Review: Vissles' LP85 Keyboard is Like a Mechanical Apple Magic Keyboard, But Decidedly More Fun

[RedTheReader]

Since when is a scissor switch considered a mechanical switch?

This looks like a cheap parlor trick to try and upsell scissor switches. Mechanical switches are all about the tactile feedback of the switch which this would fully lack.

Yeah, I can't see anywhere in that piece where it is comparable to a mechanical keyboard. Reading the full Kickstarter link, I'm not entirely sure the makers really know what a mechanical keyboard is, or why they are so different to scissor or membrane keyboards, both in terms of feel and also intended use.

I actually think they're a bit misleading - it's an optical switch keyboard, not a mechanical switch keyboard. Calling it "optical-mechanical" isn't entirely accurate.

What is a mechanical switch? What defines one? This is not a philosophical question. There are different resistances and travel distances and actuation points, mixing to create different textures and sounds and experiences. One of you mentioned tactility; well, when you go out to buy or build one and ask someone for advice, the first things they'll mention are the 3 general categories of switches. One of those are made up of linear switches, which drop down in a consistent straight line; there is no tactility.

When there's so much out there that falls under the category, why try to stringently keep this board out? I mean "cheap parlor trick?" Really?

 

[Zorori]

If you want an Apple style mechanical keyboard, just get a Keychron. The K3 looks the same as this, but without the silly Fn key placement.

 

[TheIntruder]

It appears that they're going to fix the Fn key location on the Mac layout in the shipping version.

All the beauty shots on the product page have been updated recently to show the Fn key at the end of the row in the corner, not between Command and Option like on the review units.

I may give this one a try. Hopefully, there is a static, non-lightshow mode. A 75% backlit keyboard that is also low profile is the unicorn I seek. After using the Apple A1243 for so long, I'm resistant to going back to a tall keyboard that begs for the clutter of a wrist rest, which eliminates the Keychron and its ilk. The NuPhy Air75 might be tolerable, but the lack of shinethrough on its key caps renders the backlighting moot.

I wish mainstream manufacturers would be more daring and embrace the 75/80/xx% layouts, not just normal or extended/full.

But if Logi had given the MX Keys a wired connection mode, it might have all been moot for me already, as it otherwise has surprisingly few compromises for a mainstream keyboard. But a wired fallback to guard against connectivity and battery issues would have been a clincher.

Or, if Apple deigned to recognize that desktop users also want backlit keyboards, but that would be unexpected before the Apocalypse comes.

 

[Ash969]

Just got this keyboard, its ok.
Dont see a battery indicator when its connected to my MacBook or iPad. Not really for office use (Clicking noise is loud) but for home use its perfect and for on the road