Tag Archives: keypad

Unboxing the Epomaker TH33: Features & Performance

Disclaimer

Epomaker sent me the TH33 keypad 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. Make sure you also check out my reviews for the Epomaker RT85 and F75 keyboards. I will be using my Amazon Affiliate link where possible. It really helps me out if you use it before buying anything.

Table of Contents

What’s in the box?

  • TH33 Wireless Keypad
  • 2.4 Ghz Wireless Dongle
  • USB-C to USB-A Braided Cable
  • Key/Switch Puller
  • Backspace Keycap
  • 2 Additional Switches
  • User Manual

Features

The Epomaker TH33 keypad is the keypad you need when you need a few extra keys to get the job done. Whether you need it for some serious accounting or a few extra macros, this little keycap is a promising addition to any setup.

Design

The TH33 keypad has a simple and clean design to fit most perfessional settings, but each of the 33 keys and switches are easily hotswappable to allow some personlization. The light weight design and sturdy build make it ideal for travel without feeling or looking cheap. The look wouldn’t be complete without that soft south facing RGB that gives the keypad some flare without being too distracting. It can be shutoff if you are only in it for the function.

Comfort

The TH33 boasts an ergonomic design, ready for the most serious number crunching. The native 6 degree typing angle can be adjusted to create the perfect fit and the keycaps have been contoured for the ideal typing feel. The TH33 features a gasket design the creates the perfect creamy sound for those who need a bit of typing ASMR while they work.

Performance

The TH33 houses an impressive 2000mAh battery for those long work sessions. The boasted low latency and high polling rate make it ideal for any workflow. Most importantly, the each key can be easily reprogrammed through VIA for an endless amount of utility. Whether you need an accounting tool or a dedicated macropad, the TH33 is ready for the assignment.

Review

If you are looking for a keypad with extra room for activities, you need the TH33. This light weight, handy tool can upgrade your productivity without taking up too much of your precious desktop real estate.

Quality

I was a little disappointing when I first opened the box because the keypad does look like plastic. It doesn’t look bad, but it does look like a toy. On further inspection, I was relieved to find it to be a high quality accessory. While the light weight keypad does feel like plastic, everything has been well machined. At least, it doesn’t look or feel like it will fade after a few uses.

Comfort

The TH33 is fine out the box. The default typing angle allows for the hand to sit in a more natural position, and the option to adjust the height makes it perfect for most hands. I prefer a taller angle and found it a very comfortable solution. The switches are soft and responsive. The keycaps look cheap, but feel fine. I appreciate that the have been contoured to fit the finger to make each press delightful and precise. The TH33 is a comfortable and powerful keypad.

Performance

The TH33 met my expectations for a key pad. I appreciate the long battery life. I’ve been using it for two weeks now and haven’t had to charge it, even with the RBG on. I would say for those who need it more regularly, the keyboard will get at least 10 hours of continuous use, but you can always turn off the RGB for a longer session if needed. The keypad is as responsive as needed. I didn’t notice any latency or ghosting in my two weeks.

My only issue with the keypad is that it does feel like it has a few extraneous buttons. Having volume controls is fantastic, but things like the arrow keys feel unnecessary. Unless you don’t have them on your laptop, you are getting a few extra buttons that you might not use unless you reprogram the keypad. Luckily, reprogramming the TH33 through VIA is very easy. You can easily add macros or remap keys for functions you actually need. This is the keypad you get when you either need a few extra macros or you need a d macropad that is simple and doesn’t take too much space.

Conclusion

If you need something a little bigger than your typical numbpad, the TH33 is great option. It is simple, clean, and quality enough to survive some travel. This is the keypad you get only if you need the extra keys, otherwise, you can make due with the Epomaker EK21. I like the keypad and even got some use by creating a few useful shortcuts for my data entry, but I wouldn’t call it an essential part of my kit. It does make my workflow a bit more convenient and that alone has some value.

If you need it, you can pick up the Epomaker TH33 keypad on the official Epomaker store, or on Amazon through my affiliate link.

