Wombat Pine Professional: Two-minute review

Where it matters most, the Wombat Pine Professional truly delivers. This mechanical keyboard may be from a brand keyboard philistines are unfamiliar with, but it shows the rest of the big-name manufacturers up – and in such a massive way, I’m surprised that it hasn’t made in on everyone’s best keyboards list yet (believe me, it’s making it on ours).

It does so in three parts: this full-sized keyboard has a slimmer, less bulky form factor and a design that Mac users, especially iMac 24-inch owners, can appreciate; it delivers a reliable, stable, and comfortable typing experience that even the most exacting keeb enthusiast can appreciate; and it’s got a whole bunch of features, many of which you’ll be hard-pressed to find on better-known keyboards. All that makes this a truly impressive piece of kit.

Not that it’s flawless. Wombat has skipped backlighting here, which means that those who haven’t quite mastered the layout may struggle to find the right keys in the dark. And when in wireless mode, it takes a split second after waking before working again.

But those hardly matter, especially with everything else that’s going for this keyboard.

I appreciate the Wombat Pine Professional’s form factor, first of all. While still retaining that full-sized 108-key footprint, it’s not as bulky or as heavy as other keyboards in its class (perhaps with the exception of the Logitech MX Mechanical, which is probably as low profile as a mech keyboard can get). It doesn’t scrimp on build quality either, using PBT keycaps that will last a long while as well as a high-quality aluminum top case. 

I do have to admit that the floating keycap design is a little strange, seeing as there isn’t backlighting or RGB lighting in sight, which would have been a nice addition, especially considering the price point. But it also doesn’t take anything away from the keyboard so that’s all I have to say about that. 

Wombat also makes up for that by making the Wombat Pine Professional available in different colorways – the same, though not all, colorways that the iMac 24-inch and MacBook laptops are available in. That tracks since this keyboard is designed specifically for Mac users.

Not that it’s only for those folks either. It’s not trying to be weird and exclusive like the Magic Keyboard. On the contrary, it’s compatible with Windows, Android, Linux, and iOS devices as well. It even has a separate Windows mode that lets you use the same hotkeys available for macOS on your Windows computer. That makes it a boon to all users, including those like me who use two different systems.

Speaking of different systems, the Wombat Pine Professional boasts multi-connectivity as well. Aside from having a wired USB-C connection, it also has 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth connectivity and allows up to five devices to be connected simultaneously. If I didn’t love collecting keyboards and rotating my small collection, I’d probably be very happy just using this one for my iMac 24-inch, my Alienware gaming laptop, and my PC build.

Is it appropriate to be used as a gaming keyboard? If you’re not gaming competitively, it’s not too shabby. I’ve tried it with games like Hogwarts Legacy and Kena: Bridge of Spirits, and it wasn’t like I was struggling. It was business – or, in this particular case, pleasure – as usual. 

Plus, it’s got four special function keys, whose secondary job (via the Fn key) is to increase the keyboard “speed” (I’m assuming that pertains to its polling rate, but Wombat doesn’t really say) for, in Wombat’s own words, “gaming purpose.” And, there’s also on-the-fly macro recording, allowing you to program up to 10 macros to specific keys, as well as full-key N-key rollover so it can register simultaneous presses without a sweat.

The Wombat Pine Professional is, however, first and foremost a productivity keyboard. It even has special features that help increase your productivity. There’s the number pad having a simulated mouse mode, with each number representing the different directions the cursor can move. There’s also the special function keys whose main job is to give you quick, one-press access to the calculator, calendar, browser, and voice assistant (if set up). And, finally, you’ve got the Function keys, which moonlight as the settings, media, app, and emoji menu quick access keys. 

For the fun factor, it also comes with a keycap puller and four extra keycaps with different wombats on them.

In short, you’re getting A LOT for your moolah.

Of course, the Wombat Pine Professional’s performance and comfort can’t be beat either. While Wombat doesn’t officially give its 1000mAH battery a proper rating, it’ll certainly last you a while at full charge. I tested this keyboard for a week wirelessly, and I didn’t have to charge once – although it’s likely it’ll last longer than that.

The brand sent me the Red Cherry MX version, which means I’m getting that linear key switch experience that I’m kind of partial to these days. I’ve been enjoying that non-clicky, non-bumpy actuation and bottom out – though if you prefer a bit of bump and a little bit of that clicky sound, it’s available with Tactile Brown switches as well.

