Product ReviewsMionix Zibal 60 Backlit Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Black USB W/ 2 Port USB Hub
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48%
33%
4%
15%
0%
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 Rating: Review Date: 12/31/12  |
Cons: LED system is defective
Pros: Superior feel to membrane keyboardBlack switches feel niceSolid construction |
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Rating: Review Date: 12/05/12 |
Cons: backlighting has partially failed, had issues with function keys
Pros: Black switches feel great. very smooth typing experience. Comment:
My previous review appears to have been deleted, here's a revisit.Mionix support has not been particularly good, they asked me to send it in to their US supplier which of course means shipping over the border and being without my keyboard for probably at least a week and a half in the absolute best case.I asked them about having them ship a replacement with a shipping label to send the old one back and so far all they said is that they will see what they can do.I would argue that for a company that is quite new to north america, trying to take a bite out of Logitech's Market Share, they should be doing everything they can to provide support and clear up any QA issues.I believe Mionix is suffering badly in the QA department, function keys and backlighting are not new and exciting tech, there is no reason for problems with either.for now I will have to recommend sticking with a more established brand as I cannot say I've seen a dedication to quality or support. |
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Rating: Review Date: 11/08/12 |
Cons: None
Pros: Smooth key strokesgreen lit keys Comment:
I really like typing on this keyboard, smooth fast and not too noisy. I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a mechanical keyboard. |
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Rating: Review Date: 08/25/12 |
Cons: Expensive! but totally worth it
Pros: This keyboard is fantastic, simply awesome, not as loud as youd think! Comment:
Combined with the naos 5000 mouse for excellent results.These things are the toughest components I have ever used, extremely tough, thick but sexy(lol?_) cables, sleeved and tough!All in all, the best keyboard I have ever used. |
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Rating: Review Date: 08/12/12 |
Cons: -The cable is too big and short-LED lights are uneven-Expensive for the amount of features it has-USB hub doesn't seem to work for some of my external drives but that could be because my mobo
Pros: -Solid build-Awesome cherry black switches that takes some time to get use to-Very comfortable Comment:
So far I haven't had any major issue with this keyboard. It's a little pricey, even on sale, but it sounds and feels a lot better than most of the other mech keyboards. The wrist rest was the deal breaker as most of the other keybaords didn't have one. |
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Rating: Review Date: 07/04/12 |
Cons: The keys are loud, do not use if your girlfriend sleeps in your room!
Pros: Very heavy duty keyboard ,nice looking mat finish. Comment:
I've had this bad boy for about 2 months now its an excellent addition to my setup, it looks clean and shiny, ive seen people complaining about the keys wearing off but that didnt happen to me after 2 months, would buy again! |
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Rating: Review Date: 06/19/12 |
Cons: - lighting is only in green (kinda greenish yellowish to me)- requires a fair amount of force to press keys, do not recommend for lots of typing but works well for gaming
Pros: - sturdy construction- 3 brightness levels for back lighting- Option to turn off back light, turn on for just WSAD keys, or illuminate all keys- easy to spam keys Comment:
I have never owned a mechanical keyboard before this one.I figured I would give the black cherry switch a try and choose this model for it's plain layout and sturdy construction.Overall I am liking it and find it works well in games. The keys are all where I'd expect them to be and the dual purpose function keys that allow for media related shortcuts are handy and welcome options to have. It feels like alot of money to spend on a keyboard but I expect it will last for sometime... we'll see =) This review was modfied by poster @ 06-19-12 05:54 AM |
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Rating: Review Date: 06/15/12 |
Cons: Short cable
Pros: Built like tank, cherry blacks amazing, wrist rest perfect, thick cord, usb ports, layout perfect, Lights up WASD or entire keyboard or nothing, media keys with FN, and finally green looks awesome. Comment:
First off, this thing is built like a tank. The comments about it being "rage proof" are completely true. I'm pretty sure if I smashed this thing over my oak desk 500 times, the desk would beg for mercy, not the keyboard. Not to mention the cord is as thick as my middle finger. The cherry blacks are amazing, I have tried the cherry blues and they are WAY to sensitive the blacks are. The layout of the keys is perfect for me. The wrist rest is most likely the best part of the keyboard. I personally cannot use a keyboard for a long period of time without a nice wrist rest so this was a huge selling point as the other options (razer) didn't have one. My model was the first version and they keys around WASD faded out so I emailed Mionix telling them my issue and took a screenshot of my ncix receipt and this was their response. "Unfortunately this was the issue with the first batch of Zibal 60. We have made changes to the production and also printed new keycaps for all keyboards of the first batch. We will send you a replacement set of keycaps free of charge. Please confirm the address in the screenshot and if I could get your phone number including country code that would be great."And they sent me all new key caps free just like that |
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Rating: Review Date: 05/14/12 |
Cons: One reason I did buy this was for the Vol up/down mute keys, these are the only extra keys I use. However, it requires a shift key to use.
