When we first got our hands on the LEOBOG Hi86, we were immediately impressed by its premium feel and thoughtful design. As newcomers to the world of gaming keyboards, we were pleasantly surprised by how much this compact yet feature-packed keyboard delivered. Whether you’re a gamer, a typist, or just someone looking for a high-quality mechanical keyboard, the Hi86 is a fantastic option that balances performance, aesthetics, and affordability.
Compact and Functional Design
The Hi86 features a unique 86-key layout that strikes a perfect balance between a 75% keyboard and a tenkeyless (TKL) design. It offers a few extra keys compared to a standard 75% layout while remaining more compact than a full-sized keyboard. This design saves about 22% of desk space, making it ideal for both work and gaming setups.
Build Quality and Typing Experience
The aluminum case and gasket-mounted structure give the Hi86 a solid, premium feel. Weighing in at 1.9 kg, it feels sturdy and durable without being cumbersome. The keyboard includes five layers of sound-dampening materials—Poron sandwich foam, Poron switch foam, PET film, Poron bottom foam, and another PET film layer—which eliminate hollow keystrokes and reduce unwanted noise. The result is a soft, flexible typing experience that’s both quiet and satisfying.
The hot-swappable PCB is a standout feature for customization enthusiasts. It allows you to easily swap out switches without soldering, making it simple to tailor the keyboard to your preferences. The flex-cut design of the PCB further enhances the typing feel, providing a softer touch and improved sound performance.
Versatile Connectivity and Battery Life
The Hi86 offers triple-mode connectivity: Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, and USB Type-C wired options. This versatility ensures that you can use it seamlessly across multiple devices, whether you prefer a clean wireless setup or the reliability of a wired connection.
The keyboard comes with two battery options—4000mAh (Black model) or 8000mAh (White, Purple, Blue models)—providing long-lasting performance. In our testing, the battery lasted upwards of 10 hours on a single charge, and the Type-C charging port made recharging quick and efficient.
RGB Lighting and Customization
The south-facing RGB LEDs offer 16 built-in lighting effects, adding a vibrant touch to your setup without being overwhelming. Using the LEOBOG driver, you can remap keys and customize the RGB lighting to suit your preferences, giving you full control over the keyboard’s functionality and aesthetics.
Performance and Usability
The zero-motion axis switches provide a smooth and responsive typing experience, with just the right amount of tactile feedback. The sound profile is neither too loud nor too quiet, making it suitable for both office and gaming environments. Larger keys, like the spacebar and enter key, feel stable and consistent, without the hollow or rattling sounds that plague some keyboards.
The Hi86 also supports Bluetooth 5.0, allowing you to connect up to three devices simultaneously and switch between them effortlessly. The magnetic suction charging function for the Type-C port ensures a secure connection, preventing accidental disconnections.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the LEOBOG Hi86 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality mechanical keyboard that doesn’t break the bank. Its premium build, versatile connectivity, and customizable features make it a standout option in the mid-range market.
While it has a few minor design flaws, they don’t detract significantly from the overall experience. If you’re in the market for a compact, stylish, and high-performing keyboard, the Hi86 is definitely worth considering. Whether for work, gaming, or both, it delivers a phenomenal experience that’s hard to beat at this price point.
Also Read: Cable Time 10-in-1 USB-C Hub Review
