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Edifier S300 Tabletop Speaker: Classy Retro Looks,

Moogle Stiltzkin — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 06:43:00 +0800

This is a summarized version of my testing. If you want to check out the full breakdown, high-resolution photos, and detailed analysis, you can check out my full, in-depth article click the link here: Overlord Tech Reviews - Edifier S300 Review: Classy Retro Looks, But Does It Actually Sound Good? - Full Review

Welcome to my hands-on Edifier S300 review, where we take a look into the largest tabletop wireless speaker in the brand’s current lineup.

Most wireless speakers nowadays look like generic gray cylinders or plastic bricks, but the S300 goes full classic with a premium, dense wooden cabinet and heavy, analog-style tactile dials. It clocks in at over 6kg—absolutely zero hollow plastic vibes here.

I’ve set it up on top of my bedroom bedside table drawer. Initially, I was worried the bass would rattle my things, but the MDF cabinet dampens resonance beautifully. (Pro-tip: If you put it on hollow furniture long-term, still put a small foam/anti-vibration mat underneath just to protect the surface and isolate the bass perfectly).

Disclaimer: A huge thank you to Inter-Asia (the official distributor of Edifier Malaysia). I actually won this speaker as a prize from them, and it is much appreciated! As always, all opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own, completely unbiased, and based strictly on my real-world testing and ongoing daily use.

The Android Loophole: Bypassing AirPlay via 96kHz LDAC

The box heavily hypes up Apple AirPlay 2 support, but since I am a pure Android user with a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, I wanted to see how it treats non-iOS devices.
It doesn't have native Spotify Connect or Chromecast built-in, but it compensates with Bluetooth 5.4 and high-resolution LDAC support. I went into my phone's developer options and forced it to 96kHz to emphasize absolute audio quality.

To push the bandwidth, I ran a local streaming network chain:

CODE

[TrueNAS Server on Private LAN] ---> Wi-Fi 7 (6GHz Band) ---> [Samsung S24 Ultra] ---> Bluetooth 5.4 (LDAC 96kHz) ---> [Edifier S300]

Using Metrolist and Navidrome to pull FLAC files from my TrueNAS server, the playback was flawless. Absolutely zero dropouts, stutters, or lag.

Quick Networking & App Catch:

-The App Integration: You connect the speaker to both Bluetooth and your wireless network, and once that is done, you can add it to the Edifier Home App to access custom EQ.

-The Multi-VLAN Problem: Because my media is hosted on a TrueNAS server on my primary private LAN, I couldn't isolate the S300 to a separate IoT VLAN. If I did, my phone wouldn't be able to route the local streaming data unless I manually hopped my phone over to the IoT SSID as well. Keep it on the same subnet as your media server if you do local self-hosted streaming!
Security Lock: The app allows you to toggle a lock next to your phone’s name. Once toggled on, it padlocks the connection to your phone only. Neighbors within a 10m range cannot hijack or pair with your speaker while you are asleep.

-UI/Power Standby: The app has a sleep timer (5m, 15m, 30m, 1h, 3h) and the hardware auto-powers down after 15 minutes of silence to save electricity. It wakes back up with a mere 1-second delay when you hit play. Note that you can only wake it up via the physical knob or the bundled remote—if it's fully off, the app can't scan it to turn it back on. Also, the app's pull-down refresh gesture only works when the speaker is powered on and connected.

Sound Performance & Genre Testing

This beast pushes 80W RMS through a 5.5-inch aluminum mid-bass driver and titanium dome tweeters. Even at just 50% volume, it easily fills a medium-to-large room with rich, effortless sound.

I tested it across rock, hip-hop, rap, techno, and jazz—all sounded great. Crisp treble and punchy sub-bass speed. However, the default "Dynamic" mode out of the box was way too boomy for a bedroom drawer setup. I flipped it to Customized EQ in the app and dialed in these verified settings to balance the audio whether I'm lying flat in bed or standing up:

QUOTE

62Hz: +3.0dB (Deep punchy bass)

250Hz: +1.5dB (Tamed down to remove hollow furniture mud)

1kHz: +1.5dB (Natural vocal base)

4kHz: +3.0dB (Boosted presence so vocals carry cleanly off-axis when standing up)

8kHz: +2.0dB (Crisp cymbals)

16kHz: 0.0dB / Flat (Prevents ear fatigue or piercing sibilance in bed)

Minor Cons to Note:

-No Left/Right Channel Separation: Since it's an all-in-one box, don't buy this intending to use it as near-field desktop PC monitors. It lacks a wide stereo soundstage for that. It’s strictly built to fill a room with ambient music from a single spot.

-Stuck on BT 5.4: Misses out on the latest Bluetooth 6.0 features like Channel Sounding (centimeter tracking) or ISOAL layer refinements (7ms gaming latency). Doesn't affect music listening, but worth noting for future-proofing.

-No Internal Battery: It is an AC-only wall plug unit. (If you want portability, look at the sister model Edifier ES300, which has a battery but drops output to 60W compared to the S300's heavier 80W power).

-The Power Dial Glow: The prominent orange LED ring around the power dial mimics a vintage valve amp. It looks beautiful, but it cannot be turned off. If you like a pitch-black bedroom, keep this ambient glow in mind.

Final Verdict: 4.5 / 5 Stars

If you want a classy, retro, and aesthetically pleasing indoor tabletop speaker that easily fills a large room with highly enjoyable music quality, I can highly recommend this.

Even though it’s designed to stay in one place, it's not too heavy. I already have big plans to pack it back into its original box and carry it over to my family home for Christmas dinner and Chinese New Year gatherings. Goodbye flat, thin TV speakers—this is going to anchor our holiday music perfectly.

Let me know if anyone else has paired this with an Android flagship or ran a similar local network server setup! Happy to answer any questions about the app or EQ.

X-raypad Aqua Control Pro Black Soft: S Tier ?, Review - Size XL Square

Moogle Stiltzkin — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 07:20:20 +0800

This is a summarized version of my testing. If you want to check out the full breakdown, high-resolution photos, and detailed analysis, you can check out my full, in-depth article click the link here: Overlord Tech Reviews - X-raypad Aqua Control Pro Black Soft Review: The Sweet Spot for Tactical Shooters - Full Review

Disclaimer: Thank you to Xray-Pad for providing the review sample, it is much appreciated! As always, all opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own, unbiased, and based on my real-world testing.

X-raypad Aqua Control Pro Black Soft: S Tier Control for the Malaysian Climate?

My hands on experience after putting the new X-raypad Aqua Control Pro Black Soft (500x500mm) through its paces. I am primarily a wrist and finger player grinding Valorant and Apex Legends, running a 1600 DPI mouse configuration paired with a low 1.0 in game sensitivity setting at a wireless 8000Hz polling rate on my Royal Kludge RK MG5. Because my aiming mechanics rely on micro movements rather than massive arm sweeps, I wanted to see how this premium Σ honeycomb polyurethane base holds up under tactical load. Given how brutal our local Malaysian humidity can be on traditional cloth mats, I was really curious to see if this layout lives up to the enthusiast hype.

Here is a quick breakdown of my findings after weeks of testing.

1. The Size and Layout Footprint

At 500x500mm, this mousepad takes up a massive square footprint on your desk. Realistically, a giant canvas of this size is primarily intended for heavy handed users who rely on exceptionally wide arm sweeps across their workspace to reset their crosshairs. Because I mostly use my wrist and fingers to aim, I do not actually utilize the full vertical height of the mat. However, having that extra space serves as an incredible safety net, ensuring you never run out of tracking room during chaotic close quarter gunfights.

If you rest your forearm flat on the pad, the rough, abrasive texture will cause some skin chafing over long sessions. I completely bypassed this physical discomfort by using my chair armrest to support my arm weight and shifting my mouse position slightly lower from vertical dead center.

2. The Surface: Uncoated Hybrid, Micro-Control Amundsen Cloth

Unlike the printed Neon versions which use heat pressed sublimation inks that eventually wear down into sluggish slow spots, the solid Black version uses a completely raw, non-heat-treated texture profile. Out of the box, initial static friction is incredibly low, meaning your mouse moves instantly from a complete standstill with zero muddy resistance, which is absolute heaven for micro adjustments and head clicking in tactical shooters.

The biggest win for us in Malaysia? It completely repels ambient moisture and arm sweat. Where premium pads like the Artisan Zero absorb humidity like a sponge and get sticky halfway through a match, the Aqua Control Pro stays completely dry and uniform. I even did a fluid test by spilling water on it, and it dried back to a completely unblemished state using just a handheld air blower.

3. The Σ Honeycomb Polyurethane Base and Skates Interaction

The interlocking hexagon pattern on the backing layout acts like microscopic suction cups, locking onto the desk flawlessly. The 4mm Soft variant sits in the perfect middle ground between a fast baseline glide and mechanical braking power when you deliberately press down into the plush foam.

However, your hardware pairings require careful deliberation here. I tested this with aftermarket X-raypad Obsidian dot skates featuring a 6.0mm diameter and a 0.85mm thickness profile. While dot skates are officially not recommended by X-raypad for their Soft or Xsoft bases due to their tiny surface footprint, I did find them completely usable for my specific playstyle since I use a fairly gentle grip and naturally glide the mouse lightly. However, because dot skates concentrate weight onto tiny points, if you do happen to apply heavy downward pressure during intense gunfights you may encounter a noticeable plowing issue. The dots can plunge deeply enough into the 4mm soft foam that the plastic underbelly of the mouse can scrape against the fabric weave creating an unpleasant scratching noise, which matches the manufacturer warnings regarding dot configurations on soft foam.

The easiest solution if you want to keep using dots is to scale up your layout from a standard 6 dot setup to a balanced 8 dot configuration to distribute that downward force more evenly across the base shell. Alternatively, if you want an optimal experience straight out of the box without manual dot tuning, switching to wide universal donut skates is highly recommended because their ring shape creates a stable snowshoe weight distribution physics effect. If you find you still need a smidgen more velocity, the community highly recommends Jade skates as a slightly faster baseline tuning choice.

4. Custom Software Settings and Mouse Calibration

On the software side, if you are running a standard low count dot skate layout, you will want to configure a 2.0mm Lift-Off Distance (LOD) safety net in your mouse driver so the sensor never stutters when the foam compresses. If you optimize your footprint with 8 dots or donuts, you can drop it back to a competitive 1.0mm LOD without issue. I also recommend setting up dual driver profiles to run 8000Hz polling rate for competitive gaming, and swapping down to 1000Hz for desktop tasks to prevent high polling rate battery drain.

Summary: S-Tier Performance

Pros: S-tier material consistency across months of use, exceptional tropical humidity resistance, flush edge stitching, and an incredibly secure geometric desk grip.

Cons: Highly abrasive on bare skin if your arm rests flat, and requires careful skate layout tuning to prevent shallow dots from plowing.

DeltaHub Carpio G2.0 Gaming Wrist Rest Review,

Moogle Stiltzkin — Sun, 20 Sep 2026 09:03:46 +0800

This is a summarized version of my testing. If you want to check out the full breakdown, high-resolution photos, and detailed analysis, you can check out my full, in-depth article click the link here: Overlord Tech Reviews - DeltaHub Carpio G2.0 : Two Weeks of Adapting for a Lifetime of Strain Relief? - Full Review

Disclaimer: Thank you to Inter-Asia (the official distributor of Edifier Malaysia) for providing the review sample, it is much appreciated! As always, all opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own, unbiased, and based on my real-world testing.