Despite being just a little slow to wake, there’s really no noticeable lag when you’re in wireless or Bluetooth mode. The keyboard is responsive and accurate, which is what you need most during long hours of typing up work documents, emails, or in my case, product reviews and buying guides.

But Wombat doesn’t stop there. It fitted this keeb with a noise and vibration absorption mat and pre-lubed stabilizers, which improves your overall typing experience. The result is a quieter keyboard that is smooth and very stable to type on, with the keys neither wobbling nor rattling.

If Wombat was trying to impress enthusiasts, then mission accomplished. I know I am.

Wombat Pine Professional: Price & availability

• How much does it cost?  $159.99 (about £130 / AU$240) 
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia

Much like with other high-quality mech keebs, the Wombat Pine Professional’s price of entry isn’t going to be at the budget level. It’s not going to rob you blind, but it will still set you back $159.99 (about £130 / AU$240), which is something many people may find too steep for a keyboard.

If you want quality and great value though, the reality is that it usually sits around that price point. And, you’re getting a whole bunch of features here that you won’t find on other keyboards. It’s also a little cheaper than something like the Logitech MX Mechanical, which sells for $169.99 / £169.99 / AU$279.

•  Value: 4.5 / 5 

Wombat Pine Professional: Specs

Should you buy the Wombat Pine Professional?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Wombat Pine Professional: Also consider

How I tested the Wombat Pine Professional

• Used it for a week, testing its performance and features
• Tested it for work and some gaming
• Used it for writing articles and emails as well as to play a couple of games

I tested the Wombat Pine Professional for a week, noting its performance, its build, and the typing experience it offers as well as using its special features to see how beneficial they are for productivity.

I used it for writing my articles, comping emails, and other work stuff. And, because it has some gaming-focused features, I used it for playing Hogwarts Legacy and Kena: Bridge of Spirits as well.

Having been a product reviewer for years and now an editor in TechRadar's Computing channel, I have extensive experience testing peripherals, including keyboards. I am a keyboard enthusiast and modder myself and have a small collection of them.

We pride ourselves on our independence and our rigorous review-testing process, offering up long-term attention to the products we review and making sure our reviews are updated and maintained - regardless of when a device was released, if you can still buy it, it's on our radar.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed March 2023 

Corsair K70 RGB OPX: One-minute review

The Corsair K70 RGB OPX can easily be considered one of the best gaming keyboards for its price and overall performance. It's a full-size board, complete with 105 keys and a dedicated media bar that plugs in through USB-C. 

Unlike some mechanical gaming keyboards, this version of the K70 opts for proprietary microswitches, which use a hybrid of mechanical and optical for a lightweight feel that's quieter than standard switches and far more accurate than membrane. 

With its high polling rate and Doubleshot keycaps, there's a premium feel to the Corsair K70 RGB OPX for its sub-$200 / £200 / AU$300 price point. It performs above its station as a gaming keyboard that looks a little different and feels substantially better than many others I've used over the years for a similar rate. 

Corsair K70 RGB OPX: Price and Availability

• How much does it cost?  $179.99 / £179.99 / AU$299
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in the US, the UK, and Australia

The Corsair K70 Pro RGB OPX gaming keyboard aligns itself somewhere in the middle of Corsair's gaming keyboard range. At $179.99 / £179.99 / AU$299, it's far from one of the best budget gaming keyboards but isn't quite as expensive as the flagship models such as the Corsair K100 RGB, which retails around 20% more.

If you're solely interested in one of the best mechanical gaming keyboards then you may want to turn your attention to the similarly priced Corsair K70 RGB Pro, which is available with the standard click-clack you would hope for. The closest possible competitor for the Corsair K70 Pro RGB OPX would be the Razer Huntsman V2, which is available with a similar optical-mechanical setup for around $10 / £10 / AU$20 more. 

• Value: 4 / 5  

Corsair K70 RGB OPX: Design

• Available in black and white 
• Comes with a dedicated wrist rest 
• PBT DOUBLE SHOT PRO Keycaps

My particular Corsair K70 RGB OPX review unit came in the white colorway that certainly stands out from the sea of black gaming keyboards available. It's a full-size gaming keyboard with a dedicated media roller as well as media keys on the top right. As expected, there's iCue RGB lighting that can be dimmed with a specific button to be as bright as you like when gaming. 

