X Plus VickyBoard – An Exercise For Your Hands

I love a good keyboard, and while it might not make sense to many people, considering how this is my third keyboard review on this website. My experience with mechanical keyboards goes way, way back, and I can say that things have changed a lot since I started using a mechanical keyboard. I have used all sorts of keyboards in almost all form factors, but when X-Plus reached out to me and asked if I'd be interested in reviewing their VickyBoard, I said yes, mainly because I was really interested in the ergonomics of this keyboard.

The X-Plus VickyBoard is not your average mechanical keyboard. It is a split keyboard or, in other words, a cross-radial mechanical keyboard that takes some of the most beloved features of a custom keyboard and adds them into a keyboard that will go easy on your hands and will ensure that you do not end up developing symptoms of Carpal Tunnel. So, how was my experience with the keyboard? Let's talk about it a bit.\

Note: The review was done on a prototype unit. The final unit might offer some more variations.

Now, the X-Plus VickyBoard unit that I received was packaged inside an EVA case, or at least what it looked like. Considering how this is still a prototype, the future packaging might vary, but honestly, I wish more companies would start doing that, as it would make it a breeze to travel with your keyboard. Although the case is very thick to be carried in a backpack, I assume this would not be the case with smaller keyboards. The case also had a switch-puler, a soft-braided cable for charging, and an instruction manual. More than enough to get you started.

X-Plus sent me their clear variant of the VickyBoard with side-printed legends and translucent black keycaps, and the moment I took it out of the box, my head was swarmed with several questions with the main one being, "Okay, how do I type on this?" And I have to say, it took me a good chunk of time before I could finally get my hands used to this keyboard, and even now, I cannot type on it as fast as I can type on my Akko MOD007B, but the one thing that I have realized right away is that it does provide better ergonomics, especially if you are using the keyboard for extended periods.

The keyboard is available in three switch types: Cherry MX Red for a linear experience, Khaki Box Brown for a tactile experience, and Gateron Blue for a clicky and tactile experience. The good news is that the keyboard does have a hot-swap PCB with a north-facing LED. The keyboard uses 3-pin mechanical switches, so you can go ahead and customize it to your heart's content should you want to go with something else. Coming back to the ergonomics, well, it is going to take you some time before you are fully able to use the keyboard with the same proficiency as you would a standard keyboard.

The entire keyboard is made out of thick, clear, or colored acrylic, depending on the color choice you pick, and it feels solid in the hand. However, the unit I received had some noticeable creaking, so that is one thing that I would like to point out. I feel like this is an issue with the prototype, and the retail variants are going to have no issues like that. But considering how the entire keyboard is a solid chunk of acrylic, I would advise everyone to actually be careful and not drop the keyboard as it can break easily, despite its heft.

The X-Plus VickyBoard is Bluetooth and wired in terms of connectivity, and the whole process of connecting it to your devices is as simple as it can get. However, considering how Bluetooth is not always suitable for gaming, I would highly advise that you play in wired mode. Rest assured, for typing, Bluetooth works just fine with barely noticeable input lag (only in instances where you are typing really fast). The blue switches do an excellent job, and the RGB lighting can be turned on or off, depending on your preference. Speaking of RGB, this is something that I have to address. I have never shied away at the thought of too much RGB, but when my brother was cycling through different lighting modes during the preliminary review process, I did look at some modes and realize that the X-Plus VickyBoard offers what I would consider the brightest RGB I have ever seen on any keyboard. Almost to the point that it will possibly put a strain on your eyes.

This is possibly mainly because of the transparent case and translucent keycaps that allow the light to shine out brighter than before and basically spill everywhere it possibly can. This might not look good for everyone, but if you are a fan of the RGB craze, then the X-Plus VickyBoard is definitely something that you are going to love.

I have used the X-Plus VickyBoard ever since I received it and alternated between this and my Akko MOD0007B PC. Both keyboards are entirely different in terms of ergonomics, but the one thing that I realized without wasting a lot of time is that I am going to need months, if not weeks, to train my hands to sit properly on this form factor. I made three other people use the same keyboard to see if they would be able to type without making too many mistakes, and they all ran into the same issue.

The whole review was typed on the X-Plus VickyBoard, and it took me much longer to type, with a lot more mistakes in the process. However, my inability to get used to this form factor is not indicative of the experience that is provided by the keyboard. This form factor is popular for anyone who is looking for a more comfortable typing experience, and I can see why. The keyboard is stacked with all the advanced features that enthusiasts would love, and I hope that the final version of this keyboard has made some improvements to the keyboard's overall finish.

Would I personally shift to the X-Plus VickyBoard? I am afraid, given my limited time with it, I cannot make a decision at the moment. If I spend more time with it, however, I can see myself mastering this form factor, and that is perhaps the only hurdle for me because, other than that, this keyboard offers everything that I normally look for in a high-end keyboard. If you would like to back this project, you can check out the Indiegogo here. For more information, here is the official link.

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