MelGeek MADE84 Ultra Review: It was just a matter of time before I became hooked on this magnetic keyboard.

      MelGeek MADE84 Ultra V2 Review

       MSRP $219.00

      

      

      

       “Designed for enthusiasts, satisfying for gamers, and refined enough to be my everyday keyboard.”

      

      

       Pros

      

      

       Durable aluminum build

      

       Responsive and smooth magnetic switches

      

       Ideal for extended typing sessions

      

       Rapid Trigger feature is genuinely beneficial for competitive gaming

      

       Extensive RGB customization options

      

       Hive operates through a browser

      

       Compact 75% layout conserves desk space

      

      

      

      

       Cons

      

      

       Quite heavy

      

       Transparent key legends can be hard to read

      

       Relatively costly

      

       Wired-only operation

      

       Might require a wrist rest for prolonged use

      

      

      

      Mechanical keyboards are a realm I've always enjoyed exploring. I spend the majority of my day typing, and I often use the same keyboard for additional hours of gaming. Thus, the response and sound of a keyboard are crucial to me. However, I often found myself using an old mechanical keyboard with brown switches that felt quite natural. Everything changed when I reviewed the MelGeek MADE84 Ultra V2.

      This keyboard instantly grabbed my attention with its transparent keycaps, large light bar, aluminum frame, and lighting that wraps around almost every side, clearly indicating it as a gaming keyboard. It makes no effort to be subtle. After two weeks of using it for work and gaming, the design is just one of its appealing features.

      Transitioning from a full-sized mechanical keyboard, I now understand the excitement surrounding magnetic keyboards. The MADE84 Ultra V2 has officially taken over as my main keyboard, largely due to the smoothness of the Flip King magnetic switches and the Hall Effect controls, which offer competitive gamers many options. This keyboard is clearly aimed at enthusiasts, highlighted by its $219 price tag. Fortunately, MelGeek provides plenty of value for that investment.

      MelGeek MADE84 Ultra V2 Specifications

      MelGeek MADE84 Ultra V2 Specifications: Layout: 84-key / 75%, Switches: Flip King Magnetic White Hall Effect switches, Connectivity: Wired USB-C, Polling rate: Up to 8,000Hz, Software: MelGeek Hive, available via web and desktop, Profiles: Four onboard profiles, Lighting: Per-key backlighting with front/rear and side illumination, NKRO: Supported, Dimensions: Approximately 320 x 134 x 42mm, Weight: Approximately 1,530g, Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux, Cable: Detachable braided USB-C to USB-A, Price: Approximately $219.

      A Lack of Subtlety

      The first thing that caught my eye when I unboxed the MADE84 Ultra V2 was its striking appearance. The transparent design and lighter color scheme are attention-grabbing. With the massive light bar across the front, lights on the sides, and RGB illumination under every key, it’s a keyboard that embraces its gaming identity without apology.

      The metal housing adds an industrial vibe as well. The aluminum chassis is exceptionally sturdy, featuring exposed screws and metallic side panels that contribute significant weight.

      And I mean significant weight.

      Weighing about 1.53kg, this keyboard stays put once placed on a desk. The weight feels reassuring, and the small rubber pads underneath hold it firmly during intense gaming sessions. I experienced no flex or creaking during my use. The build quality is undoubtedly one of the keyboard's strongest aspects.

      Due to its weight, I prefer to keep the MADE84 Ultra V2 on my desk. Many users choose compact keyboards for portability, but regularly transporting a 1.5kg keyboard isn’t very appealing.

      The 75% layout saves a considerable amount of space compared to the full-sized keyboard I used previously. There was a bit of an adjustment period—keys are closer together, the arrow cluster is right at the edge, and I initially missed having a wrist rest. However, after a few days, the layout became second nature.

      My primary concern involves the transparent keycaps. They look fantastic when the RGB lights are on, but the legends can be surprisingly hard to read. The printing quality feels a bit cheaper compared to the keyboard's overall quality. Luckily, I stopped noticing this as my muscle memory took over.

      The RGB Lighting is Incredible

      Lighting is typically the first feature I reduce on gaming peripherals, but with the MADE84 Ultra V2, I was exploring customization options like a child in a candy store. Yet, I feel as though I’ve only just begun to tap into its potential.

      The transparent keycaps allow a lot of light to shine through, and the diffusion across the keyboard is impressively uniform. There’s also that massive illuminated section along the body, plus side lighting that gives the keyboard a futuristic look in darker settings.

      The brightness can be overwhelmingly intense. The main light bar was so bright it