The latest keyboard to turn up on my desk is the Keydous NJ98 Custom model, a mechanical keyboard with a full-size 98-key layout that offers a smooth typing experience and provides deep customization for individual keys, control knob, mini screen and RGB backlights.
With the ability to work on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS and Linux devices, this is a general-purpose keyboard that’s also suitable for gaming if you opt for the Kailh Ice Cream HE magnetic switches which have trigger points that can be finely adjusted.
The Keydous NJ98 can connect and switch with up to three different Bluetooth devices and it also includes a 2.4GHz RF dongle for ultra-low latency when gaming. And, of course, it has the option to connect to a host computer using the USB-C cable provided in the box.
The novel feature on this keyboard is its detachable and mini color LED screen which can be customized with up to eight images or even a corporate logo. The screen also displays useful information like the current time, battery status, method of connection, Caps lock and Num lock status, but you can adjust that data. The Keydous software also provides a graphics editor for creating DIY images for the screen on a pixel drawing board.
Handy Calculator Built In
As well as displaying images and useful info, a quick keypress can turn the miniature screen into a useful calculator for carrying out quick calculations with the numeric keypad. Of course, you could always use a regular calculator on the host computer but it’s handy to have one built into the keyboard.
The keycaps on the Keydous NJ98 are made from PBT material with a fine textured finish. There are a range of different color keycaps supplied and the keycaps also include macOS modifier symbols. Because the keycaps are made from PBT, they should offer durability and be less susceptible to the effects of oil or yellowing after extended use. The legends appear sharp and printed using dye-sublimation rather than double shot construction.
Like most mechanical keyboards, the switches on the Keydous NJ98 are hot-swappable and can be changed without the need for a soldering iron. There is a wide choice of switches available when ordering, but the keyboard is also compatible with all popular 3 and 5-pin switches on the market, including HE magnetic types.
Each of the switch sockets on the keyboard has a south-facing RGB LED and there are 16 pre-set lighting effects with each key able to be customized with static or dynamic lighting effects using the Keydous software.
Programmable Volume Knob
Another useful feature of the Keydous NJ98 is its rotary knob. By default, it functions as a volume and mute control. However, the knob can also be customized and reprogrammed to do something else, if that’s what you want. Having a rotary volume control on a keyboard is convenient and a quick way of muting or adjusting a computer’s audio output.
The Keydous NJ98 can be switched between Mac and Windows mode but each key can also be individually remapped or reprogrammed using the Keydous software. The Mac mode is tailored specifically for macOS and the keycaps also include dual legends for both Windows and macOS. The NJ98 can also function with Linux, Android and iOS devices.
The Fn key on the Keydous NJ98 is dynamic which means it can be remapped to another key. The Fn key can also be pressed in conjunction with other keys to change the keyboard’s settings. Some of the functions include switching between Mac and Windows mode or turning off the RGB backlights or changing the lighting effects and brightness. In addition, there is also a full row of traditional Function keys which also double as Windows and macOS multimedia keys.
Choice Of Steel Or Brass Plates
This is a solid keyboard to type on and the pitch between each key is well spaced. The use of high-quality Poron PCB and various foam layers, including IXPE for the switch layer, produce a sound that pleases. There is a choice of steel or brass plates and, when ordering with the steel plate, the keyboard produces a louder sound and a more sturdy and durable feel. The brass plate creates a deeper typing sound and adds more heft to the Keydous NJ98.
The software for this mechanical keyboard opens up a raft of customization options. While not being the most polished piece of software, the Keydous driver works. With it you can set up keybindings, macros and the type of RGB lighting effects you want. The software is compatible with macOS and Windows and settings are saved in the keyboard’s built-in memory.
The Keydous NJ98 mechanical keyboard is well-constructed but not quite as heavy as other models, such as the EPOMAKER Galaxy 100 that I reported on recently. The keyboard’s removable color display is a bit of fun but doesn’t seem to add a lot, although anyone who wants to customize the display with their own artwork, could find it useful. Users can also share custom display layouts with other Keydous users via the keyboard’s driver software.
Pricing & Availability: The Keydous NJ98 Custom Mechanical Keyboard is available from the Keydous website from January 23 and prices start at $129 and increase depending on switches and plate materials selected.
Tech Specs:
- Model: Keydous NJ98.
- Compatibility: Wired mode: Windows 2000, XP, Vista, 7 and above / macOS and Linux / Wireless mode: Windows 7, iOS, macOS 10.10, Android 4.4 and above.
- Dimensions: 403 x 138 x 40mm.
- Weight: 1,400g.
- Battery capacity: 8,000mAh Li-ion.
- Polling rate: Bluetooth mode:125Hz / 2.4ghz/wired mode: 1000Hz.
- Battery life: RGB and screen always on gives 29 hours.
- Power saving mode: RGB and screen off gives up to 800 hours.
- Layout: ANSI plus ISO options for a variety of languages.
- Number of keys: 98.