Satechi has been making Apple-esque accessories for a few years now, with keyboards, mice, charging docks and more on its roster. But in all that time, it’s never made a mechanical keyboard – until the SM3 came along.
Satechi has opted to kick off its mechanical range with a full-size board that features a numpad on its right-hand edge. It looks great and will fit in neatly with your Apple devices, but it also works perfectly well with Windows PCs.
The key switches feel a little heavy and there’s only one switch choice. Satechi has opted for its own proprietary switch, making it harder to know how the board will feel before you buy. That holds it back, and we’d prefer more choice here. Looking beyond that, it’s got plenty of connectivity options, making it well suited to people who find themselves typing on different devices during the day.
Satechi SM3: Price & availability
How much does it cost? $119.99 (about £93 / $190 AUD)
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available globally
The Satechi SM3 costs $119.99, which is about £93 or $190 AUD. That’s not an outrageous price to pay, especially for a full-length board.
Satechi SM3: Design
(Image credit: Alex Blake / Future)
The SM3 is Satechi’s first full-length, 108-character keyboard. That means it comes with a numpad on the right-hand side, along with a couple of bonus keys for connecting the device to Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, or over a cable.
My review unit came in a simple, attractive gray and white colorway, but there’s also a darker version available. Both come with 14 different backlighting patterns (some of which are a touch distracting) but it only shines in white – there’s no RGB here. That white backlighting was often hard to see in daylight against the white keycaps, making discerning keys with a quick glance trickier than it should have been. There was no issue in low light, though.
Image 1 of 2
(Image credit: Alex Blake / Future)
Image 2 of 2
(Image credit: Alex Blake / Future)
This is a slimline keyboard with low-profile keycaps (there are a few spare Windows ones in the box), and that helps it fit neatly into a bag on your travels, provided your backpack can accommodate the keyboard’s full-size length. The keycaps are removable, but any replacements need to fit Satechi’s proprietary switch stems (more on that later).
The SM3 is also impressively lightweight for a large keyboard, weighing in at 1.42lbs (648g) on my scales. For comparison, my Keychron K8 – with its smaller tenkeyless design – weighs 1.96lbs (889g). The Satechi SM3 comes with an aluminum top and sides, while the underneath is made from sturdy plastic.
Around the back are two pop-out feet to prop the board up. Although there are two height options here, they’re both at a fairly shallow angle. It would have been good to have an option for a higher incline. There’s also no wrist rest, but that’s not a huge problem.
Satechi SM3: Performance
Image 1 of 3
(Image credit: Alex Blake / Future)
Image 2 of 3
(Image credit: Alex Blake / Future)
Image 3 of 3
(Image credit: Alex Blake / Future)
The Satechi SM3 is a mechanical keyboard, but it only comes with one switch: a proprietary brown tactile option. It’s a little heavy and sluggish in use, and after a few days I noticed some finger fatigue from having to press harder than I’m used to. A more lightweight configuration would have been welcome. The switches are not hot-swappable, either, so if they don’t feel right to you, you’re stuck with them.
This is definitely not a gaming keyboard, but it’s surprisingly viable for this usage. I played a range of titles, including fast-paced shooters and much more sedate games, and in both cases the keyboard stood up reasonably well. You won’t find any gamer-specific features, but the low-profile keycaps were easy to find by touch in the heat of battle. The main issue is the board’s length, and I found my mouse hitting the edge of the numpad at times.
(Image credit: Alex Blake / Future)
I did have occasional issues with certain keys not registering when pressed, and this seemed to mainly affect the space bar and left Shift key. There were no issues with ghosting in my testing, though.
You can connect the SM3 to two devices over Bluetooth, one using the 2.4GHz receiver, and one with the included USB-C cable. Switching over Bluetooth takes about a second and just requires you to press a single button on the keyboard. You can also change layouts between Windows and macOS, and the keys to do this have “Mac” or “Win” helpfully printed on their keycaps.
Disappointingly, there’s no companion app to assign macros and reassign keys, and the SM3 is not compatible with QMK or VIA.
Should you buy the Satechi SM3?
(Image credit: Alex Blake / Future)
Buy the Satechi SM3 if…
You like the Apple aesthetic
This board will fit in well alongside Apple’s devices.View Deal
You want a numpad
The extended layout is ideal for numpad users.View Deal
You work on the go
It’s not the smallest board, but its lightweight design won’t weigh you down when it’s in a backpack.View Deal
Don’t buy it if…
You prefer lighter switches
Satechi’s proprietary switches are quite heavy.View Deal
You want more switch options
You only get brown tactile switches here, and they’re not hot-swappable.View Deal
You like customising your keyboards
With no QMK/VIA compatibility and no Satechi-made companion app, you can’t assign macros or customise the device.View Deal
Satechi SM3: Also consider
Logitech Signature K650
Our pick for the best keyboard, the Logitech Signature K650 comes with a full-size layout and low-profile keycaps. It’s not got mechanical switches, but it is very reasonably priced and is packed with extras. Read our full Logitech Signature K650 reviewView Deal
Razer Pro Type Ultra
One of our favorite mechanical keyboards is the Razer Pro Type Ultra. You get a full-size layout and a superb typing experience, although its lack of low-profile switches means it’s not as lightweight or portable as the Satechi SM3. Read our full Razer Pro Type Ultra reviewView Deal
How I tested the Satechi SM3
I tested out the Satechi SM3 in both work and gaming scenarios, using it to type all day long and game in the evenings. I also paired it with both a Mac and a PC and tried it on both machines to see how well it fared with the different key layouts.
Corsair is no stranger to the world of PC peripherals. Some of my favorite stock gaming keyboards, like the K100 Air, fly Corsair sails. So it's no surprise that the Corsair K70 Pro TKL comes with a certain air of polish and and premium feel that other boards strive to replicate but ultimately can't nail down.
However, this keyboard won't be making its way into my daily-driver arsenal, and it's for two main reasons: no hot-swap support, and a sharp, noisy typing sound.
If this keyboard's pre-lubed Hall effect magnetic switches were hot-swappable, it would solve both issues at once; I'd be able to change up the sound and feel at the pull of a switch.
But not everyone wants to buy and apply all new sets of switches and keycaps. Many gamers just want to take a keyboard out of the box, have it give them an edge over the competition, and look good doing it. The K70 Pro TKL is a fantastic option in that regard.
And, with Corsair's iCUE software, you do have quite a few options for customization when it comes to actuation, RGB lighting, macros, and more. Plus, it's actually pretty intuitive to use, which is more than can be said for most peripheral software.
If you prefer the freedom and safety of full customization, this isn't the board for you. I'd opt for something like the Keychron Q6 Max instead, which, despite its higher price point, offers the ability to repair a switch when it breaks rather than purchasing a whole new keyboard or breaking out a soldering iron. This doesn't give you the performance of Hall effect switches, but honestly, unless you're at the summit of competitive gaming, you're probably not going to notice a discernable difference.
But, if you want to plug and play with some of the best performance and features of any keyboard on the block, the Corsair K70 Pro TKL is your chance.
Corsair K70 Pro TKL: Price & Availability
(Image credit: Future / Marcus Mears III)
How much does it cost? $179.99 / £169.99
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US and UK
The price may be a bit hard to swallow at first glance - $180 for a keyboard definitely isn't cheap. But when you compare it to the best gaming keyboards on the market, that price really isn't too far off (in fact it's more affordable than many premium gaming keyboards).
There are two customization options you have before purchasing: choosing between Black and White colorways and selecting either ABS or PBT double-shot keycaps.
ABS keycaps are generally a bit cheaper to produce but the legends aren't as clear and may degrade over time more easily. PBT, which comes with a $10 upcharge, solves those issues.
Corsair K70 Pro TKL: Design
(Image credit: Future / Marcus Mears III)
This Corsair board has a lot going for it in terms of design. My review unit came in the black colorway, and you can't get much more classic than that. It provides a nice contrast to the RGB lighting, which I'll touch on more later in this section.
Back to the chassis for now though. It's an interesting mix of plastic - which covers the outside of the keyboard - and an aluminum top plate that gives this TKL keyboard a satisfying blend of lightweight portability and hearty structural integrity.
Underneath that top plate is a sound-dampening layer of silicone, followed by the premium Hall-effect-ready PCB, and then another layer of silicone to keep things quiet.
Unfortunately, I can't say these silicone layers accomplish a whole lot. One of my main gripes with this keyboard is the loud, harsh clacking and pinging sounds as you type.
For some people, this won't matter at all because it's all about features and efficiency. For the mechanical keyboard geeks out there who love to crack open a shell and start stuffing tape and foam inside to get that perfect sound (looking at you, me) you'll probably pass in favor of something more customizable.
Similarly, this board is only available in a USB-C wired version - which won't matter for some and will make a world of difference for others.
Onto the stabilizers: they're plate mounted, which I've gone on record as saying aren't my favorite. While they are still pretty easy to replace, they don't offer the same level of security and acoustic accoutrement that screw-in stabs do. This is apparent every time you hit the rattly space bar and it screeches "ping!" back at you.
(Image credit: Future / Marcus Mears III)
There are a lot of upsides, too. I love a vertical volume knob, especially one that lets me mute my audio with a tap. You can also configure this to change RGB brightness and zoom levels, or simply use it as a scroll wheel.
And to the left of that volume knob are two buttons that you can configure in iCUE, Corsair's customization app. These provide some nice functionality like locking into Gaming Mode (which disables the alt-f4 and the Windows key for accidental closures and alt-tabs), and whatever else you assign to the second button.
This is also where you can choose your RGB lighting effects to spice up your setup. There are prebuilt templates like breathing and wave effects, but you can also select individual keys and different effects to create your own designs.
(Image credit: Future / Marcus Mears III)
Turning the board over, there are two feet you can flip out for a bit of added height framing a futuristic-looking back plate. These aren't bad, though I tend to go flat-footed with my keyboards anyway.
I'm also a big fan of the TKL form factor because I think it hits all the right areas without eating away all your desk space.
Plus, there's the star of the show: those MGX Hyperdrive magnetic Hall effect switches. While I don't think the average gamer needs them, they are very fast. And you can make them even faster by adjusting actuation levels in iCUE.
They also come pre-lubed, which is awesome to see more keyboard companies adopt. Keychron has been doing it for years, and it's an edge I always gave to its keyboards when reviewing them - it looks like that's changing in recent times, and I'm all for it. It just makes everything feel that much smoother - and doing it yourself is tedious.
The magnetic wrist rest is also a welcome and well-polished addition, and I found the keyboard comfortable to use both with and without it. That's the thing: this keyboard actually feels quite nice to type on if you like a quick, snappy switch - it just needs to clean up the sound and customization departments.
Corsair K70 Pro TKL: Performance
(Image credit: Future / Marcus Mears III)
This is where the Corsair K70 Pro TKL shines. It has all the cool gaming features you can think of and some I guarantee you didn't.
