The Xbows ergo keyboard
xbOWS lIVE on kICKSTARTER
TLDR: Solid ergo, well worth the kickstarter price. Has some gaming features but feels pretty good. Get it if you like the microsoft ergo keyboards but want something mechanical.
Review
By Brannan
Pros:
Great ergonomic layout
USB-C
Sturdy with minimal flex
Soft touch backing
Flip up feet
Mx mount Gateron switches
Caps that aren't shit
RGB
Cons:
Keycap compatibility
Gamer font
No option to split
Retail price is expensive
Great ergonomic layout
USB-C
Sturdy with minimal flex
Soft touch backing
Flip up feet
Mx mount Gateron switches
Caps that aren't shit
RGB
Cons:
Keycap compatibility
Gamer font
No option to split
Retail price is expensive
Form Factor: The Xbows keyboard is about the same size as a tkl. The space taken up by the curved keys feels wasted, but at least it looks cool. It’s nice and portable, I could see myself taking it along on trips.
USB-C: All I can say is YASSSS. The whole tech industry is moving towards more USB-C integration. It is great for keyboards to include Type-C. It is a wonderful connector, being fast(not that it matters), durable and reversible. Good Job to the Xbows Team.
Design/Aesthetics:
The Xbows takes in a slightly gamer board look due to the bevel and keycap font. But it looks sedated enough for a modern workplace. The Logo is very bright and can be changed to whatever color suits your fancy.
The Xbows takes in a slightly gamer board look due to the bevel and keycap font. But it looks sedated enough for a modern workplace. The Logo is very bright and can be changed to whatever color suits your fancy.
Layout: This crossbow inspired layout is definitely an interesting one. The comfort is undeniable, my wrists feel at home, maybe we should make ergonomic pianos...
A thing two note is that backspace and enter has two locations. The first location is in the middle, above where your thumb would sit. Second is on the right, mimicking the modern traditional layout. This allows a smooth transition to this keyboard, even if you are used to a modern qwerty layout. It took me about 1 week to fully get used to the layout. I think for most users it will be easier to jump onto the Xbows layout as opposed to ortho linear or The Ergodox.
About that BIG ASS backspace. I am not sure about why it’s so big. But it makes it easier to hit. I didn’t have any problems with it, but I think they could have fit another 2u key their instead of making the backspace huge.
The layout is positioned in a way where my fingers require minimal movement horizontally. Most of the movement requires going up and down. It is pretty nice to type on, but it also makes the bottom row hard to hit. The slight curve is supposed to set my wrists at a comfortable angle. The Xbows definitely succeeded in the regard. While it is comfortable, I find myself missing the split Mistel Barocco. I love being allowed to set my keyboards parallel to my shoulder, eliminating wrist strain(with proper keyboard angle). Maybe next time the Xbows can be split. Maybe.
Would I say the layout us comfortable? Yes. But could they make it even more comfortable? Yes. But the point is that the Xbows is close enough to a qwerty tkl to be an easy switch. I think it’s a nice trade off for those who share keyboards and computers.
Keycap Compatibility: If you want proper fitting keycaps that match the curved bottom row, your not gonna find aftermarket sets. But if you can cope standard key sizes, you could theoretically make a keyset(s) fit. Due to the number of stabilized keys, you will need extras or another keyset to properly fill out the Xbows.
The curved bottom row keys due in fact have a standard 1 cherry stem and 2 stab stems. This means that a 2u shift or backspace will fit.
I will try to make a set fit in the future, stay tuned on my instagram @kbwarriors.
The curved bottom row keys due in fact have a standard 1 cherry stem and 2 stab stems. This means that a 2u shift or backspace will fit.
I will try to make a set fit in the future, stay tuned on my instagram @kbwarriors.
RGB: cool? It’s 2017
Build Quality:
The Gateron switches are reinforced by the Metal mounting plate that feels very solid. The plate has a matte black finish with a silver bevel along the edge. The bottom of the case is made out of plastic and feels well reinforced. The bottom is lined with a really nice soft touch rubber coating, similar to what you would find on a mouse. Even though the keyboard feels light and empty, it exhibits very minimal flex. They did a very good job with the case design and manufacturing.
The keycaps are what I would describe as ok. They are 1mm thick doubleshot abs. Not the best but also not the worst… I’m looking at you Razer. The keycaps have a nice and subtle texture to them. Bottoming out on the gateron blues feels fantastic with these caps. I can’t complain.
The Gateron switches are reinforced by the Metal mounting plate that feels very solid. The plate has a matte black finish with a silver bevel along the edge. The bottom of the case is made out of plastic and feels well reinforced. The bottom is lined with a really nice soft touch rubber coating, similar to what you would find on a mouse. Even though the keyboard feels light and empty, it exhibits very minimal flex. They did a very good job with the case design and manufacturing.
The keycaps are what I would describe as ok. They are 1mm thick doubleshot abs. Not the best but also not the worst… I’m looking at you Razer. The keycaps have a nice and subtle texture to them. Bottoming out on the gateron blues feels fantastic with these caps. I can’t complain.
Should you buy it?: If you are looking for a prebuilt ergonomic keyboard that doesn’t stray to far away from a normal high end gaming keyboard, get the Xbows. Make sure to get it on the kickstarter now. Starts at $119, retail will be $200. (USD)