The aluminum frame is one of the stronger-feeling backboards so you should be catered to here if you're a particularly heavy typer or like to pound the keys when playing games. The keyboard connects through a braided USB-C cable, which doesn't drag or pull. 

The Corsair K70 RGB OPX has an 8,000Hz polling rate with Full-key anti-ghosting for smooth rollover. The brand describes its proprietary switches as "hyper fast key switches" that are unique to the board. There's an actuation distance of just 1mm and 150 million guaranteed keystrokes on the PBT Doubleshot Pro keycaps. 

There's also a generously sized magnetic wrist rest in the matching white colorway. 

• Design: 4.5 / 5

Corsair K70 RGB OPX: Performance

• Quiet operation 
• 8,000 Hz polling rate 
• Dedicated media bar 

I've been using the Corsair K70 RGB OPX as my main keyboard for work and gaming for around three months now. As my first experience with an optical-mechanical keyboard, after previously being dedicated to the Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini, the initial difference in feel took a while to get accustomed to. 

You're getting the same level of precision and satisfaction with key presses, but losing the riotous thunder of a firm and tactile clickiness. If you want to keep your noise levels down when working, you'll love how this gaming keyboard feels. 

Gaming on the Corsair K70 RGB OPX feels great. Over the summer and winter months, I've played everything from Battlefield 2042 and Overwatch 2 to Cruelty Squad for my FPS fix. As someone who writes professionally for a living, having a high-end keyboard with satisfying action without the noise has been instrumental, and the hundreds of articles I've written with it are a testament to that. 

It's going to be difficult to return to a regular mechanical gaming keyboard, even when previously yellow and green switches were my ride-or-die for the better part of a decade. 

• Performance: 5 / 5

Should I buy the Corsair K70 RGB OPX?

Buy if... 

Don't buy if... 

Corsair K70 Pro RGB OPX: Report card

• First reviewed February 2023

How I tested the Corsair K70 Pro RGB OPX

I've been using Corsair K70 Pro RGB OPX as my main gaming keyboard since September 2022. In that time, I've played a vast array of different games and also written over a hundred articles with it, too. 

Read more about how we test

MSI Vigor GK71 Sonic: Two-minute review

 The MSI Vigor GK71 Sonic may be the best gaming keyboard for you, especially if you have a penchant for fast games and furious typing. This new mechanical keyboard from MSI is built for speed, staying true to its name, with a robust aircraft-grade top case, 1.4mm/45gf actuation, and no-nonsense software that gets right down to business. 

In a sea of keyboards, however, being great is no longer enough. Thanks to the many incredible models that have hit the shelves over the past few years, it’s getting harder and harder to set oneself apart from the competition. To stand out, you have to do something cooler than the others, which is why MSI throws in extra frills like the convenient dual-touch volume wheel and the X-shaped cable routing.

Not that the MSI Vigor GK71 Sonic needs those, as even its fast actuation is more than enough to recommend it to gamers. It can be a bit of a double-edged sword though, as even the slightest pressure can cause a key to register, resulting in accidental presses when your fingers are merely resting on the keys. It’s a classic case of great power coming with great responsibility. 

The MSI Vigor GK71 Sonic kind of reminds me of older-generation gaming keyboards, but with a touch of that modern look that newer-gen models have. So, in a way, it feels like a cross between the two, or something that came out during the transition period. 

It’s very much a new release, however, even scoring a CES Innovation Award at this year’s convention. You’ll even notice signs of modern innovations here. There’s the short 1.4mm actuation, naturally, which you’ll be hard-pressed to find in old gaming keyboards. There’s also that nice dual-touch volume wheel, which delivers a surprising touch of convenience I never knew I needed. 

And then, there’s the MSI ClearCaps keycaps that give the keyboard a faux floating keys effect that, in turn, allows that already vibrant RGB to dazzle even more. The keycaps themselves are not low-profile; they just have a clear bottom half to give them that look. If you want to switch out to low-profile ones, however, you’ll be happy to know they’re removable. The keyboard even comes with its own keycap puller.

The Vigor GK71 Sonic is full-sized, which means that it does take up a lot of space on the desk, especially if you throw the wrist rest into the mix. It also has some heft to it, as well as a robust build, mostly thanks to its aircraft-grade aluminum alloy top case. It doesn’t feel too bulky, though, probably because it isn’t as thick as other full-sized options. If you want to save some space, you have the option not to use the wrist rest. However, it’s nice to touch, plush, and considerably improves the keyboard’s overall ergonomics, so I’d recommend sacrificing that bit of space.

