The Chilkey ND75 was my favorite keyboard of 2024 because of its build quality, design, and of course, the postage stamp-sized screen built into the device. This year, the same brand has launched a low-profile version of the peripheral called the ND75 LP.
It’s lighter and thinner because of the design. That makes it more portable and easier to type or game on for most people. Unlike conventional mechanical keyboards, low-profile versions have their own distinct switches and keycaps. Enthusiasts can’t just buy a set of Cherry Red switches and expect it to work. They have to pick up a new format that’s thinner.
THE BENEFITS OF LOW-PROFILE SWITCHESThe low-profile switches have a few other benefits. They have a lower actuation point compared to conventional mechanical switches. That gives gamers an edge in online shooters or multiplayer online battle arenas, where fast-response times matter. It can’t compete with Hall Effect situations on keyboards such as the SteelSeries Apex Pro, but it does provide a better typing experience.
The ND75 LP comes with house-developed Aster switches that are all POM, a type of plastic that’s sturdy. The switch is also linear, meaning that it offers a silky smooth typing experience without a heavy click or bump. It’s a good not great switch that took some adjustment with the shorter travel time.
One of the elements that the ND75 LP improved on compared to its bigger predecessor is Chilkey seems to have improved the RGB lighting. It’s noticeably brighter, but that illumination seems wasted on the south-facing LEDs. Because this is a newer format, it would have been better served to move the lights to the north so that they could pop more. It’s not as though GMK keycaps will fit on these switches.
As for the other elements, they mostly mirror the excellent ND75. The 75 percent keyboard has the same size screen, though the low-profile version is a little sharper. It can connect via wired connection, dongle or Bluetooth, but first-time users must keep in mind that they’ll have to turn on the wireless switch and activate the battery underneath the right shift key. The device also includes a nice wrist rest that can also raise the height of the keyboard if so desired. It’s a little gimmicky, but I like the option of having it.
Aside from the good typing experience and solid responsiveness, the ND75 LP’s screen is the element that makes it stand out from its peers. It helps users navigate through the lighting, system and connection options easily. For more heavy-duty changes such as macro creation, users can go online to the ND75 LP console, where they can modify everything from the lighting to the screen. You can even add your own GIF to personalize it.
A FEW DRAWBACKSThe ND75 LP is a solid keyboard, but several elements hold this keyboard back. The first thing is that my review model had the backspace key sticking and that could be from bad stabilizers. They have an off sound and feel to them. The keycaps also don’t show off the lush lighting. See-through or even pudding caps would have been a better choice.
Lastly and most importantly, low-profile keyboards don’t have much in the way of customization options. The ND75 LP is hot swappable meaning that users can remove and replace the switches and keycaps. The only problem is that the ecosystem and choices for format are few and far between. That means if you don’t like the feel of the Aster switches, users may have trouble finding another that they may like.
Ideally, this keyboard is for the gamer who travels a lot and wants to bring their gear with them. The ND75 LP won’t weigh down a backpack, and it’s great as a work keyboard, but the setup and style have to be something that users really love because options are limited on keycaps and switches.
Chilkey ND75 LP
Two and a half starsManufacturer: ChilkeyPrice: $105