In a world dominated by sleek, minimalist, and often indistinguishable black slabs of plastic, the search for a peripheral that truly expresses personality can feel endless. For years, my desk setup was a sea of monotonous gray and black. Functional, yes, but utterly devoid of character. I found myself craving something different—a tool that wasn’t just an input device but an experience. I wanted the tactile satisfaction of old-school typing combined with the modern flair of today’s gaming gear. The problem is that blending vintage aesthetics with modern performance is a delicate balancing act. Go too far one way, and you sacrifice functionality for looks. Go the other, and you’re back in the sea of sameness. This quest for a keyboard that is both a joy to use and a centerpiece for my desk led me directly to the YSCP Typewriter Style Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Blue Switch RGB, a device that promises the best of both worlds.
- 【Retro Typewriter Style Keyboard】: Merges the charm of vintage typewriters with advanced mechanical blue switches for medium resistance, clear click sounds, and tactile feedback, offering a unique...
- 【 RGB Lighting】: Features multi RGB colors backlight modes and adjustable sidelights, enabling brightness and speed customization for immersive gaming or mood lighting in any setting
What to Consider Before Buying a Gaming Keyboard
A gaming keyboard is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for enhancing both your gaming performance and your daily productivity. It bridges the gap between your intent and the digital world, offering speed, accuracy, and tactile feedback that standard membrane keyboards simply cannot match. The main benefits lie in the mechanical switches, which provide a more precise and satisfying keystroke, improved durability for millions of presses, and features like anti-ghosting to ensure every single command is registered, even in the most frantic moments. Beyond gaming, the ergonomic and auditory experience can transform long typing sessions from a chore into a genuine pleasure, reducing fatigue and increasing typing speed.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the limitations of a generic keyboard—a gamer feeling held back by input lag, a writer or programmer seeking a more engaging and comfortable typing experience, or a desk setup enthusiast wanting a peripheral that makes a bold statement. It’s for the individual who values both form and function. However, a loud, clicky mechanical keyboard might not be suitable for those who work in a shared, quiet office space or for users who prefer a silent, low-profile typing feel. For them, a membrane keyboard or a mechanical keyboard with silent linear switches might be a better alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Switch Type & Feel: Mechanical keyboards come with various switches. The YSCP uses Blue switches, which are “clicky” and “tactile,” meaning you both feel a bump and hear a distinct click with each press. This is fantastic for typists who want confirmation of a keystroke. Gamers might prefer linear switches (like Reds) for faster, smoother actuation, or tactile switches (like Browns) for a quieter bump without the click.
- Layout & Size: This model is a full-size 104-key layout, which includes the number pad. This is a non-negotiable feature for anyone who does data entry or needs those extra keys for productivity macros. If desk space is a premium or you only game, you might consider a tenkeyless (TKL) or a more compact 75% or 60% layout.
- Materials & Durability: The YSCP keyboard is built with an Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) enclosure and dual-color injection-molded keycaps. While ABS is a common and durable plastic, premium keyboards often use Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) keycaps, which are more resistant to shine and wear over time. However, the dual-color injection method ensures the legends on the keys will never fade.
- Features & Connectivity: This is a wired USB-A keyboard, which means it’s a simple plug-and-play device with no concerns about battery life or wireless latency. Consider if features like customizable RGB lighting, anti-ghosting (the YSCP has 26-key rollover), and a unique aesthetic are priorities for you over things like wireless connectivity or dedicated media controls.
This unique blend of features is what makes the YSCP Typewriter Style Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Blue Switch RGB a standout option, but it’s important to understand where it fits in the broader market.
While the YSCP Typewriter Style Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Blue Switch RGB is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- The compact tenkeyless design is the most popular form factor used by the pros, allowing you to position the keyboard for comfort and to maximize in-game performance.
- 【65% Compact Design】GEODMAER Wired gaming keyboard compact mini design, save space on the desktop, novel black & silver gray keycap color matching, separate arrow keys, No numpad, both gaming and...
- Dynamic RGB Backlighting: Light up your desktop with six onboard lighting effects, assign a color to each lighting zone, or program your own vibrant lighting effects across five RGB lighting zones...
