Azio Retro Classic Bluetooth 5.0 (Artisan) - Wireless/USB Wired Vintage Backlit Leather Mechanical Keyboard for PC/Mac (MK-RETRO-L-03B-US)

The Azio Retro Classic is an excellent keyboard. This is my first mechanical keyboard, so I cannot compare it to others, but the fit, finish, feel, and sound all met my expectations. I first began to see similar retro or Steampunk keyboards about eight to ten years ago, when I hardly knew what Steampunk was. As a lover of Victorian literature, I have long been an admirer of Victorian aesthetics, and while this is hardly Victorian, it definitely has that “vibe” of something that could have been. On that score, I have no complaints about the appearance of the Retro Classic, which I purchased in the Elwood version. It certainly feels like real wood, and looks wonderful. The tactile experience is wonderful, and it is certainly more clicky than your average keyboard. I love typing on this thing, and it feels quite nice. I read many of the reviews before purchasing, and noticed that some complained of wrist pain. I am not an expert typist by any means, but if you are experiencing pain while using this or any other keyboard, it could very well be poor typing habits. Wrist-pads or wrist-rests are not necessary, as your wrists should be elevated to roughly the same height as your fingertips while you are typing. So please do yourselves a favour and learn good typing habits! It may well prevent early development of carpal-tunnel syndrome. I am not a gamer, so I cannot comment on its use in that manner, but as a writer, it is really something special, especially compared to the typical rubber-dome type keyboards that are so common these days. There really is no comparison between a mechanical keyboard and a rubber dome keyboard; it is superior in every way, excepting, perhaps, cost. But if you type a lot, it is a worthy investment. Indeed, the cost is what held me back from mechanical keyboards for so long. I have been eyeing the buckling spring, IBM Model M style keyboards from Unicomp for years, but could never really justify the cost. When Datamancer began to produce retro-inspired keyboards about a decade ago, it became something of a dream to own one, but they cost hundreds of dollars, and as beautiful as they are, I simply could not justify spending that kind of money on a keyboard, regardless of beauty and quality. When I saw the Azio Retro Classic, I balked at the price; let’s face it: 189.99 for a keyboard is pretty pricey. But I decided to shell out the cash and give it a try. And I am glad I did! A word about Azio’s customer service. As a longtime Linux user, I rather dislike having the Microsoft Windows logo on my keyboard. After reading reviews and watching several video reviews—many of the latter for the Bluetooth version—I was rather expecting the USB version I bought to come with the alternative Mac key caps; it did not. I had hoped to swap out the Windows hotkey for the Mac CMD key cap. So I e-mailed Azio Customer Support and expressed my disappointment as a Linux user to not have another option for the Windows logo on the hotkey and asked if they would be willing to send me a set of the Mac key caps included with the USB version. Firstly, I am not fond of wireless keyboards for security reasons, one of the very reasons I use Linux to begin with. A few days after writing them, they responded that they were happy to help and would try to get this request approved for me, and would send me a tracking number when they shipped. In addition, they asked which distribution of Linux I am using so they can attempt to offer support for Linux in the future. True to their word, four days later they sent me a tracking number and I received them the following Monday. They sent a whole set of Mac key caps, and I happily swapped out the Windows logo key for the Mac key. Not being a Mac user, I can’t say if the USB version, even with the Mac key caps, would work as well as the Bluetooth version which has a switch for Windows or Mac. True, the Bluetooth version can be used wired, but unless you wish to use it with Bluetooth, it is an added expense. But then, Mac products have always been more expensive than PC products. I would suggest to Azio that they offer these with a more generic hotkey key cap to begin with. For one thing, the “retro vibe” of these keyboards almost demands something more generic than a Windows logo; this could be something as simple as a large asterisk. I daresay both Mac and Windows users could easily determine what it is they are looking at. Personally, I think some kind of a sprocket or wheel logo would be a good option for the hotkey. All of that said, this is an excellent keyboard, and I imagine that both those experienced with mechanical keyboards and those who are not would be more than pleased with this, if you are looking for a keyboard that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. I will also add that if you are at all worried about the round keys, don’t be. I had no trouble adjusting straight off and honestly cannot tell a difference. If anything, I seem to type better, though that could admittedly just be my imagination and admiration for a superior keyboard, which this definitely is.

