A text/email from FEDEX demands an additional payment of $274.70 CAD for taxes and duties. The total cost of this order is now $1,040.16 CAD.

Tarrifs, exchange rates, duties, and taxes make for an unsustainable hobby. Hopefully, things will settle down in the not to distant future.

• Buy local

• Buy direct

• Buy from tarrif free countries

The Good News

The NiZ L84 RGB Tri-mode Low-Profile Keyboard is as close to the ideal keyboard as I could find to date. Cerakey’s ZEN75 is a very close second.

As pictured above, my NiZ L84 is now adorned by a combination of Cerakey Ceramic and Womier PBT shine-through keycaps while retaining the original split spacebar keycaps.

This NiZ L84 is as close to the IDEAL keyboard I could find, offering the best typing experience of any keyboard in my collection.

I installed Womier Low-Profile Shine-Through PBT keycaps (available from Amazon) on my NiZ L84 keyboard, pictured above. I may earn a small commission for items purchased.

Configuration Software

I managed to get the software to work after disabling the MSI driver on my Windows PC. I mention this because my initial attempts to download and run the configuration software on my Windows machine failed several times.

Unfortunately, the software only displayed a Japanese-language message in a window. I don’t speak or read Japanese, and despite my attempts to use a translator, the message was unclear and unhelpful.

Attempts to reach out via Kickstarter didn’t yield any results, so I decided to contact support via email:

I received this reply:

Select "L84" from https://www.nizkeyboard.com/pages/firmware-upgrade. Click here for the L84 page specifically. Download the folder, extract the files, and run the L84 executable.

• I decided to see if I could run the software on my work computer, and it worked as expected.

  • Direct link to L84 - Google Drive

  • The question is, why doesn’t it work on my home computer? I had to disable the MSI driver and related MSI files from Startup Applications.

  • Fortunately, I have a “clean” ultra-portable PC that successfully ran the downloaded file. This confirmed the need to determine which application is causing the software to fault on my primary laptop.

Comparators - Competition

My comparators are the LoFree Edge, LoFree Lite, Hesper 84(100), IQUNIX MQ80, and IQUNIX MG65 Pro, all of which rank better than any of the wide varieties of low-profile Keychron keyboards in my collection. I also backed the Flow 2 project on Kickstarter. I ordered the Flow 2-68, Flow 2-84, and Flow 2-100 key keyboards.

What makes the L84 different?

For starters, the low-profile “Topre-integrated” switches are amazing. The low actuation point and minimal total travel make for faster typing and a unique typing feel, unlike any other keyboard in my collection.

The HHKB-style Caps Lock/Control and Backspace/”\” key swapping is achieved using simple Fn key combinations. Actuation point presets and polling rates are also easily accessed using Fn key combinations.

The layout options offered by this keyboard address the changes I would typically make using configuration software. I downloaded the configuration software using the QR code shown on page 5 of the user guide.

The keyboard offers a respectable set of key combinations and is my new daily driver. I love the feel of this keyboard, and my typing speed has improved by a solid 15+ words per minute.

No More Excuses

I call this my “no excuses” keyboard because it addresses every excuse I could think of for not typing faster: short travel and actuation points, light touch, up to 8K polling rate, split spacebar, and more.

I love the little LED screen. The letters are crisp, clean, and easy to read! It is easy to switch between profiles, operating systems (MAC/Windows), and other modes using simple Fn Key combinations—the LED changes to reflect the current settings where applicable.

The keycaps display the primary legends as expected, while the front faces clearly indicate the secondary Fn Key combinations. This makes for a keyboard that is very easy to navigate.

Other nice touches include the latex “skin” to protect the keyboard from debris and spills, LED backlighting that adds a subtle ambience to my desk space, and “onboard” storage for the 2.4GHz dongle!

The L99 Came Next

It took me a while to get used to the L84 because of the light touch to activate the keys. However, I quickly learned to adjust my typing posture and style. I decided to get the L99 to complement my collection and better support my daily work tasks, as it has a separate number pad.