Starting with the formalities, I never noticed any ghosting, double-typing, or any other low-budget keyboard problems here. The K70 Pro TKL was solid through and through.
Onto the cool stuff. Starting with Corsair's "Rapid Trigger" tech, this lets you feed inputs one after the other in rapid succession without having to release the other key. In practice, that means you can "a" and "d" around a corner to jiggle peak quicker than someone using inferior hardware. You can take this even further with adjustable actuation points, which let you activate a keystroke at the drop of a hat.
There's also dual actuation, which lets you assign two functionalities to one key - like walking if you press the key down half way, or sprinting if you put the pedal to the metal.
With these lightning fast key inputs comes the potential for game winning plays, but also mind numbing mistakes. Say you accidentally fat finger your ultimate key in a MOBA or WASD in Counter-Strike 2 when you meant to be holding an angle - it's a double-edged sword.
Thankfully, Corsair thought of this ahead of time and implemented a neat feature that cuts down on those accidental inputs: FlashTap tech. FlashTap lets you "prioritize the first, last, or neither input" when clicking two keys at the same time, which can be a lifesaver. It's disabled by default but can be toggled on with FN + Right Shift.
Combine all of that with Corsair's Axon tech that gives this keyboard a polling rate of 8,000Hz, and you have one seriously speedy keyboard.
Should you buy the Corsair K70 Pro TKL?
Buy it if...
You want peak performance
This keyboard is fast - seriously fast. 8,000Hz polling rate, custom Hall effect key switches, customizable actuation points up to 0.1mm... need I say more?
You want a solid plug-and-play experience
This keyboard comes with a pretty easy setup. Plug it in, download iCUE for any configuration work you want to do, and play.
You like the TKL form factor
I personally love this size board, but some gamers are going to want a numpad for extra functionality, whereas others are going to want to opt for something closer to a 65% layout to save on desk space.
Don't buy it if...
You like switching things up
I enjoy pulling switches out of my board and finding new favorites as I go, but there's no hot swapping here.
You're shopping on a budget
There are plenty of affordable options for great gaming keyboards - this is not one of them.
You care about how your keyboard sounds
If you can distinguish a "thock" from a "clack," your ears probably aren't going to like this one.
Corsair K70 Pro TKL: Also Consider
If our Corsair K70 Pro TKL review has you considering other options, I'd take a look at these...
Asus ROG Falchion Ace HFX 65%
If you want Hall effect key switches on a smaller form factor, this board from Asus delivers.
If you don't mind sacrificing some gaming performance for a host of customization options and better sound and feel, the Gamakay TK75 V2 is a solid option that comes in at a fraction of the price.
I replaced my daily driver gaming keyboard with the Corsair K70 Pro TKL for two weeks. I played games from all different genres, performed typing tests to assess n-key rollover and ghosting, and used it for general typing and web browsing.
I've been a PC gamer for more than a decade, and I've reviewed countless keyboards from OEMs like Corsair, Keychron, Das Key, and many more. I frequently mod and customize mechanical keyboards to nail down my favorite feel (until I find my new favorite).
The basic notion of a 4K gaming monitor based on Samsung's QD-OLED panel tech isn't new. But for 2025, it's been shrunk down from 32 inches to 27 inches. We give you the new Alienware 27 AW2725Q QD-OLED.
The new 27-inch version of Samsung's QD-OLED panel delivers the latest five-layer tandem OLED structure. However, apart from high pixel density, the rest of the specs look very familiar, including the 250-nit full-screen brightness, 0.03ms response and 240Hz refresh rate.
This monitor also debuts Alienware's new design language. Dubbed "AW30" and supposedly inspired by extraterrestrial phenomena and the Aurora Borealis, the reality is a lot of dark blue plastic, soft, curved shapes, plus the signature RGB-lit alien head logo.
However, if this isn't physically the most exciting looking monitor known to mankind, the new high-DPI OLED panel promises to be spectacular. Time to find out what it's actually like and where it ranks among the best gaming monitors in 2025.
Where can you get it? Available in the US with UK and Australia following in April
At $899, the Alienware 27 AW2725Q is currently $200 cheaper than Alienware's own 32-inch 4K OLED, the AW3225QF. That means there's some savings to be had from the smaller form factor.
However, that's only true within the Alienware ecosystem, as there are 32-inch 4K QD-OLED monitors using exactly the same panel as the 32-inch AW3225QF for pretty much exactly the same price as this 27-inch model.
Moreover, this remains an extremely expensive display for a mere 27-inch monitor. If pixel density is an absolute top priority, then it might just make sense. Otherwise, a 32-inch QD-OLED for similar money is surely more appealing. And if you really don't care about pixel density, 34-inch and even 49-inch ultrawides can again be had for a similar sticker price.
Alienware 27 AW2725Q QD-OLED: Design
(Image credit: Future)
Aside from debuting Samsung's 27-inch 4K QD-OLED tech, the Alienware 27 AW2725Q is also rolling out Alienware's new AW30 design language. Alienware says it is "crafted to evoke a sense of mystery and transcendence." Frankly, that's a tiny bit hyperbolic.
Not that the Alienware 27 AW2725Q is a bad looking display. But the new AW30 design language isn't a comprehensive success. In this iteration, AW30 translates into mostly dark blue plastic that's infused with just a hint of metallic fleck. The shapes and design flourishes are soft and organic with a slightly dated 90s vibe.
(Image credit: Future)
Indeed, the signature RGB-lit alien head logo on the rear is the only obvious carry over from the previous Alienware aesthetic which, in all candour, we prefer. Overall, the look and feel isn't especially impactful or premium.
That said, it is well enough built and the AW2725Q boasts a fully adjustable stand and good ergonomics. What's more, for the most part those design considerations only apply to the rear of this monitor, which you generally aren't looking at. Up front, the slim bezels on three sides of the QD-OLED panel and glossy panel coating ensure it looks bang up to date.
Alienware 27 AW2725Q QD-OLED: Features
(Image credit: Future)
The star of the show is the new 27-inch 4K Samsung QD-OLED panel. It boasts Samsung's latest five-layer tandem OLED structure. In larger panel formats, it helps to increase brightness, but the very small pixels of this high-density display mean that brightness is essentially the same as previous QD-OLEDs.
Specs like the 240Hz refresh and 0.03ms response are likewise dead ringers for existing 32-inch 4K QD-OLED monitors. So, the main attraction here on paper is the 166DPI pixel density, which is far higher than the 109DPI of, say, a 27-inch 1440p monitor.
(Image credit: Future)
Elsewhere, this isn't the most highly specified monitor when it comes to connectivity. You do get both two HDMI 2.1 ports, plus DisplayPort 1.4, all of which will do the full 240Hz refresh rate. But there's no USB-C input and thus no facility for docking a laptop with this monitor and keeping it charged.
Still, there is a USB hub which you can hook up to your PC, which offers three USB-A and one USB-C downstream ports. For the record, the Alienware 27 AW2725Q is also covered by Dell's Three-year Advanced Exchange Service warranty which includes cover for OLED burn-in.
Rounding things out as you'd expect from this class of gaming display, there's support for Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync, plus Alienware Command Center, which is a Windows app that allows you to control some functionality from within Windows.
Alienware 27 AW2725Q QD-OLED: Performance
(Image credit: Future)
When this new class of 27-inch K QD-OLED was announced, it was pretty exciting, what with it using Samsung's latest five-layer tandem OLED tech. In practice, that aspect arguably underwhelms.
Not that the OLEDness here is anything less that you'd expect. Rather, it looks just like what you'd expect in terms of full screen brightness and peak HDR sizzle. This screen isn't a step on in that regard.
So, full screen brightness is adequate rather than excellent. That said, HDR performance in darker game scenes is just fantastic. There's a nighttime scene in Cyberpunk 2077 located on a gantry by a rocket that is the perfect illustration.
You get great detail in the shadows right next to the fluorescent light fittings that pop out with such intensity and precision. The glossy screen coating only enhances that sense of epic contrast. No LCD-based display comes even close, not even those with full-array local dimming.
(Image credit: Future)
Outdoor game scenes are less impressive, albeit still pretty good. Then there's the lightning fast pixel response. In fact, response is essentially a solved problem with these OLED monitors. The 240Hz refresh rate makes for very fluid visuals, too, plus excellent input latency. Of course, you'll need one heck of a graphics card to drive modern games at 4K, even with upscaling. But if you've got one, you'll love this monitor.
But what of the other key benefit, that high pixel density? On the Windows desktop, fonts look super crisp and sharp, despite the OLED panel's non-standard triangular pixel substructure. But in game? Honestly, there's not much subjective benefit compared to a 32-inch 4K OLED. And of course this screen is smaller and less immersive. If space is at a premium, then this 27-inch form factor is a clear benefit over a 32-inch option. Otherwise, we'd go 32-inch for the larger, more cinematic experience.
On a pair of final related notes, another area where this new-gen QD-OLED panel is essentially the same as previous generations is the purplish tinge to the panel itself in really bright ambient light. It slightly detracts from the sense of contrast and, again only slightly, undermines black levels. It's not a deal breaker, but is worth being aware of.
The other related issue is the color balance marginally tilted towards warmth. Again, it's not a major issue and for most people you'd barely notice it first and then quickly adjust to it if you have. But those who knowingly and clearly prefer a monitor with a truly neutral color temperature, it might be problematic.
Alienware 27 AW2725Q QD-OLED: Specs
Should I buy the Alienware 27 AW2725Q QD-OLED?
Buy it if...
You want a high-DPI OLED experience
At last, OLED panel tech is available with really good pixel density thanks to this new class of 27-inch 4K QD-OLED monitors.View Deal
You love HDR sizzle
When it comes to HDR visuals, no LCD monitor comes close to the high-contrast experience on offer from an OLED monitor with a glossy panel coating.View Deal
Don't buy it if...
You want stellar value
$899 for a 27-inch monitor is masses, even for one this good. That's especially true when a 32-inch 4K OLED can be had for the same price.View Deal
You like large, cinematic visuals
Here in 2025, a 27-inch monitor isn't exactly massive. For a really immersive experience, a 32-inch 4K model would be better, as would 34-inch or 49-inch Ultrawides.View Deal
Also Consider
Alienware AW3225QF
This 32-inch 4K QD-OLED is a little more expensive. But then it's larger and more immersive. Uniquely among the 4K 32-inch OLEDs on the market, this monitor is curved.
Hard to believe, but this massive 49-inch QD-OLED monitor isn't all that much more expensive. The pixel density is much lower, but the immersion levels are off the map.
I ran the Alienware 27 AW2725Q QD-OLED as my primary display for a week. I used it for absolutely everything including getting stuff done for work, watching YouTube and movies and, of course, games.
I've reviewed just about every OLED gaming monitor out there, and certainly every panel type, so this new class of 27-inch 4K QD-OLED is particularly interesting. Assessing things like full screen brightness is critical, as is getting to grips with the high-DPI experience.