KiiBOOM Cybrix29 Review: A Gamer’s Ultimate Keypad

Disclaimer

KiiBOOM sent me the Cybrix29 Gaming Keypad to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let sway my opinions. This will be my honest review. Make sure you also check out Elyxirine Pastel Y2K Keycap Set and the Jade75 mechanical keyboard. I will also be using my Amazon Affiliate link where possible. It really helps me out if you click it before you buy anything.

Save big during KiiBOOM‘s special sale from now until November 12!

Table of Contents

What’s in the box?

  • KiiBOOM Cybrix29
  • Key/Switch Puller
  • USB-C to USB-A Cable
  • User Manual

Features

The Cybrix29 is a 29 key wired gaming keypad that is ready to take on any task. Whether you are looking for tool to upgrade you workflow or just want something pretty to set on your table, the Cybrix29 is a fantastic solution.

Aesthetic

The Cybrix29 has a clean modern design, built to the high quality KiiBOOM standards has set for the industry. The low profile aluminum body not only looks good, but will keep your desk a bit more clutter free. They Cybrix29 is available in three colors: pink, silver and black. I chose to review it in pink, but it was a very tough choice to make.

The three dials give the keypad both its utility and modern flare. The RGB lighting effects helps illuminate your setup. The Cybrix29 features three separate RGB systems that can be easily customized through onboard commands. Each of the 29 keys, the light bar on top, and the acrylic base have separate customizable RGB profiles. Users can change the brightness, lighting effects, speed of the effects, and the color of each profile. As an added bonus, the keycaps and switches are easily swappable for maximum customization.

Comfort

The Cybrix29 promises a comfortable typing experience. The cherry profile keycaps give it its ergonomics, while the duskrise magnetic switches give it that satisfying soft feel. Whether it be a long gaming session or a bit of editing, your hands can rest easy with this powerful keypad.

Performance

The Cybrix29 is KiiBOOM’s ultimate solution for form factor utility. Each of the 29 keys is fully customizable. Each key and dial can be easily remapped or reprogrammed to take on any task. Users can also adjust the sensitivity and actuation of each switch for a more personalized experience. The Cybrix29’s advanced functions like the Snap Key (SOCD) and Dynamic Keystroke (DKS) support give its users a competitive advantage, so long as the game allows it. Don’t get banned.

Most importantly, the keypad’s wired connection give it the high speed, low latency connection needed for competitive gaming. With a very respectable 8KHz polling rate and no battery to slow its users down, the Cybrix29 is ready to master any game or assignment that gets in its way.

Sound Test

Review

If you are looking to upgrade your game, or a tool to help your productivity, the Cybrix29 is the perfect tool for you.

Looks

KiiBOOM is a master of creating aesthetically high-quality keyboards, and the Cybrix29 is no exception. The keypad is very well made with a light weight design that makes it perfect for travel. The colors are all bright and the lettering is clear. The quality of the keycaps gives me confidence that it won’t fade in the near future. The RGB makes the keyboard fun. The colors are vibrant, and the customization options give the keypad its versatility. There is a Cybrix29 configuration for every setup.

My only complaint is that it is a wired connection. I don’t like having too much wire clutter, but it is the price to pay for a high speed low-latency connection. However, it is a price I am willing to pay because this keypad is a beast of a machine.

Performance

If you are looking for a tool to give you a competitive edge or just want a more comfortable gaming experience, the Cybrix29 is a fantastic upgrade. The wire connection gives the keypad its negligible latency. You might need to do a bit of remapping, but the keypad has most of the keys you need for the games you play. I end up remapping a lot of what I play, so it wasn’t a huge deal.

The Cybrix29 features a fantastic out of the box experience, but being able to remap and reprogram the keys is nice to have and easy to do. The adjustable actuation and sensitivity as well as the advanced features (Snap Key (SOCD) and Dynamic Keystroke (DKS) support) make it a very powerful gaming tool. I didn’t feel the need to make any adjustments, but they are available for those who need it. Just make sure the game allows it first.

