In the ever-evolving world of mechanical keyboards, the quest for the perfect "feel" has taken many enthusiasts down a variety of rabbit holes. Some seek the sharp tactility of clicky switches, others cherish the deep resonance of thocky boards. But in 2024, a new sensation is taking the keyboard community by storm — the pursuit of the elusive creamy keyboard. If you’re not already acquainted with the term, you might be wondering, what exactly is a creamy keyboard, and why should you care?
Well, I’m here to tell you that creamy keyboards aren’t just a gimmick or a passing trend. In fact, they might be the Goldilocks zone of keyboard acoustics. If you’re new to the world of custom keyboards and you’re just now hearing about this mysterious creamy sound, buckle up. I’ll be explaining everything, including why low-profile keyboards might just be the creamiest of them all. Let’s dive in.
What is a Creamy Keyboard?
Before we get into specific examples, let’s take a moment to define what a creamy keyboard is, and, perhaps more importantly, what it’s not.
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Clicky keyboards: These are the sharpest, most attention-grabbing keyboards. Every keystroke produces a distinct click sound, often compared to old-school typewriters. Think Cherry MX Blue switches or Razer Green switches. They’re loud, bright, and attention-seeking.
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Thocky keyboards: These are on the opposite end of the spectrum. A deep, bass-heavy sound with minimal high-pitched overtones. The term "thock" has been used to describe keyboards that provide a rich, resonant typing experience. Keyboards in this category tend to have heavier switches like the Gateron Ink Black or lubed and filmed linear switches.
Now, where does creamy fall in? Creamy keyboards are those that strike a delicate balance between clicky and thocky. The sound they produce is smooth, soft, and, dare I say it, luxurious. It’s got that rounded, satisfying “thyy” sound with just a touch of high-end crispness to it. Creamy keyboards aren’t overwhelming in any one characteristic — they’re the epitome of subtlety and finesse.
Meet the Magis 65: The Creamiest Low-Profile Keyboard of 2024
When it comes to finding the perfect creamy keyboard, there’s a surprising revelation for many mechanical keyboard enthusiasts: you don’t have to build a custom board from scratch. In fact, one of the best creamy keyboards of 2024 is already available to buy at a reasonable price. Enter the Magis 65, a low-profile keyboard that combines simplicity with premium features, offering the ultimate creamy typing experience.
Priced starting at $119, the Magis 65 comes in with some features that are often found in much more expensive custom builds, including foam-filled construction, hotswappable switches, and an aluminum case.
The Creamy Components: Why Low-Profile?
Let’s talk about the most crucial aspect that gives the Magis 65 its creamy identity: low-profile switches. If you’ve been on the fence about low-profile keyboards, thinking that their shallow switches might lack the depth and fullness of traditional switches, let me dispel those doubts right now. Low-profile keyboards like the Magis 65 provide an incredibly satisfying typing feel that I can only describe as “bouncy.” They have a softness that’s cushioned, but not overly spongy, and when paired with thick, quality keycaps, the resulting sound is pure creamy bliss.
This particular board uses Kailh low-profile linear switches. Now, linear switches are often the go-to for creamy sound because they offer smooth actuation without the interruption of tactile bumps or audible clicks. What sets these switches apart from other low-profile options is their perfectly weighted actuation, which feels like typing on a cloud, while still providing that signature "creamy" sound.
You might be asking yourself: “What makes these low-profile switches creamier than standard ones?” It all comes down to the travel distance and the responsiveness. Low-profile switches allow for faster typing, but without the harsh bottom-out clack that can plague some full-height linear switches. This smooth, dampened action is what contributes to the overall creamy sound.
The Design: A Creamy Experience from the Outside In
The first thing you’ll notice about the Magis 65 is how solid it feels. Despite being a low-profile board, it carries a hefty weight, thanks to its aluminum case, which is essential for dampening any unwanted vibrations and producing that iconic creamy sound. The Magis 65 weighs around 1,000 grams, giving it a sturdy presence on your desk.