I was also keen to double check that this new OLED was up to scratch for metrics like pixel response and latency while delivering that signature OLED HDR experience. Checking out Alienware's new design language was intriguing, too.
The Logitech G915 X Lightspeed TKL is a wireless mechanical gaming keyboard with low-profile keys and multiple connectivity options for added convenience.
For a gaming peripheral, it looks fairly restrained, although the RGB lighting, especially against the white variant, does help to make it more vibrant. The thin chassis with its rounded sides and brushed-metal effect adds an element of class too.
It’s also built quite well, feeling sturdy yet surprisingly light, although it’s perhaps not quite as premium as the best gaming keyboard constructions. In particular, the double-shot PBT keycaps feel cheaper than you might expect, with a texture that’s less satisfying compared to others I’ve experienced.
The very top row buttons feel better though, with their rubber finish and heavily-damped presses feeling satisfying to use. The volume wheel also operates very smoothly, yet still provides enough control.
The Logitech G915 X Lightspeed TKL can be customized using Logitech’s G HUB software, which offers plenty of remapping options, from system functions to custom key combinations. There’s also a macro creator and RGB tweaking, as you might expect from a gaming keyboard. While the software is stable enough and laid out well, navigation can be a little too laborious at times, and more explanations wouldn’t go amiss either.
When gaming, the Logitech G915 X Lightspeed TKL performs reasonably well. The tactile switches are snappy, but offer a fair amount of resistance; fortunately, the actuation point is low enough that you don’t have to approach that point where you feel that weight. The texture of the keycaps doesn’t offer much in the way of grip though, which can make finger placements less than secure.
For typing, I found the Logitech G915 X Lightspeed TKL less impressive. That cramped layout made things awkward for me, as did the lack of tilt provided by the feet. I did appreciate the low-profile keycaps, though, as I generally prefer these for typing.
I had no issue connecting to devices via Bluetooth or the 2.4GHz wireless dongle, and switching between the two is easy thanks to the dedicated buttons on the top row. However, it’s a shame there’s no hot-switching between multiple devices connected via Bluetooth.
The battery life of the Logitech G915 X Lightspeed TKL is good, as after several days of use – during which time I used it for gaming and working, and switched frequently between 2.4GHz and Bluetooth modes – it dipped to just below 50%.
One of the main issues with the Logitech G915 X Lightspeed TKL, though, is the price. It sits at the top-end of the market, competing with some of the best keyboards around. However, it can’t match their level of performance, especially those with analog switches, such as the Razer Huntsman V2 Analog, which isn’t much more expensive. There’s also the Razer Pro Type Ultra, which is a versatile keyboard for both gaming and work, and is available for even less.
(Image credit: Future)
Logitech G915 X Lightspeed TKL review: price and availability
$199.99 / £199.99 / AU$369.95
Available now in black and white colorways
Top-end of the market
The Logitech G915 X Lightspeed TKL costs $199.99 / £199.99 / AU$369.95 and is available now in two colorways: black and white. There are three different switch types to choose from: Tactile, Linear, and Clicky.
This places the Logitech G915 X Lightspeed TKL at the higher end of the market, competing with other top-draw gaming keyboards. The best gaming keyboard in our view, the Razer Huntsman V2 Analog, is more expensive, but not by much. However, as the name suggests, this board has analog switches, which allow for greater speed, precision and customization than traditional mechanical switches. It also has a full-size layout.
The best keyboard with a premium feel, the Razer Pro Type Ultra, costs less, yet we found it to have excellent all-round performance, whether you’re gaming, working, or browsing.
Value: 3 / 5
(Image credit: Future)
Logitech G915 X Lightspeed TKL review: specs
(Image credit: Future)
Logitech G915 X Lightspeed TKL review: design and features
Smart, light, and thin
Keycaps don’t feel the best
Good customizations via G HUB
The Logitech G915 X Lightspeed TKL adopts a mild gaming aesthetic, with its muted appearance making it more formal than others in the sector. The white colorway certainly adds more vibrancy – and enhances the RGB lighting just that little bit more – yet it still retains a smart demeanour.
The floating keycaps are a nice touch, and so too is the brushed metal of the face plate and the rolled edges of the chassis. Fortunately, the build quality matches its premium appearance: the whole body feels sturdy, despite being very light and thin for a gaming keyboard.
However, the double-shot PBT keycaps let things down, as I found their texture a little too scratchy and not the most pleasant to touch. The shortcut buttons above the keys, though, feel much better, as they’re soft, rubberized, and damped very well. The volume wheel is very smooth and easy to operate, yet has controlled spins.
(Image credit: Future)
Like many modern keyboards, the Logitech G915 X Lightspeed TKL has two-stage feet that offer different tilting angles. However, I found that even the highest setting was still a little too shallow, so those who like a steep rake might be disappointed.
Logitech’s G HUB software can be used to customize the Logitech G915 X Lightspeed TKL, with the usual options available, such as RGB lighting adjustments and key remapping, the latter of which features assignments for mouse buttons and scrolls, key combinations involving modifiers, and macros. There are also various media playback controls available, including a function to cycle available audio inputs and outputs. However, other common system-level functions are absent, which is a shame. As well as multiple profile slots, FN and G Shift layers are available too.
While G HUB runs very smoothly for the most part, navigating it can take one too many clicks, and it lacks explanations for certain default shortcuts and how they work, such as those for profile switching.
Design & features: 3.5 / 5
Logitech G915 X Lightspeed TKL review: performance
Responsive yet heavy-feeling switches
Keycaps issues
Cramped for typing
The Tactile switches I had installed on the Logitech G915 X Lightspeed TKL felt and sounded quite clicky. Despite having a snappy response, they offered more resistance than I expected when depressing fully, considering their low profile. However, the actuation point feels low, so I didn’t experience much fatigue when holding down keys for long periods.
Adopting the WASD position is comfortable enough, with all important keys, including the bottom row, being easy to reach and use; again this is thanks to that low profile, which is something I personally prefer in most cases.
However, despite the aforementioned texture of the keycaps, they offer very little grip, and it’s too easy to slide out of position – an issue made worse by shallow indentations, which of course isn’t ideal for more intense sessions.
(Image credit: Future)
For typing, I didn’t find the Logitech G915 X Lightspeed TKL conducive to my style. Even though the low profile keycaps allowed me to glide around the board, I found the layout too cramped. I also couldn’t get the angle steep enough using the feet, which added to the discomfort I was feeling. What’s more, things can get quite loud when tapping away.
Connectivity over both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth is solid, and switching between them is easy with the top hotkeys. However, it’s a shame there’s no option to switch quickly between multiple devices connected via Bluetooth, as some of the best keyboards feature, including Logitech’s own models.
The battery life of the Logitech G915 X Lightspeed TKL is quite good, as after several days of varied use, which included gaming, working, and browsing – as well as switching between Bluetooth and 2.4GHz modes regularly – it dipped to just below 50%.
Performance: 3.5/ 5
Should I buy the Logitech G915 X Lightspeed TKL?
Buy it if…
You want thin keys The low profile keycaps make it easy for gliding and hitting all the important keys when gaming, at least for me.
You want multiple connectivity options Wired, 2.4GHz and Bluetooth are all welcome connectivity options – although it’s a shame you can only have one Bluetooth connection at a time.
Don’t buy it if…
You want the best typing experience Despite the low profile keys, I found the layout a little too cramped, and the feet didn’t offer enough angle for me to type comfortably.
You want a hot-swappable keyboard Although there are three switch types to choose from when you configure your Logitech G915 X Lightspeed TKL, they aren’t hot-swappable, so your choice is permanent.
Logitech G915 X Lightspeed TKL review: also consider
Razer Huntsman V2 Analog The Razer Huntsman V2 Analog uses analog switches, which means plenty of tweaking options when it comes to actuation points, as well as various modes that take advantage of that graduated operation. It’s wired only and more expensive than the Logitech G915 X Lightspeed TKL, but it’s full-size and we found the performance good enough to justify the price tag. Read our Razer Huntsman V2 Analog review.
Razer Pro Type Ultra If you want a keyboard that’s equally capable of gaming and working, then the Razer Pro Type Ultra fits the bill. We found it performed brilliantly on both fronts, as well having great connectivity options and battery life. What’s more, it’s cheaper than the Logitech G915 X Lightspeed TKL. If you don’t like a steep angle for your keys, though, this might not be for you. Read our Razer Pro Type Ultra review.
How I tested the Logitech G915 X Lightspeed TKL
Tested for several days
Used for gaming, working, and browsing
Plentiful gaming keyboard experience
I tested the Logitech G915 X Lightspeed TKL for several days, during which time I used it for gaming, working, and general browsing.
I played games such as Counter-Strike 2, which is a good test for keyboards since it requires quick and accurate inputs.
I have been PC gaming for over a decade, and during that time I have experienced many keyboards. I have also reviewed a good number across a broad spectrum of brands, switch types, and price points.
Cricut Maker 4 is an excellent addition to the impressive lineup of crafting machines from Cricut. If you want to craft at home and produce professional-level results, the Maker 4 can help you create decorations, gifts, jewelry, clothing, keepsakes, and much more. It isn’t the easiest tool to use – Maker 4 will help your crafting reach new heights, but it won’t make things for you – yet with some patience and practice, the results can be truly astonishing.
Cricut Maker 4 is the most capable Cricut machine you can buy. There is a larger, commercial-strength Cricut Venture machine, but the Maker 4 can cut a wider variety of materials. Every Cricut cutting machine can cut paper, cardstock, vinyl, and similar materials, but only the Cricut Maker series can cut thick materials like wood and leather. It’s strong enough to engrave aluminum sheets, but delicate enough to cut fine details into felt.
You don’t need to upgrade to the new Cricut Maker 4 if you have an earlier Cricut Maker machine, unless you are turning out huge volumes of projects and you want a machine that is much faster. Maker 4 is up to twice as fast as Cricut Maker 3, but that’s the key difference. Otherwise, the capabilities and even the design are essentially unchanged.
If you don’t have a Cricut machine yet, the good news is that the new Cricut Maker 4 starts at a lower price than before, and bundles are available that give you everything you need to jump into crafting on day one.
Cricut Maker 4 has space for a blade (right) and a pen (left) (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
If you’re totally new to Cricut, your first question will be what exactly is a Cricut machine? Cricut hates when people call its machines a printer, and it’s closer to a laser cutter than a printer. So imagine a printer, but instead of spraying ink on paper, it uses a blade (or a variety of blades) to cut.
You can cut designs into permanent stickers made of vinyl, and then apply the design to your favorite mug, your walls, even your car. You can buy iron-on material or heat-transferable ink that will stick to a shirt or hat and make your own souvenirs. And I’m just getting started, this is only the tip of the Cricut iceberg.
