Black Shark RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard 105 Keys UK Layout Wired Keyboard with Blue Switches, Full Anti-Ghosting Keys, Aluminum Base, for PC Windows Gamer, Sixgill K2
Purchased this keyboard as I wanted a sturdier and more durable unit compared to the standard variety. Item came in full retail packing and was well presented. The keyboard itself was heavy and has a great build quality. Keys have a lovely matt finish, are at the perfect height and very comfortable to use.
The top of the unit, under the keys, has a metal covering and the complete unit had a look and feel far exceeding its price tag.
However, from the first key press I noticed the excessive key click. This audible feedback, for me, was far to noticeable and distracting. Sharing a room, whilst home working, meant it was impractical to use this whilst working so close to someone else — I think a previous reviewer also commented on this.
This was my first mechanical keyboard and I thought I had checked out the various properties associated with each key colour option i.e red, brown, blue switches etc but guess I should have opted for red switches rather than blue ones. Aside from the audible clicks this keyboard is perfect. I was going to give this 4 stars, owing to the excessive audible key clicks, but feel I can’t mark down a product where it meets specification but not my preference so I must give it 5 stars.
If anyone is looking to buy this, I would advise them to research the complete range of switches as having returned this, and purchased a red switch variant, I am now completely happy with my choice.
This is a heavy duty, well made, robust keyboard. As soon as you get it you can feel the weight which screams solid build. Nice long cable which means you are not trapped right next to your PC and – it lights up with a variety of patterns, my favourite being the waving rainbow of lights. So, all good except…
Firstly, this keyboard takes me back to the old IBM machines of the 80s, I mean this is seriously clunky. The transport of the keys, whilst feeling very nice, is so-o loud that I was frightened of waking the entire household when using it at night. It does feel good but, man, it is loud. Also, minor niggle, the multimedia keys require the Fn key to be held down to work – I prefer single-figure operation.
Because of both of those points I decided to go back to my old keyboard which was slimmer, silent and with dedicated multimedia keys. Problem then was that I missed this Black Shark – I and others, had got used to the RGB lights and I had got used to the feel of typing with this keyboard.
So… out of the box it came and it is now my keyboard. I wish it didn’t clack as loud as it does and I wish that I had those dedicated keys back but… got to confess I love this keyboard. If only there was one with soft-damped keys that don’t clack and have a metallic echo when one types.
Excellent quality and loads of colourful options for the keys. Keys are noisy but its supposed to be noisy. If that it not for you do not buy mechanical!
This is a full-sized, mechanical gaming keyboard with a UK ISO layout. Mine is fitted with blue switches, which have a tactile bump and slight audible click, making them a good choice for general purpose use.
The keyboard is very nicely made, with a metal chassis which features RGB lighing all the way around the edge. The keys are fitted in the ‘floating’ style, a few millimeters clear of the main chassis. The cable is not detachable and is terminated with the older standard USB A plug. I can see this being an issue in the future as the USB C format is being adopted as the standard now.
In use it is immediately obvious that the chassis really is metal, because its one of the loudest keyboards I’ve used! This isn’t a criticism – mechanical keyboards are all noisy to some extent, but this one does have a definite and quite loud metallic reverberation after the keystroke. I usually fit O-rings to my keys, and I think this one will definitely benefit from them, and also from internal foam damping.
The supplied keyset is very clean and uncluttered, with the characters printed in a clear font.
One of the most attractive features of these mechanical keyboards is that the keyset can be replaced. The supplied keys are not double shot so the colour will eventually begin to wear off but I expect many users will install their own keys.
The keys are backlit, which I find very useful when typing (or playing games) in a darkened room. The default colour scheme is a mad, flashing rainbow, but a couple of keypresses allowed me to change the mode, colour and brightness to a plain red that matched my other peripherals. I’ll be honest, that process was more difficult than it should have been – There doesn’t seem to be a setting for plain colours, so I had to find one that pulsed, then turn the speed down to zero, then select the colour I wanted. Got there in the end but it was more annoying than it needed to be.
If you need a good-quality, full-sized mechanical keyboard, this is a good option. Most gamers will prefer TKL, 80% or even 60% keyboards, so this is something of a solution to a rare problem, even more so when you factor in the UK ISO layout. It’s great that we have the choice.
I received this item from the Amazon Vine Program.
Keyboard description Gaming, Mechanical, UK Layout 105 Keys
Connectivity technology USB
Compatible devices PC
Keyboard backlighting colour support
The keyboard arrived well packed and presented in it’s box. This is a full keyboard and can only be used wired.
Works with Windows XP, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows 10.
They say mechanical keyboards are better because of the way it was built. Each keycap has a switch under that goes up and down. It reacts and responds even if the keycap or switch is not pressed all the way down. So it is more responsive when playing. The keycaps are also detachable and can be replaced.
Overall I am pleased with this keyboard. It looks well made and durable plus the back groud colour is really really nice.
This arrived in a very smart looking retail box and inside you juts get the keyboard and instructions. I had sort of expected a key removal tool and some spares but not an issue.
On plugging it in, it did come up with a firmware upgrade, so while that was happening, I took the opportunity to download and install the free gaming software from the Black Shark website. This allows you to customise the lighting, keys, put it into gaming mode and create macros.
This keyboard has a real quality look and feel about it. There is a smart looking silver bezel that runs around the top edge, just above the wrap around LED side lighting. On the underside are two rubberised feet, which act as a cushion to absorb some of the pressure when hitting the keys — rather than the usual hard plastic ones.
There are plenty of lighting settings to plays around with:
Plus, anything else you want to play around with in the software.
With each of the addressable keys, you have the following options: Default, Keyboard, Mouse Function, Macro, Combo Key, Run Program, Multimedia, Windows Hot-Key and Forbidden. You just need a very good memory or a large piece of paper. I am mainly a CoD man myself, so do not have to worry about keys having different operations for different games.
Keystrokes are nice, positive and give great feedback, sound, and a decent enough amount of travel. As well as gaming, it is not a bad everyday keyboard either and the customisable keys are useful for photo and video editing packages. I do wish keyboard manufacturers could come up with a better sounding space bar though.
I certainly feel this is a decent keyboard for the money and you get a lot for it. What I cannot comment on though is how well it is going to perform in the medium to long-term, especially after a lot of intensive gameplay.
There was something I noticed in the user manual, which I did think was a bit off and something that would put me off buying this keyboard, that is it says “BLACK SHARK will only provide after sales service for products directly purchased from Black Shark. If you have purchased from a different seller, please contact them directly.” Now, if I have an issue with my Logitech keyboard, I can contact them for help, regardless of who I purchased it from, and they will do there best to assist me. It looks like Black Shark will not. For me, that is quite a big thing.
I hope you found this review & photos interesting, informative, and useful. Thanks for reading.
NB. For a sizing guide, squares in photos are 1cm.
Entry level gaming. No after sales service from BS if not purchased from them directly.