I have an iMac and have been looking for a typewriter style mechanical keyboard for awhile. I tried a lesser expensive keyboard that I liked, but it had a couple drawbacks. It was wired, not bluetooth and the keycaps were strictly Windows based. This keyboard is terrific. The only problem was the Mac keycaps that were included were onyx rather than copper. Needless to say they look odd and out of place. I called Azio and they said that was an error and offered to ship me the correct set at no cost. They answered the phone on one ring with no press this press that hoops to jump through. That alone was very refreshing. The manual includes the keyboard layout for both PC and Mac and once you change to the Mac keys and slide the switch to Mac it works perfectly. As to the keyboard. It's gorgeous and has a nice tactile feel. It clicks, more like the original mechanical keyboards and less like a typewriter. The first keyboard I bought had a distinct and loud click. The Azio is a bit quieter, but still a distinct "typing" sound. With the less expensive keyboard I had constant errors because even the slightest touch would cause a key to react. The Azio isn't so touchy and I find there are far fewer errors. The keys are slightly depressed allowing your fingertips to naturally find center. The leds light the keycaps well and they are easy to see even in low light. Pairing the bluetooth is simple, but I had a small issue at first. The manual instructs you to press the Fn and minus/dash keys to initiate pairing. I didn't notice that the minus key in the number key cluster on the right has the bluetooth symbol. I was pressing the minus key next to the 0 ) key and of course nothing happened. Realizing my error I pressed the right keys and within seconds the keyboard was paired up. This keyboard was about double the cost of most keyboards I've purchased over the years, but it's not just a keyboard. It's got style and a unique look. The Li-ion rechargeable battery and the zinc aluminum case add some heft to the keyboard. The feet are adjustable with an anti slip coating. This keyboard is not going to slip and slide around your desk. I type with my keyboard in my lap and the Azio is much more stable than any other keyboard I've used yet. At the same time it's not so heavy as to be irritating. So far I can't see anything wanting with the Anzi Retro Classic. The great customer service is a plus.

الجودة: الجودة عالية جداً، من مواد ممتازة ومتينة. لوحة المفاتيح ثقيلة شوي، لكن هذا يدل على قوتها ومتانتها. التصميم: التصميم رهيب! كلاسيكي وجميل، يعطي شعور بالرجعية مع لمسة عصرية. زوجي يعشق الكمبيوتر، ويعشق كل شي قديم، فكانت هذه الهدية مثالية له. الإضاءة: الإضاءة خلفية رائعة، وتأتي بثلاثة أوضاع: ثابت، تفاعلي، وتنفس. الراحة: لوحة المفاتيح مريحة جداً للكتابة، حتى لفترات طويلة. تأتي مع حامل قابل للتعديل لضبط زاوية لوحة المفاتيح لتناسب وضعية الكتابة المفضلة لك. العيوب: لا يوجد أي عيوب تذكر. السعر مرتفع شوي، لكن الجودة تستحق السعر. التقييم: ٥/٥

It didn’t come with the promised USB-C cord, but since I have MacBook Pro, it’s not a big problem. Comes with keys to make it Mac or Windows friendly. The lighting is beautiful, especially in the dark - nice glow. The sound is as promised - very mechanical and pleasing (to me).

Had this keyboard for years and it's never failed me. Love this keyboard so much

So I've just taken delivery of my new keyboard after my previous mechanical keyboard failed. I loved the love of this keyboard and whilst a little expensive thought I'd have a go. Mine (the bronze leather) looks fantastic. couple of points. 1) the keys are a little slow; they have a good definite click and feel, but take a little more pressure that the usual mechanical keyboard. Almost like a hydraulic feel. If you can imagine that. 2) Purely because of the style of the keyboard and full size the keys are a little further apart. So it does feel like your fingers stretch apart a bit more. However once you adapt you don’t miss a key or stroke. Plus side it IS in UK layout so all the right keys are in the right place with the correct symbols! Big plus. Overall its wonderful, super heavy and oozes will excessive elegance and quality. Very happy with it on day 1.

Excellent quality and exceeded my expectations!