Table of Contents
Introduction
It doesn’t matter how pro you are at your favorite game, because you’d probably never be able to match with the best players out there if you do not own the proper equipment. You are separated from the rookies by keyboard functionality as it is an essential part of the PC gaming experience. Owning the best functioning keyboard is not just a requirement of hardcore gaming, but of everything else as well.
Newbies are easily intimidated by flashy appearances, and that is why they end up buying keyboards with weak specs. We have done the research and brought forth an amazing keyboard technology that might upgrade your gaming world so that you don’t end up with a less-worthy keyboard.
iBP MEK 2 Pro RGB Mechanical Keyboard
Some of us probably don’t know that iBuyPower creates impressive PC gear like mice and keyboards, as they are known specifically for their high-tech gaming laptops and PCs. They have been providing gamers with many powerful yet affordable accessories that will lead to the highest level of gaming. iBP MEK 2 Pro is one of their finest innovations providing an unrivaled PC experience. If you are not new to the gaming world, you might already how much difference a good keyboard can make while playing MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games) or MMO games.
Design & Usability
The MEK 2 Pro mechanical keyboard includes all the impressive features of the MEK series mechanical keyboards. The design is inspired by ergonomic keyboards, which ensures comfort and easy access to keys. Gamers are prone to wrist, arm, and shoulder aches, and the major reason behind these cramped muscles is using the wrong PC equipment. The MEK 2 Pro makes these agonizing experiences a thing of the past with its simple and comfortable design that lets you place your hands in a neutral position.
We have seen the worst cases of keyboard-related pains including carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), in which the user suffers from severe pain and numbness in the wrist area due to a constant bad wrist posture. These conditions will only get worse if you do not uproot the cause behind it, which includes badly designed keyboards and mice.
You are lucky that manufacturers take these conditions seriously nowadays and have introduced a more user-friendly design. The MEK 2 Pro offers a detachable wrist-rest that allows you to place your wrist in a comfortable position, preventing any strains. Now, you can play your favorite game all day long without having to worry about syndromes like CTS.
This keyboard is only available in red color because it’s the signature hue of the company. However, you can alter its appearance by using the back-lighting feature to change the colors of its keys.
The MEK 2 Pro keyboard has the option of 16.8 million colors, which is almost the whole visible light spectrum. The structure has a metal backplane that ensures the colors are as radiant as they should be for optimum light reflection and style. You will be able to see those keys clearly so that you can carry on playing, no matter how dim the room is.
Durability
Each key on the MEK 2 Pro is designed to withstand as much as 50 million clicks; this simply means that you can play your favorite game a hundred times and your keys still won’t be dislodged. Moreover, the back is protected by aluminum which ensures that the inner system won’t break apart even when your keyboard falls. The sturdiness of the keyboard ensures its longevity.
Performance
The Kailh Blue Mechanical Switches allow for a comfortable touch experience, and it won’t strain your fingers at all. The keyboard is packed with an enormous onboard memory of 256KB, which allows you to save your key settings and you can then easily change the profile by pressing one of the shortcut keys. It is compatible with the HERA software that allows you to save settings, change back-lighting colors, personalize the sound effects, and manage profiles. MEK 2 Pro has all the traits that a high-end gaming keyboard should have.
Features
- 104 Keys
- Aluminum Back Plating
- Kailh Blue Mechanical Switches
- Multi-functional Multimedia Keys
- 50 Million Clicks Lifespan of Keys
- 1000HZ Polling Rate
- 21 Keys Rollover Anti-Ghost
- 2 Programmable Keys
- 7 Color Backlit Options
- Customizable Lighting Effects
- 256KB Built-In Memory
- On-the-fly Macro Recording
- Windows Key Disable Button
- Quick-attach Wrist Rest
- Includes Key Puller
- All-keys Lock Button
- 5.91 Feet Nylon Braided and Gold-Plated USB Cable
Pros
- The braided cable can withstand a lot of tension in comparison to other cables.
- All keys are programmable, along with the option of 12 programmable macro keys.
- Kailh Blue Switches ensure a consistent performance.
- The keyboard does not require software for most features.
- You have millions of color options to choose from to change the appearance of your keyboard.
Cons
- It does not come with built-in software. You have to download it yourself.
- The detachable wrist rest wears off very fast.
