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AJAZZ AK820 Pro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
What initially drew me to the AJAZZ AK820 Pro was its blend of premium features at a budget-friendly price. The tri-mode connectivity (Bluetooth 5.1, 2.4GHz wireless, and wired USB-C) paired with hot-swappable switches, RGB backlighting, and a 70% compact layout was exactly what I was looking for in a daily driver keyboard. As someone who switches between a work laptop and a gaming PC, I wanted something versatile and travel-friendly but still satisfying to type on.
Shipping took about 12 days to the US — faster than I expected, and the packaging was solid. Once unboxed, the build quality stood out. The gasket mount gives it a premium typing feel, and the keycaps had a nice texture. I picked the brown switches, and they had a buttery, tactile press — not too loud, but definitely satisfying.
Pros:
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Tri-mode connection works flawlessly
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Great build quality for the price
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Pre-lubed stabilizers and solid RGB
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Hot-swappable switches
Cons:
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No included wrist rest
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Software for remapping is clunky
In the US, a similar keyboard with this level of build and features would easily run over $120 — I paid under $65 on AliExpress. It definitely exceeded expectations. A top-tier mechanical keyboard experience at a mid-tier price.
US $36
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i8 Backlit Mini Air Mouse Keyboard
I ordered the i8 Mini Wireless Keyboard with Touchpad as a compact remote for my Android TV Box and occasional Raspberry Pi work. It was super cheap (under $10), and I figured I’d give it a shot since it had thousands of reviews.
Shipping was fast — around 10 days. The device arrived fully charged and ready to go. Setup was instant via USB receiver. I chose the backlit version with multi-language layout options, and even though I don’t need Arabic or French, I appreciated the extra value.
Pros:
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Super compact and lightweight
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Backlight helps in the dark
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Touchpad is responsive
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Plug and play
Cons:
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Keys are small and take getting used to
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Build feels plasticky (but expected for the price)
Compared to mini keyboards sold at Best Buy or Amazon for $25+, this is a steal. For casual use, it’s great. No regrets.
US $1.27
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Macropad 3-Key Mechanical Mini with Knob
I needed a simple 3-key Macropad with knob for quick Photoshop shortcuts and volume control. This one caught my eye because of the customizable RGB, red switches, and programming support. For under $15, it felt like a fun experiment.
It took around 2 weeks to arrive. Setup was quick on Windows. The rotary encoder worked immediately for volume, and I used VIA to map custom macros.
Pros:
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Clean build
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Smooth red switches
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Great tactile knob
Cons:
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No onboard memory (needs software on every PC)
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RGB modes are limited
In the U.S., similar macro pads are often $35–$50. This one gives you 80% of the functionality at one-third the cost. Very impressed overall.
US $5.56
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Mini Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard for Tablet/Phone
I bought the Mini Bluetooth Keyboard primarily for traveling with my tablet and phone. I wanted something thin and lightweight, rechargeable, and compatible across Android, iOS, and Windows.
Shipping took 2 weeks. It came charged, paired easily with my devices, and the battery life has been great so far. Typing isn’t amazing — the keys are a bit shallow — but for the size and weight, it’s solid.
Pros:
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Super slim and portable
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Rechargeable battery lasts long
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Wide compatibility
Cons:
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No backlight
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Not for heavy typing tasks
This type of Bluetooth keyboard in U.S. retail stores usually costs around $30+. I paid less than $12. For travel, it’s perfect.
US $2.96
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AULA F75 Mechanical Keyboard (Tri-Mode)
The AULA F75 is a stunner. I was drawn to it for the gasket-mounted design and hot-swappable switches — rare at this price point. It also supports wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4GHz wireless, which I absolutely needed for my work-gaming hybrid setup.
The keyboard arrived in under 2 weeks. It feels premium in hand, no deck flex, and the typing experience on the linear switches is buttery smooth.
Pros:
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Solid build, no flex
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Great sound profile
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Tri-mode connection is stable
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Beautiful RGB
Cons:
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Software only in Chinese
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Slightly heavier than expected
It’s very comparable to the Keychron Q1 in typing feel, which costs ~$150 in the U.S. I paid $60. No-brainer.
US $59.62
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SayoDevice O3C Magnetic Keyboard
The SayoDevice O3C with Hall Effect Magnetic Switches was my first foray into rapid trigger keyboards, and it’s amazing for OSU and rhythm games. It also doubles as a cool productivity keyboard.
Shipping took about 13 days. Build quality was top-notch, the magnetic switches feel insanely responsive, and the knob/screen combo is a slick bonus.
Pros:
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Ultra-fast actuation
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Custom screen and knob
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Premium feel
Cons:
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Learning curve for tuning magnetic switches
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Expensive compared to other Chinese boards
Still, compared to similar magnetic boards in the U.S. that run $200+, this $95 option is a standout.
US $21.54
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Machenike K500A-B84 Mechanical Keyboard
This Machenike K500A-B84 was my pick for a wired-only, no-fuss daily keyboard. I liked the 75% layout and 6-color backlight — simple but functional.
It arrived within 11 days. The keyboard feels solid with a subtle tactile bump (brown switches), and stabilizers were pre-lubed.
Pros:
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Very sturdy for the price
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Nice weight and typing feel
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Hot-swappable
Cons:
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No full RGB
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Non-programmable
A similar board at Best Buy would cost $90. I paid around $35. It’s a solid, practical choice.
US $24.92
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Machenike K500W Wireless Tri-Mode Keyboard
I chose the Machenike K500W as a more versatile upgrade from the K500A. The tri-mode support and full RGB make it a better fit for my multi-device workflow.
It took 14 days to arrive. Out of the box, it felt sturdy, responsive, and the 94-key layout struck a great balance between compactness and usability.
Pros:
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Seamless device switching
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Long battery life
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Beautiful per-key RGB
Cons:
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Slightly bulky to carry
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No wrist rest
At $50, it’s still a fraction of the cost of comparable Logitech or Razer boards. A fantastic daily-use wireless keyboard.
US $49.81
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Ajazz AK820 vs. AK820 Pro
Yes, I bought both the Ajazz AK820 and AK820 Pro to compare. The non-Pro has slightly less weight and no knob, but otherwise it’s a very similar experience. I actually ended up gifting this one to my partner.
Pros:
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Same tri-mode convenience
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Great typing sound
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RGB is punchy
Cons:
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No knob
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Software is a bit buggy
Still, at $58 it’s a strong deal. Very happy with both Ajazz versions.
US $32.98
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Ziyoulang K68 60% Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
I wanted a 60% Ziyoulang K68 as a compact keyboard for travel and quick setups. The red switches are light and smooth, and the Bluetooth connection is surprisingly reliable.
Shipping took around 12 days. It’s impressively built, considering the $30 price tag.
Pros:
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Super portable
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Dual-mode is stable
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Smooth switches
Cons:
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No dedicated arrow keys
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Can’t remap keys easily
For what I paid, it exceeded my expectations. Ideal for on-the-go typing.
US $31
Final Thoughts
Honestly, I’m shocked by how consistently good these AliExpress mechanical keyboards have been. I expected at least a few duds — but all 10 worked, shipped fast, and offered ridiculous value compared to US pricing. The quality, especially on the gasket and hot-swap models, rivals boards three times the cost. I’d absolutely recommend these to anyone curious about mechanical keyboards or just looking to upgrade on a budget. And yes — I’m already planning my next haul.
