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Tech Reviews

Is the Galatin Pro K719 Worth It? A Comprehensive Review

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Disclaimer

Redragon sent me the Galatin Pro K719 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. Make sure you also check out my review for the Redragon Antonium K745 Pro mechanical keyboard. I’ll also 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?

  • Galatin Pro K719 Mechanical Keyboard
  • USB-C to USB-A Cable
  • Wireless Dongle
  • 4 x Extra Switches
  • Key/Switch Puller
  • Sticker Sheet
  • User Manual

Features

The Galatin Pro K19 is a 96% wireless mechanical keyboard. This is a full sized keyboard that gives users to a function row and numb pad, but presents in a compact package to maximize desk space. The keyboard comes in a beautiful mint green scheme, with a customizable LED screen and RGB backlight.

Customization

The Galatin Pro gives users an enormous amount of versatility with easy customizable options. The 95 keys can be easily swapped to not only fit your aesthetic, but fit your typing preference. Not that you would want to. The default Mint Mambo switches promise a smooth typing feel with the typing ASMR you want from a keyboard.

Both the RBG and LED screen can be customized through the official software to fit your desired aesthetic. Each of the 95 keys can be easily rebound and programmed for some added utility. Weather you need a few macros for your editing or short cuts for productivity, the Galatin Pro is ready to meet your every need.

Comfort

The Galatin Pro’s gasket is angled to meet most comfortable typing standards, but there is additional height options available for those who need it. The gasket houses 5 layers of sound absorbing pads to keep that typing ASMR thacky without waking up the whole neighborhood. The key layout has been designed is compact, without scarifying any comfort. Users will find a delightful typing experience hidden under the mint green layout.

Performance

The Galatin Pro supports three, fast connections modes: Bluetooth, wireless, and wired. The keyboard’s impressive 4000mAh battery supports long sessions with either of the fast wireless connections. The keyboard can seemlessly switch between connections with the easy to access, side switch. Whether you need a keyboard that will keep up with your efficient DPS rotation, or just need to pound out all that last minute homework, the Galatin Pro has you covered.

Sound Test

Review

The Galatin Pro is a solid affiordable keyboard, if you’ve never used a nicer keyboard. While it has a very cool aesthetic and layout, I found the typing experience a bit lacking. It isn’t completely unusable, but I’d rather be using the Antonium K745 Pro.

Quality

The Galatin Pro is a cute keyboard out of the box. The pieces look well machined, and the font is clear and legible. After using the keyboard, it does feel a little cheap. The keys feel like plastic, and while they don’t destroy my hands, you might want to invest in some better keycaps. The switches feel fine, and the typing sound is a little ugly, but beater of a keyboard.

Comfort

I am not a fan of the keyboard’s typing experience. It feels a little too crunchy, and I don’t like the feel of the cheap keycaps. However, if this is your budget, you can do a lot worse. While this isn’t a strictly ergonomic keyboard, it did not trigger my repetitive stress injury. I was able to enjoy long sessions with the Galatin Pro without any pain, which is a huge positive. While this isn’t a strictly ergonomic keyboard, it did not trigger my repetitive stress injury. One of the dangers of testing these budget keyboards is that they can leave my hands useless. I’ve cut tests short in the past, and I was pleasantly surprised when I didn’t have to this time around. I’ll still be switching back Antonium K745 Pro because I prefer the typing experience and gimick a little more, but the Galatin is still a solid option.

Gimmick

The Galatin Pro has a customizable LED screen that displays useful information like time, battery life, and connection type. I have never been to crazy about screens on my keyboard because I never look at them. Not that I was able to customize the screen in the first place. I was able to get the date and time, but I never got the GIF to work. I’m not buying this keyboard for the LED screen. I am buying this keyboard for the volume nob. I don’t know how much I miss having a volume mod until I am forced to use keyboards without one. The knob feels great, it is very responsive, and it controls my media. The knob steals the show, and it always gets a lot of use in my workflow.

Performance

I had no issues with the Galatin Pro out of the box. There was no noticeable latency or ghosting. The keyboard does include four extra switches in case any issues arise. I am happy to report, none ever during my week of hard typing. The Galatin Pro handled a few fast past shooters and a good amount of MMO grind without issue. I am not a pro player, but I didn’t notice any drop in perfrormance. The battery life is impressive and gave me about 9 hours of use on a single charge with all the lights on. I guess the LED is nice for keeping up with your battery life.

Conclusion

The Galatin Pro is a cool looking mechanical keyboard, especially at this budget. The colors are fun, and I like the compact design. You get a full sized keyboard, but it doesn’t feel like it takes up the same amount of space. I would probably swap out the keycaps for something nicer. This shouldn’t be a problem if you’ve never tried anything nicer. Galatin Pro is a solid starter mechanical keyboard that should fit most use cases until you are ready for the upgrade.

