O-Sense
CONCLUSION
The RETRO Classic line is actually AZIO’s 2nd attempt to create a retro keyboard after vintage typewriters so we had very high expectations from it. The first MK Retro line released a while back was also something new but due to the usual materials used (namely plastic) it wasn’t what we’d call unique and/or elegant. The RETRO Classic line brings almost everything we’d like to see from such a keyboard including premium quality materials (zinc alloy with real leather and/or walnut wood), backlit mechanical switches (Kailh Typelit) and a very impressive design. Of course the reason we say almost is because the keycaps used are made out of plastic (zinc alloy would be ideal) and also because the sound of the mechanical switches used is far from that of a vintage typewriter (perhaps with zinc alloy keycaps that would improve as well). That being said the sound part is not really bad (at least not for the majority of potential buyers) since vintage typewriters tend to be way too noisy but I expect there are some people out there who are looking for exactly that.
So how much does the “luxury” RETRO Classic Typewriter Backlit Mechanical Keyboard currently retails for? Well as expected these models don’t come cheap so each will currently set you back a total of USD189.99 inside the US (Amazon) and 199.99Euros inside the EU (Amazon DE). Of course when there are gaming keyboards in the market that cost almost as much (some even more) we don’t really consider them expensive (based on the materials used) but at the same time we can’t call them affordable either. Overall AZIO has released one of the highest quality (not to mention unique) keyboard lines in the market today ideal both for office and home use and we’re happy to give them our Golden Award.
PROS
- Premium Quality Materials
- Design (Reminiscent Of Vintage Typewriters)
- Kailh Typelit Mechanical Switches (Center LEDs / 50 Million Actuations)
- N Key Rollover
- Pillar Style Adjustable Feet
- Available In Wired And Wireless Versions
- 4 Different Models (ARTISAN / ONYX / POSH / ELWOOD)
CONS
- Plastic Keycaps
- No USB Pass Through
- Price (For Some)
