Links in this post may be affiliate links. Any products purchased through affiliate links may provide a small commission which helps to support the SemiPro Tech+Gear site and YouTube channel.
If you’ve been keeping an eye on the low-profile mechanical keyboard market, you might have noticed the rise of iQunix with their Magi65 series. After two years of reviewing keyboards, I’m finally diving into the world of iQunix, and today, we’re taking a close look at the Magi65 Pro. This sleek, 65% keyboard comes in both regular and pro versions and boasts a unique combination of features, build quality, and sound performance that might just put it on your radar.
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, I want to mention that iQunix sent me the Magi65 Pro for review, but they have no say in this review. I wasn’t paid to write this or make the embedded video below, and as always, my opinions are my own. If you decide to pick up the Magi65 through the affiliate link in this article, it’ll help support the site and YouTube channel.
IQUNIX Magi65 Pro
MSRP: $139.00 ($119 for non-pro model)
Pros
- Excellent typing feel and sound
- Premium build materials
- VIA customization
- Good battery life (with lights off)
- Balance of quality and price
Cons
- Couple of minor QC issues on the sample unit
- Too heavy for travel
- 65% layout won’t be best for everyone
Best For: When you want great typing feel and premium materials in a low profile
Use code semipro for 5% off at IQUNIX!
Features and Specifications
At first glance, the iQunix Magi65 is an impressive offering. The standard model comes in at $119, while the Pro version I’m reviewing here is priced at $139. The difference? The Pro model adds a side panel with a volume roller, a multi-function media button, and a compartment to store the 2.4GHz receiver. It’s a nice touch if you need those extras, but the regular model still holds its own with a clean and minimalistic design.
Specs & Features
- Layout: 65% with 68 keys (ANSI)
- Construction: CNC machined aluminum
- Colors: Black or White (more like beige)
- Dimensions (Pro): 357 x 108mm, 25.5mm height with keycaps
- Weight (Pro): 1030g (2.27lb)
- Connectivity: Bluetooth (3 devices), 2.4GHz with 1,000Hz polling, and USB-C wired with 1,000Hz polling
- Battery: 3,000mAh with up to 300 hours of battery life (backlighting off)
- Hot-swappable: Compatible with Kailh low profile switches (Kailh Gold-Red Linear switches included)
- Keycaps: PBT with anti-oil coating
- Backlighting: Full north-facing RGB
- Software: VIA compatible for remapping and macros (Windows, Mac, Linux)
The Magi65 Pro comes with a flex cut, hot-swappable PCB, a tray mount with silicone cushions and stabilizers that are plate-mounted.
Pros & Cons After One Week of Use
PRO: Build Quality & Materials
Let’s start with the build quality, which is one of the standout features of the Magi65. The CNC aluminum case gives this keyboard a solid and premium feel. Unlike other low-profile keyboards like the Lofree Flow, which uses thinner metal, the Magi65 Pro feels sturdy and weighty without being overly bulky. The construction quality here is impressive for the price, especially at the $139 mark.
PRO: Connectivity Options
The Magi65 offers a variety of connectivity options, making it versatile for different setups. You can connect it via Bluetooth (up to three devices), 2.4GHz, or USB-C wired. Both 2.4GHz and wired connections feature 1,000Hz polling, which provides a reliable, lag-free experience for both work and gaming. In my testing, I had no connectivity issues at my typical 2-3 foot distance from my computer.
PRO: VIA Support
One of the more convenient features of the Magi65 is VIA compatibility, which allows you to remap keys, create macros, and adjust lighting without having to install additional software. The changes you make are retained across all connection modes, so it’s a seamless experience whether you’re wired, using Bluetooth, or 2.4GHz. VIA works well and is mostly intuitive after a short learning curve, which is a major plus.
PRO: Keycaps & Typing Feel
The PBT keycaps with an anti-oil coating feel great under the fingers. The legends are crisp and consistent, and there’s a nice touch with an additional copper-colored accent key in the box. Also, the included modifier keys come with both Mac and Windows legends, so you can easily swap them out depending on your system. The typing feel on this keyboard is among the best I’ve experienced for a low-profile mechanical. The flexibility of the keypress is excellent, and the sound is subdued but satisfying—similar to the Lofree Flow but with a bit more give. It’s not overly loud, which is ideal for office or shared spaces.
PRO: Battery Life
The 3,000mAh battery is another highlight. With up to 300 hours of battery life with backlighting turned off, the Magi65 outperforms several competitors like the NuPhy Air75 V2 and the Lofree Flow with the backlighting turned off. Even with backlighting enabled, you should get more than 100 hours if it’s on a lower brightness setting.
