Retro for your fingers
21.12.2018
Translation: machine translated
Azio brings steampunk to your desk. With the Retro Classic series, Azio occupies a niche that was previously reserved for custom keyboards or outrageously expensive special models. My office mates and I have tried out the Retros.
"You always get such great stuff to test and all I get is rubbish," my colleague Martin Jud throws at me as I unpack the Retro Classic Elwood keyboard. Don't worry Martin, our Category Management is generous and has brought two keyboards. One is the Artisan version and one is the Elwood version. "You're welcome to test one." Martin snatches up the Elwood model. I like the look of that one better, but it doesn't matter, Martin isn't known for his stamina anyway.
I need to get used to it
Ten minutes later, Martin's euphoria has already given way to swearing. "Why does everyone have to use little Enter keys now? That annoys the hell out of me. And anyway, this stupid keyboard is far too high and there's no palm rest." He spitefully holds the keyboard out to me again. "You can have your shit back." But, but Martin, I hope you're more patient with your reviews.
However, Martin is not entirely wrong. The case is relatively high at 2.6 centimetres at the front. For comparison: My Razer Huntsman is just 1.9 centimetres high. Colleague Carolin Teufelberger lives up to her title as gardening editor at Galaxus and uses the Swiss gardening magazine as a hand rest. It would be nicer if Azio included a palm rest - after all, the keyboard costs just under 250 francs.
On Martin's second point of criticism: There is actually only a 2.25 Enter key on it. By the way, 2.25 refers to the smallest key size times 2.25 in length. Our colleague Raphael Knecht doesn't like the fact that it's so small either: "The Enter key is from hell. I always press the dollar key."
Clicky switches
Because the keycaps are round, they feel like they have less surface area to press. "But I get used to it quite quickly," says Carolin. "What I find more annoying is that the keys are harder to press compared to my conventional office keyboard (dome switch keyboard)."
According to the manufacturer, the switches are not that hard. The actuation force up to the release point is 50 grams. This requires the same amount of force as the Cherry MX Blue or Brown. However, a little more force is required after release. Azio speaks of 40 to 85 grams of actuation force over the entire key travel, which is 3.6 millimetres. Incidentally, the switches trigger at 1.6 millimetres. This puts them below the Cherry MX average of 2 millimetres.
I also find that the switches on the Retro Classic models take some getting used to. Azio developed them in collaboration with Kaihua. This is the company that produces the Kaihl switches - a virtual copy of the Cherry MX. They are usually cheaper than the original from Cherry. However, this is not reflected in the price of the Retro Classic models. This is probably due to the fact that they are customised.
The feel of the switches is very pleasant and I like the click. It feels a bit like writing on a typewriter. Editorial team methuselah Patrick Bardelli agrees. "I learnt the ten-finger system on a typewriter. The keyboard transports me back to the old days. Since I'm retro, I also like the retro design."
Design
What creates an even more retro feeling than Clicky Switches? When the switches come in a retro guise. Azio thought so too and launched an Indiegogo campaign. The project was well overfunded at 1833 per cent. With so much success, it is clear that the product will also end up in our shop.
The keyboard also appeals to Galaxus design cheerleader Pia Seidel. "The design of the Elwood model with the wood and dark metal gives the keyboard a classy look. It doesn't look as technological as other keyboards. Depending on the furnishing style, it also fits perfectly in the office." Pia is also impressed by the keycaps. She finds them comfortable and appreciates the good grip. Raphael has a completely different opinion: "The keycaps look so cheap."
I am of two minds. The keycaps are made of plastic. They stand in stark contrast to the otherwise high-quality materials. But when I look at metal keycaps, and especially their price, I can understand Azio's decision to use plastic keycaps. With metal keycaps, the keyboard would probably cost about the same as the mechanical keyboard for "Resident Evil 2".
But enough about the keys. The workmanship of the case is top class. I am surprised by the look of the Artisan model. Steam punk fans in particular will enjoy this one. In my eyes, leather cases can quickly look cheap. This is not the case with the Artisan. The leather has a high-quality feel and surrounds the case beautifully. The zinc alloy frame is great to touch and gives the keyboard that certain something. I could spend hours inhaling the scent of the keyboard.
I personally like the Elwood better. The wood - yes, it's real walnut - has a high-quality finish. As wood is never the same, every keyboard is unique. When I type on the keyboard, it gives me a Wild West feeling - the keyboard would be perfect for playing "Red Dead Redemption 2" when it finally comes out for the PC.
Artisan and Elwood are not exactly lightweights. They weigh over 2700 grams. "I find the weight very comfortable. The keyboard doesn't slip so quickly," says Pia.
Where is the Windows key?
You can switch the Retro Classic keyboards between PC and Mac on the hardware side. There is a switch on the back for this purpose. That's why a row of switches is included in the package. The Mac keyboard layout is on the keyboard by default. If you are a Windows user, you first have to swap the keycaps accordingly. "Such a stupid layout. I know where the Windows key is, but it confuses me that it's not labelled correctly," says Raphael.
There is also a switch on the back to select the connection. In addition to USB, Azio also offers Bluetooth as a connection option. Fully charged, the keyboard should offer up to one year of battery life. However, you will need to switch off the backlight and only use the keyboard occasionally. One to three months is more realistic. Azio also states this in the manual.
Retro is the trump card
I think the retro classic keyboards are cool. But I still wouldn't buy one. That's not because of the quality, but because I've already found my keyboard.
The workmanship of the keyboards is first-class. But at just under 250 francs, they cost a lot of money. Compared to earlier retro keyboards, however, this is relatively favourable. Steampunk and Wild West fans can therefore get keyboards that suit their lifestyle at a reasonable price.
One criticism is the lack of a palm rest. The switches and keycaps, including the keyboard layout, also take some getting used to. But if you have more patience than Martin, you'll get used to it relatively quickly. With the Retro Classic keyboard, you get a great gagdet that is an eye-catcher on your desk. <p
Kevin Hofer
Senior Editor
kevin.hofer@digitecgalaxus.chFrom big data to big brother, Cyborgs to Sci-Fi. All aspects of technology and society fascinate me.
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