BOYI
Yuanbao Li
Mechanical keyboard with a retro look, it brings me back to the 90s. The key strokes are well responded. I enjoy the sound of it! I have two computers connected to it and easy to switch between them. The lights are various and with that small display, I can do most setups easily and visually!
Cidney C
I’m really impressed with this keyboard. The build quality feels solid, and the gasket-mounted design gives it a smooth, comfortable typing experience. The keys have a nice creamy sound without being overly loud, and the full-size layout is great if you use the number pad regularly.
The 2.2-inch screen is a really cool addition, and the media knob makes adjusting volume quick and convenient. I also like having three connection options—Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, and USB-C—so I can easily switch between different devices.
RGB lighting looks great, and the hot-swappable switches plus QMK/VIA support give you plenty of customization options. Wireless performance has also been stable with no noticeable lag during normal use.
Overall, this keyboard offers a lot for the price. It looks good, feels great to type on, and has pretty much every feature I could want. Definitely a great choice for both work and gaming.
Keen A.
Fave thing in my desk right now. I like the soft touch, makes it very satisfying and addicting. It was easy to connect to my computer. I like that it has a mini controller for my media. I loke the colors and it's effects as well. Best purchase
Tonny
This keyboard is amazing for both gaming and daily productivity. The switches sound deeply satisfying (very smooth and creamy), and the gasket structure makes long typing sessions super comfortable. The built-in screen and volume knob are great daily-driver features. Wireless connectivity connected instantly to my PC. Absolutely worth the price!
Rong Pan
This keyboard is amazing. The color scheme is right up my alley. It’s a mechanical keyboard, and instead of a crisp “click-clack,” it makes a deeper, more subdued sound—which is exactly what I like. It can be connected wirelessly or via a cable, and what I love most is that it’s compatible with different operating systems—it works with both Macs and PCs. I plan to use it for gaming, and it really goes great with my game, World of Warcraft!
Barbara Buononato
When I started out in the mechanical keyboard hobby long ago, I learned very quickly that there were a whole range of keyboards available from all over the world that would cater to whatever the User desired. Many of these keyboards were in the so-called “budget” range and some of them distinguished themselves for being both feature-packed as well as affordable, punching well above their weight in the price range. These keyboards offer a plethora of high-end features in packages usually available around the standard $100 price point. With that said, there many keyboard makers out there that are clamoring for your business offering a vast array of models with lots of details that can overwhelm even experienced enthusiasts with a tsunami of technical specifications and features, making it difficult to make choices.
Fortunately, there are many trusty sources of information to help pare down the available choices in order to hone in on what one is looking for in their keyboard: there is YouTube with its many heavyweight content providers that have impressive video and audio setups. There are online communities like Discord, Reddit and Instagram as well and many of the same makers and content creators also maintain a dominating presence there. I am one of them. Unlike the big-time online content creators with their high-dollar studios though I have always focused my reviews on things that people may find helpful like actual keyboard engineering, construction and modification. I am a life-long IT and telecommunications technician and have a deep appreciation for all of the various parts that make up a device, and I love to take things that work apart in order to find out why. I do not like to dwell on purely subjective items like “thock” or “clack,” I want to enjoy everything about every experience a keyboard has to offer. I routinely modify and customize my keyboards and love the freedom to experiment with different combinations of parts and build configurations. This to me is the heart and soul of the Hobby itself and has been a great source of satisfaction for me as I have modified many of my own budget keyboards to sound comparable to many so-called “End Game” boards priced hundreds of dollars above my total investment. As time rolled on, I learned of many different keyboard makers and have enjoyed dozens of their products. Additionally, I purchased every single one of them myself and have turned down free evaluation units simply because I want to reward the makers with my dollars for their efforts; after all, nothing is free in this world. During this time, I have found a Company that I like very much though, and a product that they offer that is so pleasing to me that I wanted to write this review for you so that you too may have a recommendation that you’ll find helpful: the BOYI K104Pro-New.