Keycaps

The keycaps are unique to the keyboard, and while I appreciate their shape, I thought shine-through keycaps would complement the keyboard, making it much easier to use in a darkened room.

I purchased Womier double-shot PBT shine-through keycaps from Amazon, and the keyboard, as pictured in the cover of this post, has a nicer aesthetic, especially at night, and has helped to improve my accuracy.

• Low Profile Custom Keycaps: This keycap set is half the height of other keycaps while increasing your finger's touch area.

• Double Shot PBT Keycaps: Retains consistent texture and appearance even after heavy use. Not easy to wear, strong, and enduring. However, a slight sheen began to appear after extensive use.

• Shine Through Keycaps: The RGB backlighting does not overwhelm at its lowest setting, making the shine-through effect easy on the eyes. As a seasoned touch typist, I don’t need to see the keys under normal circumstances. However, there are times when it helps to see the navigation keys or function keys across the top row.

• Full-size Keycaps Set: The keycap set is suitable for 61/68/82/84/87/100/104/108 key mechanical keyboards, as well as any key switch with a cross-shaped axis.

• Warranty: This keycap set has a 12-month warranty.

Simply the Best

This keyboard is exemplary. If you’re looking for a keyboard that offers portability, functionality, and an unparalleled typing experience, the L84, L99, or both are it.

The L84 is also available without RGB backlighting and has a lower price point accordingly. The L99 does not offer RGB backlighting.

Related Articles and Resources

• NIZ keyboard firmware & upgrade - Google Drive - This Google Drive site lists all NIZ keyboards, including the L84 and L99.

  • L84 - last update Jun 18, 20025a

    • L84_V1.0..15

      • Upgrade (bin files for L84EC(usb), L84EC(S)BLe, and L84EC(RGB)BLe

      • Firmware (May 23, 2025)

        • L84RES.dll

        • L84HWI.dll

        • L84.exe

  • L99 - last update Jun 18, 2025

• firmware&upgrade – NIZ Store

• firmware - Google Drive L84_V1.0.15 - May 23.2025

  • L84_V1.0.15 - Google Drive

  • L84 - Google Drive

• Keyboard FAQ&Solution – NIZ Store

• NiZ Electrostatic Capacity Switch Keyboard Downloads - Not Attempted

• Understand the features of NiZ capacitive non-contact keyboards!

• What Makes the NIZ L84 Keyboard So Special - YouTube

Once again, Keychron is launching the Q16 through Kickstarter, and you can reserve yours in advance of the official launch date, set for October 1st.

I reserved my Q16 and look forward to all the features the QE16 has to offer: two colour choices, the latest Tunnel Magnetoresistance (TMR) sensors, 0.01mm Precision Actuation Points from 0.1 - 3.35mm, 8,000 Hz Polling Rate, Rapid Trigger, Snap-Click, a Web-Based Configurator, and more.

Visit the Prelaunch web page for a more detailed presentation of all features this keyboard has to offer.

An official review will follow …

Related Articles and Resources

• Keychron Q16 HE Prelaunch.

• Keychron Q16 HE 8K - Typing Sound Test - It Is Thocky

The keyboard boasts a striking, minimalist presence, featuring aircraft-grade aluminum keycaps that are devoid of legends. The keyboard also features:

• Tri-mode connectivity: USB-C Wired, 2.4 GHz Wireless, Bluetooth Wireless.

• RGB - Full customizable RGB backlighting with multiple modes and adjustable brightness.

• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery.

• Stabilizers - Plate Mount (Lubricated).

• Switches - Gateron Brown Tactile.

I received notice on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, that my Artificer keyboard is on its way, and I received it a few days later.

The Review

The keycaps are everything I expected them to be, although the keyboard itself fell short of my expectations. The CNC machining and finish of the keycaps are exceptional. However, from time to time, their shape gives cause for my fingers to catch the edges of neighbouring keys. A stepped CAPS LOCK key and a PCB that supports it would help to minimize this problem.

Without a doubt, the keycaps, covered by a lifetime warranty, make this keyboard the gem that it is. As for the remaining components, one year!

