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Tech Reviews

Why the K745 Pro is Your Next Budget-Friendly Mechanical Keyboard

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Disclaimer

Redragon sent me the Antonium K745 Pro mechanical keyboard to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review. I will be using my Amazon Affiliate link where possible. It really helps me out if you click it before you buy anything.

Table of contents

What’s in the box?

  • K745 Pro Mechanical Keyboard
  • Wireless Receiver
  • USB-C to USB-A Cable
  • Stickers
  • 4 Extra Switches
  • User Manual
  • Key/Switch Puller

Features

The K745 Pro is a the affordable fullsized keyboard that is loaded with the features gamers need. This good looking keyboard comes in two beautiful color shemes: Purple and Blue. I got my keyboard in purple because it is my favorite color. I got the wireless keyboard, but you can also opt for the wired version if you want to prioritize performance.

Design

The K745 Pro comes with 108 keys, and an additional four useful macros for additional utility. Each key lights up with programmable southfacing RGB leds. The specialized gasket design gives the keyboard enough sound dampening to allow a healthy amount of typing ASMR. The K745 is built with quality, with enough features to make it a strong contender for your next setup.

Comfort

While other cheap keyboards skimp on quality for affordability, Redragon innovates the space with affordability that won’t destroy your hands. The custom Mint Mambo switches boast the perfect blend of performance and comfort, while the keyboards natural typing angle is perfect for most users. Those who prefer a steeper angle like I do will appreciate the two additional height adjustments. This is an ergonomic keyboard with the performance to back it up.

Utility

Users will appreciate the high speed wireless connections with the peace of mind that the 4000 mAh battery gives them. The included high quality USB-C cable is ready to support players with an even faster connection. Each of the keys can be easily rebound or programed with useful macros to upgrade your productivity. While the keyboard is incredibly easy to remap, the K745 comes with four useful macro keys out of the box.

Included macros:

  • Mute
  • Launch Calculator
  • Minimize/Maximize all Windows
  • Lock Computer

Keyboard sound

Review

If you are looking for an affordable full-sized keyboard for gaming, it doesn’t get much better than the Redragon K745 Pro. This is easily one of the best affordable keyboards I’ve gotten to try. This keyboard is comfortable, with enough quality and performance to make it worth the money.

Quality

I was impressed by the look of the keyboard out of the box. At this price point, you always run the risk of pulling a cheap, toy looking keyboard, but the K745 has solid construction. It is light, so it makes it nice to move around, but I wouldn’t call it portable. The legs swivel nicely and the typing sound is very good. My only complaint is that the lettering already looks faded. It looks like it will rub off after a bit of use, although none of it did during my testing.

Design

I love the purple scheme of the keyboard. Purple is my favorite color, so I am very happy with my choice. I am a little disappointed by the lettering. The letters looks faded and it feels like they will rub off with a bit of use. None of it did during my testing, but I am not a fan. The font is also a bit hard to read. This might be a personal issue, but the font is not good for my dyslexia. It isn’t unusable, but I’d probably swap them out for different keycaps if it became my main keyboard.

Comfort

I was very surprised by how comfortable the K745 is. The keys have enough spacing for my big hands, and the switches are soft enough to avoid any fatigue. I’ve tried other keyboards at this price point that have destroyed my hands, but I had no issues with the K745. I had a few intense gaming sessions and not only did the K745 meet my expectations, they didn’t tire me out. The default typing angle is solid, but I like that it supports my preferred angle. I like my keyboards a little high. As an added bonus, the keyboard has a fantastic typing sound without being disruptive. I could use this next to my sleeping wife and baby without issue.

Performance

I did not do any reprogramming, but it is very easy to do with the official software. Everything connected easily and quickly, and I had no issues after initial setup. All the keys were responsive without any noticeable latency. The battery was very good and I got a good 8 hours of continuous work with the RGB on. My favorite aspect of this keyboard is the included macros. I usually forget about a keyboard’s gimmicks shortly after opening, but I had a lot of use for the included macros. They were very handy for my workflow, but they can be reprogrammed to maximize utility.

Conclusion

The Redragon K745 Pro is a fantastic affordable keyboard for the gamer that needs to perform at their next important team fight, but needs to be conscious of their budget. I am very satisfied with how good this keyboard is, especially at $60. I recomend it to anyone looking for a full sized keyboard.

You can pick up your Redragon K745 from the official Redragon store, or through Amazon using my Affiliate link.

