Azio RGB Backlit Mechanical Gaming Keyboard (MGK1-RGB-BLU)

Awesome keyboard for the money.This particular review is for the Azio MGK-1 (Blue Kailh)Although this keyboard doesn't have genuine Cherry MX Blue switches, it provides an excellent typing experience, plain and simple. For those of you that are accustomed to the Cherry Blues or for those newly introduced to mechanical keyboards, this keyboard is very loud and clicky (I'm actually typing this review on the keyboard right now), and as I've said previously it's an absolute pleasure to type on if you are new to mechanical keyboards. In this case, I think Azio struck a very nice balance between quality and features.Just a few things to consider before buying however:The box that it comes in is included with very nice, soft packaging material, a very nice touch considering the fact that this is an 'entry' level mechanical keyboard. Inside the box you'll find a small user's manual as well as a key cap puller and a customer service card if you enjoyed or are having trouble with the keyboard. Lastly, a wrist rest, which has a very simple, dimpled appearance. Overall, the wrist rest is hard plastic, which might be uncomfortable for some, but it is aesthetically pleasing and simple to snap into the board. Also, consider the fact that similarly priced keyboards, including Corsair strafe (unless you opt for the RGB model) and CM Storm QuickFire don't offer wrist rests in this price range.This keyboard features white back lighting, with 3 modes of LED operation including off, on (with four adjustable levels of brightness), and reactive (where you press a key and the LED briefly lights up underneath). Overall, the LEDs provide a nice touch for those that don't prefer a 'gamery' aesthetic all the time with different colored LEDs. So depending on how you look at it this can be a pro or con.For those of you who are looking for a driver-less experience this might be a keyboard to look into because this product is simply plug and play. On the other hand, if you are looking for a keyboard with ultimate customization with LEDs and software configuration, then you may want to consider an alternative keyboard. Although, this keyboard does have features such as 6-key and n-key roll over as well as a windows start lock function.The keyboard itself is very light (about 2.3 lbs, 1.04 kgs), but this isn't a knock against its quality. Quite the contrary when it sits on your desk, the rubber pads beneath it provide the keyboard with plenty of traction and give it a firm foundation to type on. However, if you plan on using the included plastic lifts, they don't come with rubber padding, something for Azio to consider in their next iteration of this product. One thing that Azio nailed in the design department is the aluminum back plate (with a gunmetal finish) with the elevated keys. This makes the keyboard extremely rigid, and with the raised keys it gives an impression of them floating (another thing to consider, this make cleaning the board a breeze). Although this keyboard is minimalist in its design, it does include a rubberized wheel for volume control as well as a dedicated audio mute button to the left, which feels something like a very satisfying mouse click. So also keep this in mind, many well known keyboards in this price range don't include the features previously mentioned, so if your looking for a dedicated volume wheel, this might be a keyboard to consider. Another physical attribute that this board has is the cable. Nothing much to say about it other than the fact that it is about 6 ft (1.8 m), very thick, has a very nice textured braid with the end of the usb connector being gold plated.Finally, this keyboard offers very good value for the money. With a clean appearance and sturdy construction, this keyboard is a home run. One final thing to consider, although I haven't had the need to talk with Azio directly about the product that I had purchased, there are many other reviewers that have had an excellent experience with the company. So when looking into purchasing a product, you may not want to only consider the product itself, but also the customer service that comes with it. Between the quality keyboard and outstanding customer service based on other Amazon reviews, give this keyboard a chance if you're looking for a keyboard in this price range.

This was more then I expected, Khalil blue keys are great, while many argue "cheap", there is no proof to this. The truth is there the same as cherry mx blue switches just made by another company, and there great. The click made by these keys is very satisfying.The RBG:The colors are great, many options available to satisfy. There bright, with many brightness settings, the colors are vibrant and pop. Every bit as good as a high end keyboard.Wrist rest:While I would have preferred a cushioned rest, the UV coated one provided gets the job done, not only is it detachable, but it is actually comfortable. I also found it to be solid as well, snaps on to the back side of keyboard and stays.Wire:Very impressed, for the price I expected a thin string of a cord, but that is not the case, in fact it's a very think and braided cord, about as thick as an hdmi cord is. Very nice.Keycaps:There cheap caps, but they do feel nice and get the job done. This is probably one of the biggest price cuts done here. There basically clear plastic with black paint on top, common among low end keyboards, they will fade given a year of use or so. If so inclined, you can but nicer caps.Board:This is probably my favorite part of this keyboard. It's a very nice brushed aluminum in gunmetal color. Not only does it look great but it gives it a feel and esthetic of a much more expensive keyboard. There is also feet on bottom to incline if you prefer.Switches:As stated above already this board uses Khalil blue switches, they use same materials and manufacturing processes to produce as a cherry mx blue switch, with no noticeable difference. They have a nice audible click and are very responsive, many have complained larger keys like "shift" make a different sound then smaller keys, but this is not my experience. Overall they are nice, there cheaper to make without any noticeable reduction in quality.Packaging:Includes the following:KeyboardWrist restRed plastic key pullerManualFeedback/Contact us noteThe packaging is great, felt very premium, keyboard is presented upfront with accessories below. There is heavy foam on either side, as well as a plastic sleeve for both keyboard and rest. Manual is simple and easy to read, but isn't really needed as keyboard is simple to operate and customize.Software:None needed, unlike other brands who need software that is confusing and slow to customize their boards, this one needs none. All modes are accessible with the function button, including a custom mode, which allows you to set each key to desired color.Shortcut keys:There are a few shortcut keys, such as calculator, search, music and email, as well as a few others. There are media controls, a mute key and a rubberized, gripped volume wheel very similar to corsairs k70. All very nice inclusions, all keyboards should have.USB?Unfortunately no, as some include USB and even headphone ports, there are no ports available anywhere on this keyboard. Not too much of a fuss for me, but some may be upset.Plug and play:This is simple to use, just plug in and start typing. Some keyboards require two USB 2.0 ports or a single 3.0 ports to power led's. But this does not require a USB 3.0 to work and only needs one 2.0.Complaints:Only real one for me in the rest, which I would have liked to be padded.Things for you to consider before buying:Keys are loud, wouldn't recommend for office or other public setting, they can easily annoy others.Rest isn't padded but still comfortable.Key caps are cheaper, if you want nicer ones or plan to get this board and buy replacement, it might be better to just buy a higher end board with better caps already installed.Price, this board can usually be found for under $100 for the rgb model.Both the RGB model and the base mkg model use blue switches, which are loud. However the non RGB mkg-1 uses brown switches, which are a bit quieter and have a tactile feel to the keys, not sure why this is, just something to consider.This is a great board, have had no issues with it and it is of much better quality then expected. Highly recommended for someone on a budget who still wants a good quality board that will look great and performs for many years to come.