Azio MGK1 Backlit Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Review

At first glance the Azio MGK1 Backlit Mechanical Gaming Keyboard looks smaller than a typical gaming keyboard.  This is due to just how tightly the surface mounted keys are positioned as the keys are still full sized.  There is simply no wasted space around edges leaving a 445mm x 35mm x 137mm (~17.5 x 1.4 x 5.4 inch) footprint without the wrist guard.  This places it somewhere between a standard 101 size and a compact setup that would normally sacrifice the 10 keys.

Mounting the keys on a gunmetal anodized Aluminum surface really does look great.  Even the AZIO branding is cut into the surface.  You can count the keys if you like.  They are all there!

Adding the textured plastic palm rest adds another 2.5 inches or so to the front but most will find it necessary due to the height of the keys when typing.  The wrist rest is made from a UV coated black material and complements the design well.

Snapping the wrist rest on is easy and it fits firmly.  The design is a tapered wedge and completely enclosed rather than just the surface. It even has its own rubber feet.  In the picture above it really does look like it’s almost half the size of the rest of the setup doesn’t it?

Azio provides a solid 6 foot USB cable that is thick and protected by black braiding.  The plug appears to be gold plated though the specifications don’t call it out as such.  The end attaching to the keyboard is also covered in a flexible rubber grommet for extra protection. Although not detachable, this cable is more impressive than most I have seen on keyboards costing twice as much.

From the side view you can really see just how the Kailh switches are mounted.  The all-white LEDs are just to the top of each key giving a pleasing accent glow to the entire surface that is visible even with normal room lighting.  The LED lighting can be adjusted directly from the keyboard with three levels of brightness or simply turned off.  The hardware allows you to switch the lighting from the keyboard to a reactive mote if you prefer as well.