In addition to the fairly unique Rev-o-mate, i-Rocks also had a plethora of new keyboards to show off recently. These included updates to existing keyboard lines, new additions using mechanical and electrocapacitive switches, as well as a security keyboard/accessory utilizing fingerprints.
First up, we took a look at the K72E Capacitive keyboard. This uses the same platform as the i-Rocks K72M which uses their own mechanical switches except with new electrocapacitive (hence the E, rather than the M in the name) switches that we first saw in the i-Rocks K70E that was reviewed by us recently. As such, the K72E uses a removable (for modding or otherwise) aluminum top plate with beveled edges for a more defined look compared to the more standard rectangular cuboid normally seen.
The top cover especially is on the thicker side of average, and allows for i-Rocks to make replacement covers available for those wanting different color options. The capacitive switches on the K70E were impressive overall, so this version should attract those who wanted those switches on a different aesthetic than the K70E that uses an acrylic top cover and paper skins for customization. Be sure to read past the break for more information on their other keyboards.
Next up was the new K67M, which is a tenkeyless form factor keyboard in a solid wooden case. The naming scheme from i-Rocks for their keyboards is getting confusing now, however, with the older K65M being a full size keyboard as is the K76M. The name aside, we see a choice of at least two different wood finishes and a detachable Type-C cable common to all available versions. The new K67M uses i-Rocks’ own mechanical switches which in turn use a patented ORing-Structure (ORS, as they call it) for a quieter typing experience provided by two O-rings integrated inside each switch.
The switches include a 60 gf actuation form tactile and clicky Blue Switch, a 50 gf actuation force tactile Brown Switch Silent, and a 40 gf actuation force Red Switch Silent.Speaking of the i-Rocks K65M, this was on hand at their booth as well with a few new color options to see including a matte blue and orange as opposed to the existing black, red and brown colors. As with the new K72E, the K65M uses an anodized aluminum top plate and can be had in RGB backlit or non-backlit versions.
The stock keycaps continue to be better than average with doubleshot injected legends on ABS plastic, and the new keyboards retains onboard customization options- including macro controls- that the existing K65M keyboards did. Switch options here are the same as their other -M series keyboards, with the i-Rocks mechanical switches in use.An entire cabinet was devoted to the new “Fun” keyboards, which includes the fairly unique K76M keyboard that we examined in more detail before. The LEGO bricks-compatible top cover added a whole new customization layer here, and i-Rocks is adding another keyboard with the same train of thought.
The all new K77R, which can also be had as part of the K77RP keyboard and mouse set, is a wireless membrane switch keyboard with a switchable plate in the top cover that can either be a solid piece or a LEGO bricks-compatible piece as seen in the images below. The keyboard uses a wireless 2.4 GHz network for connectivity via a USB dongle, takes two AAA batteries with an estimated battery life of 12 months and a range of 10 meters, and the membrane switches used have a 4 mm travel distance with a 55 gf actuation (which is the same as the bottoming out force here).
The optional mouse which is part of the set is a more standard 3-button wireless mouse with a 1200 DPI optical sensor (not named) and similar operating characteristics via a single AA battery.i-Rocks also showed off their fingerprint product series, which includes standalone fingerprint dongles- the C51 in a black plastic case, and the C52 in a chrome metal case- as well as keyboards with integrated fingerprint readers by the indicator LEDs in the top right corner. The K68M uses a metal case with multiple color options via anodization, and the K27M is a more simple black ABS plastic case keyboard. Both keyboards come in a standard 104-key US ANSI layout, with other layouts and languages supported depending on the region and demand.
All of these products claim to have a 360° finger readability, with a software driver called Smart-ID adding the option to store up to 10 fingerprints per account. The driver will also enable password management for programs and the system OS, allowing 1-touch login as well as file and folder encryption without much trouble.
