Z-88 Rainbow Backlit Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, E-Element LED Clicky Wired Keyboard with DIY Blue Switches, Metal Top-Panel Anti-ghosting 104 Keys (Black)

I came in buying this product wanting to really love it for the price and its features, especially its hot-swap switches, metal back plate, detachable USB cable, which are both hard-to-find features on boards in this price range (sub-$30 at the time of this review). While the technical features of the keyboard impressed me, the implementation leaves a bit to be desired.The first major problem I encountered were that some of the keys sometimes failed to press. This is much more prevalent on the numerical pad keys, especially the far-right Enter key and sometimes the Space Bar. If you press directly center on the key, it would be okay, but if your finger depressed the key slightly off center or even on its edge, it wouldn't smoothly press/activate with a loud crunching sound--sometimes it would get stuck and fail to depress at all. I tried to replace with the included spare key switches, but the Enter key is surrounded with Cherry-type stabilizers with the stabilizing wire underneath the plate, which made it really difficult (impossible for me) to remove without taking the board apart. I am not sure if its the key cap causing the issue, or if it was the switch itself, or maybe even the stabilizers.While I might have been able to live with not using the key until I repaired it myself, the fact that it is really difficult to change key switches on keys that have plate-mounted Cherry stabilizers too close might be a deal breaker for those expecting for the keyboard to be repairable without disassembly. However, given only 8 or so keys out of 108 would have this issue, odds are, it might be a non-issue point for many other users.The second major issue was the mounting plate itself. While it was nice to feel the cold metal resting underneath the keys and having that secure/stable feeling, the plate itself is sharp around the edges. If you don't have much desk space or your mouse hand bumps into the keyboard constantly, then your skin is going to rub up directly on it. I wish I took a closer look at the reviews for the product model (the Z-88) before I bought, since the edge sharpness of the plate comes up in reviews every now and then. I thought they were referring to something else, like the sound of the Outemu Blue switches, but they were talking about the actual plate.I don't think I ever actually cut my hand, but it did feel like I was giving myself a paper cut whenever I ran the back of my thumb against the board. Might be resolvable by manually sandpapering those edges.The third issue is a bit minor: the key caps. I don't expect the best key caps in the world for this price point. However, I did have a slight suspicion that the key caps might've been a side factor in the first major problem mentioned above (the key caps not smoothly depressing/activating). I didn't remove all the key caps, but the aforementioned problematic keys had really shoddy key caps. Some of them were malformed with ruffled ridges. Imagine the bottom of a key cap as a square/rectangle with 4 straight edges--the key caps I examined had at least one of those edges ruffled like a Ruffles potato chip. Also, the inside of the key cap seemed to have excess resin from the double-shot legends, so the resin might be pressing up against the MX switch stem, making that crunch sound from the first issue.If you plan to get the keyboard, be prepared to bring your own key caps. I tried with my own key caps, but still encountered part of the same issue (the difficulty in pressing the affected buttons).The rainbow LED back lighting and the different light schemes were probably the best aspect of the board, despite other reviewers not liking rainbow LEDs (versus full RGB coloring). There is no software for the keyboard to do macros or change the lighting, so you are restricted to the included color patterns and brightness you can change by pressing the FN key + one of the designated keys.The keys that weren't problematic were smooth with a very nice tactile/audible feedback (no double typing or mistyping or any electrical registration problems you'd associate with a board of this price range), but the click of the Outemu Blue key switches do sound much louder than their Cherry MX Blue equivalents/rivals. Key switches can be replaced, but be wary that the included key switch puller is fairly cheap and weak. Might be best to invest in a fuller sized one for better hand grip.The included detachable cable was a micro-USB cable (the type we used to charge our phones with in the pre USB-C era), so it's a bit flimsy and will eventually wear out if you move your keyboard a lot. Would've preferred a detachable mini-USB instead, but not a deal breaker. It also connects under the board in a small recessed area rather than at the sides/back edge of the board, which is great design foresight on their part. That means the cable is less likely to wiggle and wear/loosen itself out.If you can overlook these issues or can troubleshoot the board better (I am, by far, an amateur in this area), then this is a decent keyboard for its price. However, the manufacturer really needs to inspect each board more clearly before letting them out the gate. Most of these can be resolved while still in the factory, while the end user will have a much harder time figuring out where the problems lie.

This keyboard is great for anyone just starting into mechanical keyboards and not looking to break the bank, or someone looking for a great value on one.The lighting under the keycaps is bright enough to see the colors and markings on the keys clearly. The colors are great and vibrant too, come with a lot of cool lighting effects, and even the option to make your own custom lighting arrangement.The cord that comes with it feels high quality and is it good length. It is also detachable from the keyboard, which is very handy. It also comes with a velcro cable wrap attached to it. The keyboard itself feels very sturdy, and has a good amount of weight. There isn't very much flex of the deck, if at all. It also hooked up to my computer and worked instantly right out of the box.The keycaps legend is easy to read, even without lighting on, and the keycaps themselves stay very securely onto the switch. The switches are very secure as well, but able to be removed easily to replace if needed. It even came with extra switches, just in case. The Outemu blue switches have a nice sound and feel. They are very accurate to keypresses and have not noticed any ghosting or issue of the like while using this product.I would definitely recommend this keyboard to anyone, especially if you are looking for a great value!I would give this keyboard a 5/5

First of all, the keyboard definitely does the job. I do like the feel of the keys have no trouble navigating them. The keyboard has several pre-definied lighting patterns and if that's not enough, you can program two patterns of your own.Now the bad. I don't consider myself to be a fast typist (~60cwpm) but I have noticed some ghosting on occasion. During normal typing it's not a huge deal but it is when programming. Also, while you can select the pattern and brightness, the keys are set at one color. It looks pretty but I would rather be able to select the color of the keys, not just the brightness/pattern.

The gaming keyboard is feel so good and looks so cool and the back light changes. Very good for player.

Received as expected works well

This was my second try at getting a decent mechanical keyboard at a reasonable price (tough ask). The overall quality of this keyboard is very good for a $50 item, the $29.99 I paid is an absolute steal. If you're looking for a good mechanical keyboard but don't wish to spend a bundle your search is over. Buy this keyboard!

I got rid of my very large curved keyboard and bought this great keyboard. The keys are accurate and precise with that tactile sound. The lights are fun as well. Before you throw out the packing, be sure to recover the extra key switches and tools from under the folded compartment. Works so well the wife had to have one too. Would buy from again.