The RGB lighting dances off the sides of the keycaps, creating an ambience filled with colour. Fn + Arrow key combinations control the brightness (up/down) and speed (left/right). Other lighting controls, such as colour and mode, are also managed using Fn+<Keys>.

When I connected the keyboard to my computer for the first time, the RGB lighting shut off after only a few minutes of use. I changed the settings in Windows Startup Apps to re-enable MSI True Color, restarted my computer, and the backlighting is now working as expected.

The documentation is a single-page, quick-start/user’s guide that offers minimal guidance and a very short “cheat sheet” of “Fn + <key>” combinations. Since the keyboard is not QMK/VIA or VIAL compatible, reassigning keys is not an option. That the keyboard commands a premium price for the materials and CNC machining, paying a little extra for a premium-grade PCB that also supports split keys (backspace, left/right shift, and spacebar), and a stepped Caps Lock key should be an option.

The plain shape of the case and legendless keycaps give the keyboard a modern, minimalist aesthetic. Unfortunately, there is no provision to store the 2.4GHz dongle on the keyboard itself. The keyboard weighs 2.5572 lbs (1159.9 grams) with the rod-style riser installed.

I rarely, if ever, use tactile switches. The Gater on Browns are quieter than expected and have a nice, comfortable feel. However, I prefer Gateron’s Silver Smoothie switches, which have a lower actuation point and shorter total travel, which may also reduce the incidence of clipping adjacent keys while typing.

Two options are available to set the typing angle: a riser bar or two separate feet. The keyboard sounds great with or without the riser “bar,” and offers a pleasant typing experience.

As a Canadian, I was intrigued to see a “Made in Canada” keyboard, and it was one of the reasons I decided to make the purchase. I suggest offering a compatible selection of PCBs and a choice of switches. Overall, the quality of the materials and craftsmanship is excellent; however, the keyboard would benefit from a premium PCB to further enhance the exceptional experience it delivers.

Related Articles and Resources

• ESSENSE Collection - 65% Aluminum Keyboard – Artificer

The keyboard features several unique design elements that distinguish it from others in a positive way. The light bar responds to sound in real time and supports per-key backlighting. The finish is a 220-grit CNC finish, resulting in a smooth surface - perfect for Anodized (black, red, silver) or Electrophoretic (warm white, cool white, pink) coatings

The ball-catch structure, five-layer dampening kit, FR4 mounting plate, pogo pin connector, and choice of either PCB gasket mount or plate mount make for a complete, barebones keyboard kit. Silicone gasket strips around the inner frame serve as a “force break” by design, reducing metal-on-metal contact.

The 6000 mAh battery has more capacity than most keyboards in its class and is sure to support hours of Bluetooth or 2.4GHz wireless connectivity.

The keyboard’s layout is ANSI only. However, QMK/VIA compatibility makes it easy to reassign keys. An “in-house” driver is also available, but a foreign language (Chinese) appeared on the button that, when pressed,

Stabilizers appear to be pre-installed, although there is no mention of brand, mounting type, or unique performance features. Switches and keycaps must be purchased separately, giving rise to the low price point. The sound and feel of the board depend on these items and may cost more than the keyboard itself.

Knowing this, I ordered the keyboard just the same and await its arrival. The keyboard has a great look and addresses issues found in others, such as “onboard” storage of the 2.4GHz dongle. We’ll see if this keyboard is too good to be true and report our findings in an update to this post.

Related Articles and Resources

• NUT65 Keyboard – Shop NUT65 at Weikav Official - Wireless, RGB.

• Softwares & Firmwares | Weikav

  • VIA Json File

  • Web Driver

  • User Manual

  • Shortcuts Infographic

• [In Stock] Weikav NUT65 Mechanical Keyboard Barebone Kit – Velocifire.

• Nut65 Review and Sound Test of the Latest Aluminum 65% from Weikav - MechTech Keyboards.