What I like most here are the multimedia keys – or rather the volume wheel, which not only doubles as a mute button but also has a dual-touch control that lets you adjust the volume from the top and from the side for convenience. Of course, the usual back, play/pause, and forward buttons are on hand as well.

Most of the keys on this gaming keyboard are macro-programmable and remappable, except for the Fn/MSI Dragon key, which lets you access a pre-programmed set of shortcuts, almost all of which are RGB-related. Such shortcut keys have been becoming increasingly popular among keyboards, even full-sized ones, and I’m glad to see it here. MSI even makes things more convenient for users by marking those shortcuts on the keycaps so you won’t have to memorize them.

A curious feature here is the X-shaped cable system that MSI has designed to protect your peripherals’ cables and keep them from cluttering your desk. It isn’t something I find particularly useful, sadly, as I prefer to direct my cables towards the back of my desk, out of sight. 

The MSI Center, which offers software support for the MSI Vigor GK71 Sonic for customizations, is impressive – and not because it’s extensive. On the contrary, it has a back-to-basics approach, covering only the more vital customizations. 

But, while it can feel a little rudimentary to gamers who are used to the more convoluted apps of competitors, I appreciate that it works incredibly well and as it’s supposed to. If you’re familiar with other gaming keyboard apps, you’ll know that the more complex they are, they less user-friendly they can be. That’s on top of the fact that they really only work half of the time.

My only issue with the MSI Center is that you don’t have immediate access to the tools you’ll need for customizations. You have to install some installable items the first time you use it. With the MSI Vigor GK71 Sonic, for example, you’ll need the Gaming Gear module for macros and the Mystic Light module to control the RGB lighting. 

The MSI Vigor GK71 Sonic has been out for a while but only in its red switches version, which require a lighter operation force but has a deeper pre-travel. This new version comes with the MSI Sonic blue clicky mechanical switches, which require ever-so-slightly harder presses but have a shorter actuation distance of 1.4mm. 

So short, in fact, that you run the risk of accidentally activating a key when you’ve got a finger resting on it. On the plus side, because it takes light presses, I find it relieves some pressure on my shoulders and fingers when I’m playing.

The switches themselves are also incredibly fast and responsive, whether I’m battling monsters in Kena: Bridge of Spirits or exploring the magical world of Hogwarts: Legacy. They’re also comfortable and satisfying to press, with a nice bottom-out. Meanwhile, the hybrid 6+N-key rollover ensures the keyboard isn’t missing any presses.

MSI Vigor GK71 Sonic: Price & availability

• How much does it cost? $129.99 (about £110 / AU$195)
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia

Is the MSI Vigor GK71 Sonic a budget option? Not exactly. However, it’s fairly priced for a fast, well-made gaming keyboard of its caliber, and around the same price point as its direct rivals. At $129.99 (about £110 / AU$195), it’s also more affordable than the likes of the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro and the Corsair K100 Air Wireless – both of which are in the above-$200/£200 range.

To be fair, the Vigor GK71 Sonic is less feature-rich than those two, with MSI taking a more minimalist approach in terms of not only its features but also its software support. However, it also ticks a lot of things that gamers find most useful – such as the fast actuation, macro-programmable keys, convenient multimedia keys, and the vibrant RGB. That makes it a great value, even if it’s not what I would call cheap.

Should you buy the MSI Vigor GK71 Sonic?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

MSI Vigor GK71 Sonic: Also consider

How I tested the MSI Vigor GK71 Sonic

• Tested the MSI Vigor GK71 Sonic for a week
• Used it for a week, playing games and typing up articles and emails

We pride ourselves on our independence and our rigorous review-testing process, offering up long-term attention to the products we review and making sure our reviews are updated and maintained - regardless of when a device was released, if you can still buy it, it's on our radar.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed March 2023

Drop ALT: One-minute review

Though many mechanical keyboards are meant for gaming, the Drop ALT mechanical keyboard is meant for more professional use. And this is quite an underserved market, as many workers require hardier keyboards that will stand up to the grind of everyday productivity work.

The keyboard comes in two colors, black and space grey, with visually appealing two-toned keys that reflect those same colors. It also features fully programmable RGB lighting, which is not only practical for late-night typing but also enhances the visual appeal of the keyboard.

