We always had more Middle-earth keyboards in us. We just had to get back on the horse. For our latest release, we mean that in more ways (and more boards) than one. Meet the Drop + The Lord of the Rings Rohan Keyboard: a heroic typing staple sent from our stables in two styles, each inspired by the kingdom of horsemasters. Choose from the brown Edoras or the green Aldburg, named after the Riddermark's two biggest cities—and adorned with pad-printed artwork from OSHETART depicting a Rohan-inspired seal your entire desk can rally around.

MUSTER THE ROHIRRIM—IN 2 COLORWAYS
And like the great gathering of the Rohirrim before the Battle of the Pelennor Fields—these keyboards are sporting something of an army themselves. That army comes in the form of a newly created DCD-profile keycap set (in matching green or brown) featuring a host of Rohan-inspired novelties designed by OSHETART—including galloping horses, a cavalry helmet, the beacons of Minas Tirith, and iconography from Anglo Saxon culture: an inspiration for Rohan. Throw in tactile Holy Panda X Switches paired with our nearly silent Phantom Stabilizers, and you're ready to type—type now, for ruin, and the world's ending.

Drop, the leading community-driven e-commerce brand, today unveiled the CSTM80, its inaugural keyboard in its CSTM series of highly customizable mechanical keyboards. On the heels of launching its Battlestations shopping experience earlier this year, Drop continues to push the boundaries of personal expression for its enthusiast community with design-forward innovations.

The CSTM80 is a tenkeyless mechanical keyboard featuring a magnetic top case that users can switch out and pair with a matching cable and keycaps to reflect their personal style and preferences. At launch, users can choose from several different color cases, as well as two designed cases, to match their preferred aesthetic. Unlike other "customizable" keyboards on the market that only allow the top cover to be swapped out, the magnetic case on the CSTM80 encapsulates nearly the entire keyboard, allowing for greater customization among users and expanding the canvas for designers to craft more intricate designs.

Discover innovation at its finest with the all-new Epomaker Shadow-X Mechanical Keyboard.

Sleek Design FRL TKL 70% Layout for Optimal Space Utilization
Embodying an unprecedented 70% layout, Epomaker spares no effort in creating the cutting-edge mechanical keyboard in hopes of bringing better typing and visual experience to keyboard enthusiasts. Epomaker Shadow-X is designed with a sleek outlook to not only optimize the desk space but also to retain the full function of a keyboard. Despite its Function-row-less TKL keyboard, a simple shortcut effortlessly activates the function row when needed.

Intuitive LCD screen and Precision Metal Rotary Knob
Keeping up with the modern trend, Shadow-X features an intuitive LCD screen that presents essential things to users at a glance. Moreover, the screen is fully customizable using the Epomaker Driver, allowing users to personalize the screen with favorite pictures or GIFs, elevating the keyboard experience to new heights. Another standout feature is its metal rotary knob, ingeniously set as a connection mode switch. With a seamless rotation, this innovative keyboard effortlessly switches between various devices.

Peripheral and accessory manufacturer 8BitDo today announced pre-orders are open for their Nintendo themed 'Retro Mechanical Keyboard' and accompanying 'Dual Super Buttons'. The two themes available are the "N Edition" and "Fami Edition". The former features the red, gray, and white coloring of the classic NES, while the latter features the maroon, black, and white coloring of the Famicom. "Fami Edition" also features both English and Japanese characters on the keycaps. Both editions are the same base 87-key, or tenkeyless, layout with a power LED on the top right and two dials at the top left for controlling volume and the connectivity. On the topic of connectivity the keyboard features Bluetooth, 2.4G wireless, and USB wired options while up to four sets of Super Buttons can connect to the keyboard via the rear 3.5 mm jacks.

Beneath the themed PBT keycaps are Kailh BOX V2 White switches attached to a hot-swappable PCB, while the Super Buttons feature heavy Gateron Green switches for a more chunky tactile feel. The keyboard has n-key rollover support and the keys can be remapped using 8BitDo's Ultimate Software V2, with the Super Buttons being customizable on the fly without software. The software requires a minimum of Windows 10 1903 or Android 9.0. Inside the keyboard body is a 2,000mAh battery which 8BitDo advertises as offering 200 hours of usable life on a single charge.

