Today, we’re diving into the unboxing and review of the CIDOO C75, a 75% Hall Effect keyboard that boasts a premium build and advanced features. This keyboard was sent out by Sadoop for review, but rest assured, this does not influence my opinion. Currently retailing at USD 139, this keyboard promises to deliver a high-end typing experience with an aluminum chassis and pre-lubed switches. Let’s dive right in and explore what this keyboard has to offer.
In the Box
The CIDOO C75 package includes the keyboard itself, a braided USB-C cable, a switch and keycap puller, and a small Allen wrench for disassembling the keyboard. These accessories ensure that users have everything they need to get started and maintain their keyboards.
Design
The CIDOO C75 stands out with its premium build, featuring an aluminum chassis and pre-lubed switches. You can choose between two different colorways: silver and black. The Hall Effect technology means you get a rapid trigger and customizable actuation points with the Gateron KS20U magnetic switches. This keyboard is also hot-swappable with other magnetic switches like Gateron jades if that’s more your style.
I have the silver version here, and it’s housed in a fully aluminum case. The keyboard weighs in at just under 2kg, giving it a hefty, high-quality feel. You also get a braided USB-C cable, a switch and keycap puller, and a small Allen wrench for taking apart the keyboard. The switches come pre-installed in a self-facing orientation, ensuring maximum compatibility with any keycap set.
The design is sleek and clean. The USB port is located on the left side, and there’s a brass weight on the bottom with a nice design and four rubber feet at the corners. The sides of the board maintain this clean look. Additionally, as a 75% layout, it includes a volume wheel on the top right. The volume wheel has well-defined steps and is tight enough to avoid accidental adjustments, which I appreciate.
Build
Now, let’s talk about the build quality and what you get in the box. The aluminum case of the CIDOO C75 gives it a substantial feel, making it nearly 2kg heavy. This weight, combined with the premium materials, makes the keyboard feel very high-quality in your hands. The included braided USB-C cable is of nice quality, and the switch and keycap puller, along with a small Allen wrench, make customization and maintenance straightforward.
The Gateron KS20U magnetic switches are pre-installed and hot-swappable, so you can easily switch them out with other magnetic switches like the Gateron jades. This flexibility is great for those who like to customize their keyboards to fit their personal preferences. The self-facing switches ensure compatibility with any keycap set you might want to use.
On the bottom, there’s a brass weight with a sleek design, adding to the overall premium feel of the board. The four rubber feet at the corners keep the keyboard stable on your desk. The volume wheel on the top right is well-designed, with defined steps and enough tension to prevent accidental adjustments. This adds a nice touch to the overall build and functionality of the keyboard.
Switches
First off, the KS20U switches are magnetic, which means they offer this unique blend of responsiveness and customization. You can tweak the actuation points to suit your preference, which is great if you’re into gaming or even just typing with a particular feel.
Installing these switches was a breeze too, thanks to the hot-swappable design. I swapped out a few with Gateron jades just to see how they’d feel, and it was super simple. The switches come pre-looped, which I appreciated because it meant they were ready to go out of the box, and they’re self-facing to ensure compatibility with any keycap set.
In terms of performance, these switches deliver on their promise of rapid trigger and customizable actuation points. The keyboard supports up to 8000Hz polling rate, which theoretically offers quicker response times compared to standard keyboards. Though I didn’t have tools to measure the exact latency, in practice, the responsiveness was noticeable, especially in fast-paced games.
Now, the one thing I did notice was a bit of a dead zone with the rapid trigger. Despite setting it to 0.1 millimeters, there was a noticeable lift required before the switch would register. It wasn’t a dealbreaker for me, but if you’re used to the instant responsiveness of other high-end boards, it’s something to keep in mind.
Sound-wise, these switches are pretty impressive. They have a nice, premium clack to them thanks in part to the aluminum chassis of the keyboard. It’s not overly loud, but it gives off that satisfying mechanical keyboard sound.
Software
The CIDOO C75 comes with easy-to-install software that allows for extensive customization. Users can remap keys, create macros, and adjust actuation points for individual keys or the entire keyboard. The software also includes settings for enabling rapid trigger functionality and adjusting the polling rate.
One notable feature is the on-board memory, which saves all customized settings directly to the keyboard. This means users don’t need to keep the software running or even install it on their computer once the initial setup is complete.
However, the software does have room for improvement. It lacks a visual representation of which keys have rapid trigger enabled and their specific actuation points, a feature that would enhance the user experience significantly.
Battery
Alright guys, now let’s talk about the battery and charging experience of the Cidoo C75. This keyboard comes with a built-in 4000mAh battery, which is pretty decent for a keyboard of this size. It’s designed to last for a long time on a single charge, which is great for those who like to use their keyboards wirelessly or don’t want to constantly plug it in.
Charging-wise, it supports fast charging via USB-C, which is convenient. You can top up the battery pretty quickly, and it’s nice not to have to wait too long to get back to using the keyboard if you’ve drained it.
Overall, I found the battery life to be solid. It lasted me through long gaming sessions and workdays without needing a recharge too often. Plus, the fast charging capability means I’m not tethered to the desk for long when it does need some juice.
Performance
In terms of performance, the CIDOO C75 delivers a mixed experience. The customizable actuation points work well, allowing users to fine-tune their typing and gaming experience. However, the rapid trigger feature has a noticeable dead zone, meaning the keys do not deactivate as quickly as they should. This issue is particularly evident when compared to other Hall Effect keyboards like the Wooting 60HE, which offers a more immediate response.
Despite this, the CIDOO C75 still performs better than traditional mechanical keyboards, making it a viable option for gamers looking for an edge. The sound profile of the keyboard is another strong point, with the pre-lubed switches and aluminum case producing a satisfying, premium sound during use.
Verdict
In conclusion, the CIDOO C75 is a solid entry into the premium Hall Effect keyboard market. Its build quality, sound profile, and customizable features make it an attractive option, especially at its price point. However, the dead zone issue with the rapid trigger feature is a drawback that may deter those seeking the utmost performance.
For users looking to save money while still getting a high-quality, customizable keyboard, the CIDOO C75 is worth considering. However, if the absolute best rapid trigger performance is a priority, it may be worth exploring other options like the Wooting 60HE. Overall, the Cidoo C75 offers a good balance of quality and features, making it a competitive choice in its category.
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