You can pick up the Galatin Pro K719 from the official Redragon store or through Amazon using my Affiliate link.

video game reviews

Nocturnal 2: A Promising Metroidvania Experience Awaits

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Disclaimer

I was sent the Nocturnal 2 demo to review for my blog. I am grateful for the opportunity, but understand the game isn’t finished. That said, I will try to be a bit more lenient in my review, but these will still be my honest impressions of the game.

Shameless Self Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my reviews for the Epomaker QK108, the Redragon Antonium K745 Pro, and the adorable KiiBOOM Meow Pudding keycaps. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. The Huanuo Nitroglide dual monitor arm is also pretty cool.

Make sure you check out the free ways you can support me, like using my Amazon affiliate link before you buy anything. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee! Don’t forget to share this review with your friends!

Table of Contents

What is Nocturnal 2?

Nocturnal 2 is a beautifully drawn metroidvania coming out on Steam later this year.

Hook

Play as Ardeshir, bearer of the Enduring Flame as he explores the forgotten city of Ytash in order to break the curse that consumes his homeland. But the path will not be easy. The city has been sunk into darkness, with only his Enduring Flame to light the way. Bring as much of this city to life as you fight your way through mobs of enemies, creative bosses, and discover new abilities in between. Will his flame be enough to free his homeland from the darkness, or will it consume his very soul?

Gameplay

The demo has players go through the tutorial, but gives them a large area of exploration. This is your typical metroidvania where players are moving from checkpoint to checkpoint, collecting xp, powerups, and abilities in between. What makes Nocturnal unique is that Ardeshir’s flames can go out, and without light, he becomes powerless. Players must find ways to not only light the world around them, but sometimes find ways to keep their light alive.

Combat

Nocturnal has a traditional metroidvania feel. Players start the game with a minimal move list, but unlock new abilities as they progress through the city of Ytash. The combos get more complex as the game progress, but so do the enemies. Enemies in this game have easily telegraphed attacks and movements that players will need to learn to play around. Effectively fighting around these combos through skillful dodging can help players survive until the next checkpoint.

Impressions

I picked up Nocturnal 2 because Nocturnal is one of my favorite metroidvania. It has a cool atmosphere, solid story, and great mechanics. If you are looking for a new metroidvania while you wait for sequel, you won’t be disapointed. The demo for 2, has me excited. The game still feels like the dark epic adventure of the first, with a few solid improvements. The art is still great, combat is smooth, and it left me wanting more. It has definitely been added to my wishlist, and I can’t wait to try out the full version.

Aesthetic

One of the biggest draws for Nocturnal is its world building and aesthetic. This series has some incredible art, and I am very excited to explore more of this world. The lore in that is sprinkled throughout gives the game the mysterious atmosphere that makes the story feel even more epic than it is. My only complaint is that I didn’t get much of the story in this game, but at least I got a solid impression of what is to come in terms of gameplay.

Gameplay

First of all, this demo is playable on the Steam Deck which is the cherry on top of a solid metroidvania experience. Any game that allows me to whip out my Steam Deck outside my house is a good game, and this is looking like a good game. The Nocturnal 2 demo has smooth combat with interesting combos and interactions, a good amount of exploration, and some solid platforming. And this is coming from someone who hates platformers. At least, I used to hate them until I played Nocturnal. It does get a bit repetitive towards the middle of the demo, but it gave me enough to be excited about.

Conclusion

I can’t wait for the full release of Nocturnal 2. This is a solid demo, especially if you are in the market for a new metroidvania. I don’t think you’ll need to play the first game to understand the sequel, but the Nocturnal is such a good game, you need to play through it once. I still prefer the first game, but it is still too early to make that declaration. Until then, play through the first game, check out this demo, and don’t forget to add Nocturnal 2 to your wishlist!

You can pick up the Nocturnal 2 demo on Steam.

video game reviews

Don’t Stop Girlypop! is the High Octane Shooter You Need

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Don’t Stop Girlypop! 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.

Shameless Self Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my reviews for the Epomaker QK108, the Redragon Antonium K745 Pro, and the adorable KiiBOOM Meow Pudding keycaps. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. The Huanuo Nitroglide dual monitor arm is also pretty cool.

Make sure you check out the free ways you can support me, like using my Amazon affiliate link before you buy anything. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee! Don’t forget to share this review with your friends!

Table of contents

What is Don’t Stop Girlypop!?

Don’t Stop Girlypop! is a Y2K themed arena movement shooter where you can’t stop moving coming to Steam on January 29, 2026. Go check out the demo and don’t forget to add it to your wishlist.

Hook

The evil mining corporation Tirgis Nix wants to grain your world of The Love, the valuable resource that keeps the planet alive. A resistance has formed to push back the corporation’s forces, but the evil robot army proves too difficult a force. You are the only one with the power, guns, and speed to take this planet back from Tirgirs Nix. Jump, run, and slide your way through waves of enemies and you jam out to high energy girly pop and kill anything that stands in your way. Can you keep moving long enough to save the planet before all The Love is drained from the planet?

