Closer Examination

The G.Skill KM250 RGB is a 65% form factor keyboard meaning it has roughly 65% the number of keys that a full-size keyboard has. It is only available in the US ANSI layout and has 67 keys in total—no dedicated function key row, no number pad, a truncated cluster of keys all put together in a smaller footprint for those who have less space on their desk or simply for those who prefer this for ergonomics since there is less finger travel between keys. You can also position your mouse closer to the keyboard and have your hands more naturally placed along the width of your shoulders. The drawback for someone new to a smaller form factor keyboard is of course the entry barrier to typing efficiently as well as learning the layered functions. Thankfully the keycaps have the layered functions on them in addition to the standard ones to assist in this regard. Note also the dedicated volume wheel at the top right corner and the indicator LEDs still being present here thanks to G.Skill opting to split the 67 keys into three separate sections. This does mean some keys are shorter than usual though—R.Shift as well as the three keys to the right of the space bar come to mind. Likewise, we get Delete, Page Up, and Page Down as dedicated keys with the rest all tied to the Fn layer. Branding comes in the form of the G.Skill lettering on the bottom right corner facing the user and bezels are relatively small throughout. The use of pudding-style keycaps makes for a black and white color scheme and the keycap legends are clean while also being primarily positioned to the top where the LEDs underneath will shine brightest.


Turning the keyboard around, we see a two-piece ABS plastic case used to house the KM250 RGB. There's the usual certification sticker in the middle as well as four long rubber pads at the corners to help add friction against the resting surface. G.Skill also provides two sets of keyboard feet at the top, each with rubber bottoms, for a total of three elevation steps to choose from.


There is only wired connectivity on offer here and it comes via a USB Type-C connector in the middle on the back side facing away from the user. It is slightly inset but there is plenty of room if someone wants to use an aftermarket cable—unlikely given the target audience and the price point of this keyboard, but still nice to have the option. The provided cable is black in color and matches the overall aesthetics nicely. It's sleeved well, the usual 6' in length, and goes to an available USB Type-A port on your PC where USB 2.0 (USB 3.2 Gen 1) will suffice for power and data alike.


A look from the side shows the built-in elevation of the keyboard, which I would classify as medium profile and can maybe benefit from a wrist rest if you are not used to touch typing with hands hovering over the keys at all times. The side view also confirms the use of an OEM keycap profile with the five rows sculpted and contoured accordingly, and they are non-floating in design courtesy the two-piece case design. They might look so but that's only because of the keycap composition which we can get a better look at thanks to the provided keycap puller. These are thick PBT keycaps with doubleshot-injected legends for the primary and general secondary legends, but not the keyboard-specific legends on the bottom which are laser etched. This means that the layered functions, which are easier to identify thanks to these keycap legends, would be best retained to memory sooner than later since those particular legends can wear out over time. As a double whammy, they are also opaque compared to the ones up top. The pudding style means that the black plastic base is etched off on the sides to expose the inner white layer which takes better to lighting as seen above. So expect to see a light show once the keyboard is turned on.


One of the ways G.Skill keeps the cost low on this keyboard is by going with a single SKU. There is no other language or layout supported, no different color option, and now we see there is only a single switch type on offer in the form of the Kailh Red RGB mechanical switch. This is the older switch version too, not the newer BOX switch which I quite like, and the switches are installed in a north-facing configuration, meaning some lower profile aftermarket keycap sets may not work out as well as most others. Note also the steel plate used here given a white powdercoat finish to better reflect the light and make for an even brighter lighting effect. The larger keycaps use plate mounted stabilizers which do not seem lubed whatsoever and feel somewhat scratchy and mushy when typed upon.


Then G.Skill surprised me by including hot-swappable switches on this budget keyboard. The switch remover tool is handy to remove the switches off the PCB and to also provide a good look at the hot-swap socket complete with the SMD LED here, allowing for 3/5-pin Cherry MX-style switches to be used on the keyboard easily. We also see a foam sheet used between the plate and the PCB at least, which can help dampen keystrokes. The Kailh Red is a 5-pin linear switch characterized by its red cross-point stem. It also has a transparent top housing to aid with backlighting and an opaque white bottom housing.


At this point I would begin the disassembly page and show you the inside of the keyboard. However, the plastic pieces used on the case here fit together so snugly and seemed softer than usual to where prying apart the top and bottom pieces was easier said than done. I was sure I would be ruining the plastic beyond repair if I pressed on so I decided to skip on this section. This does mean modding/repairing the keyboard is not going to be easy! Since we had hot-swappable switches here, I did at least take apart one of the Kailh Red switches to give you some consolation. As seen above, this is a 5-pin mechanical switch employing the Cherry MX stem design, so we have the usual construction with the top, crosspoint stem/slider, spring, and housing that also has the metal leaf for the actuation mechanism. While the stem isn't lubed, the bottom of the spring was lightly lubed which can help make for a smoother travel. It's still one of Kailh's entry-level mechanical switches though but that's not too surprising since the keyboard itself is more budget-oriented.