For today’s review, I am taking a look at the KINESIS Gaming TKO White Mechanical Keyboard, a keyboard which I have used for the past two weeks.
For those who are not familiar with KINESIS, the company is known for their ergonomic keyboards. They make a versatile amount of keyboards from adjustable split, tenting, low profile, compact, vertical tenting, adjustable splay. It’s a company that tries to accommodate the needs of many, including those who have special needs.
But KINESIS also has a gaming division known as KINESIS Gaming and they have found success with their Freestyle Edge RGB Split Mechanical Gaming Keyboard and their TKO keyboard, which I will be reviewing.
First, with this keyboard, you get the USB-C to USB cable and you get what is necessary to go from the triple split space bar to a single space bar.
Now, I have to say that I like the blue touch for the split keyboard, but I wished they put a blue single space bar versus just all white or both a white/blue.
You also get a choice of what kind of switches you prefer. The company offers a barebones kit, but you can choose Kailh Clicky White, Tactile Brown, Kailh Linear Red or Gateron Tactile Brown. I chose the Gateron Tactile Brown (which is the cheaper at $99 than the Kailh which goes for $125).
For the most part, the Gateron Tactile Browns are good for those who want something in the middle, so if you don’t like loud clicky blues or silent reds, you go brown.
So, as the keyboard performance, so far it’s been great. At 60%, you definitely save space in your desk by having a smaller keyboard, but one should know that if you are heavily dependent on the arrow keys or the number keys to the right, this mechanical keyboard does not offer those keys.
But the arrow keys are offered but that is utilizing the function key and using the I,J,K,L keys.
In fact, using the function key can also increase or decrease volume, page up/down and more.
What is also interesting about this keyboard is that underneath, there are four legs, instead of the usual two. So, depending on your style for typing, you can definitely adjust the tilt to your liking.
As for the triple split key space bar, this is great for those who want to customize the space bar buttons, may it be for gaming, typing or coding. I actually prefer a triple split, because a double split space bar, my thumb tends to hit the gap when I hit space, but this one I don’t. So, it’s much easier to type.
The KINESIS Gaming TKO mechanical keyboard is also hot swappable.
Now, this part I saved for last because it’s probably going to be the most confusing. If you want to customize the keys, macros, key lighting, side lighting, you will need to go to the KINESIS Gaming to download the SmartSet App.
But here is where it gets tricky, after installation, part of the challenge is that you need to use various keys to get the app to recognize your keyboard. Just remember, the SmartSet button is under the right shift, so be prepared to use Smartset + Right Shift + V (or X) and you will need to upgrade the firmware, which maybe difficult for some.
I highly recommend watching the video they provided on YouTube or on the website to get this done. But please do not worry as the mechanical keyboard does work after connection. It’s just if you want to customize or update the firmware, you will need to do this process.
Other than that, the KINESIS Gaming TKO Mechanical Keyboard is a well-made keyboard with a lot of thought on how to be creative in producing a 60% keyboard that gamers or anyone in general want to use but yet conserve space. While I wish KINESIS finds a way to create an executable file to make it easier for the end users to configure.
I highly recommend this keyboard!
