Retro Classic Posh - USB Luxury Vintage Back lit Mechanical Keyboard (Blue Switch, White Leather, Zinc Alloy Frame)(MK-RETRO-L-02-US)

The Azio Retro Classic is an excellent keyboard. This is my first mechanical keyboard, so I cannot compare it to others, but the fit, finish, feel, and sound all met my expectations. I first began to see similar retro or Steampunk keyboards about eight to ten years ago, when I hardly knew what Steampunk was. As a lover of Victorian literature, I have long been an admirer of Victorian aesthetics, and while this is hardly Victorian, it definitely has that “vibe” of something that could have been. On that score, I have no complaints about the appearance of the Retro Classic, which I purchased in the Elwood version. It certainly feels like real wood, and looks wonderful. The tactile experience is wonderful, and it is certainly more clicky than your average keyboard. I love typing on this thing, and it feels quite nice. I read many of the reviews before purchasing, and noticed that some complained of wrist pain. I am not an expert typist by any means, but if you are experiencing pain while using this or any other keyboard, it could very well be poor typing habits. Wrist-pads or wrist-rests are not necessary, as your wrists should be elevated to roughly the same height as your fingertips while you are typing. So please do yourselves a favour and learn good typing habits! It may well prevent early development of carpal-tunnel syndrome. I am not a gamer, so I cannot comment on its use in that manner, but as a writer, it is really something special, especially compared to the typical rubber-dome type keyboards that are so common these days. There really is no comparison between a mechanical keyboard and a rubber dome keyboard; it is superior in every way, excepting, perhaps, cost. But if you type a lot, it is a worthy investment. Indeed, the cost is what held me back from mechanical keyboards for so long. I have been eyeing the buckling spring, IBM Model M style keyboards from Unicomp for years, but could never really justify the cost. When Datamancer began to produce retro-inspired keyboards about a decade ago, it became something of a dream to own one, but they cost hundreds of dollars, and as beautiful as they are, I simply could not justify spending that kind of money on a keyboard, regardless of beauty and quality. When I saw the Azio Retro Classic, I balked at the price; let’s face it: 189.99 for a keyboard is pretty pricey. But I decided to shell out the cash and give it a try. And I am glad I did! A word about Azio’s customer service. As a longtime Linux user, I rather dislike having the Microsoft Windows logo on my keyboard. After reading reviews and watching several video reviews—many of the latter for the Bluetooth version—I was rather expecting the USB version I bought to come with the alternative Mac key caps; it did not. I had hoped to swap out the Windows hotkey for the Mac CMD key cap. So I e-mailed Azio Customer Support and expressed my disappointment as a Linux user to not have another option for the Windows logo on the hotkey and asked if they would be willing to send me a set of the Mac key caps included with the USB version. Firstly, I am not fond of wireless keyboards for security reasons, one of the very reasons I use Linux to begin with. A few days after writing them, they responded that they were happy to help and would try to get this request approved for me, and would send me a tracking number when they shipped. In addition, they asked which distribution of Linux I am using so they can attempt to offer support for Linux in the future. True to their word, four days later they sent me a tracking number and I received them the following Monday. They sent a whole set of Mac key caps, and I happily swapped out the Windows logo key for the Mac key. Not being a Mac user, I can’t say if the USB version, even with the Mac key caps, would work as well as the Bluetooth version which has a switch for Windows or Mac. True, the Bluetooth version can be used wired, but unless you wish to use it with Bluetooth, it is an added expense. But then, Mac products have always been more expensive than PC products. I would suggest to Azio that they offer these with a more generic hotkey key cap to begin with. For one thing, the “retro vibe” of these keyboards almost demands something more generic than a Windows logo; this could be something as simple as a large asterisk. I daresay both Mac and Windows users could easily determine what it is they are looking at. Personally, I think some kind of a sprocket or wheel logo would be a good option for the hotkey. All of that said, this is an excellent keyboard, and I imagine that both those experienced with mechanical keyboards and those who are not would be more than pleased with this, if you are looking for a keyboard that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. I will also add that if you are at all worried about the round keys, don’t be. I had no trouble adjusting straight off and honestly cannot tell a difference. If anything, I seem to type better, though that could admittedly just be my imagination and admiration for a superior keyboard, which this definitely is.