Gameplay

The key in Don’t Stop Girlypop! is to not stop moving. Player movement is slow at first, but build momentum overtime. This momentum not only increases speed players move through the world, but increases the amount of damage they output. Combat is chaotic as players jump, swing, and do everything they can to keep their momentum up while shooting down every evil robot that gets in their way.

The game is split into stages with a clock to insentient speed. Players can race for the high score, or settle for the story. Players also unlock new weapons that open up the room for a diverse amount of playstyles. All this is done against an excellent Girlypop soundtrack that will get you in the mood for killing robots. Just don’t, stop, moving!

Review

Don’t Stop Girly Pop has become one of my favorite games. I love the perfect blend of Y2K aesthetics, its fantastic soundtrack, and the high octaine gameplay that kept my heart rate at dangerous levels.

Aesthetic

Don’t Stop Girlypop! is the perfect love letter to Y2K era aesthetic and gaming. I love the contrast between the rough, retro, quake like graphics against the more girly pop themes. You can decorate your weapons to be as flashy as you want, and of course the music is the cherry that makes this game such a treat. If you’re old like me, or enjoy revisiting those classic retro era arena shooters, you will appreciate the amount of effort that was put into building this unique world. Things do get a little hectic with all the exploding colors and fast paced movement, but if you slow down long enough to enjoy the level design, you won’t be disapointed.

The Soundtrack

The soundtrack to this game is fantastic and should be one of the reasons you are playing this game. I love the music so much, I’ve added the songs to my running mix. Do yourself a favor and listen to the OST. I will link the playlist below, but first, credit where credit is due:

  • Don’t Stop, Girlypop! (Theme) – Sarah Wolfe and Xavier Dunn
  • Slam! Hop! Dash! – Sarah Wolfe and Xavier Dunn
  • I Am The Revolution – Sarah Wolfe and Xavier Dunn
  • Just Don’t Stop Moving – Candice Susnjar
  • In A Dream – Candice Susnjar
  • Freak of Nature – Sarah Wolfe and Xavier Dunn

Story

There has been a good amount of effort put into building a world around this game. The story is strait forward, but with enough flavor to keep me invested. I liked going out of my way to pick up the different bits of the story to learn about the world. The game does have voice acting, and while a little rough in parts, I appreciate that I don’t have to read.

Gameplay

I was ready to right this game off because if felt like there was too much going on, but this was strictly a skill issue. When everything started to click, it has been very hard to put this game down. I am still bad at this game, but I am having fun trying to get better. Maps are creatively designed to keep players moving. Some of the weapons feel better than others, but I found use for all of them as I got a better understanding of the game’s mechanics. Each weapon opens up a player to a unique playstyle without taking away from the lore or flavor of the world. Best of all, they can be customized to fit the best Girlypop version of you that you can dream of.

Combat

Once I got a grasp of the mechanics, combat felt so fluid. It is important to understand the mechanics so you can make full use of the weapons, environment, and momentum mechanics. At first, combat does feel a little too chaotic, but when it clicks, I welcomed the chaos. I would describe combat in Don’t Stop Girlypop! as the most exhilarating combat you’ll experience with a soundtrack that will help keep you into gear. The game does a good job at making the mob fights feel fresh and exciting, and the boss fights are very creative and memorable. If you aren’t sweating by the end of the level, you’re doing everything wrong.

Conclusion

Don’t Stop Girlypop! is now one of my favorite games. I love the fastpaced combat, the solid worldbuilding, and the fantastic soundtrack. If you are looking for a unique shooter to add to your collection, it needs to be Don’t Stop Girlypop! This game is nonstop fun from the moment you pick up the first weapon, till the moment you clear the last stage. Go add it to your wishlist, and make sure you pick up on release on January 29, 2026.

You can pick up Don’t Stop Girlypop! on Steam. If you’re looking for other unique shooters with a cool soundtrack, check out El Paso: Nightmare.

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.

Universus

Guilty Gear Strive Blitz Box Review: A Collector’s Perspective

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Disclaimer

UVS sent me the a Guilty Gear Strive Blitz Box 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. 2026 is going to be an exciting year for Universus TCG, so make sure you check out the road map! I am super excited for some Fairy Tail cards. Also check out my reviews for other universus products like Attack on Titan and my favorite set so far, Heroes of Exandria. I’ll also be using my TCG Player affiliate link where possible. It helps me out if you use it before buying anything.

Table of Contents

The Set

The Guilty Gear Strive set came out on November 28, so I am a little behind on the draw. Holidays have been a little busy for me. While the new King of Fighers comes out soon, I think it is still worth looking back at a fantastic set. Guilty Gear Strive released with a new type of product, the Blitz Box, which is a 12 pack booster at a much more attainable price point. The game features unique art and foils that you are going to want in your collection, especially if you’re a fan of the fighting game. If you haven’t played Universus, it is a fantastic unique game that I have fun playing everything time I get product. I’ve talk in more detail about the game in other posts, so make sure you check that out.