• Nut65 - Google Drive (NUT65json.zip) - Velocifire

Years ago, I purchased a QwerkyWriter keyboard out of curiosity, and most recently backed a Kickstarter project for the 10-Year Anniversary edition.

Perhaps it’s just a coincidence, but I received an email from YUNZII this morning promoting the YUNZII QL75 Retro Typewriter QMK/VIA Mechanical Keyboard. At USD 112.19 (MSRP USD 132.59), it seems like quite a deal, although Green and Pink are the only colour options available.

The features of this keyboard are typical of most:

• Hot Swappable Switches

  • Switch Options:

    • Onyx Tactile Switch: Clicky, Prelubed, five pins, 60gf bottom-out force, 43gf actuation force, total travel 3.90 mm, pre-travel 2.00 mm.

    • Cocoa Cream V2 Linear Switch: Clicky, Prelubed, five pins, 55gf bottom out force, 50gf actuation force, total travel 3.30 mm, pre-travel 2.00 mm

• Connections: Wired, Bluetooth 5.0 (up to 3 devices), and 2.4GHz

• Adjustable RGB Backlighting, North-Facing LED

• Full Anti-Ghosting

• QMK/VIA to Customize:

  • RGB

  • Key Assignments

  • Toggle and Knob Function

  • Macro Settings

• Built-In Rechargeable Battery

  • 23 hours with RGB ON

  • 31 days with RGB OFF

• Compatible with Windows, MAC, and Android

Whether or not you choose to reassign keys, the keyboard has pre-programmed FN key combinations, including media controls, calculator, email, and keyboard locking.

The keyboard features five indicator lights: Caps Lock, Power, and Connection type, indicated by BT1, BT2, and BT3 indicator lights, respectively.

What’s Included

• QL75 Keyboard

• USB Cable for Type-C

• Switch and Keycap Puller

• Function Card and Manual

• 2.4GHz Dongle

• Dustproof Cloth

• Two Extra Switches

My Order

I ordered the Green QL75 with Cocoa Cream V2 Linear Switches. I also received a 10% discount, as my order was over $100.00. They also included a complimentary YUNZII Rainbow Cloud Keyboard Wrist Rest, valued at $20.39, although I’m not sure why.

I was also pleasantly surprised to see “FREE SHIPPING.” In today’s economy, this is a breath of fresh air.

I expect to receive my keyboard in approximately two weeks, and I will provide a “hands-on” review after trying it for a while afterwards.

Until next time, thank you for reading!

Dual-Action Keys Kit

The Dual-Action Keys kit enables a 64-key layout to provide 100-key functionality.

The dual-action is made possible using a vertical split key with a differential actuation point or travel for the following key positions:

• Q W E R
  A S D F
  Z X C V
  I O P
  K L ;
  , . /
  Right Alt/Cmd
  Fn
  Function Key Row (Preset)

Switches

Tecsee Low-Profile David L linear switches have a 1.7mm actuation point, an actuation force of 40g, and a total travel of 2.8mm.

The dual-action switches feature an “upper switch” with a total travel of 3.5 mm and an actuation force of 45 gf.

Fortunately, the switches are hot-swappable.

Although a full keycap can be used, an upper and lower keycap are required to offer the dual-action capability.

Design

The keyboard is fully QMK/VIA compatible, adding to the already unique dual-action key functionality. The materials used include an aluminum top frame and switch mounting plate, a complete foam pack (consisting of PCB foam, IXPE switch pad, and bottom case foam), a floating RGB light strip, and an ABS bottom case.

“Finger fitting” PBT keycaps, brass toggle switches for mode and system switching, are complemented by a backlit brass Logo button that adds a touch of elegance to the finished keyboard.

The backlit areas can be customized independently, and the brass logo button can be used to toggle between them.

Connectivity

Wired, Bluetooth 5.3 up to three devices, and 2.4GHz connections are supported. A 3000mAh battery offers 30, 50, or 150 hours of working time with all lights on, only key area lights on, or all lights off, respectively.

Great Expectations

As of this writing, the Kickstarter campaign is fully funded; however, rewards are still available and offer a significant discount over the MSRP of $279 USD. Keyboards are expected to ship sometime in October 2025.