Although I don’t have a real way to test it, the Cybrix29 has the potential to be a powerful macro pad. The three dials are very handy for editing, and being able to remap everything certainly has its value. If you are looking for a powerful daily driver that looks good and is low profile, check out the Cybrix29.

Comfort

The most important feature of any keyboard is its comfort, and the Cybrix29 is comfortable. The keycaps feel great, and the switches have enough resistance to not only be satisfying, but they don’t create any fatigue. I was able to game for long hours without any hand pain. The sound is loud enough to be satisfying without being overbearing. My wife appreciates that it doesn’t fill the house with the thacking I love so much.

Conclusion

I love the Cybrix29 and it will be my daily driver for my main games. I have it configured just right for Guild Wars 2, and with the new expansion out, I am going to be spending a lot of time in Tyria. A keypad this size is a great option for those who need a macropad to play with, or for those who don’t want to buy a full sized keyboard. The size makes it a functional gaming peripheral, and its design makes it easy to store. It is also a very good for travel, if you don’t want to carry a full sized keyboard. With a bit of tinkering, the Cybrix29 can handle any game and task, making it the perfect tool for those who need it.

You can pick up the Cybrix29 on the official KiiBOOM store. They are currently having a huge sale until November 12, so now is the perfect time to pick up this or any of the other fine KiiBOOM products. You can also pick it up on Amazon through my affiliate link, but it is cheaper on KiiBOOM during the sale.

Enhance Your Workflow with the Epomaker EK21 Keypad

Disclaimer

Epomaker sent me the EK21 keypad 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 Click Lite Gaming Mouse and Alice Tide Keyboard. I’ll be using my Amazon Affiliate link where possible. It really helps me out if you use it.

What’s in the box?

  • EK21 Keypad
  • Key/Switch Puller
  • USB-C to USB-A Braided Cable
  • 2.4Ghz Wireless Dongle
  • User Manual

Features

The Epomaker EK21 is ready to take on any workflow. It only comes in black, but its stylish modern design helps it fit most desk aesthetics. It features 20 hot swapable keys illuminated with beautiful south-facing rgb effects. All 20 keys and the nob can be easily reprogrammed through VIA for some added versatility. The gasket design and shape of the key caps give users a comfortable typing experience, while also letting off a satisfying tack that doesn’t get too loud. The EK21’s lite weight, respectable 1000mAh battery, and wireless capability make it the ideal travel accessory. If you’re looking for 20 more keys to enhance your productivity, check out the EK21 keypad.

Review

The EK21 does look a little cheap, but the keypad is well machined. The numbers are clearly printed, the color scheme is nice, and the knob has a nice tactile feel. I do appreciate the keypad’s light-weight because I did end up having to travel a lot with it. Most importantly, the keypad is very comfortable. It not only made my data entry and number crunching easier than using the number row, it helped some of the strain from my hand. I did a bit of reprogramming on VIA. I don’t need to do it for my workflow, but it is a nice feature to have and I like how easy it was to set up.

As far as function goes, the Keypad functioned as intended. It was very responsive out of the box with out any glitching, and I haven’t had to charge the battery since I opened it. I always keep the RGB on and the RGB profiles are very subtle and fun. You can turn it off for additional battery life.

Ultimately, if you need a keypad for your workflow, this is a great budget option that feels good, looks great, and gets the job done. At only $40, the EK21 is a powerhouse of utility in the perfect sized package.

You can pick up the the EK21 Numbpad on the official Epomaker store, or on Amazon through my affiliate link.

Phantom 21 Keypad Review: Stylish and Functional

Disclaimer

KiiBoom sent me the Phantom 21 Mechanical Keypad to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I will not let it sway my opinions. This will be my hones review. Make sure you also check out my reviews for the Phantom 81 V3 and the Loop 65. I will also be using my Amazon Affiliate link where possible. Using it really helps me out. Make sure you also check out my new sponsor, NordVPN to earn an Amazon Gift card.