Character Cards

The Guilty Gear Strive character cards are some of my favorite since I’ve started playing the game. If you are unfamiliar with the game, Universus usually uses screen grabs for most of their artwork except for a handful of alt cards and character cards where the art is unique. I have never played a Guilty Gear game, but I kind of want to now because the characters looks so cool. The character cards are all vibrant, with cool looking characters that are going to be fun to collect. Here are a few of my favorites:

Token cards

Non-alt character cards in this set are tokens. Instead of the normal backs, the backs have a few rule explanations. While it may take away from the TCG aesthetic, it does offer a different back for easy orginization. As a casual player, I appreciate the easy reminder of rules I would otherwise have to look up. It is a handy tool for newer players. While I understand that it stops being useful the more to have, it is handy.

Token Back

Chrome rares

While some might be upset that their character cards have been made tokens, there are some nice chrome rare versions available for those who want to bling out their deck. I like the more cartoonish, oversaturated look of the art. You know it is going to look fantastic on the table. While I didn’t pull any of the chromes for my collection, I can sit hit and look at them longingly:

Alt cards

The real reason I love this game is how much effort is put into the alt cards. The alt cards in this set are all fantastic. I was lucky enough to pull a few of the alt cards and I am so happy with my pulls. If you are a fan of the series, you are going to want to try to pull some of these cards, at least for your collection. It is very hard to choose just a few cards, so here is as many as I could fit in no particular order:

Review

I am writing this as a collector. I love this game, but I play it very casually. I can’t speak on the power it adds to the game nor how it is shaping the meta. I can say that this has been the most fun set to open (aside from the the Heroes of Exandira). Guilty Gear Strive has the best quality of any set I’ve pulled from, and the best looking art.

Quality

Guilty Gear Strive, at least the box I pulled, has some of the best quality I’ve seen from this game. The foils still curve, but that is an unavoidable truth in the TCG space. Regardless of that fact, none of them had that annoying print line that seems to plague previous sets. Coming from the Riftbound cards I pulled, the quality is night and day. If they can keep this level of quality for future releases, and even spread it to Riftbound, I can see this game surviving at least another year.

The Art

My biggest issue with Universus as a collector is that most of the cards are screen grabs. While the special treatment cards are always fun to open and collect, most of the time I am collecting screenshots of IPs I don’t always care about. With the exception of Heroes of Exandria, most of the sets have been disappointing to open. Riftbound, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Street Fighter (the worst in my opinion) were all boring. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles fairs a little better because of nostalgia, but not enough to buy into.

The screenshots used for Guilty Gear Strive are a lot better than the previous sets. While I am still not a fan of the screenshot cards, they do look nice in a binder. I liked Guilty Gear Strive a lot more than the Street Fighter ones, and I can only hope they can carry a similar vibe with the King of Fighters IP. I am sure fans of the Guilty Gear series will appreciate the cards more than I did, but I had fun pulling them. I’ll probably only collect special treatment cards.

Conclusion

If you are thinking of getting into Universus, Guilty Gear Strive is a solid entry point. It has cool art, some solid mechanics, and the set is fun to open. I can’t speak on how it holds up against the current meta or how much return on investment you’ll get, but as a collector, I am very happy with this set and am tempted to pick up a bit more. You can pick up

video game reviews

Talystro: A Fun Deckbuilding Game with Math Mechanics

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Disclaimer

I was asked to cover the Talystro playtest for my blog. I understand the game is not finished, so I will be a bit more lenient with my review. That said, these will be my honest opinions of the game.

Shameless Self Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my reviews for the Epomaker QK108 and the adorable KiiBOOM Meow Pudding keycaps. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. The Huanuo Nitroglide dual monitor arm is also pretty cool.

Make sure you check out the free ways you can support me, like using my Amazon affiliate link before you buy anything. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee! Don’t forget to share this review with your friends!

Table of contents

What is Talystro?

Talystro is a a unique dice based deckbuilding game coming to Steam. The game features adorable mouses and require a bit of math to defeat your enemies.

Hook

The evil Necrodicer has started the forgiben ritual of Talystro, unleashing waves of evil numbers to disrupt the worlds peace and tranquility. All hope rests in the hands of Math Mouse and his proficiency in simple arithmatic. With the help of many dice rolls and well placed attacks, Math Mouse must fight through these evil numbers and put an end to the Talystro. Will his math skills be enough to save the world? Will RNG be in his favor? You will need to play to find out.

Gameplay

Players must fight their way through many waves of ruthless monsters with only the help of a deck they build along the way. Unlike most deckbuilders, Talystro has players build their attacks from a pool of dice rolls.