As a long-time Cricut user I’ve made t-shirts and hats, mugs and travel tumblers, and decorations for my house and my classroom back when I was a high school teacher. I’ve made simple labels for spice jars and tea containers, and I’ve made complex, multi-layered shadowbox designs with paper, felt, and faux leather that I hang on my wall.
My years of Cricut experience have been with a Cricut Explore and recently a Cricut Joy Xtra that I got from Cricut when that smaller machine launched. Those machines are great for my decorative needs, but Cricut Maker 4 can handle thicker materials like wood, leather, and aluminum. However, significant caveats apply.
I was very excited to try cutting new materials. Cricut Explore can use special tools, like the scoring wheel to create precise folds in cardstock, but it can’t cut wood or leather.
Cricut was nice enough to send me samples of felt, basswood, faux leather, and aluminum to try, along with a selection of cutting blades and cutting tips, like the embossing tip for aluminum and the rotary cutting tool that slices up fabric like a fishing line through water.
The results were mostly spectacular, with one sad exception. Cricut Maker 4 easily cut through faux leather, creating an intricate and detailed design, then it handled a sheet of soft felt with the same finesse. It took some time, but it’s cool to watch the machine chug along.
Cricut Maker 4 slices into basswood over and over (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
Sadly, things came to a halt when I cut the basswood layer for my project. While Maker 4 can cut through wood, it requires 14 separate passes with the blade to cut all the way through. My Maker 4 failed during every attempt. It didn’t ruin the wood, it simply stopped cutting and gave me an error message. Cricut says there is a firmware fix coming that will fix the problem, and I’m excited to put Maker 4 to the test with tougher materials.
This brings me to my biggest complaint about Cricut Maker 4, and all of Cricut’s cutting machines. To use a Cricut machine, you must use Cricut Design Space on your desktop, phone or tablet. It works on Mac and PC, iPhone and Android. Unfortunately, it’s a bad piece of software, being buggy and difficult to use. The performance is so sluggish that I often wondered if it had registered my input at all. Options would appear and disappear, and it is hard to figure out how to make things work properly.
If you’ve used real design software like Photoshop or Illustrator, or even more basic layout tools like Apple Pages or Google Slides, you’ll be confounded by Cricut Design Space. Most of the problems I had in the month I’ve spent with Cricut Maker 4 came down to fighting the software and figuring out how to make it actually do what I assumed I’d asked it to do.
I’ve asked Cricut on numerous occasions if there is any major update coming and they have no plans for any big fix.
The cool design on the Cricut Maker 4 lid (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
The good news is that it is easy to get help. There is a huge community of crafty people who share tips and offer advice. If you buy a Cricut machine, or if you’re even considering a Cricut, I would start watching YouTube video tutorials now. Read the Reddit subgroups, or join a group for Cricut beginners on Facebook. You’ll find help, and you’ll find people meeting the same obstacles.
Because Cricut Maker 4 is an amazing tool, and it makes precise and delicate cuts at an astonishing speed, resulting in a final product that looks professionally produced – if you know what you are doing. Maker 4 won’t make the projects for you.
This isn’t a turnkey solution where you insert materials at one end and out pops a completed project. This is a tool that will get you from point A through points B, C, and D with more precision than you imagined. But there is still plenty of work for you to do.
Cricut Maker 4 review: price and bundles
Starts at $399 / £399 / AU$699 with basic materials and tools
Cricut's bundle is better when you buy a month of Cricut Access
Cricut Maker 4 looks a lot like a printer, but it's totally not a printer (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
Cricut Maker 4 starts at $399.99 in the US, which is a bit less than the Maker 3’s $429.99 starting price; in Britain you'll pay£399 and AU$699 in Australia.
The Maker 4 comes with more accessories and tools than before, enough to actually start crafting a few projects and get the hang of the machine, but you’ll need a lot more once you really get into crafting with Cricut. There is an Everything bundle that includes many more necessary tools for $459 / £469.99, currently discounted for the launch of Maker 4.
Another cost to consider is Cricut Access, a monthly subscription service through the Cricut Design Space app. Cricut Access provides a massive supply of stock images and patterns that you can use, as well as a library of fonts. If you don’t subscribe, you can use your own system fonts, which are not designed to look good on crafts, and you can supply your own images.
When I’m feeling crafty, I usually subscribe for a couple of months and then cancel until I want to make stuff again. Cricut Access costs $9.99 per month or $95.88 for a full year (scroll down for UK and Australia bundle prices). With the subscription, you also get a discount on Cricut supplies and machines, and a discount if you buy licensed images and fonts from Cricut Design Space, like Star Wars characters or recognizable Disney-branded fonts.
Frankly, buying a Cricut machine opens a Pandora's box of buying. If you want to make hats, you’ll want a Cricut Hat Press. If you want to make mugs, the Cricut Mug Press is essential. If you are simply making shirts and or pressing vinyl only fabric, you’ll want a good hot press to use instead of a clothes iron. I’ve used all of these accessories from Cricut and they all work remarkably well, making the crafting process as easy as possible with app controls and timers.
You’ll also need materials like permanent vinyl sheets and iron-ons. I’ve purchased cheap brands from Amazon and also the good stuff from Cricut. Both options work, but Cricut-brand materials have a much higher success rate for me – and thankfully you can always find some Cricut material on sale either at Cricut.com or at stores like Michael’s in the States.
What comes with the Cricut Maker 4?
Cricut Maker 4 machine
Fine-Point Blade
Light Grip Mat (12 in x 12 in)
Fine Point Pen (0.4mm)
Mini Weeder tool
Materials for practice crafting
What more do you get with the Cricut Everything Bundle?
Card Mart (13 in x 16.25 in)
24 insert cards
Scoring Stylus
Scraper
Spatula
Weeder tool
Portable Trimmer
Fine Point Pen in Magenta
2 rolls + 6 sheets Smart Iron-On
2 rolls + 6 sheets Smart Vinyl - permanent
12 sheets printable vinyl
24 sheets cardstock
1 roll + 5 sheets transfer tape (for vinyl projects)
1 Tote Bag
Subscription to Cricut Access Standard (1 month included)
Cricut Maker 4 review: What can you make?
Image 1 of 6
(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
A mug created with heat-infusible ink and a drawing of my dog
Image 2 of 6
(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
A shadowbox using layers of cardstock paper cut precisely
Image 3 of 6
(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
Faux leather cut into a pattern that still needs bits weeded away
Image 4 of 6
(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
A layer of felt on top of a layer of faux leather
Image 5 of 6
(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
A birthday card cut-out
Image 6 of 6
(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
The basswood project is still going...
Cricut Maker 4 starts with a small blade attachment, so you can make anything that starts with cutting. You can also insert a pen to draw on your projects with the same precision. You can cut paper, vinyl stickers, iron-on vinyl (heat transfer vinyl), cardstock, and other thin materials to make interior decorations, small crafts, cards, and clothing decorations.
There are many different blades and attachments available separately for Cricut Maker 4 that extend its capabilities significantly. There are deep cutting blades for thicker materials, or rolling blades for soft materials and fine, continuous cuts. There are tools that score cardstock and paper for perfect folds and creases, tools for engraving in metal and debossing leather, and tools to create perforations to tear later. There are also a wide variety of pens you can use alongside the blades.
The variety of blades and tools available is what sets Cricut Maker 4 apart from Cricut Explore 4 and the other Cricut machines. For instance, you can use the rotary blade with Cricut Maker 4, but not with Explore. I tried cutting felt with the add-on rotary blade and with the included fine blade and the results were much better with the rotary blade. The pattern was cut perfectly and much easier to lift from the mat without tearing or weeding too much excess.
(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
The real time you spend crafting will come after Cricut Maker 4 finishes its work. A Cricut machine almost never leaves you with the finished project. You’ll need to weed out all the scraps and bits you don’t want, and attach different pieces together. This requires time and patience, as well as proper tools for weeding and dealing with lots of sticky trash. Cricut Maker 4 comes with a very simple weeding tool – you’ll want to buy more tools before your first project.
The Cricut Design Space software offers a rotating set of suggested projects, with new ideas popping up as the seasons change. There is a community of contributors who post new ideas almost daily - from home decorations to drinkware to clothing to container labels and much more.
You could definitely use Cricut Maker 4 as the foundation for a small crafting business, like a souvenir shop or an Etsy store. My favorite use for my Cricut so far has been making t-shirts for inside jokes. When somebody makes a good joke one day, I’ll put it on a shirt that night and come to work the next day wearing what they said. I also love the quality of Cricut Mugs, but my cabinet is full so I’ll need to accidentally break some before I can make more.
Cricut Maker 4 review: Design
Wider than a printer and needs space in front and behind
Convenient storage for tools, pens, and blades
Cricut Maker 4 needs room in front and behind to move the mat around (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
Cricut Maker 4 looks a lot like a very wide printer. It is a squat box that opens to reveal a headliner and a tray for your materials or a cutting mat. If you don’t use Cricut Smart Material rolls, you’ll need a cutting mat to hold your material while the Cricut blade slices. The machine comes with a light grip mat that is appropriate for paper and vinyl, but you’ll need a stronger grip for thicker materials.
Cricut Maker 4 needs plenty of room in front and behind when it's working, but it closes up to be much more compact. The machine can handle cutting mats up to 12 inches wide, and it can cut projects that are very long if it uses Smart Materials.
The machine has convenient storage space for some Cricut tools built in. I was able to store a number of extra cutting blades, as well as my weeding tools, all inside the Cricut’s storage compartment. It couldn’t hold everything – the brayer tool for pushing materials flat is too large, for instance – but it’s a convenient use of device space.
My Cricut Maker 4 sample came in the seashell color, which is a lovely, light pink. However, I was jealous to learn that Michael’s has an exclusive sage color available. The capabilities are the same, I just like exclusives.
Cricut Maker 4 can connect to your computer via Bluetooth, but it will need to connect via USB at least once for a firmware update and initial setup. It comes with a very long USB-C to USB-B cable, as well as a power adapter.
Cricut Maker 4 review: Setup and ease of use
Setup requires a USB connection (cable included)
Use requires Cricut Design Space app for desktop or mobile
The blade engaged on Cricut Maker 4 (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
Cricut Maker 4 is easy to set up with Cricut Design Space. It won’t work with any other software, but there is a Cricut app available for MacOS, Windows, Android and iOS, so whatever device you use, you’ll be covered, with the exception of Chromebooks. There is no web-based setup option.
For basic projects, Cricut Maker 4 can be very easy to use, but not without frustration or effort. Once your project is cut, weeding the scraps takes precision and patience, and this is where most of my projects failed when I accidentally ripped out something I wanted to keep. Having a good, bright light helps, as well as sharp eyesight. Cricut crafting is how I realized I needed to start wearing reading glasses.
