Introduction
In today’s bustling market of mechanical keyboards, finding a quality model under $100 can feel like hunting for a unicorn. Enter the WOBKEY Rainy 75, a mechanical keyboard that promises—and, as we’ll explore, largely delivers—a premium typing experience at an affordable price. Built with an all-aluminum case, sound-dampening layers, and customizable options, the Rainy 75 might just be the best-value keyboard of 2024. Let’s dive in to see why this Kickstarter sensation is turning heads in the keyboard community.
Design and Build Quality: Where Function Meets Form
The Rainy 75’s story starts on Kickstarter, where WOBKEY captured the interest of budget-conscious enthusiasts by offering impressive features often reserved for high-end boards. Their approach allowed them to create a fully aluminum keyboard, giving it the kind of durability and heft that’s hard to find in this price range. And with three models—Lite, Standard, and Pro—there’s an option for everyone, each with unique perks.
The Models: Lite, Standard, and Pro
- Lite Model ($99): The Lite model comes in sleek anodized black or silver. This base model skips RGB backlighting, perfect for fans of a minimalist setup.
- Standard Model ($107): Adding A-RGB backlighting, this model brings vibrancy with electro colors like white, pink, and blue. The unique electrophoresis coating on these colors enhances both durability and aesthetic appeal.
- Pro Model ($125): At the top end, the Pro model offers a 7,000 mAh battery, advanced FR4 plate for enhanced flexibility, and a stainless steel weight for extra stability. This model has an impressive battery life—up to 900 hours without RGB lighting—making it a great option for power users.
Each version of the Rainy 75 exudes a quality feel, with tight tolerances and a stylish, durable finish that defies its budget-friendly price.
Typing Experience: Sound, Feel, and Comfort
The Rainy 75’s typing experience is one of its standout features. It achieves a “marbly, poppy” sound that has become a hallmark of high-end mechanical keyboards. WOBKEY uses a combination of IXPE switch foam, a PET pad, and EPDM foam dampening to achieve this effect, isolating keypress sounds to create a satisfying “thock” with each stroke. For enthusiasts and casual users alike, this provides an impressive experience, giving you that rich typing sound typically reserved for custom-built keyboards.
Switch Options
The Rainy 75 offers distinct switches for different versions:
- HMX Violet Switches in the Lite and Standard models provide a smooth, lightweight linear feel, akin to Cherry MX Reds.
- JWICK WOB Switches in the Pro model, manufactured by the reputable JWK, deliver a highly desirable poppy bottom-out, ideal for enthusiasts seeking a refined experience.
Both switch types are long-pole linears, enhancing the board’s unique sound and feel. And for those who enjoy experimenting, the keyboard is hot-swappable, allowing you to try different switches without any soldering.
Flex Plate and Enhanced Typing Comfort
A key feature setting the Rainy 75 apart is its flex plate, which adds a cushioned, softer typing experience by allowing the plate to move slightly with each press. This feature is especially valuable for long typing or gaming sessions, reducing finger fatigue. Depending on your choice of model, you’ll get either a polypropylene plate or the advanced FR4 plate (Pro version), both designed to enhance typing flexibility and sound.
Connectivity and Battery Performance: Tri-Mode Versatility
The Rainy 75 is equipped with tri-mode connectivity: Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, and wired mode, making it versatile for any setup. Whether you’re switching between devices or using it for gaming, it promises low latency and high responsiveness. Battery life is another strong suit:
- Lite and Standard Models offer up to 450 hours without RGB lighting.
- Pro Model impresses with up to 900 hours without RGB, owing to its hefty 7,000 mAh battery.
These numbers are exceptional for a keyboard in this price range, making it one of the best in terms of battery performance under $100.
Performance and Comparisons
Typing on the Rainy 75 feels remarkably similar to some custom keyboards priced two to three times higher, such as the IQUNIX Super Zonex75, which is known for its premium sound and feel. The Rainy 75 mirrors this high-end experience by providing that desirable marbly, poppy sound at a fraction of the price.
For those who enjoy tweaking their keyboard’s sound profile, the Rainy 75 also allows for customization. Removing specific foam layers, like the IXPE foam, can tone down the poppy sound, giving users the freedom to adjust the acoustics to their liking—a feature rarely seen in this price bracket.
Verdict: Is the WOBKEY Rainy 75 the Best Keyboard Under $100?
The Rainy 75 delivers on its promise, offering a premium typing experience with a durable build, thoughtful design, and sound customization options. Its sound quality, build materials, connectivity features, and comfortable flex typing all contribute to a keyboard that feels much more expensive than it is. Whether for work, gaming, or simply enjoying a premium typing experience on a budget, the Rainy 75 stands out as a value-packed choice.
Final Takeaway: If you’re searching for a high-quality mechanical keyboard without a high-end price tag, the WOBKEY Rainy 75 is absolutely worth considering. It’s a strong contender for the best mechanical keyboard under $100 in 2024.
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WOBKEY Rainy 75