Casting

Players roll 6 dice at the start of each round to play the five cards they draw to their hand. Each card has a slot or a series of slots in an equation. To cast a card, players fill these slots with the numbers from their dice pool results. Cards will do damage equal to the total of the card after all required slots are filled. For example, if a user has a card with a slot _ + _ and they fill it with the numbers 1 and 2, the card will do three damage.

Combat

Players can attack as many times per turn as they have available dice, assuming they can get to the correct number. The monsters in this game are numbers. Unlike other deckbuilders where players need to slowly chip away at an enemies health, players need to reach the exact number of the monster they are fighting. For example, if the monster they are fighting is a 7, players must combine their dice and cards to deal out 7 damage and destroy the monster. You can play multiple cards per turn, so mix and match accordingly.

Monsters

Monsters carry attack die. Any monster left with an attack die at the end of the turn does one point of damage to Math Mouse. Players progress to the next stage if they kill off all the numbers. The game ends if the Math Mouse’s health drops to zero.

Abilities

The game has a few abilities to give combat its depth. Players start with three abilities: block, reroll, and adjust. Players all start with one charge of each ability. These abilities can be recharged by playing a card that has a recharge ability.

Block

Monsters get an attack die with the result visible to the player. Players can break these attack dice by stacking a dice with the same result. For example, if a monster has a 4 attack dice, stacking another four negates the attack.

Reroll

Reroll is self explanatory. Players use this ability to reroll their available pool of dice and hope for better numbers. Reroll only affects dice you have left in play. If you have three dice, you only reroll three.

Adjust

This ability allows players to adjust a dice by one value. For example, if you only have a three and need a four or a two, you use the adjust ability to get the number you need.

Impressions

I am a little bummed that this game is only a playtest because it is already an addiction. I did not know I could have so much fun with math, but then again, I played a lot of Math Blaster growing up.

Aesthetic

Talystro has fantastic art. I love the cartoon style art and the world that goes around it. The game has an old school aesthetic, but with gameplay that makes it incredibly addicting.

Gameplay

I am a little bummed it doesn’t work on the Steam deck because this would be a fantastic hand held game. It isn’t resource intensive, and the game is casual enough to enjoy on the go. However, this game is so much fun. I like that it breaks away from the same tired deck builder formula with mechanics that make combat a lot more engaging. I liked that I was always trying to figure out something and it made the grind a lot of fun. Every round was a cool puzzle I needed to solve, even if it involved a lot of math.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a different kind of deckbuilder that isn’t afraid to be different, you need to keep an eye out on Talystro. This is the most fun I’ve ever had doing math, and I am not a huge math person. The game has fun flavor and solid mechanics to keep things engaging. This is a very successful playtest, and I can’t wait to see what else in store. You can still try to get into the playtest. Don’t forget to wishlist!

Tech Reviews

QK108 Mechanical Keyboard: Features and Flaws

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Disclaimer

Epomaker sent me the QK108 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. Make sure you also check out my review for the TH33 keypad and the G84 Pro keyboard. I will also be using my Amazon Affiliate link where possible. It really helps me out if you use it before you shop for anything.

Table of contents

What’s in the box?

  • QK108 Mechanical Keyboard
  • USB-C to USB-A Cable
  • 2.4 Ghz Wireless Dongle
  • 3 Mac Keycaps
  • 2 Extra Switches
  • Key/Switch Puller
  • User Manual

Unboxing

Features

The Epomaker QK108 is the fullsized keyboard that promises to be the only keyboard a gamer needs to upgrade their arsenal.

Design

The QK108 is a classic looking keyboard with a bit of a modern flare. It only comes in one color, but it is a very classy green, white, and green scheme. All 104 cherry profile keycaps are hot swappable and sit on your choice of the Epomaker Wisteria Linear or Sea Salt Silent switches. The Wisterias are those who are looking for that thacky mechanical keyboard sound, and the silent ones are self explanatory.

Each key is illuminated with soft sout-facing rgb for visabililty, but they can be easily turned off with the dedicated onboard button. The onboard volume and media controls bring this keybaord to a modern audience. What sets the QK108 apart the customizable screen that displays important information like date, time, and battery life.

Comfort

The QK108 features a padded, five layer gasket so that the sound of your typing never becomes a noise violation. The default typing angle should satisfy most users, but the added adjustable height makes the keyboard perfect for all users. The stands also store the wireless dongle for easy storage and travel.

Utility

This fullsized keyboard is ready to take on any workflow, giving users access to a well placed function bar and numbpad for those who need it. Each of the 104 keys can be easily customized through VIA for some added utility. Users can remap, rebind, and program the maccros to get the job done.

Gamers will appreciate the boasted fast, low latency wireless connection that is ready to take on the most competitive scenarios. As an added bonus, the QK108 sports an impressive 4000mAh battery. Users can enjoy long gaming sessions without worrying about reaching for a charger mid raid boss. When the battery eventually dies, users will appreciate the high speed wired connection.

