PC & Console Peripherals

Sharkoon PureWriter RGB TKL – Flat, mechanical, and compact!

The PureWriter RGB is a compact mechanical low-profile keyboard with an elegant design and is especially suitable for mobile use due to the removable USB cable. Sharkoon’s keyboard is available with red Kailh switches, designed for gaming and with blue Kailh switches, perfect for frequent writers. You can choose between a 2-block layout without numpad (TKL) and a 3-block layout.

Our test object is the Sharkoon PureWriter TKL RGB in a 2-block layout with red Kailh switches.

Technical details (manufacturer information)

Dimensions (L x W x H): 355 x 127 x 35 mm
weight without cable: 503 g
Switches: mechanical (Kailh Red)
Max. polling rate: 1,000 Hz
lighting: RGB (eight predefined effects)
cable: USB cable 50 / 150 cm (Micro-USB)
Programmable keys: No
Anti Ghosting: Yes
Specials: function keys with preset multimedia functions

2-block layout (TKL)

4 storable lighting profiles

Low-Profile (flat keys)

actuating force 45 g
switchover point: not noticeable
clickpoint: not noticeable
distance to switching point: 1.5 mm
lifetime of the keys: Min. 50 million keystrokes
price: € 74.90 *

Scope of delivery

In the scope of delivery, in addition to the keyboard itself, 2 USB cables with a length of 50 cm and 150 cm are included. Also included is an instruction manual, which I think is hard to read.

What does actually mean TKL (TenKeyLess)?

Some compact keyboards often have the abbreviation TKL in their name. But what does TenKeyLess actually mean? Basically TKL stands for the omission of the number field. This results in the advantage of a compact gaming keyboard with low space requirements and good mobile usability.

Design & workmanship

The PureWriter has a very noble appearance due to its rimless, minimalist design and can be used anywhere due to its small size – whether on the road, at home or in the office. The keyboard measures a compact 355 mm in length and 127 mm in width. When the feet are folded in, we achieve a height of 23 mm. Due to the small size and the two USB cables (50 cm and 150 cm long) it can be transported easily. The aluminium look of the edge sets itself off very nicely from the rest of the keyboard’s black. Due to the aluminum alloy the whole surface makes a very valuable impression, but the underside is still made of plastic, in which no disadvantage can be seen. The keys sit rather on the case and not in a surrounding plastic frame (skeleton construction). This gives you the advantage that no dirt will nestle in the unreachable depths of your keyboard.

Keys

With the Sharkoon PureWriter TKL RGB, typing is truly outstanding, the strokes are precise, the acoustic feedback is not too loud, and the tone is very pleasant. The keycaps are concave and are the right size. It was also noticed that the key spacing is altogether very consistent and doesn’t need a long getting used to. The switch-over point of the switches is not noticeable and due to the small distance of 1.5 mm they are very precise and responsive even when touched lightly.

Functions

The FN Key Rollover gives us access to over four pre-programmed multimedia buttons, making it very easy to control your music, whether it’s loud/quiet, skip or stop/play.

Lighting

For the lighting control no special software is available or necessary. All eight pre-programmed lighting effects are accessible via the FN rollover. Each key is individually illuminated and convinces with rich colors. The lighting effects range from rainbows to simple pulsating lights, everyone should be able to find the right effect. However, due to the lack of software, many things cannot be controlled as precisely as you might be used to. For me, the control via the buttons is nevertheless kept simple and very well applicable in everyday life.

Conclusion

Overall, the Sharkoon Purewriter RGB makes a very good impression. For around 70 to 80 €, depending on the model and layout, you get a really solid keyboard with a few small weaknesses. The PureWriter is just right for you if you’re looking for a compact design and/or flat keys. A palm rest is not included and that is absolutely no disadvantage. The keys are so flat that you don’t need a wrist-rest. Unfortunately, the included USB cables don’t let you take a flying leap, because the keyboard is powered by Micro-USB. USB-C would probably be more appropriate.

The TKL version is perfect for those who, like me, have little space on their desk. The Numpad is not missing when you play and you have more space for your mouse. The red Kailh switches are completely feedback-free and feel really fast and precise. The lighting is great and features like anti-gahosting, n-key rollover and a 1,000 Hz polling rate round off the package. So the price-performance ratio is right!

Sharkoon PureWriter RGB TKL

Workmanship
Features
Ergonomics
Value for money

92/100

Unbeatable priced compact keyboard, with solid Features and a nice lighting.

Simon Lüthje

I am co-founder of this blog and am very interested in everything that has to do with technology, but I also like to play games. I was born in Hamburg, but now I live in Bad Segeberg.

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