Although I’m intrigued by the dual-action keys, the aluminum plate and 1.7mm actuation point may not deliver the sound and feel I’m accustomed to with my current keyboards.

I will do a more formal review when I receive my keyboard in a few months. Meanwhile, we do have a short “unboxing” video from the Kickstarter campaign below.

Unboxing - Preliminary

The video below was released as part of the Kickstarter campaign. I will do a formal review after receiving mine.

Related Articles and Resources

• Nics Hesper64(100) Dual-Action Low-Profile Keyboard by Nics — Kickstarter

• Nics (website)

The LoFree Edge keyboard webpage describes the many features and engineering challenges involved in manufacturing a keyboard of this calibre, of which a few caught my attention.

Although the keyboard is made of premium materials, its design screams portability. While the keyboard may be easy to carry around, it doesn’t exactly deliver the premium feel I was hoping for.

Switches

The Kaihl POM linear switches have a 1.3mm actuation trigger and a total travel of only 2.4mm. The activation point rivals that of a typical speed switch (silver), and the short overall travel means less finger movement.

Slim Design

The keyboard case's leading edge is reportedly only 5.4mm high. I measured the height from my desktop to the top surface of the keyboard to be 10mm. This is still very thin and eliminates the need for a palm or wrist rest. This design is supported by a Carbon fibre top and a magnesium alloy base at its shallowest point.

Light Weight

My keyboard weighed 1.097 lbs or 497.9g, which is slightly heavier than the 1.07 lbs stated on the website. However, it is still lighter than most keyboards in my collection. Despite its lightweight design, the robust materials used to create it ensure it will survive the most rigorous trips.

Battery Life

The 2000 mAh battery has a posted run time of 130 hours from a full charge without backlights.

Backlighting

I was surprised that a keyboard this thin could still accommodate backlighting. Unfortunately, the lighting is very dim even at the brightest setting, and only supports three modes: OFF, Steady On, or “Breathing” pattern.

Software

The software is not as intuitive to use and a little confusing at first sight. However, it is possible to create macros and reassign keys, such as swapping the backspace and \| keys. Unfortunately, this keyboard is not VIA compatible which would have yielded a more intuitive and easy to use experience.

Download and install the Lofree Edge Configurator App to customize your keyboard. Extract the Lofree Application to a directory of your choosing and run it.

Overall Experience

The keyboard is slim and light. As for the overall typing experience “out of the box”, my typing speed improved only slightly, but, with credit to the keycap profile, my accuracy was consistently higher than with other keyboards. After using the keyboard for several months, the key actions are smoother, my typing speed increased significantly, and accuracy remained in the high.

I’m only slightly disappointed by the clacky sounding keys and hard bottom out. Over time, the keys feel much smoother and become much quieter.

If portability is a priority and you’re looking for something lightweight, this may be the keyboard for you; however, other keyboards fare at least as good and cost less. If you have a little patience and allow the keyboard to settle in, this may be one of the best keyboards you can put your hands on.

LoFree Edge - Users Guide

Specifications

Diagram

Reference Diagram Above:

Detailed Operation

Backlit

Pattern: FN + Left or Right Arrows: Steady-Breathe-Off

Brightness: FN + F5 (Dim) or F6 (Brighten): 0-25-50-75-100%

System Switch

FN + N: Windows / Android

FN + M: Mac/iOS

FN Key Combinations

Related Articles and Resources

• Edge Low-profile Mechanical Keyboard - Product Page

• LoFree EDGE Users Guide (PDF File): With Multiple Languages on a Single Page)

• Lofree Edge Keyboard Configurator - DO NOT USE on other devices (May cause bricking) App - Dropbox

• Download Center | Lofree

• Lofree - Discord Invite

Lofree Lite

• Lofree Flowlite Key Mapper – DO NOT USE on other devices (May cause bricking) - Dropbox

Items of Interest

• Keyboard-Inspector: Get your keyboard vitals using the Keyboard Inspector App. Download the zip file, unpack, and run.

