MechLands LEOBOG Hi98 Aluminum Alloy Wired Gaming Keyboard, 98% Hot Swappable Custom Keyboard, Programmable Gasket-mounted Mechanical Keyboard with FR4 Plate, NKRO, RGB for Win/Mac/Linux (Blue)

I collect keyboards so it takes something special to last on my desk more than a week. This is now the keyboard against which all others will be measured. The first obvious thing you'll notice is it's weight. It's over 6lbs and most of that is the machined aluminum base. Needless to say there is zero flex or twist to this. It makes an old IBM Model M feel light duty. There are no fold down legs. The base is made to be at what feels like the perfect tilt to type on. With the rubber feet and the weight, it will not move on your desk. The keycaps have basically zero wiggle. The switches this comes with are great. They are lubed and the actuation pressure is on the lighter side without feeling like resting your fingers on the keys will press them. The sound is what you want in a gasket keyboard. It's not super loud, but there is a 'thock' to each key. There's no rattle or hollow sound to this. The keycaps that came with this are decent quality with no transparency. This is understated enough it wouldn't be out of place in an office setting. I had to search for the driver software as the usual minimal manual didn't have the link. It's about par with the software for other keyboards though it was a bit finicky about getting the RGB set. I keep mine a boring single color as I don't want distractions. It's got a magnetic metal plate just below the page down key I have no idea what is for. It doesn't get in the way though. It does of course have a full number pad which I don't use often, but will be nice for game/productivity macros.The one slight nitpick I have with this keyboard is the LED's are north facing which precludes using side printed keycaps with transparent markings which I tend to like. Considering how good everything else is, I'll cope.Ultimately, the best compliment I can give is that I don't think about this keyboard at all while using it. It's about as close as one can get to just thinking about the words and having them appear. I don't imagine any of my other keyboards will be seeing much use after this. While it's not inexpensive, it is simply the best I've ever tried and I'd definitely recommend it.

The media could not be loaded. Solid Construction and Premium DesignThis keyboard has a super solid aluminum construction, and it's the heaviest keyboard I own. The blue pastel color looks fantastic, giving it a sleek and modern vibe. Despite the keycap legends being made of clear blue print, they’re easy to read, and the keyboard offers great ergonomics, even without stand feet, which I wasn’t expecting.Keycaps and RGBThe keycaps are of good quality—double-shot with medium thickness. There’s nothing particularly special about them, but they’re solid, and I don’t see a need to swap them out, at least not right now. The RGB is bright and north-facing, so if you prefer south-facing LEDs, keep that in mind. Personally, it doesn’t bother me—I might even prefer it this way.Barbie Switches: A Mixed BagThis is my first time using Barbie switches. The actuation force is light, but I can rest my fingers on the keyboard without accidental key presses, which is a plus. The sound is more on the clacky side, not thocky at all, so if you’re looking for that deep, satisfying thock, these aren’t the switches for you. The sound is loud and has a crystal-like quality to it, which isn’t bad, but I might change the switches later because I think aluminum keyboards can sound thockier with the right switch pairing. On the bright side, the stabilizers are well-tuned, so I don’t feel any need to modify or replace them.What I Don’t LikeThere are a few things I’m not happy about. First, there’s no right Alt key. For such a large keyboard, I wasn’t expecting the company to drop such an important key, especially since I use it often for writing special characters. Also, it's wired-only, which feels like a missed opportunity. At this price point, many aluminum keyboards come with three connection modes (wired, wireless, and Bluetooth), so I was a little disappointed in that regard. Lastly, while the Barbie switches are unique, the sound isn’t my cup of tea, as I prefer thockier tones.Final ThoughtsOverall, it’s a great keyboard for the price, especially given the aluminum construction and near full-size layout. However, I do miss the right Alt key, and I wish it offered more connection options. The Barbie switches are interesting, but I’ll likely change them out in the future for a thockier sound. Despite these drawbacks, the build quality and design make it a solid choice.

The media could not be loaded. Solid build, the body is full aluminum which is crazy (2.28 kg), it feels like lifing a gallon of milk using two hands.Three issues first then what I like about it:Issue 1, this keyboard cant adjust the height, so you have to get use to it. Also somehow my keyboard wobble no matter where i put the keyboard.Issue 2, its kind of hard for Mac user due to the key swap between windows key and Alt, which can confuse the user, but i totally understand why they do that, its because it mirror from the standard mac keyboardIssue 3, the keycap gripper doesn't work well when trying to swap shift key, due to the clamp does not expand big enough to grab the keycap without scratching itWhat I like about the keyboard is how heavy the keyboard is (depends on user preferences), the RGB lights, and the cherry PBT keycaps, it feels super good and responsive. It also works with Windows, Mac, and Android mode and change the media controls depend on your setting.Overall, this is a solid high rating keyboard but the cost is significant as well. I would say unless you are dedicated to use this keyboard the rest of your life, I wouldn't suggest to people to get it.

I wish Leobog would move to VIA/QMK compatibility instead of leaning on their own homegrown software. It would really help expand their customer base as many KB collectors are tired of installing custom softwares for each KB. Aside from that, I think it's about time Leobog come out with a KB with a wireless option.Ok, now on to the good stuff - it sounds, types and feels amazing. Soft and clacky, not overbearing, and solidly sturdy. This is keyboard is a workhorse, and it definitely shows. For those who want a custom-like mechanical keyboard with an aluminum body, a stellar typing experience, and a NUMPAD, this is the KB that you need.

I am actually using this keyboard as I type this review. I LOVE this keyboard. It is heavy, that is for sure. It is a tank of a keyboard. The lights are somewhat programmable. You don't get many options. I have it so the keyboard lights up as I type, which is a nice feature. The keys are loud. I don't mind it and I feel like a little matrix developer as I type, but my office mates have complained slightly. The keyboard does sit a bit higher than the lightweight plastic ones. So I find myself accidentally laying on the Win key a lot and I have noticed misspellings because I am not use to the difference in height and such. I would buy again tho. This is excellent quality.