CONCLUSION

    The Jade Audio KB3 mechanical keyboard by FiiO was a pleasant surprise, not just because it doubles as a HiFi DAC and headphone amp (practically a sound card for your PC) but mainly because it’s a fine keyboard. Build quality is very good even though many parts are made of plastic, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches come very close to the Cherry MX RGB silent red ones and as for RGB illumination this is probably something most people will get to love (although it does make the semi-transparent keycaps hard to read). As for audio performance the Jade Audio KB3 delivers crisp and clean results with emphasis to highs and lows this time over (not so much mids). Just like with most entry/mid-end audio DACs the KB3 doesn’t deliver a very wide soundstage, still it’s quite detailed and so nothing to complain here about. What I didn’t like was the lack of dedicated software, both for the keyboard features and for the DAC. I know this isn’t really a must have but it would be nice to.

    FiiO charges just USD149.99 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and around 140Euros inside the EU a price tag which Is very balanced for what you’re getting. The sole question is whether you want or need a new sound card for your PC and well, the only certain thing is that less people will need that compared to people looking for just a mechanical keyboard. Still, even though the Jade Audio KB3 is aimed towards a specific target audience it does deliver on everything it should and although yes it’s not perfect it’s still more than enough for the Golden Award.

PROS

- Good Build Quality (Magnesium Alloy Enclosure / Gasket Design / Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow Switches)
- HiFi DAC & Headphone Amp
- Overall Audio Performance
- Aluminum Alloy Volume Wheel
- Compatible With VIA Open Source
- Hot Swappable Switches
- RGB Illumination (Intensity / Effects)
- Two USB Data Ports
- 3 Available Versions (Wired HiFi DAC / Barebone HiFi DAC / Wireless)
- Price (For Some)

CONS

- Single Switch Selection (Aside The Limited Founders Edition)
- Hard To Read Translucent Keycaps
- Lack Of Dedicated Software