The K104Pro is actually not a newcomer to the keyboard scene, having its original version come onto the market by July of 2024. It featured the traditional 104-key, 100% layout and utilized a gasket mounting method. The PCB featured hot-swappable switch sockets as well as compatibility with all 3 or 5 pin mechanical switches, south-facing RGB per-key LED lighting, 2.4 Ghz / Bluetooth 5.0 wireless and USB-C wired connections. There was a TFT display, rotary encoder/knob, two stage “flippy” feet for typing angle adjustability as well as full Windows/Mac support. The original switches were BOYI’s own “Jadeite Green,” full-POM lubricated linear switches topped off with Cherry profile dye-subbed PBT keycaps. The battery system appears to have been originally 4000 mAh but was later upgraded to pairs of 3000 mAh batteries providing a total of 6000 mAh capacity. The keyboard had a great retro style that made it an attractive choice for anyone seeking a full-size keyboard in the low $100 range, often between $106-$144. Why are we talking about the old version and going through this brief history lesson? Read on, because sometimes things can improve with time.
While the original keyboard is no longer available from BOYI, there is no need to feel bad if you missed out; the K104Pro-New version boasts many substantial improvements that actually make it a much better choice. The New version sports a 2.2-inch TFT display and QMK/VIA programmability. The New has a VIA JSON available allowing for online keymap modifications and an online method for uploading animated GIFs and PNGs to the screen, whereas the old version required a proprietary software download and installation. This is a big deal because VIA has become one of the standards for enthusiast keyboard configuration and addresses any concerns with dedicated software. It is now 2026 and BOYI has retained the basic K104 Pro formula but substantially revised the electronics and software platforms. But wait, there’s more…
The New has a convenient row of three programmable M1/M2/M3. Out of the box they are set up as media control keys for previous, play-pause and next but can be easily reassigned in VIA. The total battery capacity has been improved by the use of a pair of 4000 mAh batteries providing a better total of 8000 mAh. There are new switches too, BSUN POM linears with around 45-50gf weight for an improved typing performance. The New has an overall updated appearance as well with slim, rounded bezels all around and is available in three case colors: a subdued Black Gray, a vintage Retro and a visually stimulating, over-the-top White Joker, providing a variety of style choices to individual Users. Each colorway has its own matching set of dye-sublimated PBT keycaps which are thick, sound great and are very attractive. The excellent per-key RGB is now greatly augmented by a gorgeous pair of synchronized LED strips along the back top side of the case, as well as a backlit accent motif just below the BOYI logo on the front side. For those of us that love RGB, this is a substantial improvement over the original as well.
Who says you have to pay more to get more? BOYI has provided a good deal more for a good deal less. This is a wonderful thing, but I want you all to know that BOYI is not just about their pricing and features; they are an outstanding leader in Customer Support. I can personally attest to this, having bought my first BOYI product some time ago last year, a TD31 Pro numpad. When I disassembled the numpad to do some modifications, I accidentally broke the FFC cable that connects the LCD to the PCB. I reached out to BOYI to ask if I could order a replacement screen and cable, and they promptly shipped me a whole brand new TD31 Pro in just a few days. They were prompt in their response, very courteous and cared enough about me as a customer to show me grace for a problem I caused myself. There are only one or two other keyboard makers that have been helpful in any similar way, and the vast majority do not even answer service, technical support or spare parts requests, which is a terrible shame. On account of this I now own a few TD31 Pros in a number of colors as well as a C75 Pro, BOYI’s keyboard offering in the 75% layout. Every single one of these products has sturdy construction, ample features and provide excellent performance that you just won’t find anywhere for the price. Add to this the incalculable value of excellent Customer Support and BOYI pretty much stands alone in the range.
So, what are you waiting for? Get one now, or I suggest two: set one up for home use and put the other one in your office. Get the Black Grey for home and put a different set of keycaps on it, like some XVX shine-throughs so you can pump up the per-key and ambient RGB to the max and enjoy the creamy sound profile of the stock switches as you game. Get the Retro for your office since it presents a very clean, professional appearance on your desk. You then can just as easily and affordably change the switches out for a set of the silent linears of your choice to keep from irritating your co-workers, as well as keeping the RGB off to maintain the office’s productivity-oriented atmosphere. As you can see, you can take the K104Pro-New anywhere you want a full-sized keyboard and it will serve you well as well as easily accommodate your individual customizations. Even if left stock, you can do the above scenario and obtain the Black Gray AND Retro editions for less than the price of ONE mid-range, aluminum-cased keyboard of the same layout.
