Havit is a well-known brand for making computer and gaming peripherals and accessories. The Havit HV-KB395L is a low profile full-size mechanical keyboard that comes with Kailh PG1350 Low Profile Blue Switches. It retails for USD$83, which is about S$114.
Unboxing
In the box, you will get the following:
- Havit HV-KB395L
- USB-A to micro-USB cable
- User manual
Tech specs
| Layout | 104-key Full-size |
| Weight | 1.053 kg |
| Dimensions | 43cm × 12.5cm × 1.5cm (2.5cm keyy inclusive) |
| Frame | Plastic |
| Switches | Kailh PG1350 Low Profile Blue Switches (Clicky) |
| LED/Lighting | RGB |
| Keycaps | ABS |
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Charging port | Micro-USD |
| N-Key Rollover | Yes |
| Win Key Lock | Yes |
Build quality and design
The Havit HV-KB395L has minimal bezels and has a very simple design to it. It sports a completely black look, with the trims of the frame having a metallic finish to it. The logo is also on the board itself. Personally, I’d prefer it the logo implementation was more subtle. The board itself is only 1.5cm thick at its highest point, and 2.5cm when you include the keycaps. The board is tough and there is minimal flex on the board.
As with all low profile keyboards like the Tecware Phantom L, it has a floating keycap kind of look. The back of the keyboard has two rubber feet at the bottom and two more if you flip out the angled feet. The rubber feet does an okay job – if you put enough force to move the keyboard it will move. But it generally, the rubber does enough to keep the keyboard still on the table.
Switches and stabilisers
It seems that the Havit HV-KB395L only comes in Kailh PG1350 Low Profile Blue Switches. As the keyboard is not hot-swappable, if you do not like blue switches, then this keyboard is probably not for you.
The Kailh PG1350 Low Profile Blue Switches are really clicky and emits a sharp, clean and high pitched sound on actuation. As the travel distance and the actuation distance is quite short, you get a very crisp and tactile typing experience, compared to regular blue switches. The stabilisers have minimal rattle, and feel responsive and as sharp as the regular keys – which makes for a great typing experience.
Keycaps
The keycaps used are ABS plastic which is considered the lowest quality amongst keycap materials because it will start to shine after prolonged periods of use. Havit went a simple looking font for its typeface which I personally prefer over any gamery-looking ones. They keycaps are laser-etched so the fancy RGB lights will shine through.
Connectivity
You can only connect the Havit HV-KB395L via a wired mode, which Havit supplies a micro-USB cable for it. The micro-USB port is off-center of the keyboard, being situation more on the right.
Backlight and software
The Havit HV-KB395L has RGB backlighting. You have a variety of lighting modes which you can access via the Fn key. The arrow keys control the brightness and speed of the lighting effect. You can set customised lighting modes. And to explore the full potential of the lighting effects, you can download the Havit software.
The software also allows you to change the response time and USB report rate. You can even customise a key to an action such as opening an application or assign macro to do things. For an entry level product, having a full fledged programme to support it really makes the keyboard more feature rich. Do note that this keyboard and the software is only compatible for Windows OS.
User experience
Having a low profile keyboard like the Havit HV-KB395L means that I can type without relying on a wrist rest like I did with the Keychron K8. Blue switches are clicky, and offer me a crisp and responsive typing experience. The stabilisers on the HV-KB395L is done rather well as I experienced minimal rattle, but I did find the spacebar and the enter key to a little scratchy. If you like blue switches, then the Kailh PG1350 Low Profile Blue Switches should feel home to you, but with more crisp than a bodied click.
Furthermore, if you’re getting this for gaming, then you will likely appreciate the features such as N-key rollover and Win-key lock. The alternate function row of the keyboard is solely designed to adjust the lighting modes and effects, and so I can’t seem to adjust volume, or mute mic.
Conclusion
The Havit HV-KB395L offers a pretty good typing experience especially if you’re a fan of blue switchers. You can expect a satisfying crisp feedback as you type and this comes in a pretty well-built board. I also like that the keyboard sports a rather clean design. I like low profile keyboards because of the comfort while typing and this is one of them. And at around S$114, it is a good price to snap up a low profile full size mechanical keyboard.