Nov
Welcome to a review of the Metoo Zero Gaming Keyboard.
The only information we have about Metoo Zero is that it is a Chinese company…
…that makes e-sports equipment for gamers. Metoo Zero is known for its affordable gaming mice and keyboards.
So how do their affordable gaming products fare in the gaming market?
Is it a good alternative to those expensive gaming keyboards?
Let’s take a look at one of their most popular keyboards sold to the public – Read on to find out more!
A few words from Nathan…
It’s cool to play with that keyboard. Ordered blue sweaters.
While they are noticeable in silence, they are not that loud.
Instruction in Chinese, but there is an opportunity to translate to Google.
It is quite clear in translation, and the modes can be managed.
When FN + f9 is pressed, the backlight mode is changed…
…and FN + and FN-adjust the speed of changing the backlight.
I highly recommend this keyboard!
Now let’s get started…
Review of the Metoo Zero Gaming Keyboard
The First Impressions
The Metoo Zero Gaming Keyboard does come in a neat cardboard box with a secure closure.
That is pretty reassuring to see since the company knows exactly how to package it.
Here are the items they came up with:
The keyboard itself is connected to the USB cable.
It has only a Chinese user manual. The user manual is pretty much useless unless you understand Chinese.
This manual contains instructions and specifications on how to set up different lightings or activate certain keys.
A bunch of stickers used for sticking the keys if the key legend fades.
Keycap puller used to remove keys from a keyboard.
Ideal for people who wish to customize their own keys.
In the event of a problem with the keyboard, there is no way to get a replacement…
…as the keyboard does not come with a warranty.
Budget gaming keyboards usually do not come with a warranty as compared to Razer or Logitech products.
We’ll take a look at these keyboards in more detail.
Design
Gaming keyboard is a tenkeyless (TKL) (80% board).
The number pad is not included on the keyboard if you look closely.
This keyboard will take some time to get used to for users…
…who are used to using the traditional desktop keyboard with its 104 keys.
Most games do not require a number pad, except for modded games like Minecraft and Grand Theft Auto V.
This keyboard has an ergonomic layout that is typical of gaming keyboards.
Aluminum is used to make the keyboard’s panel.
They use double injection keycaps for the keys.
Plastic is molded into two layers that are molded into each other.
In this way, the key legend will never fade or chip.
This keyboard uses Cherry MX switches…
…as I remove the keycaps to see what kind of switches it uses.
The Cherry MX switches are ideal for gamers since they last after 50 million clicks.
Keyboards with standard membrane switches usually last between 1 and 10 million clicks.
Thankfully, none of the keys that we have tested so far have any issues.
I have not encountered any ghosting, which is reassuring.
In ghosting, a single keystroke, or even several keystrokes, are lost…
…due to a keyboard’s inability to process simultaneous signals that are natural to many gamers.
I find the keyboard to be lightweight. The good news is that you can take it anywhere you go.
Setting Up and General Functions
This keyboard is mainly compatible with Windows operating systems (XP/Vista/Win 7/Win 8/Win 10).
It is easy to set up and can be connected to any PC with a USB port, just like most keyboards.
Keyboard functions are mainly controlled by the function key (Fn).
You can adjust the volume by pressing Fn + F10/F11 respectively. Pressing Fn + F12 will mute the volume.
In addition, certain apps can be opened from the windows menu.
Pressing Fn + F5 opens your PC file, Fn + F6 opens Internet Explorer…
..Fn + F7 opens your mail app and Fn + F8 opens the calculator.
A lock function is also available for the Windows key and the function key.
Press Fn + Windows icon to lock the windows key.
Press Fn + End to lock the function key.
Almost all of the functions work well…
…which can be helpful if you are used to using shortcuts to open certain functions.
Backlighting Functions
It has up to 10 different backlighting modes that can be toggled by pressing the Fn + F9 keys at the same time.
It’s great that each mode has a unique backlighting effect.
One of the keys has a “Single Star” backlight effect…
…that will light up when pressed and extinguish after a few seconds.
One has the “Ripple” effect, where ripples spread with the pressed key as the center.
Pressing both Fn + PgUp/PgDown increase/decrease the brightness of the backlighting keys.
The speed of the backlighting can be changed by pressing both Fn + “-“/”+”.
Pressing both Fn + 5/6 changes the backlighting function…
…to either FPS (First Person Shooter) or RTS (Real-Time Strategy).
To go back to the default backlighting function, press both Fn + 4 keys.
You can also customize your own backlighting settings (Fn + 1/2/3).
The backlighting effects I have tried out look quite aesthetic…
…which is pretty impressive for a gaming keyboard.
Technical Specs
Having reviewed the product, here are the technical specifications…
For those of you who are interested in specific measurements.
- Support Windows OS (XP/Vista/Win 7/Win 8/Win 10).