First Impressions: Vintage Charm Meets Modern Illumination
Unboxing the YSCP Typewriter Style Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Blue Switch RGB felt like opening a time capsule with a futuristic twist. The keyboard is surprisingly hefty, giving an immediate impression of sturdiness despite its ABS plastic construction. The brilliant white chassis provides a perfect canvas for the main event: the chrome-ringed, round, retro keycaps. They sit high off the board, exposing the switch housing beneath, which perfectly captures that classic typewriter silhouette. Picking it up, the stepped layout, designed for ergonomic comfort, is immediately apparent.
Plugging it in is a simple affair—a standard USB-A connection that requires no drivers or software. The moment it connected, the keyboard erupted in a vibrant cascade of RGB light that flowed between the keys and out the sidelights. The initial visual impact is stunning. The light reflects beautifully off the white base and chrome accents, creating an ambient glow that instantly elevates any desk. It feels less like a standard computer peripheral and more like a functional piece of art. The included keycap puller is a thoughtful touch, hinting at the potential for customization right out of the box. My first few keystrokes confirmed what I hoped: a loud, crisp, and deeply satisfying click that promises a unique typing journey ahead.
What We Like
- Stunning retro typewriter aesthetic with round, chrome-accented keycaps.
- Deeply satisfying and audible Blue mechanical switches, great for typing feedback.
- Vibrant and highly customizable RGB backlighting with multiple modes and side-lighting.
- Full 104-key layout with a number pad, making it excellent for productivity.
Drawbacks
- The loud “clicky” sound can be disruptive in quiet or shared environments.
- Some users have reported quality control issues, including sticky or non-functional keys over time.
Performance Deep Dive: Beyond the Clicks and Colors
A keyboard can be beautiful, but if it doesn’t perform, it’s just a desk ornament. We spent weeks using the YSCP Typewriter Style Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Blue Switch RGB for everything from marathon writing sessions and daily office work to intense gaming in titles like Valorant and Cyberpunk 2077. We wanted to see if its performance could live up to its striking first impression. The answer is a resounding, and somewhat nuanced, yes.
The Auditory and Tactile Experience: A Symphony of Clicks
The heart and soul of this keyboard are its mechanical Blue switches. If you’ve never used them before, the experience is transformative. Each keypress delivers a distinct tactile bump and an unmistakable, high-pitched click. This isn’t just noise; it’s feedback. You know, without a doubt, that your keystroke has registered. During long typing sessions, this creates a satisfying rhythm that we found, much like other users, to be genuinely enjoyable and even focusing. As one user aptly put it, “It’s so soothing, the sound keeps me focused. I noticed that I stay at my desk longer and it’s comfortable.” This sentiment was echoed by many who described the sound as “ASMR typing great” and “100% worth it.”
This keyboard is unapologetically loud. If you’re an aggressive typist, as one happy user declared, “I love hearing my work rage leave my fingers,” then you will feel right at home. The sound is sharp, clean, and consistent across the board. The spacebar has a slightly deeper “thock” to it, but it blends well with the click-clack of the other keys. For productivity, we found this auditory feedback helped increase our typing speed and accuracy. There’s no second-guessing whether a key was pressed. For gaming, the tactile bump is useful for confirming actions like activating an ability or crouching, though the clicky nature isn’t typically the first choice for hardcore competitive gamers who prioritize raw speed above all else. However, for casual to moderate gaming, the responsive and satisfying feel is more than capable.
Retro Steampunk Aesthetics Meets Modern RGB
Let’s be honest: the primary reason anyone is drawn to this keyboard is its unique look. The “Steampunk” design, with its floating, round keycaps, is a spectacular departure from the norm. The keycaps themselves are concave, which helps to center your fingertips and reduce mishits—a smart design choice that mitigates the initial awkwardness of moving from traditional square keys. One user noted to “beware of typewriter keys they are a bit tricky,” and we agree there’s a short adjustment period. After an hour or two, however, typing on them felt natural and comfortable, thanks in large part to the ergonomic stepped layout that angles the keys nicely toward your hands.
