The X-Plus VickyBoard Ergo Split-V: A Stylish but Steeply-Priced (and Steeply-Learning) Keyboard
In the world of ergonomic keyboards, the quest for comfort and efficiency often takes on a unique, and sometimes, unconventional, form. While many settle for traditional split keyboards or embrace the world of ortholinear layouts, the X-Plus VickyBoard Ergo Split-V dares to venture further into the realm of ergonomic innovation with its bold cross-radial design. Is this daring approach a game-changer for typing comfort, or is it simply an expensive indulgence for the keyboard enthusiast? After spending over a month with the VickyBoard, we’re ready to dive into its features and decipher whether it’s worth the hefty price tag.
X-Plus VickyBoard Ergo Split-V Review: Price and Box Contents
The X-Plus VickyBoard Ergo Split-V is currently available for purchase on Indiegogo with an intriguing pricing structure based on the chosen case finish, each offering a distinct aesthetic. You can select from four series: Ruby, Sapphire, Onyx, and Neon, with matching keycap options. X-Plus allows you to personalize your keyboard further by selecting your preferred Gateron mechanical switches.
The basic kit, including the keyboard, a key tool, charging and connectivity cable, boasts an early bird price of Rs. 14,903 (excluding shipping and custom duties) and a standard retail price of Rs. 20,688. However, for enhanced value, consider the VickyBoard All-Star kit priced at Rs. 17,304 (early bird) and Rs. 27,309 (retail). This kit encompasses the VickyBoard, X-Plus Key, Switch puller tool, X-Plus Mat, and X-Plus Eva case.
X-Plus VickyBoard Ergo Split-V Review: Design
The VickyBoard boasts a captivating design, with its top and bottom cases meticulously crafted from CNC-machined acrylic. My review unit, adorned with the Ruby colorway and crystal-clear Sapphire keycaps, presented a unique, striking aesthetic. While the color selection is subjective, the overall design is undeniably eye-catching. The transparent acrylic cases offer a captivating glimpse into the keyboard’s internals, showcasing the intricate wiring and components, highlighting the craftsmanship. The acrylic cases also provide an enhanced underglow effect as the RGB key lighting beautifully illuminates your desk mat.
Despite the allure of its transparent design, the prominent X-Plus logo, unfortunately, detracts from the overall aesthetic. Its oversized presence, boldly featured on both the top case and side panel, feels rather garish and overwhelming.
The CNC-machined acrylic finish exudes a premium look and feel, however, the lack of metal sleeves for the case screws raises concerns about long-term durability. The acrylic material’s delicacy is further emphasized by the deep scratches that marred my review unit right out of the box. While the keyboard remained unscratched during regular typing use, it’s evident that a simple contact with a metallic object could inflict significant damage.
The VickyBoard features a 75 percent layout with 72 keys but its generous spacing ensures a larger footprint compared to regular 75 percent layouts. My review unit was equipped with Gateron Yellow mechanical switches and the Sapphire keycaps.
The keyboard’s integrated 6-degree angle is non-adjustable, designed to maximize comfort according to the manufacturer. This fixed angle, coupled with the lack of adjustable feet, may necessitate the use of external ergonomic wrist rests or a specialized Alice layout wrist rest to further enhance comfort during prolonged typing sessions.
The acrylic Cherry profile keycaps feature a translucent finish with matte tops. While undoubtedly stylish, they prove to be less legible both with and without backlighting and their sound isn’t as pleasing as standard PBT keycaps.
X-Plus VickyBoard Ergo Split-V Review: Performance
The VickyBoard’s unique cross-radial design features angled, fanned out key halves for improved typing ergonomics. This layout, coupled with the ortholinear arrangement encourages up-and-down finger movements for a more comfortable typing experience. The 6-degree incline of the 72 keys further contributes to an ergonomic typing position, but external wrist rests are highly recommended given the keyboard’s lack of built-in adjustable feet.
While I was initially drawn to the VickyBoard’s comfort during typing, adapting to its unconventional layout proved to be a challenge. My ingrained muscle memory, honed from years of using a standard 65 percent keyboard, struggled to adjust. I found myself constantly needing to visually confirm key positions, hindering my typing speed.
The keyboard’s implementation of hot-swappable switches allows for customization. My review unit came equipped with Gateron G Pro Yellow switches, providing a linear typing experience. While these switches offer a smooth, quiet typing feel, two of the switches arrived damaged, highlighting potential quality control issues.
Despite the acrylic cases and keycaps, I was concerned about the keyboard’s sound quality, fearing it would disappoint. Sadly, my concerns were validated. The VickyBoard produced a hollow, unsatisfying sound, falling short of the richer, more pleasing acoustic experience offered by metal-cased keyboards in this price range. While the acrylic materials played a role in the sound quality, the absence of plate mounting and the direct PCB mounting to the case further exacerbated the hollowness.
The VickyBoard unfortunately lacks a simple Mac/Windows switch for layout toggling and the function key row is also absent. Despite offering hot-swappable switches, the VickyBoard forgoes the popular VIA software for key remapping and instead relies on QMK. This means configuration changes require downloading a profile and manually loading it onto the keyboard, a less convenient process than real-time remapping with VIA.
The initial setup presented another unforeseen hurdle when the cable provided in the review kit proved incompatible with the keyboard. Fortunately, a spare cable salvaged the situation, allowing access to DFU mode for reconfiguring the default Windows key layout.
Beyond its distinctive design, the VickyBoard offers the convenience of wireless connectivity, allowing for a cable-free typing experience. The keyboard supports Bluetooth connection, providing a high degree of flexibility. The VickyBoard’s ability to pair with 5 devices further enhances its versatility, encompassing computers, tablets, and smartphones.
The VickyBoard boasts an impressive 3,000mAh battery, delivering a week of usage with the LEDs active and extending to several weeks with the lights off.
X-Plus VickyBoard Ergo Split-V Review: Verdict
The X-Plus VickyBoard Ergo Split-V is a keyboard that oozes style with its striking acrylic construction and captivating underglow. Its ergonomic design aims to deliver a fatigue-free typing experience, but it comes with a steep learning curve for those accustomed to standard keyboard layouts. This keyboard isn’t for the casual user seeking simple, comfortable typing. The VickyBoard caters to a specialized audience, those who are willing to embrace a new, unconventional keyboard layout and sacrifice typing speed for ergonomic comfort.
While the VickyBoard’s design and ergonomic features are impressive, its price tag may be a deterrent for many. The overall cost, combined with the delicate acrylic construction and the complexities of QMK remapping, makes the VickyBoard a niche choice even among keyboard enthusiasts.
Ratings out of 10:
- Design: 8
- Performance: 8
- Value for money: 7
- Overall: 8
Pros:
- Striking acrylic design
- Robust RGB lighting
- Comfortable ergonomics
- Wireless connectivity with 5-device support
Cons:
- Delicate acrylic construction
- Steep learning curve for layout adaptation
- Complex QMK configuration
- Requires split palm-rests for optimal comfort
- Expensive
