Xiaomi Unveils Its First Mechanical Keyboard with Configurable RGB Backlighting
by Anton Shilov on August 10, 2018 3:00 PM EST- Posted in
- Peripherals
- Keyboard
- Xiaomi
- RGB
In the recent years Xiaomi has expanded its product way beyond smartphones, moving into a wide field of consumer electronics and doodads, covering items like air purifiers, electric toothbrushes, electric scooters, and many other products. Continuing this diversification, this week the company introduced its first mechanical keyboard aimed at gamers and featuring configurable RGB backlighting.
The Xiaomi Gaming Keyboard features 104 keys backed by TTC Red switches (with a 3-mm travel distance). Under the hood, Xiaomi is using a Sonix microcontroller featuring a 32-bit Cortex-M0 core as well as a USB interface supporting a 1000 Hz polling rate. The keyboard supports 33-key rollover, which is important for FPS and RTS gamers that press multiple keys almost simultaneously. Meanwhile, it does not have programmable keys and does not support macros.
The Gaming Keyboard from Xiami comes in aluminum chassis to ensure its durability and give a premium feel. The key caps themselves are made of PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), which is more durably than traditional ABS plastic used for key caps. When it comes to ergonomics, the keyboard can regulate its angle using special rubber nobs, a rather conventional feature implemented using an unconventional method.
The keyboard’s RGB backlighting can be programmed manually using embedded software and the FN key. Therefore, it does not look like Xiami’s keyboard supports RGB controls using software from makers of motherboards, such as the ASUS Aura Sync.
Xiaomi has already begun to sell its Gaming Keyboard in China for ¥229 ($33.6).
The keyboard is not the only product for gamers launched by Xiaomi recently. Earlier this summer the company introduced its Mi Gaming Mouse with a 7200 DPI sensor, RGB accents and additional buttons.
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Source: Xiaomi
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DanNeely - Friday, August 10, 2018 - link
If they can sell an RGB mechanical keyboard in the rest of the world for <$35 I foresee much wailing and gnashing of teeth on the part of existing keyboard makers.notashill - Friday, August 10, 2018 - link
It's about twice that on Gearbest at the moment.cmdrdredd - Friday, August 10, 2018 - link
It's not Cherry switches, it's plastic, it appears to have no brightness control built in, we don't know the quality of the keycaps. No I think other manufacturers will be just fine.sonny73n - Saturday, August 11, 2018 - link
@cmdrdreddDid you read the article or you just went straight to trolling? Maybe you’re working for other keyboards manufacturers.
By the way TTC vs Cherry switches are matter of tastes. Even tho I’ve never tried out this one but this $33 keyboard seems to have more quality than all others that cost $80+.
“The Gaming Keyboard from Xiami comes in aluminum chassis to ensure its durability and give a premium feel. The key caps themselves are made of PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), which is more durably than traditional ABS plastic used for key caps”
bery - Sunday, August 12, 2018 - link
The keycaps are already higher quality than most keyboards at this price point purely by being made of PBT. Also, the quality of generic switch manufacturers have caught up to (or even surpassed) that of Cherry in these last couple of years. If it actually sells for less than $40, it's a very good deal for a name brand keyboard at that price.Chyll2 - Tuesday, August 14, 2018 - link
Only xiaomi has been able to deliver what they intended with the price they are selling it with. Anyway I am interested but will only buy after a review (similar to other Xiaomi products I bought)10basetom - Friday, August 10, 2018 - link
Add $50 importer markup and it won't be so cheap.nyclouie - Friday, August 10, 2018 - link
for that price.. is there a keylogger built in =XOxford Guy - Saturday, August 11, 2018 - link
One has to take full advantage of a 32-bit processor.us - Saturday, August 11, 2018 - link
No silly, the 32 bit processor is for crypto mining not key logging.