PRO: Sound and Feel
For a low-profile mechanical keyboard, the sound and feel of the Magi65 is impressive. The Kailh Gold Red switches, with their 45g actuation force, offer a linear and smooth feel. The sound profile is a bit like the Lofree Flow—subdued with a popcorn-like noise—but it’s still very satisfying. The flexibility in the typing feel is unparalleled for a low-profile board, making it one of the most comfortable typing experiences in this category. If I had to pick my favorite typing feel out of the Magi65, Lofree Flow, and NuPhy Air75 V2, I’d choose the Magi65 without hesitation.
NEUTRAL: Design & Side Panel
As with all keyboards, your interpretation of the design of the Magi65 is subjective. The non-Pro version is clean and straightforward, while the Pro model adds a side panel that includes a volume roller and a multimedia button. If you don’t need those features, the regular model might be more your speed. The extra space for the 2.4GHz receiver is handy, too, but it’s not a feature I use all that often.
NEUTRAL: Height
At 19.6mm tall with keycaps, the front of the Magi65 is slightly taller than some of its low-profile competitors. Personally, I found that a low-profile wrist rest helped alleviate any discomfort but it depends on your arm & wrist positioning. If you tend to rest your wrists on your desk while typing, you might feel the extra height, but it’s not a major issue.
NEUTRAL: 65% Layout
The Magi65 only comes in a 65% layout currently, which may be a limiting factor if you’re someone who prefers a full-sized keyboard or even a 75% layout. If you don’t mind the lack of a function row, then the 65% layout is a solid choice, but it’s something to keep in mind.
NEUTRAL: Switches
Currently, the Magi65 only offers one switch option: the Kailh Gold Red switches. While they’re not bad, they do feel a bit lighter than the stated 45g actuation force. The linear feel is decent, but if you prefer a tactile switch or different feel, this could be a con. The good news is that the Magi65 is hot-swappable, so you can easily swap in your preferred switches, and Kailh has expanded their low-profile switch options recently (the all-POM options made for the Lofree flow are compatible!).
CON: Quality Control Issues
While the build quality is generally solid, I did notice a couple of small quality control issues. The feet on my unit are very slightly uneven, causing the keyboard to wobble a bit on hard surfaces. It’s so minor that it’s not noticeable on my felt desk mat, but it was worth mentioning. The 2.4GHz receiver compartment also didn’t close as securely as I would’ve liked, and one of the magnets fell out during my testing because it did not have enough adhesive on it. Overall these were minor issues but did take a little away from the otherwise premium feel of the Magi65.
CON: Portability
At 1,030g (2.27lb), the Magi65 Pro is on the heavier side for low-profile keyboards. While it’s slim enough to fit in a backpack, it’s definitely not the most portable option out there because of that weight. If you’re looking for something primarily to carry around in a backpack, the Lofree Flow or the NuPhy Air75 V2 may be better options due to their lighter weight.
CON: Power Switch Accessibility
A small but annoying issue is the power switch placement. It’s located under the Caps Lock key, and the space is tight enough that I can’t reach it with my fingers. To fully turn the keyboard off, you need to remove the keycap and use a small instrument to flip the switch. There is a key command to power down the keyboard as well (hold FN + ESC for 3 seconds), which is far preferable. However if you’re powering the Magi65 down to take it somewhere and the buttons might be pressed in transit, then you’ll want to power it off with the switch.
CON: Laptop Compatibility (Pro Model)
This one won’t matter to everyone and only applies to the Pro model. Because of the added width from the side panel, it will not sit comfortably on a laptop without interfering with the keys. I did not receive the regular model to test, but that model may work better sitting on top of a laptop if you like to do that. For reference, the NuPhy Air75 V2 does sit nicely on top of a laptop, as does the Lofree Flow Lite, but the original Lofree Flow does not.
Is it Worth It?
After spending some time with the Magi65, I’m genuinely impressed by what iQunix has put together. The build quality, sound, typing feel, and battery life all stand out in the low-profile keyboard market. While there are a couple of minor drawbacks, they’re likely not dealbreakers for most users and some only apply to the Pro model.
If you’re someone who likes a flexible typing feel with a low-profile design, the Magi65 is definitely worth considering. However, if you need something lightweight and portable, or if you prefer a different layout, other options like the Lofree Flow or NuPhy Air75 V2 might be better suited to your needs.
In summary, the iQunix Magi65 raises the bar for low-profile mechanical keyboards, and if iQunix expands their lineup to include other layouts, this could become a top contender for many users.