Thank you Cyntrix Technologies for the opportunity to review the Rosewill RK-9000, and to Heavy Arms for supplying the review unit.

The Rosewill RK-9000 is a full, 104-key mechanical keyboard that comes in four variations of the Cherry MX mechanical switch: Red, Brown, Blue, and Black. In this review, the RK-9000 is of the Cherry MX Blue variation.





This keyboard features full 104-key presses simultaneously so long as you’re using it with an old school PS/2 connector. Theoretically, in the event you fall asleep on your keyboard, everything your face/body part presses will be registered.



The Cherry MX Blue switches on this board seem as though they would accommodate LEDs (some DIY know-how required). These blue switches have both clicky sound and a tactile feel which makes you feel like you’re using a typewriter. Another thing to note is that the RK-9000 will take aftermarket keycaps allowing you for customisability (!).

The typing “experience” on this keyboard is unlike any regular non-mechanical keyboard. Semi-light actuation coupled with smooth and deep travel switches allow for pretty much fatigue-free typing with a clicky sound. It’s as though you’re being extremely productive. I could not feel the tactility of the switch as the switches are easily bottomed out and actuated. Occasionally there would be a slight bump, but subtle tactility.

I found that on the Blue switch, the internals would occasionally get stuck and click while my hands are not on the keyboard. But this could be a user fault and not so much of a switch fault.

If I had to compare the RK-9000 to the Microsoft Arc Keyboard I’m using now, I must say that I really miss the RK-9000’s mechanical feel and deep travel switches. Not so much of the clickyness, but the feel of it. The Arc Keyboard has very much less travel and heavier actuation of the keys.



The RK-9000 features a Durable Red Metal Inner Chassis which gives the keyboard better rigidity and weight compared to regular keyboards in the market.



Design of the keyboard is simple: no-nonsense design, focusing primarily on the features and durability of the board. Laser etched keys for longer lifespan of the print, mechanical switches that could possibly last a lifetime (50 million actuations), rigid metal chassis, and large rubber feet coupled with a weight of just under a kg to prevent slippage and movement of the board.

Two interface options, PS/2 to mini USB or USB to mini USB. You get full 104-key roll over on PS/2 connections and about 6-key roll over on USB. Both cables are provided as it’s a removable, fully gold plated, heavily braided cable. Braiding is not made out of fabric but out of synthetic plastic.

Packaging is also straightforward, the board in a foam wrap, an information leaflet regarding your keyboard layout and switch type, and two cables to use with the keyboard, all in a simple cardboard box.

The Rosewill RK-9000 Blue Switch Edition retails for RM 299 at any of Cyntrix Technologies’ Authorised Resellers. Pretty much the best quality value full 104-key mechanical keyboard you can get in the market.

If anyone is considering “gaming” keyboards with fancy keys and features that might possibly go to waste, this is definitely a great alternative in the same price bracket “gaming” keyboards are going for nowadays, especially if you have no use for additional fancy features but still want a high durability board.