AZIO Retro Classic Prestige Mechanical Keyboard Overview
Taking a first look at the keyboard it is a full-size keyboard so we have a full compliment of keys, full number pad, and full function row. As I mentioned we received the Ebony version of the keyboard that has a black wooden and gunmetal frame that looks really unique. The Ivory, or white version of the keyboard makes use of white leather and brushed silver.
One of the biggest changes with the Prestige compared to the original Retro Classic is that AZIO has redesigned the keycaps to be more of a square than a circle. This will actually provide a better trying experience in my opinion as the circular keys take quite a while to get use to. The keycaps themselves are black with see-through legends and have a sort of gunmetal border around them, which really adds to the overall style of the keyboard.
Between the main keys on the keyboard and the number pad you’ll find a stamped Retro Classic logo. And then in the top right there are four large indication LEDs. Being oversized sort of adds to the retro or steampunk look of the keyboard.
When it comes to the switches AZIO is making use of Gateron G Pro 3.0 mechanical key switches. We have the Brown or Linear switches. They have an actuation force of 55g, pre-travel of 2.0mm, total travel of 4mm, and come pre-lubed. AZIO also offers this keyboard in the Blue and Yellow switches as well. These switches are hot-swappable as well so you can swap them out for different switches if you want. The switches use a standard MX stem so you can also easily swap out the key caps too.
On the top-edge of the keyboard you’ll find a mode switch, a PC / Mac switch, and a USB-C connection. The keyboard can be used wired or wirelessly (via Bluetooth) and is compatible with both Mac and PC. The Type-C connection is of course to use the keyboard in wired mode, but it also used to charge up the keyboard for wireless use.
Looking at the keyboard from the side we can see that it does sit at a slight angle. The cool thing about this keyboard is that the circular feet at the top-edge of the keyboard turn to give you more of an angle if you want one. It is also worth noting that the the key caps are slightly concave, but pretty flat overall.
Flipping the keyboard over you can see those large circular feet, which have a rubber base. This will keep the keyboard in place on your desk.