Mistel Keyboards had a large booth at Computex this year showcasing products from the brand in addition to those from Vortexgear and Leopold. We'll cover the other two separately but this post caters to the Taiwanese peripheral brand Mistel. When I had last seen them in 2020, the man behind Mistel had told me of his plans to have ultra low profile mechanical keyboards as well as setting up Mistel's own factory to produce and sell keycaps. In 2023, both of these plans have come to fruition. The Mistel Air One uses Cherry's ULP mechanical switches we saw before on the CORSAIR K100 AIR in a 65% form factor. It is just 13 mm thick, weighs under 300 g, and yet manages to have sound dampening foam inside. The keyboard uses a machined aluminium chassis, supports both Windows and macOS, and comes with a carry bag too. Mistel plans to have a wireless version down the line but the wired Air One should be available for purchase soon.

Mistel also opened QKA Keeb—a sister brand dedicated to its in-house designed and manufactured keycaps. These range from simple black-on-white keycaps all the way to themed colorful sets, some of which were presented at the trade show. Also shown off were new split keyboards in the form of the MD600 V3—an update to the MD600 we reviewed in 2018—as well as a new curved key column version called MD600 Alpha. Both of these are 60% form factor keyboards that come with wireless connectivity and RGB support too. The MD600 Alpha can also be seen as a split Alice layout keyboard too once put together.

Gamdias has introduced a number of new products for gamers and streamers at Computex 2023. The Pheme M1 is the company's dedicated desktop microphone - it features a supercardioid pickup pattern that precisely detects and captures the user's voice with studio quality recording quality (192 kHz / 24-bit resolution). The microphone's feed can be muted via a single button press, and an ENC mode can also be activated. An in-built 3.5 mm headphone jack provides in-house monitoring so users can precisely dial in their audio stream's mix. A gain control dial grants the ability to adjust out clipping and peaking sound issues. The Pheme M1 sports an integrated RGB lighting system with 12 modes on tap (press the gain control dial to switch between these).

The PHEME M1 is a Full HD 1080p / 60 FPS resolution gaming webcam that can be controlled via a simple single tap system - the camera feed can be turned on and off swiftly for effective privacy protection. The smart system is capable of rapid autofocus and accurate footage capture, it also compatible with a wide variety of leading streaming platforms and software suites. Gamdias boasts that the PHEME M1's Transcendent lens has a less than a 1% distortion rating - which is superior to the normal market rating of 3%.

Varmilo has a big booth at Computex 2023 and showed off two new mech keyboards - the Minilo 75% and Shine Kara - the former is actually available to order direct from their web store right now, which is a pleasant surprise. The latter appears to be an early preview unit, and Varmilo has not confirmed a specific release date for it.

Customers can configure the Minilo 75% with three different high-grade gray tones - from the company's Morandi-style color scheme (inspired by Italian painter Giorgio Morandi) - Eucalyptus, Mendozae and Bluebell. The design is also divided into a three-layer color separation scheme (upper, middle and lower) that is pleasing to the eye. Varmilo states that this model provides a "satisfying sound, pleasant tactile feel and great rebound" user experience - thanks to a gasket mount system and padding within the casing.

Sharkoon gave us a good look at some upcoming additions to their SKILLER lineup of customizable mechanical keyboards at their booth Computex 2023. The new 75% layout SKILLER SGK50 S3 arrives as a fresh series replete with a selection of unique design bundles that pair a fully themed keyboard with a similarly themed mouse mat, as well as a standalone base model configuration. The variations exist as the SKILLER SGK50 S3D1 through SGK50 S3D6, each featuring dye-sublimation printed PBT keycaps atop pre-installed Gateron switches which are then mounted to a hot-swap friendly PCB design that can host both 3 and 5 pin switch bodies. Sharkoon includes a detachable braided USB-C spiral cable with a locking aviator connector. The SKILLER SGK50 S3 series supports full open-source QMK/VIA software customization, mapping, and macros. Barebone models of the existing 60% SKILLER SGK50 S4 as well as the new 75% SGK50 S3 are expected to be available for full user configuration and customization.

