A unique keyboard requires a unique packaging – the pure white (with some text) packaging of the IK6 is a prelude to the beautiful keyboard. What exactly is a Crystal USB keyboard?
The product name doesn’t indicate that it’s a gaming keyboard but it’s plenty capable as one,
It uses mechanical-like switches and it comes with PBT+ABS heavy duty keycaps, the keyboard is enclosed in a transparent borderless casing to give it a unique look.
Here’s a closer view of the keycaps, notice the crystal casing?
The casing allows one to view the under sides of the keys, that means 2 things.
1. This keyboard would be great for modification purpose!
2. Your collection of food, dust and hair will be visible to all! Vacuum them often!
One thing I noticed about the keyboard (yes, the side view is beautiful) is that caps are not of equal height. The keycaps on the 3rd and 4th row are shorter than the rest, and I only noticed this upon replacing the keycaps.
Yup, the keycaps are replaceable as it uses the cross-type stems as found on Cherry MX Switches. Here’s what my simple modification looks like, just to give you an idea on how this keyboard is one that you can put a lot of creativity into.
The keyboard supports simultaneous activation of multiple keys, no ghosting and jamming and it also has a Windows and application keys disabled function in gaming mode to prevent accidental activation. What it lacks is the ability to have its incline adjusted.
The specs are
– Interface: USB
– Report Rate : 1000 Hz
– Keys: 108 ( By language)
– Key stroke : 3.8 ±0.5 mm
– Key force: 55±15g
– Anti-ghosting: 26 Keys (In main area)
– Switch life: about 20 million life cycles
– Electric current: 100 mA maximum
– Voltage: DC5V
– Weight: 980±20 g
– USB cable length: 150 cm
– Dimensions: 434.5 (L) X 120.8 (W) X 40 (H) mm
More details at the official product page.
User Experience
Just like the K10, the IK6 feels rock solid too and it looks even more impressive.
And like the K10, the IK6 is a tactile membrane keyboard that feels like it uses Cherry MX Brown switches. The only thing I didn’t like was that I wasn’t able to adjust the keyboard’s incline.
The Verdict
The i-Rocks IK6 Crystal USB Keyboard retails at RM 189. There’s nothing outstanding about its functionality BUT what makes the IK6 stand out among the sea of keyboards is the design, this is the keyboard you buy to personalize.
