Introduction
Velocifire has carved a niche for itself in the mechanical keyboard market by offering surprisingly capable boards at prices that don’t require breaking the bank. One of their more recent offerings, the Velocifire VM02WS, aims to bring the convenience of wireless connectivity to the budget mechanical keyboard space. But does it deliver on its promise? This review seeks to provide an objective and detailed assessment of the Velocifire VM02WS, exploring its features, performance, strengths, and weaknesses to help potential buyers determine if it’s the right keyboard for their needs. This review is targeted towards users who are looking for an affordable wireless mechanical keyboard for home, office, or school use.
Key Features and Specifications
The Velocifire VM02WS attempts to provide a balance between functionality and affordability. Let’s delve into its key features to understand its capabilities.
Wireless and Wired Connectivity
The primary selling point of the VM02WS is its wireless functionality. The keyboard employs both Bluetooth and dedicated point four gigahertz wireless connectivity, providing flexibility for connecting to a variety of devices. Bluetooth allows for easy pairing with laptops, tablets, and smartphones, while the dedicated point four gigahertz receiver offers a potentially more stable and lower-latency connection for desktop computers and gaming. Switching between different devices is made convenient with dedicated function key combinations. In addition to wireless connectivity, the VM02WS also includes a wired USB-C connection option for charging and direct connection when preferred.
Mechanical Switches
At the heart of any mechanical keyboard are its switches, and the VM02WS typically utilizes Outemu mechanical switches. These switches come in various types, most commonly Outemu Brown, Red, and Blue, offering different tactile and auditory experiences. Brown switches provide a tactile bump without a loud click, making them suitable for office environments. Red switches offer a linear feel with no tactile feedback, preferred by gamers who prioritize quick actuation. Blue switches deliver a distinct tactile bump and audible click, satisfying typists who enjoy feedback. The actuation force and travel distance of the switches are within standard mechanical keyboard specifications. A key feature that enhances the VM02WS’s appeal is the possibility of hot-swappable switches on some models. This allows users to replace the pre-installed switches with their preferred type, greatly extending the keyboard’s lifespan and customizability.
Keycaps
The keycaps on the VM02WS are usually made of ABS plastic. ABS is a common material in keycaps, providing reasonable durability and a smooth feel. However, ABS keycaps are prone to becoming shiny over time due to wear. The keycap profile is usually OEM, which is a standard sculpted profile that is comfortable for most users. The keycap printing method often employs laser etching, which is durable enough for light to moderate usage, though doubleshot ABS or PBT keycaps are significantly more resistant to fading.
Build Quality and Design
The Velocifire VM02WS features a plastic case, which helps keep the cost down. The layout is typically tenkeyless, offering a compact design that saves desk space and makes it easier to carry around. The keyboard adopts a minimalist aesthetic, with clean lines and a relatively simple design. While the plastic case contributes to a lighter weight, it may not feel as premium as aluminum alternatives. The keyboard is designed to be sturdy enough for everyday use, but it might not withstand heavy impacts.
Battery Life
Battery life is a critical aspect of any wireless keyboard. The VM02WS is equipped with a rechargeable battery. The battery life varies depending on usage, with estimates ranging from several weeks of light use to a few days with heavy use and RGB lighting enabled, if applicable. The charging time is approximately a few hours via the USB-C connection.
Additional Features
Certain versions of the Velocifire VM02WS come equipped with customizable RGB lighting, allowing users to personalize the keyboard’s appearance with various colors and effects. It also includes dedicated media keys for convenient control of audio playback. The keyboard features anti-ghosting and N-key rollover, ensuring that all key presses are accurately registered, even when multiple keys are pressed simultaneously, which is especially useful for gaming. While the VM02WS is generally plug-and-play, some versions may come with software support that allows for further customization of RGB lighting effects and key bindings. Included accessories usually encompass a keycap puller and a USB cable.
