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The Dezctop Bifrost Elite 160 gaming desk is a sturdy, premium workstation that costs a pretty penny

4:00 pm | February 27, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: RGB | Comments: Off

Dezctop Bifrost Elite 160: one-minute review

The Dezctop Bifrost Elite 160 is a gaming desk with a lot of optional extras, but not much in the way of integrated bells and whistles. It's a terrific option for anyone who primarily works from home and wants to jump into the world of standing desks, but not the cheapest model out there.

The build quality is absolutely top-notch, with a thick, polished wooden tabletop that’s impressively resistant to scuffs and stains. It has two chunky mechanized legs, a backboard with plenty of slots for shelves, monitor mounts, and other accessories, and some neat cable pockets to help with tidiness. It also rises to an impressive 51.2 in / 1.3m, and goes as low as 25.6 in / 65cm, which may seem excessive but it makes it appropriate for folks of any height.

Some competitors have additional features and can be picked up for a little cheaper, but it's by no means the most expensive standing desk on the block. So while adding in extra accessories ramps up the price, it's still one of the best standing desks and best gaming desks today.

The Dezctop Bifrost Elite 160 after being built in a plain room. — (Image credit: Future)

Dezctop Bifrost Elite 160: Price and availability

List price: $900 / £999.90 / Around AU$1,100
This is the price of the desk without any additional accessories…
If you want the whole hog, you're looking at another few hundred

Let's get the elephant in the room out of the way: this is a premium product and its price tag reflects that.

Coming in at $900 without any of the additional bells and whistles, or approximately $1,270 with everything featured in my review, this isn't the desk to go for if you're on a budget. If you want to take your working space to the next level however, and you need a premium desk to last for years to come, the Dezctop Bifrost Elite 160 may be the answer.

The Flexispot E7, which we consider to be the best standing desk overall, will set you back around £280 ($340). And even at that price, the E7 has some features that the Bifrost Elite 160 lacks, despite being around triple the cost. This is also more expensive than the premium Secretlab Magnus Pro, which is more geared towards gamers and comes in cheaper at $799 / £770.

Paired with one of the best gaming chairs, the overall price of your setup will be very high. So while I can't recommend Dezctop's offering enough, it's not the best choice for those keeping a close eye on their budget right now.

The Dezctop Bifrost Elite 160 set up, with two monitors and a keyboard. — (Image credit: Future)

Dezctop Bifrost Elite 160: Specs

Dezctop Bifrost Elite 160: Design and features

Solo assembly
Premium feel
A range of heights

Everything about this desk oozes quality, with the walnut tabletop being the prime example. It's thick and polished, giving off a premium feel you don't find in cheaper desks.

I've upgraded from a cheaper gaming desk to the Bifrost Elite 160, and while my former fixture was big and capable of holding both of my monitors with room to spare, the low-quality wood used was scuffed over years of use and had started to warp. It was also nowhere near as nice to the touch, with sharp corners and edges, as opposed to the smooth, rounded sides of the Bifrost Elite 160.

It is also very sturdy, with two chunky mechanized legs that you definitely don't want to drop on a toe when putting it all together. That process was daunting at first because there are a lot of boxes, especially with all the extras thrown in, but once you unpack it all and get rid of the packaging, it becomes much more manageable.

It lacks a physical manual - you instead must scan a QR code and then find the correct instructions from a list on your device - but if you can look past that, it's a fairly straightforward job. Building it solo, provided you make no mistakes along the way, can be done in an afternoon.

The control box can be affixed to either the left or right-hand side of where you stand (or sit, when your legs are tired), and it's very simple to use.

The buttons themselves are responsive, with just a split-second delay between holding down the arrows and the desk moving, and it has four memory slots for your preferred heights. At 5ft 8in / 176.8cm tall, my ideal settings are 3ft 7in / 115cm when standing and 2ft 7 in / 82cm when sitting, both of which are assigned to the first and second presets.

Building the Dezctop Bifrost Elite 160. — (Image credit: Future)

Dezctop Bifrost Elite 160: Performance

Features effective cable tidies
Plus good back board and monitor mounts
RGB lighting kit is poor

The biggest challenge this desk has - which is saying something, because it's hardly a problem at all when you've finished building it - is how weak the cable tidies are.

The underframe has slots for these plastic, 3D-printed clasps to slot into, but these pop out at even the slightest tug. When the desk is assembled, this isn't a problem - I haven't had them come out once - but during the building process, you'll be rueing them as you put them back in for the umpteenth time.

At the rear of the desk, you'll find three huge cable pockets. I'm notoriously bad with cable management but these are a godsend. With magnetic covers, they are big enough to hold all the cables you could possibly have. Mine has an entire extension lead in the middle with each socket in use and plenty of room to spare on both the left and the right. The cables themselves are still visible behind the desk, but it's far neater than I'd manage with any standard desk.

One of the biggest selling points of the Bifrost Elite 160 is the D-board, and while you can buy the desk without this, why would you? This backboard comes in four separate pieces that slot together effortlessly, and once affixed, are completely stable. Each one has a myriad of diamond-shaped holes for your various extras.

I have two monitor mounts - one large, one medium - taking up most of the space, alongside two shelves, a small bucket-shaped container for any loose bits you need at arm's reach, and a couple of extra hooks attached if I decide to store anything else. On the underside of the tabletop itself, I also have a cup holder, headset holder, and USB 3.1 hub that connects to my desktop below. All of these accessories are welcome additions and help keep my desktop free of the clutter I used to be so prone to accumulating.

There's only one accessory I can't recommend picking up, especially for the $70 / £85 price, and that's the RGB Lighting Kit. You can make your own version for far cheaper with some off-brand RGB lighting strips, and the lights themselves aren't particularly bright.

Not to mention the accompanying remote feels cheap and tacky (mine has actually stopped working after only a week, so I can no longer change the colors of the lights), and while there is a switch you can stick on the underside of your desk for those moments you want to pretend to release the hounds, Mr. Burns style, the velcro fasteners aren't strong enough to keep it in place. Now I've used a command strip, it's holding strong, but it's an expensive accessory that should be better.

The control panel of the Dezctop Bifrost Elite 160 standing desk. — (Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Dezctop Bifrost Elite 160?

Buy it if...

You want a quality standing desk that should last for years
Even after only a month of testing the Bifrost Elite 160 for this review, the build quality is so high that it's hard to imagine this not lasting for years to come.

You want more desk space
The available desktop space is impressive here, and when you include the D-board and mount your monitors, you have such a big workspace available.

You have the cash to invest in something premium
This isn't the most expensive standing desk available, but it is by no means cheap. If you can afford the outlay though, you won't regret picking this up.

Don't buy it if...

You're unsure if a standing desk is for you
This is a fantastic standing gaming desk, but it's a big investment if you want to test the waters first.

You're limited on space
This is a big ol' desk, so if you typically work from a laptop or don't have a dedicated working area, this is probably going to be overkill.

Also consider...

If you're still not sold on the Dezctop Bifrost Elite 160, here are two alternative standing desks to consider, both of which are a little cheaper.

The Bifrost Elite 160 may have the most premium feel of the options available, but that doesn't mean the others don't excel in other areas.

Flexispot E7
The Flexispot E7 is probably the most feature-complete standing desk you can pick up for a budget price, coming in at less than half the price of the Bifrost Elite 160. It also has a few more features, including an integrated Qi wireless charging port on the tabletop. If you're unsure about whether a standing desk is for you, this may be a safer investment.

For more information, check out our full Flexispot E7 review.

Secretlab Magnus Pro
Alternatively, if you're an avid gamer and need somewhere to work from, consider the Secretlab Magnus Pro. This is sleek and professional, with Secretlab known for its gaming peripherals, making this aesthetically more pleasing for that lifestyle. It also has plenty of optional extras, many of which are geared towards gamers.

For more information, check out our full Secretlab Magnus Pro review.

How I tested the Dezctop Bifrost Elite 160

Used for a month on a daily basis
Primarily during working hours in both standing and sitting positions
Also during some long gaming sessions with both mouse + keyboard, and controller

The Dezctop Bifrost Elite 160 has become my sole workstation and since I work from home, this means I'm using the desk for at least eight hours every single day, often more if I work into the evening or play any PC games.

I'll usually start my day standing for the first few hours, and since I always listen to music when I work, I'm often moving around to keep the energy up in lieu of having a walking pad to get my steps in. Claiming it's dancing might be a step too far…

I'll usually go to the sitting height for the afternoon, reverting to standing for any meetings, and the ability to switch between the memorized heights with just a press of a button is a godsend.

The polished wooden tabletop is smooth too, so when you're resting your arms against it typing for long periods, there's no abrasion like you might find with a cheaper desk. This extends into the evening when I'm gaming, and while playing games can be done standing, I prefer that aspect sitting down.

Lemokey L5 HE 8K: Two-minute review

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.

Rear of Lemokey L5 HE 8K on table with pink wall and plant in background — (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

Close-up of volume wheel on Lemokey L5 HE 8K on table with pink background — (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.

Close-up of keys on Lemokey L5 HE 8K with one keycap removed, exposing switch underneath — (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

Close-up of modifier keys on Lemokey L5 HE 8K with RGB lighting on — (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.

