Today, we’re checking out the Kwumsy K3 keyboard. This a unique and interesting all-in-one plug and play device, that features a mechanical keyboard with hot swappable switches, combined with a 13″ tilt-adjustable IPS touchscreen. Plus it has a built-in multi-port USB hub, with a card reader and SSD enclosure.
Key Specs
- 13-inch IPS Tilt Touchscreen 1920 x 720 60Hz 157ppi
- 82 keys Mechanical Keyboard with and Rotary Dial
- Hot Swappable Yellow Gateron Switches and Key Caps
- Built In Speakers
- SSD Enclosure for Additional Storage
- Ports: 60W PD USB-C, USB-C to host, 2x USB 3.0 type A, MicroSD and SD card slot
- Foldout feet with two heights
- Weight: 2.12kg
Unboxing and First Impressions
The device comes well packaged, and in the box we have the K3 keyboard and monitor. For first impressions it feels well-made and it’s defiantly got some weight to it, and being on the thicker side it does feels like a big laptop in hand. The keyboard has a good layout, the quality feels really nice and way better than first expected.
In the box we also have the user guide with instruction on how to setup and use the device. There’s a quick start guide with some basic information. A combo keycap and switch puller, disassembly tool and 3 silicon plugs for installing an SSD. A USB-A to USB-C cable, a right angled USB-C interface cable for compatible devices with a full feature interface. And there’s a HDMI cable with 2x USB-A to a USB-C cable for other PC connections. And the last item is a USB power adapter
Connection
Now for the setup the K3 can be connected to a windows or mac laptop, mini computer, mobile device or to a PC.
I’m plugging it into a PC and using the included HDMI interface cable. The USB-C plugs into the back of the K3 and the other end to a HDMI and USB port on a PC, and the second USB to a power supply. Upon connecting the keyboards RGB lights up and the screen is automatically detected. There’s no drivers to install just plug and play. I did notice while using the touch screen moved the pointer on the main screen, so we need to configure the touch setting on the PC for the K3 monitor. It’s pretty easy to do, just open the control panel, select hardware and sound, then on tablet settings. Click on setup, and press enter to get the K3 screen and touch the screen to confirm. All of this is covered in the manual so pretty easy to work out.
Software
While the K3 doesn’t need software or a driver to work, if you want to dive into the setup features there’s a K3 software/driver download from the Kwusmy Website that allows you to change and bind key functions, macros, customize the RGB lights or adjust the key sensitivity.
Keyboard
Taking a closer look at the board the K3 is an 82 key mechanical keyboard with a rotary dial and push button. By default this dial is used to adjust the volume and the push function is used to play or pause a video or music.
Keycaps
For the Keycaps are PBT double shot cherry profile keycaps in a black, grey and blue theme. They look good, sound good and feel comfortable and are nice to type with. Now the key caps don’t transmit light but you could get some shine through keycaps which would be useful for darker environments or night use.
Switches
Now for the switches that come stock with the board, these are hot swappable so that means you can replace or customize the switches without or soldering or de-soldering. The switches are Gateron Yellows, these are a very smooth linear switch type with a 4mm total travel and 2mm actuation with an actuation force of 50g, making them good for working in the office or long-term typing and even gaming. The stabilizers on the larger keys very well secured, feel good, and there’s no noise or rattles, everything feels dialed in and well setup. See the YT video linked below for a sound typing test.
RGB Lights
So there’s south facing RGB lights under the keys and there’s side panels with accent lighting. Both of these can be change from the keyboard to adjust brightness, between different colors and effects or completely turned off. There’s a big list of function controls in the manual that are worth checking out.
Screen
Taking a look at the screen, it’s a 13” IPS Display with a 1920*720 resolution and at a 60hz refresh rate. It is adjustable from flat to upright with locking points at about 30 and 70 degrees, and there’s a little side button to press to unlock the screen when moving it up or down. The 10 point touch display allows you to zoom, swipe, drag, press, double tap or use other gestures.
The screen has a shiny reflective finish, I do prefer a bit more of a matte screen for a computer display, so I might add a screen protector. The IPS screen has good viewing angles and colors that look decent and has a good level of brightness. Pressing the rear toggle switch bring up the on screen display, and in the menu there’s some basic adjustment for the screen brightness, master volume, and color temperature. And these can be adjusted via the rear toggle or directly on the touch screen.
Ports and SSD Enclosure
At the back and under the screen there’s an SSD M.2 port to add extra storage, and having expandable storage is always useful if you want backup of store some data. All the connection ports are tucked away at the back of the K3. There’s an SD, micro SD slot, USB –C port for the host PC. The USB -C 60w Power delivery port, 2X USB a 3.0, and the toggle switch for the OSD and power. There’s a couple of cable management clips, and these are good to use as strain relief points for cables.
Built in Speakers
At either side we have some small stereo speakers with basic sound. The sound is very thin. (See the YT video linked below for a sound test)
Underneath
Most of the keyboard is made with plastic except for the back plate which is metal. On the underside there are three rubber feet providing good grip. There’s kick stands on the rear if you need to adjust the level of the tilt, with 2 levels of adjustment. Keep in mind these foldable feet are metal and have no rubber beneath and could scratch surfaces.
Opening
Now for anyone interested we’ll take a quick look inside the keyboard. Its opened up by removing the encoder knob first, then un-clipping top case with the included tool. Now you’ll want to be care lifting up the keyboard as there’s a wire connect to the PCB that needs to be unplugged.
Inside the keyboard has good foam padding in-between the plate and the PCB and there’s gaskets positioned around the edges that dampen noise and give a cushioned typing experience. A quick look at the underside of the PCB and it all looks good. And back in the case there’s 2 diffusers held in place with screws for the side RGBS. And at the bottom of the case we have a nice thick silicon dampening layer.
User Experience
Ok, so the K3 is well built and feels really nice to type on with the stock switches and key caps. I really like the size of the keyboard, but the screen and enclosure do take up a bit of extra room on a desk, about double the space of a regular 75% keyboard, and at 2.1kg it’s not the most portable device.
So what can the touch screen be used for? Well really for anything that you’d use a tablet or second screen for. Maybe you want to use it for a discord chat window, to monitor emails, a media player for music, podcasts and playing YT videos or to even check on a 3D printer camera or some casual gaming.
Final Thoughts
Overall the Kwumsy K3 is a cool device, blending a mechanical keyboard, touchscreen monitor, speakers, a USB hub, and SSD enclosure into an all-in one tool! It’s not for everyone, but the K3 might be a great fit for users who need a handy multi-purpose input device.
Product Links
Watch the full detailed video review here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNVfq63Bs1c
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