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The Cypher 96 Keyboard is the perfect device for gamers and office workers. This mechanical keyboard has a delightful clacky sound. Moreover, it is comfortable to use and the RGB is vibrant but not overpowering. If this wasn’t enough, a built-in calculator, programmable buttons, and FN shortcut buttons make your life easier.
This keyboard has 96 keys and tri-mode connectivity. Accordingly, it is versatile and usable. Moreover, the Epomaker Flamingo Switches are wonderfully responsive and perfect if you love to play fast-paced games. The mixture of blue, lilac, and white was pleasant to the eye. Furthermore, you can adjust the RGB to your liking. As such, this is a stylish peripheral that is user-friendly as well.
What’s in the box of the Cypher 96 Keyboard?
- The packaging is simple but attractive. It highlights key information and can be recycled.
- The Cypher 96 Keyboard has a compact design. Though it isn’t the smallest keyboard I’ve tested, it is ideal if you have a moderate desktop.
- A USB dongle is provided for wireless connectivity.
- Charge the device with the USB-C to USB-A cable.
- Pull the keys and replace the switches with the keycaps puller and spare switches.
- Learn the fundamentals with the user manual.
Technical aspects.
The Cypher 96 Keyboard has an impressive 1000hz polling rate for wireless and wired modes. This drops a little when using it via Bluetooth. However, I only used that option when I was commuting and wanted to type documents on the fly. Otherwise, I stuck to the wired USB-C connection.
Though response rates were impacted slightly through Bluetooth, the results were negligible. Consequently, this is a fast and responsive keyboard no matter which option you select.
If you decide to play wirelessly, you will be concerned about battery life. Thankfully, it has 2 large internal 4,000 mAh batteries that can be charged with the supplied USB cable. Moreover, a handy LED guide highlights your outstanding battery. Therefore, you needn’t worry about running out of juice.
Usability.
I love a plug-and-play device. The ability to unbox the peripheral and play is superb. Thankfully, this is exactly what happens with the Cypher 96 Keyboard. If you want a straightforward experience, you can. Alternatively, you can change the keycaps, switches, and programmable inputs with ease.
The switches are hot-swappable and this device can use both 3 and 5-pin switches. Luckily, the Epomaker Flamingo Switches are responsive and I loved the acutation distance. As such, I didn’t want to swap them for something else.
Flicking between connection modes was a piece of cake. A simple switch highlights the mode you select and away you go. There are 3 Bluetooth profiles and these can be accessed using the FN key. The USB dongle is hidden within the keyboard and this keeps it safe.
Build quality.
This keyboard weighs around 1 kg and has 3 resting positions. Moreover, there are rubberised feet to prevent the device from moving. This was great as I can become animated while playing high-energy games. Though this has a delightful clacky sound, the 5 layers of internal materials prevent it from becoming obnoxious. Additionally, there is a nice upmarket feel to each keystroke and this makes typing and gaming extremely pleasurable.
The cherry profile keycaps are familiar and easy to type with. What’s more, the switches are responsive and great to use. The south-facing RGB can be customised and I like the vibrant hue. Though some of the colours clash with the pleasant white and pastel keycaps, it matters not. Finally, the plate-mounted stabilisers create a reassuring platform for gaming and typing. This is a must-have for all keen PC users, and the Cypher 96 Keyboard doesn’t disappoint.
Is the Cypher 96 Keyboard worth it?
This device is pleasant to use. Furthermore, the keys are responsive and I liked the typing position. On top of this, you can customise your inputs and I liked the choice of RGB lighting effects. Though the soft-coloured keycaps may be off-putting, I liked the pastel finish. Accordingly, this is an affordable and responsive peripheral and I recommend buying it here!
(More information on Epomaker can be found here!)
(Full disclosure! A sample was provided for an unbiased and free review!)