What’s in the Box?

  • Phantom 21 Keypad
  • 1.5m USB-C to USB-A Braided Cable
  • Key/Switch Puller Tool

Features

The Phantom 21 is KiiBoom’s stylish solution for the ultimate keypad experience. This modern keypad comes in four colors: clear, pink, blue, and purple.

Thew clear body and fun colors are a guaranteed upgrade to any aesthetic. They keypads come with 21 keys with hot swappable switches all illuminated by the its vibrant customizable RBG color effects. But the Phantom 21 is more than just a pretty keypad. The control nob can be customized for volume, zoom, scrolling, and other essential functions. The keys are also easily customizable with KiiBOOM’s proprietary software to handle any workflow. Users can easily remap keys or load it up with macros to maximize efficiency.

Sound Test

Review

I do like having a keypad for my workflow because I do a lot of data entry. I was very excited because the Phantom line is my favorite Keyboom product, and the Phantom 21 did not disappoint.

Out of the box, users will be impressed by the unique clear bodied design. I got the clear color, but the colors are fun, vibrant, and look good on the table. The manufacturing is clean and the keypad is very high quality. The keypad’s unique style definitely makes a statement in the best possible way.

After using the keypad, users will appreciate the comfort the keypad offers. The typing angle is ideal for most hand types, and the spacing allows for a comfortable hand position. I have a really bad repetitive stress injury, but using this keypad never triggered it. The clear glass-like caps give have a very satisfying smooth feel to them, and the clacking of the switches make it a wonderful typing experience. At least when it came to data entry and number crunching.

As far as performance goes, I noticed no ghosting or latency, and I still haven’t had to charge the keypad after using it for a 2 weeks. I keep on all the RGB effects. For those that need some added functionality, customizing, remapping, and adding macros to the Phantom 21 is very easy. This keypad can handle large workloads if you need it to.

If you are in the market for a unique looking keypad/macropad loaded with functionality, the Phantom 21 is a fantastic option. This pretty keypad is the perfect size for travel, very sturdy, and its flexibility make it perfect for any workflow.

You can pick up the Phantom 21 directly from the KiiBOOM site, or through Amazon through my Affiliate link.

Cybrix 16 Keypad: Features, Setup & Honest Review

Disclaimer

KiiBoom sent me the Cybrix16 Keypad 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. Make sure to also check out my reviews for the KiiBoom Phantom98, the Moonshadow V2, and the Breeze 75 if you’re looking for a full-sized keyboard.

What’s in the Box?

  • Cybrix16
  • USB-C to USB-A Braided Cable
  • Key/Switch Puller Tool
  • Instruction Manual

Features

The Cybrix 16 is versatile keypad ready to upgrade your productivity. The keypad comes with 16 fully programmable keys and 3 rotary knobs ready to take on any workflow. The keypad is QMK/VIA compatible, and users can save up to 5 profiles to maximize the versatility. The keypad supports 3-pin and 5-pin switches for some added customization.

The Cybrix keypad has a clean and elegant design and comes in three colors: Silver, Pink, and Black.

I chose the silver, but all colors are great. The blank gradient keys give it its futuristic minimalist aesthetic. The keypad is wired only, but it more than makes up for it with its highspeed performance. It also features a soft and subtle RGB effect for a bit of added flare.

Sound Test

Review

Out of the box, the keypad has an undeniable elegance that will go unmatched by anything on the market. The build and construction is clean, and I am a huge fan of the minimilistic aesthetic. It did take some time to remember what each key did, but it is not a huge deal. The customization is nice, when I finally got it to work and I wasn’t able to repeat the process. It isn’t very user friendly, and that is going to be a problem for the folks who aren’t enthusiast or a tech savvy.

That said, it is a solid keypad. The volume and media controls are always appreciated, and access to a keypad always upgrades my workflow. I wish it were wireless because my desk gets cluttered quickly, but it is nice to not have to worry about losing charge during an important project.

