Photos and Features
So with the name RGB80 we can assume two things. This is a full RGB backlighting keyboard and this is an 80% board aka a TKL. That means the RGB80 has 87 keys, a full standard layout just without the 17 keys that the number pad gives you. For some the lack of a number pad is a big problem, but with the rest of the layout being standard, you save space and don’t have to worry about weird key placement. The RGB80 has a nice easy to read font unlike the Quickfire and Razer’s keyboards.
While most of the RGB80 looks like a standard TKL keyboard, Rosewill did add in a little unique styling around the board. Up on the top edge around the F keys there are two grooves on the case. Also over next to the direction pad (and next to the escape key) they cut out a section and put in grooves down in the recessed area. While some people will really prefer just a clean look, I really do like that they went out of their way to make the RGB80 stand out just a little without doing anything to in your face.
In addition to the styling touches, Rosewill also moved the LED status indicators down just above the direction pad. In addition they took advantage of a function key to help compensate for the lack of keys. For backlighting control the up and down keys on the direction pad have dual uses. The delete and insert keys let you turn Nkey rollover on and off. Up on the F keys F8-F12 flip between profiles and the F1-F6 keys handle media controls and volume controls.
From the side profile we get a better look at the overall profile of the keycaps. The top two rows match and lean in, the middle two rows are closer to being flat with the third row matching the keyboards natural angle, and the last two rows angle up.
The bottom of the RGB80 has a little extra styling, just like the top of the keyboard. You get a total of four large rubber feet to keep things stable. There are also two flip up feet to give the keyboard a little angle if you prefer that. Both feet have a little rubber on the ends to help with traction but you will still be relying mostly on the feet under the wrist rest for most of the traction. Here we can also see that the RGB80 has a removable USB cord with a Mini USB connection. It is tight up against the keyboard so replacement cables like what I showed off in our keyboard customization article will be hard to get to fit. Rosewill does give you three options for cord routing, you can run it directly out the back or left or right.
Speaking of the cord, the rest of the detachable USB cable has a tight weave sleeving on it to keep it protected.
For keyswitches our RGB80 has Kailh blue switches with RBG backlighting. That means this model will have a light touch but with enough click to drive some to madness. I typically prefer a brown switch, Rosewill does have a model with that as well if you also prefer them. As a whole my experience with Kailh switches has been good other than a tiny bit of wobble that I don’t see from Cherry switches, I will find out later if the RGB80 has it as well.
For keycaps the RGB80 comes with the standard transparent white ABS caps with a flat black coating. The caps are thin just like most other factor caps.