Gaming keyboard Motospeed Inflictor CK104. Differences between ANSI and ISO formats

I've always been fascinated by mechanical keyboards. Reviews about keyboards of this type are always unambiguous - they say that they are comfortable, practical and simply pleasant. But looking at the prices for mechanics, I involuntarily pushed my desire to take one of these keyboards to hell - the price of keyboards with good reviews- approximately 6000 rubles at least. I didn’t dare to spend such a significant amount on a mechanic that was praised - although I type and play a lot. And I didn’t understand - why is mechanics better? However, I’ve been hearing for about six months now that the Chinese are making mechanical keyboards at the price of good membrane ones. Gradually I began to come across reviews of keyboards from Motospeed - they say they are convenient, practical, and most importantly - high-quality devices.

So today we have on review - Motospeed CK104- 104 keys, multi-colored backlighting, no frills design, compact, and what is most important for me - on blue switches. A keyboard that will give odds to many other budget options.

The box arrived crumpled, but inside, fortunately, everything was intact. in perfect order. Inside the box there is complete asceticism: a keyboard wrapped in shipping packaging, a warranty card in Chinese, instructions in several languages ​​(there is no Russian, the translation into English is not the best, but in general, everything is clear), a tool for removing keycaps - a thing useful, but it’s not so easy to hook a keycap. Having pulled the keyboard out of the box, I was presented with something that somehow didn’t amount to a little less than 3,000 rubles - black keycaps made according to reliable technology double-shot: the characters on them will not be erased over time. There is a nuance: only the Latin alphabet and basic symbols are printed using this technology. The Cyrillic alphabet and additional symbols are applied in a different way (I find it difficult to say how - the applied symbols protrude, but quite a bit). The board to which the switches are soldered is covered metal plate- thanks to it, the backlight is reflected from the keys, and it looks great! However, the first complaint about the device was the wire - even cheaper devices now often come with a fabric-braided wire - they are more elastic. But there are folding legs to make typing more convenient for those who are used to the keyboard being at a certain angle. Another controversial element is the font of Latin letters, numbers and symbols - it seems stylish, but the letter G looks like the number 6, for example. And if you don’t pay attention to this when typing and playing games, then when the time comes to clean the keyboard, you will definitely feel this drawback - I advise you to separate each block of keycaps into different piles, so that later it will be easier and faster to put them back together. It is worth noting that the keycaps of the digital block are slightly lower.

By installing the keyboard on workplace and having connected it, I experienced truly new, pleasant sensations- firstly, pressing the keys feels completely different. I specifically took a keyboard with blue switches - they have Outemu Blue (analogous to Cherry MX Blue). These are the cheapest analogues of Cherry MX. Opinions about Outemu are mixed: some think they are the worst switches, others think they are the best value for money. There are those who believe that Outemu is even better than the legendary Cherry MX. I think that these are ideal switches for your money - pleasant in every sense. Outemu Blue - tactical, clicky keys, with a pleasant sound and informative feedback when working. Pressing is always clearly felt, the sound is reminiscent of typing on a typewriter, but, naturally, quieter. Typing texts is a pleasure. You may have heard that blue switches are loud and can irritate others. But this is not so - their sound is pleasant, not annoying. Personally, it allows me to concentrate more on the text I am typing. But keep in mind that if, for example, you stream while actively using the keyboard, viewers will hear you typing.

In games everything is ambiguous. There are those who believe that blue switches are not for games at all. I fundamentally disagree with them! Personally, I really like that when playing it is always clear whether a key was pressed or not. I like how the keyboard behaves in rhythm games - always a clear response when pressing a button. I have had the opportunity to use keyboards on red switches - the sensations are completely different: there is no characteristic click, the feeling of use is more like working with a membrane keyboard.

And there is also lighting here. This is not a full-fledged RGB - there are 7 different colors- white, blue, blue, pink, red, yellow, green. There is no PC software for adjusting color shades here - the settings are done using a keyboard shortcut.

