| Form Factor: TKL | Switch: KBDcraft S² Engine | Connector: USB | Keyboard Software: VIAL |
| Price: | £87.95 |
| RGB Lighting: | Yes |
| Hotswap: | Yes (5-pin, south facing LEDs) |
| Media Controls: | Yes (programmable) |
| 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 unique Lego-style/Minecraft inspired keyboards.
Their newest release is the Sachiel. You can configure it as a “4-knob TKL” or as a “Classic TKL”. This review will feature the 4-knob TKL version.
DISCLAIMER | Please Read:
This keyboard was sent by KBDcraft for review and testing purposes. I received no payment for writing this review. Plus, impartiality will always be a top priority here at KeebWorks with this review included.
TL;DR
Having built and reviewed the Lilith Q earlier this year, I had a pretty good idea of what to expect with the Sachiel. The build process is almost identical with only two major differences – the size and the knobs.
It’s still a beginner friendly keyboard to build, especially for those looking for a more “traditional layout”. However, the Sachiel is £20 more compared to the Lilith. It would be up to you whether the extra cost is worth it.
Build Quality: 5/10
This Lego-inspired keyboard is also made of plastic, just like the Lilith Q. Although, the plastics used are of relatively high quality and don’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 also have the exact same characteristics, but with a different colour palette. And yes, the same 3-dots remain as a feature on the homing keys.
For the nav cluster, the keycap profile is known as the DSS125. They are 25% larger than normal at 1.25u in length and width. They come in three colours – black, white and red.
The POM plate has small curves along the edges, which makes contact the gaskets. Thankfully, there weren’t any defects on the plate this time.
Once again, the plate foam, stabilisers and PCB are nothing remarkable. They’re standard affair.
The removable USB-C to USB-C cable is rubberised, but not braided.
However, its standout feature, the 4 knobs, aren’t built very well. They feel cheap, wobbly and don’t click consistently.
Overall, even though the build process has close similarities to the Lilith, the Sachiel feels a bit more substantial. Though, it still feels very average when compared to most keyboards out there.
Pre-lubed stabilizers
Features: 6/10
Just like the Lilith, it also lacks top-level features, but you’re probably not after those. You want to know more about its 4 knobs.
But before that, here are its features: N-key rollover, a 5-pin south facing hotswap PCB, a removable cable, fully programmable keys, gasket mounting and RGB lighting. It also uses VIAL for configuration instead of the more limited VIA software.
Now, as for the 4 knobs, they are fully programmable on VIAL. I for one, don’t have a use case in which I would need 4 knobs, so I find this to be a very niche feature. I don’t doubt their usefulness, but I am left asking, “Who the hell needs 4 knobs on their keyboard?”
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Overall, the main takeaway here is that this is Lego based, TKL keyboard with 4 knobs. But I’d love to hear from someone who this appeals to.
Daily Performance: 7/10
Sure, it has a TKL layout, but the F keys are squished to make room for two extra keys above Backspace. Plus, there are 4 knobs (which can be desoldered) above the larger than usual arrow cluster.
The squished F row and the unusual arrow cluster are easy enough to get used to. However, the knobs are just too close to each other; it’s not uncommon to bump another knob whilst making an adjustment. This isn’t a huge deal, but since this is the keyboard’s standout feature, it’s a bit disappointing that it wasn’t implemented thoughtfully. In addition, one of the knobs don’t click as reliably as the others when pushed down.
The keyboard also has a flat, non-adjustable typing angle, which I didn’t like. I’m sure many will get used to it with time, but it would’ve been nice to have an option to change it; I wouldn’t have minded a few additional blocks to raise the angle.
Moving onto the positives! The gasket performance, while still not fantastic, performs noticeably better on this keyboard. And once again, the keyboard is configurable on VIAL (which I still strongly believe should be the default for custom builds).
Larger than usual arrow keys
Overall, it lacks a few things, such as lock lights (minor issue) and flip-out feet, though I’m pleased KBDcraft has refined the Sachiel based on past product flaws.
Reliability: 7/10
Compared to the Lilith Q, I’d say the Sachiel is a slightly less reliable keyboard due to its loose, cheap feeling knobs. But they’re both essentially Lego keyboards, and as long as you have the instruction manual, you can always re-build them over and over again in the case you ever drop them.
However, mechanically speaking, both keyboards are identical in how they function. So, there aren’t any remarkable differences between one another.
The Sachiel also comes with double-shot PBT keycaps and a removable cable and which will help it last for a good while. Though the cable is replaceable, it is not braided.
However, its hotswap sockets and RGB LEDs will wear out over time, but unlike with the Lilith Q, there isn’t a drop-in PCB replacement available for the Sachiel.
Overall, modern keyboards like this tend to be reliable, and I don’t see any huge potential mechanical issues with this one apart from the 4 knobs, especially if used daily.
Value: 4/10
Given that the Sachiel is roughly £20 more than the Lilith Q, it’s not as great of a value. Also, since the Sachiel is almost like a traditional TKL, it has tough competition from the likes of Keychron, Akko and other legacy brands.
I know I always use Keychron keyboards as a comparison, but this is because I truly think they currently offer the best value for money for those just dipping their toes in the hobby. A Keychron V3 QMK or a K8 Wireless can be had for roughly the same price as the Sachiel. So, unless you have a NEED for 4 knobs, there are plenty of other options on the market that are of better value.
Overall, the Sachiel just doesn’t compete in specs with other keyboards in its class. I can only really recommend the Sachiel if you like the idea of building a Lego keyboard, but also wanting a familiar enough TKL layout.
Final Score = 29/50 (58%)