Black Shark RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard 105 Keys UK Layout Wired Keyboard with Blue Switches, Full Anti-Ghosting Keys, Aluminum Base, for PC Windows Gamer, Sixgill K2
is simply stunning.
Packaging :
It arrives in a lovely, shiny, professional, retail ready box.
The level of packaging is not excessive, or profligate, and is just enough to keep the product safe, and out of the box in good condition.
It makes a very good first impression.
It would make a great gift .
Recycling :
Most of the packaging can be recycled, including the inner contents.
Build Quality :
The build quality is amazing, with a high level of finish, and detail.
The design is cool, simple, and clean, which translates into a keyboard that looks stunning, functional, and unique.
Features :
The RGB lighting is excellent, and with 12 pre-set effects, 5 customizable light groups, 8 optional single colours and 7 levels of backlit brightness and move speed, it is easy to customise, and individualise, and it makes controlling the keyboard’s special effects, easy, and logical.
The keyboard, with it’s classic blue switches, offers precise tactile and audible click feedback, delivers accurate and responsive key commands, and in use is precise, and tight, like the loading mechanism of a highly tuned rifle, or the gearstick of a top level sports car.
It is precise, and predictable.
Performance :
The performance is amazing, with such a high level of finish, that the keyboard is like going on your daily commute in a Formula One race car. You look good, you stand out, and you have so much grunt under the hood, that you can blow the competition away, without breaking a sweat.
Down Sides :
No downsides were noted during testing.
Value :
Value wise, it feels like this delivers the goods.
The quality you get with this, makes it a good buy.
I would happily pay the asking price.
Summary :
I loved testing this keyboard out so much, I made it my everyday working keyboard, which is brilliant for games, great for everyday tasks, and as for cool… it sits there looking every inch a formula one racer.
Recommendation :
I cannot recommend this mechanical keyboard highly enough.
Amazing,
I hope you enjoyed our time together .
Thank you for reading my review .
After buying a few keyboards from amazon that were junk (despite good reviews) and had to be returned I was wary of buying this. But I’d never had a mechanical keyboard for years so I thought I’d try this.
The keyboard feels so good and responsive after using soft click membrane keyboards. I like the lighting settings, the lighting around the edges of the keyboard are a nice touch as well. Everything about it feels well built.
This rivals my blackwidow keyboard which is over double the price, amazing quality and the rgb affects around the rim of the board are a pleasant touch. 10/10 recommend
I wasn’t sure what to expect for the price but this keyboard is amazing value for money. It’s extremely well made and looks fantastic. If you’re looking for a new mechanical keyboard, stop looking and buy this.
This is a very good sub 50 mechanical keyboard from Black Shark.
Firstly it looks suitably stealthy out of the packaging but I particularly like the subtle chromed edge that runs around the body of the board which catches the light just enough without being too shouty.
The keys are good (and it is a UK layout), and they make a slightly lighter, treble “clack clack”, compared to previous keyboards I’ve used. Travel is good and it’s a pleasant experience using it.
The RGB colour scheme is great and can be customised so low light usage can look from the “single-colour-cool” all the way up to the “flamboyant-over-the-top rainbow-light-show”, depending on your preference of course. I tend to be towards the more subtle end of the colour spectrum, though I do enjoy showing my kids what the keyboard colours can do and they love typing on it. (I’ve included a short video to demonstrate the colours during the boot up sequence).
In terms of setting up, the keyboard was found immediately after connecting it to my PC via USB. It’s a great keyboard that can balance gaming or working from home and I think it represents good value for money.
Impressive Value & Build Quality From This Black Shark Backlit UK Keyboard
This mechanical keyboard has RGB lights that you can control and provides a more exciting gaming experience.
I gave this to my son as he does a lot of gaming on his computer with friends. When it came, it was packed nicely and safe so nothing was damaged. We tried it with his PC straight away and it worked perfectly. I really like that you can control the lights and it has a lot of options that you can choose from.
The mechanical keyboard features iconic blue switches that provide exact tactile and auditory click feedback, produces accurate and responsive key instructions, and provides the best possible gaming experience. This has 105 keys which is completely conflict-free, ensuring precision for simultaneous keystrokes during intense gaming and typing. The matte-finish aluminum alloy panel is durable and guarantees a longer product service life.
Setting this up with my sons PC didn’t take that long. He knows exactly what he is doing with this type of thing. The backlight has 12 pre-set effects, 5 light groups that can be customized, 8 single colours that can be selected, and 7 levels of backlit brightness and move speed. The side light includes 3 settings and an additional 8 colour options.
Overall, my son and I are very pleased with this keyboard and for the price of 39.99, there are some cheaper alternatives available, but it’s cool and works well.
The coloured backlights on this keyboard look amazing, especially in the dark and they can be customised which is great.
You have 12 pre-set effects, 5 customisable light groups, 8 optional single colors and 7 levels of backlit brightness and move speed. The side light has 3 modes and optional 8 colors.
The build of the keyboard is good. The keys are thick plastic and responsive and can easily take repeated use. It’s a standard keyboard layout and it’s fantastic for gaming.
Its easy to set up and stays connected. The response time of the keyboard to screen is milliseconds and there’s no time lag whatsoever.
It has a robust feel to it overall, but also a modern and sleek look to it. The best of both worlds.
At the current price of 33.99 I would say it’s a fair price and good value for mone
I’ve tested several keyboards for Amazon over the last few years. Generally, I actually prefer the feel of my laptop keyboards for the majority of my work, but I appreciate I’m in the minority there. Also, company H&S appraisals always say I should be working on a proper keyboard, so I have plenty of them on stand-by.
I have a Razer Blackwidow keyboard, which is my current go-to secondary keyboard that I have paired with my personal laptop currently. I also have a relatively cheap wireless keyboard that I have paired with my company laptop (but rarely use). Lastly, I use with a keyboard by Z|iyou Lang with my PS5 which lives underneath my computer desk, so I can type brief comments and responses when I’m gaming. That keyboard replaced a painfully cheap one and has done me quite well for several months now. My only gripe about that was that it didn’t have the number pad extension which I do miss.
The opportunity arose to test this Black Shark keyboard and I’m very pleased that I did. It’s an exceptionally competent keyboard for the asking price. I’ve been using it for the last two weeks now and I have to compare it favourably with the typing experience of my Black Widdow. The keys feel really nice to type on, although being a mechanical keyboard you’ll grow tired of the pronounced noise of these type of keyboards if you’re planning on using it for a lot of typing.
The RGB lighting is good quality, and highly customisable by using the shortcut keys onboard the keyboard. You don’t need additional software to configure this function. I don’t personally like RGB lighting so I turn it off, or at the very least just have it on a single tolerable colour or just white.
The build of the keyboard is very robust, certainly much better than any budget keyboard I’ve tested over the last couple of years. It’s not quite got the absolute premium feel of my Black Widdow, but at a fraction of the cost it’s commendable.
The height of the keyboard is adjustable by flicking out the legs, so it’s only a two position choice as is often the way. The cable length is generous enough to position the keyboard where I want it to be and tidy the cable away behind my desk.