Strapping a piece of contoured silicone to your palm feels completely unnatural at first, but the DeltaHub Carpio G2.0 gambles on the idea that a few days of awkward adaptation is a small price to pay for long-term joint health. In this DeltaHub Carpio G2.0 review, we dive into whether this unique gaming wrist rest actually delivers on its ergonomic promises.

For context, I’m testing the Carpio G2.0 Large, Right, black colored version (20g) paired with a Royal Kludge MG5 mouse (modded with frosted X-Raypad Obsidian control dots). I thoroughly tested this setup across two very different surfaces: a textured X-Raypad Aqua Control Pro Black (Soft, XL Square) hybrid cloth mat and a custom Redragon glass mouse pad.

Picture

The Carpio G2.0 with RK MG5 mouse, with obsidian dot skates, and the Xray-pad Aqua control Pro black extra large square

Proof that i do have a condition from palm wear due to over use of gaming mouse over the years. Mostly sore palms and stiff wrist.

Here is the quick breakdown of what you actually need to know before buying one:

1. The Good: Legit Ergonomics & Pain Relief

If you suffer from regular palm or wrist strain after long hours of gaming, the anatomical shape here actually works. Instead of compressing your carpal tunnel like standard plush wrist rests, it arches over the nerve and shifts all the downward force onto the tough, muscular pads of your palm (thenar/hypothenar eminences). The palm pressure relief was completely immediate for me (probably because my palms have been hurting without any respite before i had this).

2. The Bad: The Brutal 2-Week Break-In Phase

Truthfully, the first few days will make you want to throw this device across the room. Because it forces your hand into an elevated posture, it completely breaks years of wrist-pivoting muscle memory. You have to learn to aim from the elbow and shoulder.

Compounding this was a rough initial surface friction on fabric. Testing the wide stock PTFE skates completely on their own without a mouse against the textured hybrid X-Raypad produced a noticeable chafing sensation, kind of like writing with chalk on a chalkboard.

3. Game Performance: Micro-Consistency vs. Comfort

When it comes to actual in-game performance, your accuracy will likely take a hit during the first week as your brain fights the new movement mechanics. Because the mouse is set up with specialized control dots for a highly tactile brake feel while the wrist rest introduces a steady feeling of resistance on the hybrid pad, there is a clear friction discrepancy.

I'm not entirely sure what professional esports players would think about this slight profile mismatch, as they rely on absolute, microscopic consistency for their pixel-perfect aim. However, as a casual gamer, I found it was still perfectly playable once the adaptation period passed. The clever magnetic strap handles intense tracking and slight mouse lifts without breaking a sweat, provided you dial in the clip tension. It is a rare piece of ergonomic gear that legitimately addresses physical strain without getting in the way of everyday gaming.

4. Real-World Performance & Surface Pairing

Thankfully, in actual practice on the hybrid mat, most of your hand pressure is concentrated on the mouse itself rather than the wrist rest. This weight distribution reduces the downward force on the Carpio, keeping the drag within tolerable limits. After the initial break in, the frosted Obsidian mouse dots slightly buff out the rough mat fibers while the pad polishes down the factory edges of the Carpio skates, settling into a perfectly acceptable level of glide.

The story changes entirely on the custom Redragon glass pad. While it glides smoothly out of the gate, hard glass surfaces act like sandpaper on stock Teflon. If you plan to main a glass pad with the Carpio, you absolutely need to factor in the reality that the stock PTFE skates will wear down quickly under the friction. You will want to budget for separate, ultra-durable glass feet to handle that tracking environment long-term.

When weighing these two options, a quality cloth or cloth-hybrid pad is easily the best choice for most people. Opting for a standard fabric surface ensures that the Carpio's default PTFE skates will last significantly longer, saving you from the extra expense and hassle of constantly replacing worn-down feet.

5. Final Conclusion

Think of the Carpio G2.0 less like a cozy mouse accessory and more like orthopedic medical footwear, but designed specifically for your wrists. Just like specialized medical insoles or rigid support shoes, it physically forces your anatomy into a strictly corrected, healthy alignment. It isn’t meant to offer instant, plush comfort out of the box, it demands an adaptation period to break in the materials and rewire your movement habits.

If you are willing to push through the initial awkward hand elevation and give the dual-skate break-in process two full weeks, the long-term joint protection is completely worth it. It effectively eliminates nagging post-game wrist aches, and on standard cloth mats, the broken-in tracking performance is just fine. However, keep in mind that even the best orthopedic gear isn't a magical cure-all; you still need to take regular screen breaks and actively stretch your hands to stay pain-free over the long haul.

Quick Pros & Cons Summary

Pros: Immediate carpal tunnel pressure relief; lightweight 20g frame; reliable magnetic strap security; typing with it on feels natural.

Cons: Annoying hand elevation adjustment period; harsh out-of-the-box friction on hybrid mats before breaking it in; stock skates wear down quickly on glass surfaces; you have to take it off completely if you want to eat or hold a drink mug.

[GUIDE] Block social media with OpenWRT,

sitescope — Sat, 19 Sep 2026 11:01:56 +0800

Hi,
I’ve just successfully implemented a social media blocking mechanism using OpenWrt installed on a MERCUSYS MR70X router. You can use any router as long as it supports OpenWrt.

Most of the current routers with stock firmware that I’ve surveyed on the market have parental control features, but they don’t allow you to block specific social media services using multiple schedules within the same day.

For example, I want to:
Block: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Allow: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Block: 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Allow: After 10:00 PM

Some routers may support multiple schedules, but the schedule usually applies to blocking the entire Internet. That is not what I want.

My setup:
• Router: MERCUSYS MR70X v1.2/US (stock firmware v1.1.0)
• OpenWrt: v25.12.2

I’ll skip the guide on how to flash the OpenWrt factory.bin file into the MR70X because the process is quite straightforward using the Firmware Upgrade option in the stock UI.
Now, here’s the guide on how to block social media.

1. Log in to the router as root
Log in to the OpenWrt router using the LuCI web interface with the root account.

2. Create an IP Set
Go to: Network > Firewall > IP Sets > Add
Configure it as follows:
• Name: block_media
• Family: IPv4
• Leave the other settings unchanged.
• Click Save and then Save & Apply.

3. Add the social media FQDNs
Go to: Network > DNS > IP Sets > Add
Configure it as follows:
• Name of the set: block_media
• FQDN: Enter the FQDNs/domains for the social media services you want to block.
For example, you can add the required FQDNs for Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, etc.
You can also use ChatGPT to help identify the relevant FQDNs/domains for each service.

» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «

• Leave the other settings unchanged
• Click Save and then Save & Apply.
Repeat the above steps for each social media service you want to block.

4. Create the firewall traffic rule
Go to: Network > Firewall > Traffic Rules > Add
Under General Settings, configure:
• Name: Block_Media_Afternoon
• Protocol: Any
• Source zone: LAN
• Destination zone: WAN

Then go to Advanced Settings:
• Use ipset: block_media
• Leave the other settings unchanged.
• click Save and then Save & Apply.

Next, go to Time Restrictions and set your desired blocking schedule.

For example, you can configure the rule to block social media during the afternoon while allowing access during other times.
If you have additional schedules, click Clone and modify the days and time according to your requirements.
Finally, click Save and then Save & Apply.
Reboot the router.

That’s it. The firewall rule will block the IP addresses resolved from the FQDNs in the block_media IP set according to the schedule you configured.

Note:
I’m using this setup on a secondary router because I don’t want to affect the configuration or normal usage of my primary router.
Primary router:
• Used by normal household devices
• IP address: 192.168.1.10
Secondary router:
• Used only by my kid's devices
• WAN IP: 192.168.1.20
• LAN IP: 192.168.2.10
Setting up a secondary router is quite easy.
I simply bought a cheap second-hand router that supports OpenWrt (list of supported router) and configured it as the secondary router.
How to connect the two routers
Use a LAN cable: Primary router LAN port → Secondary router WAN port
So, connect one end of the LAN cable to any LAN port on the primary router, then connect the other end to the WAN port on the secondary router.
With this setup, devices connected to the primary router will continue to work normally, while the devices connected to the secondary OpenWrt router will be subject to the social media blocking rules.

Hope above helps...

Edifier X2 Pro Review: The Mid-Range Killer?, Wireless earbuds

Moogle Stiltzkin — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 07:47:16 +0800

This is a summarized version of my testing. If you want to check out the full breakdown, high-resolution photos, and detailed analysis, you can check out my full, in-depth article click the link here: Overlord Tech Reviews - Edifier X2 Pro Full Review

Disclaimer: Thank you to Inter-Asia (the official distributor of Edifier Malaysia) for providing the review sample, it is much appreciated! As always, all opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own, unbiased, and based on my real-world testing.

Premium audio features used to demand a premium price tag, but as our Edifier X2 Pro review reveals, the boundary between mid-range performance and entry-level budgeting has officially been erased.

Edifier X2 Pro: Key Features & Overview

Active Noise Cancellation: Features built-in digital electronic ANC to visibly reduce environmental background noise, alongside an Ambient Sound mode to hear your surroundings.

Large Titanium Drivers: Equipped with 11mm titanium-coated dynamic speaker drivers designed to deliver punchy bass and clear high frequencies.
Upgraded Wireless Protocol: Powered by a Bluetooth 6.0 engine that supports dual-device Multipoint connection (switching instantly between two active devices) and Google Fast Pair.

Extended Playback Capacity: Delivers up to 49 total hours of reserve battery power with noise cancellation disabled, or up to 44 hours of total use when ANC is turned on.

Fast Charge Delivery: Includes a rapid quick-charge feature where a brief 15-minute plug-in provides 5 full hours of continuous audio playback.
Durable Design: Carries a certified IP55 rating ensuring protection against dust accumulation and splashes of water during workouts or outdoor use.

Edifier X2 Pro Technical Specifications at a Glance

Feature /Technical Details
Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 6.0
Driver Size: 11mm titanium-coated dynamic driver
Audio Coding: SBC
Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
Output Sound Pressure Level: 94 ± 3dB (A)
Noise Cancellation Modes: ANC ON, ANC OFF, and Ambient Sound
Battery Life (ANC OFF): Up to 13 hours (Earbuds) + 36 hours (Case) = 49 hours total
Battery Life (ANC ON): Up to 11.5 hours (Earbuds) + 32.5 hours (Case) = 44 hours total
Charging Port: USB-C Port on case (Includes USB-A to USB-C charging cable)
Fast Charging: 15-minute charge provides 5 hours of playback
Low Latency: Game Mode reduces delay down to 50ms
Ingress Protection: IP55 dust and water resistance (Earbuds only)
App Compatibility: Edifier ConneX App

Unboxing and First Impressions: What’s in the Box?

It looked like what you would typically expect for a so called entry level earbud. But later in the review, I will be surprised by the audio quality and other features in software this thing can do. Looks are deceiving. Not that it looks bad, it's just what we are used to.

The Budget Benchmark: Redefining What Entry-Level Means

Parts of the earbud package remind you why it's an entry level. Like though case is USB type c, the cable itself is a short usb c to type a.

The audio codec is SBC. No high fidelity LDAC.

So story ends here right? Not quite. Because though it may not have brought some of the features typically found on higher end ear buds to the entry level, they did however bring some mid range features like blue tooth 6.0 so I can pair these earbuds simultaneously to 2 devices e.g. smartphone and pc. Or smartphone and smart watch (for the Gym).

The audio quality was also good (much better sounding than something i would consider entry level), which I'll cover more in a bit.

They also added extras like AI voice translation, ear protection features, Customised 10-band EQ, and Active Noice Cancelling.

