#1stplayer

Mechanical keyboards are widely available on the market nowadays. You no longer need to spend hundreds of dollars to get an everyday mechanical keyboard or a keyboard you can game with. 1stPlayer has been around for a few years now and they have established themselves as one of the gaming accessories manufacturers with a variety of affordable keyboards. Their latest keyboard series is called Dark Knight and comes in two versions DK 5.0 and DK 5.0 lite. Both keyboard versions feature RGB backlit mechanical keys that are equivalent to Cherry MX switches. The keyboard we got for a review from 1stPlayer is DK 5.0. The DK 5.0 is generally designed for hardcore gamers but everyday users can take advantage of its features at a very affordable price.

[sc name=”sponsor” sponsor=”1stPlayer” product_link=”http://www.1stplayer.com/en/upload/drive.php?id=23″ product_name=”DK5.0 Dark Knight” ]

Specifications

Model DK 5.0 (Death Knight) Interface USB Key Type Blue Switch. OUTEMU Keys 104 + 12 Extra Function Keys Mechanical Yes LED Effect RGB Supporting Driver Control Keyboard Dimensions 430x128x38 mm Weight ~1KG System Requirements Microsoft Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10. Macintosh

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The packaging box of the DK 5.0 is made from recycled cardboard with color imagery on both sides. There is a list of features in the front of the box and on the back of the box, you can see the full key layout. There is limited information listed on the packaging but you can get a general understanding of what you are looking at. Note there is no information on the switch type used in this keyboard.

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The DK 5.0 has Full N-Key rollover function, Semi-suspended keycaps and it is water-resistant. The RGB keys can display 16.8 million colors. Most of the RGB keyboards on the market offer the same. The internal packaging of DK 5.0 is simple. The keyboard is wrapped in a bubble wrap type sleeve.

There are no additional accessories included with DK 5.0, just a keyboard and the instruction manual.

[section_title title=Layout and Feature Overview]

Layout and Feature Overview

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The keyboard has a standard 104 Key QWERTY layout with additional 12 functions keys that are bound to 1-12F keys. The entire outer shell of the keyboard and keys are made from black ABS plastic. The keyboard itself has a substantial weight to it. This is due to the steel plate which are the keys mounted on. Dimensions of the keyboard are 430 x 128 x 38 mm.

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The ergonomic design of the keys in DK 5.0 dips the keyboard layout slightly and with extended riser support the keyboard sits comfortably on the flat surfaces. If you are not going to be using the risers then the keyboard will be held by thin rubber feet.

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The key caps values have been laser cut for that sharp look. With clear background fill, they look great with backlit RGB. To quickly switch RGB functions you can use the “Fn” key along with preset values L1-L5. Want to customize your keys for a specific game? You can use a custom mode and set your RGB lighting based on the required keys.

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DK 5.0 connects to the computer via USB 2.0 cable. The cable is about 5FT in length and is not braided like other keyboards we see on the market today.

[section_title title=Disasembly]

Disassembly

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To remove keycaps from the keys you need firmly grip and pull the keycaps. The caps are not easily removable but they can certainly be removed for maintenance.

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Key switches are mounted on the circuit board through the steel plate in the front. The keys are non-removable in DK 5.0 unless you can solder them out from the board.

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The controller responsible for RGB functions is the BYK816. This controller is widely used in many RGB keyboards.

The keys in DK 5.0 are by OUTEMU Blue. These keys are equivalent to world-famous Cherry MX keys. Blue mechanical keys are Tactile and Clicky so very little force is needed before they bottom out.

[section_title title=Drivers and Application]

Drivers and Application

To get maximum out of DK 5.0 you would need to download the driver software from the 1stPlayer website. Or you can use this link to get the latest version. Link

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The software itself installs in just a few seconds and is very intuitive. There is preset animation that you can apply to the keyboard or create your custom color scheme for the 3 profiles. If you are into RPG games where macros could be used you can create them here as well. A convenient feature if you ask me.

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The RGB color is very vivid and I have spent some time playing on customizing the keys for my liking.

In this review, I am including a cheat sheet on how to control DK 5.0 without the use of the application. If you ever lose your instruction manual, this comes in handy.

[section_title title=Conclusion]

Conclusion

The DK 5.0 has performed well based on my mixed usage (FPS gaming and day to day functions). My test time for this keyboard was only a few weeks. In this short period, I had no issues typing on DK 5.0. The keys themselves feel great as they tactile and click. This is expected from the Blue type of mechanical switch. Comparing the OUTEMU to Cherry MX keys, I do not see any difference in the physical functionality of these keys.

RGB options of this keyboard are very standard and offer most of the well known presets we see in other keyboards (wave, sine wave, ripple, etc). There is wrist support in this keyboard and that’s one of the downsides for me. I type a lot so resting my wrists is almost a must. I also would love to see the shell construction of this keyboard in a different material than ABS plastic. Right now DK 5.0 retails for about $65 which is right about the middle of what you would expect out of the affordable mechanical keyboards. We see mechanical keyboards as low as $45 on the market right now but I question their reliability at that low price level. I strongly feel that DK 5.0 is priced well based on its features and my personal experience with 1stPlayer products. If you are looking for a cheap mechanical keyboard with Blue switches you should give DK 5.0 a shot. I promise you will not be disappointed.

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Specification Type: Wired Keyboard Model: FIRE ROSE GK3 Interface: USB Normal Keys: 104 USB Cable Length: 180CM Keyboard Dimensions: 438(L) 136(W) 36(H)mm Weight: 1KG System Requirement: Window XP Vista 7 8 and above Mac FEATURE Ergonomic Design Concept is adopted on the FIRE ROSE MK3 Full N-Key Rollover Function with WIN lock Chromatic Breathing LED effects Double-Colored Injection Key cap,…