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Tech Reviews

The Fifine AM8 is the Best Budget Streaming Mic on the Market

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I was sent the Fifine AM8 Streaming microphone 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. If you enjoy my reviews, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. If you’re looking for a fantastic gaming headset, check out my review for the Fifine H9s. Don’t forget to follow the socials!

What’s in the Box

The Fifine AM8 comes in simple, but well put together packaging. In the box, you get:

  • Instruction manual
  • AM8 Microphone
  • Table Stand
  • 6.5 ft (2m) USB-C to USB-A chord

Sound out of the box

https://churapereviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/am8-natural.mp3

Sound Quality

I am pleased by the sound quality. Out of the box and without any processing, you can get a solid sound from this cool looking device. I am very impressed with how good at is at filtering background noise. There will be some bleed, but it is far better than other mics at a similar price point. With some 3rd party filtering and a better acoustic, I’m sure you can manage a better sound. It isn’t going to be studio mic quality, but good enough if you’re on a budget or are just starting out in the space. I do recommend you pick up a mic arm for the best results.

Build

The AM8 is a well-manufactured device. This mic looks fancy out of the box, with a very nice machine finish. The foam that covers the mic not only looks nice, but it is of a nice material. The RGB lighting is soft, and it looks nice. The touch controls for both the RGB settings and mute are very responsive and easy to use. The same goes for the volume controls. The nobs have a smooth glide, and being able to control the volume for the mic and headphones is a very cool feature. Most importantly, the AM8 is built sturdy. I’ve already dropped the device a few times, and haven’t noticed any damage or loss of function. I am very clumsy, so dropping the AM8 shouldn’t be an issue, even if you only use the stand it comes with.

Review

I love the AM8 streaming mic, and have made it my default setup. The sound is great for the price point, and it makes a decent DAC. You aren’t getting a professional audiophile sound stage through this setup, but it is a lot better than the onboard sound you’d get otherwise. The mic looks cool on my desk, and I love that I can turn off the RGB when I don’t need it. Most importantly, I like how easy it is to mute with a touch of a button.

When it comes to mics and headsets, you are usually paying that gaming marketing premium. You’re paying for that gamer aesthetic, buzzwords, and RGB. This isn’t the case with Fifine products. With the two products I’ve got to try out, I am impressed with how much of their promises they can deliver at the price point they exist in. If you’re looking for your start in streaming, podcasting, or content creation, grab yourself a Fifine AM8 streaming microphone. The AM8 also has an XLR port for those who need it. I didn’t get to test this feature, but it is nice to have for those who need it.

If you’re looking for a quality budget streaming mic, you can’t go wrong with the Fifine AM8. You can pick up your Fifiine AM8 Streaming microphone in Black, Pink, or White for $64.99 ($46.74 as of writing this) on Amazon using my affiliate links.

Tech Reviews

The Best Budget Headset: Fifine H9 Gaming Headset

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I was sent a free pair of Fifine’s H9 Gaming Headset 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. If you enjoy my reviews, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. Don’t forget to follow the socials!

Unboxing

What’s in the Box?

I was a little disappointed that the headset didn’t come with packaging to keep it from moving, but these sturdy durable things don’t really need it. The H9’s are 3.5 mm, but it comes with an audio box that converts it to USB. I used it as a USB headset and I appreciate the extra long chord and clip. The Mic is detachable which means it travels great.

Build Quality

I was disappointed when I first opened the box because the headset looked cheap. It doesn’t help that the box had no protective packaging to keep it in place. I wasn’t expecting a high-end titanium headset, but the H9s look like a kid’s toy. 

My opinion changed when I picked up the headset. The headset is surprisingly durable. It isn’t a buy-it-for-life type deal, but they are going to last you longer than other headsets at a similar price point. They won’t survive a pitch to the wall after an intense rage quit, but I’ve already dropped them enough times to be confident in my statement. 

