Introduction
Looking for a budget-friendly, feature-packed mechanical keyboard? The Mechlands Vibe99 might just be the perfect match! A big thanks to Mechlands for sending over this amazing keyboard for review. Born from the passion of engineers who love gaming, Mechlands aims to deliver top-notch gear for gamers everywhere. Their dedication to quality and innovation shines bright, and the Vibe99 is a fantastic example of what they bring to the table!
The Mechlands Vibe99 is a 98% gasket-mounted, hot-swappable mechanical keyboard with three-mode connectivity—Bluetooth, USB, and 2.4 GHz wireless. Its sturdy plastic frame feels impressively solid for its price. I’ve been using it on my current setup for a few days now, and it’s been a fantastic addition. Let’s dive into the unboxing and first impressions to see what makes the Vibe99 stand out!
UNBOXING
When I opened the box itself, I was impressed—it’s a piece of art and really shows how dedicated Mechlands is to their work.
As soon as you open it, you’ll notice the great and secure packing. The keyboard is protected by soft foam on both sides and on top, ensuring it stays safe during shipping.
Inside, I found a few useful items: a strong and decent-quality braided USB Type C cable (though not the fanciest), a handy keycap puller for easy key removal, and a simple manual to guide you through the keyboard’s features. The USB dongle is actually attached to the keyboard, which is convenient and makes for a cleaner setup.
PRICING
MechLands Vibe99 SPECIFICATIONS
CLOSER LOOK DESIGN & BUILD
The MechLands Vibe99 is made of plastic, not aluminum like the Vibe75, but it still feels solid and sturdy. Weighing about 1.1 kg, it doesn’t slide around on the desk. It has rubberized feet and height adjustment, which keeps it stable and secure on the table. Inside, soft silicone padding and foam help reduce typing noise. Taking it apart is tricky due to clips, so be careful if you want to modify it. Despite being plastic, it feels really solid.
Typing on the Vibe99 keyboard is very comfortable to type on because of its special gasket-mounted design. It has five soft layers inside, like PORON foam and a silicone pad, to make typing feel smooth and sound nice. The keyboard is also hot-swappable, meaning you can change the switches without needing to solder them.
It also features a 1.06-inch TFT screen that shows useful info like battery status, time, and even GIFs. The sleek metal accents add a premium touch to its design. While it doesn’t have advanced software for customizing the keys, you can still change the lighting modes using the keyboard’s built-in controls.
Switches
The Vibe99 uses Mechlands’ proprietary Cream Mint switches. These are linear switches with a 45gf actuation force and 3.6mm travel offering a smooth and satisfying typing experience.
The keyboard uses a Flex-cut PC plate and tuned stabilizers for quiet, smooth, and comfortable typing. While the switches produce a nice thocky sound, there’s some slight wobble in the stems. They aren’t perfect, but they’re still enjoyable for both typing and gaming.
One minor issue I noticed is that the green housing of the switches can cause white RGB lighting to look slightly off. Still, the minty aesthetic is charming, and the RGB lighting is vibrant and customizable.
Connectivity
One of the standout features of the Vibe99 is its tri-mode connectivity. You can connect via Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, or USB, making it a versatile keyboard for both desktop and portable use. The 4000mAh battery provides decent battery life, though it may be affected by the lighting settings. With RGB on full blast, you might see some reduction in battery longevity, but overall, it’s enough to avoid constant recharging.
Performance
During testing, I found the MechLands Vibe99 to be highly responsive. It balances performance with comfort, offering a plush typing experience thanks to its gasket-mounted design and layered padding. The typing feel is soft but solid, perfect for long typing sessions, gaming, or general use.
The keyboard’s hot-swappable PCB allows for easy switch changes without soldering, giving you the freedom to customize your setup. While the lack of software support for deeper customization (like QMK/VIA) limits some options, the built-in controls are straightforward for managing lighting effects and modes.
Battery Life
The 4000mAh battery holds up well for a keyboard of this size, especially considering its tri-mode connectivity. I found that battery life was good for regular use, though again, using full RGB lighting will drain the battery faster. It’s not the longest-lasting battery out there, but it’s sufficient for most users.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Sturdy build despite plastic.
- Comfortable typing with soft padding.
- Customizable switches and lighting.
- Three connection options: USB, wireless, and Bluetooth.
Cons:
- Fragile inside
- 4000mAh battery is decent, but not the best.
Final Verdict
The Mechlands Vibe99 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly, full-size mechanical keyboard that delivers on performance and versatility.
With 100 keys, a screen displaying useful information, hot-swappable PCB, and triple modes connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, and wired), it stands out in its price range. The gasket mounting structure and Cherry profile double-shot PBT keycaps provide a great typing experience. For its affordability, solid features, and great typing experience, the Mechlands Vibe99 truly deserves the Enos Tech Value Award. If you’re after a mechanical keyboard that combines quality and value, this one is worth considering.
Also, check out MechLands Vibe75 Keyboard Review: Is It Worth Adding to Your Setup?