Pros: Solid, heavy, backlit, minimum of silly media keys, excellent feedback. Comment:
After a couple of years of wireless or laptop KBs from Logitech (and wearing out) I returned to my roots (IBM, Fujistu)I was looking for mechanical, backlit and Volume control and this is near perfect so far |
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Rating: Review Date: 04/17/12 |
Cons: backlight settings not saved after rebootkeys takes a while to get used to
Pros: keys feel great for gamingbacklightsturdy build qualityusb2.0 hubmatte finish prevents fingerprints Comment:
This is my first mechanical keyboard coming from a Logitech G15. This this is built like a tank, feels very sturdy. Cherry black keys takes a bit of getting used to. They are also heavier than other keyboards. My fingers were tired after a while but I'll eventually get used to it.Backlight is not very bright but is a nice feature. When you reboot the backlight reverts to the off (default) setting so you'll have to set the mode and brightness everytime.This makes a great gaming board but I don't recommend it if you're doing a log of typing. Cherry Blue keys are more suited to that. |
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Rating: Review Date: 04/16/12 |
Cons: Issues with KB detection during boot (Mionix support was very slow/sloppy)Cord is a bit short compared to other quality KBsAudio hub is not passive (you can't disconnect your headphones and expect it to switch to speakers) and they didn't splurge on coloured sockets so you have to turn the lights on to hook things up.Mionix fn key is transparent to the OS so you cannot make macros with itUsing the fn key combinations for short-cuts is awkward and pointlessBad keytops, (`) is marked as (,) Backspace, enter, caps lock, and shift keys all have really odd/small labelsTyping on this KB is a workout for the hands vs. easier to type.
Pros: Appears to be very durable.Heavy base and good rubber feet keep it from moving around on the desk. Comment:
If you don't want a tactile feedback, you hate windows keys, macros, media keys, speakers, and you aren't a programmer that uses the (`) key a lot, this could be a really durable KB for you.Given the cons there's really nobody I know who would find this KB ideal so no, I wouldn't purchase again or suggest to anyone. Because of this it gets the 2 star rating: 'Would not purchase again'. |
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Rating: Review Date: 04/14/12 |
Cons: First keyboard I received had a broken G key. For a keyboard that supposedly went under QA and is 'rage proof' it's hard to see how this could have arrived broken.Keyboard has terrible issues with being detected. It generally fails to detect on system boot and usually doesn't detect until it's unplugged/replugged in and usually not even then. I have to keep another keyboard around just as a backup.Super-thick cable that's shorter than most other keyboard cables. May not be an issue depending on where your case is vs where you need to use the keyboard.Audio pass-through isn't straight through. That is, it doesn't act like just a simple extension cable. If you plug the keyboard in to a headphone jack your audio system may auto-switch to headphone mode even if you don't have any headphones plugged in to the keyboard at the time, making the option more or less useless on some systems (unless you ALWAYS use headphones).No dedicated media controls. I'm not a big fan of extra keys but at least a volume knob would be nice. You try hitting the left windows key on your keyboard + F2/F3 with one hand and see how comfortable it is.It's actually getting quite hot under the right side of the keyboard!?!
Pros: Keys are nice, feels great to type on.Back-lit keys are well done, and the WASD-only light option is a nice touch. Comment:
I'm afraid this will be the second Zibal 60 I've had to send back. There may be a bad batch of keyboards currently shipping as my friend is having the same issues and ordered at the same time (April, 2012). I have updated all USB drivers, BIOS, etc, with no luck on the detection issue. System works fine on every other keyboard I've used including an Azio Levetron Mech4 keyboard, a Logitech G15, and a wireless i-rocks. Nothing weird about my motherboard either. An ASUS P8Z68-V PRO and running Windows 7 64.QA for these keyboards appears to be terrible/non-existent and Mionix support doesn't seem to be aware of any issues or very willing to help solve issues. Last I was told they were going to check with their 'manufacturer'. If you take a look around you'll find several similar keyboards with Cherry switches and similar casings/jack configurations. Likely this is just a keyboard being made by a Taiwanese manufacturer and re-branded for various sellers and Mionix plays no real part in the design of the product. Not a problem in itself, but means their understanding of their own product is minimal at best. The least they could do, however, is offer to send a replacement. |
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Rating: Review Date: 03/19/12 |
Cons: Slides on desk when using the back support legs
Pros: Nice greenish backlight, comfort, durabilty. Comment:
Had two different Saiteks and a Microsoft before and this one is plain Jane compared to them. No Macro keys, narrower in width and length, but much more solid and heavy. Mechanical keys are less clacky than I would have thought, but very nice and smooth to use. Would recommend if you can bare the cost. |
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Rating: Review Date: 02/07/12 |
Cons: - buttons wearing off very fast. gaming buttons w a s d are most likely affected
Pros: + looks like mionix is sending out replacement keys if you contact them.+ besides the wearing issue this keyboard works fine. Comment:
All buyers please beware. Unfortunately the buttons on this keyboard are wearing off very fast. After just two month of usage i noticed this on the gaming buttons (w a s d). Buttons S and D almost entirely lost their paint. It is a known issue with this keyboard. You should Google for pictures and more information on this. It works, but would not purchase again. I contacted Mionix in hope to get replacement caps. |
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Rating: Review Date: 01/24/12 |
Cons: very slight con: the default is "lights off", and the keyboard has no memory - so everytime I boot up in the morning, I have to put the lights the way I like them. Takes all of 2 seconds every time.
