The WORST keyboard we've ever tested - REDMAGIC GK001J

The video begins with an unboxing and first impressions of the REDMAGIC GK001J mechanical keyboard. The host highlights the unusual design, noting the combination of plastic and aluminum with a prominent gaming aesthetic, a built-in screen, and a volume knob. They confirm the keyboard is hot-swappable and wired while also offering wireless functionality, and they discuss the build quality, flex in the chassis, and the inclusion of accessories like a coiled USB-C cable and a dongle holder. The reviewer remarks on the visual design elements such as the smoked translucent back, the RGB LED strip, and the slightly dim lighting of the keycaps, while pointing out that the keycaps may not be ideal for all users and that the top-down camera angle can exaggerate the glow. They attempt to power up the device, explore the software, and preview the potential uses of the display and the fanatical gamer branding, all while noting some initial software setup hiccups and the difficulty in accessing certain customization options. In the middle section, the host delves into the practical aspects during daylight testing of the hardware. They inspect the keyboard’s legs, adjustable feet, and the ergonomic implications of the design, including how the display and RGB respond to software controls. The reviewer attempts to install the proprietary software to customize the knob and lighting effects, but encounters errors on multiple days, limiting access to the full feature set. A sponsored segment briefly promotes Corsair Xenon Edge as an additional display for a PC setup, contrasting the keyboard's performance with a high-contrast external display. The tester conducts a quick typing test, comments on the key feels, and assesses the screen’s impact on usability, ultimately noting that the screen and RGB lighting do not redeem the device from a purely functional perspective. In the final stretch, the reviewer focuses on latency measurements and gaming tests. They discuss their lab results showing an average latency around 50 milliseconds, peaking near 58 to 75 milliseconds in wireless mode, which they argue is well above typical gaming keyboard expectations. They demonstrate how the latency translates into real gameplay, citing limited responsiveness in Counter-Strike 2 and minor perceptible delays during typing tests. The conclusion emphasizes that while the GK001J has eye-catching aesthetics and some novelty features, its latency and overall value do not justify the price, and they do not recommend purchasing it, especially at MSRP. The video ends with a straightforward verdict and sign-offs from the hosts. Overall, the video blends hands-on hardware exploration with performance testing and candid opinions on design, software limitations, and value. Viewers are treated to a detailed breakdown of build quality, hot-swappability, display features, and latency results, followed by a practical recommendation based on price and performance. The pacing interleaves unboxing, design critique, and lab-tested metrics with real-world gameplay demonstrations, culminating in a clear stance that the GK001J is not worth the investment for most buyers looking for a high-performance gaming keyboard.

Topics · technology · gadgets · peripherals · gaming hardware