The included USB audio box feels cheap. The audio box controls audio and mic volume, mutes/unmutes the mic, and has a handy clip. The volume buttons sink into the device when pressed and feel flimsy. The mic mute switch feels stiff. I found it more convenient to use my keyboard audio controls so it’s not a huge deal, but the mute switch is a fantastic feature. The clip is easily the audio box’s sturdiest part and a good way to tame the excess wire slack. The H9 Gaming Headset truly is a solid headset for the price point. 

Mic Quality

The mic is removable, which is nice for travel or when you don’t need it. I was very happy with the length, and its flexibility means it always be at the ideal position. The sound quality of this mic out of the box is phenomenal. I was amazed by how good I sounded without the need for any processing. I’ve used cheap headphones that made me sound distant or garbled, but that isn’t an issue with the H9s. Processing the sound through OBS or a third-party app like Voice Meeter will make these sounds even better. 

You aren’t getting a professional-sounding mic, but you are getting a very clear and intelligible sound which is all you really need when it comes to headsets. 

Mic Sound Check Out of the Box

https://churapereviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/fifineh9gamingheadset.mp3

Mic Sound Check With Processing

https://churapereviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/h9gamingheadsetfixed.mp3

Sound Quality

I am not an audiophile, and can’t tell you how these compare to a top-of-the-line experience. I honestly couldn’t even tell you the difference. For every day, daily beaters, you can’t get a better sound stage. Everything sounds crisp, clear, and fine. Some cheap gaming headsets overcompensate with bass and you get a strange mechanical sound, but the H9’s sound warm with a solid range. I do wish there was a bit more bass, but I’ll live. 

The H9 Gaming Headset has some solid noise cancellation, even at low volumes. They aren’t perfect. You’ll hear some of the louder noises poke through, but the amount of soundproofing you get is impressive. There is some noise bleed, but I wouldn’t say it is distracting. 

The headset has a 7.1 mode that you can toggle from the USB audio box, but I felt like it was more marketing than functional. It doesn’t sound bad, especially compared to some other devices I’ve tried, but you aren’t getting true 7.1. It sounded artificial, and while it wasn’t bad, I preferred using the normal mode. I can see it being helpful in an FPS, but I don’t think it’s good enough to give you any type of competitive edge. It’s a nice feature, but not the reason to pick up this headset.

Impressions

I’ve only been using the H9 Gaming Headset for two weeks now, but they’ve become my daily drivers. I have a nice pair of open-back headphones and a decent desk mic, but I am not ready to go back. I love the convenience the headset provides, and it is good enough for what I need. 

The sound does feel a little flat for my taste, but otherwise, it is great for the price point. What I love most is how good the mic sounds. It’s not professional, but people on the other end can understand me.

If you’re looking for a budget headset that is decent quality, pick up a pair of the Fifine H9 Gaming Headset is a fantastic option. This is a very comfy headset that does its job, doesn’t break the bank, and should last you long enough to be worth the money. 

The Fifine H9 Gaming Headset is available in Black, Pink, and White for $39.99 on Amazon through my affiliate link. 

gaming news, Tech Reviews

GLYDR, a Unique Gaming Accesory you control with your Feet!

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The GLYDR Kickstarter just launched, and it was fully funded in only 40 minutes. GLYDR is the gaming accessory that aims to revolutionize the way we play games, and promises to save some hands in the process. It is not attempting to replace the traditional controller, but rather supplement the existing ecosystem in the hopes of creating a more ergonomic solution to gaming. As someone who struggles with chronic hand pain, I welcome anything that allows me to enjoy longer gaming sessions. 

What is GLYDR

GLYDR is a programable gaming foot pad with 16 programable actions. This allows gamers to offload some of the more extraneous commands to a part of the body that frankly, could use the exercise. GLYDR grants players access to a library of profiles to choose from, and the ability to create their own ensuring you always have a setup that works best for you. As someone who constantly jumps between genres, I need something that I can easily reprogram and adapt. This seems like a solid solution. 

Go Back Now

Early backers can get them as cheap as $189. Act quick! As of writing this, there are $50 units left at this price, then it jumps to $249. Shipping and taxes apply when the item is ready to ship. I don’t have the money to buy one of these right now, but I thought it was at least worth the gander. Go back the Kickstarter today!

