Those needing to purchase a full-size wired keyboard have another option as iRocks launches its K74M mechanical keyboard. The K74M is a bit of a rarity in the keyboard market these days in that it not only features all of the standard keys which have increasingly been disappearing of late but also that instead of full-on RGB the keys are simply illuminated by a white backlight. Clearly, iRocks is aiming the K74M at those who are primarily interested in a more professional usage scenario but also gamers who may not need RGB overkill and may use their PCs for more than just gaming.
The K74M also has a number of modern features for users desiring greater flexibility in customizing, and maintaining their keyboard. PBT keycaps are pre-installed which should outlast ABS counterparts while also preventing the backlit elements from fading over time. Aluminum plating ensures easier cleaning along with hot-swappable sockets for changing out the pre-installed Gateron switches (rated for 50 million keystrokes) with compatible MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches. A smart wheel is also included on the keyboard for “volume, scrolling, zooming, brush adjustment, video editing, multimedia control, and more.”
Features and Specifications (per store page):
- Mechanical switches for fast response and smooth key feedback
- Preinstalled bottom pad and switch dampener sheet
- All-zone Gateron hotswap Sockets for quick switch replacement
- High performance USB wired connection
- Detachable USB-C cable and two-level adjustable keyboard feet
- PBT doubleshot keycaps
- Easy to clean floating keyboard design
- Built-in hotkey to access multimedia, mail, full key lock, PC lock and more
- Software for editing macros and backlighting
- Product Name : Backlit Mechanical Keyboard
- Product Model : IRK74MS
- Interface : USB-C Wired
- Backlight : Yes, White
- Key number : 107 keys
- Smart dial wheel: 1 Set
- Switch type: Mechanical Switch
- N-Key rollover ( NKRO )
- Multimedia keys: 15 keys
- Rated Voltage / Current : DC5V / 300 mA
- Weight : Approx. 910 g
- USB Cable Length : Approx. 180 cm
- Dimensions : 442 (L) X 139 (W) X 41 (H) mm
Press Release:
“iRocks, a Taiwan PC peripheral manufacturer, introduced a brand-new mechanical keyboard K74M featuring white backlight, PBT keycaps, aluminum plate and hot-swappable switches.
K74M is meticulously designed to offer style and practicality for both gaming and professional tasks. Over the course of several years, iRocks has devoted countless hours to testing, gathering feedback, and engaging in development. This ongoing effort has enabled K74M to collaborate effectively with typists and gamers, ensuring the delivery of a highly satisfying typing experience.
PBT Keycaps and Floating Keys Design
A pre-installed set of PBT keycaps outlives ordinary ABS ones with it comes to surface wearing, and greatly enhances the durability of the keys. The keycaps are made with double shot (dual-injection) technology to prevent backlit legends from fading. Thanks to its floating keys design and aluminum plating, the K74M makes keyboard cleaning and maintenance easier after years of service.
Customize your typing experience painlessly without soldering.
K74M features Gateron hot-swappable sockets for mechanical switches, compatible with 3pin and 5pin MX-style mechanical switches. The pre-installed Gateron switches can stand with up to 50 million keystrokes, with clear housing allowing white backlight evenly shines through the translucent key legends.
Wired USB-C Connection
K74M has detachable cable and can be connected using USB-A to USB-C or USB-C to C cable. High speed microcontroller inside the K74M enables fast keystroke response and N-key rollover function.
Customizable Smart Wheel
The wheel on K74M has switchable modes and is fully compatible with your Windows 10 and 11 PC. With Smart Wheel mode under Windows 10 and 11, you can customize your wheel to what you need it to be – volume, scrolling, zooming, brush adjustment, video editing, multimedia control, and more.
Enhanced Typing Experience
For premium typing feel and sound, the K74M implements a sound-absorbing pad for spaces between the plate and PCB and an appropriately sized foam for the bottom case. The components work together to turn every click into a delightful typing bliss. The stabilizers for the spacebar and modifiers on the K74M are tuned and lubricated to ensure consistent smoothness with less rattling key press.
Software Configurator
Not just from hardware hotkeys, K74M supports software configurator, providing you with an intuitive control interface for the keyboard, from backlighting to macro keys and more. The configuration may also be saved to the keyboard’s onboard memory for on-the-go convenience.“
As iRocks launches its K74M mechanical keyboard it is refreshing to see a company cater to more than just the RGB overload / disappearing key models that have come to dominate the PC landscape in recent years.
Discussion (10 replies)
Join Discussion →Is... is that a full-size keyboard?!
Yep, while typing this one up this morning I had that voice from those '80s movie trailers inside my head the whole time, "Imagine, if you will, the return of a long-forgotten artifact returning to save the masses. Coming this summer . . ."
Seriously the thing keeping me from getting one of these is the lack of a wireless option.
Not a bad deal for $75. I'm not a fan of those switches though.
I honestly never seen the fad about mechanical switches/keyboards. I prefer a quiet keyboard and try to go membrane style when I can.
That's the best looking keyboard ive seen here in some time. :). Man if I was in the market SOLD.
I admit that I'm mixed about mechanical keyboards. On one hand, I do sometimes like the feel/pressure of them but can absolutely hate the sound. On the other, I've got a Logitech K800 that's around 10+ years old and it is my favorite beyond anything I've used in the last 10-20 years. I'm dreading its passing. The #1 key on the keypad was giving me some grief the last couple of weeks but magically is back to working again this morning.
I will add though, I really like the look of the K74M and would give it a try if it had wireless capability.
If you like the feel of mechanical, but don't want the sound, try MX Clear switches. Tactile feel with zero click. The brown's are a close second.
I've had Browns, the Silver Speed switches, and Reds in my current one.
Brown has been my favorite so far, and it's a tossup between that or trying the Clears in my next keyboard (hopefully that's a few years out). And I can't say enough about my Ducky keyboard - best one I've ever owned, by far, if you just want a keyboard and none of the BS.
I've read similar things about the brown switches as I've begun researching this more over the last year or so. My only direct experience with mechanical switches thus far has been the Cherry MX Reds in my MSI GT80 Titan laptop. I like the feel but wow they are loud.
I have brown's in my Corsair K70. While they are quiet'ish, I did the o-ring mod which made them a lot quieter.