Happily, and unlike what I often find to be the case, the keyboard has full-size Enter/Return buttons as well as the backspace button. My previous PS5 keyboard didn’t have that so I was often making mistakes especially because I normally game in the relative darkness of the night and even with backlit keys I’d still catch the wrong key.
So, overall, I find th Black Shark keyboard to be really very good. Is it better than a Black Widdow? Probably not. Is it better value though? Certainly. If you’re comparing them side by side I have to say the Black Widdow is the better keyboard, but given the Black Shark is priced to compete at a very different level I’d be inclined to rate it higher.
Z|iyou Lang
A very sturdy but economical alternative to a big brand like Raze
Super keyboard for that price. Works great.
Easy to press all buttons.
Nice led lighting and lovely classic style.
Good price for such item.
Recommending.
A tactile and responsive RGB equipped mechanical keyboard that represents excellent value for money. The keyboard feels solid and well crafted, and the level of customisation options should be more than enough for all but the most discerning gamers. The associated control software is comprehensive, certainly comparable to the majority of mainstream manufacturers efforts, and works flawlessly. Nothing significant to criticise at the price.
This keyboard is supplied in a branded box along with a 1.5 metre fixed USB-A cable, a key puller, and an instruction leaflet. It is a wired keyboard with no wireless functionality but it is illuminated which seems to be mandatory with gaming keyboards and has micro-switched keys and feels solid and well made.
There are four flat rubber feet on the bottom and the back two flip down to incline the keyboard which feels comfortable to type on. It has a good weight and offers standard key spacing and travel but the branding looks rather cheap until I removed the transparent cover which just left a classy “S” which looks much better!
There is a full set of keys including separate function keys and number input keys while the default backlighting is quite bright and transitions different colours across the keyboard. This is adjustable by pressing the “Function” key together with other keys to cycle through different lighting effects with brightness and cadence also able to be changed.
The keys are full travel and are responsive with a satisfying click you only get from a full micro switched keyboard although this does make it rather noisy if you are in a shared environment. The long keys such as “Enter and “Right Shift feel positive and stable and this is often the difference between a good quality keyboard and a cheaper one.
This keyboard is laid out using the standard ISO UK layout which will please touch typists with a good selection of features accessed via the “Function” key such as volume and media controls. At less than 40 it is very competitively priced if you are looking for a micro-switched gaming keyboard. Just bear in mind it is rather noisy and if you just need a standard office keyboard especially if you share office space or space at home you may want to go for a membrane keyboard instead.
It’s a great keyboard. It feels heavy and sturdy, plus a nice finish on the keys themselves. It’s really well made it will give them that. The lights look fantastic. It works straight away. My only issues is how loud the keys are. I know mechanical keyboards have a loud click to them but if anyone is in the same room or the next room they will be annoyed at the sound of it as it’s very loud clicking.
If you’re ok with the noise it’s a fantastic keyboard
This is the third Black Shark product that I own and I am constantly surprised by the value that their products offer. This keyboard is no exception. I am a huge fan of the minimalist look which doesn’t scream “gamer”, there is just one small logo at the top right. With the brushed aluminium at the top along with the well-chosen font of the keycaps, it looks better than a bunch of premium gaming mechanical keyboards.
It’s built extremely well with an aluminium upper housing and plastic bottom. There is no deck flex at all. The keycaps are double-shot so won’t be wearing out and the larger keys are well stabilised.
I am not a huge fan of how the imitation blue switches feel, they are a bit mushy than cherry MX blues and way too sharp sounding for my taste. That being said, I am picky with my switches and these actuate consistently and are easy to get used to.
RGB. This keyboard’s got a lot of it. Each key is individually addressable which is a surprise at this price point as cheaper keyboards tend to just have larger zones. The transparent keycaps look great with the lighting and there are a lot of effects to choose from. These effects can also be further customised using the optional software. There is a lightbar going around the base of the keyboard. While it is well diffused, it has limited effects which don’t sync with the RGB of the rest of the keyboard,
Another nitpick that I have is that the cable for the keyboard is not detachable and the switches are NOT hotswappable.
Price is one of the biggest features of this keyboard. For 40 you’re getting individual RGB, a metal build, a great look, double-shot keycaps and customizability using software. Keyboards twice the price don’t tend to have all of these features. I don’t know how Black Shark managed it but the value you get is a bit insane. A great gift for a friend or a great economical entry into the world of mechanical keyboards.
Phenomenal value, a great beginner's mechanical keyboard!
I love the backlighting effect of this Black Shark RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard. It looks amazing and can easily be customised to suit your preference. The keys themselves can all be customised as well via the downloadable software. I favour a mechanical keyboard for my gaming and appreciate the feel and sound of the keys on this type of keyboard, however, I did find this one sounded different, and a bit noisier, than my older keyboard. I am sure I will get used to it though as it looks and feels like it is solidly built, of good quality and comes at a competitive price.
For the money, this is fantastic. I really like this keyboard – it would be my first choice now if shopping for a Windows-biased work keyboard, and it’s probably going to replace a gaming keyboard that cost three times as much!
What’s so great? The build quality and metal chassis is solid and flex free with good, positive blue switches and rubber click-out height adjustment feet that don’t slide around the desk. The layout is a proper UK arrangement with two-row enter key, and the symbols are clear with a professional rather than edgy-gamer font, so you could
easily have this in an office (if your colleagues can cope with the clicks).
It moves up a gear with the illumination though. It’s all controlled via the keyboard – no drivers needed, no extra code – so in addition to the funky effects like the Matrix green (love it), you can assign RGB colours to individual keys and the profiles are retained in the keyboard. Set up a Premier or Lightoom shortcut layout and swapped computers? No worries – it’s right there. You can change or disable the keyboard ring light as well, and it remembers what has been set.
Any negatives? The cable is captive, it doesn’t have dipswitches to switch to Mac, and the keys look like clear moulded plastic with dye mask for the black, so may wear. They’re easy enough to upgrade and again, the basics of this keyboard are solid so it’s worth it.
Genuinely impressed with the value and quality on offer here. The OEM sourced keyboard has even been branded subtly – it’s a really good buy if you want clicky keys and backlighting on a budget, and feels just as solid as my Das Keyboard that cost considerably more.
Brilliant full-size mechanical keyboard, professional or gamer alike
I switched to using mechanical keyboards recently as I find that I can type on them with much better accuracy and speed than I do on flat keyboards.
This Black Shark keyboard comes boxed with instructions. It’s wired, so no messing around with batteries or bluetooth. The cable is reasonably long with a USB-A connector on the end. I find that some gaming keyboards don’t work properly through a USB hub so I was very pleased to find that this one does. It’s responsive and every key works exactly as it should. The keyboard uses blue switches and is mounted on an aluminium base, so there’s no getting away from the fact that it’s noisy. However, I find the clicking reassuring as I am typing, so I know when I’ve properly pressed each key. The layout is the correct UK layout and it’s not compact so there’s a number pad and the full set of keys. Some keyboards have CAPS LOCK light up in a different colour when activated but this one just has the more traditional LED lights (blue) to indicate when the locks are on.