Sound Test

Review

If you are looking for a more traditional looking keyboard that will blend into the office aesthetic, the QK108 is a fine full-sized keyboard, but it falls a little short. Unfortunately, my keyboard started to malfunction shortly after unboxing. The keyboard works great until it goes to sleep. If I am using the dongle, it won’t reconnect automatically. I have to restart the keyboard. If I am on Bluetooth, the keyboard shuts off after a few seconds of sitting idle. This makes using shortcuts a pain. It works fine wired, but that sort of defeats the purpose. If I reach out, it will get replaced, but it has lost my confidence.

Quality

Out of the box, the keyboard looks fine. It is a clean keyboard that looks well machined. I like the classic feel of the keyboard and the minty green accents to give my setup a bit of color. When I started using the keyboard, the keycaps feel cheap. This is only a problem if you’ve tried better keycaps, but you should be using better keycaps if you are typing for long hours. I would rather be using the G84 pro if I am being honest, especially if you don’t really need a keypad.

Gimmick

I am pretty indifferent about keyboards with screens. They are nice for the first few moments after unboxing, but I quickly forget I have one. I guess it is handy to be able to see the battery life, but I never have use for a clock or gifs. My keyboard never showed me if I switched to mac mode. The volume and media controls are invaluable, and the nob is very nice.

Comfort

The QK108 is fine for short burst, but it did start getting uncomfortable after a while. The typing sound is fantastic, the typing angle is perfect, but I can’t get over how uncomfortable the keycaps are. They can be easily swapped for better keycaps. At $90, it is a viable solution, but I rather be using the Epomaker TH108.

Performance

Aside from the connection issue, the keyboard works fine. I didn’t notice any ghosting or latency, and I never had connection issues in game. The issue was when I let it idle and sleep, and it only affected my work. I wasn’t able to test the battery because I switched to wired when I started experiencing connection issues. As a wired keyboard, it works great, but I expect my wireless keyboard to work without wires.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a fullsized keyboard, you can do better. Get the TH108. This keyboard is fine, especially if you are looking for a more classic looking keyboard, but the malfunction out of the box makes it hard to recommend. Buy at your discretion.

You can pick up the QK108 from the official Epomaker store, or on Amazon through my affiliate link.

Board Games and TCGs

Review of the Alien RPG Rapture Protocol Miniature Set

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Disclaimer

Free League Publishing sent me the Alien Rapture Protocol miniature set for the Alien Role Playing Game Evolved Edition 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. Make sure you also check out my reviews for Mutant Year Zero and Alient TTRPG.

Table of contents

Unboxing

What’s in the box?

  • 20 high quality miniatures
  • Skirmish rulebook
  • Tokens
  • Game Catalogue

What is it?

Free League Publishing has released a set of 20 high-quality figures to fill your next session of Alien TTRPG. The set comes with a condensed rulebook for skirmish play for players who want to enjoy some wargaming in the Alien universe. Most importantly, the miniatures are ready to fill your world whether you are following one of the prewritten adventures, like Rapture Protocol, or you are creating one of your own from one of the many high quality source books. Whether you leave them unpainted, or get a little creative with the paint, these are going to look great on any table.

What is Skirmish?

Skirmish is Alien TTRPG’s pvp mode. The game is designed for two players (or teams) as they fight for survival. Booklet includes three unique scenarios to help players get started, but there is room for some solid homebrew potential. For example, a team of humans must fight their way through a Xenomorph infested planet to retrieve keycards to help them escape. The game is over if the humans complete their objective, or the aliens kill all the humans. There are rules for army creation, combat, and even a fear mechanic to make the game very thematic. I am a huge fan of the radar mechanic because it makes the game flavorful. If you’re into Alien RPG for just combat, definitely look into the skirmish mechanics.

Thoughts on skirmish

I am not very good at wargaming, so I appreciate how easy this mode is to get into. I got destroyed the times I played, but I had a lot of fun doing so. The game mode is full of cool flavor that will make fans of the Alien series very happy. The fact that Xenomorphs start as blips of a radar until discovered is terrifying. The fact that one of them turns into a cat is fantastic.

Combat is strait forward, but engaging. I am not very good at army building, but there seems to be a good amount of options for some diversity. I am sure there might be a meta, but I had fun playing what was cool. I had a lot more fun playing the Xenomorphs, but only because I was better at it.

I love that the rulebook comes with the miniature because it makes the set a board game you can pull out when you are not running games.

Review

If you like the Alien movies, you might as well pick up this miniature set. This is a very cool set that will be a lot of fun to paint, even if you don’t end up playing the tabletop game.