Weightless Wear: Aesthetic and Everyday Comfort

The earbud stem tip default were Medium sized. These fit fine into my ear canal and stuck in place even during my work out session at gym doing weight lifting and thread mill. It did not get loose even during intense movement, and was perfectly snug and comfortable to wear.

Included in the box were also extra Small, Medium, and Large earbud tips, so I would suggest you try the other sizes to find the perfect fir for you. You need it so it perfect sits snug in your ear canal and does a proper seal for the ANC feature (active noise cancelling).

The earbuds have anti bacterial properties which is great.

When testing at the gym, i was using it paired to my Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra smartphone, and a Samsung Galaxy Ultra Watch. Smartphone was playing my music, while the watch had the AI Gym trainer telling me my reps etc. The earbuds seamlessly navigated between the 2 devices actively feeding me audio e.g. music will play except when the watch is telling me something about my gym activity like reps etc. So it will switch seamlessly between the 2, so yes that worked. The ANC features were also effective as well at the gym.

Pocket-Sized Power: Case Design and Portability

The earbud case is compact and can easily fit in your pocket, also is light weight so it's fine for mobility.

It comes in a few different colors, Black, White, Mint Green, and Pink.

It has a massive 49 hours of total reserve power when running with the noise cancellation turned off. Even when you activate the electronic Active Noise Cancellation, the case provides an outstanding 44 hours of total playback time before you need to hunt for a wall outlet.

The case has a type c port to connect a cable to charge it.

Inside the case there is a small button, this is use for bluetooth pairing. Leave the earbuds in the case, then press and hold the button for 3 seconds, then the light on the case will show, let go, then check your client device to pair it on bluetooth, it should appear in the list to select from.

Edifier X2 Pro Audio Performance: Punchy Bass on a Budget

Despite the technical reality of running strictly on a basic, standard SBC audio codec, the physical audio hardware on the Edifier X2 Pro tells a completely different story. Edifier has packed massive 11mm titanium-coated dynamic drivers into these compact housings. The larger physical driver size allows the earbuds to push a surprisingly deep, immersive, and incredibly punchy bass response that serves as an unexpected delight.

Especially the bass, I was very impressive how well the bass was on these earbuds.

I tested it on all sorts of music, jazz, rock, r&b, etc. Nothing sounded bad to me.

In the Edifier Connex app for setting up the earbuds, they have a few sound effects, and modes.

For sound effects there was, Edifier, dynamic, vocal, bass boost, custom EQ.

Then for modes there is music, game and spatial.

Edifier effect is basically just flat with no enchancements. Vocal and bass boost is easy to understand. Custom EQ you can adjust to what you feel sounds best. But what sounded best to me, was the dynamic. Edifier tweaked the dynamic sound effect enhancement to make the music sound rich, impactful and have depth.

Next for modes, music sounded best. Even for games, i preferred music, but you needed the lowest possible latency, you can then try games. But even with music i found latency just fine. Spatial I tested for anime Youjo Senki Season 2 episode 1. I felt music mode was better for me, since the character vocal dialogues sounded better also with the overall sounds.

Active Noise Cancellation: Managing the Three Modes

The ANC modes are ANC off, ANC on, and ambient sounds. Ambient meaning it pics up the surrounding sounds and lets you hear it. ANC is it reduces environment noise.

Is ANC effective? If you expect 0 sound, this doesn't do that. What it does is, reduce the environmental sounds around you. For example, I have a ceiling, wall fan, and a noise homelab truenas server nearby with fans blowing. With ANC on, rather than hear those loud noises, it kills off like 90-99% off it, and all i have left is just feeling the wind blow on me. So yes for me it was effective.

But that doesn't mean the ANC was perfect. I noticed that when my robot vacuum was blowing the dust into the dust bag at the dock after completing it's clean session, ANC didn't block out most of that loud sound. So there are stuff it can miss. But most of the time it did do a good job. This is after all an entry level so I don't expect perfection, but what it still did, I was still impressed and it does make a difference for me to actually use it. So no it isn't useless, it's practical for the ANC features.

Edifier ConneX App: Customization & Safety Features

One of the biggest features I appreciated was the ear safety features. You can cap volume e.g. 80db or 85db So once you set it, even if you try to max your volume on client devices, it won't allow you to exceed the earbud volume beyond the limit you set.

It also has time usage reminders, e.g. I can set the reminder to 30minutes, an hour or longer, then it will periodically pause sound and tell me I should rest my ears and stop using ear buds.

The Hidden Gem: Real-World AI Voice Translation

They added free AI voice translation that is not hidden behind a paywall/subscription based system. It's used with a smartphone.

While for long sentences I found it to be a hit or miss, but if you kept your sentences short and spoken clearly, it does work.

Edifier X2 Pro Battery Life & Charging Speeds

Charging speed was very fast. You can leave the earbuds in the case for 15 minutes and you should get enough charge for 5 hours usage.

Verdict: Should You Buy the Edifier X2 Pro?

The Edifier X2 Pro shifts the goalposts for entry-level true wireless audio by injecting a massive array of features typically locked behind premium price structures. While the physical build compromises map to its budget tier, the sheer functional return makes it an easy recommendation.

If you don’t already own true wireless earbuds, or even if you do but you are thoroughly unsatisfied with their performance, the X2 Pro serves as an exceptionally reliable upgrade. As long as you don’t mind the absence of a few higher-end specs—like high-fidelity audio codecs or premium glass hardware chassis surfaces—this ecosystem delivers exactly what everyday listeners value most for all-round general use. It functions as an incredibly dependable daily driver for standard music listening and immersive multimedia consumption, offering substantial environmental isolation whether you are utilizing the active noise cancellation indoors against spinning ceiling fans or outdoors while crossing a busy highway walking bridge.

Furthermore, it excels as an intentional tool for ear protection thanks to its strict, built-in 80dB app volume limiter, backed up by an exceptionally decent battery life pool that completely eliminates standard daily low-power anxieties. When your battery eventually runs down to zero, the very good fast-charging mechanics quickly recover hours of playback from a brief 15-minute case rest, ensuring you are never left hanging. When you combine these core hardware capabilities with premium software surprises like the free AI Voice Translation features, you get a stellar, highly practical value benchmark that punches far above its price tag.

For myself, if I didn't want to spend much and I wanted earbuds that were good value, yes I would totally recommend this.

RK M20 Review: A 2-in-1 Mechanical Numpad,

Moogle Stiltzkin — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 05:56:08 +0800

This is a summarized version of my testing. If you want to check out the full breakdown (more pics, more video demos, more insights with extended elaboration), you can check out my full, in-depth review article click the link here

Thank you Royal Kludge (rkgaming.shop) for providing review sample. The thoughts and opinions are my own.

Compact keyboards are great for saving desk space, but they leave office professionals and work-from-home workers stranded without a dedicated number pad. The RK Royal Kludge M20 aims to solve this dilemma by introducing a tri-mode wireless mechanical numpad that doubles instantly as a standalone 10-digit mechanical calculator. For anyone sporting a 60% or 75% desk setup who still handles heavy data entry, this budget-friendly peripheral aims to give you the best of both worlds.

The real question is whether this gasket-mounted mechanical keypad offers a good typing experience or if its built-in LCD screen is merely a flashy distraction. In our detailed RK M20 review, we dive deep into its switches, check the actual wireless battery endurance, and evaluate whether it truly earns its place in your daily workflow.

Specifications

QUOTE

Core Architecture

Device Type: 2-in-1 wireless mechanical numpad and standalone desktop calculator.

Layout Structure: 17-key numeric cluster utilizing a 21-key matrix layout mapping via secondary layers.

Mounting Style: Gasket structure designed to reduce noise and enhance overall typing feel.

Sound Dampening: 5-layer internal acoustic system featuring an IXPE switch underpad, PET middle board foam, a sound-absorbing foam pad, and dual sound-absorbing silicone layers.

Connectivity & Power

Connection Modes: Tri-mode versatility supporting Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz wireless, and stable USB-C wired connections.

Battery Capacity: 1000mAh rechargeable built-in lithium-ion battery.

Battery Endurance: Up to 50 hours of continuous wireless workflow with the RGB lighting turned off.

Charging Time: Approximately 2.5 hours to full charge via the dedicated USB-C interface.

Switches & Customization

Hot-Swappable PCB: Universal hot-swap sockets supporting both 3-pin and 5-pin custom mechanical switches.

Stock Switches: Factory pre-lubed linear options designed for immediate, smooth out-of-the-box performance.

Keycap Material: High-durability, fade-resistant double-shot PBT keycaps.

Interface & Display

LCD Display Panel: Built-in 10-digit monochrome LCD screen displaying active operation statuses and active calculation formulas.

Multifunction Control Knob: 3-position mode toggle wheel designed to switch between Numpad mode, Calculator mode, and Power/Volume control.

Backlighting Modes: Integrated 16.8 million-color RGB lighting featuring 5 dynamic preset illumination modes.

Ergonomics & Compatibility

OS Compatibility: Fully plug-and-play compatible with both Windows and macOS systems.

Physical Dimensions: Compact footprint measuring 93.2 mm x 155.8 mm x 38.5 mm.

Pics

Design & Build Quality: More Than Just a Numpad

The standout feature of the M20 is its 2-in-1 functionality. With the flip of a switch, it transforms from a PC input device into a standalone calculator (basica calculator), complete with a crisp 10-digit LCD display. The knob only had 3 mode toggles. 2 being for calculator with or without RGB, and the last being for numpad with rgb by default. You can turn off RGB for numpad if you want.

RK didn't skimp on the materials either. It features durable, texture-rich PBT and doubleshot keycaps with side prints and comes in a variety of clean colorways. Under the hood, the switches provide a smooth typing experience right out of the box. It has the Sound Dampening: 5-layer making typing on it silent to type on. More so depending on which switches you use, cream or violet.

Premium Feel & Seamless Connectivity

Tri-Mode Wireless Freedom: Whether you prefer the low-latency speed of 2.4GHz wireless, the multi-device convenience of Bluetooth, or a traditional USB-C wired connection, the M20 handles it seamlessly. Though you should only use wireless or bluetooth. The wired is only to charge or use while it's charging. Do not use it wired all the time.

Gasket-Mounted Sound & Feel:

Typing on the M20 feels incredibly premium. Thanks to its gasket-mounted structure, it delivers a cushioned, flexible typing experience accompanied by a deep, satisfying acoustic profile that eliminates harsh metallic pinging. It has either cream or violet switches. This review sample uses cream but i've used violet switches so I can give you my feedback. Both are linear switches. Cream has that creamy sound profile and very enjoyable to type on. Violet has a rubbery feel when you bottom out, not in a bad way but that's how i felt typing on it. It was quite comfortable. Both are silent though violet more so.

Battery & Aesthetics:

It has a 1000 mAh battery, it also features customizable RGB backlighting to add a vibrant pop of color to your workspace. Depending on rgb use, it can last between 50 to 18 continuous hours. Takes 2.5 hours to fully recharge. The numpad will auto sleep when not in use.

Software

Made a correction in my full review. There is indeed software for it. The web driver does not support. But it does support the HUB driver which is the app you install on your pc. You can change profiles, reprogram keys, setup macros, adjust sleep timer, adjust brightness, select rgb effect, or update the firmware. I can connect wirelessly to the app though if you do want to update firmware, only do so via wired.

The Quick Verdict
Pros: Independent calculator mode, smooth gasket-mounted typing feel, flexible tri-mode connectivity, , premium doubleshot PBT keycaps; 5 layers of sound dampening. Pleasant to type on and quiet also.

Cons: Basic calculator. Weight. Depends whether you like wireless or not. Some people preferred wired only so you don't have to deal with constant recharging.

