Review: PIXEL mechanical keyboard by Melgeek

For once, we are now interested in a product that is not officially licensed but does not hide its intentions to take advantage of the notoriety of the brand without however infringing the rules on property. intellectual. The Chinese manufacturer Melgeek, known for its mechanical keyboards, each one more original than the next, is today launching the PIXEL model, a customizable accessory using colored bricks.

The keyboard itself is largely on par with what is currently done in terms of keystroke quality in the consumer keyboard sector and the connectivity is rather complete. It is compatible with Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS and Android, it can be used in 2.4 GHz wireless mode using the included USB dongle, in wired mode via the USB Type C cable present in the box and even in Bluetooth 5.1 mode . It has a 3100 mAh battery and the shell and keys are made of ABS plastic. The different types of connection are all perfectly functional, I haven't noticed any particular problem on this side.

The product uses switches from the Chinese brand Kailh, it's not Cherry MX but it's more than enough for a keyboard of this type which anyway does not offer sufficient ergonomics to support long typing sessions . The keyboard is not strictly speaking tiltable and it is not the few pads provided that allow it to be put in a comfortable position for the user.

Melgeek however offers to tilt it using bricks fixed under the keyboard, why not. It is also very thick and it will at least be necessary to consider adding a wrist rest to avoid hurting yourself. Typing is relatively pleasant, however, with enough key travel to confirm the action and a noise that is much more bearable than that of conventional mechanical keyboards.

Beyond its main function, this keyboard is above all an accessory that wants to be in tune with the times with its visible tenons and its compatibility with the products of the Danish manufacturer. It is possible to put Tiles everywhere or almost, even under the transparent capsules of the keys and even on the back of the keyboard. We also wonder a little what is the point of being able to customize the underside of the product, but it's possible and it's geeky so it's cool.

Le Clutch Power of the white shell of the keyboard is very correct, it is less effective on the transparent inserts placed on the studs, let the compatible bricks provided do not come off. The "official" bricks are also perfectly maintained.

The customization possibilities are also almost endless thanks to an interface specially developed to allow users to make their keyboard truly unique by creating their own design or by taking advantage of the creativity of other owners who have already taken the trouble to submit their patterns on the geekmade platform.

I will not make this keyboard without a numeric keypad my daily accessory, it does not offer the ergonomics and comfort of a classic keyboard, but the object will perhaps appeal to the youngest who will use it to decorate a little their office. The keys are interchangeable, so you can vaguely transform the object into a QWERTY keyboard even if some keys will not be in the right place in any case. However, the manufacturer makes it possible to acquire the product with neutral, non-printed touches and then customize them via the dedicated KB Tools application. This application also allows updating the firmware of the product.

This product is launched on the Kickstarter platform with delivery announced for early 2023. Please note that many customization accessories are optional and the bill, which starts at $199, increases very quickly. Three different models are offered depending on your tastes and personalization projects. However, think about the potential risk of after-sales service on these products, the manufacturer is in China. It's up to you.

Note: The product shown here, provided by Melgeek, is as usual involved. Deadline fixed at 6th November 2022 next at 23:59 p.m. Just post a comment under the article to participate. Your participation is taken into account regardless of your opinion.

Update : The winner was drawn and notified by email, his nickname is indicated below.