A few weeks ago, we were asked to test a keyboard, which they defined as “the thinnest optical-mechanical mechanical keyboard in the world”. We were immediately curious and agreed to spend a few hours with him.
Having used it for several working days, I start writing this article to the sound of the Vissles LP85 keys, and if this keyboard has anything, it’s a bit noisy. But that doesn’t have to be negative.
The company has just launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds to finance this device, compatible with both Windows and Mac. My experience has been good, but should you pay over $ 100 for this?
The keyboard
The Vissles LP85 is a slim and compact keyboard that has a maximum height of only 7.9mm (without measuring the keys) and weighs 545g. Exactly, it has dimensions of 30.76 x 11.81, so it is only slightly larger than the Magic Keyboard.
It is an aluminum keyboard, available in black and white, which gains a touch of color thanks to the backlit keys that light up when connected to the computer.
According to the company, the Vissles LP85 offers a response speed of 0.2 m / s and a total stroke of 2.5 mm. This high performance optical keyboard is specially designed for those who want to use it for gaming.
This keyboard is compatible with Windows and Mac, but you can also use it with Android and iOS devices. You can also use it with up to three devices at the same time via Bluetooth.
Our experience
It’s taking the keyboard out of the box and falling in love at first sight. I, an avowed Apple fan, have to say that from the start I loved how the sophistication, elegance and simplicity of the black Vissles LP85 complement my MacBook Pro.
Yes, it took me a bit more to get used to the RGB backlighting of its keys, because it makes it look player which is not quite my style. It might be something you particularly like, but if you’re one of mine, you can probably just ignore it.
I’ve almost always used the keyboard connected to my laptop with the built-in USB to USB-C cable. The Bluetooth connection almost always works well, although at some point it caused interference with my Wi-Fi.
When you connect the Vissles LP85 to your computer (by cable or Bluetooth), you will forget that it does not have a Spanish keyboard layout (there is no ‘Ñ’ for example). I say you will forget because it will be automatically configured as the keyboard built into the laptop, which in my case is also in Spanish.
It is true that in devoting myself to writing, I have spent many hours training my muscle memory and can type practically without looking at the keyboard. This means that it didn’t cost me to get used to writing the ‘Ñ’ with the semicolon key, or the equal sign with the last parenthesis key.
Beyond that, it’s a quick keyboard to use, since the keys are separated from each other at an adequate distance that allows you to navigate them without taking too long to press them. It also prevents you from making more mistakes than necessary when writing.
Me, used to the smooth movement of my MacBook’s scissor keyboard, noticed a difference in feel when pressing the keys on the Vissles LP85, but the experience it offers brought me back to the keyboards I was using. formerly with my desktop computer.
This nostalgia is also achieved with the noise the keys make when you press them. Coming from the silent MacBook, that’s a big difference, but it’s a noise that particularly relaxes me. For others, of course, I understand that it can be annoying (especially if you are working with someone next to you).
Pricing and availability
With a release date originally slated for October, it has been pushed back a few weeks, but the exact date is currently unknown. We know that shipments will be from January 2022 and that it will have a price of $ 139 once marketed.
Crowdfunding campaign
Vissles launched a crowdfunding on November 2 (3:00 p.m. Spanish time) via the Kickstarter platform. With this campaign, they intend to take this project forward and start marketing their Vissles LP58 keyboard.
Participating in this campaign will allow you to buy the keyboard at a lower price, as they have a 35% introductory offer, so you can get this device for US $ 99.
In addition, the top 10 participants of the Hong Kong company’s Kickstarter campaign will receive a unique (and secret) gift.
Verdict
The Vissles LP58 has a lot going for it, especially if you own a laptop or Tablet straight and elegant lines that this keyboard is. But that’s not all that matters, and the RGB backlighting is going to like it.
More importantly, its operation does not disappoint, being able to type quickly and comfortably from minute 0. However, it is not the most recommended keyboard for a library, because its sound, as relaxing as it can be. to be for some, for others it will be a disadvantage.
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