Where the vintage design truly collides with modern tech is the RGB backlighting. This isn’t a simple on/off backlight. We were incredibly impressed with the sheer number of lighting options available directly from the keyboard, no software required. As one reviewer detailed, “There are so many light settings, they move, they blink, there are even light up gaming modes…You can even do solid colours.” Using the FN key in combination with the function keys, you can cycle through over a dozen dynamic effects, from rainbow waves and breathing modes to reactive lighting that illuminates keys as you press them. You can also adjust the brightness, speed of the effects, and even the color on some modes. The sidelights add another layer of ambient glow, making the keyboard a true centerpiece, especially in a dimly lit room. It’s a feature that consistently wows users, who call it “so much fun to watch” and “absolutely fantastic.” The vibrant and customizable lighting is a huge selling point.
Performance Under Pressure: Gaming, Productivity, and Durability
Beyond the sensory experience, the YSCP Typewriter Style Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Blue Switch RGB packs the technical specs needed for reliable performance. It features 26-key anti-ghosting (or N-key rollover), which ensures that even when you’re mashing multiple keys at once in a chaotic game, every command registers correctly. We tested this by pressing dozens of keys simultaneously in keyboard testing software, and it never missed a beat. This is crucial for gaming and for very fast typists.
For productivity, the inclusion of a full number pad is a massive advantage. Many aesthetically-focused keyboards opt for smaller layouts to save space, but as one user confirmed, “a numpad is non-negotiable for me.” Having it here makes the YSCP a viable all-in-one solution for both work and play. The plug-and-play nature via its wired USB connection means setup is instant and the connection is stable. We encountered no lag or dropped inputs during our testing, though it’s worth noting one user experienced significant lag which they cleverly diagnosed as a faulty USB port on their docking station, not the keyboard itself. This is a valuable tip for any potential buyer: always test in a direct port if you experience issues.
The build quality is solid for its price point. The ABS plastic body is rigid with very little flex, and the dual-color injection keycaps mean the letters will never wear off. However, this is where we must address some potential long-term concerns raised in user feedback. While our review unit performed flawlessly, a few users reported issues after several months of use, such as specific keys ceasing to function or keys being missing upon arrival. One user noted that after 7 months, the minus, plus, and enter keys on the numpad stopped working. While these appear to be isolated incidents, they suggest that quality control may vary. Despite this, the overwhelming majority of feedback speaks to a durable and reliable experience, with one user reporting it “still works perfectly” after four months of use. This keyboard is a strong performer, but it’s important to be aware of these potential long-term durability questions.
What Other Users Are Saying
The consensus among users is overwhelmingly positive, with most feedback centering on the keyboard’s unique charm and satisfying feel. Phrases like “cutest effing keyboard I’ve ever seen,” “soothing,” and “makes my work more enjoyable” are common. Many buyers, like us, were specifically looking for the loud, clicky sound and were delighted with the result. One person summed it up perfectly: “I have always like the old fashioned mechanical look of a typewriter and this is just that… I look forward to using the keyboard each day and find myself disappointed when I don’t get to use it.” The extensive RGB lighting options are another point of frequent praise.
However, the feedback isn’t universally perfect, which provides a realistic picture. The most common “negative” point, which is subjective, is the loudness. One user stated, “Only flaw is the typing is a little loud,” acknowledging that it’s an inherent trait of the design. More concerning are the few but notable reports of quality control issues. One user was “very confused and upset that im missing 2 keys (k & m),” receiving two ‘v’ keys instead. Another reported that certain keys became unresponsive over time, requiring multiple or harder presses to register. These reports, while in the minority, highlight a potential risk and are crucial to consider before making a purchase.
How Does It Compare to the Alternatives?
The YSCP Typewriter Style Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Blue Switch RGB occupies a unique niche, but it’s not without competition. Here’s how it stacks up against some other popular options.
1. Redragon K673 PRO 75% Wireless RGB Gaming Keyboard
- REDRAGON GASKET OUT - The body structure differs from traditional screw fixing by using precision-locked covers with gaskets to assist with noise reduction and flexibility. It provides even feedback...