- Interface Type: USB 1.0/2.0
- Cable Length: 1.5m ± 0.05m
- The number of keys: 87 (tenkeyless)
- Axis switches: Red/Blue/Black Cherry MX
- 10 different backlighting effects
Things to Consider While Buying a Gaming Keyboard
How Do You Game?
You could just buy a $20 office keyboard and call it a day if you play games on your PC.
Additionally, you could slather your steak in ketchup at a fancy steakhouse…
…or play Beethoven’s complete works on your smartphone speaker.
As a result, you’re going to need some high-quality peripherals…
…to go along with your gaming rig if you want to get the most out of it.
For work, play, and everything in between, a keyboard is an absolute necessity.
Even so, there are dozens of keyboards on the market that claim to enhance your gaming experience.
Which ones really do, and which ones are just overpriced digital typewriters?
If you’re building your own computer or upgrading the peripherals…
…that came with a pre-built machine, a good gaming keyboard can streamline your gameplay…
…increase your effectiveness and make something as mundane as typing feel like a real accomplishment.
Here’s how to choose the best keyboard for your setup.
In general, keyboard variations tend to be a little more restrained than their gaming mouse counterparts…
…but there are still a few things to keep in mind before you start your search.
The first thing you need to do is decide how you want to spend your PC gaming time.
Are you a fan of the eSports scene, or are you more of a single-player adventurer?
Could a dozen extra buttons help your MMO raid party, or would the extra space required for a numpad hinder your progress?
“The first thing you should determine is whether you need a gaming keyboard at all. If your PC gaming is restricted to the occasional round of League of Legends or following the episodic Telltale Games releases, a high-end peripheral with expensive switches and fancy lighting is probably not going to enhance your experience that much.”
Marshall Honorof – Senior Editor for Tom’s Guide
Likewise, if your PC is just a way to play the latest console port titles…
…you’d be much better off investing in a good controller than a top-of-the-line keyboard.
Keyboards tend to work best with first-person shooters, strategy games and MMOs…
..so if these are your go-to genres, a better keyboard may be in your future.
Membrane or Dome or Mechanical
The membrane keyboard is a keyboard with a pressure sensitive pad…
…and is preferred by some for its quiet keypress and low profile.
But these keyboards are not suitable for extreme work…
…so if you are playing a game that requires a lot of keyboard action…
…you probably should not use these keyboards.
In contrast, dome keyboards come with a hybrid button…
…that sets up a folding mechanism under the keys…
…that presses against the membrane when you press the keys.
Consumers mostly use this type of keyboard these days.
They are more expensive than membrane keyboards…
…but less expensive than wireless keyboards.
Mechanical keyboards are also the best for gaming.
It uses a spring and lever mechanism and a non-spongy membrane.
The keys are extremely responsive and precise.
Price
Budget always plays a big part in deciding anything you buy.
Saving up some money is necessary if you want to buy a mechanical keyboard.
You can buy a cheap mechanical keyboard from a no-name brand…
…but their longevity cannot be guaranteed.
In order to purchase a better quality mechanical keyboard…
…you will have to save anywhere from $80 to $130.
Colors
Most people talk about the red and blue keyboard.
These colors have deeper meanings.
Red and Blue keys are actually mechanical keys developed by a company called Cherry…
…which was the industry standard for keyboards for many years.
The keys on mechanical keyboards are named by the color of the stem at their center…
…and different colored keys produce different sounds and feel differently.
Layout
It is time to discuss the keyboard layout now that we have discussed all about the mechanism.
It is equally important to look at what the keys…
…on your keyboard can do and how many keys your keyboard has.
Most keyboards have between 88 and 101 keys.
However, some keyboards do not have the number.
The keyboards can be purchased based on your needs.
Appearance
In addition to thoroughly checking the functions and mechanisms of your keyboard…
…you may want to check its appearance, after all it will be displayed.
In other words, you don’t want something that attracts too much attention or is too blingy.
Instead, buy a simple LED keyboard to get an elegant look and feel.
Here are some tips to keep in mind when purchasing a gaming keyboard. Happy gaming!
Sum Up!
Even though choosing a great gaming keyboard is probably easier…
…than choosing a great gaming mouse, there are still a few important things to keep in mind.
Make sure it has the right number of extra keys (remember, the right number might be “zero”)…
…and think about whether you really need colorful illumination.
Adding a mechanical keyboard to your productivity setup is not just a great gaming tool;
…it’s also a great addition to any gaming setup.
A keyboard that costs more than $100 may be easier to justify…
…if you can state with confidence that it will come in handy every time you type.
Conclusion
In comparison to other budget keyboards, this keyboard stands out because of its backlighting.
Would I recommend this gaming keyboard to anyone?
If you are on a tight budget and need a good gaming keyboard…
…I would definitely recommend this keyboard at a price of about $50.
The keys are incredibly responsive and the packaging is great.
I would recommend this gaming keyboard to both casual and hard-core players.
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