AZIO Retro Classic Mechanical Keyboard Overview
Taking a first look at the keyboard we can see it is definitely different than the original MK Retro. There are actually three different versions of the Retro Classic, the Onyx, the Posh, and the Artisan. We received the Artisan version which is black with copper accents, which really gives it that steampunk feel. The keyboard is a full-size keyboard so you have a full compliment of keys as well as a full number pad.
The frame of the keyboard is made of zinc aluminum alloy and then has been polished plated into a beautiful copper finish. This wraps around the entire keyboard and just looks amazing. The alloy frame is corrosion free but through time and use, it will eventually start to bear weathering marks. This adds character to the product and is where we truly see the beauty of using genuine materials.
Each key has a circular design which is fashioned after classic typewriter keys. These keys are all black with clear lettering and are wrapped in that beautiful copper color. This makes for such a great contrast.
Each key cap is easily removable and under each we will find our switch, which does not look like a mechanical switch, but it is! These are specialized Kailh Blue mechanical switches. AZIO worked with Kailh to get the white LED directly in the middle of the switch. Typically we see LEDs either above or below the switches. Kailh Blue switches are both clicky and tactile, which is a style I really enjoy. With the key caps removed we can get a better look at the top plate, which on the final version will be genuine leather, our version has faux leather, but it still looks really good!
While there are no extra macro keys on this keyboard the F1-F12 keys have alternate functions. These include Home, My Computer, E-mail, Music, back, forward, play/pause, stop, volume down, volume up, mute, and calculator. To access these alternate functions just hold down the function key and then press the corresponding alternate function button.
The Insert, Home, Delete, and End keys also have alternate functions for the backlighting, but we will get to that in just a little bit. There is also a copper metal plate that has the product name one it. AZIO finalized the name to Retro Classic so that is what will appear here instead of Retro Pro.
On the top right of the keyboard we have our indication LEDs which are white. They are larger than normal LEDs, which adds to the steampunk look.
If we take a look at the keyboard from the side we can see all of the keys sit at the same angle. By default the keyboard is angled up, if you want to adjust the angle you can by twisting the pillar feet, which extend by about a half inch.
Finally we can take a look at the Retro Classic compared to the MK Retro.