AQIRYS Aludra TKL RGB Keyboard

Continuing from our recent review of the AQIRYS Webb XL Gaming Mouse Pad today we take a look at another one of their product offerings; the AQIRYS Aludra TKL keyboard. The Aludra TKL keyboard is one of the three keyboards currently offered. Like most AQIRYS products which follow a space themed naming convention, the Aludra TKL keyboard gets its name from the 88th brightest star in the sky; “Aludra”.

TECHNICAL DATA

• Keyboard type: Mechanical
• Keyboard size: TKL
• Switch type: Gateron Red (Hot-Swappable)
• Switch rating: 50 million clicks
• Switch feedback: Linear
• Switch travel: 4 mm
• Switch force: 45 gF
• Anti-Ghosting: 100% (N-Key rollover)
• Number of keys: 87
• Multimedia functions: Yes
• On-board memory: Yes
• Layout: US
• Illumination: Dynamic Per-Key RGB
• Connectivity: Wired
• Cable type: Detachable, braided
• Cable Length: 1.8 m
• Software: Yes (Windows 7 and up)
• Platform: PC/Mac & Consoles
• Size: 369.8 x 141 x 40 mm
• Weight: 991g
• Color: White
• EAN: 5949161381199

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The Package included

The Aludra TKL keyboard comes in a very elegant box and all important marketing material is included in both sides of the package.

The inner box has a more simple look with an overall black background and provides adequate protection to the keyboard during transportation.

Opening up the box, in addition to the keyboard, you’re offered a welcome note, few stickers, and a quick start guide. The guide provides a quick reference for various pre-programmed functions as well as RGB controls.

The package further includes a metal wire keycap and switch extractor, an additional slim space bar, a cleaning brush and a detachable white USB Type-C cable to power the keyboard. The inclusion of a cleaning brush was no doubt a surprise to all of us, but certainly a nice touch given that we haven’t seen other manufacturers including this as standard.

The Aludra TKL keyboard has been designed to be fully customizable, with it’s keys hot-swappable with Gateron, Cherry, and Kailh switches and this customizability extends towards keycaps too.

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As the name suggests, the Aludra TKL keyboard is a 87 key keyboard. You effectively lose out on the number pad from a full sized keyboard.

For aesthetics keycaps on either side of the keyboard are colored black while the rest of the keycaps remain a solid white. I personally didn’t like the fact that AQIRYS had decided to go with symbols for the “Insert, Home, Pg Up, Del, End, Pg Down” keys instead of the standard namings. In fact I had to look up a standard keyboard to look up the placement for each. This isn’t a major deal but something you’d need to get used to.

AQIRYS have added their own marketing slogan on the function keys which spells out “ALL ABOUT THE GAMING”. Personally I’m not too fussed about it, however this will come down to an individual’s preference.

The keyboard comes equipped with Gateron Red (Hot-Swappable) switches. These are linear switches so if you’re not a fan of the clicky switches, this would be perfect. The provided key puller makes the job easy if you ever had the need to do this. The switches themselves have a 50 million click rating and a 45 gF average force.

The typing experience is very smooth and despite its reduced size, the 87 key keyboard does not feel cramped. We did not experience any difficulty with typing or gaming during our testing period.

My only gripe with the keyboard is the overall height of the keyboard and its keycaps. Standing at 40mm above your table and without a wrist rest it does take some getting used to.

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Lighting and Software

Surprisingly the manual doesn’t mention the software bundle that’s downloadable via www.aqirys.com website, which is a shame as many non-tech savvy users may miss out on this fact. The included user manual provides details on how to toggle through the onboard illumination profiles.

Who honestly will be keeping this for reference each time you want to make an adjustment. The downloadable software bundle provides the very basics you’d expect from a keyboard in this price range.

You can define profiles, select from pre-defined illumination options, setup macros and it even has a gaming mode where you can disable certain keys. Furthermore you can customize any of the keys on the keyboard to perform a different function than the default, all via the AQIRYS software.

The lighting on the keyboard aren’t too profound and sleek. It’s not over the top like you’d see on cheaper brands out there.

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Conclusion

The AQIRYS Aludra TKL keyboard is a very nice option especially for those who desire a more compact keyboard. Its trade-offs for the reduced number of swappable keys are acceptable for a reduced price where you can find it retailing around US$80. The official store to purchase AQIRYS gear is on this romain website http://shop.pc-coolers.ro/tastaturi/tastatura-aqirys-aludra-tkl–5832. They are also working on an international store; hence overseas buyers will need to wait a bit longer to get your hands on their gear.

The user swappable USB-C interface really is a feature that should be mandatory on keyboards nowadays and it is fantastic to see it here. The included keyboard customisation software and lighting effects makes the Aludra TKL an appealing choice.

All in all, we do like the AQIRYS Aludra TKL keyboard as it gives a decent amount of customisability and flexibility for its price. If you are looking for a keyboard and desk space is at a premium, then this keyboard is a worthy choice.