- The keyboard does not have a USB hub.
Recommendation
The MEK 2 Pro has some impressive features and specifications; the countless back-light combinations, space-saving, and user-friendly design make it stand out amongst other mechanical keyboards. Moreover, the aluminum support, sturdy keys, and the Kailh blue mechanical switches ensure durability; it is everything that a gamer dreams of having.
On the downside, the keyboard is compatible with the HERA software, which is known for crashing frequently. However, iBuyPower has upgraded the oldest version of the software, which works fine now.
It also lacks some features like a 3.5mm headphone jack, a USB hub, and Apple support; all these flaws are almost negligible in comparison to its performance. Therefore, this keyboard has our highest recommendation for everyone who wants to upgrade their gaming experience.
iBP MEK 2 Pro Alternatives
Many other backlit keyboards rival the MEK series. Let’s see what other options you have:
TeckNet Ultra-Slim Wireless Keyboard
Gamers are slowly moving from wired keyboards to wireless ones, due to the added convenience. Wireless keyboards initially had some connectivity issues, and that is why their popularity dropped. Now, manufacturers like TeckNet ensure a fast-connecting technology, along with no delays or interference.
The device offers 900 hours of battery life once charged, which is more than enough to play your favorite game a hundred times. How does it provide such a battery life? Well, it is embedded with a smart lighting technology meant to save energy by dimming the keys when you move away from the keyboard.
Features and Specs
- Weight: 7.7 ounces
- Dimensions: 5.9 x 0.3 x 9.7 inches
- Bluetooth 3.0
- Connection range: 10 meters
- Battery: 500mAh Li-polymer and researchable
- Battery life: 900 hours
- Charging current: ≥ 200mA
- Charge time: <2hours
- Standby time: >200 days
- Ultra-slim design
Pros
- The keys do not make any noise when you press them.
- The keyboard is very thin and lightweight.
- The backlit feature lets you play in a low light environment.
- It has a surprisingly long battery life.
Cons
- When you leave it to sleep, it takes a lot of time to reconnect with the nanodevice.
- It does not have a user-friendly design.
Azio KB506U Large Print Tri-Color Backlit Wired Keyboard
Say farewell to guesswork with colorful glow-in-the-dark keys. This KB506u keyboard lets you adjust the brightness according to your preferences. It doesn’t have the RGB backlit feature, but it offers five colors: cyan, chartreuse, red, pink, and blue. Moreover, the keys are a bit larger than the average size and that makes this keyboard ideal for people with larger hands. This is a keyboard that is meant for all types of users, including gamers and programmers.
Features and Specs
- Weight: 2.6 pounds
- Dimensions: 19 x 1.5 x 9 inches
- Operating system: Windows XP, Windows Vista
- Cord length: 5 feet
- Interface: USB
- Five backlit colors
- Adjustable brightness
Pros
- It has a quick-access hotkeys system and in-built multimedia.
- The backlit feature lets you see your keys even in dim light.
- The adjustable brightness is very convenient.
- It is lightweight and can be easily maintained.
Cons
- It takes up a lot of space in comparison to the MEK series.
- It doesn’t have many color options.
UtechSmart Saturn Backlit Keyboard
The seven colors backlit feature of this UtechSmart Saturn Backlit Keyboard exhibits a striking appeal; you will have the option to match the color of your keyboard with your PC. It also provides easy accessibility by offering twenty multimedia options.
Features and Specs
- Weight: 630g / 22 ounces
- Dimensions: 18.3″ x D: 8.2″ x H: 1.2″
- Cord length: 1.5m/ 4.9ft
- Keys: 104
- Interface: High-powered USB
- Working voltage: 5V DC
- Support system: WinMe/2000/XP/Vista/Win7/Win8/Win8.1/Win10
- 20 multimedia options
- 7 backlit colors
Pros
- The luminosity of the keys is adjustable.
- Media keys allow quick access to settings and applications.
- It is compatible with most operating systems.
- The keys are pretty comfortable.
Cons
- The lights move around while typing.
- The keys are not durable.
Conclusion
Your PC gaming and working experience is incomplete without the proper hardware. The keyboards that we have reviewed above provide great functionality within an affordable price, especially the MEK 2 Pro. Get your hands on this tech and enhance your PC experience.
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