I’ve been thinking about upgrading my keyboard to improve my typing experience when I stumbled upon the YUNZII AL80. I’m not too technical when it comes to mechanical keyboards, but I do have a few requirements: it should be solidly built, sound good, feel good to type on, have hot-swappable switches, and include a knob. This keyboard seems to check all those boxes—and more.
The YUNZII AL80 is a 75% layout keyboard with 80 keys. It comes in three colors: Black, Beige, and Silver—ours is the Silver. The keyboard features a sturdy aluminum body and a gasket-mounted design, which provides a softer, more cushioned typing feel by suspending the plate with gaskets for better sound dampening and flexibility. It also offers two switch options: YUNZII Cocoa Cream V2 Linears and Gateron Zero Linears. We opted for the former, which has an operating force of 50g, a pre-travel distance of 2.0mm, and a total travel distance of 3.3mm, resulting in a light and responsive feel.
Inside the keyboard is a sandwich foam, an IXPE switch pad, two layers of PET pads, and a switch foam, all working together to enhance sound dampening and reduce hollow acoustics, resulting in a more satisfying typing experience. The Cherry-profile keycaps are made of double-shot PBT, while the knob is crafted from CNC aluminum. Underneath the keyboard is a glossy metal plate that reflects an attractive rainbow gradient. Thanks to the generous use of metal in this keyboard and the large 6,000mAh battery, the YUNZII AL80 is a hefty 1.4kg. It’s not something you’d want to carry around often, but once it’s on your desk, it feels stable and well-grounded.
For its aesthetic appeal, it boasts south-facing RGB lighting with a variety of effects and customizable controls. Additionally, it includes an LCD that displays the time, battery level, and connection status. You can also upload your favorite GIF or photo to personalize the keyboard further. In terms of connectivity, it supports Bluetooth with memory for three devices, 2.4G wireless via a dongle, and USB-C wired mode. It also offers compatibility with both Mac and Windows, along with QMK/VIA support.
The typing experience is incredibly smooth, with the switches gliding effortlessly and bottoming out with a satisfying, crisp ‘thock.’ The stabilizers are well-tuned, with no rattling or wobble, ensuring a clean and consistent keystroke. Each press feels deliberate and confident, providing a solid and reliable typing experience. Battery life is solid at 36 hours with RGB on and 96 hours with RGB off. However, I’m not particularly fond of the knob’s stepped rotation, which prevents a smooth, continuous motion. The keyboard also lacks built-in kickstands, so you can’t adjust the angle. Fortunately, its fixed angle is just about right for me.
Overall, the YUNZII AL80 has been a fantastic upgrade to my setup. At $110 USD, it’s reasonably priced for what you get: a premium aluminum build, versatile connectivity, and a satisfyingly smooth typing experience. It’s not perfect, but its flaws are minor trade-offs, especially considering extras like the customizable LCD. If you’re looking for a keyboard that balances style, substance, and a bit of personality, this one is a solid choice for the price.