But the best feature in any mechanical keyboard is the ability to customize both keycaps and switches to best suit your needs. And, in an effort to make at least the latter more accessible to the uninitiated, you can choose from several switches Drop offers, with an easy-to-understand explanation near each choice. Having this level of customization for a non-gaming mechanical keyboard personalizes it in a way that many other keyboards aimed at non-gamers wouldn’t allow.

However, this level of customization and quality comes at a steep price. The cheapest configuration costs $180, and the most expensive is $200. For those who are on a budget, the Drop ALT may not be for you. But if you’re willing to put in a little extra, you’ll get one of the most high-quality, smooth-as-butter typing experiences around.

Drop ALT: Price and availability

• How much does it cost? $180 - $200 / £157.43 - £180.74 (around AU$260 - AU$290)
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Either the Drop official retailer (US) or Amazon (UK)

No matter which switches you outfit your Drop ALT mechanical keyboard with, you’ll find that the price is pretty steep. The range is between $180 - $200 / £157.43 - £180.74 (around AU$260 - AU$290), so if you’re not willing to drop about two hundred for a single keyboard, and a 65% one at that, then you may have to pass this one up.

Availability isn’t bad, with the US having the best of it. You can purchase all the configurations on the official Drop website, and at the time of this writing, there’s even a sale going on. Those in the UK can purchase their keyboards on Amazon at prices adjusted for exchange rate and then readjusted for any import fees. Those fees would be paid by anyone in Australia, since all the keyboards are unavailable on Amazon.

• Value: 4.5 / 5

Drop ALT: Design and features

• High-quality form factor
• Customizable RGB lighting
• Great key and switch key

The Drop ALT's form factor is lightweight but sturdy, feeling every bit of that solid aluminum frame that it’s made of. There are light pipes built into the switches, which enhances the already-extensive RGB backlighting and underlighting. You can fully customize said lighting, and the LEDs are at a frequency of 100 Hz, which means no visible flickering.

The keyboard also features hot-swappable switch sockets, which means no soldering is required when you want to change switches. There are even dual USB Type-C ports, one for connecting to the PC or laptop of your choice and the other for connecting to another device for either charging or transferring data.

Each key feels luxuriously smooth, and our review copy had a nice satisfying clack and tactile feedback with every key press. And despite the keycaps being a bit narrow, it didn’t interfere with typing accuracy, though it still might be an issue for those with especially large or trembling hands. I found myself not particularly missing the num lock pad either.

• Design: 5 / 5

Drop ALT: Performance

• High-quality switches
• Keys completely programmable

The Drop ALT is one of the most high-quality mechanical keyboards I've tested in a long while. As it’s a wired keyboard, the response time is instantaneous with no latency issues. 

Of course, this is a productivity keyboard so that’s not nearly as much of an issue. But one aspect that does carry over well is the life cycle of the keyboard.

Unlike a much cheaper membrane keyboard (aka the keyboard most people use for work or school), mechanical switches are made to take a beating — as in millions of key presses worth of ‘beatings.’ And these switches are particularly great quality, especially the Cherry MX ones, as they’re some of the most reliable on the market. Kaihua and Halo are also quite good, making for slightly cheaper but still good-quality switches. 

All around, this keyboard is an ideal investment for those who tend to be much harsher on their keys. 

The keys themselves are also completely programmable using the QMK firmware, meaning you can program macros and customized key mapping. Though this keyboard isn’t meant specifically for gaming, there are some great options for those who want to use it that way. And thanks to the built-in switch plate and hot-swappable PCB, you can change out some of the innards whenever need be.

• Performance: 5 / 5

Should I buy the Drop ALT mechanical keyboard?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider

Drop ALT: Report card

• First reviewed February 2023

How we test

We pride ourselves on our independence and our rigorous review-testing process, offering up long-term attention to the products we review and making sure our reviews are updated and maintained - regardless of when a device was released, if you can still buy it, it's on our radar.

Read more about how we test

Blaze Entertainment is on a mission to capture the chunky joy of retro gaming, creating consoles that play classic games off plastic cartridges. The Evercade VS lets you replay many old games through your modern TV, slotting games into the console (and no, blowing the cartridge isn’t a requirement), it convincingly upscales its retro game library to 1080p.