There are also several modes - from static backlighting to variations New Year's garland- you press the button, and a backlight of different colors emanates from it in waves. It looks funny, but in reality it is useless. But it is possible to change the blinking speed and backlight brightness. You can even turn it off completely.

gif animations:

The most interesting mode is the one in which the color of each key can be individually customized - especially useful for those who play all sorts of strategy games, MMORPGs, and also work in software for processing photos and videos, for example. Personally, I set up a couple of presets for the arcade Pop"n"Music and Taiko, "painting" the keys in the same colors as the buttons on the original arcade machines.

Another fun mode is to paint each row of keys the same color. For demonstration, I decided to “color” the keyboard in the colors of the flags of Russia and Ukraine. It turned out well, fortunately, the necessary colors were available.

Why are mechanical keyboards better than membrane ones? First of all, the sensations from pressing the keys are completely different - working has become more comfortable and enjoyable. Don't forget that keycaps are replaceable. Nothing prevents you from putting keys of a different shape, with different symbols, of a different color - any keycaps from Cherry MX will do.

We thank Gearbest store for providing us with this keyboard for review.

Keyboard sizes and formats (ANSI, ISO)

The keyboard format is its size, number and arrangement of keys (layout). The vast majority of keyboards use either the American ANSI layout,or European ISO. It would seem that the difference between them is not very big, but even these small differences can cause real pain when you are working on a different layout than you are used to.

Differences between ANSI and ISO formats

Enter

In ANSI it is elongated, in ISO it is tall, in two rows.

Shift

In ANSI both shifts are long, in ISO the left Shift is short.

Backslash

in ANSI it is slightly longer than the standard key and is placed above the Enter key. In ISO, the backslash is short, located next to the left Shift. And next to Enter there can be either a second backslash or another key, for example a tilde.

Alt

In ANSI, both Alts have equivalent functions, and in ISO, the right one is designated Alt Gr and is used to enter additional characters from extended European language layouts.

Classic ANSI and ISO keyboard formats (104-109 keys, 100%)

Classic keyboards format contain 104 keys (ANSI) or 105 (ISO), but many models deviate from this standard. Developers are following two paths: reducing the set of keys and placing them more densely in compact models and introducing additional special keys in multifunctional models.

The 104/105-key standard is quite convenient, but it leaves empty place above the number pad. Some people put the manufacturer's logo there, but often there are several useful additional keys installed there to control multimedia functions or to launch frequently used applications. There are already 108 or 109 keys in total, while the keyboard does not increase in size relative to the standard one.


Mechanical keyboard Das Keyboard 4 Professional. 104 main keys + 6 additional media keys (ANSI).

Macro keyboards

Macro keyboards are mainly aimed at application in computer games. They place to the left of the main block of keys additional block for recording and playing keyboard sequences - macros. Due to this, they are noticeably wider than the classic ones. Useful not only for gamers, but also for programmers, and for anyone who has to waste time entering the same text structures.

Mechanical Logitech keyboard G11 (ISO).

Keyboards without number pad (tenkeyless, 80%)

Short tenkeyless keyboards contain 87 keys (80%) do not have a digital block, otherwise they are similar to the classic ones. If you don't have to type large number sequences, you don’t need this block, but without it, a lot of space is freed up to the right of the keyboard, and it becomes much more comfortable for your hand and mouse.

Mechanical keyboard Leopold FC750R Tenkeyless. 87 main keys + 3 additional (ANSI).

Keyboards 75%

75% - a slightly more compact format. Not only do they not have a number pad, the other keys are located tightly, without free space- arrows and system commands (ScrLock, NumLock, Pause/Break) are embedded in the main block. There is even more space for the mouse, but it is less convenient to work with than in the shortened format.

Mechanical keyboard Vortex Race II. 75% (ANSI).

Keyboards 60%

60% - compact keyboards. They do not have function keys F1-F12, the number pad is cut off, the arrows and the system command block are removed. All this has been replaced by combinations of presses. Mostly portable, wearable keyboards are produced in this format.

