A 75 % Keyboard users dream .
Sometimes , great things come in in low packages . When I first built my PC , I was roll with a Redragon K552 that I customise to high heaven . However , after change back to the worldly concern of a full - sized keyboard , I aver I would n’t go back to these miniature keyboard . That is until the Nerdytec CYKEY keyboard showed up on my doorsill .
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Small Package, Big Ambitions
The Nerdytec CYKEY is a 75 % scale keyboard , meaning that it ’s done away with thing such as the 10 keys on the side and only control what players need the most . However , even for typewriting , it feel glorious to use , thanks to the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow Switches that reside within the circuit board . After remove the CYKEY from its box , the first matter I noticed was how powerful and grave it was , particularly for a keyboard this size . Most 70 % to 75 % keyboards that I ’ve used in the past feel almost comically lightweight , but the CYKEY has a very nice flavour and overall build quality to it .
Using transparent charge plate across the top , the RGB is hand a chance to polish , giving this keyboard a unequalled flavor and feel compared to most that I have used in the past times . Alongside a solidification of keycaps that almost have a soft - touch feel to them , it ’s just an absolute pleasure to use . However , while I may not be using this keyboard as my primary workings keyboard , it has more than proved its worth on the gambling battlefield .
Alongside double - step keyboard feet that allow me to lay it to the perfect height for typing or gambling , I found it improbably comfortable to practice , even for the longest gaming or committal to writing sessions that I was partaking in . One matter that I was generally appreciative of was the fact that this keyboard comes with alternative keycaps that substitute the general Windows function keys with Mac OS affair key , reserve player on that side of the gaming celestial sphere the perfect chance to get a mechanical keyboard that works how it should on their OS .
Image by Nerdytec
While I no longer own a Mac , this lineament in itself is almost deserving the price of entering . While learning which keys do what in Mac mode is rather simple , there would be times that my brain would instantly turn back to Windows shortcuts , so the included key fruit are a dainty touch , especially now that Apple is pushing the gaming capabilities of their newest generation of computers . Not only is the CYKEY just as fashionable , it ’s exceedingly functional on both brands .
Another aspect of this keyboard that help it stand out above plenty of others is the metal casted book knob , alongside the removable Type - C cord that comes out from the bottom . While it may be awkward for folks with big finger to reach into there fully to plug it in , it ’s held in property firmly to check that it wo n’t derive flying out . Even the small notches to hold the cord in place are like an expert milled out of the plastic . The volume boss feels great in action , and there is even a spare included in the box if something happens , or you just want to switch it out for a unlike one .
Barebones Software Sometimes Works Nicer Than Expected
While I can peach the praises of the hardware scene of the CYKEY , I have to give a lowly nod toward the software system side of things . By download their speciality package , I found that I was able to update the firmware of the keyboard ( what an years we live in , correct ? ) , pot around with different inflammation aspects , and even remap keys to give it the precise cardinal layout that you involve . If you ’re someone who is trained to type in Workman or even Colemak , you may customize every aspect of it and make unnecessary it to the home retention .
While it ’s not the most feature film - packed software I ’ve ever encounter , it ’s quick , simple , and get the line done . The best part , however , is that it does n’t step in with any of the other lighting computer software I have on my microcomputer , so I can essentially plug it in and get to work customize it to my heart ’s content .
This also means that power users are n’t going to get the opportunity to make this keyboard into an amalgamation of their majuscule desires . While the CYKEY is an excellent plug-in , the lack of macro tonality is felt here , so there will be no hotbar identify available to those who are hoping to make their next FFXIV raid easier than ever or coiffe a particular key to be a specific legal action . You could technically make one of the F key on the top employment as a Macro , but you ’ll demand to think back to swap it back when you return to your normal day - to - day activities .
Image by Nerdytec
What I Wouldn’t Do For My 10-Key Back
So , as you may separate , I loved almost everything about my time with this peculiar keyboard , but I do have a few qualms that keep it from being the best that I ’ve ever used . To be fair , compared to most 75 % keyboard that I have used , it ’s easy my favorite . However , the things I would do for a full - sized version with this same form quality are indescribable . day by day , I apply my 10 - key for a variety of things , particularly for work . That has delegated the CYKEY to my master gaming keyboard for usage on my Xbox Series X and PS5 since I have a real need for these especial buttons .
However , if you ’re not using a 10 - Key on a regular basis , it ’s intemperate to flap this particular keyboard , except for on price . Some other keyboards propose a similar experience to this for under $ 100 , and the CYKEY starts at $ 129.99 . If you ’ve got the extra budget , I can dead recommend dropping the extra coin , as the upgraded permutation , keycaps , and extras make up for it . However , if you ’re on a budget and need to get the dear hit for your buck , there may be other options that are better suitable for you overall .
But , what are the master issues with this particular keyboard ? It ’s honestly hard to point any out . The build lineament feel fantastic , and the keys and switches used in this board are large , it ’s an exceptional accounting entry into the keyboard market for Nerdytec . However , there are a few thing that just bugged me enough to keep it from get through idol .
Image via Nerdytec
The submission slot for the Type C cable , as mentioned above , is rather small and miserly . The bulk node , even after reseating it , sometimes did n’t register the turn , and as superficial as this sound , the positioning of the arrow headstone feels off . They ’re slightly down from the rest of the keys on the board , which depend slightly out of place and awkward on an otherwise fantastic piece of equipment .
If this keyboard was priced in the sub-$100 range , we ’d have a new king on the grocery store . With it being identify in the mid - kitchen range of keyboards , it ’s an easygoing recommendation to devotee of both custom builds and prebuilt keyboard . While I may not be using this as my daily gadget driver , due to the deficiency of 10 - Keys on the side , it has easily earned its spot as my go - to gaming keyboard . I would be so daring as to say I ’ll unplug my work keyboard to give this one the spare clock time of day .
If you ’ve get the spare John Cash and want to try something raw , the Nerdytech CYKEY keyboard is an excellent board deserving the meter and attention . While it is n’t 100 % complete , it ’s so close that I can taste it . Just please , I ’m begging you , make a full - sized keyboard in the future and I ’ll be all over that . If you ’d like to add up this keyboard to your collection , followthis link to buy it on Amazon .
Image via Nerdytec
Image via Nerdytec
Image via Nerdytec