With a few hurdles to clear on the initial setup, though, the Evercade VS doesn’t quite hit the ground running as smoothly as the Evercade EXP, Blaze’s handheld retro system. And even when you’ve got the VS ready to go on your TV, the console doesn’t make the best first impression with its substandard controller that’s a far cry from the strong build quality of the system itself.

The Evercade VS’s real strengths lie under the hood. Quite literally. The console can house two Evercade cartridges simultaneously, and the company has used this feature to go the extra mile in a fascinating way. And if you’ve already built up a cartridge collection with the Evercade EXP handheld, fret not. All your cartridges from that work on the VS, too.

Evercade VS: price and availability

You can buy the Evercade VS Starter Pack for $99 / £89 / AU$158. This includes the console, one controller, and an officially licensed cartridge containing eight Technos-developed arcade games.

Though if you want to make the most of the Evercade VS’s two cartridge slots, you may wish to opt for the Premium Pack. It’s a touch more expensive at $129 / £109 / AU$203 but adds in an extra controller and a second cartridge featuring ten Data East arcade titles.

Unfortunately, neither package includes an HDMI cable or USB AC adaptor. If you don’t have spares lying around, you’ll have to factor those components into the overall cost.

Evercade VS: design

• Solidly built console
• RGB light is a lovely flourish
• Included controllers are underwhelming

The Evercade VS’ has a sturdy plastic shell with some lovely aesthetic touches that make it look right at home next to a Famicom or a toploader NES. It looks the part, with some eye-catching modern flairs, including a strip of RGB lighting that divides the space between the four USB controller slots and the cartridge dust cover.

A chunky power button off to the side turns the VS on or off, its power state indicated by the RGB strip. Naturally, you won’t be able to accomplish much with no cartridges inserted into the VS (unlike the Evercade EXP, the VS have a collection of pre-installed games). You’ll find the two cartridge slots hidden beneath the dust cover.

That quality doesn’t extend to the Evercade VS’ controllers. Blaze Entertainment’s created a pad similar to that of the Famicom, with its rectangular design and straightforward button layout. Unfortunately, most elements of the controller have issues. 

The d-pad feels a little too stiff, the face buttons aren’t tactile, and the four shoulder buttons are uncomfortably close together. Its one saving grace is the cable – long enough that you should have no issue playing games sitting on a sofa distant from the TV.

Thankfully, the Evercade VS supports other controllers. I swapped out the VS pad for an Xbox Wireless Controller, and my experience with the console improved dramatically. The console also supports four pads, so if you’ve a collection of USB controllers for other consoles, you can use them without buying a set of Evercade VS gamepads.

• Design score: 3 / 5

Evercade VS: features

• Dual cartridge system is a blessing
• Free monthly game keeps the experience fresh
• Optional scanlines disappoint

There are a lot of devices that let you play emulated games on your TV, but what sets the Evercade VS apart is its dual cartridge slot that allows you to insert two Evercade cartridges simultaneously. Not only does this reduce the number of times you’ll be swapping out cartridges, but it also hides a superb secret.

Inserting specific combinations of cartridges into the Evercade VS will allow you to unlock secret games. That means you’ll have to buy more Evercade cartridges if you want to use the feature, but it is a great reward for building up an Evercade collection. And let’s face it; if you’re planning on buying an Evercade VS, you’d likely want to invest in at least a few more cartridges somewhere down the line.

One great touch I liked about the Evercade VS is the addition of a rotating, free monthly game. Each month, you’ll find a game loaded onto your system from an upcoming Evercade cartridge, similar to the freebies offered via PS Plus. I love the incentive to return to the VS at least once a month; having a new indie game to check out semi-regularly helps keep the experience fresh for longtime owners.

The Evercade VS offers similar emulation options to the handheld Evercade EXP, you can change the game’s resolution (original ratio, a more compact pixel-perfect mode, and an option to fully fit the screen) and togglable scanlines. Though, while I wasn’t a fan of the emulated graphical artifact on the smaller EXP screen, the scanlines are even more of a distraction when blown up to 1080p on your TV.

A much-appreciated feature the VS has is the ability to remap its button layout. While it’s impossible to do this per-game, you can hop into the settings menu to customize your controller layout universally. That’s especially handy if you’ve opted to use an alternate pad to the VS default.

