MONOKEI is known to make solid keyboards and they lived up to this claim while manufacturing the MONOKEI Standard. Apart from being solid, this keyboard has many features and doesn't come at a very high price. In this detailed MONOKEI Standard review, I'll discuss all the things this keyboard has to offer.
The MONOKEI Standard is a top-tier TKL mechanical keyboard that is hot-swappable and comes with Cherry MX keys. The feel of the keyboard is incredible and the typing angle is just right. Moreover, it is compatible with all the major platforms and can be connected wirelessly or through a wired connection.
The Standard comes in four gorgeous colors that are pleasing to look at.
I have personally used this keyboard for various purposes, so this review is coming from someone who knows a thing or two about it.
This MONOKEI Standard review will feature the technical details of the keyboard, what you get in the box, the typing and gaming experience, and the overall impression along with some pros and cons.
In the Box
The Standard comes in a solid box, properly packed to keep everything intact. Here's what you will find in the box:
- The MONOKEI Standard (keyboard)
- USB-C Cable
- Windows and macOS accent keys (below the instruction manual)
- Switch puller
- Keycap puller
- Instruction manual
- MONOKEI stickers
Design
The keyboard has a simple design that looks very decent. You won't find many designs on the board and there will be no logos on the front.
On the backside, you will find a flick switch to turn on the keyboard. The typing angle is 5 degrees and can't be adjusted. Nevertheless, it is pretty comfortable.
The keyboard does not have any RGB or backlights, which can be a downside for those looking for a more fancy peripheral. However, the Standard covers this up with its top-notch features which you'll read below.
The board comes in the following colors:
- Classic White
- Blush Pink
- Suave Blue
- Dream Lilac
Build Quality
The keyboard is very sturdy on the back of an injection molded ABS case, polycarbonate plate, gasket strips, Cherry PCB mount stabilizers, and Series 1 doubleshot PBT keycaps.
The Standard also has plate foam and silencing foam which guarantee no key rustling and a quiet and pleasing sound. Although the keyboard is very solid, don't drop it often else the internal components of the keyboard can break.
Switches
The Standard, by default, comes with Cherry MX Red, Cherry MX Silent Red, and Cherry MX Brown switches. However, it is compatible with any 3 or 5-pin Cherry MX style switches since it is hot-swappable.
So, if you like using Kailh or Gateron, then you can easily swap the Cherry MX switches for them. Besides, many more switch manufacturers make MX-style switches.
In short, you always have an option to replace the switches very easily.
Connectivity
The keyboard can be connected wirelessly via Bluetooth and through a wired connection with the USB-C to C cable included in the box. I used it both ways and didn't find any delay in my typing. This means that the wireless latency is pretty good too.
MONOKEI has integrated Bluetooth BLE 5.1 which is really good and ensures none of your keypresses are missed or delayed.
You will find the key combinations to use the keyboard either way in the instruction manual.
Compatibility
The Standard is one of those keyboards which you can use with any device. Whether you use a Windows PC or laptop, a macOS PC or laptop, an iOS device, or an Android device, the performance of this board remains sublime.
The keyboard can pair up to 4 devices at once which is a big positive for those working on multiple devices at the same time.
Typing Experience
The typing experience of this keyboard is similar to what you'll find in the very expensive premium keyboards. Thanks to the Cherry PCB mount stabilizers, plate foam, and silencing foam, the typing is as smooth as it can get.
The keypresses are effortless and the doubleshot keycaps make sure the keys remain clean. Moreover, you can use this keyboard easily in office environments since it is pretty quiet and doesn't disturb anyone.
All in all, you will have a great time typing on the MONOKEI Standard!
Gaming Experience
Even though it is not a dedicated gaming or Esports keyboard, the performance of the MONOKEI Standard while gaming is as good as it gets.
This is especially true if you use Cherry MX Red or Silent Red switches since both of them are linear switches.
The keyboard will deliver very well even if you play competitive games. However, I won't recommend doing that if you have Cherry MX Brown switches as they are tactile and not ideal for high-paced gaming.