Who is this for? and do I recommend it

It's for people that need numpad but don't have a keyboard with a numpad. Example, I use a RK C87 which is 10 keyless. Keyboard is nice, but I really miss numpad. This RK M20 solves that.

Then why not just buy a 100% layout or keyboard with numpad to begin with? Good point. But maybe, some people for some reason need a compact and light weight keyboard for their requirements. But when they are back home or office, they need numpad. This is for those people primarily.

Though it has a calculator, it's basic. I wouldn't suggest buying it simply for that, since you can get a proper scientific calculator if that's you need.

The main reason is, you cannot do without numpad because you type numbers often. Maybe your job requires long hours of typing with numbers, numpads make this less strainful for doing so. In my full review I made a video to demonstrate that.

Yes i recommend, but only, if you need numpad. I notice on shopee this sells quite well, so I imagine many people stuck in this predicament they need numpad for quality of life probably at the workplace. This numpad is definitely well designed for that purpose. If the RGB annoys you, just turn it off, It will also extend the battery life as well.,

Edifier MR3 Review: The New Budget King of Desktop,

Moogle Stiltzkin — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 05:42:37 +0800

This is a summarized version of my testing. If you want to check out the full breakdown, high-resolution photos, detailed soundstage analysis, and exact pricing breakdowns, you can check out my full, in-depth article click the link here: Overlord Tech Reviews - Edifier MR3 Full Review

Disclaimer: Thank you to Inter-Asia (the official distributor of Edifier Malaysia) for providing the review sample, it is much appreciated! As always, all opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own, unbiased, and based on my real-world testing.

If you are looking for an honest in-depth Edifier MR3 Review, you already know most desktop speakers priced under RM460 make a big compromise: they either look cool but sound cheap, or they try to hide bad sound quality by turning up the bass so much that everything sounds muddy.

As someone who uses Edifier’s premium QR65 speakers on my desk, I already know the company is great at making loud, flashy speakers packed with cool features. That is exactly why testing the budget-friendly Edifier MR3, which goes for around RM459 on Shopee, was such a surprise. Instead of trying to match the heavy, booming bass or the glowing lights of its more expensive siblings, the MR3 focuses entirely on crisp vocal clarity and clean, honest sound. Let’s break down how this budget speaker performs when you strip away all the usual distractions.

Here is my quick breakdown and review after putting them through their paces on my desk.

The Quick Specs

Drivers: 3.5-inch mid-low drivers polypropylene + 1-inch silk dome tweeters
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.4, TRS Balanced, RCA, 3.5mm AUX
Controls: Front-facing volume knob, power switch, and headphone jack
App Support: Works with the Edifier ConneX App (EQ switching)

The Pros

Modern Bluetooth 5.4: Connection is rock solid. Unlike the older MR4 (which lacked BT completely in its base version), the MR3 connects instantly to phones or laptops with zero noticeable audio lag during casual videos.
Front Panel Convenience: Having the volume knob, power switch, and a dedicated headphone jack right on the front of the active speaker makes daily desk use so much easier.
Surprisingly Detailed Mids & Highs: For a speaker at this price bracket, acoustic tracks, vocals, and podcasts sound incredibly crisp and clear. The acoustic isolation pads included in the box are a great touch to reduce desk vibration.
App Customization: Being able to swap between "Monitor" (flat) and "Music" (slightly boosted) modes via the Edifier ConneX app adds good versatility.

note: The front knob you can press to toggle between "monitor" -red led, "music" - green led and "custom equalizer" -white led modes.

The Cons

Bass Roll-Off: Due to the smaller 3.5-inch drivers, don't expect deep, room-shaking sub-bass. If you are an EDM head or want explosive movie explosions, you will notice the lack of low-end punch.
Plastic Build Vibe: While the matte finish looks clean, the speaker housing definitely feels lighter and more "plastic-heavy" compared to the heavier MDF wood cabinets of older Edifier models. To be more specific, the front face cover is plastic (though it looks nice), while the rest is MDF. Personally I think it looks fine, especially at this budget price.

The Verdict
If you are looking for an affordable, compact pair of desktop speakers for a tight setup, gaming, or casual video editing, the Edifier MR3 is an absolute steal. It fixes the connectivity gaps of the older MR4 by adding Bluetooth 5.4, while keeping that clean, accurate sound signature. Just don't buy it expecting massive bass.

Yes these get a strong recommendation from me especially for good value money money speakers such as these.

However, the bluetooth is not for High fidelity like is possible for my Edifier QR65. The bluetooth 5.4 for the MR3 is more for access to the mobile app, or for casual listening when using bluetooth. If you used the RCA wired connection, audio is high fidelity so that is absolutely fine.

According to other reviewers, the older MR4 is often said to sound a smidgen better for pure studio monitor work. I don't own the MR4 myself to do a side-by-side test, but after doing some deep research into the technical differences, here is how the data breaks down:

QUOTE

Edifier MR4 (Classic):

Frequency Response Range: Tops out at a traditional 60Hz to 20kHz. It completely lacks the extended 40kHz treble range required to pass the official Japanese Audio Society "Hi-Res Audio" certification standard.

Internal Hardware: It utilizes a Texas Instruments ADC and Class-D amplifier chipset with an SNR of up to 99dB. However, its internal digital processing architecture operates on a lower-resolution 48kHz audio sampling workflow, rather than the true high-resolution stream managed by the newer MR3.

Edifier MR3 (Newer):

Wired Audio Tech: Features full Hi-Res Audio Certification over wired connections. Its updated digital signal processor (DSP) natively processes full 24-bit/96kHz high-fidelity audio and extends the frequency ceiling up to 40kHz to catch finer harmonic details.

On paper, it seems strange that people still rank the MR4 higher for studio monitoring when the MR3 clearly packs superior high-fidelity wired tech. But the answer comes down to pure physics:

The MR4 features a larger 4-inch driver housed in a dense MDF wood cabinet, whereas the MR3 drops down to a smaller 3.5-inch driver. In acoustics, a larger cone moves more air, which naturally gives the MR4 a flatter, deeper lower-midrange and bass response. For critical music mixing, that physical bass accuracy matters more to pros than high-res digital specs.

However, the MR3 brings modern quality-of-life upgrades that are simply too big to ignore for an everyday desktop speaker. Outside of pure content production, you get Bluetooth 5.4, app control, and a high-fidelity wired pipeline.

Since they (MR4 and MR3) are roughly the same price, I would personally still choose the MR3 for a general desk setup. Having tested the MR3's audio performance myself, I am incredibly satisfied with what it delivers for the money!

Also between the MR3 and a QR65, most people would probably be better off going MR3 and using the money savings to get a better graphic card. But the QR65 has extra features if you want to pay extra for them. Example, it has an integrated gan charger. So now that I am using the MR3, I need to go back to using my gan charger in my power strip to charge my galaxy ultra watch and S24 smartphone So that is one convenience i missed.

If you are someone that often uses the bluetooth to stream music that way from your other devices, then you may appreciate the QR65's high fidelity over bluetooth. Personally I rarely do that, I mostly used wired for my music for which the MR3 can do high fidelity over wired just fine.

[Sponsored] Royal Kludge RK R99 review, not ready yet for HE? then get this

Moogle Stiltzkin — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 20:24:36 +0800

Author's Note: The original review can be found at my blog - Royal Kludge RK R99 review @ overlordtechreviews.com

Ty Royal Kludge (https://rkgamingstore.com) for sending review sample. The opinions in this review is my own.

Not ready for the leap to HE or TMR magnetic switches? Royal Kludge has built a possible solution. The new RK R99 preserves the authentic, tactile feel of traditional mechanical keyboards while still being good for competitive gaming. Packed with advanced key features like SOCD, MT, TGL, and CB, and backed by a 8,000Hz wireless polling rate without changing your favorite switches. Plus, it features a massive 10,000 mAh battery alongside a radical gamer aesthetic and dynamic lightbar.

Features

QUOTE

101 Keys, Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
Tri-Mode Connectivity
Dual 8000Hz Polling Rate
Ultra-Low 0.125ms Latency
7-Layer Sound Dampening
Diverse RGB Backlit
Hot-Swappable & Gasket Mount Design
SOCD Support for Competitive Gaming
Desktop & Web Driver Support

Tech Specs

QUOTE

Dimension: 15.83 × 5.51 × 1.69 in
Weight: 1.6 kg (3.35 lbs)
Keyboard Type: Full Size 101-Key
Switch Type: Linear Violet Silent Switch/Linear Cream Switch/Tactile Beige Switch
Hot-Swappable: Full Hot‑Swappable PCB (Supports 3/5‑Pin Switches)
Connectivity: 2.4GHz Wireless, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C Wired
Lighting: RGB Backlighting
Structure: 7‑Layer Sound Dampening
Media Keys: No
Layout: US QWERTY
Macro: Online Driver, Key Remap, RGB Customization
Battery: 10000mAh
Compatibility: Windows & macOS

Unboxing

QUOTE

Package Included
1 x RK R99 Mechanical Keyboard
2 x Extra switches
1 x Type C Cable
1 x User Manual
1 x Keycap Switch Puller
1 x usb wireless dongle (it's hidden underneath the keyboard near the legs, you have to flip the leg open to be able to access it)

Video

[YOUTUBE]uzyobgOW7os[/YOUTUBE]

Pics

The usb wireless dongle is hidden. it's underneath the feet here.

[Sponsored] Redragon Custom Glass mouse pad,

Moogle Stiltzkin — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 14:22:26 +0800

Author's Note: The original review can be found at my blog - Redragon Custom Glass Mouse Pad Review @ overlordtechreviews.com

Ty Redragon (redragonshop.com) for providing the custom glass mouse pad for review. The opinions is my own.

Unboxing

these feet came from the box? Is this the silicon rubber they were referring to? Well i stuck it to the underside of the glass mousepad

Close up

front

back

Desk setup using the glass mouse pad

Tuya WiFi Backlight with Camera review,

Moogle Stiltzkin — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 13:16:22 +0800

Author's Note: The original review can be found at my blog - Tuya Smart 3 Camera Wi-Fi Backlight Kit Review @ overlordtechreviews.com

Not sponsored.

This is the one i ordered/reviewed

QUOTE

[NEW 2026 model] 3-Camera WiFi Version (Flagship Model)

Features: 3 Cameras for maximum color accuracy, Tuya WiFi App control, RGBIC, Voice control.

TV Size Compatibility: Universal for 32 - 85 Inch TVs.

The first thing, yes, you can use it for a 27'' by cutting the led strip. ONLY cut where it's designated.

See this pic, where the black vertical line is, cut there (so in short, yes this led strip can be cut which not all do. But you can only cut in specific places like shown in the pic)

NOTE: Maybe it's obvious but just in case, DO NOT PLUG IN the strip wire, WHEN YOU CUT. Don't have it plugged in..... ok? I don't need to explain more right? Just a reminder Also, once plugged in, DO NOT touch the led strip, you will get electrocuted. If you want to press it to make sure it sticks properly, UNPLUG first the usb cable connected to your monitor (i'm assuming you are using the monitor usb to power the led strip like what i did)

Privacy and software setup for initial calibration

As for software, this part be careful.

DO NOT connect the app to your wifi.

For privacy, do this.

1. Connect to internet on smartphone using DATA LINE, and enable your hotspot (make sure its on 2.4ghz for highest compatibility)

2. Download the app for Tuya. scan the qr then it goes googleplay

3. Do not create an account. Sign in as guest. DO NOT grant it accessibility.

4. Allow the scan wifi and the location.

5. The device will be detected.

6. THEN start configuring the camera. See that red box in the top right, click that to select how you setup the led strips.