- 3-Mode Connection - Geared with Redragon advanced tri-mode connection technology, USB-C wired, BT 3.0/5.0 & 2.4Ghz wireless modes which make the user experience upgraded to another level in all...
The Redragon K673 PRO is aimed at a different user entirely. It’s a compact 75% keyboard, meaning it ditches the number pad for a smaller desk footprint. Its key features are its 3-mode connectivity (wired, Bluetooth, 2.4Ghz wireless) and hot-swappable linear Red switches. This keyboard is for the serious gamer or enthusiast who values a quiet, fast-actuating switch, wireless freedom, and the ability to easily customize their switches without soldering. While it offers robust RGB and a dedicated control knob, it completely lacks the vintage typewriter aesthetic of the YSCP. Choose the Redragon for competitive gaming and customizability; choose the YSCP for its unique style and satisfying typing sound.
2. Redragon K580 PRO Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
- 3-Mode Connection - Geared with Redragon advanced tri-mode connection technology, USB-C wired, BT 3.0/5.0 & 2.4Ghz wireless modes which make the user experience upgraded to another level in all...
- Upgraded Hot-Swap - The brand new upgrade with nearly all switches(3/5 pins) compatible, the free-mod hot-swappable socket is available now. The exclusive next-level socket makes the switch mounting...
The Redragon K580 PRO is a more direct competitor in terms of layout, offering a full 104-key design. Like the YSCP, it’s geared towards users who want both gaming and productivity features. However, it pulls ahead in functionality with wireless connectivity, hot-swappable switches, and dedicated media controls plus macro recording. It uses linear Red switches, making it much quieter and faster for gaming than the YSCP’s clicky Blues. The K580 PRO is the practical, feature-rich choice for a mainstream gamer who wants a full-size board. The YSCP, in contrast, wins on pure aesthetic appeal and the specific tactile experience that only Blue switches can provide.
3. Retro Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Blue Switches Wood
- Authentic Typewriter Experience: This Retro Mechanical Gaming keyboard offers a typing experience reminiscent of a genuine typewriter. The blue switches offer a satisfying clicky sound and tactile...
- 14 Modes Backlighting Switching: The round keycap design with punk style adds personality to your desk and enhances the look of this wireless mechanical gaming keyboards. The white backlighting is...
This keyboard is the closest competitor in spirit to the YSCP. It also offers a retro typewriter aesthetic with round keycaps and clicky Blue switches. However, it distinguishes itself with a stunning wood-grain finish and a more compact 83-key layout. Its main advantage is its Bluetooth 5.0 wireless connectivity, making it a great choice for a clean, cable-free setup with devices like laptops, tablets, and PCs. If you love the retro vibe but need wireless capabilities and prefer a more compact, arguably more premium-looking wood finish, this is an excellent alternative. The YSCP remains the better choice if you need a full number pad and prefer the reliability of a wired connection and a brighter, more gamer-centric RGB implementation.
Our Final Verdict: Is the YSCP Keyboard Worth It?
After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the YSCP Typewriter Style Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Blue Switch RGB is far more than just a pretty face. It successfully merges a show-stopping vintage aesthetic with the satisfying tactile performance of clicky Blue switches and the vibrant flair of modern RGB lighting. It’s a keyboard that makes the simple act of typing an event—something to be enjoyed rather than endured. For writers, office workers in a private space, and casual gamers who prioritize style and a delightful user experience, this keyboard is an absolute triumph and a fantastic value.
It’s not for everyone. The loud clicks will make you unpopular in a quiet library, and competitive esports athletes will likely gravitate towards faster, linear switches. Furthermore, the small number of quality control complaints means there’s a slight gamble involved, though most users report a flawless experience. If you’re looking for a keyboard that will bring a smile to your face every time you sit down at your desk and make your setup the envy of your friends, this is it. It’s a bold statement piece that performs beautifully. If you’re ready to transform your desk and rediscover the joy of typing, we highly recommend you check the latest price and see its full feature set.
Last update on 2025-11-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API