QPAD currently have the best keyboard on the market with the QPAD MK-80, we take a look to see if the MK-85 has taken the number 1 spot.
Contents:
The MK-85 comes packaged with software CD, 4 Orange keys for the WASD keys, key puller and quick start guide. The MK-85 comes with a USB connector, wrist rest, as well as headphone and microphone cables.
Specification:
Switch Type: Cherry MX Red Mechanical
Actuation Travel Distance: 2mm
Total Travel: 4mm
Switch Weight: 45 Grams
Polling Rate: 1.0 ms
Text on Keys: Laser Etched
USB Ports: 2
Audio Ports: Microphone and Headphone
LED Colour: Red
Onboard Memory: Yes
Warranty: 2 Years
Details:
The MK-85 comes from the excellent foundation of the MK-80, but fixes all of the smaller issues that came with MK-80. The keyboard itself comes with some key features, firstly NKRO (N key roll over). This technology allows for all the keys on the keyboard to push at the same time if needed. What is really important to note is that this is achieve using the USB connector and not PS/2. Most other keyboards claiming NKRO over USB typical dont offer it all the time, so it is only active in certain applications and games. Other keyboards that use USB are also restricted on key pushes, some up to 20, but most only 6. QPAD have also used the single USB connector to pass all the data over from the 2 USB ports though, saving you from having to use a second USB ports on you motherboard or laptop. The USB cables carries that data from the 2 port USB hub located on the top of the keyboard.
Next to the USB hub are a microphone and headphone jack that extend to the back of you PC, so whether you use a USB or 3.5mm headset, you can easily connect it to this keyboard.
More close-up photos:
The Switches:
The most important part of any keyboard are the switches, in the case of the MK-85, they are the Cherry MX Red mechanical switches. This switch is linear, non clicking with no feedback, but it’s lightness does have advantages. By being lighter(45grams), there is less force needed to complete the key stroke, this allows you to bottom out the key faster than any other switch. Although the Red switch has no built in feedback, many gamers prefer the key to bottom out as that gives them the indication the key has been pushed. The Red switch for that reason has a downside if you prefer to float the key. Feedback switches are preferred by some gamers as they can be released from the actuation point, rather than after being bottomed out. Like on all Cherry switches, the total travel is 4mm, with the actuation of 2mm. By being the lightest, the red switch is the easiest to bottom out, so if you are the type of gamer that wants a light touch key that is quick to push, the reds are a good choice.
Special Features:
Media Keys, Back lights and Software Configuration
Media keys are always a welcome addition to a keyboard, especially on a gaming keyboard. Listening to music is something we all like to do, but if you want to control your media player from within a game, these keys make it a simple affair. On the MK-85 there is a function(Fn) key that is the control key for the media and gaming profile keys. Simply hitting the Fn key and the media key will activate the media function you want.
The back light is operated in a similar way, hitting the Fn key and theh 8 or 2 key on the number pad will lower or increase the lighting level. The are four levels of illumination, the fourth being a fade mode. The lights will fade to completely off, then light up to the highest setting. The total time for this is about 10 seconds, so you get a really nice affect. The keys are individually back lit, so each key is at the same brightness, rather than having a few bright LEDs that have bright and dull spots. The only downside to the keyboard lighting is that the 3 LEDs for Num, Caps and G lock keys are not controlled, so they are at full brightness the entire time.
Along the top row of F keys also include 5 profile (PF) keys that control preconfigured software profiles that are configured in software. The G/PC key activated and deactivate the gaming profiles, when the gaming profiles are active the G LED is active, this LED has replaced the scroll lock key, so die hard fans of the scroll lock with have to go elsewhere.
Software
One of the new features that wasn’t on the MK-80 is a software configuration, on the MK-85 this allows for control over nearly every key on the keyboard. The MK-85 has onboard memory that stores software profiles for each game or game type. There are 5 profiles in total and then a standard Windows mode that has no customisation.
The software is very straightforward to use and means that QPAD didnt need to add size to the keyboards with extra macro keys.
To create a profile is simple, click a profile tab, click a M key at the bottom of the panel, click a key on the keyboard, then select a function. From here you can create custom macros or functions for other games or applications.
No More Windows Key?
One of the issues that gamers had with the MK-80 was the fact you couldn’t lock the Windows key. With the software you can select a key to do nothing, this will essentially make the Windows key not function. This feature can also be used to make a custom layout of the keyboard, so if you only use 25 out of the 105 keys, you can disable the rest.