First reviewed January 2025
Read more about how we test

Copilot Pro for Excel review

2:30 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Comments: Off

This review first appeared in issue 355 of PC Pro.

Unlike the other Copilot Pro tools, Copilot for Excel is labelled prominently as “beta”. But even in this qualified state, it has the promise of being a game-changer for anyone who needs to work with data but doesn’t want to become an expert in writing formulas, working out the best way to pivot data or spotting trends in large data sets.

Copilot for Excel exists in the toolbar, but sometimes it’s greyed out. That’s because it only works on . xlsx or .xlsm files saved in OneDrive or SharePoint. When the button is green, hitting it allows you to write natural language instructions to create formulas, analyze data or highlight cells according to whatever criteria you want. If you’ve ever struggled with creating a complex formula (or even a simple one), you’re going to love it.

The first thing to note is that Copilot only works within tables; if your data is unstructured, it won’t let you do anything with it. This probably isn’t a big deal for most people (every serious Excel user I have known has lived or died by tables), but it’s a limitation that may affect some users of large and disparate data sets.

If your data is in a table, though, Copilot is miraculous. You can ask simple queries, such as how much you spent between two dates, or what categories you spend the most on. It’s also great at creating graphs: just type, “make a pie chart showing expenditure based on month”. And you can manipulate existing data, say by asking it to use conditional formatting to highlight specific ranges of numbers, something that’s easy to get wrong for people who aren’t Excel experts.

Example of Copilot Pro used in Excel — (Image credit: Future)

You can also use Copilot to look for outliers in the data and highlight them, which helps if you’re trying to clean up a dataset or are finding results just aren’t what you think they should be. If you’re using a big dataset, that’s a wonderful time saver. It’s nothing that you can’t do with Excel’s existing tools – but for users who don’t live in Excel, it would involve quite a bit of searching online to know where to start.

Where the real power kicks in is when you ask it to make formulas for you. I created a simple table of expenditure for a small business, tracking spending across a range of categories. But I also wanted to have a column indicating the running total of my expenditure. This isn’t an easy formula to make if you don’t know much about Excel because it involves a SUMIF function that’s based on the row’s date, comparing it to others in the table.

I asked Copilot to “add formula columns to summarize total expenditure so far in this date sequence”, and within seconds it had created a formula and added it to the end of the table.

This kind of formula creation is going to save users of Excel hours, and if you regularly work with data but wouldn’t call yourself an expert, it’s probably worth the money on its own. Even on occasions where I wanted to do something that I knew how to do, I found myself using Copilot instead because it created better results than the various hacks, shortcuts and cheats that I have learned over the years.

We also ranked the best customer relationship management software for small businesses.

Copilot for Teams review

2:25 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Comments: Off

This review first appeared in issue 355 of PC Pro.

Long before the arrival of Copilot, Microsoft Teams became my go-to app that was always active on my desktop. It’s the central tool I use to stay updated about my organization’s activities and it’s where I plan my daily tasks, share content, have meetings and plan long-term goals. Now Microsoft has added Copilot, it has become even more indispensable.

This is most obvious in meetings. The responsibility of capturing important meeting details typically rests on a single person, a task that’s rarely enviable and often challenging. Even with transcription features enabled in Teams, sifting through conversations to find pertinent information was daunting. This is an area where Copilot excels, making it easy to summarize the discussion and draw up action points.

I also find it useful with conferencing, especially long meetings that drag on, when your attention can wander. If I briefly zone out, or I need to head off for any reason, Copilot can offer summaries at any juncture. If you arrive late, or simply don’t get to the meeting at all, being able to ask Copilot for a summary of the meeting with the key action points and follow-up tasks is a huge boon. As is its ability to revisit discussions and extract insights.

This isn’t just theory. Over the past six months I’ve asked Copilot to pinpoint staff disagreements, outline specific risks discussed, verify project timelines and summarize crucial decisions with pros and cons. Using Copilot for these kinds of enquiries saves time by reducing the need to consult busy colleagues, delivering on two fundamental promises of AI: it streamlines communication and enhances my efficiency.

Copilot packs in several other useful features, too. Managers may love (a little too much, perhaps) its ability to analyze participation in meetings by generating metrics showing the percentage of words spoken by each colleague, shedding light on both the most and least active participants. And one standout feature in Teams Premium, not available in the standard version, is the intelligent meeting recap. It parallels Copilot’s meeting notes and holds the information for 30 days. The “follow meeting” function in Teams Premium allows users to capture meetings, pose questions to Copilot post-event, and even analyze the sentiment, although this yields mixed results and is a little creepy.

Copilot in Teams can also save you time. It adeptly transforms meeting notes into Office 365 documents and drafts emails from discussions. And it uses Microsoft Graph to efficiently link and track communications across documents, meetings and chats on specific subjects. This is great if your memory isn’t too good, so this is my favorite feature. As Microsoft states, however, “Copilot is an assistant, not a replacement for human oversight”. It’s crucial that you review Copilot’s output, particularly when it pertains to significant decisions, to ensure accuracy and relevance. So while Copilot boosts efficiency, there is a risk that users may become too dependent on the tool, which could lead to a decline in critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Finally, in organizations where cybersecurity is paramount, outputs generated by Copilot don’t automatically carry over the security classifications of the original files. This poses a significant risk when dealing with sensitive information. Consequently, it becomes the responsibility of the employee to meticulously review the AI-generated content to confirm that the data is correctly classified and evaluated for potential risks.

To misquote a certain masked superhero, with great AI power comes great responsibility to check its results.

We've listed the best Microsoft Teams alternatives.

I tested the FiiO JM21 portable music player and it’s hard to believe an entry-level digital audio device can sound so good for so little outlay

1:30 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Gadgets Portable Media Players | Tags: AAC, LDAC | Comments: Off

FiiO JM21: One-minute review

If we’ve all come to rely on FiiO for anything, it’s for specification and performance that’s out of proportion with the amount of money it’s asking for a given device. The latest product to demonstrate this happy knack in action is the FiiO JM21 digital audio player.

It’s compact, it’s more than adequately built and finished, it’s specified like a much more expensive device, and it’s simple to set up and use. Battery life is well above average for a product of this type, in much the same way that the price is well below. You can spend getting on for twice as much money on a Sony equivalent and it won’t buy you anything more where the quality of construction or the standard of specification is concerned.

So, does it sit among the best MP3 players on the market? It's an unequivocal yes from us.

FiiO JM21 review: Price and release date

FiiO JM21 portable music player, pictured on its side, on a white surface — (Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)

Released January 2025
Priced at $199 / £179 / AU$369 (approx.)

The FiiO JM21 digital audio player was announced at CES 2025 and launched towards the end of January 2025. In the United Kingdom it currently sells for around £179, while in the United States it goes for $199. Customers in Australia are likely to have to part with AU$369 or thereabouts.

FiiO JM21 review: Features

FiiO JM21 portable music player on a white surface — (Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)

2 x Cirrus Logic CS43198 DACs
Balanced and unbalanced headphone sockets
Bluetooth 5.0 with SBC, AAC, aptX HD, LDAC and LHDC codec support

You have to hand it to FiiO – it may have set out to produce the most affordable digital audio player it could realistically manage, but that doesn’t mean it’s felt the need to scrimp on the features.

Which means the FiiO JM21 is ready for any eventuality. It’s fitted with twin Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC chipsets for compatibility with resolutions up to 32bit/384kHz and DSD256, and these are paired with high-performance op-amps in a fully balanced layout. Its main control, DAC and headphone amp sections are shielded and isolated in their own zones in an effort to reduce signal interference and cross-talk.

Wired outputs consist of 3.5mm and balanced 4.4mm headphone sockets – the 3.5mm socket is a hybrid number that can be used as an SPDIF output for use with an external DAC. The USB-C slot that sits between them can be used for data transfer as well as battery-charging and the 2400mAh battery is good for more than 12 hours of playback between charges. That's as long as you’re using the unbalanced output and not going to town with volume levels, of course.

The JM21 has three ‘gain’ settings, each with a different volume curve. This is especially useful if you intend to use the FiiO as a source hard-wired to an amplifier or a powered speaker – set the output to ‘LO’ and no harm will come to your equipment – and it also means the JM21 should have no problem driving even quite demanding headphones. And if you connect the FiiO to a laptop (for instance) via its USB-C socket, it can function as a USB DAC and enhance your listening pleasure more than somewhat. Used this way, it’s able to deal with 32bit/768kHz and DSD512.

Where wireless connectivity is concerned, the JM21 is both a Bluetooth transmitter and receiver. When it’s sending to headphones, wireless speakers or what-have-you, its Bluetooth 5.0 is compatible with SBC, AAC, aptX HD, LDAC and LHDC codecs. Use it as a receiver and it can deal with SBC, AAC and LDAC. Dual-band Wi-Fi is on board, of course, and the JM21 is DLNA compatible and supports Apple AirPlay, too.

There’s plenty more, from the custom crystal oscillators (with ceramic gold-plated bases) that are screened at the femtosecond level to ensure consistent, stable output to the proprietary ‘digital audio purification’ system that separates the main processing module to the co-processing equivalent. But by now I think the broad point is made: the compact form-factor and relatively low price of the JM21 is not reflected in its specification.