The worst part of Cricut crafting by far is Cricut Design Space. The more I use the software, the more I hope that Cricut takes a sledgehammer to the current build and starts from scratch. It is simply a difficult, buggy, poorly designed piece of software, and unfortunately it's the gatekeeper for all Cricut crafting. You must use Design Space to use Cricut Maker 4.
Fear not, because help is available from the community. I have joined Cricut fans on Reddit and Facebook and found plenty of friendly help, and there are tons of YouTubers and bloggers who are crafting with Cricut and ready to offer instructions and advice.
Still, this isn't a do-it-all-for-you crafting machine. This is a precise tool that will elevate your crafts to a new level of precision and refinement. You’ll be able to create items that look as good as products you’d buy in a store, but you’ll need to spend more time than you expect getting it right. I failed many times on my complex crafting projects, and I’ve put some even more advanced projects aside while I practice my technique on easier crafts.
Cricut Maker 4 review: Should I buy Cricut Maker 4?
If you are patient, craft-centric and interested in making incredible projects that will impress, go ahead and buy Cricut Maker 4. The results are stunning, and once you get the hang of your favorite type of projects, you’ll be able to crank out new items with ease. After a dozen t-shirts or so, I could easily whip up a fresh design and have it ready to wear in a couple of hours or less.
If you’re a teacher, what are you waiting for?! Buy this now! or have your school buy one, or tell your friends on Facebook that they need to support their local teacher with a Cricut Maker 4. It’s an invaluable tool for educators – I was able to decorate every inch of my room, from the walls to the windows to the desks, at a tiny fraction of the normal cost.
Actually, forget the normal cost because I never decorated as thoroughly before I had my own Cricut machine. I redecorated for every new lesson unit. Once you get the hang of basic decorations, you’ll start using Cricut to create useful class materials, and then it will really prove its worth.
Do you need Cricut Maker 4 over Cricut Explore 4? Most people will probably be able to create everything they want with an Explore 4, though the flexibility and precision of Maker 4 is nice if you may someday want to incorporate felt or leather into your crafts. Cricut’s faux leather is an awesome material and it cuts beautifully into complex shapes.
On the other hand, if wood is your thing, I’d look elsewhere. Cricut hasn’t fixed the firmware issue that caused my basswood projects to fail, and besides, it takes hours and hours to cut a wood project. Woodcrafters might want to consider a laser cutter, even though they are twice as expensive as Cricut Maker 4 for even a basic machine.
I’d strongly recommend getting a Cricut bundle as well. The larger weeding tools and scraping tools are essential, and it’s nice to have a selection of materials on hand when you first get the new machine to try some projects before you settle into your creative groove.
Buy it if...
You’re a teacher who decorates often You could spend hundreds every year on letters and shapes, holiday designs and more, or buy a Cricut and make it yourself for a fraction of the cost with exponentially more creativity.
You want to craft precisely but lack a steady hand I can’t cut straight lines or draw neat figures, but Cricut Maker 4 produces laser-sharp results that make my crafts look artistic and professional.
Don't buy it if...
You want to cut complex materials like wood and metal Cricut Maker 4 can cut wood and some metal, but if you craft with those materials often, a laser cutter will get the job done much faster and more reliably.
You don’t want to cut anything besides paper and decorations Most of what I make is paper and vinyl, so a Cricut Explore or even a Cricut Joy Xtra would get the job done for most of my projects… until I decide to get fancy.
The Asus ROG Harpe Ace Mini doesn’t contain any new tech, but it does fulfil a sentiment among enthusiasts – what if Asus took its top-end sensors and switches and put them into a smaller pointer?
The company’s latest high-end mouse tech, including its ROG AimPoint Pro optical sensor (capable of an impressive 42,000-dpi) and its ROG 100M Optical Micro Switches, were previously exclusive to the ludicrously expensive Harpe Ace Extreme and the comparatively reasonably priced Keris II Ace – both aimed at competitive gamers with deep pockets.
The Harpe Ace Mini adopts the new tech, making it another top-end mouse in the Asus arsenal, putting it on par with the Ace Extreme at a price that’s not terrible – though still is out of reach of many gamers, even without the 8,000Hz Polling Rate Booster dongle that’s sold separately.
(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)
Without the additional dongle, the mouse is capable of a standard 1,000Hz polling rate, which is fairly average among performance mice. What’s not average is the low weight – at only 1.72oz (49g), it's a number I’ve only seen bested by a handful of rivals.
The aforementioned AimPoint Pro sensor and Asus' ROG SpeedNova 2.4Ghz tech makes the mouse satisfyingly precise, which the low weight no doubt helps with. Hitting my shots in shooting games and navigating programs with small icons was a breeze, and at no time did I notice it being any less reliable than other high-spec mice that I've reviewed.
The maximum acceleration of 50g is less than that of the Razer Deathadder V3 (70g), but it felt sufficiently up to scratch for a casual gamer or PC user who might, at most, want to quickly flick the mouse to hit their shots in a shooting game. Additionally, the mouse can track on almost any surface without the need for a mouse pad – I've used it on wood, plastic, glass and metallic surfaces and had no trouble (though I prefer the feeling of a mouse pad).
The RGB is minimalist, housed entirely within the scroll wheel. The Asus Armory Crate software allows you to tweak its animation, color and brightness to your liking, and the lights will pulse red when it’s at low battery. It’ll also pulse green when charging.
(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)
The battery life, which maxes out at 139 hours when RGB is disabled and Bluetooth is used, is impressive, as is the neutral design that I prefer my peripherals to have. You’ll likely be using the mouse with the 2.4GHz dongle for its greater performance, bringing maximum mouse battery life to 105 hours with lighting off and 79 hours with lighting on. Don’t get the wrong idea though – that’s still a fairly impressive number among RGB-touting rivals.
Flipping the mouse over, you’ll find a button that changes the DPI among your presets, cycling through them with every click, along with a pairing button. There’s also a slider that switches between wired (also ‘off’), Bluetooth and 2.4GHz dongle options.
There’s genuinely not a lot of bad things to say about the Harpe Ace Mini. It’s comfortable, it glides across a mousepad easily, and the only things I could even say critically about this pointer feel quite tepid.
(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)
The high price is obviously a drawback, and the small size isn’t for everyone. The scroll wheel is a bit stiff, though this might be preferential for some users. The mouse is designed for right hands with its side buttons aligned on the left, though this would be a non-issue for many. The DPI switch is on the bottom, meaning you can’t quickly switch between presets, but this isn't unique to the Harpe Ace Mini and is the case on many high-end mice.
Asus’ Armory Crate software is a bit difficult to navigate, but is fine if you’re only going to make small tweaks here and there like I did (changing up the DPI, the actions of the side buttons and the mouse RGB).
There’s not much more I would have liked the mouse to have, given that it’s sporting much of the great tech found in the pricey ROG Harpe Extreme – though the carbon fiber shell from the Extreme would have been awesome (but understandably would have raised the price).
The ROG Harpe Ace Mini feels masterful. There’s very little room for improvement here, and it’s certainly a contender among the best gaming mice.
Asus ROG Harpe Ace Mini review: price & availability
(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)
$129.99/£129.99/AU$229
Available in white and black
Polling Rate Booster dongle solder separately
Available now in black and white, the Asus ROG Harpe Ace Mini comes with a set of mouse grip tape, replaceable mouse feet and a 2-meter USB-C cord, along with a 2.4GHz dongle and USB-C to USB-A converter. That dongle shouldn’t be confused with the Polling Rate Booster, which takes the report rate from 1,000Hz to a whopping 8,000Hz but is sold separately.
At this price, the ROG Harpe Ace Mini is competing with other high performance but fairly discreet mice, and is punching well above its price point. The now two-year-old Razer Deathadder V3 Pro is a considerable contender, as it launched three years ago and can often be found with attractive discounts. The same can be said for the impressive Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2.
These mice launched at higher prices than the ROG Harpe Ace Mini, which in my mind puts Asus’ tiny gaming mouse on the winning track, especially considering that it’s much smaller than either of these rivals. On size, we’d look to the Razer Cobra Pro as the closest contender, though it has a much lower DPI (30,000) and greater weight (77g).
Asus ROG Harpe Ace Mini review: specs
Should I buy the Asus ROG Harpe Ace Mini?
Buy it if…
You like small mice
The ROG Harpe Ace Mini’s bread and butter is high performance in a small package, so you should consider it if you dislike big mice.
You’ve already got a ROG-heavy setup
It’s good to cut down on accessory software on your computer, so you should consider the ROG Harpe Ace Mini if you’ve already got a setup taking advantage of Armory Crate.
Don’t buy it if…
It’s too expensive
The price of the ROG Harpe Ace Mini might be out of reach of many users.
You want more buttons
The ROG Harpe Ace Mini is a discreet mouse, and you’ll only get five programmable buttons included.
Asus ROG Harpe Ace Mini: Also consider
Razer Deathadder V3 Pro
One of TechRadar’s highest-rated mice, this is arguably the best gaming mouse you can currently buy.
I tested the Asus ROG Harpe Ace Mini over the course of a month, mostly using it to play games like Avowed, Marvel Rivals and The Headliners. I also used it regularly when browsing the internet and when writing things up at my home computer.
I made good use of Asus’ Armory Crate software, using it to tweak the RGB color and animation, along with changing my DPI presets and tweaking the actions of the side buttons. I used it primarily with the 2.4GHz dongle, but also over Bluetooth and while wired.
I also used the mouse alongside a slew of new Asus products to get the best unified experience, swapping out my all-Logitech setup for an all Asus arrangement.
Asus has introduced another fantastic keyboard with the ROG Falchion Ace HFX. This 65% board, which compresses only the most essential keys onto a short panel, offers immense functionality across several areas.
The drawcard of the Falchion Ace HFX is its incredible switches. While the standard Falchion Ace is available with three switch choices, the HFX only offers one tactile feel option – comfortable to the touch magnetic keys, making this Asus’ first hall effect keyboard. It’s one of the most satisfying keyboards to use that I’ve ever laid my hands on.
Despite not offering a wireless connection, it does include a dual USB-C arrangement so that it can quickly switch between two computers with a press of a button on the side, similar to how a monitor might switch between devices. A USB dongle or Bluetooth solution might have been more practical to pull this trick off, but it’s still a welcome ability.
(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)
More interesting to me is the return of Asus’ proprietary touch bar, a unique design element of the Falchion series that compresses media controls, volume, keyboard RGB brightness and other handy features into a touch panel, letting you adjust settings with taps and swipes of your finger. This feature rocked and is much more intuitive than a FN + key macro solution, though the depth of macroing with this keyboard is immense, allowing you to arrange quick commands, website hotkeys and quick Windows commands with a bindable keystroke.
With so much positive to say about the ROG Falchion Ace HFX, there aren’t many drawbacks, although the ones that are there might keep you from a purchase. This board doesn’t come cheap and is one of the most expensive options that Asus offers. The lack of a wireless variant will also leave buyers cutting down on cable clutter unimpressed, and those seeking wrist support will need to make a separate purchase.
