MelGeek MADE68 Ultra V2 Review: Excellent for gaming and surprisingly better than anticipated for typing.
**MelGeek MADE68 Ultra V2**
**MSRP**: $219.00
“Costly, indeed, but fantastic for gaming, typing, and everything in between.”
**Pros**
- Exceptional typing experience
- Smooth and stable magnetic switches
- Rapid Trigger performs exceptionally well for competitive FPS titles
- Durable CNC aluminum build
- Bright and unique 360-degree RGB lighting
- User-friendly and highly customizable software
**Cons**
- Quite pricey at $219
- Wired-only connection
- Transparent keycaps make legends difficult to read
- F1–F12 secondary functions lack labels
- AI Glow feature is inconsistent
Having used mechanical keyboards for years, I was never swayed by Hall Effect switches. While I recognized their appeal for gaming—offering adjustable actuation and Rapid Trigger which can significantly impact competitive play—my hours spent writing are equally important to me. The difference in typing experience is crucial.
The $219 MelGeek MADE68 Ultra V2 has made it increasingly difficult to maintain that distinction.
For the past month, I’ve used it as my sole keyboard for work and gaming, including sessions in Rainbow Six Siege, Counter-Strike 2, and Overwatch. Its implementation of Hall Effect technology is outstanding; HIVE 2.0 provides me with an almost overwhelming level of control, and the lighting is something I haven’t experienced before. Surprisingly, if I were to stop using it tomorrow, the feature I would miss the most would be the typing experience.
**MelGeek MADE68 Ultra V2 specifications**
- Layout: 68 keys / 65%
- Switch options: KOM Lite Magnetic Hall Effect switches, hot-swappable
- Polling rate: 8,000 Hz via USB-C
- N-key rollover: Supported
- Chassis: Full CNC aluminum — top case, base, side panels
- Dimensions: 319 × 117 × 40 mm, front height 18 mm, 7° angle
- Weight: Approx. 1,175 g / 2.6 lbs
- Lighting: 189-LED 360° perimeter ambient bar + full per-key backlight
- Mount: Silicone Dampened Gasket
- Connection: Detachable USB-C wired only
- Software: MelGeek Hive, available for web and desktop
- Color options: Night Purple, Classic Black, Frost White, Boom Pink
- Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux
- Price: $219–$239
**It certainly feels like a $219 keyboard**
My Night Purple version features a black-and-purple aesthetic inspired by Reyna from Valorant, enhanced by a vivid 360-degree RGB light bar. It’s not subtle, but I enjoy it.
Crucially, the MADE68 Ultra V2 feels premium. The CNC aluminum frame weighs 1,175 grams (2.6 lbs), and there are no signs of flex, creaking, loose panels, or uneven fitting. It remains stable even during intense gaming.
Transitioning from 75% keyboards to a 65% layout has provided me significantly more space for my mouse. Unfortunately, this smaller design revealed my main issue with the keyboard.
The transparent polycarbonate keycaps look great, but they hinder usability. Many secondary functions, such as F1 through F12, aren’t labeled, and the legends don’t shine through. Increasing the RGB brightness can actually make them harder to read.
Even as a touch typist, I find them frustrating. If I continue using the MADE68 Ultra V2 as my daily driver, replacing the keycaps would be my top priority.
**These switches won me over**
My review unit features MelGeek’s linear KOM Lite magnetic switches, which are the main reason I would keep this keyboard. They are light, extremely smooth, and consistently perform well. There's virtually no noticeable wobble in the stem or keycap, and the return action is quick and precise. More importantly, they remain comfortable through extensive typing sessions.
I also appreciate how they sound. The KOM Lite switches produce a crisp, sharp sound that is clear without being excessively loud. The sounds of letter and number keys remain consistent, while the stabilized keys have a slightly deeper tone. I couldn’t detect any notable stabilizer tick or rattle.
The only minor exception is the backspace key, which has a somewhat hollower, higher-pitched sound.
MelGeek incorporates a silicone gasket mount with additional dampening layers, yet don’t expect a soft or bouncy typing feel. The MADE68 Ultra V2 feels solid and sturdy. I can induce visible gasket movement by pressing unusually hard, but it’s unnoticeable during regular use. After a month, typing remains my favorite aspect of this keyboard.
**Don't blindly pursue 0.1mm actuation**
The MADE68 Ultra V2 allows adjustable actuation from 0.1mm to 3.4mm per key. Naturally, I
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MelGeek MADE68 Ultra V2 Review: Excellent for gaming and surprisingly better than anticipated for typing.
After a month of daily usage, I was impressed by the gaming performance and software of the MADE68 Ultra V2, but the most surprising aspect was its typing experience.