Hyte has launched its first mechanical keyboard, boasting outstanding RGB lighting and a unique design. Coming only in a tenkeyless format, this keyboard is meant for gamers who like shiny things.
Known for its gorgeous Y60 case and Q80 AIO liquid cooler, Hyte is joining the peripheral market with the Keeb TKL keyboard. Measuring 380mm x 180mm x 53mm, it comes equipped with the brand’s pre-lubed, in-house Fluffy Lavender switches. It doesn’t lock you into the ecosystem if you fancy a different flavour, as the hot-swappable approach lets you chuck anything you like in here, including 5-pin switches with north-facing LEDs. The only exceptions are hall effect alternatives, which aren’t compatible.
The brand rates Fluffy Lavender switches for 60 million clicks, with 1.5mm actuation distance, and 45 grams of force to bottom out. This connects to a 1,000Hz polling rate controller, making it adequate for most gamers. There are also two rollers to control volume and brightness alongside some media keys in the top left corner.
To improve rigidity, these switches sit on top of an aluminium plate, which is sandwiched between two gaskets for a total of four, maximising the softness of each keystroke. Additionally, all large keys are stabilised and lubed to eliminate scratching or rattling. These keys are topped by doubleshot PBT keycaps to ensure longer-lasting fonts.
The keyboard connects to your machine via a detachable USB-C to USB-C cable, though a Type-C to dual Type-A is also available if you don’t have a compatible port. The reason for the dual Type-A input is likely to avoid overloading one port with all the RGB lighting.
Talking of which, the Keeb TKL houses 155 RGB pixels controllable via the brand’s nexus software. And if you’re like me, you’ll appreciate the two onboard profiles with four function layers each to save your preferred layout. The best option is clearly the one syncing the Keeb TKL’s RGB to what’s happening on your screen. Extra style points if you own a Philips monitor with Ambiglow.
I also appreciate the rounder keycaps – especially the space bar – more than the transparent RGB-lit design. That said, this is not a keyboard for me since I can’t live without my numpad. Moreover, I don’t like that there is no height adjustment, though Hyte includes a pair of larger rubber feet.
Backed by a three-year warranty, the Hyte Keeb TKL is available through the brand’s store for $179.99, but you have until September 25 to grab it at a $30 discount.