Quality

I am amazed, but not surprised by how good the quality of these miniatures is. Free League Publishing consistantly produces high quality products for all their IPs, and it can be clearly seen in the amount of work that went into each sculpt. The Xenomorphs look terrifying, and the humans look like they are ready to survive the invasion. I had a lot of fun looking examining each figure and appreciating all the small features. The ripples of the muscles, the poses of the figures, and even face huggers look cool. I definitely wish I was good at painting.

Is it worth it?

Yes. If you are a fan of the series, the figures have the detail you need. Buy these, paint them, and add them to a cool scifi display.

You don’t need miniatures to run a campaign of Alien TTRPG. Before this set, I was just using coins, but it does make my players a lot more excited. The first time I pulled one of Xenomorps to attack the party is a memory I will treasure for ever. It is a very fun and useful accessory, if you have the space and need for it. I only bring these out for combat, so its nice that the set includes rules for a standalone game mode.

If you are buying this for skirmish, I think it is a fun little game mode that you can pull out when you don’t want to run a full session. Skirmish isn’t my thing, but I did have fun the times I played it. I’ll probably mostly use it for all my tabletop rpgs I run moving forward because of how good they look on the table. Now I just need to convince my wife to paint them for me.

You can pick up the Alien TTRPG Rapture Protocol miniature set on the official Free League Publishing website.

Tech Reviews

Best Compact Laptop Stand for Travel

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Disclaimer

HUANUO sent me the Magno ModuleMaster Laptop Stand 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. Make sure you also check out my review for the Nitroglide Dual Monitor Mount. I’ll be using my Amazon Affiliate link. It really helps me out if you click on it before you buy anything.

Table of contents

What’s in the box?

  • Magnetic Tray
  • Stand
  • Phone Stand
  • Wrist Rest
  • Travel Bag

Features

The HUANUO Magno magnetic laptop stand is your next staple accesory. Whether you need something to help you work on your plane ride or need a little more height, the Magno is here to solve it all.

Design

The Magno is a light weight, high quality stand that has been design to be light enough for travel and sturdy enough to keep your devices safe. The fake leather gives it the elegant and the integrated magnets keep your devices from moving. Best of all, the Magno is loaded with utility. Whether you are using it for your laptop, tablet, or your travel work station, you can count on the Huano’s proven quality.

Travel and storage

What makes the Magno laptop stand unique is its light weight and compact design. When you are done using it, it stacks flat and neat for easy storage. This is ideal for those who do a lot of traveling, or those who like to live with very little clutter.

Stats

The Magno is designed for 10-17 inch laptops and can hold up to 11 lbs. The stand can can raise your laptop up by 8, 18, 22, and 30 degrees. This is very handy for those who like a deeper typing angle, need a bit more airflow, or just need a more ergonomic setup. The tray uses magnets to not only hold its pieces together, but it is ready to hold your devices. The magnets are strong enough to hold onto your devices. (I’ve only tested it with apple products.

Review

I didn’t know how much I needed the Magno laptop stand until I got my hands on it. If you are looking for a laptop stand, don’t waste your money on those crappy ones with the fans. Spend your money on the only laptop stand you will ever need. This has easily been my favorite product to review because of how useful and handy it has been.

Quality

This is the second HUANUO product I’ve reviewed, the first being the high quality monitor stand that I love, and I continue to be impressed by the quality of their products. The Magno looks great out of the box. The stitching is nice and the pleather looks like it can take a beating. The magnets are very strong, and all the pieces fold and work as they should. I’ve been using the stand for about two weeks and haven’t noticed any creasing and the material still looks very nice. I store it nightly and take it to work when I go to the office.

The Size

The stand’s size is a huge reason why I love the Magno so much. It folds up super thin, and the magnets help keep all the pieces together. I love that it takes up no room in my bag, and I don’t feel a difference carrying it around. I can just as easily store it on my desk without cluttering up my space and that is an invaluable feature. This thing is perfect for travel, but just as useful for the home.

Utility

I love how much utility is packed in such a compact package. It held my iPad securely for some very meaningful Genshin Impact sessions. The magnets hold all my accessories and help me keep organized. The magnets are pretty strong. They mess with the rotation of the fans, so be careful on how you place your computer.

I also used it as a lapdesk. I was just working on my lap before, but I can honestly say that this is a game changer. It kept my laptop from getting hot while giving me a more comfortable typing experience. Most importantly is its usefulness as a laptop stand. I use my laptop as a second monitor at work, and being able to have my laptop at a better viewing angle saved me some neck ache.

Personal

HUANUO seems to send me items when I need them the most. When I was moving my desk, they sent me a high quality monitor arm to help clean up my set up. When they sent this laptop stand, I got an injury that had me in bed for most of my testing. The Magno was a godsend because of how comfortable it made working from the comfort of my bed. It is part of the reason I was able to recover so quickly because I could rest while doing work.

When I finally could sit at my desk, I was very happy to have a more ergonomic setup. Having my laptop sit at a more ergonomic viewing angle is a game changer. I was using an old deckbox before the Magno laptop stand and won’t be going back.

