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The weight of the CIDOO V65 V2 was a novel experience for me, as it came in at almost three pounds and was deceptively heavy. However, this was a good thing as it gave the keyboard a premium feel and a solidity at my desk that prevented it from moving around. That is has such an excellent case despite its lower cost really makes you question why so many gaming keyboards are as expensive as they are without offering similar build quality. Software
The CIDOO V65 comes with an CNC aluminum body. Our aluminum has been electrically treated to give the keyboard body a better surface finish and a silky-smooth texture. Not only are the resulting colors extremely long lasting, the process also strengthens the aluminum itself, making it durable and corrosion-and-oxidation-resistant. Swapping keyboard configurations can be a hassle, especially if you have to replace the entire keyboard. However, with hot-swappable switches, swapping configurations is a breeze. The CIDOO V65 V2 features hot-swappable 3-pin & 5-pin switches, making it easy to change switches in case of switch failures or accidents such as spills. This feature allows you to keep using your keyboard in any situation without having to replace the entire keyboard. The typing tactile and auditory experience is further enriched in the V65 with the use of high-quality Poron foams. Poron foam in our construction dampens reverberations within the housing, effectively dampening resonance and allowing a cleaner sound profile. Finally, the V65 comes with a PC plate, which best fits the gasket mount compared to other more flexible plates such as steel or FR4. This adds to the stability of the keyboard over long gaming sessions. Aluminium Casing & Retro Dye-Sublimation PBT KeycapsThe CIDOO V65 V2 is a high-quality and versatile mechanical keyboard that offers an excellent typing and gaming experience. Its gasket-mounted design, Quake Matte Linear switches, and PORON foam layer contribute to a satisfying and responsive feel, while its Bluetooth connectivity and VIA support make it highly adaptable to various setups and preferences. Retro Dye-Sublimation PBT Keycaps and polycarbonate plate also provide a durable and aesthetic touch to the keyboard. The keyboard's weight and premium build quality further enhance its stability and reliability, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a compact and reliable keyboard for work or play. Such is the state of CIDOO, and really most other Chinese keyboard brands today, that the subject of this review is already outdated to an extent. I admittedly sat on this keyboard for longer than I wanted to but I was still surprised to see the CIDOO V65 get surpassed by the V65 V2. But a closer look at both revealed very minor changes. Both are 65% form factor keyboards with wireless or wired connectivity, a gasket mount structure, and the exact same chassis/keycaps/switch combination for the pre-built versions. Both also come in kit-only forms for those wishing to build their own keyboard, although that's not what we are doing today. Indeed, the newer CIDOO V65 V2 appears to have a different microcontroller and an updated gasket design but is otherwise so identical that I still decided to put out this review knowing that it's going to be very representative of both versions. Oh, both are also open-source keyboards with VIA support out of the box. That alone should have got the attention of many keyboard enthusiasts reading this review which begins with a look at the product specifications in the table below. Overall, the CIDOO V65 V2 mechanical keyboard is a high-quality and customizable keyboard that offers a superior typing and gaming experience.
The switches on the V65 are Quark Matte switches that give a linear typing experience with 47g of operating force. With Nylon housings, POM stems, and being factory lubed, the switches are durable and attribute to creating a clear acoustic environment. The V65 is equipped with a hot-swappable PCB that supports 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches. Hot-swappable keyboard allow convenient for switch replacements with other mechanical switches. This means you can use any other mechanical switches you like on the V65 without any need for soldering South-facing LEDs & Light Diffusers While not without its quirks, the CIDOO V65 Pro is an excellent mechanical keyboard option. The wireless connectivity options, paired with it’s size and general build quality make this worth a look. I’d love to see screw in stabilizers in a future iteration, and some UX improvements are needed in their VIA config. At this price point, there’s a lot to like – and this is a keyboard I’ll be hanging on to. The CIDOO V65 V2 is a mechanical keyboard designed for gamers and typists who demand precision and durability. It features a 65% layout, which means it is more compact than a full-sized keyboard, yet still retains most of the essential keys. The 65% layout has become increasingly popular in the world of mechanical keyboards. Its compact size and minimalist design make it a great option for those who value desk space and don't require a numpad. However, adjusting to this layout will depend on how you use your keyboard. If you're someone who rarely uses the Numpad, you'll likely find the transition to be seamless. As a gamer, I don't often use the Numpad, but it did take me some time to adjust to its absence when typing. Overall, the 65% layout is a great choice for those looking for a smaller keyboard that still retains functionality. The extra desk space is also a nice bonus if you need more mousing space.
What I’d change
The CIDOO V65 V2 is a mechanical keyboard that boasts multiple modes of connectivity, smooth switches, high-quality keycaps, and a stunning retro theme. Available in Retro Grey and Moon White, the keyboard is encased in CNC machined aluminum, providing a strong and sturdy enclosure. In addition, the CIDOO V65 V2 offers several other useful features, such as a programmable layout, allowing you to assign custom functions to any key, and full N-key rollover, ensuring that every key press is registered even when multiple keys are pressed simultaneously. Its origin as the FinalKey V65, a custom keyboard kit, provides it an edge. It’s a pre-built custom keyboard, removing the fuss of self-assembly while retaining the essence of bespoke craftsmanship. Functionality
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