Tech Reviews

Why the HE68 Lite is Perfect for Gamers on the Go

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Disclaimer

Epomaker sent me the HE68 Lite Hall Effect Gaming Keyboardfor free to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review. Make sure you also check out my reviews for the Magcore87 keyboard and the EK21 keypad. I will also be using my Amazon Affiliate link where possible. It really helps me out if you use it.

What’s in the Box?

  • HE 68 Lite Hall Effect Gaming Keyboard
  • 3 Additional Switches
  • Screws for Adjustments
  • Hand Strap and Strap Accessories
  • USB-C to USB-A Cable
  • Key/Switch Puller
  • User Manual

Features

The HE68 Hall Effect Gaming Keyboard is a 65% portable wired keyboard that does not break the bank. Its light weight and compact design make it perfect for travel, and the included hand strap makes it much more convenient. With a total of 68 programmable backlit keys, users can enjoy a versatile gaming solution for only $40. Users can customize the polling rate and actuation of the HE68 Lite for an experience that not only fits their gaming style, but takes it to the next level. It is also SOCD and DKS ready for those who need that extra edge. With the ability to easily program macros, the HE68 proves to be a powerful machine in a small package. Some people may be disappointed by the lack or wireless support, but a wired connection is unparalleled when it comes to performance and reliability. Luckily, the HE68 lite promises to do both at a very reasonable price point.

Sound Test

Review

Users might be disappointed by the HE68 Lite at first glace. The keyboard feels like cheap plastic, but it looks well made. The keys are printed clearly and everything else is well machined. The light weight design does make it ideal for travel, and it does feel sturdy enough to survive a few trips.

Using the keyboard might bring a bit more disappointment. If you’ve used good switches before, the HE68 feels cheap. Typing sounds like plastic pieces banging against each other, so don’t expect that satisfying clacking you’d get from a nicer mechanical keyboard. The switches also feel a little stiff. Adjusting the actuation helps, but out of the box experience isn’t satisfying. That said, the keyboard is comfortable enough to use, even for long sprints. It may not be strictly ergonomic, but it didn’t trigger my repetitive stress injury like other cheap keyboards have done.

As for the keyboards performance, you are getting a powerful contender at the price point. There was ghosting and the HE68 proved very responsive. It was able to handle my level of competitive as well as my everyday workflow without issue.

At this price point, you aren’t doing much better. They keyboard works well out of the box and has a few interesting features that give it a respectable amount of versatility. If you are looking for an affordable gaming keyboard or something you can travel with, I don’t think you can find much better than the HE68 Lite gaming keyboard.

You can pick up the HE68 Lite on the official Epomaker website, or on Amazon through my affiliate link.

Tech Reviews

Epomaker Split 65 Review: A Budget Ergonomic Keyboard

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Disclaimer

Epomaker sent the Split 65 mechanical keyboard for free to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinion. This will be my honest review of the keyboard. Make sure you also check out my latest reviews for the Epomaker Tide Alice and Aula F108. I will also leave my Amazon Affiliate link where I can because it really helps me out.

What’s in the box?

  • Split 65 Mechanical Keyboard
  • 3 Extra Switches
  • Wireless Dongle
  • USB-C to USB-A Cable
  • USB-C to USB-C Cable
  • Key/Switch Puller
  • User Manual

Features

If you are looking for a budget friendly ergonomic keyboard, then the Split 65 might be for you. This beautifully designed 65% keyboard 68 keys and a knob for volume controls. Each key and switch can be easily swapped with the included tool, and each has a soft south facing RGB for a little added flare. The split design and height make it easy to for users to find the most comfortable typing angle. There is also a magnet to keep the two halves together for a cleaner layout when you’re done.

As for performance, the anti ghosting N-Key rollover makes every keystroke count. The QMK/VIA support gives this keyboard tremendous utility. Its 3000 mAh battery gives it a respectable lifespan through its high speed wireless and Bluetooth connections. The even faster wired connection is ready to pick up the slack when it needs to.

Most importantly, the gasket mounted design and the four layers of dampening material gives the keyboard its satisfying typing sound without it becoming obnoxious.

The Sound Test

Review

I was a little disappointed by the Split 65’s design of because the keyboard looked a little too simple. I love the color scheme and appreciate the simple clean design, but it didn’t impress me like other Epomaker keyboards have. With time, the opinion did change, especially when I got to enjoy the benefits of a split keyboard.

