iQunix A80 Explorer Wireless Mechanical Keyboard Review

Usage & Final Thoughts

I’ve been using the A80 Explorer for about a month now and just like the F96 from iQunix I absolutely love it! The keyboard looks great, is extremely comfortable to use, and allows you to use it wired or wirelessly. Let’s first talk about usage and then we’ll get into looks, and finally I’ll talk about who I think this keyboard is for.

As I said I’ve been using this keyboard as my daily driver for a month now and the first thing I noticed off the bat was just how comfortable it is and how I easily got in the rhythm of typing on it. This obviously has a lot to do with the build quality of chassis, while it is made of plastic it is extremely solid and has absolutely no flex to it. Also the angle that the keyboard is at by default is perfect, I did not even need to use the pop-out feet. Another thing that makes this keyboard so comfortable is of course the mechanical key switches and PBT keycaps. Now this are not double-shot PBT keycaps, but they are still going to be more comfortable than ABS keycaps and they won’t wear or show shine like those. The terraced structure design for the function row is a little different and does take some time to get used it. I personally do not use the function row all that much, so it was not a big deal to me.

One of the nice upgrades to this keyboard is the inclusion of a 2.4 GHz wireless receiver. If you remember the F96 was Bluetooth only, here you are getting both. This is great if you are a gamer as the 2.4 GHz connection gives you a sub-1ms response time. Having Bluetooth is also a plus as you can use this keyboard with other devices like a tablet or even your phone!

The only real down-side to this keyboard is that it does not have any software. Is is definitely going to be a big deal for gamers as many will want to reprogram the keyboard and setup macros etc. There was software for the F96, so it is weird to not see any here. This also means you have to use shortcuts on the keyboard to change and set the RGB lighting.

When it comes to looks at the A80 Explorer is absolutely gorgeous, it really is! Just like the F96, iQunix has really made this keyboard stand out. A lot of times you see this with just the keycaps, but here it is the entire keyboard! You not only have a unique size (80%), but also the terraced structure design, and a colorway that is not only on the key caps, but extends to the chassis of the keyboard. This means that out of the box you have a pretty amazing looking keyboard with nothing else to buy really. iQunix has even matched the color of the included USB cable to the keyboard! Now only if iQunix sold matching desk mats!

So who is this keyboard for? I really think that this keyboard is for someone who want a keyboard that is ready to go out of the box. They might not be comfortable with building their own custom keyboard yet, but want something that is going to look and perform well. I think that iQunix has accomplished that here, and on top of that you can upgrade this keyboard as the switches are hot-swappable. So in the future if you feel comfortable pulling out the switches, lubing them, and more you can do that with this keyboard. If not you have a keyboard that is not going to be like most out there and as I keep on saying it is ready to go out of the box! Right now you can pick it up at our favorite online retailer for $189.97. Overall ThinkComputers gives the iQunix A80 Explorer Wireless Mechanical Keyboard a 9 out of 10 score and our Recommended Award!

rating9 10 TC award recommended

Pros:
– Unique size (80%) and design
– Amazing colorway
– Available in both Cherry MX and Gateron switches
– PBT keycaps
– 2.4 GHz wireless
– Included USB cable matches the keyboard
– Solid construction
– Switches are hot-swappable

Cons:
– No software
– Explorer version only available in one colorway

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