The Alchemist MK98 is blessed with Kaihua Box V2, the cost performance is full, and the 98 series is unique

The 98-arrangement is the most practical keyboard for office work, because the 98-arrangement not only has a number area to facilitate the input of a large number of numbers, but also does not occupy too much desktop space like the full-arrangement 104 and 108. Due to the 98 patent turmoil, various manufacturers have also changed the layout of the 98 column. The MK98 changed the three 1U buttons on the right side of the space into two 1.25U buttons, and cut off a Ctrl key. MK98 adopts a newly designed mould, and the edge design is used on both sides, which is very smooth and comfortable to look at and touch. The power switch is designed on the top, which is very convenient compared to a large number of keyboards with switches on the back. There is a 2.4G magnetic storage compartment and a two-stage foot support on the back.

The Alchemist MK98 is equipped with Kaihua's newly upgraded customized BOX V2 switch body. The 98 in the early 400s is equipped with a mechanical keyboard, which can use the switch body of Kaihua BOX V2, and the price performance ratio is very high. Compared with the black transparent top cover and black bottom case of the ordinary BOX V2 shaft body, the custom-made BOX V2 uses a high-transparency top cover and a white bottom case, which adds to the RGB lighting effect. Compared with V1, BOX V2 uses a longer gold-plated spring, which rebounds more easily; the triangular axis is changed to a five-legged axis, and the stability is further increased; it also improves the skewed axis phenomenon of the first generation. I strongly recommend people who have never used BOX White V2 to try it. The sound of pressing the ballpoint pen is really superior, and the sound made by the second-generation BOX White has a bit of the ethereal feeling of Kaihua’s high-end switches. Codewords are really easy to use. I have a lot of keyboards, but recently I use MK98 for writing, and BOX white V2 is really more comfortable.

The Alchemist MK98 uses the XDA height keycap made of PBT material and sublimation technology. Yes, you read that right, XDA. It is said that XDA takes good pictures, but it is not easy to use, but in fact, after getting used to it, the code words are still very good. The character printing quality of this set of keycaps is still acceptable, and the Fn level and function keys required by MAC users are also printed on the keycaps, which is quite convenient during use.

What makes me most dissatisfied with the Alchemist MK98 is the four function buttons in the digital area, which are simply anti-human, and even give me a DEL. I don’t expect PGUP and PGDN, but it’s a pity that it’s so unique. Fortunately, the remedial measures have come, there is a driver, and the key can be changed. And many players will also change the keycaps. It is very comfortable to change the keys by yourself and change to a set of favorite keycaps.

The satellite switch of the Demon Refiner MK98 is very well tuned, it touches the bottom quickly, rebounds neatly, and has no space travel. Because my switch is a BOX white V2, which is a paragraph switch with sound, I can’t hear the wire sound.

The RGB lighting effect of the Slayer MK98 is very good, bright and smooth. There is also a gradual animation when switching lighting effects, which is very comfortable to watch.

EVA sandwich cotton and bottom noise-absorbing sponge are used inside the Smelter MK98. Although the noise-absorbing configuration is general, thanks to the new mold of MK98, the bottom cavity is relatively small and there is no obvious cavity sound.

To sum up, the Mk98 is priced in the early 400s. It has a separate mold, Kaihua BOX V2 shaft body, unique XDA keycaps, and excellent RGB lighting effects. It is quite cost-effective.