When it comes to mechanical keyboards, you’re likely already familiar with the advantages of using one regardless of your level of expertise in programming or gaming. Let’s admit it, though, despite their improved performance, mechanical keyboards are still large and noisy pieces of equipment that are not very portable. However, Vissles LP85 Keyboard may just transform that notion.
Vissles LP85 Keyboard Review – Pros and Cons
We’ve been using the Vissiles LP85 mechanical keyboard daily since reviewing it. The keyboard is only 12 millimeters thick. In actuality, this implies that it is just 0.31 inches thick at its thinnest point and weighs just 1.2 pounds. The chassis is composed of aluminum and has 85 optical keys. It’s available in black and white color variants, with Windows/Mac key layout.
Before we get into the comprehensive review mode, let us first start listing the pros and cons of the Vissles LP85 keyboard.
Vissles LP85 Keyboard Pros
- A huge assortment of modes with impressive lighting
- From the all-aluminum chassis to the keys, the high level of craftsmanship is clearly evident
Vissles LP85 Keyboard Cons
- Key spacing from a magic keyboard will take some time to get used to
- Have to go through all the lighting modes to make any changes
Features & Benefits
An optical-mechanical keyboard, like the Vissles LP85, incorporates infrared and photoelectric switches to detect whenever a key is pushed. When typing, optical-mechanical keyboards process keystrokes more quickly than standard mechanical keyboards, and they last longer.
In addition to being ultra-thin, it supports Bluetooth and can also be linked directly to your pc. With 19 distinct light settings to pick from, it’s also adorned with brilliant RGB lights.
The keyboard’s robust aluminum chassis provides a stable platform for typing, allowing you to focus on the task at hand.
We particularly like the fact that this keyboard came preconfigured to work with the Mac operating system. Typically, one has to go into the computer’s settings and manually switch the control and option buttons, so this is a nice feature. Switching between Mac and Windows configurations is also possible, so you’ll never have to choose between the two operating systems, and you’ll have the best of both worlds.
So how would we define the typing experience on the Vissles LP85? Someone switching from a membrane or mechanical keyboard to this optical-mechanical keyboard can take a day or two to get used to typing. However, as we adjusted, we noticed that our typing experience kept getting better, and now it is close to seamless.
The keys are not squishy because they have optical switches. In reality, the exact opposite is true. The LP85’s keys are highly responsive and feel nearly like actual mechanical keyboards. The keys feel good to type on, despite the short travel distance due to the ultra-slim design.
Coming to the lighting on the Vissles LP85 keyboard, there are five levels of brightness to choose from, and you can even modify the path of the spectrum or the colors themselves if you don’t like the preset color scheme (which runs from left to right across the keyboard).
A few aspects of this keyboard might take a couple of days to get used to, but it’s an excellent choice for the price. One of the drawbacks of the ultra-thin design is that it doesn’t have a kickstand on the rear to hold it in place. However, that’s just a nitpick.
The Vissles LP85 optical-mechanical keyboard helps circumvent weariness from long hours of typing at a price that’s less than $100 on Kickstarter. With the distinctive pre-travel distance, optical switches are incredibly responsive with a mild, crisp click, enabling LP85 to deliver superior gaming and typing pleasure that is well beyond the competition.
Only a few mechanical keyboards with macOS legends are up for grabs on the market. With the standard row of media buttons for brightness, audio settings, and multimedia controls, the LP85 is ultimately macOS compatible. With the ability to connect and switch between up to three devices (Mac, iPad, and iPhone), the LP85 is remarkable.
The USB-C connection makes this quite compatible with other gadgets. A 2000mAh battery allows users to use the keyboard wirelessly for days, with all vibrant RGB colors enabled.
Vissles LP85 Keyboard Specifications
- Brand: Vissles
- Model: Vissles LP85
- Mode: Bluetooth/Wired mode
- Layout: Mac/Windows
- Color: Black/White
- Number of Key: 85 keys
- Backlight: RGB dynamic backlighting
- Bluetooth: 5.0
- Bluetooth Name: Vissles LP85
- Port: Type-C
- Battery: 2000mAh
- Switch Type: Low profile optical switches
- Actuation Force: 50±10gf
- Pre-travel: 1.2±0.30mm
- Total Travel: 2.5±0.30mm
- Slope Angle: 2°
- Weight: 0.547KG
- Dimension: 12.1″×4.6″×0.6″ (307.6×118.1×15.1mm) (Footpads and keycaps included)
- Board Height: 0.31″-0.34″
Vissles LP85 Keyboard Pricing & Kickstarter Campaign
The Vissles LP85 Ultra-Thin Optical-Mechanical RGB Keyboard is currently available on Kickstarter for $99 for a limited time, with both Mac and Windows layouts supported.
Although you can place the order now, shipping will begin towards the end of January 2022. The Vissles LP85 keyboard comes bundled with a USB-C cable, user manual, and some stickers.
Conclusion
The Vissles LP85 has delighted us very much. Despite its small size, it’s built to last for a long time. You can carry it with you everywhere with its lightweight and compact design. It also features a big battery, which means that you won’t have to worry about recharging it for hours at a time.
If you have been looking for a good-looking and compact optical-mechanical keyboard, then Vissles LP85 is an absolute bang for the buck! It’s a great keyboard for the Apple Magic keyboard fans who prefer lighted keycaps and mechanical switches instead.
With its performance and soaring popularity on Kickstarter, there’s a chance that this keyboard will make its way outside crowdfunding platforms.