Features score: 5 / 5

FiiO JM21 review: Sound quality

Display of the FiiO JM21 portable music player, showing Tubular Bells by Mike Oldfield — (Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)

Open, detailed and composed presentation
Good tonal balance and a fair amount of dynamism, too
Not absolutely comfortable at highest volumes

Everything is relative, of course, and everything needs to be put into context, but when you keep the price of the FiiO JM21 uppermost in your mind, it’s hard to find meaningful fault. That doesn’t mean I’m not going to give it a good go, you understand, but between you and me I’m struggling…

No matter if you listen wirelessly via the aptX codec to something like the Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 true wireless in-ears or the Dali IO-8 using aptX HD, using a pair of Sennheiser IE900 connected to the player’s 4.4mm balanced output, or make the FiiO part of a full-size system by connecting it to a Naim Uniti Star using the unbalanced 3.5mm output, it’s a composed, lively and admirably detailed listen. No matter if you listen to a DSD256 file of Mike Oldfield’s Tubular Bells, a 24/96kHz FLAC of When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? by Billie Eilish or a 16bit/44.1kHz file of De La Soul’s 3 Feet High and Rising, the JM21 doesn’t put a foot wrong. It’s a remarkable little device.

It balances the frequency range really nicely – from the deep and textured low frequencies to the politely shining top end and all points in between, there’s an evenness of emphasis and a lack of choppiness that speaks of a properly sorted player. It hits hard at the bottom end, but with no lack of control: its straight-edged attack means rhythmic expression is confident and convincing. There’s bite and drive at the top end, but it’s composed and never even hints at becoming hard or edgy. And in between, the mid-range is open and revealing, so a vocalist is allowed complete expression of the character and motivations.

FiiO JM21 portable music player, on its side showing microSD port, on a white background — (Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)

The tonal balance is equally well-judged. It’s on the cool side of neutral, but not by very much and not to the detriment of the music it’s playing. Meanwhile, the attention to detail the JM21 demonstrates is really admirable – even those transient details in a recording that are gone almost as soon as they arrive are picked up on and put into appropriate context.

The fact that the FiiO establishes a quite large and easily understood soundstage doesn’t do any harm, either. Even a borderline-chaotic stage like that which Mike Oldfield creates is opened up by the JM21, and the amount of properly defined space it can put between each element of a recording is quite something. There’s plenty of space on the ‘left/right’ axis and even a stab at creating a proper sensation of ‘front/back’, too. Dynamic headroom is considerable, so when a recording indulges in big shifts in intensity or volume, the player has no difficulty in keeping up and making them absolutely apparent.

In fact, as far as I can tell the only way to make the FiiO JM21 sound anything other than entirely comfortable and confident is to wind the volume up towards ‘ill-advised’ levels. When it’s playing at its upper limits, some of the three-dimensionality of its presentation goes astray, dynamic variations become flattened, and the overall sound gets rather shouty. But you should pay attention to your parents/doctor/own common sense – you really shouldn’t be listening at this sort of volume anyway.

Sound quality score: 5 / 5

FiiO JM21 review: Design

FiiO JM21 portable music player back panel — (Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)

121 x 68 x 13mm (HxWxD)
Aluminium and plastic construction
156g

You don’t see many ‘two-tone’ digital audio players, do you? The FiiO JM21 is one, though. It's impeccably built and finished from a combination of high-quality plastic and aluminium, is sky blue on its top half and silver on the bottom. The bottom is quite interestingly textured, too – although you may not get to experience this, as FiiO supplies the player pre-fitted with a protective transparent plastic case.

The top of the machine is basically all touch-screen - it’s a 4.7-inch, 750 x 1334 affair, and it’s big enough and bright enough to display a lot of information without becoming illegible. Despite the relatively large screen, though, at 121 x 68 x 13mm (HxWxD) the JM21 is smaller than even the most compact smartphone, and at 156g it’s no kind of burden to a pocket.

Design score: 5 / 5

FiiO JM21 review: Usability and setup

Android 13
3GB RAM, 32GB ROM (of which 22GB is usable)
8-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 processor

The FiiO JM21 uses an extensively adapted version of Android 13 as an operating system, and thanks to an 8-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 processor it’s fast and stable in operation. FiiO is open enough to acknowledge that Android 13 is fairly memory-hungry, though, and given the JM21 has just 3GB of RAM available (in order to keep both costs down) it suggests only loading those essential music-streaming apps and avoiding peripheral stuff. It also suggests avoiding running multiple apps simultaneously if at all possible.

The 22GB of usable ROM isn’t going to last long, but there’s a microSD card slot on one side of the player - and it can handle memory cards of up to 2TB, which is enough to store all the hi-res stuff you could possibly want to listen to.

Physical controls are arranged on the edge of the player, too. On the left side (as you look at it) there’s a power on/off button with an LED tell-tale just below it. Beneath there is a volume up/down rocker. On the right, meanwhile, there’s play/pause, skip forwards and skip backwards. Everything you need, in other words, and just as reliable and positive in their action as the touchscreen controls are.

Setting up the JM21 is simplicity itself for anyone who’s ever owned a smartphone. Charge the battery (from ‘flat’ to ‘full’ takes around two hours), put the player on your local network, install the apps you need to install (only the essentials, remember), and away you go. I’m struggling to think of how it could be any more straightforward.

Usability and setup score: 5 / 5

FiiO JM21 review: Value

I’ll say it as directly as I can, for the avoidance of doubt: the FiiO JM21 is tremendous value for money, at $199 / £179 / AU$369 (approx.). It’s as well-made and -finished as any sub-£500 digital audio player you care to mention, it’s specified beyond its asking price, and it sounds great when playing at real-world volumes.

Yes, it could do with more internal memory - but then the physical size, as well as the price, would very probably increase. SO make sure to budget for a microSD card of worthwhile capacity - you’ll still be in possession of a great-value portable music player.

Value score: 5 / 5

Should I buy the FiiO JM21?

Buy it if...

‘Small and affordable’ fits your digital audio player wish-list
Other devices from other brands are as compact, but none are as aggressively priced

You want one of the very best pound-for-pound digital audio players around
Sure, bigger and pricier alternatives sound even better, but they’re quite a lot bigger and an awful lot more expensive

You admire a two-tone finish
It’s not a huge point of difference, to be fair, but the multicoloured nature of the FiiO JM21 is pleasing (to me, at least)

Don't buy it if...

You don’t own a microSD card and don’t intend to buy one
There’s not much internal memory here, and even less of it is usable

You’re determined to listen at top volume
Some of the FiiO’s admirable composure and spaciousness goes astray if you insist on listening at the sort of levels you’re supposed to avoid

FiiO JM21 review: Also consider

Sony NW-A306
The problem here is that the FiiO JM21 has, at a stroke, made such products as the Sony NW-A306, which previously constituted ‘entry level’, look overpriced and sound pretty ordinary. The Sony is more poised when playing at the biggest volumes, sure, but there’s not a huge amount in it – certainly not to justify the extra outlay.
See our full Sony NW-A306 review

Activo P1
As for the Activo, which always looked a bit weird, it's made to look (and sound) almost juvenile by the FiiO JM21. So, all in all, ‘also consider’? Consider spending a great deal more money if you want to make a meaningful upgrade on the JM21…
Read our full Activo P1 review

How I tested the FiiO JM21

Tested for two weeks
Listened to both streamed and downloaded content
Tested with both wired and wireless headphones, Bluetooth speaker and amplifier

First things first: I installed the Presto Music and Tidal music streaming service apps via the Google Play store, and I also inserted a 512GB SanDisk microSD card loaded with lots of high-resolution content into the player’s slot.

Then I used a variety of wired and wireless headphones (including, but not limited to, some Sennheiser IE900 in-ear monitors via their 4.4mm socket and a pair of Bowers & Wilkins Px8 connected via Bluetooth), as well as connecting the player to a Bose SoundLink Max Bluetooth speaker and to a full-size stereo system by connecting its 3.5mm output to a line-level input on a Naim Uniti Star amplifier/network streamer.

And at every stage, I listened to lots of different types of music, stored in a number of different file types, and used a variety of Bluetooth codecs when the FiiO was connected wirelessly.

First reviewed in February 2025

Read TechRadar's reviews guarantee

Asus’ new high-end ROG Pelta gaming headset is one of the most impressive (and comfortable) I’ve ever tested – and the price ain’t bad either

6:39 am |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets Peripherals & Accessories | Tags: Forza Horizon, TV | Comments: Off

Asus ROG Pelta: one-minute review

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.

The Asus ROG Pelta gaming headset lying on a table with a glowing red logo

(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.

The Asus ROG Pelta gaming headset help by a hand, with the microphone inserted — (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.

The Asus ROG Pelta gaming headset from the front — (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.

A side shot of the Asus ROG Pelta gaming headset — (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

An up-close shot of the Asus ROG Pelta gaming headset, showing the 3.5mm jack used for microphone audio — (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.

An up-close shot of the Asus ROG Pelta headset, showing its adjustment ribbon for over-head comfort — (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.

