| Form Factor: 65% | Switch: Fnatic Speed Low-Profile | Connector: USB | Keyboard Software: Fnatic OP |
| Dimensions (cm) (W x H x D): |
|
| Weight (Kg): |
|
| Price: | €119.99 (MSRP) |
| RGB Lighting: | Yes |
| Media Controls: | Yes (non-dedicated) |
| Macro Keys: | Yes (non-dedicated) |
| Removable Cable: | Yes |
| Windows Lock: | Yes |
| Keyboard Status: | Fully working |
| Other Features: |
|
The Fnatic Streak65 is an e-sports focused gaming keyboard with features such a 65% layout for ease of transportation, a competition mode to eliminate distractions and a replaceable removable cable.
TL;DR
If I had to describe this keyboard in one word, it would be: Overlooked.
More expensive options like the Keychron K7 Pro and K7 Max which feature hotswap and multimode connectivity, but for nearly double the price of £110.
For cheaper options, the Ajazz AKL680 is a slightly bigger (68% layout) keyboard for roughly £36 – 40. It also has multimode connectivity, but it isn’t programmable.
The Fnatic Streak65 is currently goes for not much more than the Ajazz at £58 on Amazon. Sure, you can’t swap out the switches or connect it via Bluetooth, but all the keys are programmable. Although, its biggest downside are its switches – they’re awfully scratchy.
Build Quality: 5/10
The top housing is made of aluminium while the bottom housing is made of plastic – a pretty typical configuration.
The keycaps are fairly unremarkable. They’re made of thin, laser ablated, ABS plastic which are commonly found on gaming keyboards like these.
The stabilizers are custom-moulded by Fnatic and comes pre-lubricated to reduce rattle. Although, the stabilizer on my spacebar still rattles and ticks like crazy, so this obviously didn’t work.
The USB-C to USB-A cable is rubberized, but not braided.
Overall, it’s built to an average standard. Nothing stands out that impresses me, but also nothing sticks out like sore thumb.
Features: 6/10
As a modern gaming keyboard, it has some features worth mentioning.
Firstly, this keyboard uses the Fnatic OP software, and when it isn’t bugging out, it’s relatively easy to use. Plus, any changes you make get saved on the keyboard locally – so there’s no need for the software to be opened in the background at all.
Note: I had to reinstall the software to get it to work again.
Secondly, while the cable isn’t braided, it is removable allowing you to easily replace it once it breaks. It also has the added benefit of being able to store the keyboard in a smaller space if you decide to carry it with you.
Lastly, it has a “Competition mode”. By default, the RGB LEDs dim to 25% and the Windows key and FN function is disabled. However, my FN function still works as normal, so this feature doesn’t 100% work.
Here are some of its other notable features:
N-key rollover, Non-dedicated media controls via the FN key, limited macro functionality, 2 additional RGB LEDs underneath the spacebar and a removable customizable plate.
 |
|---|
However, before I conclude this section, I want to mention a few noteworthy downsides.
Firstly, I mentioned that Fnatic OP (the keyboard software) is sometimes buggy. This wasn’t the case at first, but for whatever reason, even though it recognises my keyboard it doesn’t allow me to customize it any longer.
Secondly, I also mentioned the limited macro functionality. Let’s say you wanted to execute a string of words, for example “KeebWorks is amazing”. By default, the macro is executed it in the same speed you typed it in. Yes, the speed is adjustable, but they’ve made it quite convoluted – almost as if you’re discouraged from doing so. Otherwise, any other type of macro works as they should.
Overall, it has a nice feature set, definitely more than the average keyboard. It would’ve been even better if only Fnatic could get its software to work without issues.
Daily Performance: 5/10
This was my first time using a 65% keyboard… and I’m not a big fan. The short shift key and the lack of a menu key by default are two big reasons why I personally wouldn’t use this layout. However, I wouldn’t mind it if the nav cluster was to separated from the rest of the keys.
Earlier, I mentioned that the spacebar has a rattily stabilizer. This isn’t too uncommon for keyboards like these, but as this was one of the advertised features, it’s very disappointing to find out it is a complete lie. The rattle is very loud, and can be quite an annoyance in day-to-day use. As a side note, the stabilizers on the backspace and enter keys barely rattle.
Additionally, the switches are on the scratchy side. Plus, they aren’t 100% linear. They have a bit of tactility at the start of the travel. Although, I didn’t really notice a huge difference swapping from a full-travel switch to this low-profile one.
On the plus side, the RGB LEDs are super bright. They shine through the keycaps perfectly fine with the 2 additional RGB LEDs underneath the spacebar providing additional light. The white LED next to the CAPS LOCK switch also shines through the keycap just fine.
 |
|---|
Overall, it does take some time to adjust to a smaller layout like this. Trying to remember the additional functions will probably take the most time, but it’s a fairly standard daily driver otherwise.
Reliability: 8/10
This is still a fairly new keyboard only being released in 2020, so it’s hard to tell how reliable these will be. Plus, the switches are derived from the Kailh Choc V2 which are relatively new and isn’t found in many keyboards adding to the uncertainty.
On the plus side, these newer switches feature dustproofing around the stem which the V1s didn’t have. This is one of the V2s distinct upgrades which should improve reliability.
However, the RGB LEDs and the laser ablated keycaps will wear out over time. The LEDs don’t dim or shut off as seen in some keyboards, and the keycaps are prone to shining and/or the legends wearing off. At least the switches support regular MX style keycaps, so replacing them is quite easy.
Additionally, the cable isn’t braided which isn’t as durable compared to a braided one, but this is easily replaced, so it’s a basically a non-issue.
Overall, I can see this being a reliable keyboard with its upgraded switches, and it shouldn’t really have any major issues mechanically. The RGB LEDs burning out are my biggest concern with these, but at least the keyboard will remain functional even if that happens.
Value: 9/10
These are currently £58 on Amazon, and I don’t know of a keyboard with similar specs that go for less.
In the upper range, both the Keychron K7 Pro and K7 Max feature hotswap and multimode connectivity, but for the price of £110.
Lower down the range, the Ajazz AKL680 is a slightly bigger keyboard (68% layout) for roughly £36 – 40. It has multimode connectivity, but doesn’t have programmable keys.
Overall, the market for low-profile gaming keyboards isn’t huge. So, while it lacks ground in a few areas, the Fnatic Streak65 is a great value when compared to the rest of the market.
Final Score = 33/50 (66%)
Places to purchase this keyboard:
Fnatic | Overclockers UK | Amazon