Game Testing:
FPS: We played BF3 and CSS for the testing, KNRO is something you can rely on to ensure no lag or ghosting when pushing the WASD keys. Also, when floating keys like CTRL and a push to talk key, there was no compromise to the gaming experience. The lightness of the keys was something that we also found to be a welcome change. With only a few keyboards currently using red Cherry switches, the unique light switch makes for a fast and responsive gaming keyboard experience, something key for FPS gamers. The WASD key caps may seem like a novilty for some, but if you do use them, they have a slightly different feel than the normal key caps, so could be of some help. All in all, a top class FPS keyboard.
RTS: With all key switches, feedback versus linear is always going to be a big debate. In some RTS games, having a Cherry brown switch with feedback is going to be more optimal than the red, though a lot of gamers simply prefer to bottom out. In order to achieve the highest APM(actions per minute), each gamer does their own particular style, we think the red switch is not quite as good as the brown, but only marginally. We played SC2 for our tests, there is going to be some bias our APM tests, but the reds didnt score quite as high at the begining of the test cycle. However, after a week, the number came down to just a hand full of actions, so all in a great keyboard.
MMO: Macro buttons are every key on the keyboard, easy to bottom out, very light for long play periods, the MK-85 is a fantastic MMO keyboard. The only downside maybe that you will have to turn off the profile to type in chat, however that is a simple 2 button operation.
Who is it for?
The QPAD MK-85 is firstly a pro gamers keyboard, it has a price tag to match. At £149.99, it is one of the most expensive keyboards on the market. With some high gear it can separate the entry level gamer, but if you have the money, even the novice gamer will enjoy this keyboard. For FPS gamers, we think it is the best FPS keyboard ever made, the best in the world will be happy on stage at a LAN with the MK-85. For MMO gamers, if you like dedicated macro keys, you may take some time to make the transition, but once you do, you will have so many options, it makes other keyboards with 5 or 6 macro keys look amateur. The macro suite, combined with the comfortable switches make for a simply great experience.
Conclusion:
The MK-85 has taken a big step from the previous MK-80 to deliver the best gaming keyboard on the market. It brings together everything QPAD have learnt from the gaming community into the perfect keyboard for the professional gamer.
Overall Score = 9.3
Want to buy one? Here it is!
Qpad MK-85 LED Pro Backlit Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - UK Layout @ £149.99 inc VAT
Contents:
The MK-85 comes packaged with software CD, 4 Orange keys for the WASD keys, key puller and quick start guide. The MK-85 comes with a USB connector, wrist rest, as well as headphone and microphone cables.
Specification:
Switch Type: Cherry MX Red Mechanical
Actuation Travel Distance: 2mm
Total Travel: 4mm
Switch Weight: 45 Grams
Polling Rate: 1.0 ms
Text on Keys: Laser Etched
USB Ports: 2
Audio Ports: Microphone and Headphone
LED Colour: Red
Onboard Memory: Yes
Warranty: 2 Years
Details:
The MK-85 comes from the excellent foundation of the MK-80, but fixes all of the smaller issues that came with MK-80. The keyboard itself comes with some key features, firstly NKRO (N key roll over). This technology allows for all the keys on the keyboard to push at the same time if needed. What is really important to note is that this is achieve using the USB connector and not PS/2. Most other keyboards claiming NKRO over USB typical dont offer it all the time, so it is only active in certain applications and games. Other keyboards that use USB are also restricted on key pushes, some up to 20, but most only 6. QPAD have also used the single USB connector to pass all the data over from the 2 USB ports though, saving you from having to use a second USB ports on you motherboard or laptop. The USB cables carries that data from the 2 port USB hub located on the top of the keyboard.
Next to the USB hub are a microphone and headphone jack that extend to the back of you PC, so whether you use a USB or 3.5mm headset, you can easily connect it to this keyboard.
More close-up photos:
The Switches:
The most important part of any keyboard are the switches, in the case of the MK-85, they are the Cherry MX Red mechanical switches. This switch is linear, non clicking with no feedback, but it’s lightness does have advantages. By being lighter(45grams), there is less force needed to complete the key stroke, this allows you to bottom out the key faster than any other switch. Although the Red switch has no built in feedback, many gamers prefer the key to bottom out as that gives them the indication the key has been pushed. The Red switch for that reason has a downside if you prefer to float the key. Feedback switches are preferred by some gamers as they can be released from the actuation point, rather than after being bottomed out. Like on all Cherry switches, the total travel is 4mm, with the actuation of 2mm. By being the lightest, the red switch is the easiest to bottom out, so if you are the type of gamer that wants a light touch key that is quick to push, the reds are a good choice.