Read our full Asus ROG Delta II review

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5

Available at the same price in many markets, the Arctis Nova 5 is considerable for its great battery life, build quality and brilliant companion app.

Read our full Steelseries Arctis Nova 5 review

Razer Barracuda X Chroma

Similar to the ROG Pelta, the Barracuda X Chroma offers top-end audio quality as a more budget-friendly model.

Read our full Razer Barracuda X Chroma review

How I tested the Asus ROG Pelta

Tested for four weeks
Used across various Windows PCs
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.

First tested in February 2025

I tested the iPhone 16e for a week and found it’s a good phone that stretches the definition of ‘budget’

5:00 am |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets iPhone Phones | Tags: Better Call Saul, CPU, Google Pixel, Resident Evil | Comments: Off

Apple iPhone 16e: Two-Minute Review

The iPhone 16e is a good phone. It has a pleasing design, and it feels like a true member of the iPhone 16 family. It is not a great phone, though – how could it be with a retro notch in the Super Retina XDR display and just a single 48MP camera?

There are 'budget' phones that cost far less and which have larger screens and multiple rear cameras. They're not iOS handsets, and that counts for something – any new iPhone joins an expansive and well-designed ecosystem offering connective tissue between excellent Apple services and other Apple hardware. I mostly live in that world now, and I appreciate how well my iPhone 16 Pro Max works with, for instance, my Mac, and how all my cloud-connected services know it's me on the line.

It's been a while since I've had such conflicting feelings about an iPhone. I appreciate that Apple thought it was time to move away from the iPhone SE design language, one that owed most of its look and feel to 2017's iPhone 8. I'm sure Apple couldn't wait to do away with the Lightning port and the Home button with Touch ID (which lives on in Macs and some iPads). But instead of giving us something fresh, Apple took a bit of this and a bit of that to cobble together the iPhone 16e.

The display is almost the best Apple has to offer if you can ignore the notch, aren't bothered by larger bezels, and don't miss the Dynamic Island too much. The main 48MP Fusion camera is very good and shoots high-quality stills and videos, but don't be fooled by the claims of 2x zoom, which is actually a 12MP crop on the middle of the 48MP sensor. I worry that people paying $599 / £599 / AU$999 for this phone will be a little frustrated that they're not at least getting a dedicated ultra-wide camera at that price.

Conversely, there is one bit of this iPhone 16e that's not only new but is, for the moment, unique among iPhone 16 devices: the C1 chip. I don't know why Apple's cheapest iPhone got this brand-new bit of Apple silicon, but it does a good job of delivering 5G and even satellite connectivity. Plus, it starts moving Apple out from under the yolk of Qualcomm, Apple's cellular modem chip frenemy. That relationship has been fraught for years, and I wonder if Apple had originally hoped to put the C1 in all iPhone 16 models but the development schedule slipped.

Apple iPhone 16e REVIEW — The iPhone 16e (center) with the iPhone 16 (right) and iPhone SE 3 (left). (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)

In any case, while it's hard to measure the connectivity benefits (it's another good 5G modem), Apple says this is the most efficient cellular modem it's ever put in an iPhone (that seems like a swipe at Qualcomm), and helps to deliver stellar battery life: a claimed 26 hours of video streaming. Battery life in real-world use will, naturally, be a different story.

On balance, I like this phone's performance (courtesy of the A18 chip and 8GB of RAM), its looks, and how it feels in the hand (a matte glass back and Ceramic Shield front), and I think iOS 18 with Apple Intelligence is well-thought-out and increasingly intelligent (though Siri remains a bit of a disappointment); but if you're shopping for a sub-$600 phone, there may be other even better choices from the likes of Google (Pixel 8a), OnePlus (OnePlus 13R) and the anticipated Samsung Galaxy S25 FE. You just have to be willing to leave the Apple bubble.

Apple iPhone 16e: Price and availability

Apple unveiled the iPhone 16e on February 19, 2025. It joins the iPhone 16 lineup, and starts at $599 / £599 / AU$999 with 128GB of storage, making it the most affordable smartphone of the bunch. It's available in black or white.

While some might consider the iPhone 16e to be the successor to the iPhone SE 3, it has little in common with that device. In particular, that was a $429 phone. At $599, Apple might be stretching the definition of budget, but it is $200 cheaper than the base iPhone 16. The phone's price compares somewhat less favorably outside the iOS sphere. The OnePlus 13R for instance is a 6.7-inch handset with three cameras, and the Google Pixel 8a matches the iPhone 16e's 6.1-inch screen size (though at a lower resolution), but also includes two rear cameras.

You won't find more affordable new phones in the iOS space. The iPhone 15 has the main and ultra-wide camera and the Dynamic Island, but it costs $699 / £699 / AU$1,249. A refurbished iPhone 14 costs $529, but neither it nor the iPhone 15 supports Apple Intelligence.

Value score: 4/5

Apple iPhone 16: Specs

Apple iPhone 16e: Design

No trace of the iPhone SE design remains
Hybrid iPhone 14/15 design
Sharper edges than the current iPhone 16 design

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There's no question that the iPhone 16e is a part of the iPhone 16 family. At a glance, especially when the screen is off, it's almost a dead ringer for the base model; the aerospace aluminum fame is only slightly smaller.

Upon closer examination, those similarities recede, and I can see the myriad differences that make this a true hybrid design. This is now the only iPhone with a single camera, which almost looks a little lonely on the matte glass back. The edges of the metal band that wraps around the body are noticeably sharper than those of any other iPhone 16, but the phone still feels good in the hand.

The button configuration is essentially what you'd find on an iPhone 15. There's the power / sleep / Siri button on the right, and on the left are the two volume buttons and the Action button. Unlike the rest of the iPhone 16 lineup the 16e doesn't get the Camera Control, but at least the Action button is configurable, so you can set it to activate the camera or toggle the Flashlight, Silent Mode, Voice Memo, and more. I set mine to launch Visual Intelligence, an Apple Intelligence feature: you press and hold the Action button once to open it, and press again to grab a photo, and then you can select on-screen if you want ChatGPT or Google Search to handle the query. Apple Intelligence can also analyze the image directly and identify the subject.

The phone is iP68 rated to handle water and dust, including a dunk in six meters of water for 30 minutes. The screen is protected with a Ceramic Shield to better protect it from drops, though I'm not sure it does much to prevent scratches.

I put a case on the phone, never dropped it, and handled it gingerly, and yet within a day I noticed a long scratch on the screen, although I have no recollection of brushing the display against anything. I had a similar situation with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra; I await the phone that can handle life in my pocket (empty other than the phone) without sustaining a scratch.

Overall, if you like the looks of the iPhone 16 lineup (or even the iPhone 14 and 15 lineups) the iPhone 16e will not disappoint.

Design score: 4 / 5

Apple iPhone 16e: Display

Almost Apple's best smartphone display
The notch is back
The bezels are a little bigger

If you're coming from the iPhone SE to the iPhone 16E, you're in for quite a shock. This 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen is nothing like the 4.7-inch LCD display on that now-retired design.

The iPhone 16e features a lovely edge-to-edge design – with slightly larger bezels than you'll find on other iPhone 16 phones – that leaves no room for the dearly departed Touch ID Home button. Instead, this phone adopts the Face ID biometric security, which is, as far as I'm concerned, probably the best smartphone face recognition in the business. Face ID lives in the TrueDepth camera system notch, which also accommodates, among other things, the 12MP front-facing camera, microphone, and proximity sensor.

While I never had a big problem with the notch, I can't say I'm thrilled to see it return here. The rest of the iPhone 16 lineup features the versatile Dynamic Island, which I think most would agree is preferable to this cutout.

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The iPhone 16e shares the iPhone 16's 460ppi resolution, but it does lose a few pixels (2532 x 1170 versus 2556 x 1179 for the iPhone 16). It still supports True Tone, Wide color (P3), and a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio. The only area where it loses a bit of oomph is on the brightness front. Peak brightness for HDR content is 1,200 nits, and all other content is 800nits. The iPhone 16's peak outdoor brightness is 2,000 nits. As with other non-pro models, the refresh rate on the iPhone 16e sits at a fixed 60Hz.

Even so, I had no trouble viewing the iPhone 16e screen in a wide variety of lighting situations, and any shortcomings are only evident in the brightest, direct sunlight.

In day-to-day use, everything from photos and video to AAA games, apps, and websites looks great on this display. Colors are bright and punchy, and the blacks are inky. I'm not distracted by the notch on games, where it can cut a bit into the gameplay view, and most video streaming defaults to a letterbox format that steers clear of it, with black bars on the left and right sides of the screen.

Display score: 4 / 5

Apple iPhone 16e: Software and Apple Intelligence

iOS 18 is a rich and well-thought-out platform
Apple Intelligence has some impressive features, but we await the Siri of our dreams
Mail and photo redesigns leave something to be desired

iOS 18 is now smarter, more proactive, and more customizable than ever before. I can transform every app icon from 'Light' to 'Tinted' (monochromatic), fill my home screen with widgets, and expand them until they almost fill the screen. This customizability carries through to the Control Center, which is now a multi-page affair that I can leave alone, or completely reorganize so the tools I care about are available with a quick swipe down from the upper-right corner.