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Tech Reviews

The Razer Wolverin V2 Controller isn’t worth the Price

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The Final Shape releases on June 4th. I received a copy of the expansion to cover for my blog when it releases. After a long break from Destiny 2, I’ve booted up my original hunter and started to grind in preparation. I’ve been using my keyboard and mouse, but I want to switch to a controller. I also need a controller for the other games I play. 

I have an old Xbox One controller that works fine, but I want something more ergonomic and with updated features. My search landed me on the Razer Wolverine V2 wired controller. I know Razer doesn’t make the best peripherals, but the deal seemed too good to pass up. Normally $100, I thought I was at least getting a decent $50 controller. I didn’t. 

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Quality

The Razer Wolverine V2 is disappointing out of the box. This looks like a cheap generic controller that is desperately trying to pass off as a Razer product. The build feels sturdy and has the iconic Razer aesthetic, but it doesn’t radiate the quality you would expect from a $100 controller. If you can get past the shock of how cheap the controller looks, but isn’t bad. The textured finish feels nice to the touch, and the buttons have a satisfying click when pressed. Unfortunately, the controller still feels cheap. I can’t attest to the longevity of the controller, but the triggers feel like they’ll eventually break from use. 

Features

What sort of makes up for the cheap design is the controller’s customizability. Through Razer’s third-party app, you can reconfigure the controller’s layout to fit your playstyle. I typically use the defaults or change them in the game, so this feature didn’t do much to unsour my impression. This feature would be good for people who go to tournaments, but there are better controllers for competitive play. 

The Razer Wolverine V2 also comes with two extra buttons along the triggers that can be reprogrammed. I tried a few different configurations and never found an instance where they proved useful. They were in an awkward position and were often more inefficient to reach than the keys I was replacing. If you need a controller with extra buttons, get something with pedals on the bottom.

Ergonomics

If you are looking for an ergonomic controller, the Razer Wolverine V2 is a terrible choice. You are better off with an Xbox One controller. After about 20 minutes of light play, my hands were on fire. I have worked hard to create an ergonomic setup because the pain from the repetitive stress in my wrists and hands leaves me useless. I’ve found a decent solution for my keyboard and mouse, but there are games I play that require a controller. The Xbox controller I’ve been using still destroys my hands, but it isn’t as bad as the Razer Wolverine V2. Do your hands a favor, and don’t buy this controller. 

Conclusion

The Razer Wolverine V2 is a waste of money, even if you like the Razer aesthetic. The Controller looks and feels cheap, and lacks the features to make it a $100 controller. Even at the $50 price point I bought it at, there are simply better options. I am disappointed I wasted my money on something I can’t physically use, but my search for a better controller continues. The Razer Wolverine V2 wired controller isn’t the premium gaming peripheral it pretends to be.

You can pick up the Razer Wolverine V2 on Amazon currently for $49.99 (normally $99.99).

gaming news, Tech Reviews

ZyberVR makes the prescription lenses you didn’t know you needed

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ZyberVR reached out and asked me to review a few of their products for my blog. ZyberVR makes third-party accessories for VR headsets. I was fortunate to be sent three of their products, and will review them honestly. If you end up buying anything off of the Zyber VR site, make sure you use my code: CHURAPE for 15% off your order. You can also use my affiliate links. If you like these reviews, like, comment, subscribe, and share them with your friends.

The first item I’ll be covering is the blue light protection prescription lens attachment they have for the Meta Quest 2, PSVR, and Pico 4. I don’t wear glasses, so I’ll be reviewing the blue light protection without a prescription for the Meta Quest 2.

The lenses are well made. The frames are of solid construction, and the lenses look good. They come with a nice protective carrying case but a cheap cleaning cloth. The cloth will clean the lenses, but if you wear glasses, you have nicer ones.

