Ergonomics
Le packaging est original ! © The Digital
Let’s start with a word on the box, rather original and well thought out, which contains in addition to the keyboard several small brick-shaped boxes containing a multitude of red, green, blue, yellow, black and white decorative elements. If everything already allows you to customize the Pixel, you will have to order additional packages (many colors are available) to be able to create the craziest designs, as some users have been able to do on the virtual keyboard creation site :
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The online software allows you to preview the keyboard, make the desired decorations, and a calculator will tell you exactly how many Lego of a particular color you will need to complete your work.
Several packs of colored pieces are delivered, but many more can be ordered. © The Digital
In terms of build quality, the Pixel is obviously made of plastic, and the whole thing – adorned with countless little studs that can accommodate Lego – seems very solid. Despite its TKL format (without numeric keypad), the keyboard is bulky (44.8 x 16 cm), since in addition to its keys, it is surrounded by a large area dedicated to decorations. It is also possible to decorate the underside of the chassis, even if you will probably not see it often…
You can draw whatever sings to you under the large free area under the keyboard. © The Digital
Its thickness and its structure with angular edges are clearly a handicap for optimal typing comfort; Too bad MelGeek doesn’t offer palm rests, not even as an option, to elevate the hands and correct the problem. On the other hand, it is possible to manage the inclination of the keyboard, by raising the back using Lego bricks of course. The manufacturer provides small rubber feet to prevent everything from sliding on the desk.
You can raise the keyboard by stacking Lego bricks and adding rubber feet. © The Digital
As a reminder, the keyboard is only available in Qwerty. From experience, the adaptation is generally done quickly, but it will have to be taken into account when ordering it. It offers quite classic keys and a row of “Functions” keys on the top of the keyboard. If the keys are white on the basic model, it is possible to order color packs to cover them with blue, yellow or red. The serigraphs are in fact not printed directly on the keys, but on a transparent plastic element, in order to leave room for extensive customization.
Symbols are printed on plastic caps. © The Digital
Unfortunately, the Pixel’s keys aren’t backlit, which is annoying for nighttime use. But as each of them can be covered with Lego, we understand that MelGeek has overlooked this criterion. A few LEDs are however present on the edges of the keyboard for a small touch of RGB. Their colors are however not adjustable.
The keyboard is quite thick and has strips of RGB LEDs on the edges. © The Digital
Connection to a device (PC, Mac, iPhone or Android) is done in three ways: wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.2 or the 2.4 GHz receiver, and wired using the USB-C cable to supplied USB-A. It is also possible to opt for different cables by ordering the keyboard (USB-A, or Lightning in particular). In addition, one can connect to no less than eight devices simultaneously and switch between them using the shortcuts Fn + 1, Fn + 2, etc. There is also a small hatch on the right side allowing the USB receiver to be slid into it.
The keyboard is wireless and charges with a USB-C cable. © The Digital
The hatch for storing the receiver. © The Digital
Struck
Our test model is equipped with red linear Kailh switches with an actuation force of 40 cN and an actuation stroke of 3.9 mm. It is, however, possible to order several different types of Kailh or Gateron brand switches (linear, tactile or clicky), both recognized for their quality. In addition, these switches are hot-swappables and can therefore be changed in part or entirely, for a different experience. For this purpose, MelGeek has also included a key extractor in the box.
Linear mechanical switches from Kailh. © The Digital
If the pressure and the activation are rather swift, the rebound is too soft for our taste. The feeling is certainly pleasant and everything works in silence, which is rare for a mechanical keyboard, but we remain unsatisfied, especially for intensive use. In addition, the fact that the keys are very close together can cause typos easily if you skid, although the concave shape of the keys compensates for this a little and allows the fingertips to be well accommodated.
The Pixel MelGeek keyboard brightens up a desk. © The Digital
Points forts
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An original and friendly concept.
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Infinite customization thanks to Lego.
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Construction solide.
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Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz or wired connection.
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Quality switches.
Weak points
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Limited ergonomics.
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No palm rest.
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Lack of backlight.
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Potential typos.
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Exists only in Qwerty version.
Conclusion
How does grading work?
MelGeek’s Pixel is a unique and downright friendly keyboard that lets you brighten up your desk and personalize it aplenty with the Legos of your choice. It offers advanced features (3 types of connections; wireless and wired), mechanical switches and hot-swappables, but its ergonomics are clearly not the best. It will obviously suit Lego fans or those who want an original keyboard, but not pro typists or hardcore gamers.
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Ergonomics
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Struck
