The KiiBOOM Moonshadow V2 is a noteworthy follow-up to the brand’s original Moonshadow 81. Offering a polished design, superior build quality, and a wealth of features, this 75% mechanical keyboard is ready for both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts alike. Here’s our take on this solid pre-built board.
Unboxing and First Impressions
Upon receiving the Moonshadow V2, we were immediately impressed with the packaging. The board arrived securely in a sturdy purple box, featuring eye-catching artwork and branding. Inside, we found the keyboard itself along with essential accessories such as a keycap puller, a switch puller, a USB-C cable, and an extra FR4 PC plate.
The quality of the manual stands out as well. It’s well-designed and easy to follow, making the setup process smooth and quick. We highly recommend reading through it, especially for first-time mechanical keyboard users.
Build Quality and Design
The Moonshadow V2 features a solid 6063 aluminum body, lending it a premium and durable feel. The matte texture felt smooth to the touch with no noticeable blemishes or imperfections. While we typically prefer a glossier finish, the Moonshadow V2’s matte treatment is well-executed, giving it a high-quality look and feel.
In terms of design, KiiBOOM has made some smart updates. The V1’s bold, “exploded” 75% layout is now replaced by a more refined and subtle look. The bezels are thinner, lending the board a sleeker profile, and the badge has been removed in favor of a minimalist approach. They’ve also added a volume knob, which, while not a personal favorite, is certainly useful for quick adjustments. We understand that knobs have a niche following, and KiiBOOM has done a great job implementing it here.
The bottom of the keyboard is simple, with a large KiiBOOM engraving and silicone feet for stability. While it lacks height adjustment feet, the keyboard sits comfortably on a desk. The screwless catch ball design is a standout feature, making it incredibly easy to open and customize without needing tools. This is a huge plus for tinkerers who want to swap plates, switches, or add mods.
Key Features and Performance
One of the standout features of the Moonshadow V2 is its flexibility. The board offers a screwless, ball-catch structure, which makes it incredibly easy to assemble and disassemble without the need for tools. This design allows for easy maintenance, cleaning, and even customization. The board also supports two swappable plates—FR4 and PC—letting users adjust the typing feel to their preference. The FR4 plate provides a firmer feel with a deeper sound, while the PC plate delivers a softer, more bouncy response.
The pre-installed Flick switches are smooth and light, with a 45g actuation force. They provide a soft typing experience with a balanced feel. While some may appreciate the lightness, others, especially gamers who prefer a snappier response, might not find them ideal. Fortunately, the board is hot-swappable, allowing users to change out switches without needing soldering tools, a feature we particularly appreciate.
As for the keycaps, they’re made of PBT plastic, which is durable and resistant to wear. The keycaps feel smooth with a subtle texture, providing a satisfying typing experience. The lettering is clear and legible, though some of the legends are slightly off-center, which could be improved.
RGB Lighting and Connectivity
The RGB lighting on the Moonshadow V2 is bright, vibrant, and fully customizable. Thanks to south-facing LEDs, the lighting shines through the keycaps beautifully and doesn’t clash with most keycap sets. Using VIA or QMK software, you can easily adjust the lighting effects and key assignments, which adds a level of customization that will appeal to many.
For connectivity, the Moonshadow V2 offers three modes: USB-C wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4GHz wireless. Switching between these options is seamless, and the board maintains a stable connection across all modes. The 4000mAh battery ensures a long battery life in wireless mode, and it automatically goes into sleep mode to save power when not in use.
Typing Experience
As a gasket-mounted board, the Moonshadow V2 offers a soft and flexible typing feel. The typing experience is cushioned with just the right amount of bounce, thanks to the soft feel of the Flick switches and the gasket mount. The sound is decent—though a bit “foamy” with the included case foam, it becomes fuller and richer when the foam is removed.
There’s no noticeable pinging or hollowness while typing, which is a big plus. However, the experience is unlikely to blow your mind, as the sound and feel are on the more subdued side—nothing too extravagant, but still pleasant.
Final Thoughts
At a starting price of $159.99, the Moonshadow V2 offers an impressive range of features for the price. The solid aluminum build, the hot-swappable switches, the customizable typing feel, and the versatile connectivity options make it a great choice for anyone looking to upgrade their keyboard experience.
While the soft Flick switches may not be ideal for fast-paced gaming, the board works perfectly for general typing and casual gaming. Additionally, the customizable nature of the keyboard allows it to cater to a wide variety of preferences, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned mechanical keyboard users.
The KiiBOOM Moonshadow V2 is a fantastic keyboard for those looking for a sleek, premium, and customizable 75% layout, all while keeping the price relatively affordable. If you’re upgrading from the Moonshadow V1 or entering the mechanical keyboard world, this board is definitely worth considering.