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Apple Intelligence, which Apple unveiled last June, is growing in prominence and utility. It lives across apps like Messages and Email in Writing Tools, which is a bit buried so I often forget it exists. It's in notification summaries that can be useful for at-a-glance action but which are sometimes a bit confusing, and in image-generation tools like Image Playground and Genmojis.

It's also in Visual intelligence, which, as have it set up, gives me one-button access to ChatGPT and Google Search.

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I think I prefer the more utilitarian features of Apple Intelligence like Clean Up. It lets you quickly remove people and objects from photos as if they were never there in the first place.

I'm also a fan of Audio Mix, which is not a part of Apple Intelligence, but uses machine learning to clean up the messiest audio to make it usable in social media, podcasts, or just for sharing with friends.

iOS 18 also features updated Photos and Mail apps with Apple Intelligence. I've struggled a bit with how Photos reorganized my images, and I've had similar issues with how Mail is now reorganizing my emails. I hope Apple takes another run at these apps in iOS 19.

Siri is smarter and more aware of iPhone features than before. It can handle my vocal missteps, and still knows what I want, but remains mostly unaware of my on-device information, and feels far less conversational and powerful as a chatbot than Google Gemini and ChatGPT.

Software score: 4.5 / 5

Apple iPhone 16e: Camera

48MP Fusion is a good camera
The front-facing camera shines as well
A single rear camera at this price is disappointing

With a more powerful CPU, a bigger screen, and the new C1 chip, I can almost understand why Apple set the iPhone 16e price as high as it did. Almost… until I consider the single, rear 48MP Fusion camera. Most smartphones in this price range feature at least two lenses, and usually the second one is an ultra-wide – without that lens you miss out on not only dramatic ultra-wide shots but also macro photography capabilities. Had Apple priced this camera at $499, I might understand.

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Still, I like this camera. It defaults to shooting in 24MP, which is a bin of the 48MP available on the sensor (two pixels for each single image pixel to double the image information). There's a 2x zoom option, which is useful, but it's only shooting at 12MP because it's only using the central 12 megapixels from the full 48MP frame. These images are still good, but just not the same resolution as the default or what you could get shooting full-frame.

Overall, the camera shoots lovely photos with exquisite detail and the kind of color fidelity I appreciate (in people and skies especially) in a wide variety of scenarios. I captured excellent still lifes, portraits, and night-mode shots. I was also impressed with the front camera, which is especially good for portrait-mode selfies. Much of this image quality is thanks to the work Apple has done on its Photonic Engine. Apple's computational image pipeline pulls out extraordinary detail and nuance in most photographic situations, even if it is for just these two cameras.

iPhone 16 camera samples

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Apple iPhone 16e REVIEW camera samples — Rear camera, 2x (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)

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Camera score: 4 / 5

Apple iPhone 16e: Performance

The A18 is an excellent and powerful CPU
It's ready for Apple Intelligence
C1, Apple's first cellular modem, is effective for 5G and satellite connectivity

If you're wondering why the successor to the iPhone SE is not a $429 smartphone, you might look at the processing combo of the powerful A18 and the new C1.

The A18 is the same chip you'll find in the iPhone 16, with the exception of one fewer GPU core. I promise you'll never notice the difference.

Performance scores are excellent, and in line with the numbers we got for other A18 chips (and slightly lower than what you get from the A18 Pro in the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max).

The A18 has more than enough power not just for day-to-day tasks like email and web browsing, but for 4K video editing (which I did in CapCut) and AAA gaming (game mode turns on automatically to divert more resources toward gaming). I played Asphalt 9 United, Resident Evil 4, and Call of Duty Mobile, and made things easier for myself by connecting my Xbox controller. My only criticism would be that a 6.1-inch screen is a little tight for these games. The audio from the stereo speakers, by the way, is excellent – I get an impressive spatial audio experience with Resident Evil 4.

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There's also the new C1 chip, which is notable because it's Apple's first custom cellular mobile chip. Previously Apple relied on, among other partners, Qualcomm for this silicon. I didn't notice any difference in connectivity with the new chip, which is a good thing – and I was impressed that I could use text via satellite.

I didn't think I'd get to test this feature, but AT&T connectivity is so bad in my New York neighborhood that the SOS icon appeared at the top of my iPhone 16e screen, and next to it I noticed the satellite icon. I opened messages, and the phone asked if I wanted to use the Satellite texting feature. I held the phone near my screen door to get a clear view of the sky, and followed the on-display guide that told me which way to point the phone. I got a 'Connected' notification, and then sent a few SMS texts over satellite. It's a nifty feature, and it was a nice little test of the C1's capabilities.

Performance score: 5 / 5

Apple iPhone 16e: Battery

Long lasting
Wireless charging
No MagSafe

It's clear that Apple has prioritized battery life on the iPhone 16e over some other features. That would likely explain, for instance, why we have wireless charging but not MagSafe support – adding that magnetic ring might have eaten into battery space. The C1 chip is apparently smaller than the modem chip in other iPhone 16 models, and even the decision to include one camera instead of two probably helped make room for what is a larger battery than even the one in the iPhone 16.

Apple rates the iPhone 16e for 26 hours of video-rundown battery life – that's about four hours more than the iPhone 16. In my real-world testing the battery life has been very good, but varied use can run the battery down in far fewer than 26 hours.

On one day when I did everything from email and web browsing to social media consumption and then a lot of gaming, battery life was about 12 hours – gaming in particular really chewed through the battery and made the phone pretty warm.

My own video rundown test (I played through episodes of Better Call Saul on Netflix) returned about 24 hours of battery life.

I used a 65W USB-C charger to charge the phone to 57% in 30 minutes, with a full charge taking about one hour and 50 minutes. I also tried a 20W charger, which charged the phone to 50% in 30 minutes.

Battery score: 5 / 5

Should you buy the Apple iPhone 16e?

iPhone 16e score card

Buy it if..

You want an affordable, smaller iPhone

This is now your only brand-new 'budget' iPhone choice.

You want sub-$600 access to Apple Intelligence

Apple squeezed a A18 chip inside this affordable iPhone to give you access to Apple's own brand of AI.

Don’t buy it if...

You're a photographer

A single, albeit excellent, rear lens won't be enough for people who like to shoot wide-angle and macros.

You never liked the notch

Apple bringing back a none-too-loved display feature doesn't make a lot of sense. If you want the Dynamic Island at a more affordable price than the iPhone 16, take a look at the iPhone 15.

You want a real zoom lens

The 2x zoom on the iPhone 16e is not a true optical zoom; instead, it's a full-frame sensor crop. If a big optical zoom is your thing, look elsewhere.

Apple iPhone 16: Also consider

iPhone 15

For $100 more you get two cameras, the Dynamic Island, and the Camera Control.

Read TechRadar's iPhone 15 review.

Google Pixel 8a

As soon as you step outside the Apple ecosystem you'll find more affordable phones with more features. The Pixel 8a is not as powerful as the iPhone 16e, but it has a nice build, two cameras, excellent Google services integration, and affordable access to Gemini AI features.

Read TechRadar's Google Pixel 8a review.

Apple iPhone 16: How I tested

I've reviewed countless smartphones ranging from the most affordable models to flagships and foldables. I put every phone through as many rigorous tests and everyday tasks as possible.

I had the iPhone 16e for just under a week, and after receiving it I immediately started taking photos, running benchmarks, and using it as an everyday device for photos, videos, email, social media, messaging, streaming video, and gaming.

Correction 2-27-2025: A previous version of this review listed Audio Mix as part of Apple Intelligence.

First reviewed February 26, 2025

Gamakay TK75 V2 review: a mechanical keyboard that’s a dream to use and comes in at a good price

9:00 pm | February 26, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets Keyboards Peripherals & Accessories | Comments: Off

Gamakay TK75 V2: one-minute review

The Gamakay TK75 V2 is a wireless mechanical keyboard that's designed to match the performance of more expensive rivals while being more affordable.

It adopts a retro-modern aesthetic, with a thick, squared-off chassis harking back to more traditional mechanical keyboard designs. However, its pristine white base, combined with some choice colors for certain keys, helps to make the TK75 V2 more appealing, and the RGB lighting adds vibrancy, too.

The TK75 V2 is well built, with every panel of the unit feeling solid to the touch. The PBT keycaps are especially premium, sporting a super-smooth texture, rivaling those adorning the best keyboards.

Many keyboards of this depth usually include a wrist-rest; unfortunately, this isn't the case with the TK75 V2. However, I found it perfectly comfortable to use without one (and I nearly always use one). This is largely thanks to the two-stage feet and the forward tilt of the keys themselves.

The layout is fairly compact, yet the keys are still easy to hit accurately, and Gamakay has managed to squeeze in a volume wheel and a small TFT screen.

This can display information such as battery life and CPU temperatures, and there’s a section for adjusting the RGB lighting. There's a timer, too, which shows how long you’ve been using the TK75 V2 for, which is useful for those who like to keep track of such stats. Note that the screen is quite small and the resolution isn’t the sharpest; but many others don’t fare much better.

Gamakay also provides software to customize the TK75 V2. This offers a pleasing number of rebinding options, with multiple layers that can be switched between using Fn shortcuts. Speaking of which, the stock Fn shortcuts on the TK75 V2 are surprisingly numerous, making it a versatile keyboard.