The base of the keyboard has rubber feet to stop it slipping around my desk and while I find it comfortable to use as is, it can also be angled up thanks to two foldable feet.
The main selling point for me is the backlighting. I love RGB effects and this not only has backlighting for the keys, it has it around the base as well. The default setting is fine with me but while some of the other settings are overly distracting, there are a few settings I think work very nicely should I feel like a bit of variety. There are less options for the base, it can cycle through colours or be set to a single colour, but this is still the first keyboard I have had with separate backlighting for the base so I am very pleased with that. Of course, the backlighting can be switched off and the brightness can be adjusted down but I like it on and nice and bright.
Overall I think this is the best wired gaming keyboard I have used. Build quality is solid, it looks fantastic, is nice and clicky and works beautifully. It isn’t especially light or quiet and the full set of keys means it takes up more space than compact keyboards, but these are plus points for me. I am happy to recommend this keyboard.
Good quality mechanical keyboard with UK layout and attractive RGB lighting
Black Shark RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
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A very good budget mechanical keyboard. Initially I wasn’t so sure – it has the clacky clock of a mech keyboard but then has its own ring on top, like the swish of ball bearings rolling round together. At first I didn’t like this and while it does have media buttons, you have to use the FN key combos to access them. As a gaming keyboard I would have appreciated dedicated media buttons, especially for volume – the best ones I have are on two older mech keyboards using dedicated rotary roller for volume control – there’s no way back from there, they are just awesome. However as I continued to use the keyboard, it has grown on me.
I like the fact it’s plug and play – no software required, although to get the macro setup and all the different light settings you will need to get the software. I chose to use it without the software for now – I can still switch between different light settings albeit it is via FN key combos.
There was no manual or instructions in the box, although there is a link to a pdf in the product listing, and the blackshark website doesn’t list the keyboard. Perhaps the keyboard will be added to the website later.
The light effects are nice, you can switch to wasd type highlights as well as full rgb and other modes, and the side light at bottom of the keyboard has slowly grown on me. It accentuates the very nice silver trimmed edge finish I initially didn’t notice, and it can be switched off or cycles to different light options.
Overall a great budget mech keyboard. If you are after a nice keyboard with a lot of sound with lots of light options that won’t break the bank, then this is definitely a good choice. If you’re after cutting edge gaming another option may be to replace the blue switches on this to a nice set of reds. Personally I find the red more optimised for gaming and they don’t clack as loud, but that’s all down to personal taste. Currently selling for 39,99 It’s definitely grown on me and can stand proud even against the pricier RGG mech keyboards I have.
I am really impressed with this keyboard, yes it’s wired but this means that there’s no battery to run out and it does things that are usually only associated with more expensive offerings.
At 39.99 as of April 2022 it offers excellent value, the base is really nice and solid, made from aluminium. There are two little feet you can prop up to angle it and there is some rubber padding not only on the feet but also under the keyboard base itself to help cushion against a surface.
I really like way that the rgb lighting can all be controlled via the keyboard, no software needed, it’s also logical in how it works unlike some keyboards. You control the lighting modes by pressing fn key and home, ins and PrtSc. The lighting modes have sub modes and you can go from moving to static colours. There are also some controls for the lighting around the base, it can move around, pulse etc or just be switched off, all modes have their own switches which is great. You can also create some custom lighting effects on the keyboard, clunkier than using software but it gets the job done without installing anything, it’s all laid out in the manual.
It is really easy to type on, the blue switches have that nice clicky feeling and are great for typing. However they are loud as you would expect from blue switches on a mechanical keyboard, so no good for a quiet office.
The quality is excellent throughout and while at the cheaper end of the mechanical keyboard spectrum it does not feel like it, everything is nice and responsive with a good travel and feedback. It is also quite compact so you won’t have issues with bulky housing on your desk.
The wire is attached, which is a shame as you can’t swap it out, so if the wire stops working for any reason the keyboard won’t work anymore.
I have a keyboard that costs well over 100 and in comparison this lacks the wireless ability and the travel is a little spongy but wow for the cost difference this is great value for money.
My only negative is the s that’s put on the front with a transparent sticker, it’s just been placed a bit at random, it just feels an afterthought and goes against the rest of the keyboard but this is such a minor thing.
It worked straight away on the two pc based laptops i tried it on, plug in and off you go, simple set up.
An excellent wired keyboard with rgb lighting, with a UK layout and logical lighting options, that’s a pleasure to use and won’t break the bank either. Im really impressed with the quality and responsiveness.
I am really impressed with this Mechanical Keyboard. It is built to last. It has a premium look. The keys sit on a subtly brushed metal frame. It is much easier to clean than a plastic surface. The metal is riveted to a hard plastic base. The Black colour looks toned down to a dark grey and the labels on the keys look as if they76 are engravings. Beautiful lighting effects.
Performance-wise, it is responsive, not as fast as high-end Keyboards I have used but comparable to other budget keyboards. It is noisier than some of the keyboards I have used. Personally, I like how it sounds, very satisfying keystoke feedback.
The RGB effects are very, very cool, completely love the design. The Roccat Swarm software used to control it also works as intended. Roccat swarm software can also be used to make macros and reassign keys. Nice.
black shark are really making their presence felt in the gaming pc peripheral market. i have had black shark rgb gaming matts, headphones, gaming mice and now the keyboard.
from the packaging, this strikes you as a high quality product – glossy, well presented and robust packaging. lots of foam inside for protection, glossy, well written and clear instructions and a thick braided cable.
you plug it in and immediately the rgb comes in waves and is easy to control with the software and buttons.
the feet are also good quality with rubber grips for anti slip, something you don’t see much of on keyboard feet.
and then there is the feel of the keys – each and every click is firm and just feels so satisfying. very easy and comfortable to type on – just as good as mechanical keyboard from other brands for probably 1/3 of the price.
whether you are on a budget, don’t care about brand names, or simply want to spend your money wisely, i don’t think there is a better mechanical keyboard in this price range.
I am not a gamer, so I can not vouch for the quality and things that a gamer might be looking for. I wanted a mechanical keyboard as I enjoy the clicking and clunking noise for typing on so I have bought this to use with my work-from-home set-up for my job.
I hadn’t appreciated the base being metal, so there is a slight ‘ring’ that comes from the keyboard, mostly when using the space bar which sounds a bit like it’s being struck by a small hammer! This might be annoying, I might get used to it, so for now I’ve kept the packaging, just in case.
There are lots of light settings, as I have ADHD I have set this for one of the least distracting modes but the novelty of choosing one was a fun novelty. It felt like a shame to turn it off completely as it is so pretty. My favourite setting is all the keys being a different colour but sadly it doesn’t seem to have the option to make that a solid setting, only with a gentle twinkle/wave. Or I might not have figured it out yet!
There aren’t any instructions that come in the box so I had to check back to this listing to get the instructions to make the changes, so that’s not ideal.