What I would recommend is swapping the switches for Cherry MX Speed Silvers if you're buying the board solely for gaming purposes.
Psst! These are some of the fastest switches and are preferred by many pro gamers.
MONOKEI Standard - Performance and Overall Impressions
The MONOKEI Standard performs flawlessly under all circumstances. Whether you use it wirelessly or wired, whether you connect to a PC or mobile, the performance of this keyboard remains efficient.
I usually type on my laptop so using the Standard was a level up as far as the writing experience was concerned. Besides, I have the MX Brown keys variant which performs well while casual gaming.
Overall, I'd say the MONOKEI Standard is an excellent choice for people of all fields. Whether you're a typist, programmer, or gamer, this keyboard has something for everyone.
Before we move further, let's look at the pros and cons of the MONOKEI Standard.
Pros
- Excellent build
- Great typing and gaming performance
- Very comfortable to use
- Hot-swappable sockets
- Both wireless and wired connections
- Great compatibility
- No delays while typing
- Can pair with up to 4 devices
- Quiet, smooth, compact, and portable
- Has a decent design and comes in 4 colors
Cons
- No RGB or backlighting
- No customization software
- No USB passthrough and volume dial
- Only Bluetooth wireless connection
The pros easily outweigh the cons of this keyboard so you won't have any regrets buying this one. There's also a 1-year warranty on the product and you can get it repaired or replaced if something happens to it (which won't in 99% of the cases).
Is MONOKEI Standard worth it?
The MONOKEI Standard is definitely worth it if you're in search of a high-class and high-quality keyboard. Although it might not have the best customization options like RGB or backlighting, it does have many other features which makes it a solid choice in its price range.
The Standard has received an overwhelming majority of positive reviews which indicate that people love using the keyboard. I, too, have personally had the opportunity to use it for more than a week and didn't have any complaints whatsoever.
Well, what I'd say is that don't take my word for it. Try the keyboard yourself and you'll agree to what I have said above!
How long does the battery last on the MONOKEI Standard?
The MONOKEI Standard has a 1000 mAh battery that can last up to 30 days. However, this depends on your usage and configuration as well. Generally, if you use the keyboard wireless for 7-8 hours daily, it can easily last for up to 3 or 4 weeks.
But if you use the keyboard for gaming for more than 10 hours daily, then you might have to charge it earlier than 3 weeks.
Is MONOKEI Standard hot swappable?
Yes, the MONOKEI Standard is hot-swappable. You can switch out the existing switches for any MX style 3 or 5-pin switches. Simply pull out the keys with the key puller and then the switches with the switch puller.
There will be no need for soldering and anyone can change their switches quite easily. Moreover, you can easily swap the existing Series 1 keycaps for the new variants when they are released.
How many keys does the MONOKEI standard have?
The MONOKEI Standard is a Ten-Key-Less (TKL) keyboard and has 87 keys. The keyboard doesn't have a Num-pad which makes it portable, lightweight, and easy to carry.
It also gives the users extra space on the table and they can move the mouse more freely.
How do I pair my MONOKEI Standard keyboard?
Here are the steps to pair the keyboard wirelessly:
- Turn on the keyboard by flipping the switch on the back.
- Turn on Bluetooth on your device.
- Press Fn + P on the Standard and you'll see a blinking white LED.
- Select MONOKEI Standard on your device.
- A 4-6 digit code will display on the device's screen and you need to type it on the keyboard and hit Enter.
- Once done, the keyboard will pair with your device and the device will be assigned to slot 1.
If you want to change the slot, then press Fn + 2/3/4 for 0.5 seconds. A purple LED will flash indicating the successful slot transfer.
To use the keyboard through a wired connection, simply connect the USB-C cable to your Standard and device, and the board will start working.
Conclusion
And this concludes the MONOKEI Standard review. If you're someone who wants a solid, high-performing, long-lasting, and comfortable keyboard and is willing to compromise on RGB lighting and software customizability, then this board is tailor-made for you.
Also, since it falls in the mid-range price category, anyone can get it after saving some bucks!
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