Use this for your camera to sync to

[YOUTUBE]8u4UzzJZAUg[/YOUTUBE]

Another good ambilight tester
[YOUTUBE]jeQFX9fE7Xc[/YOUTUBE]

7. Once done, close the app. UNINSTALL IT. Turn off your hotspot and data, go back to your wifi as per usual.

This is how you use this Tuya backlight with camera safely for privacy reasons. It doesn't need internet after first configuring it, because it saves the settings onto the chip in the camera. And because you did not save any networking settings it can try to use, you are safe.

Does it work? yes. Can i say i was 100% satisfied? probably not, but it's good enough for me.

This is how i put the strips behind the monitor

This is how it looks

So what does the Tuya do. It fixes my wall lighting, because it was dark. This fixed that.

Then what lights my front desk? It's the LYMAX DT02-1 Long-Distance Asymmetric Monitor Light Bar with remote control, which is a separate lighting i ordered.

Is the Tuya worth buying? It's questionable. Yes it looks ok, but the thing is, there is a Lymax G1 Plus (D012 Plus) which does BOTH the front desk lighting (not rgb?), AND the wall RGB lighting.

The lymax fits one light bar ontop of the monitor, and it solves BOTH problems. Price? about Rm162 ish.

The lymax i bought was a DT02-1 which is their latest tech, but it only does the front desk lighting only.

Notice how when i combine the Lymax and Tuya i had to squeeze the camera under or over the Lymax to work? that doesn't look gr8, though it's usable. Also you save money just getting the Lymax with the dual function. But whether the lighting is good or not, that one i don't know, but i can vouch for Lymax front desk lighting using the knob control which i'm very satisfied with. I don't notice big issues with screen glare for my OLED monitor.

Also another difference between the lymax G1 Plus vs tuya is how the lighting reacts. Tuya can do either camera or music. The lymax only does music. Both support netflix, because lymax uses an external mic so it doesn't care whats on your screen.

TIP:

When making it bend around the corner to make a rectangle, what i did was, pinch it, so it has slack (add the slack for the NON light part). Then i added it in a square edge corner shape. Also, DO NOT bend the light part. Try keep the lights flat, only slightly bend the (or more precise, leave a slight slack) when making that bend. Use my picture as reference, see, the light comes through fine, because i made sure the lights remained flat at those corners.

Another possible con, because the Tuya was design at minimum for a 32'' monitor for smallest, so, when trying to stick the camera to the monitor, it may be just a bit too close to the screen. I plan to use a goose neck clamp to see if that will resolve that issue.

Troubleshoot:

For troubleshoot, i used that youtube ambilight demo, and also check both from the front and later from the back. I was checking whether the wall corresponded to the colors shown on screen, also, checking whether all the led lights at the back are lit. I would suggest to check for that. And don't forget to caliberate the camera using the software before uninstall the app. You only have to do that once, or if you are making later adjustments.

Also because i had initially paired with hotspot, it wouldn't find it. What i did was, hold down the camera power button, till the led lights started flashing to indicate a factory reset. Once done, it detected my hotspot to pair from a new state.

Contact's Family Crazy Horse Leather pad review,

Moogle Stiltzkin — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 14:19:13 +0800

QUOTE

Non sponsored review. Bought out of pocket.

Authentik crazy horse leather from China. Got the biggest size of course.

free laser engraving

For engraving i chose the fette fraktur font. The quote is a homage to youjo senki which is dear to me

This is the Contact Family intro

QUOTE

We are based in China and have been specialising in handcrafted genuine leather goods for over twenty years. Our products are made from 100 per cent genuine leather, specifically cowhide. We have now grown to a considerable size, with our premises covering over 1,000 square metres.

If you like real leather, it's worth checking them out as they got even more products based on that. Is genuine.

So why the big leather pad? it's to protect the wood. It's for my mechanical keyboard. As for mouse, though you can use it for that no problem, i will instead put a custom glass mouse pad ontop of it.

Just received the leather pad for desk

The texture for the leather is very smooth and pleasant to touch.

Gaming mouse tracks/glides just fine on it.

The stitching seems to be well done, don't notice anything that frays.

The underside is rougher leather but that is intended, so that the pad sticks well to the table top surface.

The right corner laser etched quote also well done. As you can see from the pic, they followed instruction and used fette fraktur font which i requested. As you can see you can also request for the font used, so don't forget to tell them what you prefer.

In hindsight, i should have mention the font size. but it came out alright.

There doesn't seem to be any strong or unpleasant smell. If i smell real close, it does have an authentic leather smell. Not the chemical or plastic smell.

I did some minor tests to verify, does seem to be genuine leather.

General Crazy Horse Leather Manufacturing Processes

QUOTE

Tanning the Crust: The animal hide is cleaned and processed through either chrome or vegetable tanning to form a structural "crust" leather.

Drying and Dyeing: The crust is dyed to a foundational shade—most frequently varying tones of brown.

Wax Infusion: A thick, specialized layer of natural oils and liquid waxes is applied directly to the smoothed surface of the full-grain cowhide.

Absorption: The hide is left for several days, allowing the fibers to fully absorb the wax. This unique step causes the color to shift dynamically when the leather is bent, scratched, or rubbed.

[YOUTUBE]PezIJBFijhc[/YOUTUBE]

Price? rm 204 shopee for the largest size. Lazada has this as well, but shopee is cheaper. Seems to be the same shop. Yes the price seems more than 204 in the picture i shared, maybe because i'm platinum tier buyer? and i use discount coupon

Engraving was free and only upon request, so if you want it ask. I also recommend specify the font you want.

Balak Meja review,

Moogle Stiltzkin — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 14:22:43 +0800

Author's Note: The original review can be found at my blog - BALAK’s Meja Standing Desk Review (2026 Edition) @ overlordtechreviews.com

Also on the site post i focused the review on Balak's Meja and intend to do a part 2 that explores the accessories i use and explore other desk options in a part 2, and maybe even part 3.

*desk arrives tomorrow so will be updating on my own website for this for the full review.

Part 2 is posted here (includes the conclusion for part1)
https://overlordtechreviews.com/balaks-meja...-edition-part2/

Under construction

Changelog

» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «

This is not sponsored. I bought the Balak Meja myself to review. Posting this review because some people requested. So just sharing. Other products like accessories i also purchased out of pocket (exception mkbs, mouse, glass mousepad). But outside that i did not buy or review in person, I am merely giving my own opinion of what might be good as complimentary accessories that go well with the desk, or simply good alternatives to the Balak Meja that better suits your own budget and requirements.

QUOTE(GravityFi3ld @ Jan 22 2025, 04:28 PM)

anyone bought before from BALAK's, any comments/review?

I've also given permission to ar188 to expand on the table top and service he provides for the wooden table top DIY (using your own frame, static or height adjustable) route in this review thread. So he can expand on that in this thread if he so wishes to. So no, i don't consider that hijacking at all, in fact it's better for the review to expand on the DIY options i briefly explained for those who may prefer that instead.

Specifications

QUOTE

Model: Balak Meja

size: Grande ( 83.8 cm × 182.9 cm with a thickness of 34mm )

color: black (looks like walnut color)

Wood: red meranti (dark red or light red??? But after investigation seems mine at least was the light red meranti)

Frame: height adjustable dual motor frame. Load capacity 120 KG.

Coating: 5 coats. All sides.

Price?

Rm2.3k (free shipping direct to doorstep due to promo for signing up). 7% discount due to current promo price. On top of that a free management module made of wood. Install not free (that cost an extra rm150 for the service). Just for the record, i got these promo prices on their main website.

I think this is the cheapest you can get this desk model at any other time. Not saying it's a cheap desk, it isn't, just that this is the best price for this model.

Install instructions
[YOUTUBE]D8WBCOmOdwk[/YOUTUBE]

[Sponsored] Redragon Antonium K745 HE review, hall effect keyboard

Moogle Stiltzkin — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 14:37:02 +0800

Author's Note: The original review can be found at my blog - Redragon Antonium K745 HE Full Review @ overlordtechreviews.com

Changelog

» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «

Who is Redragon?

Finding a great mechanical keyboard usually means choosing between empty pockets or massive compromises. Enter Redragon, a powerhouse that has built its entire legacy on defying that exact trade-off since 2012. Known in the PC community as the ultimate budget gateway, they have mastered the art of delivering enthusiast features like hot-swappable switches, aluminum plates, and vibrant RGB lighting without the premium price tag. Today, we are putting their latest deck to the test to see if it holds up to that budget-king reputation, or if they finally cut one corner too many.

The budget Hall Effect era: Introducing Redragon's hall effect keyboard, the Antonium K745 HE

Finding a competitive edge in esports used to cost a fortune, but the Redragon Antonium K745 HE completely shifts that dynamic. Taking the comfortable full-sized layout of their popular Antonium lineup, Redragon has swapped out standard mechanical switches for advanced magnetic Hall Effect switches paired with a blistering 8K hyper polling rate. This means you get features like Rapid Trigger and fully customizable actuation points—the exact specs used by top-tier Valorant and Apex Legends pros—integrated right into a budget-friendly 108-key deck with five layers of internal noise-dampening foam. Today, we are testing the Antonium K745 HE to see if this ultra-fast hardware delivers a true competitive advantage, or if it is just a flashy spec sheet.

https://redragonshop.com/products/antonium-...effect-keyboard

Unboxing

[YOUTUBE]cTZ6C9QpLmY[/YOUTUBE]

QUOTE

Package Included
1 x Antonium K745 Magnetic Keyboard
2 x Extra Caps
1 x Type C Cable
1 x User Manual
1 x Keycap Switch Puller
1 x Redragon Sticker

Close up pics

night shot

[Sponsored] RK MG5 Gaming Mouse review,

Moogle Stiltzkin — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 14:17:46 +0800

Author's Note: The original review can be found at my blog - Royal Kludge RK MG5 Review @ overlordtechreviews.com

RK MG 5 gaming mouse

Specs

QUOTE

Triple-Mode Connectivity

PAW3950 Precision Sensor

42K DPI Gamer Mouse

8000Hz Ultra-Fast Polling

56g Ultra-Lightweight

Ergonomic Comfort Grip

5 Programmable Buttons

Long-Lasting 650mAh Battery

Online Driver Support

Gaming & Office Ready

Intro

Royal Kludge (RK) is widely known for its mechanical keyboards, but its other gaming peripherals rarely get the same spotlight. Today, I am reviewing one of those lesser-known products: the RK MG5 gaming mouse.
To give you some context on my preferences, I am a finger-tip/claw-grip gamer with a long-standing bias toward Logitech mice, starting all the way back with the legendary MX518. Because I rarely use a palm grip, this review marks my first time stepping outside my comfort zone to test a different brand.

Unboxing

[YOUTUBE]Cp6dcGnXTGI[/YOUTUBE]

Switches

The RK Royal Kludge MG5 wireless gaming mouse uses Omron premium mechanical switches.

QUOTE

Lifespan: Rated for 100 million clicks for long-lasting durability.

Tactile Feedback: Designed to deliver a crisp, distinct tactile feel with rapid actuation.

Performance: Optimized for competitive gaming, minimizing double-clicking and latency issues.

I'm not entirely sure what switches are under the side buttons, but they give a great, satisfying click without feeling mushy at all. I’ve used mice from other brands that have a really gross, spongy feel on the sides, but the MG5 completely avoids that problem.

The main left and right clicks feel just as good to press. I didn't run into any issues with them, and spec-wise, they are rated to last for at least 100 million clicks.

Left or right handed?

