Fantech Optilite MK872 Review

UNBOXING AND FIRST IMPRESSIONS

UNBOXING

The Fantech Optilite MK872 package includes a switch puller (hotswap feature), a plastic keycap puller, manuals and of course the keyboard itself.

SPECIFICATIONS

• TKL with RGB keys
• Optical switch (blue and black variant available) with 30% faster response (0.2ms response)
• 100% waterproof
• 19 Spectrum modes
• Anti ghosting keys
• Macro supported
• ABS Doubleshot keycaps
• Win lock and Media keys

DESIGN AND BUILD QUALITY

As for the build of the Optilite MK872 is similar to the famous and classic design of Cooler Master QF Rapid. Solid plastic build and non-floating keys design are still preferred by most keyboard enthusiasts. It has a height of 3.5cm (default) and 4.5cm with stand off feet (measured from the edge of the keyboard up to the ESC keycap). Fantech chose the connectivity to be a non-removable braided cable maybe because to protect the board from water since it is claimed to be 100% waterproof.

USER EXPERIENCE AND CONCLUSION

SWITCHES AND STABS

Optilite MK872 has hotswappable optical SMD switches and currently has 2 variants available the black optical (linear, around 50-55g bottom out force using coins to test it since no info was given about the switch) and the blue optical (clicky but not as loud as an outemu blue switch with around 57g bottom out force). The switches are unbranded and doesn’t have a stabilizer in each key unlike the LK optical switches from Bloody and can be seen in a Razer Huntsman elite also. It is somewhat hard to remove the hotswappable switches with the use of the included switch puller so we recommend to use an IC puller instead and slowly pull out the switches and be careful not to damage the housing of the switch. The blue switches aren’t as loud as a typical blue switch and the black switch is somewhat stiff.

Note: Only hot-swap SMD optical switches are compatible with the Optilite MK872.

Stabs that are in the long keys (shift, enter and space) are also unbranded and has lots of rattle. You can easily eliminate the rattle by putting some dielectric grease in the stabs and wires.

KEYCAPS

The stock keycaps of the Optilite MK872 are ABS doubleshot OEM profile. The keycap side part is a bit glossy and not the same on the top part which shows inconsistency on the material. Optilite MK872’s keycap is only around 1mm and the sub legends (media keys and fantech logo on the spacebar) are pad printed which will worn off in time. You can easily change the keycaps with any keycap with a cherry mx stem and the layout is standard so you will not have any problems with the keycap compatibility.

SOFTWARE, LIGHTING AND OTHER FEATURES

According to Fantech world, the Optilite MK872 has a software for lighting customization but unfortunately we can’t find it in their website (www.fantechworld.com). The lighting modes however, can be change with the on-the-fly settings (FN + PSc, FN+ pause, etc) and the lighting speed via FN + Arrow keys. Optilite MK872 RGB SMD LEDs are bright and vibrant even in the dark. You can also set a monochrome light mode if you like it to be just in plain red, white or other color.

CONCLUSION

Retailed at around 2600 pesos at Lazada (https://bit.ly/2EO4EfP), the Fantech Optilite MK872 is the cheapest optical mechanical keyboard available in the Philippines. Equipped with hot-swappable switches, 100% waterproof (submerged and spill proof, yes NOT resistant but spill proof) and a 1 year warranty from FANTECH, this keyboard is definitely for users who are always drinking coffee/water beside their tables or users who have children in their house running around with their milk and glass of water. This is a dilemma for some users who broke their mechanical keyboard because of accidentally spilling water to their boards so Fantech answered your request. We did a live stream in our page of the waterproof testing (https://www.facebook.com/LasonArenaGaming/videos/2294833884065680/) check out the link for the proof. If you don’t like the stock switches, you can easily order some gateron optical switches in online shops and put it in the Fantech Optilite MK872 since it’s hotswappable.

PROS:

• Hot-swappable switches
• 100% waterproof
• TKL form factor with the same build/looks of the QF Rapid
• Braided cable
• *ABS Doubleshot keycaps
• Cheapest Optical Mech Keyboard
• Compatible with any MX stem keycaps

CONS:

• Non-removable cable
• *Cheap and thin doubleshot keycaps with glossy sides
• Limited switches available (optical switch availability)