Usage & Final Thoughts
I have been using the Cascase 98 Slim for the past couple of weeks and I’ve really been enjoying it. Compared to the original Cascade, the 98 Slim is much easier to get used to as it is a larger keyboard. The keys still are a bit crunched together compared to other keyboards that I’ve used recently, but it only took a few hours to be really proficient with the keyboard. The low profile Gateron Brown switches feel quite good and are not all that loud. Below is a sound test compared to the original Cascade Slim
Cascade 98 Slim
Cascade Slim
Being that this is a full-size keyboard you are going to get a lot more keys here, most importantly the number pad. Many custom keyboards like this are not offered in a full-size version, so much so that I know many people with a TKL keyboard that have a separate number pad all together. It is nice that AZIO has come out with a full-size version of this keyboard.
A new addition to this keyboard is the RF dongle. This allows you to use the keyboard wirelessly with a better connection and response time than what you would get on Bluetooth. The keyboard also supports up to three Bluetooth connections and of course you can use it wired as well.
Now there are some downsides to this keyboard. The most obvious is that there is no software. While this might not be a big deal to some, it would have been nice to be able to reprogram our keys or change the RGB lighting with software. While you can adjust the RGB lighting on the keyboard using keys on the keyboard itself there is no way to reprogram the keyboard or create macros etc.
As I said we did receive a pre-production unit. The fit and finish of this keyboard was not on par with the original Cascade Slim. The metal casing was a lot smoother on the original, especially around the edges. Also this keyboard sounds a bit different when typing, sort of like it is more hollow or something. Again this might have to do with the pre-production casing, but overall the original Cascade Slim feels and sounds better. I would hope we get something more in line with the quality of the original Cascade in the final production units.
The Casecade 98 Slim is currently up on Kickstarter for only $119, which I feel is a very good price for what you are getting. AZIO plans to ship units in January 2023. Overall ThinkCommputers gives the AZIO Cascade 98 Slim Mechanical Keyboard an 8 out of 10 score.
Pros:
– Larger size with full numberpad
– Low profile design
– Sleek colorways
– Mechanical key switches
– Hot swappable switches
– Price
Cons:
– Fit and finish are not the best compared to the original Cascade Slim
– No software
– Rubber USB cable