More diehard keyboard shoppers will also be left unimpressed by the lack of hot-swapping functionality, and that there's only one switch type available (though the standard ROG Falchion offers three different options).
It’s a tremendous piece of kit. The ROG Falchion Ace HFX is one of the keyboards to beat in 2025, and it may be my favourite keyboard since the Logitech G PRO X TKL.
Asus ROG Falchion Ace HFX: price and availability
(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)
How much does it cost? $199/£239.99/$AU$359
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, Australia and other regions
The ROG Falchion Ace HFX is the fourth most expensive keyboard that Asus offers, below the base model Azoth, customizable Claymore II, and the extremely expensive Azoth Extreme. The price marked for the Ace HFX is reflective of the epic magnetic switches underlying its awesome-feeling keys, but given its 65% size profile, it lacks a lot of the typically essential buttons present in the higher-priced models, including a dedicated function row and numpad.
Not that you should feel you need to move up the range for said features, because the Falchion Ace HFX is more than competent and exclusive on its own terms. Compared to the competition, it’s one of the only options to offer magnetic switches on a 65% board. You may want to consider the Logitech G Pro X 60 if you want an even smaller board, or the Glorious GMMK 3 Pro 65 if you want greater customization, but there aren't many major brands offering magnetic switches right now.
Value: 4/5
Asus ROG Falchion Ace HFX: specs
Asus ROG Falchion HFX: design and features
(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)
More reserved ROG design
Brilliant build quality
Useful multifunction panel and dual computer support
Asus’ ROG gaming accessories are at their best when they don’t look too gamery, and the Falchion HFX looks fairly neutral compared to many other high-end boards offered by the manufacturer.
Available only in black, the one thing about this board that I would consider a tad excessive from a design perspective is the spelling out of ‘Republic of Gamers’ across the top. RGB lights behind each key are programmable with several lighting animations available.
At the top left, you’ll see an illuminated symbol, indicating which setting you’ve got your multi-function touch panel set to, cycleable with the press of a multifunction button in the top left. The panel across the back can be swiped with a fingertip, and can be used to adjust brightness and volume, change key actuation points, play and pause media, or even pull off any dedicated macros you have in mind. In the Armory Crate app, you can limit which functions the cycling button switches between, allowing for a more streamlined experience (I simply have it set to volume and media controls). This touch bar isn’t a new feature, as it’s been available on other Falchion models since 2022, but it works especially well on a small board like this.
There are also lights at the top right, indicating if win lock has been activated, if caps lock is currently on, and if ‘Rapid Trigger’ has been enabled, allowing for much quicker keystroke response times than whatever your preset mode is set to.
Your keyboard’s RGB lighting and per key actuation points can also be adjusted in the ROG Armory Crate app, where you'll find Speed Tap mode. This changes the function of the keyboard to allow for quicker directional changes by prioritising the last pressed in key – so instead of coming to a full stop when strafing in a game, you’ll move left to right or vice versa without lifting your fingers off the keys.
Design and features: 5/5
Asus ROG Falchion HFX: Performance
(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)
8,000Hz polling rate
Magnetic hall effect switches with five layer dampening
Useful competitive gaming features
The Asus ROG Falchion HFX is a gaming keyboard aimed at competitive play, through and through. It offers an exceptional 8,000Hz polling rate – an enormous amount of reports the keyboard provides your computer in a second, theoretically improving response time. As a result of this, click latency is as low as 1.1ms on average with the Falchion HFX.
The keys feel coarse in a comfortable way, allowing for satisfying tactile contact between your fingertips and your inputs. A raised dot on the W key allows you to position your hands for gaming without looking down, brilliant for low-light battle stations.
The actuation point of your keys can be adjusted readily on the fly using the multi-function touch panel, allowing for much more shallow keypresses if you so wish. Backing all of this up is the fact that the keys are magnetic, and well damped to allow for a satisfying press while also being quick and not too loud. On the less technical side, the keyboard has three adjustment angles with two sets of feet underneath.
Many of these features may go above and beyond the needs of a casual gamer and indeed are well past the desires of somebody just after a useful typing tool. But for a dedicated gamer, the ROG Falchion HFX might be the exact device for your hobby.
Mechanical keyboard enthusiasts will likely be disappointed by the lack of hot-swappable keys, and that there's only one switch to choose from. Thankfully, the base model ROG Falchion offers more switch variety – the Falchion HFX is more of a performance model with its magnetic keys.
Performance: 5/5
Should I buy the Asus ROG Falchion HFX?
Buy it if...
You crave good performance and feeling
The ROG Falchion HFX offers a brilliant intersection of form and function, contained in a 65% board and offering some of the first magnetic switches on a mainstream model.
You want to ROG out
With its lighting and key programming reliant on Asus’ Armory Crate, you’ll likely want this to compliment other Asus peripherals in your arsenal.
Don't buy it if...
The price isn’t right
The ROG Falchion HFX isn’t designed to be a budget winner, and it’ll be a poor fit if you want to save cash.
You want greater customization
Mechanical keyboard fans will likely crave hot-swappable keys, which the ROG Falchion Ace HFX does not offer.
Asus ROG Falchion HFX: also consider
Keychron C3 Pro
Compatible across Mac and Windows PCs, the C3 Pro offers a solid design and a nice price, though it won’t be a winner among serious gamers.
Logitech’s smallest gaming keyboard might be a welcome option if you’re after switches from a premium brand but in a tinier unit.
How I tested the Asus ROG Falchion Ace HFX
I tested the Asus ROG Falchion Ace HFX over four weeks, paired with other Asus products including an OLED monitor, mouse and headset. I used it exclusively on my Windows 11 gaming PC and played games including Marvel Rivals, Avowed, The Headliners and Forza Horizon 5. I also used it for some productivity tasks, such as for typing out documents.
Over that time I used it across several lighting settings, enabled different macros and put it in different positions, while constantly adjusting actuation points and diving into toggles in the Armory Crate app.
The BenQ GW2486TC is a great monitor for those that just need more screen real estate. It helps that there are some included features to make hours of use a bit more palatable, such as the ones focused on minimizing eye strain. After all, not everyone needs an ultra widescreen 8K monitor with HDR and a super fast refresh rate. Most of us just want more space while working. This monitor does that.
It also helps that it is very affordable for an external monitor. Sure, this is just a 24-inch model with quite a few limitations, like a 1080p resolution with a somewhat limited color coverage – you shouldn’t be using this for most types of color correction and editing. And there’s no KVM (keyboard, video, mouse) switching on hand, either. But, it’s got great ergonomics to help you get the most comfortable view of your work.
So, if you’re okay with those compromises, meaning you’re not also a gamer or creative, and can skip out on the unfortunate lack of cable management, this might be one of the best business monitors for you.
BenQ GW2486TC: Price and availability
(Image credit: Future / James Holland)
How much does it cost? $189.99 / £149.99 / AU$289.00
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK and Australia
The best monitors come in at all sorts of price points, and you usually have to pay a bit more than the BenQ GW2486TC Eye-Care Monitor. The going price of this monitor, $189.99 / £149.99 / AU$289, is about as reasonable as it gets.
While you can find some other great deals such as the 27-inch gaming-oriented Arzopa M1RC with its £239 / $269 MRSP out there, they’re few and far between. Of course, the Arzopa does have QHD (2560 x 1440p) resolution and a 180Hz refresh rate. But it’s missing speakers and the eye-care oriented features of the BenQ reviewed here.
If you need more features, you’re most likely going to have to spend a bit more. The 4K BenQ PD2705UA has about every feature one could imagine as well as the kind of color coverage and accuracy for editing work, unlike the GW2486TC. You can even split the screen between two different sources as well as use KVM. It’s also more than double the price at $549.99 / £549.99 / AU$739.
Value: 5 / 5
BenQ GW2486TC: Specs
BenQ GW2486TC: Design
Fantastic ergonomics for personalized viewing angles
Good port selection including USB-C with power delivery
No cable management
The BenQ GW2486TC Eye-Care Monitor might be cheap, but it is an attractive looking monitor. In all-white, it’s neither drab or boring. In fact, the worst thing about this 24-inch monitor is probably its display panel, which is a basic IPS 1080p one with a typical 178-degree viewing angle.
But when it comes to this monitor’s design, there’s plenty to like, particularly the ergonomics. Thanks to its tall stand, there’s 130mm of height adjustment. Once you have at eye level (or wherever you prefer to have the monitor seated), there’s a 45 degree swivel either left or right, a five degree downward tilt and a 20 degree upward one, not to mention a 90 degree pivot in either direction if you need the display in portrait for some reason (like coding).
Image 1 of 4
(Image credit: Future / James Holland)
Image 2 of 4
(Image credit: Future / James Holland)
Image 3 of 4
(Image credit: Future / James Holland)
Image 4 of 4
(Image credit: Future / James Holland)
The only real issue I have with the BenQ GW2486TC Eye-Care Monitor’s design is the fact that there’s no real cable management. There is a hole at the top of the stand that, to me at least, looks like it’s to pick up the monitor that could be conceivably used for cable management. However, the ports all face downward so that is fairly inconvenient.
As far as ports go, there’s a decent array including one DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 1.4, USB-C with 65W power delivery (enough for an Ultrabook but not a gaming laptop), and two USB-A downstream ports for charging up accessories. However, those USB ports are not for KVM and don’t do any passthrough to the source computer. On the bright side, this monitor can be daisy chained with another for more screen real estate.
Design: 4 / 5
BenQ GW2486TC: Features
OSD Menu is easy to navigate
A number of eye-care modes help with long sessions in front of the screen
Plenty of additional modes for various work purposes
(Image credit: Future / James Holland)
The OSD menu is pretty straightforward to use on the BenQ GW2486TC Eye-Care Monitor. Instead of a single joystick for control, there are a number of buttons along the bottom right corner of the monitor. Whenever you press any of the buttons, the OSD menu pops up with an overlay on your screen showing icons for categories. Once you select a category, the OSD opens up deeper menu options while providing icons for what each button does. Overall, it’s very straightforward to navigate, whether you’re changing modes, messing with specific settings like color temperature or adjusting audio settings.
Where this monitor shines best is in its various modes, particularly the eye-care oriented ones, meant to minimize eye strain from sitting in front of a screen too long. Not only are there modes that limit the amount of blue light, as well as one to adjust for color weakness, but it has its brightness intelligence gen 2 tech, which automatically adjusts screen brightness according to ambient light for what’s most ideal. And, I found it to work fairly quickly. There are also modes for coding, ePaper, sRGB, and MBook that are helpful to have on hand, even if these aren’t necessarily all that unique.