Regards,
Glenn
PS Never stop testing, modifying and improving… thanks again for looking… take care and God bless you all.
cozy_typing
Stuart
Keyboard is incredibly high quality. I bought it as a base with plans to mod with entirely new switches and keycaps, and I still intend do, but I was absolutely blown away by how good these stock BSON switches feel and sound. It is well manufactured and feels like a tank. Excellent design, and easy to use the online site to update the drivers.
Lukkiro
Things i loved about the Keyboard:
• keycaps have a nice chalky feeling and high quality feel, slight grain texture.
• volume knob is nice to use, doesn’t feel cheap. tactile and responsive.
• build quality is solid even though the board is plastic it’s a good quality plastic. build has heft so doesn’t feel cheap
stabs are okay, the switch stem wobble is very noticeable
• Tri-mode connectivity! (2.4ghz dongle, BT & Wired)
• 2 Different height adjusted feet
I been using this keyboard a lot for work and it’s been amazing and even got compliments for the style and sound. it’s an excellent board!
ASMA
This is an absolutely gorgeous keyboard! The sound is perfection (you can hear in my video!) It’s not too aggressive and has the perfect click to it. So many of my friends who have come over love this keyboard! I’m obsessed. I love the color I got as well, it gives the perfect retro feeling. It also has so many colors and patterns to choose from for the backlight!
Saba Khan
This keyboard is amazing. It sounds great and thick, and doesn’t have that cheap feel some keyboards do. It has a system online where you can upload any photo u want into the little screen or you can use the screen where it shows u the time. It is aesthetically pleasing and looks great on my set up. It is also optional to have bluetooth or wire which is great. Multiple color selections to choose from and I haven’t charged mine in over a week and use it every day and have no need to charge the battery yet.
Jackson McMeekin
I received one of these as a gift and the first day I had it the little user interface screen burned out and is now just a white screen that no longer displays anything. I can't adjust the volume, I can't change the bluetooth settings to make the keyboard cordless, I can't get it to display any thing. Don't waste your money on this.
Emily Eaton
Shorts out frequently... Probably five-ish times an hour, esp during heavy use.
I really wanted to enjoy this product as it's aesthetic, programmable, customizable, etc. I put up with it for a while because returning is so inconvenient but can't be worse than this.
Rae Blanks
This was a really nice keyboard and I liked it a lot but I did not have it for 6 months before it stopped working properly. The lights on the lower rows of the keyboard started flickering and when I switch the keys on the number pad, part of the keyboard came apart. I tried contacting the manufacturer, which was extremely inconvenient and unhelpful. As I was emailing them back and forth for days they offered little to no resolution to help solve my problem.
MJ Ancheta
I wanted a full keyboard and needed a change. I also really love the retro look. Definitely recommend this keyboard for anyone looking for one.
SC
Best keyboard I ever had!! I love the retro theme. Feels like I’m back in the 90s. I also like that you can easily switch between Windows and Mac and there are even keycaps included if you want to match them with your OS. The swappable switches are buttery smooth! Had some questions on how to update clock and support emailed me back in a matter of hours providing instructions on how to do it. I plan to use this keyboard for a long time.
Denny S
Hello Friends!
It's been difficult to find the exact right keyboard. sorry guys) it took me four tries to get it right. The BOYI K104Pro is exactly what I have been looking for. Probably you too.
Being new to professional keyboards I ran into a snag, wrote to BOYI, and got an immediate response that solved my problem. I'm using this keyboard on a Macbook Pro 2023 AND Apple Vision Pro. It excels at everything. MUST BUY. :-)
Jank Hank
Been using this as my main keyboard for a few weeks now. Feels great. Not much instruction on how to control the RGB lights, or even the little LCD screen, but core functionality is great. I've been using it wired. Thocc is good. I'd say it's perfectly fine for everyday use. Took a little getting used to for gaming again because I feel the actuation point is a little deeper than I'm normally used to. I changed the accent keycaps with some color ones that came included. Pretty pleased overall.
sdfd57
This keyboard is amazing quality for the price!
It gives you the ability to connect it so many different ways while keeping them all saved. My only issue is there is not a simple way to set the time on it without having to reset the device. The switches are pre-lubed, comes with excess switches for swapping from Mac to windows and vice versa.
