The beauty about customizable keyboards is that if you don’t like it, you can change it up. If the touch feels off, you can switch out the keycaps. If typing on it is too loud, users can replace the switches. Crafting the experience so that the mechanical keyboard fits a desired aesthetic is one of the joys of the hobby.
The problem with tweaking mechanical keyboards is that it’s an arduous ask. Players often need a screwdriver to deconstruct the case and specialized tools to make removing keycaps and switches easier. With the Wobkey Crush 80 Reboot Pro, that process is simplified.
The Wobkey Crush 80 keyboard comes with its own carrying case. (Gieson Cacho/Bay Area News Group)
WONDERFUL SOUND FROM THE START
The company that made the heralded Rainy 75 continued to refine its mechanical keyboard design and created one of the best typing experiences out of the box. The Crush 80 comes with Kailh Cocoa linear switches and PBT double shot keycaps, all of which create a satisfying sound profile that has a bright click. It’s comparable to rain hitting concrete with a smooth feel.
The build quality is solid with an aluminum frame that has heft. The Crush 80 weighs in at a little over 5 pounds. It’s comparable to carrying a dictionary around, but Wobkey makes it much easier to tote with an accompanying case that keeps the keyboard protected if you ever travel with it for work.
When it comes to gaming features, the Wobkey has bright per-key RGB lighting that stretches out to the nice accents on the side and on the badge. Interestingly, it looks like the lines from an EKG and I suppose that echoes how fans’ hearts will flutter when they see the keyboard.
As for the layout itself, the Crush 80 is a tenkeyless, meaning it has all the expected keys from a standard keyboard minus the number pad. I prefer this layout because it has a smaller form factor for cramped desks, but it also has extra keys for macros. It’s the perfect blend for keys that go with work while also having extra ones for gaming.
The Crush 80 supports up to three ways to connect. Users can plug it in via a USB-C cable. It also has a USB-A dongle that’s hidden in a built-in bottom compartment that allows users to connect via 2.4 GHz. Lastly, the keyboard can connect to devices via Bluetooth 5.0. Obviously, the best connection for gaming is wired, but the wireless connection will do well for most people.
With a 7,500mAh battery, the battery life is good, not excellent, and it lasts a little over a week with the RGB, but if you want it to last twice as long, shutting off the RGB can extend that life to more than two weeks.
I modified the Crush 80 keyboard with lubed Alpaca V2 linear switches and GMK DualShot 2 keycaps, which produces a softer sound and easier typing experience. (Gieson Cacho/Bay Area News Group)
CUSTOMIZING FOR THE BEST EXPERIENCE
The mechanical keyboard worked wonderfully stock, and it became my daily driver for work and gaming, but it works even better with a slight tweak. The Crush 80 is easy to pull apart with its magnet ball catch. The printed circuit board comes out easily and users don’t have to worry about ribbon wires because it attaches to the keyboard magnetically.
The other parts of the internals include poron foam and other insulation that impact the keyboard’s sound. It’s easy to add and remove them and the plates. The amount of customization and the ease with which newcomers can figure out the sound profile they want is great.
The one issue I have with disassembling the keyboard is that sometimes the rubber corner pieces easily pop out and go missing. Users also want to make sure the magnets connecting the PCB to the battery are tight, otherwise, the connection could be spotty.
Beyond that, the Crush 80 supports VIA, which is the go-to software for enthusiasts. It allows users to edit the lighting, macros, and other aspects of the keyboard. It lets users maximize the device’s potential.
Keyboards have been constantly evolving as the hobby gained popularity, and the Crush 80 advances the design for novices and veterans. The quality is good enough that it can be an end-game keyboard, but it’s also a great starting point for those who want to jump onto the hobby.
Wobkey Crush 80 Reboot Pro
Four stars
Manufacturer:Wobkey
Price:$169.99