Azio MGK1 Mechanical Keyboard Review

• Kailh Blue mechanical key switches.
• Multi-key rollover implementation (full NKRO over USB).
• Gunmetal anodized aluminum face plate.
• White LED backlighting with adjustable brightness.
• Shortcut keys and volume wheel.
• Windows key lock-out.

Mechanical Switch	Kailh Blue
Backlight	White (on / off / reactive}
Cord Length	6 feet braided
Weight	2.3 lbs / 1060g
Dimensions	5.4″ x 17.5″ x 1.4″
Warrenty	3 years

The keyboard’s packaging is coated with a satin-matte finish with base specifications listed on the back in multiple languages. The weight alone of the MGK1 (over two pounds) felt very impressive.

Displayed below is the MGK1 without and with the optional wrist pad attached. The keyboard was plugged in with backlighting turned to max in regular lighting. On the right one can get the impression of the scalloped key profile, which aids in supreme fingertip comfort (whether the feet are extended for more of an angle or not).

The following pictures were taken in low light to show off the white backlighting. The macro keys on the very top row (F1-F12) relate to the following functions: Web browser, email, calculator, media player, previous track, play/pause, next track, stop, Win Key lock, backlight brightness (three levels), and the LED reactive feature. On the right there are physical controls for a mute button and a rubber coated volume wheel (note the fine quality of the gun-metal finish). The 6-Key and N-Key multi-key rollover toggles have their own special hotkeys with Function + Insert / Delete keys.

One note about the volume wheel: It is solid with a very thick textured rubber coating. When rotated it is actually notched (as in non-fluid motion), increasing or decreasing the volume in precise 2% increments.

The wrist rest simply clicks onto the bottom without tools and has enough flex to provide stability whether the feet are up or down. With the keyboard laying completely flat the four rubber pads really make this unit solid. The MKG1 also comes with a handy key-extractor (for cleaning or maintenance).

One major thing to bring up is connectivity. Notice how this keyboard only has one USB plug for everything? There is no additional plugs for microphones, headphones, or external USB accessories. It is my opinion that those options are rarely used when the main system is less then an arms length away and can possibly add unnecessary noise to audio. Simple, streamlined, and an elegant decision on Azio’s behalf.

One of the great features about this product, is that it is completely driverless. Plug in the USB cord, experience the quick, mesmerizing light show, and go! All of the hotkeys work natively with no drivers, including the wheel for volume.

Another major feature that sets this mechanical keyboard apart from the rest is the implementation of Kailh Blue mechanical switches (instead of the more commonly used Cherry MX types). The slight differences between the switches is that the Kailh series doesn’t use gold cross-point contacts; however, this does not affect performance as much as it does the tactile feel and sound.

The Kailh Blue, even though labeled as the “clicky” type switch, actually feels more like a tactile switch due to a stiffer metal leaf mechanism. After passing the actuation point it seems more natural to release; thus, eliminating problems with keys bottoming out. The extremely pronounced actuation point provides overall less use of force on keystroke follow-through.

Kailh Switch Type	Force Curve	Actuation Force
Blue	Clicky	50 gf
Brown	Tactile	45 gf
Red	Linear	50 gf
Black	Linear	60 gf

The “click” sound is still present, yet doesn’t seem as distracting as the Cherry MX Brown (tactical or “bump”) switches or the accidental bottoming out of the Cherry MX Reds (linear). More details are provided concerning these dynamics of the MGK1 in the Final Thoughts section.

Testing Methodology

The Azio MGK1 was tested over a period of 80+ hours in a variety of applications: approximately 60% in games and 40% in typical typing fashion. To verify the two types of multi-key rollover features the Azio possesses, (the standard six key and extended N-Key), the software Aqua S Key Test was used. In addition, the only way to truly test a keyboard of this nature is to simply use it; a subjective impression breakdown will follow in the Final Thoughts section.

Test System

• Processor: Intel Core i7-4790K
• Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-UDH5
• System Memory: CORSAIR 16GB 1866Mhz
• Video: Gigabyte GTX 970 G1
• Audio: HT | Omega Claro Plus+
• Monitor: LG 27″ IPS 2560×1440
• Power Supply: Cooler Master Silent Pro M700

Results

The Azio MGK1 passed Aqua S Key Test with zero issues. The six key limiter as was as the N-Key feature both performed flawlessly. Past iterations of the N-key rollover feature could only be found on keyboards with a PS/2 connector; however, this trend does appear to finally have been broken within the last 3 years.

Concerning gaming and typical typing duties, the Azio MGK1 excelled in both areas. This is based solely upon comfort, a slight increase in typing speed, and a larger increase in accuracy. These primary and important facets are directly related to the angle of the wrist rest, the scalloped key shape, and the firm resistance of the keys (all the way through to the actuation points). The controversy is still out on whether or not pure gold (the Cherry MX variety) versus the Kailh’s use of other metals actually makes a real-world difference. In this reviewers experience there was about a half hour break-in period, for the keys seem to be squeaking slightly until depressed a half-dozen times each. After the break-in period all that was heard was the natural, light, “click” of the keys.

Azio MGK1 Conclusion

The Azio MGK1 attained a top score in performance expectations (mainly due in the choice of Kailh Blue switches). Coupled with the streamlined approach of providing a driverless experience with built in commonly used hotkeys, the MGK1 presents a classic and effective solution to mainstream typists and gamers alike.

The professionally finished gun-metal bezel seriously ups the ante in appearance, also providing a more aesthetic back-drop for the cool, low level white LED lighting. The heavier gauged metal, being wrapped from the main front of the board to just over the top, provides solid durability with zero flex. This is one tough keyboard that is going to be able to take abuse.

At this time the Azio MGK1 is priced online for $74.99 (Amazon | B&H | Newegg). For any mechanical keyboard this is a respectable price point; yet considering the high quality of this product, the price is amazing for what you actually get. If you are considering moving up to a streamlined mechanical keyboard that doesn’t break the bank, the Azio MGK1 comes with highest recommendations.

Pro’s

+ Excellent feedback with nearly zero key-stroke bottoming out.
+ Full multimedia hotkey access plus other common hotkeys.
+ Precisely manufactured volume wheel.
+ Completely driverless with only one USB plug to connect.

Con’s

– 30 minute break in period to eliminate the initial “squeak” sound of keys.

Ratings

• Performance: 9.00
• Appearance: 9.25
• Construction: 9.25
• Functionality: 9.25
• Value: 9.50

Excellence Achievement: Benchmark Reviews’ Golden Tachometer Award.