A good mechanical keyboard doesn't come cheap. Pair it wirelessly and the price goes up even more. I had the chance to review Velocifire TKL71WS. Not only does it have wireless mode, but it's also small enough that you can take it on the go. The best thing is that it is very affordable and does not break the bank. So how does it work? Let's find out.
Velocifire is a company that produces good, affordable mechanical keyboards, and their latest product, TKL71WS, ticks all the boxes you'll be looking for in a mechanical keyboard. Weighing 629g and measuring 13 inches, it's small and light enough that you can just throw it in your bag and forget about it.
As you can see, this is a keyless keyboard (i.e. it does not come with the numeric keypad). To keep it small, some of the keys (like Insert, Delete, Home, and End) are positioned vertically on the side. There are also no dedicated F1 to F12 keys. You must use FN + Number key to access it. This unconventional layout proved difficult for me to get used to, even after using it for a week.
The TKL71WS uses a brown switch that makes it easier to type keys. Note that this "brown" switch does not use popular Cherry MX switches but CONTENT switches made by Chinese manufacturers. I find that the keys are closer together which results in more typing errors. It took me a while to get used to it.
I find the battery life mediocre. The battery life of the TKL71WS can last up to around 24 hours of continuous use, and it will take around four hours to fully charge an empty battery. I'm used to seeing at least 45 hours of continuous use on my personal mechanical keyboard, so that's below my standard. While charging, the spacebar will light up to let you know it's charging.
One thing I'm glad to see is the inclusion of a USB C port. That means one less micro USB cable to carry around in the bag.
A simple accessory that comes with the TKL71WS is a pair of magnetic keyboard stands. They can be attached to the bottom of the keyboard to increase its height and typing angle. While the design is great, it doesn't make sense for portability. I would prefer a foldable stand attached to the keyboard, because then I don't have to worry about losing it.
The TKL71WS supports three macro keys, allowing you to register up to 32 keys. By pressing the Fn + Tab The key will activate macro mode.
If you are looking for a portable and well-built mechanical keyboard, then Velocifire TKL71WS is a good choice. Apart from the keyboard layout, which may take some getting used to, the keyboard is light enough to carry around and a pleasure to type on. The ability to work in both wireless and wired mode is also a plus, so you don't have to worry about it running out of battery in the middle of your work.