Overall I’m pleased, I just need to decide if the loud space is going to get on my nerves…
Purchased this keyboard as I wanted a sturdier and more durable unit compared to the standard variety. Item came in full retail packing and was well presented. The keyboard itself was heavy and has a great build quality. Keys have a lovely matt finish, are at the perfect height and very comfortable to use.
The top of the unit, under the keys, has a metal covering and the complete unit had a look and feel far exceeding its price tag.
However, from the first key press I noticed the excessive key click. This audible feedback, for me, was far to noticeable and distracting. Sharing a room, whilst home working, meant it was impractical to use this whilst working so close to someone else — I think a previous reviewer also commented on this.
This was my first mechanical keyboard and I thought I had checked out the various properties associated with each key colour option i.e red, brown, blue switches etc but guess I should have opted for red switches rather than blue ones. Aside from the audible clicks this keyboard is perfect. I was going to give this 4 stars, owing to the excessive audible key clicks, but feel I can’t mark down a product where it meets specification but not my preference so I must give it 5 stars.
If anyone is looking to buy this, I would advise them to research the complete range of switches as having returned this, and purchased a red switch variant, I am now completely happy with my choice.
This is a heavy duty, well made, robust keyboard. As soon as you get it you can feel the weight which screams solid build. Nice long cable which means you are not trapped right next to your PC and – it lights up with a variety of patterns, my favourite being the waving rainbow of lights. So, all good except…
Firstly, this keyboard takes me back to the old IBM machines of the 80s, I mean this is seriously clunky. The transport of the keys, whilst feeling very nice, is so-o loud that I was frightened of waking the entire household when using it at night. It does feel good but, man, it is loud. Also, minor niggle, the multimedia keys require the Fn key to be held down to work – I prefer single-figure operation.
Because of both of those points I decided to go back to my old keyboard which was slimmer, silent and with dedicated multimedia keys. Problem then was that I missed this Black Shark – I and others, had got used to the RGB lights and I had got used to the feel of typing with this keyboard.
So… out of the box it came and it is now my keyboard. I wish it didn’t clack as loud as it does and I wish that I had those dedicated keys back but… got to confess I love this keyboard. If only there was one with soft-damped keys that don’t clack and have a metallic echo when one types.
Excellent quality and loads of colourful options for the keys. Keys are noisy but its supposed to be noisy. If that it not for you do not buy mechanical!
This is a full-sized, mechanical gaming keyboard with a UK ISO layout. Mine is fitted with blue switches, which have a tactile bump and slight audible click, making them a good choice for general purpose use.
The keyboard is very nicely made, with a metal chassis which features RGB lighing all the way around the edge. The keys are fitted in the ‘floating’ style, a few millimeters clear of the main chassis. The cable is not detachable and is terminated with the older standard USB A plug. I can see this being an issue in the future as the USB C format is being adopted as the standard now.
In use it is immediately obvious that the chassis really is metal, because its one of the loudest keyboards I’ve used! This isn’t a criticism – mechanical keyboards are all noisy to some extent, but this one does have a definite and quite loud metallic reverberation after the keystroke. I usually fit O-rings to my keys, and I think this one will definitely benefit from them, and also from internal foam damping.
The supplied keyset is very clean and uncluttered, with the characters printed in a clear font.
One of the most attractive features of these mechanical keyboards is that the keyset can be replaced. The supplied keys are not double shot so the colour will eventually begin to wear off but I expect many users will install their own keys.
The keys are backlit, which I find very useful when typing (or playing games) in a darkened room. The default colour scheme is a mad, flashing rainbow, but a couple of keypresses allowed me to change the mode, colour and brightness to a plain red that matched my other peripherals. I’ll be honest, that process was more difficult than it should have been – There doesn’t seem to be a setting for plain colours, so I had to find one that pulsed, then turn the speed down to zero, then select the colour I wanted. Got there in the end but it was more annoying than it needed to be.
If you need a good-quality, full-sized mechanical keyboard, this is a good option. Most gamers will prefer TKL, 80% or even 60% keyboards, so this is something of a solution to a rare problem, even more so when you factor in the UK ISO layout. It’s great that we have the choice.
“Long Story Short”
Well manufactured
Nice clicky action
Nice RGB effect
Very ergonomic
Great quality from Black Shark
This manufacturer is known for great quality
Value for money 10 out of 10
I received this item from the Amazon Vine Program.
Keyboard description Gaming, Mechanical, UK Layout 105 Keys
Connectivity technology USB
Compatible devices PC
Keyboard backlighting colour support
The keyboard arrived well packed and presented in it’s box. This is a full keyboard and can only be used wired.
Works with Windows XP, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows 10.
They say mechanical keyboards are better because of the way it was built. Each keycap has a switch under that goes up and down. It reacts and responds even if the keycap or switch is not pressed all the way down. So it is more responsive when playing. The keycaps are also detachable and can be replaced.
Overall I am pleased with this keyboard. It looks well made and durable plus the back groud colour is really really nice.
This arrived in a very smart looking retail box and inside you juts get the keyboard and instructions. I had sort of expected a key removal tool and some spares but not an issue.
On plugging it in, it did come up with a firmware upgrade, so while that was happening, I took the opportunity to download and install the free gaming software from the Black Shark website. This allows you to customise the lighting, keys, put it into gaming mode and create macros.
This keyboard has a real quality look and feel about it. There is a smart looking silver bezel that runs around the top edge, just above the wrap around LED side lighting. On the underside are two rubberised feet, which act as a cushion to absorb some of the pressure when hitting the keys — rather than the usual hard plastic ones.
There are plenty of lighting settings to plays around with:
1. 12 Lighting Effects
2. 8 Colour Settings
3. 3 Surround Lighting Effects
4. 8 Surround Lighting Colour Settings
5. 5 Gaming Lighting Effects
Plus, anything else you want to play around with in the software.
With each of the addressable keys, you have the following options: Default, Keyboard, Mouse Function, Macro, Combo Key, Run Program, Multimedia, Windows Hot-Key and Forbidden. You just need a very good memory or a large piece of paper. I am mainly a CoD man myself, so do not have to worry about keys having different operations for different games.
Keystrokes are nice, positive and give great feedback, sound, and a decent enough amount of travel. As well as gaming, it is not a bad everyday keyboard either and the customisable keys are useful for photo and video editing packages. I do wish keyboard manufacturers could come up with a better sounding space bar though.
I certainly feel this is a decent keyboard for the money and you get a lot for it. What I cannot comment on though is how well it is going to perform in the medium to long-term, especially after a lot of intensive gameplay.
There was something I noticed in the user manual, which I did think was a bit off and something that would put me off buying this keyboard, that is it says “BLACK SHARK will only provide after sales service for products directly purchased from Black Shark. If you have purchased from a different seller, please contact them directly.” Now, if I have an issue with my Logitech keyboard, I can contact them for help, regardless of who I purchased it from, and they will do there best to assist me. It looks like Black Shark will not. For me, that is quite a big thing.
I hope you found this review & photos interesting, informative, and useful. Thanks for reading.
