Scorpion V1 Wired Mechanical Gaming Keyboard – USB-A W/USB-C Connection Adaptor – Tactile & Clicky – Brilliant RGB Lighting Customizable Keys & Multimedia Function 104 Keys

This is a pretty loaded keyboard for the money. I think anybody looking for a clicky mechanical with proper RGB and dedicated media controls without breaking the bank will be plenty happy with it. However it’s worth noting that what I received is a Scorpion V1 instead of a V2 like the listing states, but I’ll just review what I have. I don’t know what the differences exactly are, but it appears the V2 should be USB-C while the V1 is USB-A.

This is relatively well built keyboard with an exposed aluminum mounting plate on top of a plastic body. The whole package is somewhat on the thin side so there’s still a little bit of deck flex – especially with the feet out – but it feels totally solid in actual use. The keycaps are double-shot ABS with laser sub legends. Not the sharpest keycaps but they are easy to read, especially with the backlighting turned on.

Speaking of which, I think one of the first things people will notice about this keyboard is just how elaborate it’s RGB is. I’m not too familiar with other keyboards in this price range but for a keyboard that totally lacks any customization software, this thing has an absolute truck load of RGB customization. I’m not going to delve much into it because there really are so many options, but I suggest familiarizing yourself with the manual so you can better understand how it works.

I do wish the manual was more clear on some of the keyboard’s functions – especially the “G” button and what differentiates “office mode” from “game mode”. Even after messing with the button, the only thing it appears to do is change the function of the volume wheel and allow you to store RGB customizations to the media buttons.

The switches are Jixian blue Cherry MX clones. As is typical of clicky MX blues, these definitely are not the smoothest feeling switches in the world but I still find them nice to use – better than red linears for pure typing anyways. The tactility could be more consistent but the 50g weighting feels about right. The sound is absolutely love it or hate it – I think they relatively sound nice on this board – but regardless, this isn’t one you want to take with you to the office or use on Zoom/Discord call.

This keyboard’s closest competitor is probably going to be the Redragon K556, which is currently a bit cheaper at $49 and features similar RGB plus hot-swap sockets, but no dedicated media controls. I think I can safely vouch for the Scorpion V1 though. There’s a lot to like about this keyboard and it reminds me a fair amount of the Razer BlackWidow V3 I used to own, but without the “Razer Tax”. It gets my vote.

I ordered this wicked gaming keyboard for one of our associate media editors who is a new gaming fan. These are his comments:
“I am amazed how responsive this keyboard is during gaming but also typing! The mechanical switches give a crisp, clicky feedback that helps me stay focused and reduces errors. My typing is more CORRECT, more OFTEN! The actuation force feels just right—not too light, not too heavy—and I notice the difference when I switch back to other editing keyboards. The RGB lighting adds a nice touch, and I enjoy customizing the colors and lighting effects to match my favorite games and tunes.

I have been using the media controls more than I ever expected to, but they are simpler and more direct than I have had on any other keyboard. I use the roller to adjust volume quickly, and the dedicated AV buttons make it easy to pause or skip tracks without leaving my game or workflow. The keyboard feels solid and stays in place, even during long text entry sessions. I also like the adjustable feet, which help me find a comfortable front or back angle. It fits in well with my computer and gaming system and adds both style and enhanced functionality to my desktop. I really wish it had a MATCHING mouse with it. My poor mouse looks so dull in comparison!

Thanks AMAZON!
Mark in North Carolina