Short Review: Magicforce Smart 68-key Mechanical Keyboard

Specs:
• Unique 68-key ANSI layout
• Gateron blue switches
• Aluminum top plate (silver) with white plastic body
• White backlighting
• White doubleshot ABS keycaps (OEM profile)
• 3 DIP switches

Pros:
• The form factor. 60% boards (e.g. Pok3r & KBP V60) are a joy to carry around, but having to access the arrow keys through a function layer sometimes make them a pain to use. The Magicforce 68 gives you all the portability of a Pok3r with the added advantage of dedicated arrow keys & PGUP/PGDN for convenience. It really shines when paired with a laptop to consume written content online, especially if you are seated on your couch.
• The price. In my opinion this is an absolute steal for USD75 all-in on Massdrop. At the time of writing, the only other *readily available* 66/68 key options in the market are the Varmilo VA68M, which costs 2x the Magicforce, and the Leopold FC660M, which is 3x the price (!!) If USD75 is still too steep for you, there are Kailh switch versions out there that go for slightly less.
• The build quality. I tried twisting the keyboard with both hands but could only make it flex very slightly. Some people have complained that the base of the keyboard is uneven and rocks back & forth during use, but mine feels pretty sturdy.
• The clean & minimalistic design. This needs no explanation. Even the Magicforce logo etched into the top plate looks sharp.
• The aluminum top plate has a nice matte finish and diffuses the backlight evenly, resulting in a soft glowing effect.
• Has 9 stages of LED brightness, perfect for fine-tuning.
• USB cord is detachable.
• Idiot-proof. Just plug and play, no need to mess around with software. You can even ignore the DIP switches.

Cons:
• The chamfered edges of the aluminium top plate are poorly finished. Some areas have hairline scratches, while other sections seem mis-cut. This appears to be a common (but minor) problem from what I've read online.
• The chamfered edges trap fingerprints in the blink of an eye, although they are only noticeable from up close.
• The ABS keycaps feel thin and cheap, and the legends are ugly.
• Only has 3 lighting modes: On, Off and Breathing.
• Method of adjusting breathing mode speed is counter-intuitive.
• Does not remember your last-used lighting mode & brightness setting; defaults to 'On' mode upon restart.

Gateron Blue Switches:
• The Gateron blue switches here are made in China and have a translucent top shell, which is slightly less see-through compared to the transparent Outemu switches I reviewed here.
• The one thing you have probably heard about Gaterons is that they are buttery smooth. Well, I can tell you the hype is real! Being a first-time Gateron user, this was something I noticed immediately upon using the Magicforce. I am seriously impressed.
• The smoothness even results in a snappier upstroke where the keys just bounce back readily to their original position. This is a definite improvement over the friction-y MX Blues that I use daily. Ironically, I never realized MX Blues were friction-y until now.
• In terms of the clicking noise, these Gaterons are on par with Cherries (i.e. not as loud as Outemus).
• The pitch of the click (in the musical sense) is similar to Cherry as well. I can't tell them apart blindfolded.
• There were no inconsistencies in terms of switch feel across the keyboard. These switches are a dream to type on, and they haven't even been lubed yet.

Conclusions:
• The Magicforce Smart 68 is unquestionably a fun little keyboard with a great price tag, but it is not without its flaws.
• There are issues with the finishing as described above, and the limited lighting modes plus inability to store/recall presets makes you wonder why this product has "Smart" in its name.
• But for me, having a compact keyboard that features dedicated arrow keys definitely outweighs all the negatives I've outlined above. If you are a fan of 60% keyboards yet can't live without arrow keys, you should definitely grab one.
• However, if your existing 60% already fulfills all your needs, or if you don't mind your arrow keys being hidden under a function layer, then give this a miss.
• If you do decide to pull the trigger, try getting a unit with Gaterons inside. You'll be glad you did.
Original post: 13th Feb / 00:15 / Initial impressions after using for ½ a day
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