In a city named after night, the pursuit of one thing is shared by criminals, corporations, and citizens alike. It's apogee—the best, the greatest—and it's caused many to alter themselves with next-gen tech, building on their bodies and becoming borgs. The story's the same on the new Drop Paragon Series Cyboard: the latest installment in the highest tier of our Icon Collection.

Outfitted with the finest enthusiast components, including hand-lubricated Holy Panda X Clear Switches and Phantom Stabilizers, it delivers an unrivaled tactile typing experience. It also features hand-placed dampening material between the case and the PCBA to take that experience further with ultra-satisfying texture and acoustics. On the aesthetic side, apogee is all but attained via the Drop + MiTo DCX Cyber Keycap Set, elevated by an exclusive Cyber Yellow CTRL High-Profile aluminium case. It's a look straight out of 2077—hand-assembled in the USA for exceptional performance, and shipped with a soft carry case for secure, streamlined carry.

Das Keyboard, a leader in mechanical keyboards, today announced the introduction of the Das Keyboard 6 Professional, a full-size, premium keyboard built with the modern workday in mind. The new Das Keyboard 6 Professional features white LED backlighting for working day or night, double-shot ABS keycaps with crisp inscriptions, a 2-port USB-C hub, an oversized volume knob, dedicated media keys, and an energy-saving, instant sleep button. The Das Keyboard 6 Professional comes with Cherry MX blue or brown switches. With a premium, anodized aluminum top enclosure and detachable screw-on feet made of brass, the 6 Pro is extremely durable.

"The new era of work demands high levels of collaboration, communication, and typing, as well as periods of deep, focused work and breaks to stay healthy and productive throughout the day," said Daniel Guermeur, cofounder and CEO of Das Keyboard. "We designed our 6 Pro as an essential tool for professionals that want to conquer the modern workday with comfort and efficiency."

Today, Logitech expanded its Master Series with two new mechanical keyboards - the full-size MX Mechanical and minimalist MX Mechanical Mini - and MX Master 3S mouse. Logitech's Master Series brings advanced digital creators ultimate productivity tools, featuring high performance mechanical typing and precision tracking. "There is a growing community of software developers who fell in love with mechanical keyboards when they started playing games, and now they want the same feeling of precision and control with their professional desktop keyboard," said Tolya Polyanker, head of the MX Series for Creativity and Productivity at Logitech. "MX Mechanical combines the best of both - Logitech's gaming keyboard expertise with MX Master Series signature experiences."

MX Mechanical and MX Mechanical Mini offer the latest generation of low profile mechanical switches. Tactile Quiet (Brown) key switch makes it Logitech's quietest mechanical keyboard ever with an amazing mechanical typing feel. Clicky (Blue) and Linear (Red) switch options are also available in select markets. The keyboards are designed with dual-colored keycaps for an optimized peripheral view. Smart backlighting, in six lighting options, automatically adjusts brightness for ambient light and switches off when not needed for efficient battery consumption.

In today's times when most brands are moving towards digitalization, there is a brand that still believes in retro-themed designs for products that come into use in our day-to-day activities. We are talking about the brand called Lofree here. Lofree is a well-known brand that has got all the praises for having a unique design approach for modern products. They specialize in designing products such as mechanical keyboards, Bluetooth table speakers, table fans, etc. Today, Lofree took it to the internet and released three new products at a launch event. The launch event was also streamed online on their official WeChat channel. Lofree has added three new products to their Mechanical Keyboard catalog: the Wanderfree Moment, the 1% Mechanical Keyboard, and the Gift Box Wireless Mechanical Keyboard.

JamesDonkey is a fairly established peripheral maker based out of China with an unfortunate but catchy name, and has been known to provide good value offerings when it comes to keyboards, mice, headsets etc. The company reached out to us about its new TKL keyboard that JamesDonkey aims to make globally accessible courtesy vendors such as Mechkeys, and I thought it was worth talking about here at least—if not do a full review. The JamesDonkey RS4 is a new take on a feature-rich TKL mechanical keyboard with wired USB connectivity in addition to Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless options. There is a side-mounted multi-function wheel for volume and media playback, and a 4000 mAh battery helps with the available 16.8 M per-key RGB lighting too. It comes stock with two-tone PBT keycaps as well as Gaterons' new Pro Yellow 2.0 switches that promise a buttery smooth typing experience. The JamesDonkey RS4 is up for pre-order now at $79 and is expected to ship in May for those interested.