Heads up: this mouse is strictly designed for right-handed users. If you are a lefty, you will definitely want to skip this model and look elsewhere.

If you want to stay within the brand, Royal Kludge does offer the RK MG6. Left-handed users can comfortably grip its physical shape, but there is a major catch: you will have to give up using the side buttons entirely since they are positioned exclusively for right-handed thumbs. It is still fundamentally a right-handed mouse, but it works if you do not mind losing side macros.

Alternatively, RK released the RK M3 at CES 2026. However, it shares the exact same limitation as the MG6. While a lefty can technically hold it, it was never designed for left-handed use and forces the same frustrating compromises.

sensor & polling rate

The switches work alongside high-end hardware performance components:

QUOTE

Sensor: Elite-tier PixArt PAW3950 optical sensor (up to 42,000 DPI).

Polling Rate: Dual true 8000Hz wireless polling rate for a hyper-fast 0.125ms response time.

When it first launched, PixArt co-developed and licensed the underlying technology exclusively to Razer, where it was branded as the Razer Focus Pro 30K Optical Sensor (and used in flagships like the Viper V2 Pro).

But in the last 2 years or so, it has been made available to other brands. RK used it in the RK MG 5.

These are some of the interesting features that make this sensor special

1. Flawless Glass Pad Tracking

QUOTE

The "Glass Stalker": Older sensors frequently suffer from "spin-outs" or lose tracking on clear, reflective, or frosted glass mouse pads.

Texture Recognition: The PAW3950
features a massive static scan rate (up to 20,000 FPS). This allows it to easily pick up micro-textures on transparent surfaces.

meaning, if you have a tempered glass table top, you can use the mouse as is on it, no mouse pad required. But to my understanding, there is an option in the RK software to enable for glass surfaces, so don't forget to enable for that.

2. True Asymmetric Cut-Off

QUOTE

Independent Thresholds: Standard sensors use a single height threshold for both lifting the mouse up and putting it back down.

Z-Axis Jitter Prevention: The PAW3950
allows you to set a 0.7mm lift-off distance but a lower landing distance (e.g., 0.5mm). This stops the mouse from "pre-tracking" or tilting the cursor when you lower it back down after a fast flick.

If you are the type that lift up the mouse slightly to reposition, you can do these adjustments for detection from lift to surface. This sensor is able to accommodate fine tuned tweaking the setting for this.

3. Highly Stable 8KHz Polling

QUOTE

Native Latency Reduction: It has internal data synchronization pipelines built to perfectly align with high-speed microcontrollers.

Smoother Crosshair Travel: This synchronization prevents data packet drops when running at 8000Hz wireless polling. It translates your physical hand movements into incredibly smooth, predictable paths on high-refresh-rate monitors

if you are worried about wireless not being able to track accurately, this isn't a problem with this mouse since it can do up to 8000Hz wireless polling. However, to use it at such a setting, there is some strict hardware requirements. Like OLED monitor, high fps etc. I feel that 2000 polling is more than enough e.g. 240hz Oled gaming monitor with 240 fps which is basically what i have for my pc system.

I set the DPI to 1600, and the wireless polling to 2000.

Shape

This mouse is designed to accommodate both palm and claw grips, though the shape leans heavily toward palm comfort. I have heard the RK MG6 and RK M3 is even better suited for dedicated claw grippers, but since I don't have it on hand to test, I can only pass along the rumor.

Personally, I use a hybrid fingertip-claw grip. However, the shape of this mouse naturally forced me into a palm grip. I still used a claw grip at times, but to a much lesser extent because palming it just felt so much more comfortable.

To give you a visual example, in my side-by-side YouTube comparison with my older Logitech G102 Prodigy, my claw grip was so aggressive that my palm never even touched the mouse. With the RK MG5, my hand shifted entirely—I was practically palming it.

During my research, I noticed that the shell shape of the RK MG5 closely resembles the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX, just scaled down to be slightly smaller and lighter.

Personally, I don't mind that design inspiration at all, especially since I'm already a huge fan of Logitech's mouse shapes. For me, the familiar ergonomics are a massive plus.

However, keep in mind that just because the outer shell looks similar doesn't mean the internals are identical. Royal Kludge selected some excellent, high-performance components for this final package, and the performance definitely does not disappoint.

If you want to see a direct visual comparison of how this shell stacks up against the other models, I have dropped a link down in the description below.

https://www.eloshapes.com/mouse/compare?p=l...s.-zowie-ec3-cw

On reddit, they specifically categorize it as a "Logitech Dex Mini clone shape" because its main selling point is providing an asymmetrical, mini-ergonomic shell that Logitech does not officially offer.

Connectivity:

This mouse features tri-mode connectivity: USB wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4GHz wireless.

You will use the wired connection primarily for charging, and the 2.4GHz wireless mode for peak gaming performance. Bluetooth is there as a convenient backup—perfect if you cannot plug in the included USB dongle for some reason, like when you are quickly connecting to a laptop on the go. However, for everyday use and gaming, I highly recommend sticking to the 2.4GHz wireless mode.

When setting up the mouse, here is exactly how the connectivity works.

If you flip the mouse over to look at the bottom, you will see a toggle switch on the right side. Leaving this switch in the center position activates the standard USB wired mode.

To connect via Bluetooth, flip the switch down to the 'B' position, then press and hold the DPI button to enter pairing mode. From there, just open your PC’s Bluetooth settings, click 'Add Device,' and it will connect instantly.

For the high-performance 2.4GHz wireless mode, flip the switch all the way up. If it doesn't register right away, press and hold the DPI button until the connection syncs up. Just make sure you have the RK receiver module plugged into your PC or laptop using the included USB cable.

The receiver module itself features rubber feet on the bottom, so it won’t easily slide off your desk. Still, I recommend keeping it safely away from the table edge just in case. If you have a cable management holder, using it will completely eliminate any cable drag pulling on the module. But honestly, even without one, it stayed perfectly in place during my testing.

Colors

The RK MG5 comes in three distinct colorways: Black, which they call 'Dark Knight'; a clean White version dubbed 'Panda'; and a special 'Save the Oceans' edition, which features a white base accented by a unique, dotted spray color pattern.

As I mentioned, the 'Save the Oceans' edition—which is the exact model I tested—is constructed using recycled plastic. If reducing your environmental footprint is important to you, I highly recommend picking up this specific version.

Build quality

*tear down pics for internals

» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «

Some would describe Royal Kludge mice as high-quality clones of major brands. They take heavy inspiration from popular external designs but pack the internals with premium components, delivering an excellent final product at a fraction of the cost.

The colorway I opted for is the 'Save the Oceans' edition. It uses recycled plastic and features a distinctive dot spray pattern that keeps it looking much more interesting than a plain, solid color. I picked this version because I love supporting initiatives that find practical uses for recycled materials. You don’t have to care about that, of course, but for me, it was a massive bonus.

To give you the exact breakdown, Royal Kludge states that:

QUOTE

'The shell is manufactured using an exclusive compound where approximately 20% of the plastic consists of recycled ocean plastics. This unique material formulation required Royal Kludge to create a tailored molding process to handle the textured, eco-friendly plastic blend.'

Build-wise, I didn't notice any structural issues at all, despite the use of recycled plastic. In fact, the shell texture is probably the smoothest I’ve ever experienced—and I don’t mean 'oily' smooth. It just feels incredibly sleek and comfortable in the hand. If you absolutely hate rubberized coatings that degrade over time, I’m happy to report you won’t have that issue here. It is just clean, smooth plastic.

Now, if you prefer a bit more traction, you can always buy aftermarket grip tape. Personally, I don't feel the need for it; it’s perfectly fine as is. My old mouse developed a noticeable, glossy shine after long-term use. While I can't say yet whether this RK MG5 will suffer from that same issue down the road, it looks and feels pristine for now.

Ergonomically, there is a deeper indentation on the left side and a shallower one on the right. This makes sense, as it is strictly a right-handed mouse to begin with.

Flipping it over, the stock PTFE skates glide perfectly fine. Just a quick reminder: do not forget to peel off the plastic protective film before using the mouse! If you are a competitive gamer and want something faster, you can always swap them out for third-party skates. But for my testing, the stock sliders did the job perfectly.

As for the scroll wheel, scrolling feels smooth and well-defined with a nice tactile texture. For gamers who heavily utilize the middle-mouse click, it holds up well under pressure. I’d rate the click stiffness a 3 out of 5. It isn't the lightest or smoothest middle click, meaning you do have to apply a bit more force to actuate it. But look at it this way: would you rather have a loose wheel you accidentally click during an intense firefight, or a deliberate switch that requires intentional force? I prefer the latter.

And just to clarify, this is a standard, tactile gaming scroll wheel—not an infinite free-scroll wheel. This is actually ideal, as standard scroll wheels offer the precise, notched feedback that gamers need most."

weight

The weight distribution on the RK MG5 is perfectly centered. When you hold it right in the middle, it doesn’t tip forward or backward; it remains completely balanced and steady.

Gliding the mouse at this weight feels effortless. Even when lifting it off the surface to reposition or flick, it handles beautifully. That said, if your gaming style requires constant, aggressive lift-offs, you might experience a bit of fatigue over extended sessions. Hardcore modders might feel tempted to swap out the internal 650mAh battery to shave off even more grams, but for me, it feels great right out of the box.

It is also worth noting that at just 56 grams, it actually clocks in lighter than the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX
(which sits at 60 grams), despite taking heavy design cues from it. For a mouse in this price bracket, achieving that level of lightweight performance is a massive win.

battery
It features a built-in 650mAh rechargeable battery.

Battery Performance & Lifespan

The total runtime depends heavily on your selected polling rate:

QUOTE

1000Hz (Standard Performance): Up to 131 hours of continuous use (about 5.5 days).
8000Hz (Max Esports Performance): Up to 35 hours of continuous use.
125Hz (Office/Eco Mode): Up to 250 hours of casual use

Charging & Connection

QUOTE

Port: Rechargeable via a front-facing USB-C port.
Input: 5V / 800mA.
Wired Mode: You can seamlessly use the mouse while it is plugged in and charging.
Health Tip: To preserve battery longevity, plug the USB-C cable directly into a PC port rather than using a high-voltage smartphone fast charger.

Here is a quick pro-tip to maximize your battery life: when you aren't gaming, consider dropping the polling rate down to 1000Hz or lower. High polling rates drain the battery much faster, so lowering it for daily tasks means you won't have to plug it in nearly as often.

To make this seamless, I highly recommend setting up at least two distinct profiles: one optimized for peak gaming performance, and another for general desktop use. You can easily toggle between these configurations using the official RK driver software.

Additionally, the mouse features a built-in auto-sleep mode to help conserve power. Through the software or web app, you can customize exactly how long the mouse waits before going to sleep. I personally just left mine on the default timer, and it has worked perfectly.

Modding

If you are curious about the specifics, the stock RK MG5 comes equipped with a 650mAh battery that weighs exactly 10 grams.

Some hardcore enthusiasts are actually swapping out this original battery for a smaller 150mAh alternative, which only weighs around 3.2 grams. Making this swap shaves nearly 7 grams off the mouse, and as you can see in this image right here, it fits perfectly inside the shell.

Personally, I wouldn't recommend doing this. I am perfectly happy with the stock weight, and I much prefer having a massive battery capacity so I don't have to constantly recharge. However, if you are a weight purist who absolutely needs the lightest mouse possible, this is a viable DIY mod.

Just keep in mind that opening up a mouse and replacing internal hardware involves working with sensitive components and lithium-ion batteries. Improper handling of batteries can lead to physical hazards, including fire or injury. Performing such modifications will almost certainly void the manufacturer's warranty.