• Features score: 4 / 5

Evercade VS: performance

• Top notch emulation
• Games upscale nicely to 1080p
• Shares long boot sequence with Evercade EXP

As is the case with the Evercade EXP, emulation on the Evercade VS is rock solid. Games both look and play as intended. Testing a wide range of arcade titles, I wasn’t able to identify any notable visual oddities, slow down, or game-breaking glitches. This makes playing arcade games on the VS a faithful experience.

I was initially concerned about the bump-up to 1080p resolution, worried that the increase might make the emulated visuals appear blurry or warped. And while that can occur if you choose to stretch to 16:9, both original ratio and pixel-perfect options still look superb. I’d recommend playing on a 1080p display if possible or sticking to a pixel-perfect aspect ratio if you’re playing on, say, a larger 4K screen.

One setback the VS shares with the EXP, sadly, is its long bootup sequence. Much like the handheld, the VS takes roughly 25-30 seconds to boot to the menu. Blaze Entertainment has been doling updates and tweaks out regularly, so I hope this is something that can be addressed in the console’s future.

• Performance score: 4.5 / 5

Should I buy the Evercade VS?

Buy it if...

You want a console dedicated to retro games
Many of Evercade’s games are difficult to track down without resorting to PC emulation, making the console a great choice for preservation enthusiasts.

You like genuinely useful novelties
Unlocking secret games by slotting in certain pairs of cartridges is a wonderfully innovative way of building your library on Evercade.

You’re after a big screen retro experience
Games on the Evercade VS hold up surprisingly well to 1080p scrutiny, and multiple controller support makes it ideal for social gatherings.

Don't buy it if...

You’d prefer a handheld device
Prefer older games in the palm of your hand? The portable Evercade EXP is the way to go.

You have a tight budget
The Evercade VS isn’t too pricey, but having to buy cartridges separately can quickly add up the cost of the console.

• Nintendo Switch OLED review

Drop + The Lord of the Rings Elvish: One-minute review

To paraphrase Tolkien, mech keebs are found in unlikely places. But, Drop isn’t one of those places. On the contrary, the brand has made quite a name for itself producing and selling enthusiast mechanical keyboards and modding parts (along with audiophile headphones). It’s become one of my go-to websites whenever I’m jonesing for a keyboard fix.

At this point, anything that comes out of Drop is almost a guaranteed ace, including the subject of this review: the Drop + The Lord of the Rings Elvish, one of the five officially licensed LOTR keyboards the brand has on offer. This one’s a stunner too. It’s probably the fairest of all these keebs, with its green and ivory colorway, the beautiful “faithfully-translated” Tengwar legends (I’m no Tengwar script expert so I cannot confirm their accuracy) on its keycaps, and the elegantly-etched trees of Valinor framing its arrow keys.

The Drop + The Lord of the Rings Elvish is also incredibly comfortable to type on, thanks to those Holy Panda X switches that Drop co-designed with Gateron and are one of the brand’s best switches. Drop pairs those with its Phantom stabilizers to round out its satisfying tactile feel. 

So, while it looks every inch a fancy keyboard an Instagram influencer would show off on their posts, it’s also incredibly utilitarian, which makes it one of the best keyboards on the shelves. It’s just the thing to spruce up your office setup and see you through those long days of typing up documents – especially because it’s clicky but not as loud as other clicky keyboards.

Drop + The Lord of the Rings Elvish: Price and availability

• How much does it cost? $199 (about £160.91 / AU$283.44)
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in the US, the UK, and Australia

The Drop + The Lord of the Rings Elvish isn’t cheap. But then again, top-quality mechanical keyboards never are. If you want it, you’ll have to shell out $199 (about £160 / AU$280). You’re not paying for just its performance, after all. At the time of writing, however, Drop has it listed at $169, giving you a $30 discount.

That puts it in the same price range as other enthusiast keyboards like the KiiBOOM Phantom 81 ($159 / £128 / AU$233) and slightly cheaper than premium ones like the Lofree 1% Transparent ($219 / £181 / about AU$320). There are cheaper mech keyboards out there if you’re on a budget. Keychron has a few on offer for under $100 / £100, and they’re pretty fantastic as well. Just bear in mind that Keychron’s offerings are simpler and more restrained, design-wise.

Drop does ship to the UK and Australia so you’ll be able to order this keyboard if you’re in these regions, as long as you’re ok with longer shipping times. Apparently, it could take 2 to 4 weeks from the date of shipping.