Epomaker announces the Epomaker Lite, a 60% form factor wireless mechanical keyboard whose patented Shallow Gasket-Mount design makes it unique from any other traditional gasket-mount keyboard on the current market. In addition to the new design, the Epomaker Lite also features many attractive features such as hot swappable switches, wired and wireless dual connectivity, and multi-device simultaneous connection.

What's a Gasket-Mount Structure?
The core concept of a gasket-mount design is to provide a soft typing feeling and raindrop-like typing sounds by avoiding direct contact between the keyboard plate and the other keyboard components. Instead of using screws to support the inner components, the traditional gasket structure uses small pieces of rubber/silicone gaskets on the edges inside the keyboard, making the gaskets be the main contact points between the inner bottom of the case, the PCB, and the top plate. Nonetheless, the conventional gasket structures only have the gaskets padding on the edges of the keyboard, leaving the center empty. This can cause a lack of support in the main typing area of the keyboard, resulting in an inconsistent sound and typing feel.

CORSAIR, a world leader in high-performance gear for gamers and content creators, today announced a colorful new lineup of its CORSAIR K65 RGB MINI 60% mechanical gaming keyboards: the Flavor Rush Series. These limited-edition keyboards, available exclusively from the CORSAIR webstore in the United States, are decked-out in four unique color schemes and kick off the new CORSAIR COLLECTIONS product line - limited-release gaming gear with unique color combinations and designs for personalizing your setup or building the ultimate PC gaming collection.

Flavor Rush K65 RGB MINI keyboards adorn your desktop with bright, charming colors atop a brilliant white frame for truly eye-catching aesthetics. Choose from the refreshingly green Hint of Mint, Bubblegum Pop's burst of pink, the blue splash of Berry Wave, or a sweet slice of forever summer in Watermelon Blast. Each Flavor Rush keyboard also includes a new CORSAIR Artisan sails logo keycap - the first of its kind - launching today as a standalone product as well. This premium clear resin keycap lets maximum RGB backlighting shine through, giving your keyboard a brilliant accent point of light and color while showing off your CORSAIR flair. With all these color and customization options, Flavor Rush keyboards make unforgettable additions to your CORSAIR setup.

DuckyChannel International Co., Ltd., a leading manufacturer dedicated to delivering professional-grade mechanical keyboards and mice, is officially launching a new series to our rich lineage of mechanical keyboards. Introducing the Ducky One 3 series, the successor to our renowned One 2. The new One 3 will launch with an exclusive addition, the Cherry RGB Clear switch. Additionally, our brand-new QUACK Mechanics design philosophy is applied to further elevate our already prominent characteristics. Ducky is ecstatic for everyone to feel the incomparable typing experience from the moment you touch the keyboard！

4 Exclusive QUACK Mechanics Design Features

• True PBT Double-Shot Keycaps：Stain resistant keycaps with a frosted surface to embrace all challenges head-on.
• Optimized Construction：Designed with perfecting weight distribution and center of gravity in mind to enhance stability & precision.
• Authentic Acoustics：Reduces undesired sounds, immerse yourself in the raw acoustics of genuine switches.
• Tuned for Balance：Stabilizers fine-tuned for an exceptional typing experience where the user and keyboard become one.

Wooting is a brand that is near and dear to me in that it brought about the most innovating keyboard feature in ages with its analog control Flaretech switches a few years ago. It's debut product—the Wooting One—is a tenkeyless (TKL) form factor keyboard, which was then supported by the full-size Wooting Two. New switches and an updated software suite came about earlier this year with the Wooting Two HE, whose review is in the works as we speak, but that did not stop the company from seeing everyone else come out with a 60% form factor keyboard this past year too. Enter then the Wooting 60HE, and it's already a commercial success!

Wooting went the crowdfunding route with the 60HE, but hosted the campaign on its own website rather than going the Kickstarter or Indiegogo route and giving a cut to the platform. It was a risk that paid off big time clearly, with the campaign meeting its goal within 12 hours and now stretch goals in the consideration, with the first one being a differently color USB cable. If you fancy being a founder, hit up the link below and see some other cool features available, including founder's only swag and even an Easter egg on the PCB itself. The Wooting 60HE can be backed starting from €154.99 (inc. VAT), which in itself is a 10% discount over the eventual MSRP of €169.99, and delivery is slated for Q2 of 2022.

