It seems as if not a week can go by without seeing the release of a new RGB-enabled device. From fans and light strips, to keyboards and mice, there are hundreds, if not thousands of RGB products available to PC enthusiasts. Rosewill, a company that has been around since 2004, is right there in the mix, providing RGB products. One of their latest keyboard designs is the NEON K81 RGB, a mechanical keyboard with per-key RGB illumination, as well as a configurable RGB outer rim. Available with either Blue or Brown Kailh switches, the K81 is a full sized keyboard with a subtle but stylish look. Let’s take a closer look!
Special thanks to Rosewill for providing us with the NEON K81 review sample!
Specifications
Color: Black
Layout: 108-key
Switch Type: Kailh Blue or Brown
Switch Travel Distance: 4.0mm
Lifecycle: 50 million keystrokes
Keycap Material: ABS
Weight: 2.2lbs
Interface: USB
Dimensions: 17.44in x 5.32in x 1.28in
RGB Colors: 16.8 million colors
Cable: 5.9ft, braided
Wristrest: Detached, Padded
Anti-Ghosting: Yes, N-Key rollover
Graphical UI: Yes
Packaging
The first thing we noticed about the K81’s packaging was the bright coloring and glossy accents. Rosewill did a great job relaying what the keyboard looks like, and the front of the box offers not only a visual reference, but also lists a few of the major features of the keyboard.
Around back get get a smaller image of the keyboard, which allows for more room to detail the features and specifications of the K81. Multiple images and call-outs help to give a good overview of the keyboard and its included features.
Accessories
While we have become used to seeing extra keycaps and pullers included with many keyboards lately, the K81’s kitting is quite sparse. Aside from a user manual and feedback card, the only other item in the box is a wristrest, which feels more like an afterthought than a feature.
The included wristrest, while quite comfortable, is quite underwhelming. There is no way to attach the wristrest to the keyboard, and the textured plastic underside can have trouble staying in place depending on your desk surface. In addition, the wristrest is quite bowed, raising up on both ends. Even after quite a bit of use and sitting on our desk, it has only slightly flattened out.
