| Form Factor: 75% | Connector: USB | Keyboard Software: VIAL |
| Dimensions (cm) (W x H x D): |
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| Weight (Kg): |
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| Price: | £66.52 (Full Kit) | £44.35 (Base Kit) |
| RGB Lighting: | Yes |
| Media Controls: | Yes (can be programmed) |
| Macro Keys: | Yes |
| Removable Cable: | Yes |
| Windows Lock: | No |
| Keyboard Status: | Fully working |
| Other Features: |
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If you’re new to KBDcraft, they specialise in offering very unique Lego-style/Minecraft inspired keyboards.
The one I’ll be reviewing is The Lilith Q; one of KBDcraft’s most versatile kit coming in at either a 60% ANSI/ISO, a 65% ANSI or the 75% ANSI. It can also be purchased as a full or a base kit.
DISCLAIMER | Please Read:
This keyboard was sent by KBDcraft for review and testing purposes. I was NOT PAID in any way to write this review. Impartiality will always be a top priority here at KeebWorks; this one included.
TL;DR
This is a keyboard for absolute beginners due to its friendly build process or for those who are big fans of Lego or Minecraft. In fact, the whole build is toolless!
Outside of its very unique characteristics, the keyboard itself doesn’t really offer much to the table. My kit came with a model figurine of Adam and a cat from Minecraft. But more importantly, it’s VIAL compatible, has N-key rollover and programmable RGB lighting and macros.
Although, given how unique this keyboard is, there aren’t options on the market that compete with it in the same level.
Build Quality: 5/10
It’s a Lego inspired keyboard, so yes, the whole keyboard is made of plastic. Although, the plastics used is of relatively high quality and doesn’t feel cheap. Keep in mind however that this isn’t an official Lego product, but they are compatible with official Lego parts in case you were wondering.
The main keycaps are a slightly modified OEM profile referred to as “Keytok-OEM-Profile” or simply as KOP. The one that came with my kit is known as the KOP Seele. It’s made of double-shot PBT and are relatively thick measuring in at 1.4mm at its thickest point. As a fun fact, the homing keys have 3-dots on them which I’ve never seen before.
KDBcraft also sent me their “DSS” profile keycaps. According to their specs, DSS stands for Dead Sea Scrolls. They come in 3 colours – light grey, sand yellow and purple. They are blank, have flat, uniform profile with a thickness of 1.5mm and are made from ABS. Although, they measured closer to 1.45mm.
Note: The keycaps are only available when purchased with the “Full Kit” and therefore will be excluded in the score for this segment.
The plate is made of POM. They have small curves along the edges which make contact with the gaskets. Although, my example has a small defect mark on it which I’m not impressed by.
The plate foam, stabilizers and PCB are nothing remarkable. They’re standard affair.
The removable USB-C to USB-A cable is rubberized, but not braided.
However, before I end this segment, I want to mention a few, rather unusual things I documented.
Number 1: The plate for the 9-key is made of a different material. It’s also slightly different in colour.
Number 2: The PCBs are also different in colour. Also, the 9-key PCB uses Kailh hotswap sockets while the main PCB uses unbranded ones.
I didn’t find any of the above to differ in performance.
Overall, you’re ultimately judging your own build quality in a way, but the parts used not are particularly good or bad; they’re fairly average which is reflected in its price tag.
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Features: 5/10
After the build process, you come to the realisation that this keyboard isn’t exactly packing a lot of features.
It has n-key rollover, a 5-pin south facing hotswap PCB, a removable cable, fully programmable keys and RGB lighting. Although, they sell a Sound Pad, a Keyboard Stand and a Wrist Rest to complete the package.
However, despite it not having a lot of features, I’m glad to see it using VIAL instead of the more limited VIA software.
Factory lubed stabilizers
Overall, despite it being a Lego based keyboard – which you might consider is its main feature (plus, the randomized Minecraft figurine it comes with), it doesn’t really have a standout practical feature that I haven’t seen.
Daily Performance: 7/10
KBDcraft refers to this as a 75% layout which isn’t false, but its also not the 75% layout you’d probably be thinking of. This is more of a 65% with a 9-key on the left side.
Speaking of the 9-key, the fact that this keyboard uses VIAL out of the box is fantastic. I mostly programmed the 9 keys to a whole bunch of macros which was a very straight forward process. The keyboard also allows for you to have 3 layers, so you can really go to town with your macros – I’d probably quicky forget what macros I has programmed if I did this, but it’s really neat to have the option.
Plus, VIAL is just as easy and just as convenient to use as VIA. However, VIAL has more customization options which is just awesome; it should be the default for custom builds from now on.
What about the gasket mount performance? Well, I could only feel very minimal movements when typing on the keyboard. It may as well not be gasket mounted at this stage as I find it a bit pointless.
Finally, to round things off, there are no lock lights (not a big deal here). It lacks dedicated media controls such as a volume knob which I use frequently. Plus, you’ll be stuck with the 5.5 degrees of typing angle as the keyboard lacks a set of flip-out feet.
Overall, apart from its lacklustre gasket mount performance, it performs reasonably well with all the other features working well as intended. Although, I personally would’ve preferred the 9-key to be on top of the keyboard.
Reliability: 8/10
It’s a Lego keyboard, so if you drop it, you can just re-build it again! (assuming you haven’t lost the manual or any of the pieces during the fall).
Apart from its Lego-ness (no, that’s not a word). KBDcraft specs these out with double-shot PBT keycaps – this is one of the best manufacturing methods for keycap longevity. Although, you only get these keycaps if you opt to buy this board as a “Full Kit” or if you buy the keycaps separately. So, just like in the Build Quality section, the keycaps are excluded in the score for this segment.
However, its hotswap sockets and RGB LEDs will wear out over time, so it’s a good thing KBDcraft sells the PCB (they call it the “Core”) separately.
Additionally, while the cable isn’t going to be most durable given it isn’t braided, it’s easily replaceable, so it’s a basically a non-issue. Finding a bright yellow one might be bit harder though.
Overall, modern keyboards like this tend to be very reliable and I don’t see any huge potential mechanical issues with this one.
Value: 9/10
Pricing on these fluctuate, but the base kit goes for around £45 while the full kit goes for around £65. This is amazing value purely from a pricing perspective. A unique, fully custom keyboard with keycaps and switches for £65 is truly out of this world.
More expensive options like the Keychron V1 QMK also has fully programmable keys, and the option to connect via 2.4GHz or Bluetooth for £106, nearly double that of a full kit Lilith Q. However, the V1 QMK has a dedicated volume knob, a not-so cramped layout and a more traditional case design which appeal to many buyers.
I struggled to find a 75% keyboard cheaper than £65 with a similar feature set and availability. This level of keyboard simply doesn’t exist below the £45 mark, so it’s remarkable just how cheap this keyboard is.
Overall, despite the amazing value this keyboard offers, it’s not for everyone given its aesthetics. It’s feature set also doesn’t hold a candle to more expensive boards which is to be expected. But if you want a solid performing board and don’t mind how it looks, this is a fantastic value proposition.
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Final Score = 34/50 (68%)