Havit Mechanical Keyboard - Wired Compact PC Gaming Keyboard with Number Pad, Red Switch, 89 Keys (Black)

APPEARANCEThe color scheme is a bit industrial. It's not meant to be cute or shown off. It doesn't have a visible logo on the face and has no RGB (LED backlight). There are white lights beneath the number pad and the caps lock button, but they're not brilliant and honestly serve no purpose. It feels like they were just thrown in for brownie points, but the boys at havit will get no brownies from me. Or maybe they will, but they'll be stale if they're used to celebrate the lighting.This keyboard isn't too heavy or too light; it's not moving around while you type, even if you do so aggressively. There are latches on the back to keep it elevated at an angle and well-placed rubber stops to help keep it in place. The durable threaded cord is long enough for most set ups and no software is required for use. Just plug in and go.KEYS/SOUNDThe keys are pretty tall and super sensitive, so depending on your proficiency as a typist you may have an adjustment period where you'll accidentally hit two keys at the same time before getting used to it.There's no flex whatsoever in the body, I don't care how much force you use while typing. This keyboard feels solid, and for the price, I'm definitely impressed.The keys respond with what feels and sounds like tactile switches, but I'll admit I'm not educated enough about switches to say for sure. What I can say is that you don't need to fully compress them. A soft tap is all that's needed to register, which can lead to a problem with the sensitivity I mentioned above.The sound is like a dull clacking; it's definitely not subtle, but not the kind of whiny clacking you might get from lighter keyboards that felt like they were made in a toy factory.VERDICTOverall (and especially considering its price), this keyboard has great value, despite the fact it's not high-end or made of the finest materials the industry has to offer. If you can look past its aesthetic shortcomings, its lack of wireless and RGB features, and the sensitivity of the keys, you won't be disappointed. This product does exactly what it's supposed to do, which is offer you a consistent, solid, and responsive piece of hardware.Edit: I'm sure the switches under the keys are linear, and not tactile like I suspected. They're just way too sensitive and lack the noticeable pressure you'd feel from tactile or clicky variants. The good thing with sensitive keys is that you'll have to learn to be more accurate, but if you don't care about that expect many errors when the tips or sides of your fingers accidentally brush against other keys.

The media could not be loaded. I picked this keyboard up in January 2021 for around $50 US. As someone who loves competitive FPSs like Overwatch and Valorant, I like to try new keyboards once in awhile, and the layout on this one was unique, and the color scheme on this one reminded me of Luke Skywalker's X-Wing jumpsuit, so I bought it on a whim.For the price, this keyboard is incredible.SWITCHES: It has Red Switches, when most keyboards at this price point have Blue Switches. If you don't know what this means: Blue Switches have a "clicky" sound, and a bit more of a springy feel. They have fallen out of favor with most serious gamers and office workers alike, but are generally found on most budget mechanical keyboards. Gamers often prefer Red switches because they are not as springy, and easier to push down faster, whereas most office workers tend to prefer Brown switches, because they have some of the springy-ness of clicky switches without being as loud and feeling a bit more stable.SOUND: This keyboard has a nice sound to it, which I find to be more of a "thoc" sound and less of a "click" sound. I've uploaded a video, which gets the sound mostly right. I actually think this sound profile is really good, and have never heard anything like it on a budget keyboard.BUILD: I'm an enthusiast, not an expert, but the deck has minimal flex, and overall feels solid. It also has flip-out height adjustments which I am surprised to find on a budget board.LAYOUT: More keyboard companies should make keyboards that forego the pg and pg down keys in favor of the numpad. This makes so much sense. As an gamer, a full-size keyboard isn't really an option as I need that space to swing my mouse and click heads. But sometimes I find myself needing a numpad, and being able to have the best of both worlds is pretty darn wonderful.KEYCAPS: I legitimately think these are PBT keycaps, and they feel leagues above your average keyboard-- even some of the expensive ones. If you don't know what PBT is: it's a different type of plastic. Most keyboards used ABS plastic, which over time can start to feel slippery and collect oil from your fingers. These keycaps feel just the tiniest bit grippy, and they feel a bit more "matte" if that makes sense. I've never owned PBT keycaps before, and never really noticed any issues with ABS caps, but now that I've used PBT caps I have to say I'm a huge fan.CONSThese are all nitpicky, but they are the only cons I really have:1. It's not backlit. There is supposed to be a white backlight on the numpad but I've never seen it light up.2. The cable is permanently attached, not a removable USB-C which the most expensive keyboards have. Again, nitpicking, but it's really nice to have.3. The legend is inconsistent. Sometimes the letters are centered, sometimes they are aligned a bit left of center. I'm a visual designer by profession, so my brain has been trained by 15 years of experience to notice this sort of thing. On this keyboard it doesn't bother me, because the price was good and for me it adds a bit of charm along with the retro colors.SUMMARY: If you're a gamer on a budget, and you like the color orange just buy this keyboard.

It’s perfect just wish it came in other color combinations. It’s small so it fits a compact desk space.