The attachment comes in two pieces, the frame that connects to the headset, and a magnetic frame that holds the lenses. The magnets are strong enough to keep the lenses secure to the headset, but they make changing and removing them easy. This is a great feature for times you need to share your headset with someone who doesn’t have the same prescription. Installation is a simple process, and they stay on securely without issues.

My biggest issue with VR is my sensitivity to blue light. I can only manage short sessions in VR before I have to stop due to strain. While I did manage longer sessions with the lenses on, I am not quite convinced they were necessary. It could be that my eyes are too sensitive to be effective, so your mileage may vary. If you wear glasses, you need to buy yourself a pair. ZyberVR offers a wide range of prescriptions for a reasonable price.

Prescription lenses with blue light protection are available for the Quest 2, PSVR, and Pico 4 for $55. Blue light protection lenses without the protection are available for the Quest 2, PSVR, and Pico 4 for $35. They are currently on sale for $10. Don’t forget to use my discount code CHURAPE at checkout to save 15%.

Tech Reviews, video game reviews

I’ve had Digimon Vital Bracelet BE for a Couple Weeks now…

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I’ve been using the Digimon Vital Bracelet for a couple of weeks, and I’ve got some things to say about the experience. Make sure you check out my initial impressions for some context that I won’t be repeating in this update.

If you buy the Vital Bracelet, get a screen protector. I was incredibly careful and still managed to get some notable scratches after the first few days. I didn’t expect to get gorilla glass with this toy, but I did expect something a bit sturdier for something meant to encourage fitness. You can get reasonably priced screen protectors on Amazon, but I’ve been using tape. It won’t protect the face from serious impacts, but it will help mitigate the scratches. If you want this device to last you a while, I recommend investing in some added protection.

I have a smartwatch that I use to track vitals, so I wore two watches for about a week before I was told I couldn’t. You are going to notice how cheap the bands feel, but that feeling goes away after a bit of use. They work well enough, and you don’t have to worry about them coming randomly undone. You can buy nicer sturdier bands on eBay, but I can’t vouch for the quality. As a fitness tracker, it’s not accurate. The watch does a good enough job to track your vitals for the game, but I wouldn’t rely on it for an accurate assessment. There is a specific market for this game, and if you like vpets and enjoy the IPs, it’s a fine watch with a cute little character you can interact with. The design is subtle and won’t look out of place if you decide to take it around people.

After a week, I removed the bands and carried them around like a key chain. I put a piece of clear tape over the sensor to trick the device into thinking it was still reading my vitals. This setup isn’t as accurate as wearing it as a watch, but the difference is negligible. If you have the means and want to spend a bit extra, you can find special cases online that do the same and provide a bit more protection. I haven’t looked into these options too deeply, but I’ve seen some cool stuff. Always make sure you read the reviews and buy from reputable sources.

I love most of the experience with the Vital Bracelet so far. It might be a symptom of the novelty, but I’ve found it easier to convince myself to be more active. I understand this alone won’t make me fit, but I have been a lot more active since. This only works for me because I love Digimon, and there is a meaningful incentive. If you aren’t a fan of Digimon or any of the available IPs, you won’t get the same kind of drive from something like this.

The worst part of this whole experience is the official companion app. The app is slow, clunky, and buggy. I was able to upload my first Digimon to test things out, but I haven’t been able to get her back. I know there are workarounds and an update I’ll need to look into, but it is frustrating to have a portion of this game not work out of the box. Before getting the Vital Bracelet, I saw a lot of user frustration online surrounding the app’s performance. I brushed it off as gamers being resistant to change, but there is some truth to how terrible this app is. It doesn’t work, and when it does, it is frustratingly slow. If Bandai wants the Vital Bracelet to be successful, they need to work on making this app more seamless and smooth. At the moment, the app is the biggest barrier to entry, and I find it hard to recommend it to people who aren’t that invested in Digimon.

That said, I am still hopeful about the Vital Bracelet’s future. There seems to be a healthy population of people who play the game regularly despite the app’s flaws. Bandai recently dropped an update that people seem to be happy about, and there are some workarounds I need to look into to set Jellymon free. That said, it is hard to recommend a game that isn’t exactly polished. I don’t mean to say that to discourage you from buying a Vital Bracelet. If you like Digimon or any of the supported IPs, it’s a cute thing to collect. There are enough forums and discords out there to make this product usable, but it is frustrating to buy something that isn’t perfectly usable out of the box.

