I occasionally ran into an issue where the keyboard would stop recognizing an input if I held certain keys (typically Shift+W when gaming) for too long (20+ seconds). However, this issue wasn’t constant, and I could release and re-press the key without fail. It only came up in fringe cases where I was moving in one direction or performing one action for an extended period.
There were a few instances where a keypress would register multiple times, but those were few and far between in my testing, only happening two or three times across 10+ hours of testing. That said, I worry this issue could become worse over time.
Quick-Access Customization
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Photograph: Henri Robbins
Overall, the assembly and design of this keyboard is impressive. The standout feature is the quick disassembly system. This consists of four snap-release mechanisms with ball bearings and springs that allow the top and bottom case to come apart without any tools. This makes customization and modification of this keyboard incredibly easy.
The components used all feel high-quality and solid. Both the top and bottom case are made from aluminum, and the snap-release mechanisms are metal as well. The case doesn’t have any externally-visible imperfections, and everything seems to be assembled well.
The largest downside of the metal case is the fixed typing angle. While most plastic keyboards have flip-out feet to adjust the keyboard’s angle, the GX87 has a permanent six-degree angle. This is a fairly standard angle (most keyboards sit between five and seven degrees), so it shouldn’t create any issues for the average person when typing.
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Photograph: Henri Robbins
There is a slight mismatch of colors between the keycaps and the case on the all-white unit. The difference is just enough to bother me, but realistically this issue can be ignored without issue. Or it can be fixed with aftermarket keycaps, or avoided entirely by choosing a different color combination.
While the flex cuts in the PCB improve typing feel, they also make it harder to remove and reinstall switches, since the hot-swap socket will bend downward when trying to install a switch. This issue is alleviated by disassembling the keyboard, since you can support the bottom of the PCB when installing new switches, although this does make customization slightly more tedious.
Overall, for $140, you’re getting a fully-built keyboard that feels good to type on, performs well, and is easy to customize. The switches feel good, the gasket-mount system is well-engineered, and it’s enjoyable to use. It isn’t necessarily the best at any one thing, but it’s well balanced.
