Lemokey X5 mechanical keyboard evaluate: Efficiency on a price range

Customizable keyboards can get costly; you’ll be able to rack up a number of hundred {dollars} for plates, keycaps, and gaskets earlier than attending to the hours wanted for meeting. Fortunately, we’ve seen a rise in price range fanatic decks, giving us start line at a wallet-friendly value, permitting for upgrades or customization at our personal tempo and ability degree.

For $50, the Lemokey X5 mechanical keyboard falls into this class. It has a strong base, lubed switches, and first rate efficiency that may be up to date over time. In the event you’re okay with a decisively 2013 hardcore gamer aesthetic and some flaws, the Lemokey X5 could be your subsequent deck.

Worth, availability, and specs

The Lemokey X5 is accessible by means of Lemokey and Amazon for $50. The corporate gives two swap choices: the Keychon Mechanical Brown Change featured on my evaluate unit or a Keychron Mechanical Pink Change for these looking for a smoother (and quieter) expertise. Numerous keycap units and different customizations are bought by means of the Lemokey web site for a further value.

What’s good concerning the Lemokey X5 keyboard?

Stable and customizable

It’s arduous to beat the worth of the Lemokey X5, particularly contemplating it is a first rate mechanical keyboard with customizable choices for $50. I’ll check with the worth a number of instances on this evaluate as a result of it’s vital to recollect — an inexpensive product makes minor gripes extra bearable.

Lemokey did an excellent job with the X5’s base. It’s a strong deck with a PC plate, gasket mount, and acoustic foam mixed for an honest typing expertise that doesn’t sound or really feel low cost. I observed minimal deck flex, primarily on the corners when making use of strain, however nothing that hindered my expertise.

As well as, the gaming efficiency was what I’d count on from a tactile swap. The journey distance is 4 millimeters, a bit longer than different gaming keyboards, however it didn’t trouble me throughout gameplay. The Keychron brown switches require 55 grams of strain for activation, and whereas it’s a bit greater than I’m used to, my fingers had been by no means fatigued.

I really like that Lemokey included three typing angles for the X5. I’m bored with gaming decks giving me just one (or none), just like the Drop CSTM65. With the X5, you’ll be able to select 4.5, 7, or 9 levels, permitting for loads of variation to assist discover essentially the most snug match. It’s a small element, however makes a large distinction over longer gaming and typing periods — your wrists will thanks.

I discussed the switches’ gaming efficiency earlier, however additionally they really feel good for typing. They’re manufacturing facility pre-lubed, making for easy journey. Due to the added activation weight and journey, you gained’t neglect it’s a gaming keyboard whereas typing up paperwork (or a evaluate), however the X5 does a greater job than most, making the expertise nice.

The X5 sneaks in just a few premium gaming options regardless of its price range value. N-key rollover is included, permitting for button mashing till your coronary heart’s content material in League of Legends. Macro instructions are additionally straightforward to arrange because of QWK firmware, offering loads of key configuration choices by means of the Lemokey Launcher internet app.

The X5’s backlighting is proscribed, however a minimum of it’s accessible. I hope you want pink as a result of this keyboard doesn’t have any RGB LEDs. You do get 14 lighting sample choices, with the LEDs displayed by means of the ABS double-shot shine by means of keycaps. The lighting is decently brilliant and viewable with out issues in daylight.

Every F-key contains fundamental capabilities, and the X5 is appropriate with Home windows, Linux, and Mac. Lemokey fitted the X5 with 256K of flash reminiscence, permitting builders an opportunity to program for the deck sooner or later. I had no points utilizing the software program, and I like that there’s a internet app for straightforward entry.

It took a little bit of getting used to, however I lastly accepted the X5’s 96% measurement. It saves slightly additional desk area, making the important thing configuration extra compact. I’d’ve preferred an additional millimeter or two on the Proper-Shift key, however just a few hundred phrases later, I used to be zipping alongside usually. I do know I’m a dinosaur for this desire, however I take pleasure in having a devoted quantity pad. It makes passcodes and getting into information a lot simpler — value the additional area it takes.

What’s unhealthy concerning the Lemokey X5 keyboard?

Blast from the previous design

It’s clearly a private desire, however after I noticed the X5’s pink backlighting and pink Enter, Escape, and Spacebar, I used to be immediately transported again to 2013. I felt like I used to be two G-Gasoline shakers deep, about to hop on Counter-Strike to lose a Silver II aggressive match and blame my teammates. Fortunately, Lemokey contains black alternative keys, however this isn’t a keyboard that passes for an office-friendly deck.

Talking of the keycaps, they aren’t unhealthy, however aren’t high-quality both. The ABS double-shot plastic feels cheaper than different keys I’ve used, however Lemokey wanted to chop corners someplace to maintain the X5 inexpensive. It’s not a deal-breaker as a result of it’s an issue simply mounted by alternative caps, however know the default ones don’t present a premium expertise out of the field.

Whereas I don’t thoughts the default switches on the Lemokey X5, I’d’ve preferred the choice to swap out for one more set later. In contrast to different boards from the corporate, the X5 switches are firmly planted, that means you must take additional care selecting between pink and brown switches from the beginning. It wouldn’t cease me from shopping for (particularly for the cash), however it might’ve been welcome for an fanatic board to permit the choice to swap in a unique really feel in a while.

Must you purchase it?

It’s arduous to disclaim the Lemokey X5 is an effective worth for $50. Even when a single part is not upgraded, you get a solid-performing deck for gaming and typing. Whereas the Keychron mechanical brown switches won’t ever be my first selection, they do the job with a easy really feel and fast response for fast-paced shooters. With just a few mods, you’ll be able to have a premium-feeling deck for lower than the price of a Corsair K95 Platinum, together with the enjoyable of constructing it your self.

In the event you’re an fanatic in search of an inexpensive jumping-off level, the X5 will do the job. In the event you’re a gamer on a price range, it could be a good suggestion to choose one up and enhance items as your price range permits. Both approach, it’s arduous to go fallacious with a board as inexpensive because the X5.