Epomaker announces the Epomaker NT68, a wireless 65% compact mechanical keyboard designed with versatility, which comes with a foldable carrying case which can be used as a movable stand. This is a slim, sleek, and smart keyboard designed for creators, developers, gamers, and anyone who seeks performance, portability, and comfort anywhere they need to work and game.

Type and play games efficiently and comfortably on your familiar keyboard layout - the NT68 can directly sit on the top of your laptop's built-in keyboard while preserving the laptop's trackpad at your most familiar position for more precision and control. No matter you are using windows system or macOS, the media keys you need can be easily accessed by designated shortcuts. By pressing FN+W/E, you can effortlessly switch the keyboard layout between Windows and macOS. If there are any specific preferences, NT68's software allows you to customize the layout and remap the keys based on any personal needs. Your customized layout can be stored as a layer in the keyboard, and you can save up to 3 customized layers， which refers to three different layouts to fit your various devices.

[Editor's note: Our review of the Mountain Everest Max keyboard can be found here]

MOUNTAIN, creator of innovative, premium peripherals with user-centric design to enable gamers to perform at their best, brings integration of OBS Studio to Base Camp. Starting with version 1.0.36, MOUNTAIN's critically acclaimed management software interfaces with OBS Studio to allow for easy streaming setup and management.

Users of MOUNTAIN Everest mechanical keyboards will be able to create custom key bindings to easily access OBS Studio functions, significantly decreasing the complexity of setting up a streaming or recording setup. Everest Max' surplus of available buttons offers plenty of room for different functions, doing away with the need to remember complex hotkeys.

SteelSeries, the worldwide leader in gaming and esports peripherals, today unveiled SteelSeries PrismCaps. The new line of PrismCaps are designed to provide gamers with the ultimate option to upgrade and enhance the gaming experience through their keyboards. Engineered to deliver the widest compatibility available for mechanical keyboards, the universal keycaps are designed for durability, fit, placement, and precision. Additionally, PrismCaps provide a stunning appearance through a "double shot" pudding-style design that emphasizes the brilliance of dynamic RGB lighting.

• Widest Compatibility - It's about fit, placement, and precision. SteelSeries PrismCaps include two additional sets of alternate bottom row keycaps to fit the widest range of mechanical keyboard brands (SteelSeries, Razer, HyperX, Corsair, Ducky, and more).
• Extreme Durability - Engineered with PBT, one of the hardest and most durable keycap materials available, SteelSeries PrismCaps retain consistent texture and appearance through extreme use - even for the most hardcore gamers.
• Enhanced Lighting - With millions of color options, gamers can power up their keyboards with brilliant pudding-style RGB illumination through a specially engineered double shot design with translucent sides and letters.
• Delivering best-in-class compatibility, durability, and dynamic RGB lighting, SteelSeries PrismCaps are available in both black and white colors in North America for $29.99 | EMEA for €34.99 | APAC for $34.99 at Steelseries.com. Choose from US/UK/NORDIC layouts.

[Editor's note: Our review of the Epomaker AK84S can be found here for those interested.]

The Epomaker AK84S, now available on Kickstarter, is an 84-key wireless hot-swappable mechanical keyboard that is specifically optimized for macOS compatibility. It's versatile and customizable, even for its switches and keycaps. Compared with Epomaker previous GK/SK keyboards, the AK84S is equipped with a new set of silicone keycaps. On top of that, the proprietary Chocolate switches are available in different types to offer various tactile feelings. The AK84S provides several types of designs, including an aluminum frame version, a full aluminum case version, and a unique bold acrylic design version.

Cooler Master, a global leader in designing and manufacturing innovative gaming peripherals and computer components, announces today an addition to the SK600 series of low-profile gaming keyboards with the Cooler Master SK620 wired gaming keyboard available in silver white and gunmetal. The SK620 is a compact gaming keyboard in a 60% layout for small form factor and portability. It retains many of the same features as its wireless counterpart, the SK622 Bluetooth gaming keyboard: sleek brushed aluminum styling, TTC low profile mechanical switches, improved keycaps and adjustable feet, and signature Cooler Master customization capabilities. It provides all of this in a convenient, wired format for a simple, straightforward package.