Leopold FC660C mechanical keyboard with Topre switches. 60% (ANSI).

Keyboards 40%

40% - super compact format, for real hackers. It also doesn't have a top row of number keys. To enter numbers, you need to hold down Fn, or switch to a special layout, where instead of letters there are numbers and various special characters. This format is used exclusively for ultraportable keyboards, and is popular among the most severe geeks.

Ergonomic keyboards

Ergonomic keyboardsdesigned to make long hours of work at the computer easier by ensuring natural hand positions when typing. Look at how your hands lie on a regular keyboard - your hands are constantly at an angle to your forearms. This is not helpful and can lead to very painful carpal tunnel syndrome. To combat this phenomenon, developers of ergonomic keyboards make a break in the middle of the main block of keys, or divide it into two spaced apart and inclined parts.


Ergonomic mechanical keyboard Kinesis Advantage 2.

Separate keyboards

Separate keyboards- further development of ideas for ergonomic keyboards. They are divided into independent two parts approximately equally so that each hand rests on its own half and presses only its own keys. The independence of the two halves gives a completely free hand position when typing.


Ergonomic mechanical keyboard ErgoDox.

Keypads

Keypads- specialized mini-keyboards designed for use in games, where various commands can be given not through the menu, but directly by assigning them to the keys. All keypad keys are programmable and located within the reach of the fingers of one hand. In many games, a keypad allows you to do without the main keyboard; in others, it is a useful addition to it.


Logitech G13 Keypad.

• Connection interfaces: USB.
• Keyboard type: classic.
• Total number of keys: 104.
• Full-size keys: “BackSpace”, “Enter”, “spacebar”.
• Spill-resistant keyboard design: yes.
• Cable length: 1.5 m.
• Case material: plastic.
• Height: 21 mm.
• Width: 454 mm.
• Depth: 155 mm.
• Black color.
• Weight: 400 g.
• Warranty: 36 months.

Description

Users' hands will appreciate the low-profile, quiet keys coupled with the standard layout with full-size F-keys and number pad. The low-profile keyboard looks sleek on your desktop, allowing your hands to rest more naturally and comfortably.

The bold, bright characters on the keys are very clearly visible, which is perfect for users who cannot boast of perfect vision. And these symbols will not be erased longer. The key life is up to 10 million keystrokes, which allows you to use this keyboard much longer than a regular one.

The curved spacebar provides a more natural hand position for a more comfortable typing experience. This sleek keyboard is not only beautiful, but also very durable with a spill-resistant design, stable angled feet, and durable keys. The stable folding legs can be extended to increase the keyboard tilt by 8° for maximum comfort.

Motospeed, a company specializing in the production of gaming peripherals, offers game lovers mechanical keyboard Inflictor CK104. The same keyboard is offered in some markets under the name Motospeed K84 RGB Mechanical Keyboard.

Motospeed was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in Shenzhen. The keyboard has a simple classic design and is positioned as budget solution with mechanical switches and LED backlight.

Features of Motospeed Inflictor CK104 (Motospeed CK84):

• Keyboard type: mechanical, wired
• Switches: Outemu Blue RGB SMD, force - 60 cN, tactile with click
• Interface: USB 2.0
• Number of keys: 104
• Case material: aluminum
• Backlight: RGB, 9 color effects
• Number of simultaneous clicks: unlimited
• Dimensions (W×D×H): 437×128×35 mm
• Weight: 850 grams
• Recommended retail price: 55 USD
• You can buy a keyboard in the store Gearbest

Equipment

The Inflictor CK104 keyboard comes in plain black cardboard box compact sizes. In the left top corner There is a yellow sticker on the front of the package to identify the model. Inside we have:

• keyboard Inflictor CK104;
• user manual for different languages;
• warranty card.

Design and lighting

The Inflictor CK104 keyboard has a simple, classic design, just like the packaging it comes in. The dimensions of the case are only slightly larger than the space required to accommodate all the keys. As a result, the keyboard takes up space on the desk minimum area. On sale you can find keyboard options with a different color of the case and keys. We tested a keyboard in the Silver color, and there are also Red and Golden Rose options, although the color of the latter’s body is more reminiscent of simply pink color, and the keys are made of white plastic.

