Far from being as famous as big brands like Corsair, Razer or SteelSeries to name but three, Aukey is one of those manufacturers that are rising. The Chinese, however, does not seek to compete with the top-of-the-range tnors and focuses on the distribution of first-price models like this KM-G12.
The explosion of the gaming device market has considerably redesigned the PC landscape. The histories are still there, but rely more on the premium segment when ever more numerous players are trying to get the chestnuts out of the fire. Among them, many manufacturers from the Middle Kingdom. The vast majority of them decided to cut prices, but sometimes with disappointments when we receive the equipment: catastrophic finishes, performance not at the rendezvous, or even product not at all compliant. The young company Aukey strives to maintain a reputation for excellence and even if its products do not always have the level of excellence of the majors of the sector, they are distinguished by an excellent quality / price ratio.
Open structure looking for metal chassis
Think that the KM-G12 is a mechanical keyboard offered for less than 50 euros at resellers like the unbeatable Amazon. At this price level, we generally deal with so-called membrane products and the finish is not always there. At Aukey, we start to save on cardboard: no plastic case, no decoration. The box is uniformly black with, simply, the Aukey logo prominently on top. inside, the same simplicity is required with two inserts to hold the keyboard and a small foam bag to protect it. Nothing is moving, little chance that the keyboard will get you wrong, but nothing superfluous, no extra cost.
The keyboard is therefore quickly cleared and ready for use. However, we still regret that the savings made by Aukey are felt at the cable level. If it is not braided – logical this price – we find in spite of all a pity that it is not detachable and not a little bit longer: about 1.60 meters, maybe just. Nothing to say on the other hand on the design and the general silhouette of the KM-G12. Pure gaming keyboard, it rests on an integrally metal chassis that breathes a job well done: no risk of anything breaking after a few weeks / months of use. Note that Aukey has adopted an open structure, very fashionable at the moment with most high-end manufacturers.
The result is beautiful with a product of rare elegance. Better yet, Aukey has also abandoned the aggressive designs of certain competitors and the not always very aesthetic growths for a formidable model of simplicity. For lovers of hacking and customization, it is good to emphasize that the keys can be removed very easily and, better, the contactors themselves are simple to replace. Aukey also delivers a small plastic clip so that fans can enjoy it. However, the manufacturer does not offer any options or accessories to personalize the KM-G12 : if you wish to mix the contactors, you will have to go in search of the necessary switches yourself.
Unsurprisingly, the keys are made of ABS plastic. On a low price model like this KM-G12, there was no question of taking advantage of PBT. AZERTY standard requires, the marking of said keys is sometimes a bit loaded, especially on keys with three functions. There is however no typographical problem and the keys are even able to let part of the backlight. Let's finish this first contact with the KM-G12 evoking a double regret. First, no wrist rest is offered by Aukey. A (small) defect that is not compensated by the feet: the latter are either tucked in for a flat keyboard, or unfolded for a slight tilt. We would have liked at least one more level. Never mind.
Outemu Blue, the low-cost contactor
Manufacturers like Cooler Master or Logitech (and other tenors, no jealous), generally rely on branded contactors. The German Cherrry generally wins the favor of the most prominent manufacturers, at least on their high-end models, but there is obviously no question of using such switches on a keyboard less than 50 euros … also gamer be it. Aukey therefore hired Outemu contactor services, a Chinese brand that offers great things. The Outemu Blue used on the KM-G12 did not blush from the comparison whether it was a question of precision or reactivity. They allow an alert, lively typing and on our reference text, errors have been very rare.
However, it must be recognized that they are very noisy. This is not surprising since Blue switches are the most sonic, and this, from any manufacturer. In the case of KM-G12, noise can quickly annoy, especially if you use it with other people, in a living room for example. The nuisances are actually double: first there is the noise of the contactor itself, which is one of the so-called clicky models. The open metallic structure of the KM-G12 is responsible for the second Kiss Cool effect, namely a clack that one feels as soon as the plastic key abuts against the keyboard chassis. Of course, as soon as you put a helmet on your head to immerse yourself in the game, nuisance is no longer a problem, but … knowing it is better.
On a purely technical level and while we have already mentioned the case of entry per kilometer, we must highlight the excellent work of anti-ghosting and N-key rollover: no risk actually jamming the keyboard or d 'activate ghost characters. in use, it's really a very convincing keyboard and when you think of the price that Aukey asks for … it's even an excellent deal. A regret all the same because the software designed by the manufacturer only works on Windows. It is obviously there to set up macros – no shortcut keys are specifically dedicated – and to manage the backlight. We regret that Aukey has not considered a gaming system to block Windows shortcut keys in full. Maybe for a next update?
As we said, the software is mainly there for macros and for customizing the RGB backlight. It should however be noted that one can go through a system of key combinations to call certain preset effects in the keyboard so that the installation of said software is optional. The interest of the software is obviously to allow more fantasy, but we regret that it is necessary to press apply to realize the slightest modification. Always a little gadget, the backlight fulfilled here very well its primary function, to represent the keys in the dark. Due to the open structure of the keyboard, the light tends to escape on the sides of the keyboard. KM-G12. Some will not appreciate it.
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SMALL PRICE, BUT IT PROVIDES THE ESSENTIALS A real mechanical keyboard, responsive and precise, less than 50 euros? This is the bet that hands down this KM-G12. It is a full-width model – 105 keys – relatively compact which does not bother with any accessory function except a backlight perhaps a little too much in the eyes of some. Nothing to say on the other hand on the essential. The followers of the entry by the kilometer will have so to speak no criticism to formulate – except for the noise – whereas the gamers will be delighted to be able to react from tick to tick without being hampered by their device. A very accessible model that should quickly find its audience. |
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