I searched long and hard to find a keyboard that wasn't too expensive, looked like it was part of my office, and worked well. This one covered a lot of those bases. My cats also enjoy the keyboard too (but only when I am using it apparently). After a few weeks of writing, messing around, and using it normally I can say it looks nice than it works. Sometimes I feel like I use the backspace a LOT because the keys don't always feel consistent, or repeatable. This keyboard looks and feels so naturally hefty that I will learn to cope with the keys. Maybe they will break in well, or I might have to learn how to lube the switches. Speaking of switches, these are NOT hot-swap-able. The are proprietary to Azio. The key's LED light is dead center of the switches. The space bar even has a light, but there is no text for it shine through. The keys themself feel really nice and natural to rest your fingers on. The surround looks like metal, but it is plastic with metal screws holding it on. The little nameplate is also plastic, but looks like metal. The wood is obviously a veneer, but doesn't feel like it or look like it. I personally do not like the delay of a wireless keyboard (Bluetooth or WiFi). The chord for this is also very nice. Cloth covered and long enough (I can always use longer USB chords, but this one is long enough). I am not a keyboard enthusiast but can't help but recommend this keyboard to anyone that needs a very nice looking keyboard and is willing to get used to the widely spaced keys, inaccurate repeatability, and steep price-tag.

Gorgeous keyboard, delighted with look, feel, and ease of setup (tech writer/copy editor) 1. Packaging sleek and protective, gives a great first impression. 2. Keyboard is heavy and sturdy. I was torn between the white and black versions of this design, but I am a tech writer and copy editor by trade, so I need something that can take daily abuse and still look good. As other reviews noted, the gold frame around each key is plastic, but I am experiencing no issues. The adjustable height gives a few millimeters of range. I enjoy the touch and sounds of the keys. 3. I purchased the USB keyboard, so no Bluetooth and no battery. Plug and play; everything functions as expected (Windows 10). I have yet to open the manual, but I am not using the keyboard for gaming or anything elaborate. CTRL, ALT, WIN and other shortcut command keys all work. I love my job; typing on this beautiful keyboard makes work just a bit more awesome every day.

I am not a gamer, but I am a fan of ergonomic retro devices. LOVE this! I am typing this review on it at this very moment. I have never had a keyboard I liked better. Of course, the looks are stunning. The utility, the "feel" of the touch, the satisfying click, the ease of use--all these combine into a wonderful experience. In the past, I have had trouble with keyboards that did not show CAPS/SCROLL/NUMBER LOCK in a way that was easy to see. Without being glaring or intrusive, this keyboard displays the LOCK status readily. It is so helpful!!! I recommend this keyboard for anyone who appreciates fine workmanship.

Pretty, clicky and functional. Wish the finish detail was just a wee bit better. I got this one (Classic white with copper) along with the regular MK Retro in the white with silver (it wasn't available in "Classic") so I got to compare them side by side. They are both beautiful keyboards with a very comfortable key spread, convenient shortcuts and nice, clicky feel. They both fired up and worked perfectly out of the box with no set up required. The ladies for whom they were purchased both love them and they both get lots of compliments from clients. The only noticeable differences (to me) are the back lighting, leather face cover and metal plaque. The back lighting is gorgeous and does provide noticeable improvement in visibility - if you need a little extra visual boost or type in dim light it's worth the extra hundred bucks. The other features are cool in theory but execution could have been better; the leather is not high quality, surrounds on the keys and feet are coated plastic, not metal, the plaque (which looks so sexy in the pic) was attached at a wonky angle. Oh, one of the key surrounds was floating in the box- I was able to pop it back on but it doesn't feel totally secure so I'll probably glue it. Having said that, the unit is heavy and has nice, tight contact points, the cable is braided, feet adjust smoothly and stay in position, keys have just the right amount of travel (same as with the MK retro). Bottom line, it's nice, really nice, and the back lighting is FAB but if you don't care about that you'll probably be just as happy with the "plain" MK Retro for a lot less $$. I do have a BT version on order straight from AZIO and if it turns out to be better built I'll update this review.

