Do NOT buy this and believe the negative reviews. Out of the box, you can use it to type, mostly. Give up on remapping keys. That has more to do with luck than science, since there are multiple version, software, and driver incompatibilities. If the stars align and you happen to have a compatible collection of versions, count your blessings. If not, you can't get there from here. Design issues range from the grounding of the metal case (*any* static electricity will fry your board), to the alignment of the key sockets (keys and case had to be filed and sanded to create a little room so keys would stop sticking or striking each other and the frame), the layout relies on extremely rare sizes and row numbers for certain keys, there are ugly dust-collecting gaps in joystick opening, unreliable selector keys that will randomly register something between 0-5 presses per cycle, default mapping has no option to access multiple standard keys (and did I mention you can't re-map this?), modifications required to get USB plug to align with opening in metal case. ... Put it all together and this seems like a first design project for a young student. And for this pricetag?!? They could have done soooo soooo soooo much better than this. It's a shame. I have repeatedly contacted Keebmonkey and have exactly zero responses. Their online information and support for this product are wrong, incomplete, or missing. This whole experience was just shockingly bad. Why, Keeb, why?!?
A keeb friend recommended KeebMonkey and I came to look around. I happened to be in need of a couple things and found one on clearance! Very pleased with the USB cable I purchased. I also grabbed a keycap set for a great price and can't wait to put them to use on a future build! Thanks all!
Not a bad board off the rip but i cant get it to type for the life of me. I have downloaded and installed everything on here and on their sketchy website in terms of software or drivers and nothing is helping. The PC and their sketchy UI app recognize the board cuz i can change the RGB and use the knob to control volume but nothing i do or see will make the board type. Had i known this wasnt VIA compatible I would not have bought the board. Waiting to see if someone can aid me, if not will likely look for to return/get a refund.
I paid MORE, to have LESS!
The KB16B-02 is announced as an "advancement" over the previous version. But where?
Firmware Upgrades:
The most important feature is missing! Firmware Upgrades! The NON wireless version is BETTER as it supports firmware updates. New firmware versions support DELAYS in macros, which is a MUST-HAVE but are ONLY available to the KB16-01.
Bluetooth Function:
Good: It has Bluetooth...
Bad: Function is unclear, there is no button to switch between USB and Bluetooth. When you are in pairing mode you can switch between profiles, does this mean you can pair more than one device? Unplugging the USB cable does not always put the device back in Bluetooth mode. Then you need to press the Bluetooth button on the back and pair again. What is worse is that the F keys don't work via Bluetooth when assigned to the knobs but it does when connected via USB!
Knobs Function:
Can't switch profiles using the knobs. Instead of changing to the next profile it does send keys.
Build quality:
Good: The case is sturdy, the keys and knobs feel well made.
Bad: When plugging the USB cable in, you can see the OLED screen moving.
Software:
I use the software Vial (0.7.1) with side-load JSON "kb16b-02_v2.json" to program the KB16B-02, it's much better than the provided Software.
Other:
Not even some simple instructions are included.
Conclusion:
The biggest downer for me is the MISSING firmware upgrade function, I need delays in macros. Stay with the non wireless model if you don't want to be handicapped.
-- I'll update my review when firmware upgrades are available and issues fixed. --
This keyboard is really great. You could tell me it costs twice what it does and I'd believe it. Stable and heavy, it is built well too.
I put it on a metal iPad holder above my mouse and it is really good. Much cheaper then any steam deck and can do just as much. I really like it and recommended it to my friends. Although, k wish there were more macros, 15 is a lot but I have a couple of games I want macros for so I've had to limit it. Additionally, I couldn't get it to work for hell divers but every other game works :)