Overall, it’s an awesome product especially for the price!!
Mark Buckman
Solid build, sounds and feels amazing stock, this is one of the best plastic full size mechanical keyboards I've come across yet. Many great features, pleasing retro look, and HiFi sound stock out of the box.
Customer
Great customer service. I had an issue uploading a gif and they helped solve it immediately. They responded promptly to every email ensuring the issue would be taken care of and it was. Look at my BMO gif!!! A budget keyboard with a screen, volume control knob, customizable RGB, gif options, decent keycaps, and decent thock. I am very happy
Vlad M.
It sounds nice. Has a soft clack. Good productive background noise imo. I really love how easy it is to power on and off in wireless mode and how easy it is to switch between connectivity modes with the knob! The keycaps size and texture feel very office work coded so I think this would really be a great everyday work keeb.
Gene
UPDATE:
A driver for the keyboard has been posted since my original review. The software is pretty clunky, but it gets the job done. I noticed a bug where if it is connected wirelessly, it detects it as a Mouse, you need to switch to wired mode to use the software. I was able to set static color, clock updated, and I can now upload gifs to the keyboard! Adding 1 star.
Overall I like the keyboard, but I am just annoyed that there is no way to add or remove gifs on the keyboard. More detailed review in the video. All of my cons listed can be fixed with software.
Pros:
I like the feel of the keyboard.
3 different ways to connect to a PC, BT / 2.4 / and Wired.
Cons:
There is no sleep mode, if you use wireless and do not turn it off when done, it will drain the battery pretty quick.
No way to swap Gifs on the keyboard
No way to just set static lightning
No way to set the clock on the LCD panel
Will Davis
There are a few things that prevent that. I do like the keyboard for typing and the clickity clack is a nice sound. Very retro to the early days of computing. The things I don’t like are the lack of the software driver to let you program the keyboard, set the clock etc. The driver they list for it opens up to a mouse, not the keyboard. I have downloaded it several times over the past week, and it still has not been updated to the keyboard. The clock is set on some random time and is only in 24-hour mode. You need the correct driver to set it (Why? Should be able to set it with the LCD and the knob). The knob to control the functions allows you to set a GIF. No idea what that does or why you would need it. It also lets you set the sound, in theory. I have no idea what sound it is increasing or decreasing so that is not needed. It lets you change the colors of the lights under the keys but that is pretty but just a drain on the battery. You also have to hit the function key with the L key to toggle the lights on and off. If it had the correct driver to set the clock I would like it a lot more. If I find it and can get the clock set to the correct time in 12 hour format like it shows on their product page I will update this review.
NS
So the look of this reminds me a bit of the old IBM keyboards that weighed a ton and used those big old DIN connectors. Yea that's an oldie of a keyboard. But I digress. This one looks like that but has modern features like a screen, dial and wireless!! So at first I was confused about what they meant with south facing RGB and figure out it was skewed to be below the keycaps. Which is kinda nice as it's different from the ones I'm used to which is more centered. It's nice that it is hot swappable switches since I got lots to try them out with. Definitely a solid keyboard and not some cheap build as is the case with unknown/new brands.
Michael
This review is going to be quite a bit different than I had initially thought it would, but after noticing that drivers appear to have been recently added to their website, like today...as they weren't there before, I am much less annoyed than I was initially.
Overall, the keyboard seem to be pretty well made, has a nice heft to it, good key travel, and functions quite well. That said, for me personally, I like mechanical keyboards that are a bit more "clicky" and have a firmer feel. To me, this one feels mushy and is quieter than I like. It doesn't have a really good sense of tactile feedback when the key is actually registered. Even so, the feel is still SO much better than that of any of the typical rubber dome or chicklet style keyboards that are almost ubiquitous these days. I also like that some extra colored keycaps are included (plus a key cap puller).
Unfortunately, while the backlight is pretty, it is essentially useless as the provided keycaps are opaque and don't pass light, so you better be a touch typist if you plan on using this in the dark. To be effective, they really need to either offer clear keycaps with the letters opaque or ones that are solid color but have the letters to where they can pass light through them. Additionally, the built-in backlight modes are more "neat" than anything else, but using the driver software you can go in and customize them to the individual key level, which I do really like and have them be static.