Conclusion

If you are looking for your a high quality laptop/tablet stand, get the HUANUO Magno. This is a high quality product with all of the utility and none of the bulk. It looks great, feels great, and best of all, takes up no space. You can pick up the HUANUO Magno on Amazon through my affiliate link.

video game reviews

G84 Pro Mechanical Keyboard: Comfort Meets Performance

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Disclaimer

Epomaker sent me the G84 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. Make sure you also check out my reviews for the TH33 keypad and RT85 keyboard. I will also 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?

Someone stole my camera and I lost my box opening video for this keyboard
  • G84 Pro Mechanical Keyboard
  • USB-C to USB-A Braided Cable
  • Wireless Dongle
  • Key/Switch Puller
  • 2 Additional Switches
  • User Manual

Features

The Epomaker G84 mechanical keyboard is possibly the most unique and feature packed keyboard you can add to your setup. It has a comfortable design without sacrificing any of its performance.

Design

The G84 Pro sports a modern design that comes with the Creamy Jade Switches. This 80% keyboard compacts its 81 keys in a way that is functional, comfortable, and saves precious desk space. The soft, non-stick silicon keys give it a cozy vibe, especially when you turn on the RGB lighting effects. The on screen keyboard is customizable for those who need that extra flare. Additionally, the unique placement of the volume and media controls make the keyboard stand out while giving users easy access. Best of all, the G84 gives that soft creamy sound you’ve been craving for in a mechanical keyboard.

Comfort

The G84 Pro comes sculpted with the ideal typing angle for most users, but offers a bit of customization for those like me who prefer something a little higher. The soft silicon keycaps not only look cool, but give users a soft keystroke ideal for prolonged use. While the layout may be a bit compact, it does not feel cramped.

Performance

If you are looking for a cool looking keyboard that can take on any task, the G84 Pro goes above and beyond. The impressive 8000mah keyboard boasts up to 42 hours of uninterrupted use with both the RGB and screen on, and up to 200 hours with everything off. That means users can enjoy a fast, low latency connections when they need it the most.

Sound Test

Review

This is the coolest keyboard I’ve gotten to try, and the perfect way to start my year. The Epomaker G84 Pro is the perfect upgrade for any setup, especially for those looking to create a cool cozy aesthetic.

Quality

The G84 Pro is impressive out of the box. The build is solid and clean, and the pieces feel high quality. The keycaps are soft, but they feel sturdy enough to survive some intense button mashing. They survived some very sweaty team fights. The G84 Pro looks like a more expensive keyboard out of the box, and it is quite comfortable once you get going.

Comfort

This is by far the most comfortable mechanical keyboard I have ever tried. The default typing angle is fine out of the box, but I prefer a taller angle. The keyboard looks compact, but it has enough space where my hands don’t feel cramped. All the keys are easily in reach which makes it perfect for gaming. I did a good amount of grinding in GW2.

The keycaps and switches is what makes this keyboard perfect. The switches offer the creamiest soothing sound and the keycaps are incredibly soft. The silicon is firm enough to perform well at any task but soft enough to give your hands some much needed rest. Usually it takes me a couple of days to get used to a new keyboard, but the transition was instantaneous. I noticed no fatigue from my longer sessions, and that alone makes this keyboard worth it.

Performance

They keyboard worked well out of the box. I didn’t need to replace any parts or do any trouble shooting. I noticed no ghosting or latency, and it was able to handle my most competitive games (GW2). Switching between connections is very easy, especially since it can handle multiple Bluetooth devices. If you are looking for a cool looking keyboard that works, get the G84 Pro.

The bad

I think the silicon keycaps are an acquired taste. Without the RGB, the keyboard looks interesting and elegant. When you turn the keyboard on, the light show sort of ruins the image. It is a little too much of a rave for my taste and it clashes with my aesthetic. It isn’t a bad look, I am just not a fan of the lighting effects.

The gimmick

The G84 Pro has three gimmicks: the silicon keycaps, the screen, and the volume/media controls. I’ve already said my piece about the keycaps. Screens on keyboards are cool for the first few moments before the novelty wears off. I had fun picking a gif to customize the look of the keyboard, but I don’t look down enough at my keyboard for it to be the reason to buy the keyboard. The volume control is very cool and easily my favorite feature. It is easy to reach and I like that it doesn’t break up the aesthetic like your standard nob. Clicking the side of the keyboard to pause a video felt right. All in all, the G84 Pro wastes no space on extras. All the features feel right at home.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a cool looking keyboard and don’t mind the rubber look of the keycaps. The look isn’t all too bad especially since you can turn off the rgb or customize the effects. What I love the most is its unique and efficient design. The G84 Pro is easily my favorite keyboard because it is incredibly comfortable and it has all the keys I need to play Guild Wars 2.

‘You can pick up your very own G84 Pro from the official Epomaker store or on Amazon through my affiliate link.