QPAD MK-80 Keyboard Review

👤by Richard Weatherstone Comments 📅06-11-11
Closer Look

Keyboard Back

The back of the keyboard is fairly unremarkable given that there is no guide for the cable. The keyboard has 2 small textured rubber inserts at either end of the base that serve to hold the keyboard in place.


Keyboard Leg

The keyboard feels comfortable when flat but as with most keyboards can be raised using two legs which will give the keyboard an elevated, angled position. As with most keyboards the legs are not the sturdiest, being made of rigid plastic but they do click into position and unless you are the clumsiest of people, should last the test of time.


Lock identification

Rather than settle for LED's poking through the motherboard frame, the Key lock identification module is much nicer to look at (albeit bright when illuminated) thanks to the area being backlit depending on which lock is operated. The textured appearance matches the wrist rest and the rubberised effect of the whole keyboard is a pleasure to touch which is worlds apart from the cheaper plastics used by other brands.


Connectivity

The MK-80 offers identical connectivity of other mechanical keyboards we reviewed recently in that a twin USB 2.0 Hub is in place coupled with audio out and mic functionality courtesy of 3.5mm ports.


Connections

The keyboard has audio, mic, USB (power) and PS2 (input) plugs. As with our previous reviews of hardware of this nature I fail to see the point of Gold plated connections. Sure it is pretty to look at and as other manufacturers are utilising the same selling point, QPAD cannot be criticised either but I very much doubt having Gold plated connectors is going to make or break a keyboards appeal. Certainly I have never noticed a difference using gold plated connectors. Even the use of gold plating audio plugs is a topic of debate, one which is perhaps better served on another day.


PS2 Adapter

The PS2-USB adapter is there for anyone whose motherboard does not have a PS2 port. PS2 is required for full N-Key rollover function as USB does not have the necessary bandwidth available. The MK-80 has full NKRO capability and also anti-ghosting for perfect keyboard operation.


Media Keys

Given that this is a pro gaming keyboard, the multimedia functionality is sparse but adequate. There is the usual mute, volume up/down, play/pause, next and previous keys. For the most part I find them useable but during gaming it would certainly be useful were a volume nob rather than button being more useful.


Profile

The keys on the QPAD MK-80 are a little less curved than those of the competitors. The cylindrical type used here still offers good grip for prolonged gaming but has the added benefit of being less pronounced which is perfect for typing.

Let's take a closer look at the functionality of the keyboard...

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