Today, I’m diving into a thorough review of the Leobog Hi86. It offers much more when you take a closer look. The Hi86 is a compact yet stylish keyboard that sits between the Hi75 in size and features. After thoroughly testing this keyboard, I’m excited to share my experiences with its build, design, functionality, and overall performance.
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Unboxing
Upon unboxing, I was immediately struck by the quality of the accessories. The Leobog Hi86 doesn’t come wrapped in a traditional plastic bag, but rather neatly placed with a cover that adds to its premium feel. The accessories included a handy data cable and a collection of peripherals that enhance usability. The keyboard has a distinct Glacier Blue color, which stands out among other models.
Design and Build
One of the most striking aspects of the Hi86 is its striking Glacier Blue color, which is one of the two available configurations. It provides a sleek and modern aesthetic that stands out among other boards in its class. The high-end build quality shines through, especially when you consider the choice of materials.
The Leobog Hi86’s surface has a distinct, smooth texture, achieved through an advanced spraying process. This layer, which almost feels movie-like to the touch, does not only addzhfo zlzaei sequoia like a tactile experience. The backplate has been significantly improved compared to earlier versions like the Hi75, with a more refined finish and cleaner edges. Even the small Oberg foot sticker has been thoughtfully placed, contributing to the polished look of the keyboard.
As we move on to the overall layout, the Leobog Hi86 features a layout that strikes a balance between size and functionality. It sits comfortably between a 75% and 87% keyboard in terms of the number of keys. While it’s missing just one key from the 87 layouts, it still offers a fully functional experience with well-placed function keys. The keycaps match the Glacier Blue color of the top layer, creating a unified look that’s visually pleasing.
However, some design choices could be improved. For instance, the gap between the upper and lower parts of the keyboard is slightly more noticeable than I would like, and there’s a minor color difference between the upper and lower covers that may be visible upon closer inspection. The reverse foot design also feels a bit confusing, with the cross-section being smaller on the side compared to the top, likely due to the placement of the indicator light.
The Leobog Hi86 weighs 1.9 kg, which is a hefty but reassuring weight that gives it a solid, durable feel. This weight is well-balanced, making the keyboard feel sturdy without being too cumbersome. It’s a significant improvement over previous models, and it contributes to the keyboard’s overall premium feel.
While the design of the Leobog Hi86 has many positive aspects, it does come with a few minor flaws. The braided corner cutting areas are inconsistent, and the metal color doesn’t quite match the top layer perfectly. This could easily be fixed with a different color, like white, which might improve the aesthetic appeal. Additionally, there’s a noticeable seam at the bottom of the keyboard, which could be tighter. However, these are all small imperfections that don’t significantly impact the overall quality of the build.
Switches
First, let’s talk about the feel and consistency of the zero-motion axis switches. These switches provide tactile feedback that is smooth yet distinct, ensuring a comfortable typing experience whether you’re typing quickly or leisurely. The action feels responsive, with a noticeable snap when the key is pressed, offering just the right amount of resistance.
In terms of sound, the Leobog Hi86’s switches strike a delicate balance. The sound profile is neither too loud nor too quiet, offering a satisfying but not intrusive “clack” sound that is ideal for both office and gaming setups. This makes the Hi86 a great choice for those who are looking for a mechanical keyboard that isn’t overly noisy but still delivers that unmistakable tactile sensation.
Another noteworthy feature of the Leobog Hi86 switches is the absence of the so-called “hollow” or “empty” feeling that some keyboards suffer from. While testing, I noticed that the switches have a solid bottom-out sound, which gives the keyboard a more premium feel compared to others in the same price range. This is particularly noticeable on larger keys, such as the spacebar and enter key, which tend to suffer from poor stabilizers or inconsistency on lesser keyboards.
The Leobog Hi86 switches also show significant improvement in terms of the actuation rebound strength. The keypress and rebound forces are nicely calibrated, providing a smooth up-and-down motion that isn’t too stiff or too soft. This makes the Hi86 ideal for long typing sessions, as you won’t experience fatigue or discomfort from overly heavy or light keypresses.
Battery
When testing the battery life of the Leobog Hi86, it’s important to acknowledge its significance as part of the overall user experience. After a full charge, you can expect to enjoy upwards of 10 hours of continuous use on a single charge, making it highly suitable for both work and play without needing to plug it in often.
In terms of charging speed, the Hi86 excels with its type-C charging port, which ensures that recharging is both quick and efficient. Another key feature that makes the battery performance of the Hi86 stand out is its energy-saving design. The keyboard employs a smart energy management system that optimizes power consumption when the keyboard is idle, ensuring that the battery lasts longer between charges. This is particularly useful for users who prefer to leave their keyboard on standby when not in use, as it helps preserve battery life over time.
Connectivity
The Leobog Hi86 offers both wired and wireless connectivity options to suit various user preferences.
Wireless Connectivity
With Bluetooth 5.0, the Hi86 supports wireless use, offering fast speeds, low latency, and better range. It can connect to up to three devices simultaneously, allowing easy switching between devices without disconnecting.
Magnetic Suction Charging
The Leobog Hi86 includes a magnetic suction charging function for its Type-C port, ensuring a secure connection and preventing accidental disconnections.
Device Switching
Dedicated keys allow seamless switching between connected devices, making it convenient for multitasking and moving between platforms like PC, tablet, or phone.
Verdict & Experience
The Leobog Hi86 keyboard offers a solid experience with excellent build quality, appealing design, and reliable performance. As a mid-range offering, it balances affordability with premium features, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious users who still desire high-quality materials and functionality.
Pros:
- Sturdy Build: Aluminum frame for durability; weighs 1880 grams for a solid desk presence.
- Smooth Performance: Consistent zero-motion axis and responsive keypress rebound, great for typing and gaming.
- Customizable Design: Attractive color options, including glacier blue, enhance the overall aesthetic.
- Connectivity: Offers both wired (Type-C) and wireless (Bluetooth 5.0) options for seamless device switching.
- Functionality: Additional function keys and versatile device switching for efficient multitasking.
Cons:
- Design Flaws: Minor issues with braided corner cutting and gaps, affecting aesthetics and feel.
- Lower Jaw Size: The lower jaw height could be reduced for a more comfortable typing experience.
- No Volume Adjustment: Lacks dedicated volume control keys.
Conclusion
Overall, the Leobog Hi86 is a strong contender in the mid-range keyboard market, offering great value for its price. The premium build, excellent performance, and versatile connectivity options make it a great choice for anyone looking to upgrade their typing or gaming setup without breaking the bank. Despite a few minor design flaws, it’s a highly usable and attractive keyboard. If you’re drawn to its aesthetic and features, the Hi86 will not disappoint.
Buy on the official website.
Buy on AliExpress
Read Also: Leobog Hi75 Review: Wired Keyboard YouCan’t-Misss for $75