linear switches, and these specific units on the M61 Tiger don't disappoint. The updated mold from Gateron makes for smoother travel, in addition to fairly consistent switches that hit close to their rated numbers too. Indeed, I would say this is a near-perfect replacement appealing to all Cherry MX Red gamers without feeling too different, while having enough resistance to keep the general typists happy as well. Keeping to 2.0/4.0 mm travel is also good overall, so while this is not primed as a fast gaming switch, it will be a very good general experience switch.


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 XVX M61 Tiger keyboard sample at ~85 WPM as it comes out of the box with the Gateron Yellow switches. For context, you can find sound clips from other keyboards here, including those with linear switches. I did bottom out constantly, which isn't surprising for the reasons mentioned above. The lack of any foam dampening means there are two sound signatures—that of the switches bottoming out on the plate and reverberations of the pings in the case itself. The latter is especially felt with the stabilizers—especially the backspace key—and makes for a higher-pitched sound than I personally like. The ping is pretty rough here, and there are several avenues of improvement for keyboard enthusiasts.