NB. For a sizing guide, squares in photos are 1cm.
This keyboard feels great to work with, and the backlit RGB colour options are incredible and highly customisable too
At 39.99, at the time of writing,
This :
Black Shark RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard 105 Keys UK Layout Wired Keyboard with Blue Switches, Full Anti-Ghosting Keys, Aluminum Base, for PC Windows Gamer, Sixgill K2
is simply stunning.
Packaging :
It arrives in a lovely, shiny, professional, retail ready box.
The level of packaging is not excessive, or profligate, and is just enough to keep the product safe, and out of the box in good condition.
It makes a very good first impression.
It would make a great gift .
Recycling :
Most of the packaging can be recycled, including the inner contents.
Build Quality :
The build quality is amazing, with a high level of finish, and detail.
The design is cool, simple, and clean, which translates into a keyboard that looks stunning, functional, and unique.
Features :
The RGB lighting is excellent, and with 12 pre-set effects, 5 customizable light groups, 8 optional single colours and 7 levels of backlit brightness and move speed, it is easy to customise, and individualise, and it makes controlling the keyboard’s special effects, easy, and logical.
The keyboard, with it’s classic blue switches, offers precise tactile and audible click feedback, delivers accurate and responsive key commands, and in use is precise, and tight, like the loading mechanism of a highly tuned rifle, or the gearstick of a top level sports car.
It is precise, and predictable.
Performance :
The performance is amazing, with such a high level of finish, that the keyboard is like going on your daily commute in a Formula One race car. You look good, you stand out, and you have so much grunt under the hood, that you can blow the competition away, without breaking a sweat.
Down Sides :
No downsides were noted during testing.
Value :
Value wise, it feels like this delivers the goods.
The quality you get with this, makes it a good buy.
I would happily pay the asking price.
Summary :
I loved testing this keyboard out so much, I made it my everyday working keyboard, which is brilliant for games, great for everyday tasks, and as for cool… it sits there looking every inch a formula one racer.
Recommendation :
I cannot recommend this mechanical keyboard highly enough.
Amazing,
I hope you enjoyed our time together .
Thank you for reading my review .
After buying a few keyboards from amazon that were junk (despite good reviews) and had to be returned I was wary of buying this. But I’d never had a mechanical keyboard for years so I thought I’d try this.
The keyboard feels so good and responsive after using soft click membrane keyboards. I like the lighting settings, the lighting around the edges of the keyboard are a nice touch as well. Everything about it feels well built.
A great keyboard, especially for the price
This rivals my blackwidow keyboard which is over double the price, amazing quality and the rgb affects around the rim of the board are a pleasant touch. 10/10 recommend
I wasn’t sure what to expect for the price but this keyboard is amazing value for money. It’s extremely well made and looks fantastic. If you’re looking for a new mechanical keyboard, stop looking and buy this.
This is a very good sub 50 mechanical keyboard from Black Shark.
Firstly it looks suitably stealthy out of the packaging but I particularly like the subtle chromed edge that runs around the body of the board which catches the light just enough without being too shouty.
The keys are good (and it is a UK layout), and they make a slightly lighter, treble “clack clack”, compared to previous keyboards I’ve used. Travel is good and it’s a pleasant experience using it.
The RGB colour scheme is great and can be customised so low light usage can look from the “single-colour-cool” all the way up to the “flamboyant-over-the-top rainbow-light-show”, depending on your preference of course. I tend to be towards the more subtle end of the colour spectrum, though I do enjoy showing my kids what the keyboard colours can do and they love typing on it. (I’ve included a short video to demonstrate the colours during the boot up sequence).
In terms of setting up, the keyboard was found immediately after connecting it to my PC via USB. It’s a great keyboard that can balance gaming or working from home and I think it represents good value for money.
This mechanical keyboard has RGB lights that you can control and provides a more exciting gaming experience.
I gave this to my son as he does a lot of gaming on his computer with friends. When it came, it was packed nicely and safe so nothing was damaged. We tried it with his PC straight away and it worked perfectly. I really like that you can control the lights and it has a lot of options that you can choose from.
The mechanical keyboard features iconic blue switches that provide exact tactile and auditory click feedback, produces accurate and responsive key instructions, and provides the best possible gaming experience. This has 105 keys which is completely conflict-free, ensuring precision for simultaneous keystrokes during intense gaming and typing. The matte-finish aluminum alloy panel is durable and guarantees a longer product service life.
Setting this up with my sons PC didn’t take that long. He knows exactly what he is doing with this type of thing. The backlight has 12 pre-set effects, 5 light groups that can be customized, 8 single colours that can be selected, and 7 levels of backlit brightness and move speed. The side light includes 3 settings and an additional 8 colour options.
Overall, my son and I are very pleased with this keyboard and for the price of 39.99, there are some cheaper alternatives available, but it’s cool and works well.
The coloured backlights on this keyboard look amazing, especially in the dark and they can be customised which is great.
You have 12 pre-set effects, 5 customisable light groups, 8 optional single colors and 7 levels of backlit brightness and move speed. The side light has 3 modes and optional 8 colors.
The build of the keyboard is good. The keys are thick plastic and responsive and can easily take repeated use. It’s a standard keyboard layout and it’s fantastic for gaming.
Its easy to set up and stays connected. The response time of the keyboard to screen is milliseconds and there’s no time lag whatsoever.
It has a robust feel to it overall, but also a modern and sleek look to it. The best of both worlds.
At the current price of 33.99 I would say it’s a fair price and good value for mone
I’ve tested several keyboards for Amazon over the last few years. Generally, I actually prefer the feel of my laptop keyboards for the majority of my work, but I appreciate I’m in the minority there. Also, company H&S appraisals always say I should be working on a proper keyboard, so I have plenty of them on stand-by.
I have a Razer Blackwidow keyboard, which is my current go-to secondary keyboard that I have paired with my personal laptop currently. I also have a relatively cheap wireless keyboard that I have paired with my company laptop (but rarely use). Lastly, I use with a keyboard by Z|iyou Lang with my PS5 which lives underneath my computer desk, so I can type brief comments and responses when I’m gaming. That keyboard replaced a painfully cheap one and has done me quite well for several months now. My only gripe about that was that it didn’t have the number pad extension which I do miss.
The opportunity arose to test this Black Shark keyboard and I’m very pleased that I did. It’s an exceptionally competent keyboard for the asking price. I’ve been using it for the last two weeks now and I have to compare it favourably with the typing experience of my Black Widdow. The keys feel really nice to type on, although being a mechanical keyboard you’ll grow tired of the pronounced noise of these type of keyboards if you’re planning on using it for a lot of typing.
The RGB lighting is good quality, and highly customisable by using the shortcut keys onboard the keyboard. You don’t need additional software to configure this function. I don’t personally like RGB lighting so I turn it off, or at the very least just have it on a single tolerable colour or just white.
The build of the keyboard is very robust, certainly much better than any budget keyboard I’ve tested over the last couple of years. It’s not quite got the absolute premium feel of my Black Widdow, but at a fraction of the cost it’s commendable.