If you want to buy the watch, the BE is the latest edition. You can get them on Amazon without a Dim in Black and White. The VV version does include a dim if you don’t mind the red. Your other option is to have them imported from Japan through either eBay or a trusted online retailer. I’ve seen Zenintcg thrown around a bit, but I haven’t bought from them. Always make your own research.

digimon seekers

So I got a Vital Bracelet BE

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Bandai has come out with the web novel Digimon Seekers to sell their latest fitness toy, the Vital Bracelet BE. I’ve written my first impressions of the project in a previous post and am currently revising the story to fix some of the awkward translations. Because of how invested I am in this series now, I broke down and bought one for myself. I’d like to say that I got the watch to have hands-on experience to help me with my writing, but honestly, the advertising probably got me first. 

The Vital Bracelet is a fitness tracker that lets you carry your favorite Digimon wherever you go. You train your Digimon by being active and completing exercises. If you want to buy a Vital Bracelet, I think the best place to start is with the Vital Bracelet VV. It sells for a decent price and comes with one of the newer dims. The only difference between the VV and BE version is that the VV is themed after the Ghost Game anime. The BE is functionally the same but has no Dim included. The BE come are available in black and white. I believe the idea was to have the BE available for those who needed the upgrade but already had Dims to play with.  

「Strong! Strong! Strong!」
Aurola

I got the Vital Bracelet Be because I wanted it sooner. I went with the Angoramon Jellymon dims because they were cheap. Keep in mind these older dims won’t have as good stats as those from the BE dims, but they are nice for collecting. I am rocking Jellymon at the moment because she reminds me of Splatoon.  

Out of the box you get the Vital Bracelet BE, a micros usb cable, and instructions manual. The manual is in Japanese only, but someone translated the instructions online. The watch looks like a Fitbit, but the straps do feel a bit flimsy. I found the fit to be perfect despite my thick arms. There are longer straps available if you need them, but I can’t speak about the quality of those. You can also find replacements on eBay.

As a fitness tracker, it’s good enough. Keep in mind that it isn’t as accurate as a Fitbit. I assume you aren’t buying this for fitness tracking but rather for the game included. I will be wearing this in addition to my smartwatch because I need the tracking, but I understand I will be looking like a crazy person. There are methods of carrying the device without having to use it as a watch, but I wanted to test it as intended for a bit.   

I haven’t had the watch long enough to try out the app yet, but I do intend to do so as soon as possible. I understand the Digimon I have at the moment won’t be competitive, and it’s fine. I’ve only had the watch for a day, and I like it. I will return with an update once I’ve had it a bit longer. If you like Digimon vpets and want a fitness tracker without all the extra features, it might be worth looking into.  

video game reviews

Game Review: Soccer Story

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I would like to mention that I was sent this game as a review code. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I will not let that sway my opinion. This will be my honest review.

All pictures and video are taken from the game

Soccer story is a cute little soccer RPG that you can play on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and the Switch. This review will be on the PC version.

Evil corporate soccer has banned all recreational soccer. The world is in shambles as people are desperate for their favorite games. You and your team must band together, raise the ranks, beat the evil corporation, and bring back soccer for the people. Are you up for the task?

This game is like FIFA without the bugs or predatory ultimate team and Zelda without the challenge. You roam around different parts of town collecting coins and completing quests with your soccer skills. You can level up your players with the coins you collect to gain an advantage in soccer matches. Soccer matches are 4v4 3-minute games. Soccer Story reminds me of the Inazuma Eleven game for the 3ds, but not as good. 

The RPG aspect of this game is simple. You shoot at targets, run races, and collect things for NPCs. It’s cute at first, but it gets a bit repetitive. If you level up too quickly or wrong, quests become tedious. I started liking this aspect of the game the more I played. 

