One of the big divides among keyboard enthusiasts is the number pad, that 18-key piece of plastic lurking at the end of a full keyboard. Those who value desk space reject it and opt for a smaller layout like a 75% keyboard or a tenkeyless. Others can’t live without the numpad because it’s essential for work and other programs.
The 98% layout keyboard tries to satisfy both camps. It’s a format that compresses the keys together, putting a nearly full-size typing experience into a smaller footprint. That includes the numpad. One of the best examples of this layout is the MCHOSE x Unbox Therapy UT98 keyboard.
UNUSUAL TEAMUPThe device is a collaboration between the peripheral maker and the tech YouTuber. I had apprehensions about the branding. (Why did the product need a notoriety boost from a famous name?) But when I put fingers to keys, I came away impressed.
A lot of that has to do with the switches. The UT98 comes with either a Silent Peach V3, a linear silent switch, or the Icy Creamsicle, a linear creamier one. The review unit that MCHOSE sent over had the creamsicles, and like the rest of the keyboard, they were surprisingly great. The Icy Creamsicles had a deeper sound profile that accentuated with several layers of foam and film that make the key presses pop.
Typing on it reminds me of the tap of the Crush 80, but deeper and more rounder. That’s complemented by the smooth feel of the switches. They glide down with 42g of actuation force, meaning that it’s not too sensitive. Users won’t accidentally hit a key while resting their hands on the keyboard. It takes slightly more force to register a press. The silicon gaskets on the bottom also added to the experience, offering the device a slight give that makes the UT98 a joy to type on.
PLASTIC EXTERIOR WITH NICE TOUCHESAlthough the inside of the keyboard is great, the exterior is made with hard plastic instead of aluminum. That makes the device lighter and easier to carry, but it also feels less sturdy. The 98% layout is compact without feeling cramped. It has a half a pencil’s width of space between the function keys, numpad and extra buttons, including an aluminum wheel that lets users control audio. The big difference between this and full-size keyboard is that it’s missing the Insert, Print Screen, Scroll Lock and Pause keys. They weren’t missed. They’re almost like vestigial tech organs of the past.
MCHOSE tries to make up for the pedestrian exterior with a solid set of double-shot PBT keycaps. Although the Unboxing therapy legends didn’t appeal to me, the keys did feel durable with thick walls, but that choice also hid one of the UT98’s better features. It has dazzling RGB lighting that still shines through despite being mostly covered up.
One of the reasons for the stellar RGB performance is the design of the Icy Creamsicle switches, which channels the keyboard’s south-facing lights with its clear plastic sides so that it shines brightly. It’s a nice touch to the switch design, and it could make other keycaps with transparent elements shine even brighter.
CONFIGURATION AND CONNECTION OPTIONSUnfortunately, the UT98 doesn’t run VIA, a program that lets players customize the keyboards. MCHOSE used its own proprietary web-based software called the Mchose Hub. It works well, enabling users to replace keys with macros or alter the RGB lighting. The interface is intuitive, and those who know programs such as VIA will have no problem using MCHOSE Hub. VIA is valued for its versatility.
As for the other elements, the UT98 comes with a 10,000 mAh battery, which will last weeks or even months, depending on whether users turn on the RGB. It connects via Bluetooth, USB-C or a 2.4 Ghz dongle, which can be stored in a slot inside the keyboard.
The MCHOSE x Unbox Therapy UT98 keyboard performed well in both work and play. It’s a device that’s excellent to type on while also feeling responsive when it comes to gaming. The only issue is the keycaps, but those can be replaced. What users are left with is a solid keyboard that sound and feel great.
MCHOSE x Unbox Therapy UT98 Keyboard
Three starsManufacturer: MCHOSEPrice: $139.99