I have a repetitive stress injury in both hands that require specific ergonomics. The wrong keyboard will cause so much pain that I can’t use my hands. Split keyboards have the solution to my problem, and Epomaker really nails it with the Split 65. My injury never triggered once, and I use my keyboard for an unhealthy amount of time. The amount of slack the connecting wire was more than enough to fit my frame, and the keys are soft to the touch. Most importantly, the keyboard has such a soothing typing sound that it is going to be difficult to go back to a normal keyboard.

As far as performance goes, I didn’t notice any latency or ghosting throughout my workflow or gaming. I do think the battery is a little small, but I guess it has to. I was getting about 6 hours per charge which is more than enough, but I was getting used to one less wire on my desk. The battery would last a lot longer if I turned off the RGB, but it looks so pretty, I didn’t have it in me.

Overall, if you are looking to upgrade your set up or looking for something ergonomic to relieve some of that hand strain, do yourself a favor and get a Split 65. It is a fantastic option for the price, and you can always change the key caps to fit your style.

You can pick up the Split 65 keyboard on the official Epomaker site, or on Amazon through my affiliate link.

Tech Reviews

Epomaker X Aula F108 Review: Affordable Mechanical Keyboard

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Disclaimer

Mechlands sent me the EPOMAKER X AULA F108 to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review. Make sure you also check out my latest reviews for the Blade 101 and M75 keyboards.

What’s in the box?

  • F108 Mechanical Keyboard
  • Key/Switch Puller
  • 4 Replacement Switches
  • 1 USB-C to USB-A Cable
  • 1 2.4 G Dongle

Features

The Epomaker x Aula F108 is a light weight stylish full-sized mechanical keyboard who wants a bit of style, a lot of performance, but doesn’t want to break the bank. The keyboard comes in three colors: White/Blue, Side Printed Gray, and White/Blue. I got mine in the Side-Printed Grey, but all options are extremely viable.

Black/Blue
Side-Printed Grey
White/Blue

This full sized keyboard features 108 anti-ghosting keys that delivery the accuracy you need it. The typing angle promotes comfort in your workflow while the promised low latency connections provide the performance. With an impressive 1000hz polling rate, the F108 promises to keep pace at the competative level. The 4000 mAH battery boasts up 200 hours of uninterrupted gaming, making it perfect for the folks who need to minimize that wire clutter. The Epomaker F108 is a beautiful keyboard with the performance to back it.

Sound Test

Review

The keyboard feels cheap out of the box. It is a very light weight keyboard with a worrying amount of flex. Visually however, the keyboard has enough elegance to make up for the feel. I love the gradient scheme, but the keys are swapable when needed. I like how soft the RGB looks and love how the text is on the front of the key rather than the usual top. It gives the keyboard a very unique modern aesthetic.

I was very impressed with how comfortable the typing experience is on the F108. The flex isn’t notable while typing, and the keys seems to have just enough weight to them to provide satisfying tactile feedback without any of the fatigue. Both the typing angle and the size of the keyboard were perfect for my frame. The F108 never triggered my repetitive stress injury which makes this keyboard an instant buy for me. To sweeten the deal, the F108 has such a satisfying typing sound, but it is a little loud if that matters.

Most importantly, the F108 has the performance I need for my workflow. There was no noticeable latency, and I was able to switch between devices quickly. I think I only charged the keyboard once during my keyboard and I was using it on average about 10 hours strait a day with the backlight on. Your millage will vary depending on your backlight setting, but I am impressed non-the less.

My only complaint is the amount of flex this keyboard has. I would not travel with the F108 because it will probably snap in half. I was scared to bend it too much with my testing because it felt like it was going to break. If you need a full sized keyboard and don’t need to take it out of the house, this is a solid budget option that loops cool and has the performance to take on most work flows.

You can pick up the the Epomaker x Aula F108 on the official Mechlands site.

Tech Reviews

The Epomaker P75 is a Fantastic Mechanical Keyboard!

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Epomaker sent me their most popular keyboard, the P75 with the Wisteria Linear switches, for free to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review. You can find the P75 and Epomaker’s other stylish keyboards on their official website.

What’s in the Box?

The P75 comes beautifully packed. Inside you’ll find:

  • The Epomaker P75 Keyboard
  • Braided USB-A to USB-C chord
  • The space bar, arrow keys, and escape button in white (for those who want that all-white aesthetic
  • Wireless dongle
  • 3 replacement switches
  • Key puller tool
  • Allen wrench

Features

The P75 is a 75% keyboard with wired, wireless, and Bluetooth support. It allows connectivity to several devices from laptops, phones, and even popular gaming consoles. Its south-facing 8-color RGB makes it easy to see the 16 preprogrammed profiles. Coupled with the easily swappable keys and keycaps, the P75 is a perfect fit for any setup. The P75’s 4000mAh gives users a solid wireless session, and the volume dial is a nice touch.