The height of the keyboard is adjustable by flicking out the legs, so it’s only a two position choice as is often the way. The cable length is generous enough to position the keyboard where I want it to be and tidy the cable away behind my desk.
Happily, and unlike what I often find to be the case, the keyboard has full-size Enter/Return buttons as well as the backspace button. My previous PS5 keyboard didn’t have that so I was often making mistakes especially because I normally game in the relative darkness of the night and even with backlit keys I’d still catch the wrong key.
So, overall, I find th Black Shark keyboard to be really very good. Is it better than a Black Widdow? Probably not. Is it better value though? Certainly. If you’re comparing them side by side I have to say the Black Widdow is the better keyboard, but given the Black Shark is priced to compete at a very different level I’d be inclined to rate it higher.
Z|iyou Lang
Excellent product and excellent service
Good quality product at a very competitive price. Highly recommended.
Super keyboard for that price. Works great.
Easy to press all buttons.
Nice led lighting and lovely classic style.
Good price for such item.
Recommending.
A tactile and responsive RGB equipped mechanical keyboard that represents excellent value for money. The keyboard feels solid and well crafted, and the level of customisation options should be more than enough for all but the most discerning gamers. The associated control software is comprehensive, certainly comparable to the majority of mainstream manufacturers efforts, and works flawlessly. Nothing significant to criticise at the price.
This keyboard is supplied in a branded box along with a 1.5 metre fixed USB-A cable, a key puller, and an instruction leaflet. It is a wired keyboard with no wireless functionality but it is illuminated which seems to be mandatory with gaming keyboards and has micro-switched keys and feels solid and well made.
There are four flat rubber feet on the bottom and the back two flip down to incline the keyboard which feels comfortable to type on. It has a good weight and offers standard key spacing and travel but the branding looks rather cheap until I removed the transparent cover which just left a classy “S” which looks much better!
There is a full set of keys including separate function keys and number input keys while the default backlighting is quite bright and transitions different colours across the keyboard. This is adjustable by pressing the “Function” key together with other keys to cycle through different lighting effects with brightness and cadence also able to be changed.
The keys are full travel and are responsive with a satisfying click you only get from a full micro switched keyboard although this does make it rather noisy if you are in a shared environment. The long keys such as “Enter and “Right Shift feel positive and stable and this is often the difference between a good quality keyboard and a cheaper one.
This keyboard is laid out using the standard ISO UK layout which will please touch typists with a good selection of features accessed via the “Function” key such as volume and media controls. At less than 40 it is very competitively priced if you are looking for a micro-switched gaming keyboard. Just bear in mind it is rather noisy and if you just need a standard office keyboard especially if you share office space or space at home you may want to go for a membrane keyboard instead.
It’s a great keyboard. It feels heavy and sturdy, plus a nice finish on the keys themselves. It’s really well made it will give them that. The lights look fantastic. It works straight away. My only issues is how loud the keys are. I know mechanical keyboards have a loud click to them but if anyone is in the same room or the next room they will be annoyed at the sound of it as it’s very loud clicking.
If you’re ok with the noise it’s a fantastic keyboard
This is the third Black Shark product that I own and I am constantly surprised by the value that their products offer. This keyboard is no exception. I am a huge fan of the minimalist look which doesn’t scream “gamer”, there is just one small logo at the top right. With the brushed aluminium at the top along with the well-chosen font of the keycaps, it looks better than a bunch of premium gaming mechanical keyboards.
It’s built extremely well with an aluminium upper housing and plastic bottom. There is no deck flex at all. The keycaps are double-shot so won’t be wearing out and the larger keys are well stabilised.
I am not a huge fan of how the imitation blue switches feel, they are a bit mushy than cherry MX blues and way too sharp sounding for my taste. That being said, I am picky with my switches and these actuate consistently and are easy to get used to.
RGB. This keyboard’s got a lot of it. Each key is individually addressable which is a surprise at this price point as cheaper keyboards tend to just have larger zones. The transparent keycaps look great with the lighting and there are a lot of effects to choose from. These effects can also be further customised using the optional software. There is a lightbar going around the base of the keyboard. While it is well diffused, it has limited effects which don’t sync with the RGB of the rest of the keyboard,
Another nitpick that I have is that the cable for the keyboard is not detachable and the switches are NOT hotswappable.
Price is one of the biggest features of this keyboard. For 40 you’re getting individual RGB, a metal build, a great look, double-shot keycaps and customizability using software. Keyboards twice the price don’t tend to have all of these features. I don’t know how Black Shark managed it but the value you get is a bit insane. A great gift for a friend or a great economical entry into the world of mechanical keyboards.
I love the backlighting effect of this Black Shark RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard. It looks amazing and can easily be customised to suit your preference. The keys themselves can all be customised as well via the downloadable software. I favour a mechanical keyboard for my gaming and appreciate the feel and sound of the keys on this type of keyboard, however, I did find this one sounded different, and a bit noisier, than my older keyboard. I am sure I will get used to it though as it looks and feels like it is solidly built, of good quality and comes at a competitive price.
For the money, this is fantastic. I really like this keyboard – it would be my first choice now if shopping for a Windows-biased work keyboard, and it’s probably going to replace a gaming keyboard that cost three times as much!
What’s so great? The build quality and metal chassis is solid and flex free with good, positive blue switches and rubber click-out height adjustment feet that don’t slide around the desk. The layout is a proper UK arrangement with two-row enter key, and the symbols are clear with a professional rather than edgy-gamer font, so you could
easily have this in an office (if your colleagues can cope with the clicks).
It moves up a gear with the illumination though. It’s all controlled via the keyboard – no drivers needed, no extra code – so in addition to the funky effects like the Matrix green (love it), you can assign RGB colours to individual keys and the profiles are retained in the keyboard. Set up a Premier or Lightoom shortcut layout and swapped computers? No worries – it’s right there. You can change or disable the keyboard ring light as well, and it remembers what has been set.
Any negatives? The cable is captive, it doesn’t have dipswitches to switch to Mac, and the keys look like clear moulded plastic with dye mask for the black, so may wear. They’re easy enough to upgrade and again, the basics of this keyboard are solid so it’s worth it.
Genuinely impressed with the value and quality on offer here. The OEM sourced keyboard has even been branded subtly – it’s a really good buy if you want clicky keys and backlighting on a budget, and feels just as solid as my Das Keyboard that cost considerably more.
I switched to using mechanical keyboards recently as I find that I can type on them with much better accuracy and speed than I do on flat keyboards.
This Black Shark keyboard comes boxed with instructions. It’s wired, so no messing around with batteries or bluetooth. The cable is reasonably long with a USB-A connector on the end. I find that some gaming keyboards don’t work properly through a USB hub so I was very pleased to find that this one does. It’s responsive and every key works exactly as it should. The keyboard uses blue switches and is mounted on an aluminium base, so there’s no getting away from the fact that it’s noisy. However, I find the clicking reassuring as I am typing, so I know when I’ve properly pressed each key. The layout is the correct UK layout and it’s not compact so there’s a number pad and the full set of keys. Some keyboards have CAPS LOCK light up in a different colour when activated but this one just has the more traditional LED lights (blue) to indicate when the locks are on.
