Motospeed K87S TKL Mechanical Keyboard Review

Price/Where to Buy

We’ve talked about mechanical keyboards a lot in our reviews and mechanical keyboards in particular is a unique segment wherein cheap doesn’t always necessitate to a bad product. In the world of mechanical keyboards, that’s a big statement as mechanical keyboards themselves are priced certainly way above the standard membrane ones most people often have. For gamers, it has created a different playing field for manufacturers and mechanical keyboards are often synonymous with a gaming setup but simply put, mechanical keyboards offer a universally more significant feel than membrane keyboards which anyone who works a keyboard can appreciate, none more so than typists.

Today we’ll be taking a look at one of the more respectable options in the market right now with the Motospeed K87S tenkeyless (TKL) keyboard. For those familiar, TKL keyboards are preferred by those looking for a more compact keyboard or gamers who don’t particularly need a number pad. At $46, it’s right up there with most budget names in the entry-level mech keyboard space but the Motospeed tries to standout with a couple of new features. Read on!

Features

• ● Blue switch is suitable for both tying and gaming
  ● Red switch is more suitable for gaming
  ● Plug and play, do not need to install any driver, easy to use
  ● Ergonomics design is made for gamer, officer, etc.
  ● Humanized design, adding a series of shortcut function keys
  ● Supports 9 kinds of themes cool backlighting
  ● Adopting professional game chip, giving you a perfect game experience
  ● Press FN + INS can change backlight modes

Closer Look

Motospeed packages the K87S in a simple black carboard box with the Motospeed logo printed on the top flap with the tagline “Live for games” on the bottom edge. Nothing much is on the packaging besides that other than a label sticker that denotes some of the features of the keyboard although printed in Chinese. Inside  the package we have the Motospeed K87S keyboard itself, a pair of documentation and a key puller.

As the model name denotes, the K87S has 87 keys and comes in white. The metal baseplate is done in champagne gold for a touch of elegance. Motospeed uses ABS keycaps which are curiously enough, so much better than the ones we see on mainstream gaming brands with its textured treatment.

The underside of the Motospeed K87S is done in white but comprises of a white inner layer covered by a transparent base material. During shipping, a piece of clear plastic covers the base. The K87S features height adjustment stands and two rubber feet for stability.

Side profile of the Motospeed K87S with the height stands raised. Notice the clear side profile also. This is because the K87S features edge lighting which can also be independent controlled as you’ll see later.

Motospeed offers the K87S in two Outemu switch variants: red and blue. The sample we have uses an Outemu blue switch which is tactile and provides audible feedback. The red variants are linear and provide smooth, softer actuation while blue switches are clicky and provide excellent tactile feedback which serves well for heavy typing.

Once connected, the Motospeed K87S has full key lighting along with the edge lighting. Here it is in a lit environment showing how bright these keys are.

In dim lighting, we get the best view of what the Motospeed K87S has. Compared to the Corsair K95 RGB Platinum or Gskill KM780 RGB, the LEDs on the K87S are much more intense but not irritatingly so. 

Light Effect Overview

User Experience & Conclusion

We’ve noted before about how Motospeed has very well-made keyboards and their switch choices have been pretty much decent on their releases. Motospeed have the reputation of being the most sane amongst the Chinese brands that have came out of recent years not going with over-the-top designs and have kept a more traditional approach to design which has helped them maintain their position as a mature brand. Focusing on the Motospeed K87S, its the latest in a big family of RGB-capable motherboard but in this release, Motospeed has added edge lighting which really sits well.

Summing up performance as on par with most mainstream offering being very well-rounded and good, we’ll discuss the overall offering of the keyboard and its primary offering and that is to be a great low-profile yet elegant keyboard for those who want a white theme on their desk with the lights on particularly for a clean office look but still have that brilliant and vibrant edge when the lights go out for some gaming action. The Motospeed K87S TKL mechanical keyboard doesn’t offer anything extensive in terms of performance and features but its good build quality and great looks give it an edge over similarly-priced products. 

If you’re venturing into the mechanical keyboard hobby and want a starting board that can easily scale with your hobby serving as a base to test out keycap sets, the Motospeed K87S TKL mechanical keyboard is a great choice as a jump-off purchase. 

The Motospeed K87S is available at GearBest. Hit the link below to get your own!

Price/Where to Buy

We give it our B2G Value Award!