The software isn’t perfect, though, and it can suffer from slow loading times (unusual for peripheral software) and it did crash once during my time with it. It also lacks some of the more advanced features and functions that gamers would welcome, such as Easy-Shift.

The most positive aspect about the TK75 V2 is the typing performance. The ultra-damped tactile switches in my unit were an absolute joy to use, being super satisfying yet extremely quiet – perhaps the quietest I’ve ever used. For gaming it was similarly adroit, and the switches proved responsive enough for fast inputs.

The connectivity options of the TK75 V2 are impressive as well, with Bluetooth and 2.4GHz options available. With the former, you can hot-switch between three devices using Fn shortcuts. There’s also a wired connection, although the USB port doesn’t appear to offer the most robust physical connection; even so, I didn’t experience any dropouts with it.

The battery life of the TK75 V2 seems reasonable, since it dipped only one bar out of five following a full day of varied use and connectivity modes. However, charging it seemed unduly slow, as it failed to reach full capacity after more than five hours; it’s possible this is something that can be fixed in a firmware update, however.

The TK75 V2 offers a lot for the money: mechanical switches, good build quality, customization software, and multiple wireless connectivity options. Best of all, performance is great.

However, there are even cheaper alternatives available that offer great performance. For instance, the Roccat Magma is great for gaming, and the Keychron C3 Pro offers mechanical switches at a seriously low price. All things considered, though, the TK75 V2 does enough to earn its place alongside the big names in the space.

Close-up of volume wheel on Gamakay TK75 V2 on desk with pink background — (Image credit: Future)

Gamakay TK75 V2 review: price and availability

$89.99 / £75 / $AU148
Available now with two switch types
Great value for the spec

The Gamakay TK75 V2 costs $89.99 / £75 / $AU148 and is available now, configurable with either Pegasus (tactile) or Phoenix (linear) switches as stock (although this isn’t permanent, as the board is hot-swappable). It comes with a braided USB-C cable, keycap puller, and spare case screws.

For a wireless mechanical keyboard with numerous wireless connectivity options, the TK75 V2 represents good value. However, if you want an even cheaper mechanical keyboard, the Keychron C3 Pro is one of the best. We found this board’s switches tactile yet relatively quiet, and you can customize it via QMK or VIA; however, this doesn’t offer the level of tweakability that gamers hanker for.

If you want the best gaming keyboard while keeping cost down, then the Roccat Magma is a great alternative. It doesn’t have mechanical switches; but despite this, we still found it delivered a good feel, and offered useful customization options, too.

Value: 4.5 / 5

Gamakay TK75 V2 review: specs

Close-up of side of Gamakay TK75 V2 on desk — (Image credit: Future)

Gamakay TK75 V2 review: design and features

Retro yet modern looks
Decent build quality
Useful software

The TK75 V2 has a retro-inspired design, with its thick and square body. However, the bright white shade helps to modernize its look, as do the various keycap colors, which all complement each other well. Combined with the vivid RGB lighting, this is a vibrant-looking board.

Despite appearances, the TK75 V2 isn’t weighty, especially at this price point. The same is true of the PBT keycaps, which feel silky smooth.

The compact layout helps to keep its overall size to a minimum, yet Gamakay has still managed to include a volume wheel and even a small TFT screen. The former operates smoothly, with light notching to provide some useful feedback.

The two-stage feet are also well made, with the mechanisms feeling solid and stable. However, I did find them a little too easy to knock down when moving the TK75 V2 around, but this is a small gripe. A bonus feature is the slot under the left foot to store the included 2.4GHz dongle, which is handy.

The included cable is long, and is unexpectedly shiny, adding some flair to an otherwise drab accessory. It’s much better than the cable included with the TK101, although the physical connection didn’t seem the most secure, as it had a small amount of wobble to it. Thankfully, though, I didn’t experience any dropouts.

The TK75 V2 also includes a TFT screen, which displays various aspects, such as battery life (represented with five bars, not a percentage) and CPU temperature. There’s also a run timer, which is handy for those who like to track their usage. The menu is controlled via the volume wheel, and there’s also a section to adjust the RGB lighting.

Close-up of power switch and USB-C on back of Gamakay TK75 V2 on desk with pink background — (Image credit: Future)

However, the display area is quite small, and the resolution isn’t that sharp – but these are charges you can level at many built-in screens. Where it does fall behind its rivals, though, is the lack of game-specific information, which boards such as the SteelSeries Apex Pro offer.

Despite the lack of dedicated shortcut keys, there are plenty of shortcuts available on the TK75 V2 via the Fn key. These include typical functions such as media playback controls, opening the calculator or file explorer, and switching between connected devices, to name just a few. Unfortunately, none of these is labelled on the keys concerned, so you’ll need the included manual to hand.

The shortcuts can be customized using the Gamakay software, along with individual key presses, which can be remapped to other characters, media controls, system shortcuts, mouse buttons and movements, and combinations with the modifier keys. Unfortunately, though, the volume wheel can’t be customized.

There are eight layers for remapping keys, although layers aren’t available for Fn shortcuts. Also, only three layers can be switched between using Fn and the Z, X, and C keys.

The software also features a macro recorder, as well as a section to customize the TRT screen, with options to draw your own pictures and animations, or upload them from your files.

All these customization options are welcome, but it’s a shame there aren’t more gaming-related tweaks, such as Easy-Shift functionality; and although you can adjust sensitivity of presses, I barely noticed a difference between low and high settings.

What’s more, the GUI isn’t the sharpest, plus you'll encounter loading times as various settings changes take effect, which is unusual for peripheral software. I also experienced a crash on one occasion; but in the main, it ran well enough.

Design & features: 4 / 5

Gamakay TK75 V2 review: performance

Fantastic dampening
Comfortable angle
Useful connectivity options

The TK75 V2 really comes into its own once you start typing. The tactile Pegasus switches in my unit were a delight to use, with an ultra-damped feel, yet still providing plenty of snap and feedback (and if you don’t like them, they’re hot-swappable).

The Cherry keycaps are also relatively thin compared to those on other mechanical keyboards, which I welcome as someone who prefers typing on laptop-style boards. The slight downward slant of the switches was also welcome in this regard. All of the above make the TK75 V2 one of the best mechanical keyboards for typing that I’ve ever used.

What’s more, it’s also one of the quietest keyboards I’ve used, in line with Gamakay’s claim. If you prefer your key presses with more click than thock, then the heavily damped switches of the TK75 V2 might not be for you. However, I wager most will welcome the combination of easy actuation and cushioned impacts.

When gaming, the TK75 V2 performs admirably. There’s enough snap to presses and response times are good enough for most gamers. However, the aforementioned lack of adjustments and customizations specifically for gaming is a shame.

Despite the aforementioned thickness of the body, I didn’t find it uncomfortable to use the TK75 V2 without a wrist-rest, which is fortunate since one isn't included. The feet offer meaningful adjustments, too, which helps to get the right angle.

Close-up of keys on Gamakay TK75 V2 with RGB lighting on and one keycap removed, exposing switch beneath — (Image credit: Future)

The various connectivity modes work well for the most part, and switching between them is quick and easy via the toggle switch. Switching between devices connected via Bluetooth using the Fn shortcuts was similarly hassle-free.

However, even though you're supposed to be able to use these shortcuts to manually switch between Bluetooth, 2.4GHz and wired modes as well, this didn’t work for me – it was only the toggle switch that worked for me.

The battery life of the TK75 V2 seems good: since there’s no percentage provided via the software or the TFT screen, I was unable to gauge depletion precisely; but I can say that after a day’s worth of use – during which I typed and gamed, and switched regularly between Bluetooth and 2.4GHz modes – it only dropped a single bar.

Charging the TK75 V2 via a desktop PC proved disappointingly slow, however. Even after five and a half hours, the keyboard still wasn’t at full power, reaching only four bars out of five. It’s possible this might be a firmware issue, so there’s every chance an update will remedy this at some point.

Performance: 4.5 / 5

Should I buy the Gamakay TK75 V2?

Buy it if…

You want exquisite typing feel
This is simply one of the best-feeling – not to mention quietest – keyboards I’ve ever used; if you like soft dampening yet still want snappy performance, it won’t disappoint.

You want multiple connectivity options
With three-way Bluetooth switching, a 2.4GHz dongle and a USB cable, you can go between all your devices with ease.

Don’t buy it if…

You want serious gaming pedigree
While performance is great, the TK75 V2 lacks more advanced features and tweaks that gamers might want, such as Easy-Shift functionality.

You want a number pad
The TK75 V2 is only available with a 75% layout, which might be a deal-breaker for those who want to use it for some serious productivity.

Gamakay TK75 V2 review: also consider

Keychron C3 Pro
If you want a seriously cheap mechanical keyboard, look no further than the C3 Pro. It offers great performance, and you can customize it using QMK and VIA. It might not cut the mustard for hardcore gamers, but it’s good enough for most.

Read our Keychron C3 Pro review

Roccat Magma
If gaming is your primary concern, but you don’t want to spend the earth, the Magma could fit the bill. We think it’s the best gaming keyboard for those on a budget, thanks to its capable performance and useful features, such as Game mode, which turns the Caps Lock into an Easy-Shift modifier. It might not be mechanical, but at this price, that’s to be expected.

