•Article updated on May 4, 2023 at 12:26 AM GMT
As a professional product reviewer who has tested and tried various gaming keyboards, I was excited to get my hands on the FL ESPORTS FL980 96% 1800 Layout Wired Mechanical Keyboard. This keyboard boasts 98 keys, RGB lighting, hot-swappable switches, and durable PBT keycaps. I was particularly drawn to the Olivia colorway, which features black, pink, and white keycaps.
Construction and Design:
As soon as I opened the box, I could tell that this keyboard was well-made. The FL980 has a solid build and is compact thanks to the 98-key layout, which is missing only six keys found on a full-sized keyboard. The keys are made of durable PBT material that will resist wear and tear over time. The keyboard’s sound-deadening silicone and pre-adjusted stabilizers minimize rattling, ping, and hollow sound for a better typing experience. The Kailh Box White switches are a classic clicky switch that is known for its satisfying tactile feedback and smooth travel. The switches are hot-swappable, so gamers can easily customize their keyboard to suit their preferences.
RGB Lighting:
The FL980 keyboard comes equipped with a dazzling 16.8 million color RGB lighting effect that can be customized in various preset and custom modes. The software, which can be downloaded from the FL ESPORTS website easily, makes it easy to control your lighting effects. The LED lights have been calibrated and precisely placed to provide excellent RGB lighting.
Usability:
One of the most significant advantages of the FL ESPORTS FL980 is its programmability. The keyboard includes an onboard memory that allows you to program macros and assign keys, making it easy to create shortcuts and customize your gaming experience. The software included in the box is also easy to use, and its endless shortcuts and customization options make it easy to set up and assign bindings to whichever key you want.
Overall, the FL ESPORTS FL980 keyboard is an excellent addition to any gaming setup. The keyboard's durability ensures it will last you a long time, and its endless customization and programmability options provide a comprehensive gaming experience. I appreciate the inclusion of hot-swappable switches, making it easy to experiment with different types of switches.
As many customers have also noted in the review section, the FL980 has a compact design, but it doesn't negatively affect the typing experience. You'll hardly feel that several keys are missing as it is designed in such a way that the essential keys are still included. While the keyboard may not be ideal for someone who needs a full-sized layout, its practicality and usefulness are beneficial to those who prefer a smaller keyboard.
Conclusion:
Overall, the FL ESPORTS FL980 is a suitable alternative to existing high-end gaming keyboards in the market. The keyboard's durability and programmability options are its main selling points, and its customizable RGB lighting completes the experience. It may not be the best pick for somebody who needs a full-sized layout, but it's a worthwhile option if you’re looking for a compact keyboard that keeps all essential keys in place. Coordinating drivers and software also means it's easily customizable to suit your specific needs. Therefore, the FL980 keyboard should be on any gamer’s list if they are looking for a top-performing mechanical keyboard with excellent gaming capabilities.
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