Most importantly, the keyboard comes in three switches for a completely customizable experience. The available switches:

  • Zebra Switch: Linear, 5-pin, Travel: 1.8/3.8mm, Force: 40/45gf   
  • Wisteria Linear Switch: Linear, 5-pin, Travel: 2.0/3.6mm, Force: 45/62gf    
  • Wisteria Tactile Switch: Tactile, 5-pin, Travel: 2.0/3.1mm, Force: 46/62gf

Sound Test

https://churapereviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/epomakersoundcheck.mp3

Review

The Epomaker P75 is a fantastic mechanical keyboard. I love the sleek design of its aluminum finish and the simple yet beautiful color scheme. The Wisteria Tactile Switches emit a beautiful creamy click that I find incredibly satisfying. Be mindful. It is a little loud, and the sound might annoy the people around you.

While the keyboard is easy to setup, I recommend keeping the manual. The keyboard comes preprogrammed with various useful commands for controlling RBG, media, check the battery, and open certain programs. The commands are easy to memorize, especially if you only care about the ones you use most often.

I used to only ever use wired connections, but I am converted. I like the lack of clutter and how easy it is to switch between devices. I have the devices connected to my gaming pc and work laptop, and switching between them is as easy as flipping the switch. The switch is easy to reach and responsive without it being too easily flipped.

I used the keyboard for both work and gaming and was impressed by the battery life. With the RGB turned up, I get a solid eight hours of steady heavy use. I can get a longer session with the RGB turned off, but it looks so pretty that, I didn’t want to test it.

The keys feel very good to the touch, and make typing a delight. Gaming with the P75 is a solid experience. The keys are responsive enough for any style of gaming, and they are soft enough that they don’t require hard presses. I am glad this keyboard doesn’t destroy my hands after an intense gaming session.

I get pretty bad repetitive stress disorder, and the wrong keyboard destroys my hands. I typically use a special keyboard to avoid a painful flair-up, so there was some anxiety when I switched to the P75. While it is by no means a true replacement for my original ergonomic setup, I am having trouble finding a reason to switch back. There is still some faint pain that comes after prolonged use, but it isn’t anything unbearable. I’ve had keyboards that leave my hands useless, but P75 is comfortable. That doesn’t mean I won’t try to get one of their split options for comparison, but I think this will remain my daily driver until my hands say otherwise.

The Epomaker P75 is a fantastic mechanical keyboard for anyone looking. Its size, color scheme, and wireless capabilities make it the perfect candidate for any minimalistic setup. If you’re looking for a quality yet budget mechanical keyboard, I can’t recommend this enough.

You can pick up your Epomaker P75 for $99.99 on the official website.

gaming news

Razer Hunstman Pro V3 Series Keyboards coming this October

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I sat through some of this year’s Razercon, and I can’t help but feel disappointed by the collection of announcements. We got some overpriced chairs, an ugly D&G collaboration, and of course, RGB on everything. I know there is a lot of hate for Razer products, but I love my Orbweaver. The problem is, that Razer is no longer supporting it. I can feel my Orbweaver dying with each keystroke, but I’m using it till it dies. I was hoping that this stream would announce a suitable replacement, but sadly, they haven’t quite earned my money just yet.

If you missed the stream, you didn’t miss much. If you care about RGB lights, looking for a Razer-branded gaming chair, or want some overpriced Dolce & Gabbana gaming gear, go watch the VOD. The only announcement worth some attention has to be the announcement of the Huntsman V3 Pro line Keyboards.

The Huntsman V3 Pro line introduces the 2nd Generation Razer Analog Optical Switches which promise to be optimized for the competitive esports scene. With a rapid trigger mode, adjustable actuation, and onboard memory, this could be the tool to elevate your game to the next level. The Huntsman V3 Pro line is also designed to be more durable, for your more intense gaming sessions. With a 100-million keystroke lifespan, textured doubleshot PBT keycaps, and a brushed aluminum top plate, it’s not only going to look great, but they might have to bury it with you as well. Historically, Razer products just look good for a few years before failing or breaking, so I’d take the marketing with a grain of salt until further testing is done. The keyboards do come with a 2-year warranty if purchased directly from RazorStore, so keep that in mind when making your decision. And yes, it has RGB and synapse support.

