Mechlands Vibe99 Review: Best Budget Mechanical Keyboard You Can Buy?

The Mechlands Vibe99 is a budget full-size mechanical keyboard that packs more than just the basics, Priced at around $83, the Vibe99 manages to deliver a solid, well-rounded experience with plenty of standout features: tri-mode connectivity, customizable RGB lighting, a comfortable typing experience, and even a unique LCD screen. It’s an ideal option for those who want an affordable keyboard without sacrificing quality or usability. Let’s dive into this keyboard’s features to see what makes it a solid choice.

Build Quality and Design

First impressions? The Vibe99 feels sturdy for a plastic keyboard. It’s got some weight to it—about 1.1 kg—which keeps it stable on the desk without any unnecessary sliding. The all-plastic build might not have the premium feel of metal, but it’s surprisingly robust and doesn’t have that “cheap” plastic feel you might expect in this price range. With its full-size 1800 compact layout, it combines a full numpad and function keys in a slightly more compact design, saving desk space without compromising functionality.

The Vibe99’s construction is thoughtfully designed. While the plastic build keeps the price down, Mechlands has added internal features to improve the overall feel and sound of the keyboard. Inside, you’ll find silicone padding and a foam layer between the PCB and the plate. These components help absorb sound and vibration, making for a quieter, cushioned typing experience.

The only potential downside is that the Vibe99 uses a latch-based assembly instead of screws, which can make opening it a bit tricky. If you plan to open it up for mods, be careful with the fragile plastic latches and internal components, especially the delicate controller and PCB connections.

The LCD screen is a standout feature, offering on-board controls without the need for software, which you can quickly view and adjust lighting modes or see which connection mode you’re using.

RGB Lighting and Customization

The RGB lighting on the F99 Pro is another impressive feature for a budget keyboard. It comes with south-facing RGB lighting, which is less direct and creates a softer glow. But, due to the green-tinted Cream Mint switches, white RGB lighting has a slight minty hue, which might not be ideal for color purists but adds a unique look to the setup. Btw, If you’re playing music, the lighting can pulse to the beat, creating a fun visual experience for gaming or casual use.

The keyboard also has multiple RGB effects, from static colors to breathing, wave, and reactive modes that light up as you type. Using the Mechlands Driver software, you can customize the colors, brightness, and speed of the lighting effects to suit your setup. The software also allows you to create custom lighting profiles, program macros, and adjust debounce time for faster response, which is particularly useful for gamers.

One unique aspect is that you can upload static images or GIFs to display on the TFT screen, adding a personal touch. It’s a fun feature that lets you make the keyboard your own by showing anything from system info to your favorite character or logo.

While the Mechlands software doesn’t offer as many customization options as high-end software like VIA, it’s intuitive and easy to use, covering all the basics that most users would want.

Typing Experience and Sound

The typing experience on the Vibe99 is a highlight, thanks to the Cream Mint switches. These linear switches have an actuation force of 45, making them light and easy to press. They’re smooth and responsive, providing a balanced feel that’s suitable for both gaming and everyday typing.

The sound profile is a low “thock,” which I find satisfying. This is due to the gasket mounting system and internal foam layers that absorb some of the impact noise, making each keypress sound and feel cushioned. The switches have a slight stem wobble, but it’s minor and not noticeable unless you’re very particular about stability.

The Mechlands Vibe99 uses Cherry profile double-shot PBT keycaps, which are known for their durability and resistance to shine over time. PBT plastic tends to keep its texture and color even after heavy use, which makes these keycaps a big plus. They’re comfortable and stay firmly in place, contributing to the overall quality feel of the keyboard.

Also, Mechlands Vibe99 has a decent stock sound profile right out of the box, but if you’re a modding enthusiast, it has a lot of potential for customization. Adding a layer of tape to the back of the PCB can enhance sound resonance, giving it a richer “thock” sound. Placing additional foam within the case helps fill any hollow areas, resulting in a fuller, quieter sound.

For a quick mod, you can use a lube syringe to add lubricant to the stabilizers, improving the feel and reducing rattle without needing a full disassembly. While it’s mod-friendly, take care of the delicate internal components when opening it up. The latch-based assembly and thin controller connections mean you’ll need to be gentle during any modding.

Tri-Mode Connectivity

One of the best features of the Vibe99 is its tri-mode connectivity:

• Wired Mode: Reliable for stable performance, especially for gaming or long work sessions.
• Bluetooth Mode: Great for a clean, wireless setup, perfect for pairing with mobile devices or laptops.
• 2.4 GHz Wireless Mode: The USB dongle provides low-latency performance for gaming or heavy typing without lag.

Switching between modes is seamless, making it easy to adapt to different devices.

Battery Life

The 4000mAh battery is sufficient for most use cases, but battery life will vary depending on usage and RGB settings. For extended wireless use with full lighting effects, you might need to recharge more frequently. So i can say to you that battery is substantial and keeps the keyboard running for 2-3 weeks on moderate use, even with RGB lighting. Charging is quick with USB-C, and the TFT screen displays battery life, so you’re never left guessing when it’s time to plug in.

Pros and Cons

Here’s a quick summary of what the Vibe99 does best—and a few areas where it could improve:

Pros

• Solid Build Quality for Price: The plastic body feels durable, and the gasket mounting and foam padding enhance the sound and typing feel.
• Comfortable Typing: The Cream Mint switches and cushioned layout make it comfortable for long sessions.
• Tri-Mode Connectivity: Wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4 GHz wireless modes make it versatile.
• On-Board RGB Customization: Vibrant lighting and LCD screen control without software dependency.
• Modding Potential: Easy to swap switches and customize sound, though it requires careful handling.

Cons

• Fragile Internal Components: Latch-based assembly and delicate connections require care during mods.
• Moderate Battery Life: 4000mAh battery is decent but may need recharging with intense RGB use.
• Tinted RGB: Switch tint slightly affects RGB color accuracy, especially for whites.

Final Verdict: Is the Mechlands Vibe99 Worth It?

For around $83, the Mechlands Vibe99 provides an impressive blend of features, build quality and versatility. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for an affordable full-size mechanical keyboard that doesn’t compromise on quality or functionality. From comfortable typing and RGB lighting to tri-mode connectivity and a helpful LCD screen, it checks many boxes. The long battery life and decent customization options in the software add value, and the keyboard’s smooth stabilizers and gasket-mounted structure make it satisfying to type on.

There are a few downsides, though. The teardown process is challenging, so modding isn’t as straightforward as some might like. But, I can say that the Mechlands Vibe99 offers a lot of value for the price. It is more than enough for anyone looking for a reliable, customizable, and satisfying keyboard experience. So, if you want a keyboard that’s stylish, adaptable, and enjoyable to type on, the Vibe99 is definitely worth considering.