Pros: solid, good feel, love the satisfying click of the type, and no superfluous gadgets: just a good keyboard Comment:
This is a very good keyboard. I have had logitech's before (the models with its own separate LCD screen), and other keyboards with special WASD keys and lots of macros. I never end up gaming with macros, and I never use any of the frills. So this time I wanted a clean, no frills, well built keyboard. And the fact that it is maybe 2 inches less wide than the other ones with macros is something I appreciate in my cramp space. |
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Rating: Review Date: 01/18/12 |
Cons: new brandprice
Pros: machanicalnice lookingbacklit Comment:
ordered this keyboard at xmas but shipping took 2 weeks because stock issue.new brand i never heard before for machanical keyboard products.cherry black switch, backlit,strong cable...etc are that i like.when i got this product, amazing! nice looking, good quality, very comfortable type feeling, perfect for gaming.price is little bit high for a new brand, and if the hand rest is made by no plastic,that could be more than perfect. |
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Rating: Review Date: 12/17/11 |
Cons: No macro keys.Uses a bit more force then any mech keyboards.
Pros: Looks very cool.It's not too loud either and its a good solid keyboard.Very pretty BackLights. Comment:
I bought this keyboard and I'm 100% happy its a good solid comfortable keyboard overall. It would be nice to see more BackLigh t Colors and Macro keys though. |
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Rating: Review Date: 11/30/11 |
Cons: The wristrest is a bit finicky to take on and off, i was afraid i would snap i was too rough with it.
Pros: Very sleek simple, yet classy design.Sturdy and very well built.Excellent for gaming. Comment:
Highly recommended for gamers, the greenish-yellow backlighting is very easy on the eyes, and you cant complain about the awesomeness factor of mechanical+backlit. Very well made keyboard overall. |
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Rating: Review Date: 11/27/11 |
Cons: none as of yet.
Pros: awesome black cherry mx switches.rage proofno windows key below wasdbacklight just perfect. not too bright or too dim Comment:
this keyboard is perfect. nice black keyboard with no extra macro keys. has media function. also backlight is just perfect. very happy with this keyboard. |
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Rating: Review Date: 11/22/11 |
Cons: would have liked a longer cable. i sit further from my computer then most. will have to buy an extension or hub. back lights are not as bright as they could be. Back light does not show anything but the main letters and numbers.
Pros: solid gaming keyboard. does everything i want without too many bells and whistles. Comment:
Bought this after buying a Metadot das for work. Mechanical keyboards are a treat to work with and make a boring work day bearable. Similarly i wanted something for home and gaming. The metadot is cherry brown key and is perfect for typing. i bought this because it is cherry blacks and offer the same pleasure but for gaming. |
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Rating: Review Date: 11/14/11 |
Cons: -if you like very bright backlighting then this isnt it. if you like a nice unique color and just enough to get finger placement in the dark this is for you.-some ppl say they have backspace squeak, ive heard it, its not bad on mine. there are fixes for it and it happens on other mechanical keyboards as well, learn to fix youll be fine-braided cable is so thick i find it a slightly more con then pro (really reaching for cons)
Pros: -mx cherry black (preference, its a big pro to me, no clicky click noises)-mechanical with backlighting. (bright enough in dark light.)-no weird setup of keys, standard nice perfect layout. no extra macro keys on left hand side, throws my typing off-media keys are easily accessible with one left hand.-windows key only on the right hand side of keyboard so no accidental minimization-usb and sound pass throughs on back of keyboard.-wrist rest is nice not highest quality but comfortable-doesnt move on desk, got some weight to it. Comment:
first one i bought up arrow key didnt work. had to return.this one works great, love the backlighting. dont mind it darker i keep it at level 3 all the time. i dont want it brighter.i do alot of gaming and just general use on it. and i find it is amazing. bought at full price, returned, bought at sale price, awesome deal, couldnt be happier. |
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Rating: Review Date: 11/14/11 |
Cons: Not the best backlighting
Pros: Great build quality, great feel, standard basic layout Comment:
This keyboard is awesome. The braided cable is nice, they keystrokes feel great, and the hint of backlighting is enough for what I need. No software needed, no macro keys, just simple and perfect. |
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Rating: Review Date: 11/09/11 |
Cons: The black paint of the keycaps are quick to wear out which is terrible for a backlit illuminated keyboard like this. I've only used the keyboard for a few weeks and some of my keys mainly the WASD are already starting to wear.