• The First Wooting 80HE Aftermarket Case - KBDFans GT-80 - YouTube (BadSeed)

The Wordrunner is an all-aluminum “specialty” TKL keyboard targeted for writers. Freewrite, backed by Astrohaus, designed this keyboard, among other devices, to help writers be more productive.

The keyboard has a built-in word counter, productivity timer, and uniquely tailored function key assignments to navigate sentences and paragraphs.

While most applications can provide a word count, they don’t measure the number of words typed in a session. I’m curious how it handles the backspace key. Counting words suggests that the keyboard is content-aware, and I doubt that it is.

They say you can’t manage what you can’t measure. I use the timer pictured below to help track my tasks and break times. However, having an exclusive timer on a keyboard is a feature I wasn’t expecting.

The built-in timer is intended to help writers time their sessions or take regular breaks, essential for long sessions while seated. The session timer measures in hours and minutes. If I’m interested in “seconds,” I may not be able to retire my disk timer yet.

Construction

The keyboard has Kailh tactile switches; unfortunately, they are not hot-swappable. I prefer linear speed switches and have an affinity for Gateron’s smoothie silver speed switches.

Switches aside, the keyboard comprises the features we would expect from a premium keyboard, including sound dampening and RGB lighting.

If the timer and wordometer aren’t enough, the multi-directional joystick brings a new yet intuitive touch to typical media and volume controls.

Finally, wired and Bluetooth connectivity for up to 3 devices is available to enhance writing between multiple devices, where wired offers reduced latency.

Delivery

The timeline for this project suggests a delivery date in January 2026. Until then, I look forward to the updates via Kickstarter and reviewing the Wordrunner in the new year!

Price

As an “Early Access” backer, the keyboard is USF $349 or CA $488, a 22% discount off the future retail price of USF $449. Currency conversions are subject to foreign exchange rates at the time of payment.

Pledge awards are still available.

Related Articles and Resources

• Wordrunner: The Mechanical Word-Counting Keyboard by Astrohaus — Kickstarter

• Keyboard for writers has word-count odometer, sprint timer | Tom's Hardware

• Freewrite’s latest keyboard has a mechanical word-counter to track your writing | The Verge

• Kailh Switches: A Comprehensive Guide - Switch and Click

Items of Interest

• Ernest Hemingway Freewrite Signature Edition - Freewrite Store

Did they go far enough?

When the competition thought it was catching up, Wooting announced a new 60 HE V2. While I like the changes they made to this keyboard, I would still like to see a stepped CapsLock key, split left and right shift keys, split backspace, and if they are going to have a split spacebar option as pictured, I prefer having the longer segment on the right side of the middle bar, not on the left as pictured.

They are also introducing the Lekker Tikken switch with a closed bottom. Aside from its improved sound profile, I have noted that others offer vent holes on the bottom to help manage the switch's temperature and improve accuracy.;

The following changes are detailed on Wooting’s 60HE V2 web page and mentioned in Wooting’s video:

• Aluminum Case with robust protective coating

• Quick disassembly (Friction Fit)

• True 8K Polling (

• Screw-in Stabilizers (Pre-Lubed)

• Bottom Case Dampening Options:

  • Silicon Dampener

  • Foam Dampener

  • No Dampener

• Switch Plate is FR4

• Sandwich Dampening

  • Silicon and Poron Pad

  • PET Sheet for PCB

• Lekker Tikken Switches (Closed Bottom - For a Marbly sound)

  • Closed Bottom (Marbly Sound)

  • 4mm Travel

• Multiple Strap Options:

  • Single Side Strap

  • Dual Side Strap

  • Strapless

• Tape Mod

I own every variant Wooting offers and will likely buy this one too. Everything is subject to change, and only time will tell. It is slated for release in Q4.

Related Articles and Resources

• Meet the Wooting 60HE v2 - Expected Q4 2025

• Wooting Wootility Software

• Wootility Web (Online Wootility App - Nothing to download)

• Wooting keyboards