The base of the keyboard has rubber feet to stop it slipping around my desk and while I find it comfortable to use as is, it can also be angled up thanks to two foldable feet.
The main selling point for me is the backlighting. I love RGB effects and this not only has backlighting for the keys, it has it around the base as well. The default setting is fine with me but while some of the other settings are overly distracting, there are a few settings I think work very nicely should I feel like a bit of variety. There are less options for the base, it can cycle through colours or be set to a single colour, but this is still the first keyboard I have had with separate backlighting for the base so I am very pleased with that. Of course, the backlighting can be switched off and the brightness can be adjusted down but I like it on and nice and bright.
Overall I think this is the best wired gaming keyboard I have used. Build quality is solid, it looks fantastic, is nice and clicky and works beautifully. It isn’t especially light or quiet and the full set of keys means it takes up more space than compact keyboards, but these are plus points for me. I am happy to recommend this keyboard.
Black Shark RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
===================================
A very good budget mechanical keyboard. Initially I wasn’t so sure – it has the clacky clock of a mech keyboard but then has its own ring on top, like the swish of ball bearings rolling round together. At first I didn’t like this and while it does have media buttons, you have to use the FN key combos to access them. As a gaming keyboard I would have appreciated dedicated media buttons, especially for volume – the best ones I have are on two older mech keyboards using dedicated rotary roller for volume control – there’s no way back from there, they are just awesome. However as I continued to use the keyboard, it has grown on me.
I like the fact it’s plug and play – no software required, although to get the macro setup and all the different light settings you will need to get the software. I chose to use it without the software for now – I can still switch between different light settings albeit it is via FN key combos.
There was no manual or instructions in the box, although there is a link to a pdf in the product listing, and the blackshark website doesn’t list the keyboard. Perhaps the keyboard will be added to the website later.
The light effects are nice, you can switch to wasd type highlights as well as full rgb and other modes, and the side light at bottom of the keyboard has slowly grown on me. It accentuates the very nice silver trimmed edge finish I initially didn’t notice, and it can be switched off or cycles to different light options.
Overall a great budget mech keyboard. If you are after a nice keyboard with a lot of sound with lots of light options that won’t break the bank, then this is definitely a good choice. If you’re after cutting edge gaming another option may be to replace the blue switches on this to a nice set of reds. Personally I find the red more optimised for gaming and they don’t clack as loud, but that’s all down to personal taste. Currently selling for 39,99 It’s definitely grown on me and can stand proud even against the pricier RGG mech keyboards I have.
I am really impressed with this keyboard, yes it’s wired but this means that there’s no battery to run out and it does things that are usually only associated with more expensive offerings.
At 39.99 as of April 2022 it offers excellent value, the base is really nice and solid, made from aluminium. There are two little feet you can prop up to angle it and there is some rubber padding not only on the feet but also under the keyboard base itself to help cushion against a surface.
I really like way that the rgb lighting can all be controlled via the keyboard, no software needed, it’s also logical in how it works unlike some keyboards. You control the lighting modes by pressing fn key and home, ins and PrtSc. The lighting modes have sub modes and you can go from moving to static colours. There are also some controls for the lighting around the base, it can move around, pulse etc or just be switched off, all modes have their own switches which is great. You can also create some custom lighting effects on the keyboard, clunkier than using software but it gets the job done without installing anything, it’s all laid out in the manual.
It is really easy to type on, the blue switches have that nice clicky feeling and are great for typing. However they are loud as you would expect from blue switches on a mechanical keyboard, so no good for a quiet office.
The quality is excellent throughout and while at the cheaper end of the mechanical keyboard spectrum it does not feel like it, everything is nice and responsive with a good travel and feedback. It is also quite compact so you won’t have issues with bulky housing on your desk.
The wire is attached, which is a shame as you can’t swap it out, so if the wire stops working for any reason the keyboard won’t work anymore.
I have a keyboard that costs well over 100 and in comparison this lacks the wireless ability and the travel is a little spongy but wow for the cost difference this is great value for money.
My only negative is the s that’s put on the front with a transparent sticker, it’s just been placed a bit at random, it just feels an afterthought and goes against the rest of the keyboard but this is such a minor thing.
It worked straight away on the two pc based laptops i tried it on, plug in and off you go, simple set up.
An excellent wired keyboard with rgb lighting, with a UK layout and logical lighting options, that’s a pleasure to use and won’t break the bank either. Im really impressed with the quality and responsiveness.
I am really impressed with this Mechanical Keyboard. It is built to last. It has a premium look. The keys sit on a subtly brushed metal frame. It is much easier to clean than a plastic surface. The metal is riveted to a hard plastic base. The Black colour looks toned down to a dark grey and the labels on the keys look as if they76 are engravings. Beautiful lighting effects.
Performance-wise, it is responsive, not as fast as high-end Keyboards I have used but comparable to other budget keyboards. It is noisier than some of the keyboards I have used. Personally, I like how it sounds, very satisfying keystoke feedback.
The RGB effects are very, very cool, completely love the design. The Roccat Swarm software used to control it also works as intended. Roccat swarm software can also be used to make macros and reassign keys. Nice.
from the packaging, this strikes you as a high quality product – glossy, well presented and robust packaging. lots of foam inside for protection, glossy, well written and clear instructions and a thick braided cable.
you plug it in and immediately the rgb comes in waves and is easy to control with the software and buttons.
the feet are also good quality with rubber grips for anti slip, something you don’t see much of on keyboard feet.
and then there is the feel of the keys – each and every click is firm and just feels so satisfying. very easy and comfortable to type on – just as good as mechanical keyboard from other brands for probably 1/3 of the price.
whether you are on a budget, don’t care about brand names, or simply want to spend your money wisely, i don’t think there is a better mechanical keyboard in this price range.
I am not a gamer, so I can not vouch for the quality and things that a gamer might be looking for. I wanted a mechanical keyboard as I enjoy the clicking and clunking noise for typing on so I have bought this to use with my work-from-home set-up for my job.
I hadn’t appreciated the base being metal, so there is a slight ‘ring’ that comes from the keyboard, mostly when using the space bar which sounds a bit like it’s being struck by a small hammer! This might be annoying, I might get used to it, so for now I’ve kept the packaging, just in case.
There are lots of light settings, as I have ADHD I have set this for one of the least distracting modes but the novelty of choosing one was a fun novelty. It felt like a shame to turn it off completely as it is so pretty. My favourite setting is all the keys being a different colour but sadly it doesn’t seem to have the option to make that a solid setting, only with a gentle twinkle/wave. Or I might not have figured it out yet!
There aren’t any instructions that come in the box so I had to check back to this listing to get the instructions to make the changes, so that’s not ideal.
Overall I’m pleased, I just need to decide if the loud space is going to get on my nerves…