DREVO Calibur Wireless Mechanical Keyboard REVIEW

It’s always a bit tricky when you make the decision to add a mechanical keyboard to your set-up. What brand do you get? What size do you look for? What switches should you invest in? I’ve been researching and testing mechanical keyboards for the past couple of years now and seem to find pluses and minuses in every type I try. So, this time, I sought one out that would fit with my desk set-up. I ended up with the Calibur Wireless Mechanical Keyboard by DREVO. This special keyboard is actually designed more for everyday computer use and not specifically for gaming.

DETAILS

The Calibur keyboard is a wireless mechanical keyboard. It comes in either black or white (I have the white version) and is RGB backlit for an impressive light show. You have the option of ordering this keyboard with your choice of black, blue, brown, or red switches. The keyboard features Bluetooth 4.0/USB dual modes for connectivity. You can use it with macOS, Windows, Android, or iOS operating systems. The keyboard is 100% rechargeable and a Micro USB cable comes with it. It is built on a plastic frame, which may not be strong enough for hardcore gaming, but it’s sturdy enough for standard keyboard use.

The Calibur is a compact keyboard with a 71-key layout. The RGB backlighting is customizable through some preset programs built into the keyboard (snake marquee, reactive mode, advanced reactive mode, breathing mode, wave mode, ripple mode, and aurora mode). The keyboard is built with true NKRO to prevent key ghosting and high-quality keycaps that will stay clean no matter how much you use the keyboard. The keyboard is packaged with keycap puller, a sticker, and a manual.

SPECS

• Length x Width x Height: 348mm x 101mm x 36mm
• Weight: 600g
• Keycap Material: ABS (Calibur 71 and Calibur 72 black), PBT (Calibur 72 white)
• Switch Specs:
• Black — Operation Force 80gf; Total travel: 4.00mm Pretravel: 2.20mm
• Blue — Operation Force 60gf Tactile force: 60gf; Total travel: 4.00mm Pretravel: 2.20mm
• Brown — Operation Force 60gf Tactile force: 55gf; Total travel: 4.00mm Pretravel: 2.20mm
• Red — Operation Force 60gf; Total travel: 4.00mm Pretravel: 2.20mm

USER EXPERIENCE

The Calibur came in a black and yellow cardboard box. An image of the keyboard was printed on the front of it with the word “CALIBUR” stamped on the top. The Drevo logo is set in the corner. When you open the cover of the box, you will find a small sleeve where the manual lives and then the keyboard resting beneath some protective cardboard. The USB cable for charging the keyboard is located beneath that cardboard as well as the key puller.

When I first took the keyboard out of the box, I was surprised how lightweight, but sturdy it felt. It was very easy to hold the keyboard and carry it around, which is a nice change of pace from more mechanical keyboards I’ve tried. Many of them have heavy metal frames and are not so easy to move around. I was also impressed with the USB charging that was provided. Not only was the cable nice and long, but it was also braided, which means it’s more durable than standard silicone wrapped ones.

To get started with the Calibur, you first have to make sure the keyboard is charged and then you flip the Bluetooth switch on the bottom of it. This tiny switch sends the keyboard into Bluetooth mode and makes it possible for you to pair it with your computer or other Bluetooth devices. Once the switch is in the ‘on’ position, you will then press + hold the FN key and Q, W, or E. Once the Bluetooth light begins to blink rapidly, you can let go and select “DREVO KEYBOARD” from your Bluetooth menu on your device. This process completes the pairing function of the keyboard. You can actually have three devices paired with this keyboard at one time. Each of those devices is assigned to Q, W, or E.

Typing with the Calibur has been pretty enjoyable. I’m used to mainly typing using my Apple keyboard or the MacBook Pro’s keyboard. So, the hearty feeling of this mechanical keyboard is much different than what I’m used to. I ended up having the Calibur with blue switches which are nice for all-around use. I didn’t have any issues with responsiveness but since the keys require a bit more force to depress, I did find that typing took me a little longer than normal. I really love the size of this particular keyboard for my desk set-up. I try to keep my desk clutter-free but love the look of an RGB mechanical keyboard on it. So, having the wireless, compact Calibur set on my desk looks absolutely stunning. I have used larger keyboards like the Apex M800 from SteelSeries and while the feel of the keys is nice, the size of that keyboard is enormous — especially when you are trying to keep items to a minimum on your desk.

Battery life has been pretty decent. I would estimate it to be around 5 hours of continuous use. I have used it for writing for at least that long in one sitting and didn’t need to plug it in. As for the lighting effects, I found the backlight to be sufficiently bright. You can access the different color modes by pressing FN + INS to cycle through them. You do have the ability to program your own effects into the keyboard and Drevo even includes a piece of software (for Windows only) to remap the keys and assign it a macro.

CONCLUSION

The Calibur mechanical keyboard is a step in the right direction for someone who is trying to enhance their gaming set-up or add a compact keyboard into their pool of accessories. It’s a really nice keyboard that gives a satisfying mechanical ‘click’ when your hands move around the keys.

For more information, visit drevo.net.
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Originally published at macsources.com on August 3, 2018.