The MechLands Blade101 is a premium mechanical keyboard that impresses early buyers with its build quality and customization. However, is it worthy the hefty price tag of $109.99?
Disclosure: We received the keyboard as a courtesy for review purposes. However, the review is intended to provide honest, unbiased insights about the product, based on personal experiences and observations.
Design and Build Quality
As soon I opened the box, the Blade101 immediately surprised my with its weight and construction. It features a full aluminum case with a spray-painted finish; This is probably the most luxurious look and feel I’ve ever seen on a mechanical keyboard. It weighs approximately 4.6 lbs (2.1kg), so it stands very securely on my desk and I’m not aware of any movement during use. The keyboard doesn’t have kickstands but it is already positioned at a nice typing angle and most people won’t need any adjustment. Another nice touch is the shiny silver decorative backplate on the bottom.
The 96% layout includes a number pad, arrow keys, and navigation cluster, but it lacks a knob for media control functionality. You can download the driver on its official website; This is not required but it can be useful if you like customization options such as RGB lighting control, macro and key remapping.
The Blade101 offers tri-mode connectivity, supporting Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz Wireless, and Type-C Wired modes. The 8,000mAh battery provides long wireless usage, and you probably won’t need to recharge it for weeks. A physical toggle on the back allows easy switching between modes, and the 2.4GHz dongle stores next to it for convenience.
Similar to other Mechlands keyboards, the Blade101 also features hot-swappable switches, so we can change switches without soldering. The south-facing RGB lighting, with a bright RGB bar on the front, is customizable for aesthetic appeal. My only complaint is the recessed USB-C port, I tried many USB-C cable but it can’t be plugged to this port, so you will need to stick with the included cable.
Typing Experience
I love that the keyboard is built with the gasket-mounted structure which provides a soft, cushioned feel. This is supported by multiple layers of internal padding, including sandwich foam, switch pads, PET film, sound enhancement pads, and bottom dampening foam, so typing on the keyboard is extremely comfortable and acoustically pleasing. It delivers a deep, thocky sound that appeals to mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Keycaps are made of double-shot PBT with a Cherry profile, known for durability and comfort. Notably, the keycaps have MOA-style design with rounded corners and ergonomic design. The curved design are intended to enhance comfort and reduce typing fatigue; I really love it but I know many users hate it as well because they find it difficult to hit the center of keys, especially for thumbs.
Performance metrics of the Blade101 is impressive with a 1000Hz polling rate in wired and 2.4GHz modes, which is ideal to reduce latency for gaming and fast typing. The keyboard supports NKRO (N-Key Rollover), this is essential for gaming as it provides accurate registration of multiple simultaneous keystrokes.
Conclusion
The MechLands Blade101 is a keyboard that excels in build quality and connectivity. Its gasket-mounted design is a great feature for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. It’s a compelling choice but the quite is still expensive at $109.99. I’d recommend the product if it drops below $100.