Performance and User Experience
To truly understand the capabilities of the Velocifire VM02WS, it’s essential to assess its performance and user experience across various usage scenarios.
Typing Performance
The typing performance of the VM02WS hinges significantly on the type of mechanical switches employed. Brown switches provide a tactile bump that assists with typing accuracy and reduces errors. Red switches offer a smoother, faster typing experience, preferred by those who value speed. Blue switches give the most pronounced feedback, appealing to users who appreciate a clicky feel. In general, the keyboard offers a responsive and enjoyable typing experience for its price range. The noise level is switch-dependent, with Blue switches being the loudest and Red switches being the quietest. The keyboard provides adequate comfort for prolonged typing sessions, especially when paired with a wrist rest.
Wireless Functionality
The wireless functionality of the VM02WS is generally reliable. The dedicated point four gigahertz connection tends to offer the most stable and low-latency performance, while Bluetooth provides wider compatibility across devices. Latency is minimal, even during fast-paced typing or gaming. The wireless range is adequate for most typical desktop setups.
Gaming Performance
The VM02WS provides sufficient performance for gaming, particularly when connected via the dedicated point four gigahertz connection. The anti-ghosting and N-key rollover features ensure that all key presses are registered accurately, even during intense gaming scenarios.
Software and Customization
Some versions of the Velocifire VM02WS are accompanied by software that allows for customization of RGB lighting effects, key bindings, and macros. The software is generally user-friendly. However, it might lack some of the advanced features found in more expensive keyboards.
Pros and Cons
Weighing the advantages and disadvantages of the Velocifire VM02WS is essential for determining its suitability for different users.
Advantages
The affordability of the Velocifire VM02WS is undoubtedly one of its biggest appeals. It provides a relatively inexpensive entry point into the world of wireless mechanical keyboards. The wireless convenience offered by Bluetooth and point four gigahertz connectivity is a significant advantage, allowing for a clutter-free workspace. The typing experience is typically good for its price, especially considering the mechanical switches. The build quality is solid for a budget keyboard, even with a plastic case. Select versions come with customizable RGB lighting, which allows for personalization. The tenkeyless design makes it compact, saving desk space.
Disadvantages
The switch quality might not be as good as more expensive keyboards using Cherry MX or similar high-end switches. The keycap quality could be better, as ABS keycaps are prone to shine over time. The battery life might be limited, particularly with RGB lighting enabled. The software features may not be as comprehensive as those found in premium keyboards. There’s a potential for occasional wireless connectivity issues, depending on the environment and interference.
Alternatives
When considering the Velocifire VM02WS, it’s worth exploring alternative wireless mechanical keyboards within a similar price range. These alternatives include the Keychron K2, the Royal Kludge RK61, and the Anne Pro Two.
- The Keychron K2 offers a more premium feel with an aluminum frame option and a wider range of switch options.
- The Royal Kludge RK61 is an ultra-compact sixty percent keyboard that provides maximum portability.
- The Anne Pro Two boasts better keycap quality and software customization, but it often comes at a slightly higher price.
The Keychron K2 might be a better choice for users who prioritize build quality and switch selection, while the Royal Kludge RK61 is ideal for those seeking maximum portability. The Anne Pro Two is suitable for users who value enhanced keycap quality and software customization.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Velocifire VM02WS stands out as a budget-friendly wireless mechanical keyboard that offers a compelling combination of features and performance for the price. It’s particularly well-suited for budget-conscious users, students, and home office users looking to enjoy the benefits of a mechanical keyboard without breaking the bank. While it might not match the premium feel and features of more expensive options, the Velocifire VM02WS delivers solid typing and gaming performance, reliable wireless connectivity, and customizable options, making it a worthwhile consideration. Ultimately, the Velocifire VM02WS provides an excellent value for those seeking a wireless mechanical keyboard on a budget. The strengths are clear: it delivers wireless mechanical goodness without emptying your wallet. Just be mindful of its limitations, particularly the keycap quality and potential for occasional connectivity quirks.