It was expensive but so worth it! I love the wood and metal aesthetic it has and the lighting on the keycaps helps show the letters and symbols so clearly. It has a nice weight that keeps it from sliding around and the clicks from the mechanical switches is so satisfying! I have the cable version and haven't had any input issues, all clicks register perfectly! I hope it lasts me for many years!

I've been looking for a new keyboard, and looked on YouTube, so that helped. And decided to take a dive into it, because I'm trying to increase my typing speed. I even tried the other ones, for your hands, and couldn't get used to that. This one caught my eye. Especially when it says the retro classic, since I used to type on a typewriter. I like it when it lights up, and the keys are nice. I didn't pay attention to the noise of the keys, until YouTube brought it up. This one isn't bad at all. It's soft. This keyboard gives my desk color..

Got it in and was BLOWN away with it. Great build, The weight keeps it in place on the desk. I have been on a computer keyboard of some type constantly since the orignal IBM PC clack keyboards and THIS has the best feel and feedback since the IBM beast. LOVE the retro keys as they are slightly concave on the top so fingers don't slide out of place on strike. They even brought back the nib on the F & J keys for finger placement to start w/out having to slow down. Co-workers were jealous of it and some actually came from other offices to look as they heard the keys strike and wondered what I was doing. Can't say enough great things about it. The Brass is GORGEOUS and does NOT show fingerprints.

الجودة: الجودة عالية جداً، من مواد ممتازة ومتينة. لوحة المفاتيح ثقيلة شوي، لكن هذا يدل على قوتها ومتانتها. التصميم: التصميم رهيب! كلاسيكي وجميل، يعطي شعور بالرجعية مع لمسة عصرية. زوجي يعشق الكمبيوتر، ويعشق كل شي قديم، فكانت هذه الهدية مثالية له. الإضاءة: الإضاءة خلفية رائعة، وتأتي بثلاثة أوضاع: ثابت، تفاعلي، وتنفس. الراحة: لوحة المفاتيح مريحة جداً للكتابة، حتى لفترات طويلة. تأتي مع حامل قابل للتعديل لضبط زاوية لوحة المفاتيح لتناسب وضعية الكتابة المفضلة لك. العيوب: لا يوجد أي عيوب تذكر. السعر مرتفع شوي، لكن الجودة تستحق السعر. التقييم: ٥/٥

Had this keyboard for years and it's never failed me. Love this keyboard so much

Wonderful keyboard and mouse. Highly recommend. We all have them in our office now. Just great.

If you want a retroactive, typewriter styled keyboard with light up display, I seriously think this product is for you. It is its money's worth. Look at the packaging. It is exquisite. And, when I took out the typewriter keyboard I was amazed by the details and the smoothness of the keys. There is no false advertising. You get what they have displayed. The reaction time of the keyboard is really good as well. I am actually writing the review with the keyboard. I got the Artisan one. The colours are wonderful The black leather and the copper style REALLY works well together. The copper accents actually goes well with the Asus gamer Republic laptop (That also has a copper accents on its body). As you can see the backlit is good in the dark. I took the photos during the daytime but with curtains closed and they were dark, grey curtains. You can also see this keyboard is MAC compatible as I have it hooked up to Mac laptop. I tried gaming with. May take some time to get used to but it works well enough. I played NieR: Automata with this keyboard,. Worked good. The clickity noises are reminiscent to a old time typewriter if not necessarily identical. This is a very good product. I am so glad that after I debilitated I ordered it.

I was hovering between 4 and 5 stars on account that it’s pricey. I decided on 5 because i felt the price is reflected in the quality and build of the product: it’s a substantial keyboard; nice feedback from the typewriter keys; nicely lit keys allows you to type in Low lights; the clikety click of the keys which is Super-fun; the wonderful retro look and the solid wooden veneer which makes it pretty unique.