This Is Slimline Keyboard Is The Ideal Partner For Your Apple Mac

Earlier this year, I reviewed the Vissles V84, a classic mechanical 75% keyboard made especially with Mac users in mind that makes typing more assured and accurate, at least in my experience. Like a lot of mechanical and gaming keyboards on the market, the V84 had multi-colored LED backlighting and a lovely clacking action that you simply can’t get from a traditional low-profile membrane keyboard. 

One minor issue with the V84 is that it looked a bit clunky and maybe didn’t have the aesthetic looks and feel that you get with Apple’s Magic Keyboard. To answer this minor criticism, Vissles set to work on designing the LP85, a low-profile Mac-style keyboard that has all the tactile advantages of a traditional mechanical keyboard, but with all the sleek appeal of an Apple Magic Keyboard. Even better, the LP85 includes LED backlights in a variety of colors and it can connect wirelessly to a Mac via Bluetooth or with a wired connection using a USB-C cable. 

The Vissles LP84 is a virtually flat keyboard and the board measures just 15mm thick. Although the keyboard is a compact 85-key ANSI layout, the individual keys are well spaced apart, which adds to the comfort levels as well as the speed and accuracy of typing. The sleek and durable anodized aluminum chassis matches Apple kit perfectly and comes in a choice of Space Grey or White finish. 

The LP85 is extremely well built and it reminds me of the excellent Satechi X series of keyboards. Instead of using a membrane mechanism, Vissles has chosen to use premium X-Optical switches that deliver a light beam of 0.2ms. A regular mechanical keyboard has a longer pre-travel actuation distance but the LP85 has a pre-travel distance of just 1.2mm and a total distance tat’s not much different from a membrane keyboard. The keys have all the feel and reassurance of a mechanical keyboard, albeit with a much better ergonomic performance. This is a keyboard you will enjoy using, especially if you’re a proficient touch typist.

Beneath each keycap there is an RGB backlight and a choice of 19 dynamic lighting patterns and a further 8 colors of backlights. I liked the white and amber backlights but there are other colors to choose from and the legends on each keycap are transparent so that the LED light shines through and makes the keyboard perfect for typing in lower light levels.

There are very few mechanical keyboards with macOS legends on the market. The LP85 is fully macOS compliant and includes the usual row of media keys for screen brightness, volume levels and media controls. Another excellent feature is how the LP85 can pair and switch between a maximum of three different devices which could be another Mac, an iPad or an iPhone.

Verdict: The Vissles LP85 is a breakthrough keyboard for Mac and PC users. Traditionally, optical switches have been too expensive to be used very widely, but Vissles has decided that they are perfect for getting a mechanical feel on a low profile design. A few expensive gaming laptops, like the 2019 Razer Blade 15, have used optical switches, but they aren’t that common. That said, I’m a complete convert. I love the slimline design of the LP85 and the reassuring click of the optical switches help me t know when I’ve pressed a key properly. I was lucky enough to be able to spend a week typing using the Vissles LP85 and although it took me a little while to adjust to the pitch between the keys, the short travel distance was much easier to use than the longer distance of a traditional mechanical keyboard. I can honestly say the LP85 is a perfect blend between a mechanical keyboard and the looks of a slimline membrane model. If you love the look of the Apple Magic keyboard but you want backlit keycaps and mechanical switches, this is the keyboard for you.

Pricing & Availability: The Vissles LP85 optical keyboard costs US$99 and begins shipping in late January 2022. Pre-orders can be placed via Kickstarter at www.kickstarter.com

More info: www.vissles.com

Tech Specs:

• Model: Vissles LP85
• Mode: Bluetooth/Wired
• Layout: Mac or Windows
• Colorways: Black or White
• Number of keys: 85 
• Backlight: RGB dynamic
• Bluetooth: Version 5.0
• USB port: Type-C
• Battery: 2,000mAh
• Switches: Low-profile optical X switches
• Actuation Force: 50 ±10gf
• Pre-travel: 1.2 ±0.30mm
• Total Travel: 2.5 ±0.30mm
• Slope Angle: 2°
• Weight: 547g
• Dimensions: 307.6 × 118.1 × 15.1mm
• Accessories: Footpads and keycaps