Special Features:
Media Keys, Back lights and Software Configuration
Media keys are always a welcome addition to a keyboard, especially on a gaming keyboard. Listening to music is something we all like to do, but if you want to control your media player from within a game, these keys make it a simple affair. On the MK-85 there is a function(Fn) key that is the control key for the media and gaming profile keys. Simply hitting the Fn key and the media key will activate the media function you want.
The back light is operated in a similar way, hitting the Fn key and theh 8 or 2 key on the number pad will lower or increase the lighting level. The are four levels of illumination, the fourth being a fade mode. The lights will fade to completely off, then light up to the highest setting. The total time for this is about 10 seconds, so you get a really nice affect. The keys are individually back lit, so each key is at the same brightness, rather than having a few bright LEDs that have bright and dull spots. The only downside to the keyboard lighting is that the 3 LEDs for Num, Caps and G lock keys are not controlled, so they are at full brightness the entire time.
Along the top row of F keys also include 5 profile (PF) keys that control preconfigured software profiles that are configured in software. The G/PC key activated and deactivate the gaming profiles, when the gaming profiles are active the G LED is active, this LED has replaced the scroll lock key, so die hard fans of the scroll lock with have to go elsewhere.
Software
One of the new features that wasn’t on the MK-80 is a software configuration, on the MK-85 this allows for control over nearly every key on the keyboard. The MK-85 has onboard memory that stores software profiles for each game or game type. There are 5 profiles in total and then a standard Windows mode that has no customisation.
The software is very straightforward to use and means that QPAD didnt need to add size to the keyboards with extra macro keys.
To create a profile is simple, click a profile tab, click a M key at the bottom of the panel, click a key on the keyboard, then select a function. From here you can create custom macros or functions for other games or applications.
No More Windows Key?
One of the issues that gamers had with the MK-80 was the fact you couldn’t lock the Windows key. With the software you can select a key to do nothing, this will essentially make the Windows key not function. This feature can also be used to make a custom layout of the keyboard, so if you only use 25 out of the 105 keys, you can disable the rest.
Game Testing:
FPS: We played BF3 and CSS for the testing, KNRO is something you can rely on to ensure no lag or ghosting when pushing the WASD keys. Also, when floating keys like CTRL and a push to talk key, there was no compromise to the gaming experience. The lightness of the keys was something that we also found to be a welcome change. With only a few keyboards currently using red Cherry switches, the unique light switch makes for a fast and responsive gaming keyboard experience, something key for FPS gamers. The WASD key caps may seem like a novilty for some, but if you do use them, they have a slightly different feel than the normal key caps, so could be of some help. All in all, a top class FPS keyboard.
RTS: With all key switches, feedback versus linear is always going to be a big debate. In some RTS games, having a Cherry brown switch with feedback is going to be more optimal than the red, though a lot of gamers simply prefer to bottom out. In order to achieve the highest APM(actions per minute), each gamer does their own particular style, we think the red switch is not quite as good as the brown, but only marginally. We played SC2 for our tests, there is going to be some bias our APM tests, but the reds didnt score quite as high at the begining of the test cycle. However, after a week, the number came down to just a hand full of actions, so all in a great keyboard.
MMO: Macro buttons are every key on the keyboard, easy to bottom out, very light for long play periods, the MK-85 is a fantastic MMO keyboard. The only downside maybe that you will have to turn off the profile to type in chat, however that is a simple 2 button operation.
Who is it for?
The QPAD MK-85 is firstly a pro gamers keyboard, it has a price tag to match. At £149.99, it is one of the most expensive keyboards on the market. With some high gear it can separate the entry level gamer, but if you have the money, even the novice gamer will enjoy this keyboard. For FPS gamers, we think it is the best FPS keyboard ever made, the best in the world will be happy on stage at a LAN with the MK-85. For MMO gamers, if you like dedicated macro keys, you may take some time to make the transition, but once you do, you will have so many options, it makes other keyboards with 5 or 6 macro keys look amateur. The macro suite, combined with the comfortable switches make for a simply great experience.
Conclusion:
The MK-85 has taken a big step from the previous MK-80 to deliver the best gaming keyboard on the market. It brings together everything QPAD have learnt from the gaming community into the perfect keyboard for the professional gamer.
Overall Score = 9.3
Want to buy one? Here it is!
Qpad MK-85 LED Pro Backlit Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - UK Layout @ £149.99 inc VAT