If you’re looking for a keypad that will upgrade your aesthetic, and you don’t mind a bit of tinkering to take full advantage of its features, the Cybrix 16 is a fantastic addition to your setup. It is not impossible, but it definitely not plug and play. If you’re only getting this to use it as a Numpad, you’re paying for the aesthetic and a few features you’ll eventually get to. The Cybrix16 is a solid peripheral, if you’re getting the most out of it.

You can pick up the Cybrix 16 on the official KiiBoom site.

Tech Review: Redragon K585 DITI Keypad

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I want to start off by mentioning that this isn’t a sponsored review. I bought this with my own money and these will be my honest review. All links in this review are my affiliate links, I get a little money if you choose to buy anything I link to.

The Redragon K585 DITI is a mechanical gaming keypad. The keypad has 42 keys and 7 onboard macro keys that are easy to program through their software. You get three options for key switches: red, brown, and blue. The red switches are their silent option, blue is their loudest, and brown is in between. The Redragon K585 DITI is available in both wired and wireless options. And just so you know that this is a gaming keypad, it has RGB.

Out of the box, you get the keypad, a plastic wrist rest, a keycap puller, a switch puller, a braided USB-c cable, a wireless dongle, extra switches for replacement, and a sticker. I choose the wireless option with the blue caps, so my set came with five blue switches.

Images taken from Amazon product page

At first glance, this keypad looks cheap. When you use it, it feels and sounds cheap as well. It’s not unusable nor breaks easily, but it is something to keep in mind. The blue switches are very loud; I recommend you buy one of the quieter options even if you like the sound. The blue switches do not produce the satisfying mechanical sound I am used to, but rather a cheap clanging that will annoy your housemates. You can probably lube the switches to reduce the sound and eliminate some of the clangings, but that is too much effort for a cheap keypad. You are better off spending a bit more for something better.

I used the keypad for about a month for all my gaming. The performance of the keypad was great at first. There was no noticeable latency, but the clanging got annoying. If you are using voice chat, everyone is going to hear your keypresses. Unfortunately, the wireless feature stopped working after a day. I tried updating the firmware, switching ports, and charging the battery, but the fixes were only temporary. I ended up returning the keypad because I couldn’t use it wirelessly.

Programing this keypad is easy. You plug in the keypad and use the software to customize the keys, macros, and lighting profiles. You can change the lighting profiles on the keyboard without having to go into the software which is nice. The macros were nice and I would use them to bind keys that I needed for gaming that this keypad didn’t have. Unfortunately, my bindings kept clearing so I stopped using them pretty early on as well.

The RGB is okay and offers a few options, but you are limited to the preset profiles. If you want better customization, I suggest you get a different keyboard. One pretty cool feature this keyboard has is that the backlight turns off when it is not in use. Unfortunately, I can’t speak about the battery life since I was forced to mostly use it wired. I recommend buying the wired version instead.

Maintenance for the keypad is very easy. The keycaps and switches are easy to remove for cleaning and replacement. I dropped the keypad accidentally from a low height, and one of the keycaps fell off. I was able to put it back without an incident, but I fear a higher drop might prove disastrous.

If you are looking to make your setup more ergonomic, look elsewhere. Although I found my hand position on this keypad comfortable, I could only game on this for an hour before my hand would cramp out and remain useless. The wrist rest offers no additional support and seems more like a gimmick than a feature. You are better off purchasing a third-party wrist wrest. If you are looking for an ergonomic mechanical keyboard, you are better off with the Kinesis Freestyle. You can see my full review on that here.

So is the Redragon K585 DITI worth your money? No, it is not. It feels, looks, and sounds cheap. The only reason I can see someone buying this keypad is if they need the portability. Otherwise, I suggest you spend a little more and buy a full-sized or split keyboard. If you are getting this keypad, get the wired version with quieter switches. You can buy both wireless and wired on Amazon with my affiliate links. The Redragon K585 DITI isn’t a terrible product, but you have better options.

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