Lighting and Performance

The XVX M84 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 84 keys in total, with the Menu key replaced by an Fn key and no Scroll Lock, R.Win, or Insert keys. Interestingly, XVX does not provide these functions via pre-programmed secondary ones. You will have to use the software drivers to get Ins and Menu back, and the quick start guide is handy as it shows exactly what the Fn layer includes on this keyboard. For example, we get arrow keys on WASD, but more important are the OS shortcuts, volume control, and media playback associated with the Fn keys. I wish secondary legends on the keycaps would denote these, but such is the compromise with themed keyboards that the design takes precedence over functionality.

Regardless of whether the software drivers are installed or not, the XVX M84 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, although a small amount of light seems to pass through. I suppose translucent is the proper term! This effect also confirms 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, which means you are not going to be distracted by any light bleed in what is the main event. This isn't a keyboard for those who want a light show, especially as options these days come with backlighting support, clear keycaps, and a clear case for plenty of side and under lighting, too. I then used the software drivers to set all LEDs to white to test 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.

The form factor can take some getting used to, especially if you are coming from a TKL keyboard or larger—particularly the bunched-up keys on the right of the keyboard, where you would expect gaps, and the larger R.Shift key get you the first time. The goal of a 75% keyboard is to give you everything you would want on a keyboard, but in a smaller form factor that adds to the ergonomics of typing by shortening finger travel. It also allows the mouse to be closer to the keyboard, with your hands more naturally placed to the width of your shoulders, or simply gives the mouse more room to move around for gaming or otherwise. The keyboard is sturdy enough not to move around inadvertently. However, if not the kind to touch-type with your hands hovering over the keys, you might want to get a wrist wrest. The ability to fully remap keys means you can play around with different typing layouts, such as Dvorak over QWERTY, which can further facilitate your journey down a more ergonomic keyboard experience—frustrating to start with, it hopefully eventually turns into a more pleasant one.

Wireless connectivity is another feature that is going to interest potential customers, with the XVX M84 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 for a in 2022 relatively mediocre battery at 1850 mAh on this RGB keyboard. With continuous use and LEDs at 100% brightness, the battery will last less than 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, and off when the keyboard is fully charged. It takes 6–8 hours for the battery to fully charge on the 500 mA over 5 VDC USB 2.0 limit, which is potentially frustrating in wireless-only mode if a heavy user.


As for the actual typing experience, this review sample of the XVX M84 came with Gateron Red RGB switches, which we previously examined both inside and out. I have used the non-RGB and RGB versions of this switch numerous times in the past, as well as the higher-end Gateron Ink Red version separately covered before. This is a linear switch that aims to replicate the functionality of the Cherry MX Red. As such, actuation takes place at 2 mm travel and ~45 gf average force. Peak travel is 4 mm, so you will likely bottom out since the spring doesn't fight back much after actuation. That having been said, the switch is plenty fine as a stock keyboard option. It is smooth enough for linear switches, though at this price point, it is competing against pre-lubed switches.


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 M84 keyboard sample at ~90 WPM as it comes out of the box with the Gateron Red 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 and makes for a higher-pitched sound than I personally like. The ping is pretty rough here, and there are several venues of improvements for keyboard enthusiasts.