The Blade101 keyboard from Mechlands is affordable, stylish, and a pleasure to use. This full-form keyboard is perfect for gamers who need a numpad and more real estate. However, this larger format may not be ideal for compact workstations. Accordingly, if you sit in that camp, I recommend looking at the Blade75 keyboard.
This premium aluminium keyboard looks and feels great. Furthermore, both colourways are a pleasure to look at. I picked the cool pastel option. Yet, if you want something more sci-fi and aggressive, there is a dark and alluring alternative.
If you want a device that packs in plenty of tech without breaking the bank, this should be on your radar. It has a massive battery, tri-mode connectivity, customisable south-facing RGB, and hot-swappable switches. On top of this, the gasket mounts and layers of acoustic materials make this a pleasure to type with and to listen to.
What’s in the box of the Blade101 keyboard?
- The packaging is great to look at. The distinctive logo and sci-fi imagery capture your imagination.
- The Blade101 keyboard has a pleasant weight and it feels substantial. The cherry keycaps are familiar and the Verdant Switches are responsive with that pleasant clacky sound.
- Charge the device with the USB-C cable.
- Pull the keycaps with the pulling tool.
- Spare switches are provided.
- Learn the basics with the user manual.
Technical aspects.
I didn’t expect such an affordable keyboard to be loaded with tech. Luckily, the Blade101 keyboard has loads of top-end features to impress the toughest critics. The 1000 Hz polling rate is achieved with a wired connection or via the included USB dongle. If you fancy using Bluetooth, you drop around 85% of the polling rate. As such, I recommend sticking to option 1 or 2 if you intend to game.
I usually stick to a wired approach. I don’t mind the slight mess and I don’t have to worry about compromise. However, if you insist that wireless is best, you can enjoy a whopping 8000 mAh battery life. This will keep the most serious of gamers in the game for much longer. Moreover, if you need to charge the built-in batteries, this can be done quickly while you continue gaming.
During testing, I experienced no connectivity issues or latency problems. Additionally, connecting the keyboard to different devices was a cinch. This keyboard has 3 unique Bluetooth profiles and switching between them is as easy as pressing a pair of buttons. Consequently, no one will struggle to set this peripheral up.
Build quality.
Mechanical keyboards are all the rage. The responsive nature of the inputs and that glorious clacky sound are gaming staples. Thankfully, the Blade101 keyboard ticks both of these boxes. On top of this, I was impressed by the quality aluminium case and the attractive pastel colour palette. The south-facing RGB creates a gentle hue against the soft blue livery. Yet, if you pick the black version, the RGB will pop and you’ll have a real head-turner on your desk.
The ability to change switches with ease is a must for many gamers. Luckily, this keyboard allows you to hot-swap the included switches with your favourite without technical knowledge or the need to solder. This was amazing as you can create the keyboard of your dreams with any spare parts you have lying around.
The Cherry profile keycaps are comfortable to use and I was impressed by the actuation distance of the Verdant switches. Furthermore, the gasket mounts and multilayered acoustic material make this a pleasure to work and play with. Finally, the well-positioned connectivity switch is robust. Located at the rear of the keyboard, it is easy to switch between modes. Additionally, you can check your battery life and other key features thanks to the FN macros and the impressive RGB lighting.
Is the Blade101 keyboard worth it?
Top-end gaming peripherals make a massive difference. However, the bank-breaking feeling isn’t pleasant. Luckily, the Blade101 keyboard breaks this trend. Not only does it look great, but it packs an almighty punch at an affordable price. I adore the 2 colourways and the vibrant RGB. Moreover, it is a user-friendly option that is easy to customise. Therefore, if you are inexperienced or you want to up your game, I recommend buying it here!
(More information on Mechlands can be found here!)
(Full disclosure! A sample was provided for an unbiased and free review!)
