Introduction
(Inland Gaming MK Pro 75% )Creating your very own custom gaming keyboard might seem like it would cost a lot, and usually, it does (just like many top-notch gaming keyboards). However, $80 isn’t too shabby for a custom keyboard kit that looks as good as those double the price. That’s what you get with the Inland Gaming MK Pro 75% keyboard kit (Barebone Edition) from Micro Center, currently on sale for just $80.
The Inland Gaming MK Pro 75% keyboard, or MK Pro for short, is a wired gaming keyboard with 75% of the keys, housed in a full aluminum body. It features a hot-swappable, gasket-mounted south-facing PCB with per-key RGB lighting and a programmable rotary knob. It comes in two versions: pre-built and barebones. The pre-built one, available for $120 at Micro Center, comes with switches and keycaps installed, offering a choice between Gateron Red (linear) or Gateron Brown (tactile) switches. The barebones version, which we are reviewing, doesn’t include switches or keycaps but is a bit more affordable at $80.
Since we can’t properly review a keyboard without switches or keycaps, our review unit came with Cherry MX Black Clear Top and Cherry MX Ergo Clear switches, along with two boxes of Inland Spherical PBT keycaps in Blue & White and Green & White. The keyboard has 83 keys, so we needed three boxes of switches (36 switches per box) and one set of keycaps for a complete build. The total cost for this configuration is $143 at the time of writing.
Specifications Inland Gaming MK Pro 75% Barebone Edition
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Compatibility | Mechanical Keyboards |
| Features | 75% Keyboard, RGB Illuminated, Backlit |
| What’s in the Box | 1 x Barebones Keyboard Base |
Pros And Cons Inland Gaming MK Pro 75% Barebone Edition
| Advantages | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Robust build quality | Inconsistency in the rotary knob |
| Easily swappable PCB | Noisy spacebar (pingy) |
| Affordable (under $100) | Subdued side lighting |
Design Inland Gaming MK Pro 75% Barebone Edition
The MK Pro is really sturdy. It’s inside a strong aluminum case that feels like it has a solid steel chunk inside. The keyboard is quite heavy, around 3.72 pounds (1,687g), even without switches or keycaps. Despite being priced under $100, it’s surprisingly weighty. The design is sleek with a matte black finish and rounded corners, giving it a premium look. On the top edge, there’s a USB-C port and a switch for switching between Windows and Mac modes.
Unlike some keyboards, the MK Pro doesn’t have flip-out feet for adjusting the angle. It has a wedge shape with a modest 5-degree slant. The absence of flip-out feet is noted, but it’s mentioned that angling the keyboard towards you might not be the most ergonomic position for your wrists.
The MK Pro shares similarities with the Glorious GMMK Pro, especially in the 75-percent layout with rotary knobs. The back of the keyboard is plain with a matte black aluminum finish, and it features four thick rubber feet for stability. The back also has eight hex screws for accessing the board’s interior.
Smaller than TLK
This 75-percent keyboard is slightly smaller than a TKL, measuring 13.07 inches (332mm) long, 5.75 inches (146mm) wide, and 1.89 inches (48mm) high, including the rotary knob. The rotary knob is metal, notched, clickable, and programmable. The review includes details about the Inland’s Spherical PBT keycaps, which are not included with the barebones version but are part of the pre-built version.
These keycaps have a unique spherical design with pronounced scooped tops, providing comfort and easy typing. They are made of thick double-shot PBT, ensuring durability. The keycaps, however, do not have shine-through for the per-key RGB lighting. Despite being not particularly refined, they are affordable, with a sale price of $18 at Micro Center.
The MK Pro comes with accessories for customization, including a coiled rubber cable, keycap puller, switch puller, hex key, and a mini screwdriver for opening up the case.
Typing and Gaming Experience Inland Gaming MK Pro 75% Barebone Edition
The MK Pro has a gasket-mount design and includes two layers of sound-dampening foam in the case. It features a hot-swappable, south-facing PCB that supports 3- and 5-pin switches and comes with screw-in stabilizers. During my test, I used Cherry MX Black Clear Top switches, known for their linear feel with an operating force of 63.5cN (64.75g) and a total travel distance of 4mm. The keyboard also includes Inland’s Spherical PBT keycap set.
Typing on the MK Pro is a pleasant experience, influenced by the choice of switches and keycaps. In terms of sound, the MK Pro stands out, offering better acoustics compared to most mainstream gaming keyboards. This improvement is attributed to features like gasket mounts and case foam, which are often overlooked in mainstream gaming keyboards prioritizing speed and latency. However, for keyboard enthusiasts, there’s room for improvement. During testing, I noticed significant metallic case ping, especially with the spacebar, which could be distracting.
Gasket-mount-induced flex
In terms of typing feel, the MK Pro provides decent gasket-mount-induced flex, although some users might find it slightly too stiff. The lack of a wristrest and the relatively high front of the keyboard may be uncomfortable for some users without additional support.
Gaming features of the MK Pro include a 1,000 Hz polling rate, full n-key rollover, and customizable macro recording, keymapping, and rotary knob functionality through QMK / VIA. While the customization options are extensive, users should be prepared for more initial programming work compared to mainstream gaming keyboards. The MK Pro performed well in gaming tests, showing no issues with ghosting, missed keypresses, or latency. The Cherry MX Black Clear Top switches had a heavier actuation, but this aspect isn’t the focus of this review.
One noteworthy point is that the rotary knob worked well at slower speeds but experienced issues at faster speeds, skipping every third click. While this might not be a problem for volume control, it could be frustrating for precision tasks, depending on the intended use of the rotary knob.
Features and Software
The MK Pro doesn’t have its own special software, but it works with QMK / VIA. These are open-source tools that keyboard enthusiasts like to use. QMK can be a bit tricky for beginners, but VIA, based on QMK, has an easier interface. With VIA, you can program keys, the rotary knob, and even set up four layers deep. You can also record macros and adjust the keyboard’s lighting.
VIA is simpler compared to other custom peripheral software, but it might take some time to get used to, especially if you’re used to mainstream gaming gear. It lacks certain gaming features like app-based profile switching or a dedicated gaming mode.
The MK Pro has bright RGB lighting for each key, and the PCB is south-facing for better visibility if you have clear switches and shine-through keycaps. You can customize the lighting using the VIA software or directly from the keyboard.
Although the per-key RGB is vibrant, the side lighting isn’t as impressive. There’s no underglow effect, and you might not notice the side lighting unless you look at the keyboard from the side. This isn’t a big issue unless you really like side glow, but it does give the MK Pro a vibe similar to the GMMK Pro.
Conclusion
The Inland Gaming MK Pro 75% keyboard offers a sturdy build and sleek design at a budget-friendly price below $100. Though its minimalism might be a bit excessive, as it lacks distinctive features compared to other aluminum-bodied kits like the Glorious GMMK Pro, especially with its somewhat dull side lighting. However, the standout element here is the price, currently set at $80 (at the time of this writing). Even when on sale, the GMMK Pro is notably pricier, reaching $136.
Certainly, the MK Pro could use some adjustments to cater to individual preferences. Yet, tweaking and refining are integral aspects of the custom keyboard hobby. What better way to explore your inclination for tinkering inside a keyboard than with an $80 option that invites some customization?