If this modification is pursued, it is essential to follow all safety protocols for handling electronics, use the correct tools, and ensure the replacement battery is compatible and handled with extreme care to avoid punctures or short circuits. Consulting a professional technician for hardware modifications is highly recommended to ensure the task is completed safely and correctly.

Software

To customize your settings, you have two great options: you can either use Royal Kludge's web-based configuration tool directly in your browser, or download the dedicated RK desktop software to your PC. Personally, I prefer using the web app since it doesn't require installing any extra software.

Let's do a quick demonstration of how easy it is to change the mouse settings right inside the browser.

[YOUTUBE]BUWoH1WArkA[/YOUTUBE]

To access the web app, you will want to head over to https://drive.rkgaming.com —just make sure you are using a Google Chrome browser for full compatibility.

Now, if you would rather download the traditional desktop software to your PC instead, here is a quick look at what that interface looks like.

[YOUTUBE]oG7lYwXkMWg[/YOUTUBE]

Value:

Royal Kludge has built a strong reputation as a prominent 'clone' brand in the gaming mouse market.

While they originally started as a keyboard company, their strategic pivot into gaming mice follows a brilliant formula: they take premium, highly successful ergonomics from flagship brands, replicate the silhouettes almost exactly, and sell them at a fraction of the cost with top-tier internal hardware. Honestly, what's to hate about that? For the budget-conscious consumer, it doesn't get much better than this. RK executes this strategy far better than most competitors, which is exactly why I appreciate the brand.

Premium Components, Accessible Pricing

What prevents Royal Kludge from being labeled as a 'cheap knockoff' is their refusal to compromise on internal electronics. In many cases, they use identical or even superior hardware compared to the brands they replicate. For instance, the RK MG5 utilizes the flagship PixArt PAW3950 sensor and supports a true 8,000Hz wireless polling rate right out of the box. These are enthusiast-grade specs that match or beat $150 flagship mice, but packed into a mass-produced, cost-effective plastic shell. On top of that, they integrated a high-capacity battery that outperforms the battery life of most premium wireless mice on the market.

Disrupting the Pricing Tiers

To put this value into perspective, the gaming mouse market is generally split into a few distinct tiers:

- Entry-Level (Wired): Affordable, but limited by physical cables and lower-tier sensors.

- Mid-Tier (Basic Wireless): Offers cord-free convenience, but cuts corners with bare-minimum specs, standard sensors, low polling rates, and shorter switch lifespans.

- The Sweet Spot (RK MG5): Bridges the gap by delivering flagship-level performance, enthusiast sensors, high polling rates, and immense battery life at a mid-tier price point.

- Premium Flagships: High-end branded mice that deliver identical tracking performance but cost double or triple the price.

This is the ultimate value proposition of the RK MG5. You get the elite ergonomics of an industry-leading mouse, paired with high-performance internals that handle intense gaming effortlessly—all for half the price. It is an incredibly tough value proposition to beat, and my gameplay demonstrations throughout this video prove exactly that.

[Sponsored] RK-S104 Mechanical Keyboard review,

Moogle Stiltzkin — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 16:54:15 +0800

Author's Note: The original review can be found at my blog - Royal Kludge RK-S104 Review @ overlordtechreviews.com

Review Change log revisions

QUOTE

12.6.2026

- added more pics.

11.6.2026

- initial draft. still work in progess

Key Specifications

QUOTE

104-Key Full-Size WFH Layout
Seamless Tri-Mode Connectivity
Smart TFT Display and Knob
Quiet 5-Layer Dampening
That Perfect Creamy, Thocky Sound
Hot-Swappable Freedom
Durable PBT Keycaps
Vibrant RGB Lighting
8000mAh Long-Lasting Battery
Mac & Windows Ready

QUOTE

*note:

The black red carbon has abs keycaps. Only the voilet which i am reviewing has pbt keycaps. To be more specific for the ABS variant "Paired with unique, heavy double-layered keycaps (ABS base with a polycarbonate top layer)". On their store website if you click the drop down for Tech Spec, it will mention this.

Video demo

[YOUTUBE]NY1Pmnt9Ntg[/YOUTUBE]

In the youtube i did a few things

- unboxing

- side by side comparison for RK-S98 vs RK-S104 mostly for how they sound when typing on as a comparison. The S98 i used has Chartreuse switches, whereas the RK-S104 had cream switches. They are both linear. Fast forward to 16:08 in the youtube where i turned off the music and switched to blue yeti microphone so you can hear the typing clearly for the comparison. I was alternating between typing hard/fast, and typing lightly so you can see how it sounds like. Both can be quiet enough not to bother others if you especially type lightly.

- showed demo playing path of exile 2. Not much typing done since i use a spirit walker mighty silverback build that doesn't require spamming so many keys too often since it's a minion/companion build, so will do an apex legend demo later as well. Just changed it up to make it more interesting.

Keyboard Type

Full-Size 104-Key. If you want all the keys as per standard this is it. It's length is slightly longer than my RK-S98, but not by much.

Sound & switch type

RK cream switches with a thock. Refer to the youtube for sound and typing demo.

These are pre-lubbed.

For the RK-S104 they have 2 choices for switch type. This cream, or the linear silent switch.

Supposedly if you want the quietest they have, pick the linear silent switch. That said even with the cream if you type gently it's fine, if not the perfect quiet, at least it's quiet enough not to bother others like cherry mx blues at least.

Modding Capabilities

Full Hot‑Swappable PCB (Supports 3/5‑Pin Switches). It is very easy (doesn't mean flimsy) to remove the switch. You use the provided metal keycap puller, and pinch it vertically, then gently pull up. do not force it. if it doesn't come straight out, just type again by pinching in the correct spot.

not listed on https://www.kludgeknight.com so i assume means you have to use the official rk software if you are ok with that. I tested the official software it worked for me. I was adding a custom pic for the screen which requires to connect via wired usb to make those changes.

Color Themes

there are only 2 colors options at the moment. violet/white, and carbon black/red.

The violet is shown at the very top of the thread. Here is the carbon black/red

But there is one thing to take note of, the black/red use heavy double-layered keycaps (ABS base with a polycarbonate top layer), whereas the violet/white uses PBT keycaps. To my understanding, the abs version was designed for a unique sound profile. I don't have that and never tried so i don't know what they meant by that.

I honestly wasn't sure about violet. It's not my favorite color. But having tested in person, i really like it. It's a mix of a darker and lighter violet as well as white keycaps.

Keycaps

Pbt doubleshot which is a premium quality keycap meaning they won't get shine or oily look even after using it for a long time. The doubleshot means the contrast for the text is S tier giving a very clean and easy view of the legends on the keycaps.

The bottom side of the keycaps also has legends. It's either printed or laser etched. Looks to me they may be laser etched.

It's a cherry profile.

It's hard to explain, but when you are touching the keycaps, you don't get any gross oily typing feeling (probably because it's PBT). Feels nice to type on. You will know what i mean once you try them in person, but i doubt you will regret doing so, that's my honest feeling.

Port Connectivity

compared to the rk-s98 that has a type c and type a usb port, this s104 only has a type c port, a non issue. the wire is type c to type a usb. Not an issue either since this is standard.

Also as you can see, the rk-104 does not have that quick swap for the wired usb or 2.4ghz wireless via that physical switch in the top left side. Example, on the rk-s98 you can press up and it connects to 2.4ghz wireless, and if you press down it goes to wired usb mode (cable has to be connected). It's convenient, but just using the knob to set what mode you want, then you don't have to mess with it at all. Even if you want to recharge, it has a big battery so it will last a long while, and just plugging it in it will just work without having to change anything. For myself this wasn't really a deciding factor which mkb to get, since there were more important things to consider.

Interesting comparison though is that cable for the rk-s98 could remove the usb type a for the type c, so you would have type c for both ends if you preferred for some reason. Nice but not really necessary, but thought i'd mention that.

Wireless

Has bluetooth, 2.4ghz wireless. Also has usb wired. The wire is is removable which is good in case anything happens to it.

Sleep Mode

Yes, the keyboard does sleep automatically to save battery.

QUOTE

How the Auto-Sleep Mode Works

Level 1 (Dimming): After 3 to 5 minutes of inactivity, the RGB backlights will turn off.

Level 2 (Deep Sleep): After 10 to 15 minutes of inactivity, the keyboard goes into deep sleep mode and disconnects the wireless signal.
Waking Up: Simply tap any key to wake it up instantly.

Unlike my other brand keyboard which requires a short delay for keys to go active, the RK was tested so as soon as you type the FIRST key, it already registers. So basically the wake from sleep is instant registering for your first key press. Which makes the typing experience seamless. Might not seem like much, but appreciate just typing a key and knowing it will register immediately from sleep to wake.

Adjustable angles tilt

It has 3 tilt angles.

- Flat

- using it's biggest feet

- using the smallest feet

All have rubber holders to keep them stuck to your table top surface.

Gamer tip

As a gamer sometimes when typing, you MAY accidentally press the windows key then it brings out windows, then you die ingame.... oof.... what to do? Disable the win key. Press FN THEN Win key. Then notice the top left of the mkb there is a light for the win key. If it's on, means win key is disabled.

QUOTE

How to Read the Indicator Light

The bottom-most LED indicator in that vertical stack features a "W" icon or a lock icon.

LED Light is ON: The Windows key is Disabled / Locked. Pressing it will do nothing (useful during gaming to prevent accidental menu pop-ups).
LED Light is OFF: The Windows key is Enabled / Unlocked. It will function normally and open your Windows Start Menu.

[Sponsored] RK-S98 Mechanical Keyboard review, Royal Kludge

Moogle Stiltzkin — Fri, 22 May 2026 18:59:36 +0800

Author's Note: The original review can be found at my blog - Royal Kludge RK S98 Mechanical Keyboard In-Depth Review @ overlordtechreviews.com

QUOTE

Save ~RM65+ instantly! Use Exclusive Malaysia only Code:

CODE

rkmooglestiltzkin

at checkout (Cheaper than Shopee!). Click here to go shop now

For global users (not from malaysia) there is only a 5 USD discount code

CODE

rkmooglestiltzkin5

Mini guide how to use the store (with picture guides), Click here

Review Changelog revisions

» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «

QUOTE

Key Specifications

Form Factor: 96% layout with 98 keys (compact layout that retains the full number pad).

Connectivity: Tri-mode connection supporting Bluetooth 5.0 (pair up to 3 devices), a stable 2.4GHz wireless dongle, and USB Type-C wired mode.

Smart Display & Knob: Features a built-in TFT smart screen to monitor battery life, connection modes, OS settings, and custom animations/GIFs. The adjacent metal knob controls system volume, lighting modes, and screen menu selections.

Acoustics & Mount: Built with a flexible, cushioned flex-cut gasket design and filled with a multi-layer sound-absorbing system (including a PET insulation sheet and IXPE switch pad). Paired with pre-lubed Chartreuse linear switches, this configuration provides soft, cushioned bottom-out feedback and a deep, muted, and creamy sound profile.

Switches & PCB: 5-pin hot-swappable, south-facing RGB PCB to accommodate any enthusiast switch without keycap interference. Shipped with factory-lubed custom options like the Linear Chartreuse/Viridian/Cream or Tactile Pale Green/Beige switches.

Battery Capacity: Massive 3750 mAh battery, delivering up to 200 hours of continuous wireless use with the RGB backlights deactivated.

Keycaps: Durable, oil-resistant OEM-profile double-shot PBT keycaps featuring clean side-(laser etched) secondary legends.

