First of all, I have come to a general conclusion about mechanical keyboards and that is "gaming brands are over-priced". If they provided the quality worth they money, I wouldn't mind paying some extra bucks for the quality but the problem is it's honestly hard to find decent quality from some of the biggest gaming brands. I'm not sure if I am allowed to name brands so I just won't not get my review banned.:)
I haven't tried hundreds of mechanical keyboards but I have tried enough to be sure about my conclusion. I just want to say that I bought a mechanical keyboard from one of the top 5 gaming brands in the world and it was almost in every way inferior to this keyboard. So, I'm really happy that I returned that one and got this master piece.
I'll start with some negative sides of this keyboard because there aren't that many----------------------
-Appearance: this keyboard, without the lights off is kind of boring, especially the black (which I have). There are small things like the silver line all around the keyboard which I really don't like and it would have been so much better without it. *The white looks really beautiful but my laptop, mouse and everything is black so I needed a black keyboard.
-Software: there is no software so there is no macro recording whatsoever, at least not yet which is definitely acceptable for this price and such a physically great keyboard with so many features.
*I'm really thinking to find other downsides.
-the RGB profiles reset every time you unplug the keyboard. This is going be totally fine if you have a PC but I use this keyboard with my laptop and I unplug it almost every day and I decided to let go of making my own custom lighting effect which is really not a big deal for me.
That's it, I really can't think of anything else.
Now, let's talk about what this bad boy has to offer ++++++++++++++++++++++
+Price: It's just so stupid cheap for such good quality and all the features. Do not waste your money on gaming brands.
+keycaps: The keycaps feel really decent. I have tried better keycaps but honestly the ones on this keyboard feel 8.5 or 9 out of 10. They don’ feel cheap or too thin at all. You can guess how they should feel like by looking at the picture of the numpad I have included.
+Switches: they just feel great. I can’t see why one should pay more for Cherry MX switches. Maybe they would last longer but for this price, it’s again totally fine.
+Hot Swappable switches (it means you can change the switches without having to desolder them from the board.) this is important because 1. You can change the switches to other varieties 2. If a switch dies, you can change it instantly without having to take it to a service provider.
+Extra Switches: there are five extra switches included in the package.
+Switch and key puller: there is a switch puller and a key puller in the package as well. However, be very careful while using the key puller because it is not the best. (make sure it has gripped both sides of the key before even trying to pull up)
+Detachable cable: at this price, this is the only full-size keyboard that I found that has a detachable keyboard.
+You can change the lighting effect without any software. While having a software is great, I think it is really convenient to be able to change RGB effects without having to use a software (that doesn’t exist).
+build: this keyboard is really sturdy. It’s not too heavy or anything. It’s just perfect.
+water proof???: this is the only thing I am really not sure is true or not. There are drain holes on the bottom of the board where the water is supposed to leave but I’m not convinced if this keyboard is really water proof/water resistant.
+RGB effects: There are so many cool effects. The colors could have been chosen a bit more wisely but it’s really more than enough.
That’s it! what else do you want? If you want something better, of course there are better ones but to get anything even close to this, you need to spend at least 50 USD more. That means one more Huo Ji keybaord. :D
So, I really think if your budget is anything bellow 150, you should only get this keyboard. Trust me, I have looked really hard. If you want anything better, try to look at really really high-end brands.
Honestly, I think there is only one situation where this keyboard might not be for you:
You NEED a software for macro. But really, do you?