Test
Let’s move on to testing the One 3 Mist. We put it to the test in just about every scenario: video games, office work, etc….
Getting started:
If you’re already used to using a 104-key keyboard, switching to the One 3 Mist won’t be too complicated… at least in this format. In fact, it has everything you need, with a numeric keypad, navigation keys and arrow keys.
However, as I’m used to using NZXT’s Function MiniTKL, switching back to this format for a test made me a little disorientated. Yes, you quickly get the impression of having to deal with a surfboard, so imposing is this format compared with a small keyboard. If you’ve been eating on your desk up until now, it’s going to be a real challenge to put a plate on it.
Otherwise, considering its size, this is a classic keyboard, with no tricks up its sleeve. Yes, there are a few functions dedicated to sound management, but there’s no need for the usual thumbwheel found on Corsair or Roccat keyboards, for example. No, this is rustic! This rusticity is also reflected in the weight, which we feel is quite substantial. As the saying goes, a heavy product is a quality product!
Once on the desk, unfortunately, we find a keyboard that tends to slide quite a bit on our mouse pad. As we saw earlier, the thin rubber strips won’t prevent this tank from moving around on a desk. Fortunately, raising the height-adjustable feet partially corrects this problem, except that the first level will fold down as soon as the keyboard is pushed. The last level, however, is more solid. This is certainly an area for improvement in a future revision of the keyboard.
The other thing we really like about this keyboard is its “old-fashioned” look. The white base, the keys in different shades of grey with a few purple keycaps, all this reminds us of the old keyboards of yesteryear. However, this model also plays the originality card, breaking away from current keyboard patterns with sometimes exuberant looks.
If you’re looking for a bit of contrast, Ducky provides a few extra purple keys. On the other hand, you could also replace the circular escape key and the enter key with grey keycaps for a more sober look. In any case, these are double-injection PBT keys, with the lettering molded into the key. The big advantage of this is that the letters won’t fade, while PBT ensures that they’ll stand the test of time!
No software!
A disadvantage for some, an advantage for others, this keyboard doesn’t come with any software. As a result, lighting settings, lighting customization and macro recording are done on the fly, via shortcut combinations. What’s more, the keyboard is completely software-independent, so there’s no need to install yet another piece of software on your computer.
However, as soon as you try to record the slightest little macro, you’ll have to hang on, as you’ll quickly find yourself chaining together convoluted combinations based on Fn Ctrl or Fn Alt. In short, depending on the functions you want to “macro”, you can quickly get lost. In any case, a quick look at the user manual is a must, provided you’re not allergic to English. Unfortunately, if you’re “Anglophobic”, you’ll have no choice but to go through a translator.
Switches:
For this version, we received a keyboard equipped with Cherry MX Silver Speed switches. In itself, nothing original, since we’re talking about the German manufacturer’s sensitive linear switches. Making spelling mistakes won’t be too difficult, as these switches require a force of just 45g, as with the MX Red, but the point of emphasis is only 1.2 mm. What’s more, the overall stroke is shorter: 3.4 mm vs. 4 mm. This is where these switches are most sensitive.
Once again, the One 3 Mist offers a range of different switch types, as Cherry’s entire product range. We find tactile switches with the MX Brown, clicky switches with the MX Blue, less sensitive linear switches with the MX Red and special MX switches with the MX Ergo Clear. However, there will be no MX Black or MX Green for those who like harder switches.
Fortunately, this is not a problem, as the keyboard is ” hot swappable “. If you wish, you can put any switch you like on it, as long as it’s of the Cherrry type. Secondly, the keyboard offers no particular restrictions, as both 3-pin and 5-pin switches are accepted. If you feel like it, you can mount it with Gateron Ink Silent Black, as on NZXT’s Function MiniTKL or the recently announced Glorious Raptor!
Changing the switch is not very difficult, as you need to press and pull on the plastic clips at the top and bottom of the switches . The operation will be performed with the switches puller supplied as an accessory… Or even the key puller since on this type of keyboard, it’s not uncommon to see the switch come with the key.
Noise :
As far as noise is concerned, this keyboard’s typing noise is quite acceptable. In fact, the keyboard has a solid layer of insulation between the reflector and the keyboard’s printed circuit board. This will seriously attenuate keyboard noise.
As for the long keys, the noise they emit is rather matt, again helped by the sound insulation, but not the only one. We suspect that the stabilizers play a not inconsiderable part in the story. At least, when striking, the space bar doesn’t slam in all directions as it rises, which is very pleasant.
Finally, there will be some spring noise, due to unlubricated switches. In this respect, we’re on a par with the Xtrfy K7 with its Kailh Red switches.
Of course, we’re just giving our impressions of other mainstream keyboards , but if we add the custom variable into the equation, the conclusion is radically different.
RGB:
As for the RGB part, the keyboard does pretty well, but it could be better. As we said, the keys are made of double-injected PBT , but the lettering is green. This means it’s not transparent and won’t let light through. This is where we’re glad to have a predominantly white keyboard. This way, the reflector will help diffuse the light between the keys and remain quite present… In any case, much more so than our customized NZXT Function MiniTKL that we use on a daily basis.