Extra Features: 1 built-in USB 2.0 pass-through hub port (for mice/flash drives), 2-stage adjustable typing angle feet, and dedicated desktop software for macro and GIF mapping.

Video demo

Apex legends demo using the RK-S98 mkb
[YOUTUBE]oATnZ-q9iz4[/YOUTUBE]

The idea for the video demo is a live demonstration to show how i use this RK-S98 mkb while playing apex legend. No i didn't win in the video The video was my first time actually using it, and i'm still warming up, so plz cut me a break

This is a part 2 because i forgot to setup my blue yeti mic so you can HEAR the sound of the typing, whether you like it or not.

[YOUTUBE]knwPnxRc4Jc[/YOUTUBE]

Sound & switch type

Personally i liked it. It's not that annoying clicky type writer sound. Refer to the part 2 youtube demo which has the sound so you can judge for yourself. I've used many mkb and i can tell you it sounds pleasant.

Keep in mind these switches in the review i am doing are RK Chartreuse switches aka linear as in you press them all the way down without much resistant or any tactile bumps.

The Chartreuse sounds creamy. For a comparison refer to this
[YOUTUBE]fLGY5ti_aqA[/YOUTUBE]

For another RK linear, if you are wondering what the Cream switch sounds like compared to Chartreuse, refer to this
[YOUTUBE]Q15ot6soPFU[/YOUTUBE]

The RK Chartreuse switches found in keyboards like the RK S98 are modern, factory-lubed linear switches that provide a significantly smoother, more responsive typing experience compared to classic, unlubed Cherry MX Reds. While both are linear switches with a light 45g operating force, they differ significantly in key travel, smoothness, and sound profile.

Key Differences Explained

Smoothness: RK Chartreuse switches come pre-lubed from the factory. This eliminates plastic-on-plastic friction, giving them a buttery smooth glide. Stock Cherry MX Reds are unlubed and notorious for feeling slightly "scratchy" when pressed slowly.

Bottom-Out Feel: The Chartreuse features a shorter total travel distance (3.4mm vs. Cherry's 4.0mm). You bottom out faster, resulting in a sturdier, snappier feedback loop that feels crisp under the fingers.

Sound Profile: When typed on, the combination of the pre-lubed Chartreuse switch's smooth linear stem and the S98's flexible gasket-mount architecture produces a distinctly deep, muted, and creamy sound profile. In contrast, unlubed Cherry MX Reds sound much scratchier, louder, and distinctly clackier, lacking the refined acoustic depth and dampening of this modern setup.

Typing Stability: The stem stability on the Chartreuse is much tighter and less wobbly than standard Cherry switches, providing a more stable, premium typing feel right out of the box.

The Verdict

Choose RK Chartreuse if you want a modern, pre-lubed switch that delivers a snappy bottom-out and a distinctly deep, muted, and creamy sound profile. Stick with Cherry MX Reds only if you strictly prefer traditional, full 4.0mm deep travel distance or plan on manually lubing your own switches.

For RK Chartreuse, who is this for? gamers or office work is fine. Not to say you can't use for other things, but this aligns well for this purpose.

Do they have other switch options? Yes, for this RK-S98 they have Chartreuse, Cream, Blue, Beige, Brown. Their version of the red would be the Chartreuse or cream if you are looking for linear switches (where you prefer bottoming/pressing all the way down without least resistance and no tactile bumps). The main difference between the RK Cream and RK Chartreuse switches comes down to color design, travel distances, and subtle variations in sound. Functionally, both are smooth linear switches that skip the tactile bump entirely, and both come heavily factory-lubed from Royal Kludge to give you a smooth typing feel. However, their hardware blueprints differ slightly.

However if instead you prefer tactile, the choices are brown or beige. Beige is suppose to be rk's modernized version of a tactile switch so i would recommend trying those out since it's supposed to be an improvement over the browns. Distinctive difference is the bump happens earlier, compared to brown that happens on mid way point.

modding

Modding Capabilities

Hot-Swappable PCB: Swapping switches requires zero soldering. Fits any 3-pin or 5-pin mechanical switches.

Keycap Swapping: Uses standard cross-stem keycaps. Fits Cherry, OEM, MOA, or XDA profiles easily.

Great Tape Canvas: Applying painter's tape to the PCB creates a deeper, "marbly" sound profile.

Pre-Layered Dampening: Comes packed with internal foam layers. Easy to swap for silicone or heavy Poron.

Mod-Friendly Stabilizers: Plate-mounted stabilizer design allows quick removal for cleaning, lubing, or wire tuning.

Downsides & Risks

Fragile Screen Cables: Opening the case risks ripping delicate ribbon cables connected to the TFT screen.

Tough Plastic Clips: The case uses tight plastic clips instead of screws. Opening it requires forcing pry tools.

Strict Battery Safety: The 3,750 mAh battery is glued inside. Careless prying can puncture it and cause fire.

Tight Case Clearance: Heavy internal mods (like thick foam) can warp the PCB or crush the screen connectors.

Voided Warranty: Opening the case or modifying internal hardware immediately cancels your manufacturer warranty.

color themes

they have a few color themes for this mkb. the one i reviewed is phantom. they got others like blackberry mousse, pink gradient, light cloud. Pick your poison, but personally, i think phantom is the best i've ever seen for a mkb. that's my recommendation.

Added the picture of the pink gradient as well. These seems to be blanks on top, and put the legends on the bottom sides. This style is very subjective, so keep that in mind. The phantom i am using is the standard legend on the top AND also on sides which is more to my preference.

Keycaps

double shot. Meaning the contrast of the print on the keycaps is excellent, and because they are double shot, they won't wear out from the day you bought it. And in this phantom you got the different color double shots

it's also pbt, meaning it won't shine (with that oily look) from using it after a long time. Meaning it will age well even with heavy use over time.

also notice that the keycaps some have a side-printed legends on the bottom side facing you? basically it can do 2 things for the keycaps. to use the function of the side printed legend, hold the Fn (Function) key first, then tap the corresponding key. It's a smart design because it reduces the amount of keycaps needed by making keycaps that have 2 functions that can be used with the fn.

One thing to note however, in a darkroom, even with continuous lighting effect, you can barely see the side south facing legends. they are (laser etched), so there is no window for lighting to go through. If you need them and use often, i suggest keeping a well lit environment. Most people won't be using those keys often to begin with.

VXE Mad R Gaming Mouse, Best bang for buck high end mouse yet

Floria Scarlet — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 00:53:28 +0800

This review compares a newly purchased VXE Mad R to my previous mouse, Logitech G Pro X Superlight.

TL;DR it's a really great mouse for the audience who cares about value, as it's overall better than the Superlight.
What you're missing is the longer warranty on more common brands, not much else.

Youtube Link

[YOUTUBE]https://youtu.be/CRxsiYpsVcc[/YOUTUBE]

ps: if the embed dont work just use the url above, idk why it doesn't work for my video

ViewSonic VX2758A-2K-PRO-3 Gaming Monitor Unboxing, with 2K and 240Hz

windwithme — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 17:19:56 +0800

In this video I share gameplay footage from several games:
[YOUTUBE]MXgqzvfucdg[/YOUTUBE]

Along with the rapid growth and development of the gaming industry, monitors designed especially for gaming have become more and more prominent in the market in recent years, and many brands have launched their own lines of gaming monitors to meet this growing demand.
This article looks at ViewSonic's VX2758A-2K-PRO-3, a gaming monitor that boasts a 240Hz refresh rate combined with a 1ms MPRT (Motion Picture Response Time).

Overview of the contents:
The VX2758A-2K-PRO-3 unit itself, power cable, stand and base, HDMI cable, and DisplayPort cable. It comes with a full 3-year warranty, and one year of warranty against dead pixels.

Appearance after installing the stand and base:
Including the base, the overall dimensions are 61.4 x 36.6 x 4.7 cm, with a total weight of approximately 4.9 kg. The monitor boasts a 27-inch SuperClear IPS anti-glare panel with a 16:9 aspect ratio and a 2K Quad HD resolution.
The 240Hz refresh rate and 1ms MPRT make it especially suitable for the rapid pace of gaming environments.

The IPS panel supports the HDR10 standard, with a brightness of 300cd/m², a 178-degree viewing angle, and 1.07 billion colors (10-bit: 8-bit + FRC). The static contrast ratio is 1000:1, and the dynamic contrast ratio is 8M:1. The surface has a 3H hard coating. The color gamut covers 92% of NTSC and 130% of sRGB, while Eye ProTech technology reduces blue light and ensures flicker-free performance. AMD FreeSync Premium technology synchronizes the monitor's refresh rate with the graphics card's output.

Full view of the rear:
The outer casing features a matte finish at the top and bottom, with a brushed metal texture at the centre. The button visible at the bottom quickly releases the monitor from its stand.

The ViewSonic logo appears in silver at the top. Long slots for ventilation appear to the left and right. At the centre are 100 x 100 mm holes for VESA-supported wall mountings.

The power button, which doubles up as an OSD joystick control, appears at the lower-left of the back. From left to right, the I/O configuration includes 2 HDMI 2.1 ports, DisplayPort 1.4, and a 3.5mm audio output.
HDMI ports are relatively common, and having two of them here makes it easy and convenient to switch between multiple devices such as desktop computers, laptops, and gaming consoles.

The power input appears at the lower right, and above that is a slot for a Kensington lock. Underneath is a long slot for ventilation.
The power consumption specs are 28W as standard, up to a maximum of 30W; and 24W and 19W when in power-saving mode and Eco Mode respectively.

The base is flat and level, making it convenient to place items on top of it, and quite stable overall.
The logo features three Gouldian finches and makes a colorful impression.

The stand can be tilted downwards by up to 5°. A power indicator light appears at the lower-right edge of the frame. The screen itself has a frameless design along the top, left, and right sides, giving it an enlarged appearance.

Xiaomi TV Box S 3rd Gen, Best Certified Netflix Google TV Box?

JayceOoi — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 08:40:34 +0800

Author's Note: The original review can be found at my blog - Xiaomi TV Box S 3rd Gen Review @ JayceOoi.com.

Certified Netflix streaming with 4K Dolby Vision and Atmos support. Fast and resourceful official Google TV 14 OS with many apps and games. A lot of free live TV channels thanks to Xiaomi TV+. Experience flawless video playback with auto frame rate technology. Handy Google Cast mirroring for sharing photos and videos. Working great? Let’s find out…

[YOUTUBE]Jtvp8vgYTUw[/YOUTUBE]

In short, TV Box S 3rd Gen is the best yet budget Google TV Box from Xiaomi. Netflix is certified with 4K Dolby Vision and Atmos. A perfect companion for your basic TV and projector. Get yours at Lazada.

Wanbo Vali 1, Android TV Gimbal Projector with Netflix

JayceOoi — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 10:15:14 +0800

Author's Note: The original review can be found at my blog - Wanbo Vali 1 Review @ JayceOoi.com.

Hi guys, meet Wanbo Vali 1 with built-in 200° gimbal stand for ceiling projection. Loaded with official Android TV and certified Netflix with Full HD playback. Native 1080p resolution with 900 ANSI lumens, suitable for both day and night use. ASA 3.0 algorithm with auto focus, keystone correction, obstacle avoidance and screen fit. Useful Google Assistant and Google Cast wireless mirroring. Interested? Let’s find out more…

[YOUTUBE]Pm7RVypkE4Y[/YOUTUBE]

In short, Wanbo Vali 1 is a solid budget Android TV LCD projector with certified Netflix. Outstanding optical image quality and it is perfect for ceiling projection. Suitable for movies and office work. Get yours at Wanbo Store.