There is still a couple of other issues that I find quite annoying: the clock. While with the drivers loaded it does at least update it properly, it stays in 24 hour mode and there is no obvious option in the software to be able to change it over to AM/PM mode. This doesn't really hurt anything, but still irritates me. The other final issue would be the symbols for Num Lock, Caps Lock, et al which are only on the LCD display and are absolutely tiny. Personally, I'd prefer to get rid of the clock entirely and just make the symbols bigger -- or potentially make it to where the LED behind the key could toggle color for on/off.
On a final note, the drivers for this keyboard are at the VERY bottom of their driver list but there is also some generic macro software that they have listed up near the top. Avoid the macro software, as it immediately triggers a trojan warning from Windows Defender and I got very concerned during my initial testing. Fortunately, I have scanned the new drivers for this keyboard with every piece of software I have handy and they seem clean.
So, overall it is very nice keyboard, though it does have a few minor issues that I think they need to fix, but after playing with it a bit more and getting the drivers loaded, it actually seems pretty nice.
Tim Five
In the package there were no packing air bags, so I hope the package did not get banged up much during delivery.
This product has many functions/effects. I think you can realize this by looking at how thick the book has. The functions/effects of the product are listed in the description. All functions/effects of the product are easy to use by following the instruction book. (setting a clock is not listed in the instruction book :V)
I really like this product because it has a vintage, old appearance but a modern, strong interior
JHoney
I like the color modifiers, but the red keys come off a bit too magenta to really pull the retro look off. Not sure where the green Enter/Esc keys come from, but at least you get a grey set of those. The caps look OK. Normal legends are clear, but the Fn ones lack contrast and will be hard to see in low light. Some legends are abbreviated weirdly: 'Prt Sc', "Scr Lk', 'Pau Brk'. Some of the bottom edges have a little plastic flashing left on. The tops of the keys have fairly pointed edges that I don't find very comfortable.
This keyboard has a USB A/C combo dongle. It lacks a brand or logo to identify what device it belongs too. I also like the storage place in the foot well, and a magnet helps keep it secure.
The key switches are Boyi branded. They are sort of white-green 'jadeite', like glow-in-the-dark plastic, but they don't glow. Action is linear, no click or bump. I think actuation is around 45-50g. The stems have a lot of play to rock forward and back when depressed. Two spares are included.
The backlighting is not well suited to these keycaps. In a lit room it is ok since it just shines between the keys. In a dark room the thin caps result in odd patterns shining through the beige caps. There are two static modes (I think). The second one just seems to have a very limited color selection for some reason, or I'm missing something. The other 18 modes are pretty standard fare, but not described anywhere so I'm not going to try to make up names for them.
The red button next to the LCD is a power switch for wireless mode. It does nothing when connected via USB. The momentary button below togges win/mac layouts. Long pressing the knob gets you into the LCD interface where you can control lights, connection type, and win/mac layout. There's also a gif option, dunno when the gif plays, but there are 2 options included.
For some reason the Home and Pgup keys have extra Fn legends (Scr and Pau respectively), but there is no Fn function for those keys, and this board already has those keys.
The screen displays a clock. The manual fails to mention how to set the clock. Maybe it is part of the app, but I'm not messing with that.
Fn+Space makes the display go black (backlight still on), not documented.
The keys clack unbearably loud when bottomed out. Definitely a board that can benefit from o-rings on the caps. I tried some 40A 1.5mm silicone o-rings to good effect.
The battery inside is labeled 4000mAh, not 6000. It seems a reasonable size for 4000 mAh. (edit: sellers have since updated the description to say 4000mAh)
The board weighs 1.08kg (2 lbs 5 oz).
== Build ==
The case is only clipped together. No screws. In the back is the 4000mAh battery. Open cell foam (4mm) fills the whole back, then a clear plastic sheet, and a black sheet of 3mm foam is stuck to the PCB. The PCB has a very thin foam gasket sheet on the front, followed by another layer of the same black 3mm foam. That stack (PCB, gasket, foam) is screwed to the translucent (smoke color) plastic plate. The key assembly just sits in the case with 8 silicone bumpers installed around the plate edges. The only separate components are the screen (flat flex cable) and battery (2-wire JST connector).