The keys are made of plastic and do not have Russian engraving, so if you cannot touch type, you will have to worry about solving the problem or look for another keyboard.

In the upper right corner of the keyboard there are indicator lights for NumLock, CapsLock, ScrollLock, WinLock, and further to the right — engraved Motospeed company name. There are fastening bolts hidden behind some keys and between the rows, which do not interfere with typing in any way, but slightly spoil the overall design of the keyboard.

The Inflictor CK104 keyboard interface cable is PVC-sheathed and features a uniquely shaped plug that makes it easy to identify among other cables.

At the bottom of the keyboard there are two folding feet and two standard ones located at the corners of the bottom of the keyboard. Thanks to the weight and such legs, the keyboard is firmly held on the table surface and cannot simply be moved. Folding legs allow you to lift one side of the keyboard and thereby change the angle of the keys relative to the table.

In general, the design of the keyboard is strict, there are no frills in it. Moreover, the keyboard is equipped with Otemu Blue RGB SMD mechanical switches with LEDs.

Please note that the LED is not located in the center of the switch, but is offset towards the top side. That is why the characters on the keys are also shifted to the top edge. This ensures their uniform and bright illumination. The font for the symbols is not the best, although it is large and easy to read.

The Inflictor CK104 keyboard does not have a special software, so you can control the backlight modes using the key combinations Fn + 1, Fn + 2, etc. Available modes:

• a multi-colored line that lights up from left to right from the first and second row of keys with letters alternately;
• all keys light up in sequence, row by row different colors from the first row to the last and back;
• Some of the keys light up in different colors, simulating a message in hieroglyphs;
• all three rows of letter keys light up simultaneously from left to right in different colors;
• all rows of keys flash rainbow.

Plus one default mode - breathing in one color with changing colors. There are six backlight modes in total and the ability to change the brightness of the LEDs.

Creation of macros is not supported.

It is promised that the switches are not afraid of spilled liquid and will withstand 5 million clicks. Note that the Motospeed website reports that the switches are designed for 10 million clicks, but the Outemu Blue RGB is designed for such a resource, they have a black base.

Outemu Blue RGB SMD switches correspond in their parameters to the famous Cherry MX Blue. Both of them, when pressed, provide noticeable resistance and, when triggered, produce a characteristic clattering sound (click).

The force required to operate both types of switches is the same - at the level of 60 cN. The height of the keys is also the same, about 15 mm, the free travel is comparable, for Cherry MX Blue 3.5-4.5 mm, for Outemu Blue RGB SMD - 4 mm. The free play before actuation for Cherry MX Blue is 2.2 mm, and for Outemu Blue RGB SMD it is 2 mm.

Practice

Switches with a force of 60 cN tactile with a click are considered optimal for typing texts. However, the Inflictor CK104 keyboard is positioned for gaming enthusiasts. Therefore, for test purposes, we used it in the following games: Dead By Daylight, League Of Legends and CS: GO. The key actuation sound is loud and the force felt is higher compared to Cherry MX Red gaming switches. Actually, everything is expected. You can play using the Inflictor CK104, and you can type texts too, you just need to learn how to do it blindly or solve the problem of applying Cyrillic characters to the keys.

Diagnosis

The Motospeed Inflictor CK104 keyboard can be used for gaming and typing. The switches used are aimed primarily at typing, but their clicking sound and the large force required to press the keys, as well as the lack of support for macros and flexible settings for controlling the backlight, are more than compensated for by the cost of the keyboard. At the time of writing the review, Inflictor CK104 could be purchased with delivery from friendly China for almost 3,000 rubles in silver color. If price is the most important parameter, then there are few competitors.

• Compact design
• Attractive price

Contra:

• Lack of branded Cyrillic engraving on the keys
• Using non-gaming switches for a gaming keyboard