Features: 4.5 / 5
BenQ GW2486TC: Performance
Screen is good, but nothing special, except for a faster refresh rate
Audio quality is passable
Comes with built-in mic with noise cancellation
(Image credit: Future / James Holland)
When it comes to performance, it’s critical to take the BenQ GW2486TC Eye-Care Monitor for what it is – a budget-oriented office monitor. You’re not getting a wow factor here, nor should you. The IPS panel is a basic 1920 by 1080 resolution with a solid color coverage of 99% sRGB. Its 250 nits is good enough for office use, but can be a bit dark when using it for certain types of media. While I did use this for some gaming and had no issues with it, this is certainly not where it excels, especially with a 1300:1 contrast. It’s fine for that purpose, helped along by a 100Hz refresh rate (despite having a 5ms response time).
The audio quality on monitors is usually nothing special. The BenQ GW2486TC is no exception. The two 2-watt drivers offer enough volume for anyone sitting at their desk who doesn't want to purchase or fiddle with external speakers, though they’re worth it in my humble opinion. There’s not much in terms of low-end from the downward-facing speakers – no surprise there – and, overall, are fairly boxy sounding. The best thing one can say about the audio is that it’s there and it’s not terrible. For an office monitor, that’s generally good enough.
It’s worth noting that there’s also a built-in microphone with adjustable noise cancellation for use with zoom calls.
Performance: 3.5 / 5
Should I buy the BenQ GW2486TC Eye-Care Monitor?
Buy it if…
You want a productivity monitor on a budget
If you have limited funds but you want a monitor for productivity, the BenQ GW2486TC Eye-Care Monitor is an ideal one thanks to the eye-care features, USB-C port, and flexible ergonomics.
You need great ergonomics
This monitor can go into a portrait orientation in either direction, has a broad height adjustment range, and can swivel and tilt enough so that it can properly face you no matter your setup.
You need USB-C
Even now, not all monitors come with a USB-C port. If you need one to connect your MacBook Air, for example, you can not only do that, but you can charge it in the process.
Don’t buy it if…
You need cable management or KVM
This is a budget monitor so there are some things missing that one would find on pricier models, such as cable management or KVM. If you’re a neat freak or want to connect more than one computer, you should invest in a monitor with one, or preferably both, features.
You want a higher resolution
The panel on this monitor is fairly basic so you’re limited to 1080p. If you want a sharper resolution for any reason, it’s worth spending the extra cash for it.
Also Consider
Arzopa M1RC
The Arzopa M1RC might be missing some of the productivity-oriented features and appointments of the BenQ, but you get a sharper QHD resolution and an even faster 180Hz refresh rate for not much more money.
If you want a little more out of a productivity-oriented monitor, consider the BenQ PD2705UA. It’s more than double the price but has a much sharper image, KVM, and side-by-side picture as well as picture-in-picture for those with two computers, not to mention HDR and cable management.
I used the BenQ GW2486TC Eye-Care Monitor regularly for a month. I tested it with various games and media, used it for work, and tested out its various eye-care modes. I spent some time listening to the speakers. And played around with the ergonomics.
The BenQ GW2486TC Eye-Care Monitor has shown itself to be a capable monitor for productivity, particularly for those on a budget who don’t need things like KVM and don’t care about cable management.
I’ve tested a lot of tech gear over the years from laptops to keyboards and speakers, and so have been able to use my expertise towards giving an honest and fair opinion, not to mention a critical eye, to any product I test.
The Lemokey L5 HE 8K is a gaming keyboard with Hall effect analog switches and an 8K polling rate – two factors designed to whet the appetites of serious players. The austere design isn’t complimented well by the dated design of the translucent outer keys, coming across a tad desperate in its attempt to appeal to games.
With that monolithic appearance comes a seriously heavy chassis, thanks to the aluminum construction. Some may prefer the extra stability this heft provides, but it’s certainly not as easy to move around as some of its rivals.
Perhaps because of this weight, the L5 HE 8K has no fold-out feet. I thought this would cause ergonomic issues, but thankfully the body isn’t too thick, and the keys are slightly tilted forward too, which makes typing and WASD positions more comfortable, even without a wrist rest – which is just as well, since it doesn’t come with one.
Rather than the standalone software that many of the best gaming keyboards come with, Lemokey has a web app for customizing the L5 HE 8K. This runs well for the most part, although I did experience a few UI issues, some of which required a refresh. Some might not like the idea of having to run a peripheral tool in a browser, either.
Once it’s working, though, it provides plenty of tweaking options, especially for the analog functionality, allowing you to make full use of those Hall effect switches. In addition to Rapid Trigger, single-key multi-input and snap action features, there’s also controller emulation, allowing you to replicate the analog behavior of triggers and joysticks.
In practice, this works well – to an extent: the precision offered by the analog keys is no match for that of an actual controller. The movements aren’t smooth enough, and I found that presses didn’t offer enough resistance to provide adequate control. This is true of analog performance more generally, as the Hall effect switches in the L5 HE 8K just aren’t as smooth or as precise as some of the best analog keyboards out there.
In other performance-related areas, though, the L5 HE 8K does better. The keys rebound quickly, allowing for rapid movements, and I found the concave nature of the key layout comfortable – two aspects that help with both gaming and typing. I wasn’t fond of the back-tilt of the space bar, though, as it resulted in hits on its edge rather than its top.
The L5 HE 8K is undeniably expensive, eclipsing many of its rivals. The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3, for instance, is slightly cheaper, and while it lacks quite the same number of analog adjustments, it makes up for it with its superlative performance and build quality.
(Image credit: Future)
Lemokey L5 HE 8K review: price and availability
$220 (about £175 / AU$346)
Available now for backers
Same price as the best analog keyboards
The L5 HE 8K will cost $220 (about £175 / AU$346) and is set for general release some time between April and May this year. However, it's available now for Kickstarter backers at the discounted price of $199. It comes with a braided USB-C-to-C cable (with a USB-A adapter included), a keycap puller, spare screws and rubber fixings, and screwdrivers.
This makes it about the same price as the SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3, already a pricey keyboard. However, it’s about the best analog keyboard I’ve experienced when it comes to performance. There’s also a wireless variant which is naturally more expensive, but the difference isn’t huge. It does miss out on a few analog tweaks that the Apex Pro Gen 3 has, though, such as controller emulation, and lacks the same 8K polling rate.
If you want a more budget-friendly alternative in the analog sector, the Turtle Beach Vulcan 2 TKL Pro isn’t a tempting proposition. Like the L5 HE 8K, it too offers gamepad emulation, although this isn’t as refined as I would’ve liked; Lemokey’s implementation is slightly better.
Value: 2.5 / 5
Lemokey L5 HE 8K review: specs
(Image credit: Future)
Lemokey L5 HE 8K review: design and features
Dated looks
Very heavy
Web app for customization
The L5 HE 8K is reasonably understated, although some of the outer keys adopt a translucent design with some kind of tech-based sigil, which looks outdated and gives the sense that Lemokey is pandering to a gamer stereotype. Thankfully, this look is kept to a minimum.
The sharp angles of the body add to its industrial aesthetic too. It’s also very heavy, thanks to the aluminium body, which at least makes it durable and very sturdy, although some will find this level of heft unnecessary.
It’s also reasonably thick, but not as substantial as some other gaming keyboards. It lacks feet and wrist support, but thanks to the slight forward tilt of the keys, I could still get a comfortable hand position.
The included cable is braided, but doesn’t feel particularly premium, and it’s not as long as some others, which may be a problem for desktop users depending on their setup. At least the USB-C port is angled upwards, which is a small but convenient design feature, as it makes it easy to locate and use.
The L5 HE 8K can be customized using Lemokey’s web app, which opens in a browser. As you would expect for a keyboard with Hall effect switches, there are various adjustments for the analog functionality. You can set the actuation distance between 0.10mm and 3.35mm, selectable via a slider offering increments of one hundredth of a millimeter.
You can also toggle Rapid Trigger mode, again via a slider offering the same increments, although the range dynamically changes depending on your actuation distance settings. What’s more, you can also split the trigger and reset distances, allowing you to adjust their sensitivity independently, which not every analog rival to the L5 HE 8K offers.
(Image credit: Future)
One of the best aspects of these adjustments – and one few analog keyboard software offer – is the visual indicator, which lets you see exactly where in the switch the actuation point you set is. It also shows the distance of your presses in real time, again to one hundredth of a millimeter, which is very useful for dialling in your preferred settings.
There’s also a bar that moves in tandem with your presses, and changes color to indicate when the key reaches the actuation point. This also allows you to see how your Rapid Trigger settings play out too, although unfortunately there’s no real-time millimeter readout for this.
Other analog adjustments include configuring up to four inputs for a single key, triggered depending on how far you press, and setting the Snap Action, with two options to choose from: Snap Click and Last Key Priority. These, along with controller emulation, amount to a large number of tweaks – more than many other analog keyboards offer.
The web app also offers common customization options too, such as key remapping (with plenty of system shortcuts available), macro creation, three profile slots and RGB lighting tweaks.
The web app isn’t without its issues, though. No doubt there’ll be some gamers who’d prefer a standalone app rather than having to open a browser tab. Also, there were occasions where certain settings failed to work as intended, with minor freezes and lock-ups, and certain text and UI elements failed to render properly. Thankfully, many of these were easy to remedy, and for the most part the web app runs well enough without causing too much frustration or major issues.
Design & features: 3 / 5
Lemokey L5 HE 8K review: performance
Clicky and responsive switches
So many analog adjustments
Not the smoothest action
When gaming, the L5 HE 8K performs reasonably well. The 8K polling rate is sure to peak serious gamers’ interests, as it claims to provide next to no latency, and is a common spec found on the best gaming mouse contenders.
However, I struggled to notice much of an improvement over other gaming keyboards with lower polling rates, but hardcore gamers may well do. But unless you’re on the esport circuit, you’ll likely not require this polling rate boost in a keyboard.
The Hall effect switches are clicky with minimal dampening, which may deter certain gamers and please others. While I generally prefer a more cushioned press, I found them satisfying to use for the most part, if not as smooth as other magnetic switches I’ve experienced. There’s a small amount of resistance to presses – just enough to make hitting predefined actuation points relatively easy – but they rebound very quickly, which was something I liked as it allowed for faster taps.
The gamepad emulation works reasonably well, although the analog gradation isn’t as precise as the best PC controllers; it can be a little jerky at times, no matter how you alter the curve profile. Also, the switches could do with more resistance to provide better feedback and in turn make it easier to control in-game movements, especially those of vehicles.
Typing with the L5 HE 8K is pleasant enough, and it performs better on this front than some other gaming keyboards I’ve used. The concave nature of the key layout is more amenable to typing than I expected, even without wrist support, and that springy rebound helps with speed. It isn’t the quietest around, though, with the space bar being especially noisy.
Speaking of the space bar, its elevated seating and backwards tilt (along with all bottom row keys) meant I regularly hit its edge with my thumb rather than the top, which is less satisfying and more awkward. Some may prefer this positioning, but others will fall into the same camp as me.