Overall I find the build a bit lacking for this price range (price has since dropped $20, Seems about right for a full size with this type of build). I didn't see any silicone bottom padding that was mentioned, unless I mistook one of the foam layers. The plastic plate is a let down. The clipped together plastic case, and floating assembly makes it a very flexible slab.
There are two unknown micros on the board (8-pin, and 16-pin). There is microcontroller DRM32F301, in a 56-pin QFP. There is 25VQ64ASIG a serial flash for program storage. The microcontroller is unknown, but the part number is similar to STM32F301, I wonder if it is some type of clone with bluetooth added. Couldn't find any real info on it.
Z Chen
This is my first mechanical keyboard, and what a pleasant typing experience it has been. I love the sound and feel of the key presses, and the connectivity options are fabulous and super versatile, allowing me to very quickly and easily switch between different devices which has been a complete game changer as someone who works from home, and would previously have to spend time constantly plugging and unplugging my favorite keyboard a couple times a day.
Born in the 80s, I really love and appreciate the retro theme. Battery life has been great, and the knob is so convenient to have to navigate, make selections and control volume on the device. The backlight intensity is adjustable, and there are a ton of pre-configured backlight modes, speeds and options to select from for gamers and the RGB lovers out there.
My only gripe however is that while the manual is fairly good and sufficient, there's zero explanation of how to set the clock on the keyboard, and to be honest, I don't think there is a way to do so at the moment. Looking at their own website, as of today (7/16/2024), they don't even have this keyboard listed, and there's no drivers or manual to even download for this keyboard. It's likely because this keyboard is their newest model and so perhaps there's a delay in getting the site updated, but that's a little unfortunate as it's the only flaw to an otherwise fantastic product.
Keith W
This is a well built and well thought out keyboard. It is a mechanical keyboard so the key click is noisier than what most people are used to. The keyboard is backlit, not the key caps, and it has 20 different color modes to choose from. You can also adjust the speed at which the color patterns change and the brightness of the backlighting.
This keyboard comes with a number of extras: extra keycaps for customizing some key colors; 2 extra keys to replace any that might fail in the future; a key cap removal tool for making those changes; a hard plastic keyboard dust cover; USB to USB-C cable for charging and wired usage and a fairly decent user manual.
Connectivity is a major plus with the K104 Pro. You can use it wired with the included USB to USB-C cable; wireless 2.4GHz with the included dongle; and 3 different Bluetooth channels. That’s five different ways (devices) you can select to use it and switching is very quick and easy with the Fn key in combination with other keys to quickly switch. I’ve used it in the wired mode with my gaming PC and Bluetooth with my iPad Air 5 and again with the PC in Bluetooth mode. Switching really is quick and easy - faster than other Bluetooth keyboards I have.
The keyboard has two different height adjustable positions with a unique rear foot design.
This keyboard is heavy and sturdy.
One of the unique things about the K104 Pro is the round knob and LCD in the upper right corner. These are used to go into settings and setup your backlighting, setup the connectivity options, and can also be used to adjust volume levels. In the same area are two buttons, Power On/Off and a recessed button that quickly switches OS mode between Windows and Mac.
The LCD also display the time and has icons to show when you have Caps Lock, Scroll Lock, Num Lock, Win Lock or N key rollover activated. However, they are small and hard to see if you’re not looking closely so that makes them all but useless for a quick indicator. The display also shows which connectivity channel you’re connected to and whether you’re OS selection is Win or Mac. The LCD also display Battery charge level, which is very helpful.
One very frustrating thing is that the time is incorrect and for the life of me I cannot find a way to change it. It should get it’s time from the device it’s connected to but, doesn’t appear to do so. Oh well, I’m not going to slight the scoring just because of that.
The K104 Pro is the first multi-device keyboard that I have seen in a long time that truly does support both Windows computers as well as Mac computers. You can quickly switch to a PC using the Fn + key and then push the OS button to be in Win OS mode. Later switch to a Mac or iPad using the Fn + key and press the OS button to be in Mac OS mode. This keyboard supports all three environments very well.
This truly is a versatile, programmable, very well built keyboard and I definitely recommend it.
