The MelGeek CYBER01 gaming keyboard is a tenkeyless, magnetic switch keyboard designed for precision response. With adjustable actuation, dynamic keystroke precision, rapid trigger support and multi-system support, the CYBER01 offers a plethora of features for gamers to adjust and configure. With a unique design, the MelGeek CYBER01 aims to offer a unique magnetic switch keyboard as an alternative to other boards on the market.
The CYBER01 is a solid-feeling keyboard. Leveraging a tray mount structure, the CYBER01 sits within a protective tray system that helps create a sturdy structure while typing. Essentially, the switch plate sits within the tray. While it does feel solid and offers a unique look and feel, there aren’t any adjustable kickstands to adjust the position of the board relative to your hand placement. Essentially the preset height and angle are what you get. Thankfully, these preset positions and angles are quite comfortable to type and game with. This, of course, is subjective to the user.
With full RBG support, the CYBER01 offers impressive control over the lighting. With individual key RGB control along with an outer RGB zone that includes a rim light on the top and light zones on the underside, gamers have a lot of options for customization. The result is a fairly robust RGB experience.
As for the keycaps, unfortunately, this is one area that could use some improvement. While there is no official stat as to the construction of the keycaps, they are distinctly not doubleshot in design. This is unfortunate as it relates to the RGB support. While the keycaps have a translucent finish, the letters and numbers do not allow light to pass through. During the day or in well-lit settings, this isn’t a problem. At night or in low-lit settings, however, it does become difficult to identify the individual keys.
This becomes more problematic when combined with certain RGB colours, most notably colours in the red spectrum. The result is that even when at full brightness it can be difficult to quickly identify the keys. Moving to a double-shot design would greatly improve the overall typing experience and make it much easier to navigate the keyboard quickly.
One final note on design: MelGeek has leaned heavily toward a cyberpunk aesthetic. The result is a bit of a mixed bag of design choices. While the RGB placement is on point, some of the keycaps have replaced standard wording (e.g. SHIFT is UPLOADING). While it looks interesting it feels a bit over the top on the whole. While it doesn’t impact performance, it does feel a little gimmicky.
Shifting to performance, this is where the CYBERR01 shines. Thanks to the magnetic switch system, MelGeek can provide an exceptionally powerful and customizable typing experience for users. Magnetic switches differ from traditional mechanical switches in that they leverage a magnetic sensor instead of a mechanical one.
This has a couple of advantages. For starters, it allows for full control of the switch’s accusation point (the point at which the keystroke is registered by the keyboard). As this is controlled per key, it allows individual keys to be separately adjusted to fit your needs. For keys that require rapid response, a magnetic switch allows for a hypersensitive response. This makes for quicker keystroke usage.
It’s so sensitive that the switch can be adjusted within a range of 0.1mm. Once again, this allows for some seriously quick response times. This is further bolstered by the CYBER01 rapid trigger feature. This allows the keystroke reset to be within that 0.1 range. In practical usage, this means that you could apply multiple keystrokes without going back to the original reset point on the switch. While it does take a bit to get used to this feature, it is pretty handy for keys that are traditionally mashed during gameplay sessions.
Another element of the magnetic design is the ability to set multiple accusation points to a single keystroke. In essence, you can have a single key perform multiple actions depending on how much pressure is applied to the switch. This one, while impressive, has a much higher learning curve and is much more difficult to execute. Perhaps with practice, this could become a usable feature, but in my time testing, it was never a feature I could fully utilize.
The other advantage of the magnetic switch is durability. While mechanical keys have come a long way, they are still impacted by the prolonged friction applied to the mechanical sensor. Magnetic switches don’t suffer from the same issue thanks to the magnetic sensor and, therefore, have a longer usage life.
As great as a fully magnetic switch is, it does have its caveats. For starters, if you love a tactile, responsive switch experience, you won’t find it on a magnetic switch. The typing experience offers very little by way of tactical response. As someone who favours clicky keys (blue switches being a personal favourite), I find the CYBER01 magnetic switches a bit lacklustre in this regard. This isn’t a knock against the board, it’s simply a note on the reality of using a fully magnetic switch design.
“Additionally, the MelGeek CYBER01 magnetic keyboard offers multi-OS support and had no issue connecting to both the PC and Macbook Pro in the office with Linux support available.”
The CYBER01 also features a full N-key rollover, which works without issues. Additionally, the MelGeek CYBER01 magnetic keyboard offers multi-OS support and had no issue connecting to both the PC and Macbook Pro in the office with Linux support available (though not tested). MelGeek’s own Hive software is also offered across multiple platforms, making it easy to configure the CYBER01 for any of your preferred platforms.
Speaking of MelGeek’s Hive software, It’s a fairly easy-to-use and straightforward software package to navigate. It’s quite impressive how easy it is to control everything from the RGB to the adjustable actuation. With multiple profile options, programmable switch options and easy firmware updating, the Hive is better than some of the mainstream peripheral software options out there.
The CYBER01 Magnetic Gaming Keyboard from MelGeek is a solid board. While it does suffer from a keycap design issue, it is still a highly customizable keyboard. When compared to other magnetic switch keyboards and price points, the MelGeek CYBER01 is a good alternative if you’re in the market for a magnetic keyboard. Priced at USD 149.99, the CYBER01 is a solid offering from manufacturer MelGeek.
- Magnetic Switch Gaming Kayboard: CYBER01 features Gateron Magnetic White switches, utilizing Hall Effect for outstanding speed and responsiveness – 10x faster than regular mechanical switches. Pre-lubed for smoothness, they offer customizable operation travel (0.4mm-3.6mm) and a 100 million clicks lifespan. Enjoy a next-level gaming experience that’s faster, precise and professional.
- Rapid Trigger(RT): Experience near-instantaneous trigger and reset with CYBER01. Eliminate switch movement delay by dynamically activating and deactivating keys based on travel distance, rather than a fixed key travel. Gamers can effortlessly repeat key presses mid-motion without having to surpass a fixed reset or actuation point, enhancing speed and precision in fast-paced games.
