FiiO KB3 Review: A Mechanical Keyboard with a Built-In DAC for Audiophiles
The FiiO KB3 is a unique mechanical keyboard that stands out with its built-in DAC, making it a great option for audiophiles and mechanical keyboard enthusiasts alike. Combining the tactile pleasure of Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches with a high-quality DAC, this keyboard offers a blend of performance and audio fidelity that’s hard to find elsewhere. In this review, we’ll explore its key features, design, performance, and whether it's worth your money.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Quirky and sturdy design
- Powerful built-in DAC for audiophiles
- Responsive keypresses with Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches
- VIA software support for customization
Cons:
- Keys can be hard to read with RGB lighting
- No wireless option in the DAC version
Key Features
- Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches: These linear switches provide a smooth and responsive typing experience.
- Built-in DAC: The FiiO KB3 comes with a powerful DAC capable of driving high-impedance headphones.
- 75% Layout: Compact and functional, the 75% layout saves space while maintaining essential keys.
- VIA Software Support: The keyboard supports VIA for deep customization and QMK firmware for advanced users.
Design and Build Quality
The FiiO KB3 is a solidly built keyboard, featuring a magnesium aluminum alloy top plate and a textured plastic frame. Weighing in at 1.06 kg, this keyboard feels substantial without being overly bulky. The 75% layout is a popular choice among enthusiasts, offering a compact form factor without sacrificing essential keys like the arrow keys and function row.
One of the standout design elements of the KB3 is its translucent keycaps, which allow the RGB lighting to shine through brilliantly. However, this comes at the cost of legibility, as the white legends can be difficult to read in certain lighting conditions.
The keyboard also includes a tactile volume wheel and a USB-A hub on the back for added functionality, making it a versatile tool for both gamers and audiophiles. The DAC inputs are located on the left side, offering both 3.5mm and 4.4mm headphone jacks.
Performance
The FiiO KB3 features Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches, which are linear with a 50g actuation force and a 67g bottom out. These switches come pre-lubed, providing a smooth and responsive typing experience. The keyboard is also hot-swappable, allowing you to easily swap out switches without the need for soldering.
Acoustically, the KB3 performs well with minimal key wobble and no case ping, delivering a deep and satisfying typing sound. The gasket-mounted design ensures a sturdy typing experience, although it's not as bouncy as some other gasket-mounted keyboards.
Built-in DAC
The built-in DAC is where the FiiO KB3 truly shines. It features both 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced outputs, with up to 550mW of power on the balanced output. This allows it to drive high-impedance headphones like the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro and Sennheiser HD6XX with ease. The DAC utilizes FiiO’s own CS43131 DAC chips, which are known for delivering rich and detailed audio.
If you're an audiophile who values high-quality audio, the FiiO KB3 eliminates the need for a separate DAC or amplifier, reducing cable clutter on your desk.
Software and RGB Lighting
The FiiO KB3 uses VIA software, which is a lightweight yet powerful tool for customizing key mappings and creating multiple layers. QMK firmware support also allows for advanced customization, including flashing new firmware.
The RGB lighting is vibrant and shines brilliantly through the translucent keycaps. However, the lack of per-key RGB customization might be a downside for some users. The keyboard offers 19 different lighting presets, which should be enough for most users looking for a visually appealing setup.
Who Should Buy the FiiO KB3?
You Should Buy If:
- You want a DAC inside your keyboard: The FiiO KB3 offers a powerful DAC that can drive high-impedance headphones, making it a great choice for audiophiles.
- You want a compact, functional layout: The 75% layout saves space while maintaining essential keys like the function row and arrow keys.
You Should Skip If:
- You prefer wireless keyboards: The DAC version of the FiiO KB3 is wired, so if you need wireless connectivity, this might not be the best option for you.
- You need better keycap legibility: The translucent keycaps can make the legends hard to read in certain lighting conditions.
Final Thoughts
The FiiO KB3 is a unique mechanical keyboard that caters to both keyboard enthusiasts and audiophiles. Its built-in DAC is a standout feature, offering powerful audio performance that can drive high-impedance headphones without the need for additional equipment. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches provide a smooth and responsive typing experience, and the 75% layout is both compact and functional.
While the keyboard has a few minor drawbacks—such as the legibility of its translucent keycaps and the lack of wireless connectivity in the DAC version—it remains an excellent option for those who want a high-quality mechanical keyboard with audiophile-grade sound.
Where to Buy
If you're interested in purchasing the FiiO KB3, you can find it on Amazon:
For comparison, here are some other mechanical keyboards you might consider:
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