Read our Roccat Magma review

How I tested the Gamakay TK75 V2

Tested for several days
Used for gaming and working
Plentiful keyboard experience

I tested the TK75 V2 for several days, during which time I used it for working, gaming, and general browsing. I tested it on two different Windows 10 PCs.

I spent a lot of time typing with TK75 V2 (including for this very review), and played S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, a first-person shooter requiring quick inputs and wider key use beyond those in the WASD position.

I have reviewed numerous keyboards in the past, covering models designed for gaming as well as for productivity. I've been PC gaming for more than a decade, and have owned many keyboards from different brands at different price points and with various switch types.

First reviewed January 2025
Read more about how we test

I tested the Acer Swift 14 AI for two weeks – if you need a new work laptop, this one is close to perfection

8:30 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets Laptops | Tags: Acer Swift, AI | Comments: Off

Acer Swift 14 AI: Two-minute review

Acer Aspire 14 AI laptop closed to show its black exterior — (Image credit: Future / Jasmine Mannan)

With so many laptops hitting the scene at the moment, Acer has thrown it’s hat in the ring with the Acer Swift 14 AI. This mighty laptop has swept me off of my feet almost immediately and could very well be a contender for one of the best laptops on the market right now.

Boasting a gorgeous OLED screen, I was stunned by the visuals I was getting when watching videos or editing pictures. You also get a great battery life which will last you all day when working and with some juice left in the tank afterwards. While it didn’t live up to the 17 hours claimed by Acer, it came in pretty close at 14 hours. I took some issues with the design because it just felt a bit clunky, but this is something that you likely wouldn’t notice unless you were specifically looking for issues.

Coming in at $1,199 / £899 / AU$1,899 (currently on sale in the UK), this laptop is on the pricier side, with similar alternatives also coming in around this price point. However, when factoring in the sale price, I am genuinely gobsmacked that you’re able to get a laptop of this quality in terms of both hardware and performance, for less than £900 ($1,200).

Acer Swift 14 AI: Price and availability

How much does it cost? $1,199 / £899 / AU$1,899
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia

The Acer Swift 14 AI comes in at $1,199 / £1,199 / AU$1,899, which is definitely not a budget-friendly option when it comes to laptops, however you get some very good specifications for this price point. You can currently pick it up in most regions. It’s on sale at Currys in the UK at the moment, with the Intel edition sitting at a much more affordable £899. On the US side of the map, you can pick it up on sale at Amazon, Best Buy, Newegg, and other similar retailers.

Alternatives on the market include the Asus Zenbook A14, which has similar specs and also features an OLED screen. It sits at a higher price point of $1,399.99, though. Another alternative is the Apple MacBook Air 2024 edition, which features the M3 chip and comes in at $1,199. This makes the Acer Swift 14 AI a great option to pick up while it's on sale, but it’s still decent value when it's not.

Value: 5 / 5

Acer Swift 14 AI: Specs

You can get an Intel or a Qualcomm version of the Acer Swift 14 AI. In the UK these are the same price, however the sale over at Currys only applies to the Intel version, which does make the Qualcomm one more expensive. Elsewhere in the world, you’ll also spend more on the Qualcomm edition as it can deliver more power. All of the rest of the specifications are the same.

As of right now, you can’t configure these specifications, however considering everything other than the processor is identical it doesn’t seem like you’d need to. The Acer website does state that this laptop comes with up to 32GB of RAM suggesting that other configurations may be in the works.

Acer Swift 14 AI: Design

The Acer Aspire 14 AI's keyboard and left-side ports — (Image credit: Future / Jasmine Mannan)

When first unboxing the Acer Swift 14 AI, I was somewhat underwhelmed. While it is housed in a high quality and sturdy chassis, it doesn’t have any particular flare in terms of design. It weighs in at 1.28kg (2.82 lbs), which is definitely lightweight, but not the lightest option on the market with the Asus Zenbook 14 coming in at under a kilogram (2.2 lbs).

Something that particularly irked me when using this laptop was the fact that the edges weren’t rounded off properly which made it feel a bit clunky. You’ll also find a slightly thicker bezel around the webcam which again subtracts from the sleekness of the design. However, the Acer Swift 14 AI is 1.49cm (0.59 inches) thick, which keeps it slimline. It’s easy to stick in a backpack or sleeve and take on the go with you.

You get two USB-C ports, either can be used for charging. You also get two USB-A ports which is greatly appreciated. As someone who uses a range of peripherals, whether it be a USB headset, keyboard, mouse or extra monitors, I found there were enough ports for me to use this laptop as part of my workstation, just about. You also get an HDMI port.

The chassis of this laptop is made of metal rather than plastic like some other lightweight alternatives making for a more premium feel. The keyboard is very low profile, making for satisfying key presses. You’ll find that the keys are the same texture as the rest of the laptop too rather than being made from plastic which again contributes to the higher quality feeling.

Design: 4 / 5

Acer Swift 14 AI: Performance

Acer Aspire 14 AI laptop display showing the Windows 11 login screen — (Image credit: Future / Jasmine Mannan)

Using the Acer Swift 14 AI did feel like a bit of a step down from the Asus Zenbook A14 I just tested, however at £200 less this is to be expected. Using it on the go wasn’t as satisfying as my typical MacBook Air despite it being a similar size and weight, with it feeling more clunky when putting it in my bag.

When booting up the laptop, I was stunned by the screen. The 2K OLED panel is gorgeous and makes for a fantastic experience when watching videos or movies. For creatives who design graphics or video assets, seeing the screen bring your creations to life through color is amazing. With most laptops being able to deliver great performance, they now have to stand out with other features and the OLED screen does a great job of this.

Acer Swift 14 AI: Benchmarks - Gaming laptops only

Here's how the Acer Swift 14 AI performed in our suite of benchmark tests:

3DMark: Night Raid: 36616 ; Fire Strike: 8898 ; Time Spy: 4438

GeekBench 6: 1884 (single-core); 7657 (multi-core)

CrossMark: Overall: 978 Productivity: 914 Creativity: 1082 Responsiveness: 883

PCMark 10 Battery Life: 14 Hours 7 Mins

TechRadar movie test: 13 Hours 43 Mins

While this laptop isn’t made for intensive tasks, I still put it to the test. Things like basic photo and video editing on Abode Photoshop and Adobe Premiere Pro worked absolutely fine, and while Premiere Pro did feel a bit sluggish, it was by no means unusable. Taxing 3D animation is certainly off the table here but using this laptop for standard everyday productivity is perfectly fine.

I was sure to try multitasking here too, with a range of programs open at once and to my surprise, it functioned quite well even with just 16GB of RAM. Even being in a video call while also creating a PowerPoint and watching a video, the laptop didn’t stutter at all. This felt like a decent upgrade from my old Macbook Air which immediately starts whining when I open a second Chrome tab.

Even when using this laptop on the go, it stayed very quiet which was great. One of my biggest fears is booting up my MacBook on a train and its begins to sound like a rocket taking off, and I never had to worry about that with the Acer Swift 14 AI.

Of course you get the benefits of CoPilot+ with this laptop too but for me this is no longer a standout feature and instead just expected.

Performance: 5 / 5

Acer Swift 14 AI: Battery life

When using the Acer Swift 14 AI in my day to day life I found that the battery life was pretty impressive. It wasn’t a device you could go days without charging by any means, but you could certainly get through a full workday and still have some battery left over at the end of the day.

Acer claim that this laptop boasts 17 hours of battery life and our testing came in pretty close…but no cigar, at 14 hours of continuous video playback - which is obviously not how many people will be using their device on a day-to-day basis.

Battery life: 4 / 5

Should I buy the Acer Swift 14 AI?

Buy it if...

You want a slightly more affordable laptop

Currently on sale to £899 ($1,199), the Acer Swift 14 AI delivers the same performance as higher priced alternativesView Deal

You want good battery life

You can easily work all day and have battery left over. View Deal

You want to be able to multitask

The laptop will happily run multiple programs at once without stuttering or slowing downView Deal

Don't buy it if...

You want something easy and satisfying to travel with

Despite being thin and lightweight, the design leads to a clunky feeling device. View Deal

You want something with a lot of processing power

While this device is powerful, it won’t be able to undertake super intensive tasksView Deal

You want a device you can game on

This laptop is just not made for gaming and while you likely could play some titles on here, they wouldn’t be the best performanceView Deal

Also Consider

If our Acer Swift 14 AI review has you considering other options, here are two laptops to consider...

Asus Zenbook A14

If you’re looking for a premium option that's lightweight and easy to take with you on the go then the Asus Zenbook A14 is the laptop for you. You still get the stunning OLED display and a powerful processor with even better portability. It does come with a slight price tag increase, though.

Read our full Asus Zenbook A14 reviewView Deal

Apple Macbook Pro 16-inch (M4 Pro, 2024)

If you want a laptop that's capable of performing more intensive tasks like 3D Animation or heavy video rendering then the M4 Pro processor in the Apple Macbook Pro is going to help you out more.