Performance: 3.5/ 5
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the Lemokey L5 HE 8K?
Buy it if…
You want plenty of analog adjustments With precise actuation point adjustments and modes such as Rapid Trigger, Snap Action, multi-input and gamepad emulation, there’s little it can’t do with its analog functionality.
You want good ergonomics The sheer weight of the L5 HE 8K means it’ll stay in place, and the concave key layout is actually quite comfortable for the most part.
Don’t buy it if…
You want plenty of dampening The clicky and somewhat loud key presses might irk some gamers, although as someone who usually prefers more dampening, I actually didn’t mind the feel of them.
You want the best software Despite the level of customization the web app offers, I did experience some issues, and there’s no standalone variant.
Lemokey L5 HE 8K: Also consider
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless Gen 3 The analog action of the Apex Pro is simply divine, but it does lack a few advanced analog adjustments, such as gamepad emulation. It’s also mighty expensive, just like the L5 HE 8K, but if only the best analog performance will do, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better alternative. A wired variant is available for slightly less. Read our SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless Gen 3 review.
Turtle Beach Vulcan 2 TKL Pro The Vulcan 2 TKL Pro is another analog keyboard, but it’s much cheaper than the aforementioned Apex Pro. What’s more, it offers controller emulation, which the Apex Pro doesn’t. However, the implementation isn’t the best, and Lemokey’s is slightly better. That aside, though, the Vulcan 2 TKL Pro is still a solid performer. Read our Turtle Beach Vulcan 2 TKL Pro review.
How I tested the Lemokey L5 HE 8K
Tested for several days
Used for gaming and productivity
Plentiful keyboard reviewing experience
I tested the Lemokey L5 HE 8K for several days, during which time I used it for gaming, working, and general browsing.
I used it to play Counter-Strike 2, a great test for peripherals as it demands quick and precise movements, and helps to expose any issues with lag that they may suffer from.
I have reviewed many keyboards before, and have been PC gaming for over a decade. I have owned and used a great deal of keyboards in that time, spanning various brands, switch types, and price points.
The ROG Pelta is another banger device from Asus’ gaming division. Compatible across most platforms with wired (via USB-C, no 3.5mm in-line sound) and wireless (Bluetooth and 2.4GHz dongle) connectivity, the Pelta gets the important things right and skips the over-the-top extras.
The headphones, which are a step down in price and features from the flagship ROG Delta II, axe things like an extensive battery life, full-range size adjustment, extra cushioning and excessive RGB (though you’ll still find a programmable, glowing ROG logo on both sides).
Simplifying the things that made the Delta II such an attractive headset into a more affordable unit makes sense when it feels like everything is getting expensive around us. The same microphone and 50mm audio drivers are used between the Delta II and the Pelta, so you’re not missing out on sound and performance, but perhaps you’ll miss the comfort and battery life boasted by the top model.
Moreover, the greater points of adjustment present on the Delta II would have been welcome on the Pelta, as it can be difficult to find that comfort sweet spot when you only have three size options instead of telescopic arms. The microphone will also be tiresome if you’re the type to remove it when it’s not in use, as its plastic exterior needs to align perfectly with that of the headset if it’s to make a successful connection.
Finally, there’s no 3.5mm headphone jack for audio between your machine and your headphones (again, unlike the Delta II), so if you want to connect this thing over a wired connection, you’ll need to settle for a USB-C cable. Not a huge issue, but it may be a dealbreaker for some users.
For me, though, I’ve been very satisfied with this headset and its feature set. I’ve enjoyed it for the features it offers, including a useful pause/play button on the side and a slider that toggles between Bluetooth/off/2.4GHz, and I’d happily continue to use it instead of my Logitech G Pro X2 headset.
(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)
Asus ROG Pelta: price and availability
How much does it cost? $129.99 / £124.99 / AU$269
When is it available? Available now in US/UK, coming soon to Australia
Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, Australia and other regions
Coming in at a much lower price point than the ROG Delta II headphones (those were priced at $229 / £219 / AU$369 when they released late last year), the Pelta streamlines a lot of what made the top-end ROG headset so good. In our ROG Delta II review, we criticized the headphones for perhaps being a bit feature light, and the Pelta keeps this up but at a much more attractive cost.
That being said, even the ROG Pelta is in hot competition with more feature-rich rivals, such as the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 ($129.99 / £129.99 / AU$299) and its companion app. The Pelta, though, doesn't give the impression it's losing out on the features front.
(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)
Asus ROG Pelta: Specs
Asus ROG Pelta: Features
50mm titanium-Plated Diaphragm Drivers
Immersive stereo sound
Great physical buttons on the left cup
The Pelta recontextualizes the ROG headset offering. The Delta II was already skimping on extras when it was released last year, but the Pelta adapts the Delta II’s impressive upgrades (in particular its titanium drivers) into a much more affordable package.
That means, for the most part, you’re getting the same high-end beast but cheaper. The 20Hz - 20KHz audio frequency response is the same across both units, as is the 100Hz - 10KHz microphone.
I’ll swear by the sound quality and microphone quality of the Pelta. It’s rich, deep and loud, maintaining high-quality sound to its loudest volume and allowing for a lot of customization in ROG’s Armory Crate application. Though heavy bass does suffer compared to a headset like the Logitech G Pro X2.
The 900mAh battery capacity is impressive, offering up to 90 hours with lighting off and 60 hours with it on. Using the headset casually across four weeks, between games and watching TV shows and Twitch streams, I only needed to charge it twice while having the RGB enabled. It’s an acceptable battery life and a welcome downsize from the enormous 1,800mAh battery in the Delta II.
(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)
The microphone is removable and can be bent around freely, though I found putting the microphone back into the jack could be a pain if you don’t align it just right, due to its unique triangular shape.
Finally, the buttons present on the headset feel very sensible. A volume wheel is there with a decent amount of travel for your fingertip, alongside a microphone off/on button and, my favorite, a pause/play button. Given I'd been using a keyboard that doesn’t have media controls during my testing period, this has been a fairly useful feature and one that I hope more headsets adopt. The off/on slider is mixed with a connection toggle – the central position selects off, sliding up selects Bluetooth, and down selects 2.4GHz. A soundbite played through the headset will indicate if it’s turning on or off and if it’s connecting to either the dongle or Bluetooth.
Just keep in mind that the ROG Pelta uses a USB-C dongle – in case you don’t have a free USB-C port on your device, this may present itself as an issue.
Features: 5/5
Asus ROG Pelta: Sound quality
High-end audio in a cheap unit
Terrific adjustment options
Good but not the best deep bass
Carrying over the audio quality from Asus’ top gaming headset, the ROG Pelta doesn’t disappoint where it matters. The standard stereo sound profile is well balanced for all kinds of audio-visual media, which of course includes games, but it’s also fit for music streaming, TV shows and movies. Sound is crystal clear even with the volume cranked to maximum, though bass depth may leave you craving something with a bit more punch.
Asus’ ROG Armory Crate app offers a decent user experience for making sound quality adjustments. For the most part, I set the headset to the ‘communication’ sound profile as it offered the balanced mix I preferred the most (as I switch between a racing, shooting, RPG and sim game quite readily), though I was pretty blown away with the depth of the FPS preset, which made projectiles and explosions in Marvel Rivals really jump out at me. Still, finding the mode that set the best experience across all uses kept me from constantly dipping in and out of Armory Crate, so that’s what I did.
(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)
Of course, you don’t merely have to use a preset. There are plenty of sliders to fiddle with so you can tailor the sound to your ears, and there’s also some useful sliders for bass boosting, voice clarity and voice compression.
The microphone quality was a bit middle-of-the-road, but I didn’t expect breathtaking clarity. The much more expensive Logitech G Pro X2 has the same microphone arrangement and produces similar results. You’ll have no problem being understood with this microphone, but it’s certainly not broadcast spec.
On the whole, the headset's sound quality is immersive and had no trouble bringing the worlds of Avowed,Marvel Rivals, Forza Horizon 5, The Headliners and other games to life.
Sound quality: 4.5/5
(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)
Asus ROG Pelta: Design
Comfortable ear cushions
Only three points of adjustment
Microphone can get a bit annoying
I’m content saying that these are extremely comfortable headphones, particularly for long gameplay sessions in the summer. My home doesn’t have air conditioning, and I’ll typically play games at my computer for hours, often leading to discomfort in and around my ears from the sweat and the constant contact. The ROG Pelta headset hasn’t been irritating my skin as much as other headsets have in the past, and I feel like I can play for longer durations with its comfortable cushioning.
Still, design is another area where the Pelta took a noticeable step down from the Delta II. It features slightly lower-end mesh fabric cushioning around the ears (as above, I personally found this fine), along with only three points of size adjustment for the headband as opposed to the telescoped design you’ll find on many other high-end headsets. This means that it can be difficult to find that comfort sweet spot and, unlike telescoping headsets, you’re stuck with the one size you’ve selected unless you go through the (admittedly easy) process of removing and reapplying the headband. This is no dealbreaker and, indeed, the sizing options are far reaching enough to satisfy a good range of users.
(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)
The only other thing that irked me on the design front was the microphone. It’s surrounded by a triangular plastic casing and needs to be inserted at the exact angle. It’s not easy if you aren't looking at the port while plugging it in, and it’ll feel firmly inserted even if the jack isn’t making proper contact with the port. This led to some audio technical difficulties on Discord a couple of times, but once you catch it, it’s easy to identify.
The inclusion of a red light on the end of the microphone boom to indicate if you’re muted or not is also a great feature and I appreciated it being there.
Design: 4/5
Should you buy the Asus ROG Pelta?
Buy them if...
You want high-quality sound without the price tag
Sporting the same drivers as the ROG Delta II, you’ll likely be comfortable with the sound achieved by the Pelta.
You’re already in the ROG-o-sphere
For the sake of lowering the amount of peripheral programs on your computer, you may want to skip these if you don’t want Armory Crate.
Don’t buy them if…
You’re an Xbox gamer
Due to the lack of a 3.5mm jack, the Pelta isn’t natively compatible with Xbox consoles.
You’re concerned about it fitting on your head
The three size options may be a bit limiting if you tend to take some time to find the perfect fit for your head.
Also Consider
Asus ROG Delta II
More premium and more expensive, the ROG Delta II might be attractive for its longer battery life, greater comfort and more flashy RGB.
Mostly used for gaming, also used for watching TV and music streaming
From the moment I received the Asus ROG Pelta for review, I immediately got to work testing them. I used the headset across a mix of Windows devices and my Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra phone, but I primarily used them for gaming.
The games I tested the headset with include Marvel Rivals, Avowed, The Headliners, Forza Horizon 5. Across these games, I changed up my audio settings with the ROG Armory Crate app, and used both the Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connections, along with the wired connection. I would play games and watch shows for hours on end with the Pelta headset and often wear them while doing housework and cooking.