Pros: Great looking, VERY durable and high build quality. USB and audio ports are also very handy. Comment:
Great keyboard overall. There are really no problems with this keyboard if you're looking for a quality cherry mx black mech keyboard.The only issue is the black paint wearing out too quickly. Hopefully they can fix this in the future. So if you don't really care about the looks of the keyboard degrading too quickly then this is pretty much the best cherry black keyboard. |
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Rating: Review Date: 11/05/11 |
Cons: -wrist rest looks like flimsy uncomfortable plastic-backspace key sometimes gives a high pitched squeek sound when pressed-keyboard feet are plastic (might not hold the weight of the keyboard; may snap if enough pressure is applied)-if keyboard feet are used, keyboard may shift and not be stable on desk-thick braided cable; not easy to manipulate/bend cabling
Pros: -feels durable-standard keyboard size (no extra buttons, etc)-something that finally fits my keyboard/mouse slide out tray-solid build (put it down and it won't budge from that position)-sickly yellowish-green back light (might be a con for others)-easy on the eyes when viewing keys in dim lighting-key removal tool, easy to use and allow better cleaning of the keyboard Comment:
Overall, I'm very impressed with this keyboard. This is my first mechanical keyboard and cannot comment on how it compares with other switches. Though I have used a mechanical keyboard over 10 years ago (not my own) and I think it used springs. All I remember is that it was loud whenever I typed. This keyboard is noisy with the clicks (but not annoyingly so). But I think it is because I am not used to it yet and still hitting the keys hard and bottom out. If I light tap the keys, the noise is similar to my previous MS keyboard. It is a standard size keyboard with standard keys. No oversized and/or small shrunken keys. Just perfect. I missed these standard keyboards.The backlight is great and does what it's supposed to do. It is dim lit, very easy on the eyes and still have the keys very visible. Brightness setting 2 is my preference as it is still clearly visible in a dark room. Though, there is no save function on the keyboard, so it automatically has the backlight off everytime you shut down and cold boot the system. You will need to set your preferences each time you start your system. People who complain about needing backlight in the day (while in a properly lit room) need to have their eyes examined. There should be no need for it at all. Only time you should see and need a backlight is in a dimly lit or dark room which it does work well.Here's where I knocked a star off the product.Sometimes, the backspace key gives an annoying high pitched squeek when pressed. Like a brief running of a finger nail on the chalk board. The keyboard feet (for anyone who uses them) seem like they will not hold the weight of the keyboard or the pressure if you begin to type on it (they are plastic feet). Also the keyboard will not stay properly in place if the feet are used. The wrist rest doesn't look like it will feel comfortable to use and looks rather cheap (I really don't know as I have a gel wrist rest which I am currently using with this keyboard). The thick braided cable, although nice, is stiff and not very flexible. Makes routing cable a bit of a chore due to its sturdy semi-inflexible nature.The backlight colour may not be to everyone's liking, but the dim back lighting is just perfect in my eyes. |
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Rating: Review Date: 11/04/11 |
Cons: Thick cable
Pros: -Mechanical switches-No noisy click like certain mechanical keyboards using different cherry switches.-Back light that's not distracting-Matt finish for no greasy finger prints-Keyboard layout-Size-Media function keys and 1 key for lighting brightness (1,2,3) and another to turn back light on for the whole keyboard, WASD or Off.-Key cap remover (all mechanical keyboards should come with this)-No wacky tron font (looking at you razer)-Usb and audio ports on the back right side. Comment:
Some people will say the bottom of the keys fade from the back light, This is due to the location of the led on the switch as all mechanical back light boards I've seen have the led located at the top of the switch, so some of the light gets blocked. While he LED's on this keyboard are not super bright for day time back lighting, they get the job done in low light conditions and the normal keyboard font is easy to read during the day.Keyboard surface feels good and its non shiny Matt finish helps allows for better feel and no finger prints.Cherry black switches offer a nice feel without the Click/clack known to mechanical keyboards, Switches register little bit less than half way with no tactile click or audio feedback unless you hammer on the keys causing them to bottom out.Full keyboard layout with compact design. no extra plastic frills just a solid keyboard great for gaming.Great board would defiantly recommend the Mionix over the Razer blackwidow ultimate for mechanical backlit keyboard. |
While moving to mechanical keyboards is definitely worth it, I recommend staying away from this one. The LED system randomly died on me today and that is not an excusable thing for a keyboard that exceeds the $100 mark. This is not the first I've heard of the problems for the Zibal.