• Value: 3.5 / 5

Drop + The Lord of the Rings Elvish: Design

• Robust build and stunning LOTR details
• Comes with a small mod kit
• White backlighting only

The Drop + The Lord of the Rings Elvish’s build quality is undeniably robust, its premium aluminum and plastic case feels like it could withstand a lot of abuse. If you want to, say, stuff it in a suitcase and bring it on a year-long trip around the world or take it with you on your daily commutes, it feels robust enough to survive.

This isn’t a travel-friendly keyboard, however. It’s got a bit of weight to it, and being a TKL one, it isn’t that compact either. It’s really more of a nestled-in-your-home-desk-setup keyboard, especially with the adornment on it.

Drop clearly took the LOTR theme and ran with it. This keyboard is bedecked with Tengwar legends, elegant green and ivory keycaps, Sindarin phrases, and popular LOTR icons like the shards of Narsil, the Ring of Power, and the Eye of Sauron. The brand claims that the Tengwar legends on the keycaps are faithfully translated, but as I’m no Tengwar master and there seem to be different ways to write the English alphabet in Tengwar, I’ll have to take Drop’s word for it.

Don’t worry if you often look at your keycaps to make sure you’re about to press the right one. The keycaps from both kits come with their Latin alpha sublegends and Latin modifier legends as well.

To add even more flair, Drop commissioned artist OSHETART to create a custom artwork depicting the Two Trees of Valinor, which frame the arrow keys on the keyboard. It’s a nice touch, adding a touch of beauty to the keeb and counterbalancing the menacing Eye of Sauron and Ring of Power keycaps.

The Drop + The Lord of the Rings Elvish clearly comes with the Lord of the Rings Elvish Keycap Set, which you can also purchase as an add-on if you want one of the other LOTR keyboards, but you also get some orange keycaps from the Training Elvish Base Kit. That includes the orange spacebar keycap that boasts the One Ring inscription: “One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them.” 

You also get a keycap puller so you can easily switch things up. There’s a USB-A to USB-C cable included too, though it’s just a regular cable. If you want a nice coiled one, Drop does have a few on offer, but they’re not LOTR-themed, and will cost you extra.

Sadly, you won’t be able to swap out the switches as they are soldered. RGB fans might also be disappointed to find that there’s only white backlighting here, but honestly, it keeps the whole thing elegant. If you want RGB lighting, there are other options.

• Design: 5 / 5

Drop + The Lord of the Rings Elvish: Performance

• Keys are smaller but are concave
• Holy Panda X switches are satisfying with a small bump
• Clacky sound that’s not too loud

The first thing you’ll likely notice about the Drop + The Lord of the Rings Elvish when you position your fingers on the keys is how small they feel. The keycaps are tapered so they are smaller around the top, which might feel a little weird for those with bigger fingers, but Drop tries to thwart finger slippage by giving the keycaps a deeper dip, which I find does help keep your fingers in place. 

Because they are smaller, however, it takes some getting used to, especially if you’re reaching for the arrow keys. Don’t worry; it didn’t take me long to get used to them, and I imagine most people will feel the same.

Drop fitted the Drop + The Lord of the Rings Elvish with its much-lauded Holy Panda X switches, which it co-designed with Gateron. The company essentially took two switches (the Invyr Panda Linear switch and the Drop Halo switch) and combined their parts for a superior switch with reduced stem wobble and improved consistency. To prevent further wobbling, Drop has also fitted it with its own Phantom Stabilizers.

The result is a smooth and stable tactile switch that’s proven during my testing to be very consistent and very satisfying to type on, with a nice small bump on every keystroke. I’m currently in my linear phase, but I honestly love typing on this keyboard, thanks in large part to its bottom actuation. I also currently prefer the thock sound, but I don’t mind the clacky sound of this keyboard at all, especially because it isn’t too loud.

• Performance: 5 / 5

Should I buy the Drop + The Lord of the Rings Elvish?

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Drop + The Lord of the Rings Elvish: Report card

• First reviewed January 2023

How I tested the Drop + The Lord of the Rings Elvish

To properly test the Drop + The Lord of the Rings Elvish, I used it as my main keyboard every day for two weeks to compose all my work emails as well as write my articles and buying guide updates. While it isn’t marketed as a gaming keyboard, I did use it on a couple of short gaming sessions as well, just to see if it can keep up with more rigorous use.

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