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ABKO, a leading domestic manufacturer of computer components and peripherals, boasts a wide range of cost-effective keyboards. In addition to gaming keyboards, they offer an office lineup for general users, among which the AS104 is popular for its sleek design, quiet keystrokes, and reasonable price. Recently, the ABKO AS87 Office Navigator 3MODE Tenkeyless Mechanical Keyboard, an 87-key version of this product, was launched.
Maintaining the refreshing color combination of blue lemon, the more compact AS87 with its tenkeyless layout is designed for efficient space utilization even on small desks. It retains the basic performance of its predecessor, the AS104, while offering the advantages of a tenkeyless keyboard, such as more space for mouse use and enhanced desk aesthetics. Let’s take a closer look at the features and performance of this product, optimized for office environments and remote work.
Specifications and Components
The ABKO AS87 Office Navigator 3MODE is a wireless keyboard with an 87-key tenkeyless layout, offering the following specifications:
Key Layout: 87-key tenkeyless layout
Connection Methods: Wired, Wireless (2.4GHz), Bluetooth 3-mode support
Switch Options: Deep Sound Switch / Pebble Shooting Star Switch
Keycaps: 3-color combination dye-sublimated PBT keycaps
Battery: 4000mAh built-in lithium battery
Additional Features: 1.14-inch mini TFT display, infinite rotary knob
Software: VIA program support
Weight: Approximately 950g
Dimensions: 367 x 146 x 45mm
Price: 89,000 KRW
The package includes the main unit, USB-C charging cable, 2.4GHz wireless dongle, keycap remover, and user manual.
Appearance and Features
The AS87 features a stylish color combination of blue lemon, with keycaps arranged on a white base with blue and yellow accents, appealing to users looking for a beautiful keyboard. It provides a clean and fresh look, making it a perfect desk accessory.
Adopting an 87-key tenkeyless keyboard layout, it offers a compact design by removing the numeric pad, allowing efficient use even in limited desk space and providing ample room for mouse movement.
The keyboard’s bottom features a two-stage adjustable stand, allowing users to adjust the angle to suit their typing posture. The stand is made of stable rubber material, preventing slipping.
As a wired and wireless keyboard, it supports three connection methods: wired connection via USB-C port, wireless connection using a 2.4GHz dongle, and Bluetooth keyboard functionality, ensuring compatibility with various devices. A mode switch button on the keyboard’s front allows easy switching between connection methods. A dedicated storage space next to the mode switch button reduces the risk of losing the wireless dongle and enhances portability.
An infinite rotary knob is located at the top right of the keyboard, allowing intuitive system volume control. Pressing the knob toggles mute and unmute, making it very useful for multimedia tasks, gaming, and video watching.
A 1.14-inch mini TFT display is located at the top left of the keyboard, providing a quick view of the current connection mode (wired/wireless/Bluetooth), battery level, Caps Lock status, and other information.
Switches & Keycaps
The AS87 offers two switch options. The first is the Deep Sound Switch, known for its extremely quiet keystrokes, making it suitable for quiet environments like offices or libraries. The second is the Pebble Shooting Star Switch, offering a smooth yet unique typing feel.
The Pebble Shooting Star switch is set at 45gf±10gf, allowing for light yet precise input. Its unique smooth typing feel, reminiscent of rolling pebbles, is particularly appealing.
The switches are fully lubricated using a special lubricant crafted with ABKO’s unique recipe. Hand-applied lubrication on the spring, slider, and contact points ensures both quietness and smooth typing, key elements of a silent keyboard.
Using a hot-swap socket PCB, it is compatible with both 3-pin and 5-pin switches. The adoption of a north-facing PCB allows for a wide range of switch customization without keycap interference.
The keycaps use a 3-color combination dye-sublimated PBT material, known for its durability, heat resistance, and resistance to oil stains. The dye-sublimation printing ensures the legends do not fade, and the keycap surface remains smooth even after prolonged use.
Software
The ABKO AS87 offers a unique feature that allows users to upload GIF files to the 1.14-inch TFT display. Using the provided dedicated program, users can upload up to two aniGifs and switch between them for personalized customization.
Despite being a wireless mechanical keyboard, it supports the VIA program, boasting high expandability. By loading the provided configuration file, users can configure various keyboard settings on the web without installing additional software. Professional customization options like key mapping, macro settings, and layer configuration are available, meeting the demands of keyboard enthusiasts.
RGB Effects
The AS87 features built-in RGB LEDs, allowing for various lighting effects. In addition to the default effects, users can adjust colors and patterns to create unique backlighting. The RGB lighting subtly shines through the transparent legends on the keycaps, enhancing visibility during nighttime work. Brightness can be finely adjusted to set appropriate lighting for the surrounding environment.
Typing Sound
The ABKO AS87 offers a smooth and stable typing feel with its 6-layer sound-absorbing design and silicone gasket structure. This design effectively blocks internal keyboard resonance, producing a clean and refined typing sound.
The Pebble Shooting Star switch provides a light yet well-balanced typing feel with a key force of 45±10gf. Its unique sound, reminiscent of rolling pebbles, is quite appealing, and it offers a comfortable typing experience that doesn’t strain the wrists even during long typing sessions. This is one of the reasons it is considered a recommended keyboard product.
Conclusion
The ABKO AS87 Office Navigator 3MODE Tenkeyless Keyboard is a well-rounded product that combines practicality and aesthetics. Building on the proven basics of the AS104, this product adds the compactness of a tenkeyless design, providing an efficient workspace even in limited desk areas.
For office workers seeking a silent keyboard, the Deep Sound Switch is an attractive option, while the Pebble Shooting Star Switch offers a unique typing feel for those who desire it. Considering the convenience of a wired and wireless keyboard, Bluetooth compatibility, and expandability through VIA support, the price of 89,000 KRW is quite reasonable.
Unique features like the 1.14-inch TFT display and infinite rotary knob offer value beyond a simple input device, making it a valuable desk accessory. The ABKO AS87 is a recommended wireless mechanical keyboard for users who desire both practicality and individuality.
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