I have over 40 years of programming experience using a variety of languages over the course of my career to develop real-time solutions for real-world problems.
Keyboards connect us to the world and, as a keyboard enthusiast, I am searching for the ideal keyboard.
I just ordered the limited-edition ATK RS6 Air x ASPAS 65% keyboard with Iceblade switches for only $89.98 USD (18% off), and the ATK RS6 Air Black with Zenith switches for only $69.98 USD (22% off).
This is a wired-only keyboard and has the same performance specs as other RS6 models for latency, scan, and polling rates, but at a much lower price. Both are currently on sale.
Specifications
Layout / Size: 65% ANSI
Switch Type: Magnetic
Profile: Normal Profile
Connectivity: Wired
Backlight: South-facing RGB LED
Hot-Swap/NKRO: Yes
Case Material: ABS Plastic
Positioning Plate: Aluminum
Keycap: PBT 5-Side Dye-Sub
Stabilizer: Screw-in PCB
MCU: Blazing Wind ULTRA
Polling Rate: 8000 Hz
Scan Rate: N-Key 32KHz / Extreme 256KHz
Latency: 0.08ms
End-to-End Latency: 0.28 ms
RT Precision: 0.001mm in 0.001–3.3mm
Function: Adjustable 0 dead zone, RT, SOCD, and other remapping functions, Music Rhythm, Champion Presets
Software Support: ATK HUB
Switches
Two switch options are available: Zenith and Ice Blade. The Ice Blade switches are only available on the ATK x ASPAS model.
Aside from slight differences in total travel tolerance, they offer similar physical traits. However, the design and materials used to make the switch differ significantly, as shown above.
Alternative Switch Option
Unfortunately, neither switch is available for purchase separately. The only switch available for separate purchase at the time of this writing is the ATK Crystal Blade Magnetic switch.
The specifications are only slightly different:
Total Travel: 3.5 ± 0.2 mm
Actuation Force: 37 ± 5 gf
Durability: 100 Million+ Keystrokes
Initial Magnetic Flux: 90 ± 15 Gs
Bottom Magnetic Flux: 480 ± 40 Gs
Pricing: 10 pcs $44.98 USD, 81 pcs $199.98 USD
The price of the Crystal Blade Magnetic switch is higher than I expected and is atypical for most switches of this calibre.
Customization
Configure the keyboard by downloading the app or by using the online web-based app. The app allows you to control every aspect of your keyboard. It is intuitive, quick, and easy to use once you're familiar with the options.
Why is this model cheaper than other RS6 models?
The case is made of ABS plastic rather than aluminum, which is common on most premium keyboards and is considerably more expensive to manufacture.
Why is the RS6 x ASPAS model more expensive?
The ASPAS model has custom keycaps and costs more to produce in limited volumes.
Which Switch is Better?
Although the Zenith and Ice Blade switches have similar specifications, their designs and materials differ. Which is better is subjective. I ordered two ATK RS6 Air Esports keyboards: the ATK RS6 x ASPAS with Ice Blade switches, and ATK RS6 Black with Zenith switches.
What's Next?
I'm looking forward to receiving these keyboards and will provide an updated "out-of-the-box" review after I get them.
I own several ATK keyboards and have not been disappointed. You may be wondering why I would want to try out more than one. The answer is simple. Consistent build quality across models means a recommendation to buy will give you the same experience I had when reviewing it.
My Orders
I also ordered the ATK RS6 Air Esports Hall Effect Keyboard with Zenith Switches:
