AZIO MK Retro Mechanical Keyboard Review
By Joe Gulczinski
Manufacturer: AZIO Corporation
Product Name: MK Retro Mechanical Keyboard
Model Number: MK-RETRO-01
UPC: 851104001277
Price as Tested: $99.99 (Amazon | Newegg)Full Disclosure: The product sample used in this article has been provided by AZIO.
AZIO has provided innovative and unique peripherals for over 17 years, focusing on three core aspects of accessibility, convenience, and entertainment. One of their latest products featured is a deviation from the average offerings commonly found in keyboards, focusing more on pure typing facets versus gaming. The MK Retro possesses a definite characterized feel and look that has not been approached (yet) by other manufactures, employing tactile Blue type switches beneath carefully crafted keys. Even the common LED indicators are tube-like white lit domes, embracing the retro feel.
Features
- Tactile Mechanical Keys (blue switch type) with feedback.
- Unique key socket design prevents dust and liquid from entering the key switches.
- Multi-key rollover implementation (full NKRO over USB).
- Specially crafted keys and tubular LED lights.
- Large, pillar style feet.
- Shortcut keys and Windows lock-out key.
Specifications
| Interface | USB |
| Cord Length | 6ft / 1.8m / Braided |
| OS Support | Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, & 10 |
| Dimensions | 5.8 x 17.9 x 1.6 in / 147 x 455 x 40 mm |
| Weight | 2.3lbs / 1043g |
| Package Contents | Keyboard User Guide, thank you card |
| Warranty | 2 year limited |
AZIO MK Retro: A Closer Look
AZIO has always used no-frills yet attractive and protective packing with all of their products, this one being no exception to the rule. How one manages to make a cardboard matte-finish box look so elegant is almost a type of magic in itself. The keyboard has two protective layers over the top: a plastic film covering the shiny black surface, and another harder plastic-shell covering the keys (hence the slight color tinge in photo).
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The trim of the entire board is done in chrome-like edging, matching and complimenting every key; a truly eye-catching experience. The bottom of the MK Retro possesses massive pillar feet, that unscrews “one click” (about a 110 degree turn) to raise and lower for the preferred typing angle.
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The keys themselves is what this board is all about, the attention to detail involving the smooth edging on each key along with a slight textured matte-surface on top provides a high-quality tactile feel. LED soft-white dome lights glow evenly and are not overpowering or glaring in the least, completing the look nicely.
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It is important to emphasize at this juncture that this keyboard is more for the minimalist typist. Note that there is no back lighting on the keys (most typists have no need to type in a dimly lit room like game enthusiasts tend too).
AZIO MK Retro Details
One of the great features about the MK Retro is that it is completely driver-free; all of the function-hotkeys work natively with no fuss. The most prominent feature being the implementation of “Clicky Tactical” Blue mechanical switches (instead of the commonly used Cherry MX types). The slight differences between the switches is that the Blue series uses a different metal element in the cross-point contacts; however, this does not affect performance as much as it does the tactile feel and sound.
The Blue switch, 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.
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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).
AZIO MK Retro Testing and Results
Testing Methodology
The AZIO MK Retro was tested over a period of 60+ hours in a variety of applications: approximately 75% in typical typing fashion games and 25% in games. To verify the two types of multi-key rollover features the AZIO possesses, (the standard 6 key and extended N-Key), the software Aqua S Key test was used. A detailed 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
- Monitor: LG 27″ IPS 2560×1440
Results
The MK Retro passed Aqua S Key Test with zero issues. Both the 6 key limiter and the N-Key feature performed flawlessly. First iterations of N-key rollover feature could only be found on keyboards with a PS/2 connector (working with a max of 6 keys no less); however, this trend does appear to finally have been broken.
AZIO Blue Switch Mechanical Keyboard: Final Thoughts
Keeping in mind that this keyboard is marketed toward a typist with minimalist needs, the AZIO MK Retro hits the mark in a subtle and exacting style. Typing actually feels slightly more natural on the rounded keys, perhaps due to the fact that the pads on our finger tips are also round and fit nicely on top. Not that this board can’t handle the games, it’s responsiveness is slightly stiffer due to the choice of switches, lacking back lit keys and programmable macros; but those factors won’t affect the over all ratings.
AZIO MK Retro Conclusion
The AZIO MK Retro attained an excellent score concerning performance. The choice of the Blue “Clicky Tactical” switches coupled with the matte-like surface of the keys provides a smooth typing experience, with just the right amount of feedback pressure. Keeping the hardware driver-free with providing a full plug and play experience is also welcome.
The piano-black finish top accompanied with the soft-glowing tube-like LED’s seriously complete the type-writer look: An incredible fusion of modern technology and almost steampunk-like industrial art brought together. Construction wise it is very solid, especially the giant pillar-like feet on the bottom.
Concerning value, at the $99.99 (Amazon | Newegg) AZIO’s MK Retro is on the high end considering the streamlined features; however, keep in mind that high-end aesthetics often require a larger time sink in research and development.
Pro’s
+ Supreme tactile feedback with key-strokes not bottoming out.
+ Multimedia hotkey array and Windows lock-out key.
+ Completely driver-free with only one USB to connect.
+ Perfectly sculpted keys complete with smoothed edge finish.
Con’s
– Needs an additional height adjustment-angle besides the default choices.
Ratings
- Performance: 9.00
- Appearance: 9.50
- Construction: 9.00
- Functionality: 8.50
- Value: 8.25