"The SK622 is one of our most popular gaming keyboards in the lineup, but not everybody needs Bluetooth wireless in their keyboard, which is why we designed the SK622 for gamers who want a viable portable input option, and for creative professionals who want something a little more durable than your standard chiclet keyboard" says Bryant Nguyen, Peripheral General Manager. "The SK620 maintains the striking aesthetics and improved typing experience of the SK622, but in a wired format for those who prefer it."

AOC, a global leader in high performance gaming monitors, today adds true mechanical keyboards, gaming mice and mousepads to its eSports and gaming line-up. The new products include:

• Gaming Keyboards: the AGON AGK700 tournament-grade mechanical keyboard for eSports, and the mid-level AOC GK500 gaming mechanical keyboard
• Gaming Mice: the AGON AGM700 tournament-grade RGB gaming mouse for eSports, and the mid-level AOC GM500 RGB gaming mouse
• Gaming Mouse Mat: the AGON AMM700 RGB mouse mat

In competition, the right equipment often makes all the difference. AGON and AOC gaming monitors with have set a standard, enabling fast and accurate visual feedback to gamers, allowing their unhindered skill to determine their performance. AGON and AOC peripherals similarly enable competition-level performance, while providing complimentary design for a striking desktop system look.

"Ever since AOC entered the gaming market, we have strived to put the best-performing, feature-rich, and most reliable products in the hands of our fans. As we continue our growth in the eSports and gaming space, adding these high performance and highly customizable products to our gaming arsenal is a seminal moment," says David Ray, Director of Marketing at AOC North America.

CHERRY MX, the market leader and expert for mechanical switches in keyboards, presents the Ultra Low Profile. With this model, the German-based company once again achieves a milestone in the development of switches: CHERRY MX manages to create the ultra-low profile mechanical switch into its own portfolio, which brings new technical possibilities to the design of ultra-low profile notebook and desktop keyboards in the high-end segment. In addition, the ultra-thin solution combines the feature set of the MX switches that have been proven for decades with new attributes, making the CHERRY MX Ultra Low Profile a game-changer for the industry.

CHERRY MX has not only presented a completely new development with the Low Profile switch introduced in 2018 but also significantly reduced the overall height of mechanical switches in this new design. This step is radically continued with the brand-new Ultra Low Profile. CHERRY MX is moving toward the current limit of technical feasibility with this model: the overall height is now reduced to only 3.5 millimeters. Accordingly, the development team realized a mechanical switch that is around 70 percent smaller than the Low Profile.

ZSA Technology Labs, the makers of the excellent ErgoDox EZ Shine and the Planck EZ today introduced their latest ergonomic keyboard titled The Moonlander Mark 1. The company claims this is a result of over three years of R&D, incorporating feedback from customers and the general keyboard community as a whole on what they wanted from the ErgoDox EZ and other such split, ergonomic keyboards. The Moonlander Mark 1 boasts features including a thumb cluster that can be positioned to better suit your hand size/shape, tilting and tenting of the two keyboard halves for better ergonomics, a wrist rest (on each half) that automatically angles with tilting/tenting, hot-swappable switches with Cherry MX and Kailh BOX switches to choose from out of the box, and enhanced portability with the ability to fold the wrist rest (wing) and just plug in the left half via Type-C connectivity to use as a game/macro-pad.

The Moonlander Mark 1 continues the design scheme of the ErgoDox EZ and Planck EZ in having columnar keys, is available in black or white colors, and with ten switch options at checkout. Fully open source firmware is available here as well, for both programming the keys and layers of functions and also the RGB LEDs for backlighting of every single key. There is a first-party configurator available as well, with Windows, macOS, and Linus support without any special drivers needed. The keyboard also has status LEDs on board and, as the name is befitting here, uses audio buzzers to beep out status feedback if desired. The wings and thumb clusters are optional, and come in the package that also includes a carry case. Going for a significant $365 from the dedicated product page (shipping included), the company also offers a no-questions-asked 2-year warranty to help sweeten the deal.