AZIO MGK L80 RGB Backlit Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Review

If you are bumping up to the AZIO MGK L80 RGB Backlit Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, you are doing it for the lights.  AZIO has really provided brilliant bright LED lighting that will catch your eye across a darkened room.  Only the white function lights cannot be changed.

Combining the function key with the block of keys above the arrows provides access five preset backlight modes and one custom mode.  Brightness is controlled by the arrow keys:

• Spectrum Cycling Mode: All keys uniformly and subtly cycle through the full spectrum of colors.
• Splash Mode: The keys reveal a variety of colors through a ripple effect.
• Wave Mode: RGB backlight moves across the keyboard in a subtle gradient format.
• Color Marque Mode: The backlight shifts across the keyboard in a spectrum of colors.
• Reactive Mode: Keys light up upon actuation and stay lit momentarily for a trailing effect.
• Custom Mode: Effortlessly set the desired backlit color for each individual key.

I have to admit I love playing with the lights and can’t choose between the Wave Mode and a custom setup with red WASD keys against an orange to match my system.  Both look great!  I can see how you might settle with one design over time but the customization would definitely get me to pay the small premium to move up to the RGB version of the MGK1 every time.

To put the Azio MGK1 RGB Backlit Mechanical Gaming Keyboard to the test I replaced my favorite ROCCAT Ryos keyboard on my gaming PC.  The Ryos I have uses Cherry MX blacks or the more linear smooth actuation.  As expected, there was noticeable difference in the level of noise thanks to the Kailh brown switches. I also compared the three MGK L80 motherboards back to back. As with the previous MGK keyboards, the Kailh browns may be louder but the payoff is a much more defined actuation!

I used the MGK L80 RGB for about two weeks to get used to the feel and the noise while playing my usual BF4 sessions and writing for the site.  AZIO may no longer be a dark horse in the mechanical keyboard arena but I still come away impressed.  I love the size for my keyboard tray as it leaves ample room for my mouse even with a larger glass mouse pad.  In comparison my Ryos is a monster!  With the browns I found the actuation point more predictable and softer.  Reaction times felt smoother and predictable.  No keys felt soft or off like some entry level mechanicals.

Azio’s MGK L80 RGB Backlit Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is beautiful addition to their MGK line!  I am increasingly finding AZIO keyboards to be some of the best bang for your buck with all the expected features and a price point that embarrasses many high end membrane offerings for the more popular brands.  As I have mentioned before, I have become a fan of the form factor as well.  The smaller footprint fits my keyboard tray like it was made for it without sacrificing functionality or keys like smaller keyboards. I now find the L80 has taken over.  It is immediately portable without sacrificing the 10 key or the directional arrows.

It seems like everyone is releasing products with RGB added and charging a premium for them but the MGK L80 RGB Keyboard continues AZIO’s dominance of the entry level mechanical gaming keyboard market. If you are contemplating the jump to a mechanical keyboard and don’t want to break the bank AZIO should be at the top of your list.

Gorgeous RGB light show
Crisp and predictable actuation
Small footprint
No software
Great price point
Brushed aluminum looks fantastic
Magnetic Palm Rest

No macro support
No onboard memory for custom settings
Louder than my Cherry MX browns