What if there was a keyboard that could boost your productivity? YouTube guru Ali Abdaal launched his very own keyboard, the Lightmode. It is marketed as “A compact, aesthetic, and customizable tool to deliver a beautiful typing experience that boosts productivity, work output and supports your greatest creative endeavors.” In this review, we’ll look at the Lightmode and see if it does increase one’s productivity.
Review
The Lightmode is available in two colors: Cobalt Blue and Coral Orange. These vibrant hues are complemented by gradient keycaps that undoubtedly enhance its aesthetic appeal. However, despite its visual charm, the keyboard’s build quality leaves much to be desired. It is made entirely of plastic, a material choice that detracts from the premium feel one would expect at this price point.
Ali Abdaal emphasizes the tactile feel of the keyboard, but one of the standout features is the Gateron Yellow switches. These are smooth, linear switches that come factory-lubed, ensuring a pleasant typing experience. The stabilizers are also of good quality, which is a plus for those who appreciate a stable and consistent key press. However, the lack of shine-through keycaps paired with north-facing LEDs is a significant drawback. The RGB lighting doesn’t shine as it should, making the keyboard’s lighting effects less impressive.
One notable feature, or rather the lack of it, is the absence of a gasket mount. This omission is particularly disappointing because gasket mounts are known to enhance typing comfort and acoustics by providing a cushioned typing experience. Additionally, the keyboard does not include any foam or dampeners underneath, which further diminishes its acoustic profile and overall typing experience.
Ali also said the keyboard was lightweight, however, the two metal weights glued to the bottom seem like an afterthought to add some heft, contradicting the idea of it being lightweight.
Another critical point to consider is the initial setup. Users are required to factory reset the keyboard before they can start using it. This extra step is inconvenient and could be frustrating, especially for those who are not tech-savvy.
Moreover, the battery life is average at best, with a 2000 mAh battery. While it might suffice for daily use, there are other keyboards on the market with longer-lasting batteries that offer more value for the money.
In terms of productivity, the Lightmode keyboard falls short when compared to other mechanical keyboards. The lack of features that aid in productivity, such as customizable macro keys or an ergonomic design, makes it less appealing for users who rely heavily on their keyboards for work or gaming.
What’s in the box
- Lightmode Keyboard
- USB-C braided cable
- Keyboard Manual
- Keycap Puller
- Extra Keycaps
- Cleaning Brush
Verdict
For a keyboard that took 16 months to develop, as Ali Abdaal mentions, the Lightmode is quite underwhelming. The Epomaker RT100, for instance, is a budget-friendly alternative that costs about $60 less and offers comparable, if not superior, quality and features.
Read more about the Epomaker RT100 here.
In conclusion, the Lightmode Mechanical Keyboard, despite its attractive design and good-quality switches, does not justify its $160 price tag. The plastic build, lack of essential features like a gasket mount and proper dampening make it disappointing. For a product that underwent 16 months of development, one would expect a more polished and feature-rich keyboard. Potential buyers would be better off exploring other options that offer better value and functionality for a lower price.