The Keyboard comes in three flavors: Huntsman V3 Pro ($249.99), Huntsman V3 Pro TKL ($219.99), and Huntsman V3 Pro Mini ($179.99). The only difference between the versions is the size. The Hunstman Pro V3 has a keypad included, the TKL doesn’t have the keypad, and the mini doesn’t have the keypad, function bar, or arrow keys. Choice therefore comes down to the gamer’s needs, space, and budget. I am not in the market for a full-sized keyboard at the moment, so I’ll be waiting for the keypad announcement. If you are looking for your new gaming keyboard, preorders start today and the product ships October 31st.

If you enjoy these updates, don’t forget to like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends!

Huntsman V3 Pro ($249.99)

Huntsman V3 Pro TKL ($219.99)

Huntsman V3 Pro Mini ($179.99)

Tech Reviews

Tech Review: Kenisis Freestyle Edge RGB Keyboard

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I’ve done a lot of research to find an ergonomic setup that fits my lifestyle. I do a lot of typing and gaming on my computer, and I needed a keyboard that could transition from both seamlessly. I was using a cheap mechanical keyboard before that left my hands useless. I love mechanical keyboards and wanted to find an ergonomic version that also had a backlight. The Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB keyboard was my answer, but it might not be yours.

Before I continue with this review, I would like to take a moment to mention that I am not a doctor. This review is based on my experience. Please consult your doctor for any medical concerns. I will also be using affiliate links for the product. If you decide to purchase the product, I get a small commission, but these will be my honest thoughts on the keyboard.

The Kinesis Freestyle Edge is a split keyboard. The split design allows for more natural hand placement, ideally relieving unnecessary strain from your hands and wrists. I have wide shoulders, and the split design allows for a more ideal placement that better fits my frame.

As far as mechanical keyboards go, the Edge is on the quieter side. I did opt for the quieter brown switches because I wanted softer key presses, but you can get one with the louder and more tactile blue switches if that fits your style better. The brown switches aren’t completely quiet, and you do get some sound, but it isn’t as loud as some of the cheaper mechanical keyboards out there.

This keyboard comes with nine programable macro keys that can be easily adjusted on the keyboard or through the official software. You can save two different profiles, which is nice if you share a computer with someone else or if you need nine extra macro keys. I don’t have much use for the macros except for media keys at the moment, but setting them up was very simple. The RGB profile can also be adjusted easily through the software. Any changes you make to this keyboard whether it be macros, profiles, or RGB is saved to the keyboard directly. If you switch to a different computer, all your profiles and macros transfer with the keyboard. It’s nice to not have to have another account to access your preferences or lose them if your computer wipes.

I love this keyboard and have been daily driving it for nearly three years without any issues. My only complaint with this keyboard is that it doesn’t come with the lift kit. Kineses offers a separate kit which isn’t necessary, but I do recommend it getting one. I used the keyboard without the kit for about a week before giving in and buying one. There was nothing wrong with the flat setup of the keyboard, but I use my computer too much and needed the additional ergonomics. The lift kit offers a more natural position for your hands, and I honestly can’t go back to using anything else.

The keycaps are nice. They are very soft to the touch, but you can customize your keyboard with third-party caps if they fit MX switches. Be mindful of the measurements. You might have trouble finding spacebars that fit this board. If you have a mac, Kinesis offers a separate kit to change your command keys. Unfortunately, the kit is an additional $28, and you have to install it yourself. The installation is very easy, even if you have no prior experience.

The Freestyle Edge is an adequate keyboard for gaming. The keys are responsive and easy to press, but the function keys are a bit out of reach for me. I often had to stretch to hit these keys, and my performance suffered. Games where I needed to press these keys more often would also tire my hands out more quickly. This is possibly a personal problem for my short stubby fingers, but it is something to keep in mind. Games that don’t require the function keys are fine. I could play for a lot longer before feeling any discomfort. I still recommend taking regular breaks and doing stretches keyboard this won’t fix the issues completely. For people who play and work a healthy amount, the Freestyle Edge is a fantastic solution.

So is it worth it? Honestly, this keyboard is a bit pricey for what you get. I bought it because I liked the style and the RGB and didn’t mind the tax for both options. But if you are on a budget and only need the ergonomics, there are better options. The Kenisis Freestyle Edge has made a huge difference in my setup, and I do not regret my purchase. I understand that this keyboard isn’t for everyone, but for those interested, you can buy it on Amazon.