Rhythm 80 Review - A $100 Virtuoso

Background

We’ll be looking at something a little bit more unique today. The custom mechanical keyboard scene has certainly exploded in the Western markets after the famous Tfue keyboard, but there is a trove of untapped gems in China heavily guarded by 谷歌翻译. Luckily, we’re here to break down those barriers and bring you exceptional offerings. The stylish Rhythm 80 is a budget offering that effortlessly blends form and function. Let’s take a look at the details!

Form

The Rhythm 80 is a gorgeous board that comes in lavender, turquoise, red, and black. We’re going to be looking at the lavender unit, which is in a tasteful light shade that pairs well with sets like GMK Amethyst, Keykobo Poltergeist, and GMK Frost Witch. The black case is also one of my favourites in the lineup and pairs beautifully with the gold PVD or brass weight, exuding an air of elegance reminiscent of a Steinway piano. GMK Maestro would be a natural pairing if you’re thinking about picking up a black unit.

The keyboard has a few unique identifying characteristics: there is a reflective aluminum border that surrounds the typing area. This is a classy element that sets it apart from other keyboards at the same price point. The back weight is pretty standard, but cuts in to highlight the treble clef engraving. This is complemented by the backlit music note on the front which sits just above the arrow cluster. The note accent cycles through a rainbow pattern, and lights up to a bright blue when caps lock is on—a thoughtful addition. Finally, the side profile adheres to the overall design language of subtle and smooth curves.

One thing to point out is that the four screws which attach the bottom case to the top is visible, and in an awkward area. I do wish it was hidden or placed in a more inconspicuous position, but it really doesn’t detract too much from the back view.

Function

The Rhythm 80 doesn’t offer anything in the way of innovations such as magnetic daughterboards or unique mounting systems. However, it does execute the basics well. It consists of a flex-cut 1.2 mm PCB and a variety of plates that are mounted by jacket gaskets. The gasket performance is good, but doesn’t lend to an extremely flexy typing experience. The CNC aluminum has a very smooth finish, with no obvious imperfections.

In my build, I paired the FR4 plate with all foams with HMX DuckDucks. The sound signature is quite full and rounded, with no traces of echoing or pinging. The sound signature leans towards the middle of the spectrum, which allows you to tailor the build towards thock or clack depending on your choice of switch and foams.

My thoughts

Overall, the Rhythm 80 is a very well rounded board. With an elegant design language and solid performance, it doesn’t miss a beat as an introductory board to discover your personal preferences. It’s also a fantastic purchase if the music theme resonates with you, and you want to accompany some of the keycaps listed previously. We do hope that you enjoy this board as much as we do, and look forward to bringing you more great products in the future!