Not only is the build solid, but the case design itself is elegant in its simplicity. You won’t find any flashy RGB effects here — and that’s a good thing. RGB lighting can sometimes be distracting, especially if you’re trying to achieve a creamy sound profile. The Magis 65 does have understated backlighting, but it’s dim and serves more as an accent than a focal point.
Keycaps: Thick PBT for the Creamiest Sound
Keycaps play a significant role in how a keyboard sounds, and the Magis 65 doesn’t disappoint. It comes equipped with thick, low-profile PBT keycaps, which are perfect for producing that coveted creamy sound. PBT is a more durable material than the commonly used ABS plastic, and its thicker build helps absorb some of the sharper, high-pitched sounds that can occur during typing.
The keycaps on the Magis 65 are smooth to the touch but have just enough texture to prevent your fingers from slipping. This tactile feedback, combined with the soft, creamy sound, creates an unparalleled typing experience. The only downside? You may wish they included more accent keys, like a metal spacebar or enter key, to tie the design together even more.
Knobs and Extras: Creamy Customization
Another standout feature of the Magis 65 is its modular side panel, which houses a volume knob and extra media keys. For those of us who love physical controls (and who doesn’t?), the knob is a fantastic addition. It’s smooth and satisfying to turn, and when you couple that with the keyboard’s creamy typing experience, it’s hard not to feel like you’ve hit the jackpot.
One minor drawback of the modular panel is that it adds a significant amount of length to the keyboard. While the Magis 65 is technically a 65% board, the extra width makes it closer in size to a TKL (tenkeyless) keyboard. This might be a dealbreaker for those who prefer compact boards, but for the added functionality, it’s a worthy trade-off.
Wireless and Mac Compatibility
The Magis 65 offers tri-mode connectivity, which includes Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz wireless (using a dongle), and USB-C wired connections. While I didn’t experience any significant issues with connectivity during my time using it wirelessly, it’s worth noting that the keyboard did occasionally disconnect and require re-pairing. This is something to keep in mind if you plan on using it primarily in wireless mode, but it wasn’t a dealbreaker for me.
One unique aspect of the Magis 65 is that it’s designed with Mac users in mind. The layout includes option and command keys by default, with the ability to switch to Windows mode via a simple hotkey combination. For those of us who switch between macOS and Windows regularly, this is a handy feature.
Built-In Foam and Pre-Lubed Stabilizers
The Magis 65 comes pre-configured with some features that make it feel more like a high-end custom board. It’s stuffed with foam, both beneath the PCB and inside the case, which goes a long way in giving the board its creamy sound profile. The foam helps to dampen any unwanted hollowness that you might get from cheaper boards, resulting in a smooth, consistent sound across all the keys.
Even better, the stabilizers (the components beneath larger keys like the spacebar, enter, and shift) come pre-lubed and tuned out of the box. This means you won’t have to spend hours modding your keyboard to get it sounding great — the work has already been done for you. This is perfect for anyone who doesn’t have the time or desire to dive into the world of keyboard modding but still wants a premium typing experience.
Should You Buy the Magis 65 in 2024?
So, what’s the verdict? Is the Magis 65 the creamiest keyboard of 2024? Absolutely. If you’re looking for a creamy typing experience without the hassle of building your own keyboard or modding one from scratch, the Magis 65 is the perfect option. Its low-profile switches, solid aluminum case, and pre-tuned stabilizers make it an out-of-the-box winner.
While it’s not the most compact 65% keyboard out there, and the RGB lighting is underwhelming, the sheer quality of the typing experience more than makes up for any minor shortcomings. The feel is bouncy, the sound is creamy, and the overall experience is nothing short of delightful.
At around $119, this keyboard delivers an incredible amount of value, and with a few small upgrades, like swapping out the switches for Kale Ghost or Phantom variants, it could become even creamier. For those who want the Goldilocks of keyboard sounds — not too sharp, not too deep, but just right — the Magis 65 is a must-try in 2024.