Read our full Apple Macbook Pro 16-inch (M4 Pro, 2024) reviewView Deal

How I tested the Acer Swift 14 AI

I spent two weeks using the Acer Swift 14 AI as my every day laptop for work and leisure. I was sure to use the device all day for my typical work day, and then also watched videos, movies and browsed social media on it in the evenings. I took it on the go with me to different locations where I needed to work to see how it would feel outside of my workstation. As well as using it every day I also benchmarked the laptop using a range of different benchmarking software.

First reviewed February 2025

I think the Gamakay TK101 is a capable mechanical keyboard, but my testing found it still lacks the performance and features of the very best

7:44 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets Keyboards Peripherals & Accessories | Comments: Off

Gamakay TK101: one-minute review

The Gamakay TK101 is a wireless mechanical keyboard with a compact form factor at a reasonable price. It adopts a more retro aesthetic, reminiscent of older style mechanical keyboards. The multicolored keycaps do help to add interest, and their rounded edges are inviting.

They also feel as good as they look since they’re made from double-shot PBT. They have a slight yet satisfying texture, and are more premium than you might expect at this price point. In fact, the whole construction of the TK101 is admirable.

The chassis is quite thick and reasonably heavy considering its small layout. There’s no included wrist rest, though, which is a shame since I had to bend my wrists uncomfortably for most of the time.

While there are various shortcuts you can perform using the FN and other keys, there’s no labelling on the keys themselves for these extra functions, so you’ll have to refer to the manual. What’s more, unlike with many of the best wireless keyboards, there isn’t any customization software, which means more advanced tweaks are missing. This makes it less amenable for gaming, where such tweaks can be important.

The unit I had came with tactile switches, and while I found them satisfying to use thanks to their dampening and lubrication, they are quite heavy, and not as snappy as I would’ve liked for gaming. For typing, I found the MDA profile of the keycaps too thick, as I generally prefer low-profile laptop-style keys. And despite what Gamakay claims, I didn’t find them to be quiet either.

Connecting to multiple devices is easy, and the quick switching shortcuts work well. Up to three Bluetooth devices can be switched between, in addition to devices connected via the included 2.4GHz wireless dongle or a USB cable.

While I wasn’t able to deplete the battery completely during my time with the TK101, after a few days of varied use it dropped to about 50%, which isn’t a very impressive performance.

For the price, the TK101 punches above its weight thanks to its premium construction and hardware. However, I found the tactile switches a little too heavy, and the lack of customization hurts it. If you’re after a keyboard with an even lower price but still has great performance, the Keychron C3 Pro is a great choice, and for something more gaming-orientated, the Logitech G213 Prodigy may be a better alternative.

Side view of Gamakay TK101 on table — (Image credit: Future)

Gamakay TK101 review: price and availability

$89 / £76 / AU$150
Available now in multiple colorways
Good price, but some cheaper alternatives

The Gamakay TK101 costs $89 / £76 / AU$150 and is available now in three colorways: White & Grey, Black & Red, and Cyan & Grey. You can configure it with Saturn (linear) or Pluto (tactile) switches, although these are hot-swappable, with Gamakay selling more on their website.

The TK101 is well-priced for a wireless mechanical keyboard with multiple connectivity options. The Logitech G213 Prodigy, one of the best mechanical keyboards, is even cheaper than the TK101, but it lacks wireless connectivity, and while we enjoyed using it, we weren’t hugely impressed with its build quality. It can be customized, though, which may make it better for gamers.

There’s also the Keychron C3 Pro, which is the best keyboard with mechanical switches and a compact layout in our eyes. It’s even cheaper than the TK101, and we were very impressed with the feel of its mechanical switches. But, again, it lacks wireless capabilities.

Value: 4 / 5

Close-up of foot on Gamakay TK101 — (Image credit: Future)

Gamakay TK101 review: specs

Rear panel of Gamakay TK101 — (Image credit: Future)

Gamakay TK101 review: design and features

Retro looks
Thick chassis
No software

The TK101 harks back somewhat to traditional mechanical keyboards, thanks to its chunky-looking keys and basic design. It’s certainly not as brash as other gaming keyboards, although the multi-tonal colorways do add elements of interest and vibrancy.

While the 98% form factor of TK101 feels compact, the spacing of the keys is still wide enough for comfortable finger placement. To achieve this, though, dedicated media keys and a volume wheel have been sacrificed.

It’s reasonably thick and heavy, although not as substantial as some other mechanical keyboards. The overall construction is solid, and the mirrored back panel – which frames the USB-C port, power switch and a compartment for storing the 2.4GHz USB dongle – is a nice touch.

The two-step feet are useful, offering meaningful height adjustments to meet individual preferences. These also feel well-made and didn’t create any wobble when propping up the keyboard.

Close-up of keys on Gamakay TK101 with one key missing, exposing switch underneath — (Image credit: Future)

The rounded double-shot PBT keycaps appear quite thick despite their MDA profile, but they’re comfortably indented and their texturing feels premium, being smooth while offering enough grip. If you don’t like them, though, you can swap them out, along with the switches, as the TK101 is hot-swappable.

While various keys have alternative functions accessible via the FN key, these aren’t labelled, meaning you’ll have to acquaint yourself with the manual. Functions include media playback controls, opening Windows Explorer, adjusting the RGB lighting.

These shortcuts are welcome, but it’s a shame there’s no software for the TK101 to provide further customizations, such as key rebinding and macro creation. Many other keyboards, especially those in the gaming sector, provide such tweaks via software.

What isn’t limited, however, is connectivity. The TK101 can connect to devices wirelessly via the 2.4GHz USB dongle or via Bluetooth. Up to three devices can be connected simultaneously via the latter, which can be switched between by using the FN and number keys. The USB port can also be used for establishing a wired connection as well as charging, which adds to the versatility of the TK101.

Design & features: 3 / 5

Gamakay TK101 review: performance

Nicely damped
Heavy tactile switches
Could really do with a wrist rest

The performance of the TK101 is somewhat mixed. The gasket mounting helps to cushion presses, while the tactile Pluto switches I had preinstalled in my unit were well lubed. However, they felt a little too heavy, offering more resistance than others, which can cause fatigue after a while. If you’re after something more snappy, then these switches probably won’t suit you. However, the MDA profile of the keycaps does at least shorten travel distance.

For typing, though, I still found this profile too thick, as I generally prefer low profile keys for productivity tasks. And despite Gamakay’s claims regarding its sound-deadening design, I found the TK101 quite noisy too.

Most egregious of all, though, is the lack of wrist support, since the aforementioned thickness of the chassis forces your hands to angle sharply no matter how you adjust the feet. This makes gaming equally uncomfortable when adopting the standard WASD position, and also causes your thumb to hit the edge of the space bar rather than the top. Both these issues were remedied when I used my own wrist rest. Combined with its lack of customization options, the TK101 isn’t as capable as the best gaming keyboards.

Close-up of keys on Gamakay TK101 on table — (Image credit: Future)

I had no problems connecting via Bluetooth or the 2.4GHz dongle, and switching between three Bluetooth devices using the keyboard shortcuts was easy and responsive. However, the manual states that switching to a 2.4GHz connection can also be done via these shortcuts, but this didn’t work for me; only toggling the rear switch did.

I wasn’t able to test the battery to exhaustion, but it dipped to about 50% after several days of varied use, connecting to multiple devices via Bluetooth and the 2.4GHz dongle. This isn’t exactly a stellar performance, and many wireless keyboards do last longer.

Performance: 3.5 / 5

Should I buy the Gamakay TK101?

Buy it if…

You want a well-priced mechanical keyboard
You usually have to pay a premium for mechanical keyboards, especially wireless variants, but not so for the TK101.

You want to connect to multiple devices
The TK101 can handle three Bluetooth connections and one 2.4GHz connection, with hot-switching between them. Wired connectivity is also an option.

Don’t buy it if…

You want light actuation
The Pluto tactile switches I had in my unit were a little too heavy for my liking, which means you won’t get the snappinest performance.

You want to customize
Since there's no software for the TK101, you won't be able to remap keys or tweak performance settings.

Gamakay TK101 review: also consider

Logitech G213 Prodigy
It might not be a mechanical keyboard, but the G213 Prodigy feels close to one, making it great for gaming. It’s also one of the best budget keyboards around, since it offers plenty of features and some decent typing prowess. It has an inbuilt wrist rest as well – something that the TK101 could really do with. Read our Logitech G213 Prodigy review.

Keychron C3 Pro
It’s hard to find a better value mechanical keyboard than the Keychron C3 Pro. The performance it delivers for both gaming and typing is commendable at this very low price point. It even offers customization options via QMK or VIA. Unlike the TK101, though, it’s wired only. Read our Keychron C3 Pro review .

How I tested the Gamakay TK101

Tested for several days
Used for gaming and productivity
Plentiful keyboard experience

I tested the TK101 for several days, during which time I used it for working, gaming, and general browsing.

I did plenty of typing with it, and played Counter-Strike 2, a good test for any peripheral given the game’s demand for fast and accurate inputs.

I have been PC gaming for over 25 years, and have experience reviewing keyboards for both gaming and productivity purposes.

First reviewed January 2025
Read more about how we test

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