The soccer part of this game is a lot of fun. It is a more simplified version of Fifa, but that doesn’t mean it is easy. There is some skill and strategy required to progress. I played it on normal and it was perfect for my skill level. You can play this in multiplayer, but I didn’t get a chance to play with other people. This would make a fun party game, but it is much too expensive to be one. 

Music by Gvidon from Pixabay

The game is cute, but it lacks any depth. The story is simple and negligible. I found that this was a game I could only play in small bursts. The gameplay quickly grew repetitive and stale. There is a niche this game fills, but it doesn’t fill it well. It isn’t a bad game, but it isn’t something I would keep coming back to. 

If you like art and love Fifa, I would still wait for there to be a sale. $20 is too much for this game. Yes, I had fun and enjoyed it, but that enjoyment was short-lived. You can go buy it on Steam, Nintendo, PlayStation, and Xbox.

Now for a shameless plug, check out Canva. If you need a quick and easy photo or video editor that works in your browser, try Canva. It is free, easy to use, and you get access to a wide selection of templates for those who are like me and aren’t that creative. Check out my affiliate link today! You can also try Amazon Prime with my Affiliate link!

Tech Reviews

Tech Review: Logitech G335 Gaming Headset

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I want to start by saying that this isn’t a sponsored review. Unfortunately, I bought this headset with my own money. I will add affiliate links to the headset if you choose to buy it, but that won’t affect my opinion of the product.

The Logitech G355 Headset isn’t worth the $70 they are asking for. I got it on sale for $30 and feel a little better about my purchase, but you are getting what you pay for. Out of the box, this headset looks and feels cheap. The plastic feels so fragile that I thought it was going to break when I put them on. Thankfully they didn’t, but I don’t see them outliving my gaming career.

Images are from Amazon Product Page

The headset comes with a 3.5 mm headphone jack, but it includes a mic splitter for those of you playing on PC. It says it is compatible with all consoles and PC, but I only tested it for PC. Your mileage may vary, but I doubt it. The only cool feature this comes with is a nifty little wheel for volume control that is built into the headset. The G335 comes in black, mint, and white.

The only positive feature of this headset is how comfortable they are, but this is sure to be short-lived. The pads cupped my ears nicely, and the padding was thick and firm. They are a bit stiff out of the box, but they start to conform to your shape relatively quickly. The style of the ear pads prevented any noise from bleeding in or out, which is nice if you share a room. They aren’t sound canceling, but they will do the job for a time. I don’t have faith in the padding keeping its integrity for long. While the headset did get more comfortable over time, how quickly it did so has me worried. The G355 isn’t made with quality materials, and in a year or so, I fear they will become deflated and ugly.

If you are looking for a headset to talk with your friends, look elsewhere. While they may be better than other headsets in the $30 range, the mic is terrible. The mic does a terrible job of filtering any background noise. Whoever is on the receiving end of your voice chats will hear everything. The placement of the mic is too high, and trying to set gates to help filter the sound is useless. I found the best way to use this mic was through the use of a DAC/AMP, but I had to almost yell for the mic to pick up my voice. I used the Soundblaster X3 for my testing, but if you are going to buy a DAC for this headset, you are better off buying a better headset. I’ve included my audio test bellow:

https://churapereviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/mictest.mp3

The sound on this headset is alright. Music sounds very flat, even with equalizers or a DAC. It does have a decent amount of bass, but I fear it was only added to trick people into thinking it is a better headset. The boosted bass just makes everything sound flattered.

These will do if you need a cheap headset and don’t care about the sound or the mic, but only get these for $30. The colors are nice, but the cheap build will mean that these will be in the trash in a couple of years. For those of you interested, you can find this headset in all its colors on Amazon.

Now for a shameless plug, check out Canva. If you need a quick and easy photo or video editor that works in your browser, try Canva. It is free, easy to use, and you get access to a wide selection of templates for those who are like me and aren’t that creative. Check out my affiliate link today! You can also try Amazon Prime with my Affiliate link!

Tech Reviews

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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