The world of mechanical keyboards is vast, with options ranging from compact 60% boards to full-sized behemoths. The MelGeek Mojo84 sits neatly in the middle as a 75% keyboard that retains the functionality of a full-size board in a smaller footprint. But what exactly makes this custom mechanical keyboard stand out?
Our hands-on Mojo84 review provides a detailed look at the design, features, performance, and value of this unique keyboard.
Contents
An Overview of The Mojo84
The Mojo84 is the latest keyboard offering from MelGeek, a company known for its lineup of custom mechanical keyboards and keycaps. As a 75% keyboard, the Mojo84 strikes an excellent balance between size and functionality with its 84-key ANSI layout. It manages to pack in a full row of function keys and arrow keys while taking up less space than a traditional full-size keyboard.
But compact size isn’t the only thing that makes the Mojo84 unique. It also features a sleek gasket mount design, hot-swappable switches, versatile connectivity via Bluetooth/2.4G wireless/USB-C wired modes, and per-key RGB backlighting. According to MelGeek, the Mojo84 is designed to offer users a sturdy, customizable, and comfortable typing experience no matter their usage.
Our Mojo84 review will take a deep dive into the design, features, and real-world performance of the MelGeek Mojo84 mechanical keyboard to see if it lives up to the hype.
Read more: MelGeek Review: A Comprehensive Look at the Innovative Mechanical Keyboard Company
Mojo84 Review of Design
The Mojo84 measures 327 x 140 x 46mm, making it a nicely compact keyboard without feeling cramped. Despite the small footprint, it doesn’t compromise on functionality. The 84-key ANSI layout includes a full row of function keys and arrow keys. Navigation and shortcuts are still easily accessible despite the condensed design.
MelGeek uses a combination of premium materials to create a sturdy yet comfortable typing experience on the Mojo84. The keyboard case consists of polycarbonate with an aluminum backplate. The gasket implementation features poron inserts around the switch holes to dampen bottom-out noise while still allowing for a firm typing feel. There’s also ample foam inside the case to reduce any hollow reverberations and produce a sound signature according to MelGeek.
The gasket mount design is a standout feature that contributes to the Mojo84’s excellent build quality. Unlike a traditional plate mount, gasket mounts use rubber or silicone gaskets to allow the PCB to “float” independently rather than screwed tightly into a solid plate. This flex allows for a bouncier, softer feel when typing.
“The materials and build quality of the Mojo84 are absolutely higher compared to keyboards like the KBD67 Lite,” stated one Mojo84 review when comparing the Mojo84 to other keyboards on the market.
Our experience aligns with the consensus that the Mojo84 features top-notch construction. The combination of sturdy polycarbonate, integrated poron foam, and silicone gaskets makes this one of the most solid-feeling pre-built keyboards we’ve tested.
Mojo84 Review of Key Features
In addition to its excellent structural design, the MelGeek Mojo84 is packed with features that make it a versatile and customizable mechanical keyboard. Here are some of the most notable capabilities:
Hot-swappable switches
The Mojo84 features Kailh hot-swap sockets that allow you to easily swap switches without any soldering. Our review unit came with smooth stock linear switches, but the hot-swap functionality makes it simple to experiment with different switch types like clicky, tactile or linear models from brands like Gateron, Cherry, and more.
Per-key RGB lighting
Each key on the Mojo84 has individual addressable RGB backlighting powered by awesome lighting effects and modes. There are 8 RGB lighting modes available ranging from Wave, Breathing, Ripple to Reactive typing effects. The brightness levels are adjustable as well. While the LEDs don’t get extremely bright, the lighting provides a nice ambiance and flair.
Gasket mount
As mentioned previously in this Mojo84 review, the integrated gasket mount on the Mojo84 allows for a bouncier, flexier typing feel compared to traditional screw-in PCB designs. The poron foam inserts further enhance acoustics.
Triple device connectivity
The Mojo84 supports Bluetooth, 2.4G wireless via a USB dongle, and wired USB-C connectivity. You can store pairing profiles for up to 8 Bluetooth devices and quickly switch between them. The keyboard maintains solid wireless performance within 10 meters.
Original MDA profile keycaps
Included with the keyboard are the keycaps in the sculpted MDA profile. MDA is relatively rare compared to OEM or Cherry but offers a uniform spherical curvature for comfort. The keycaps felt great during our testing with excellent thickness, texture, and durability.
KBTools configuration software
MelGeek’s KBTools software lets you program custom lighting, macros, layers, and more. There’s also a new desktop app called MelGeek Hive that provides firmware updating and other tools for MelGeek keyboards.
So, the MelGeek Mojo84 comes packed with well-implemented features that make it a versatile and customizable mechanical keyboard, ticking all the right boxes for most users. For those seeking a thoughtfully designed mechanical keyboard with great build quality and typing comfort, the Mojo84 hits the mark.
Mojo84 Review of Performance
From build quality to features, the MelGeek Mojo84 is an impressive keyboard on paper. But how does it perform during real-world use for gaming, typing, and everyday work? We put the Mojo84 to the test to evaluate its capabilities.
Typing Experience
The Mojo84 provides a fantastic typing experience thanks to its gasket mount, quality keycaps, and lubed stabilizers. Key presses feel snappy and responsive with moderate weight. The gasket construction gives just the right amount of “bounce” on each keystroke without feeling loose or rickety. Noise is well-controlled thanks to the foam and poron inserts.
Compared to mainstream keyboards, the Mojo84 promotes a much better typing posture. The height and sculpting guide your hands into the proper position over the home row. The MDA profile keycaps have a spherical curvature that cups your fingertips comfortably. Their more contoured shape also prevents fingers from slipping around compared to flatter profiles like OEM.
During typing tests for this Mojo84 review, we scored higher WPM on the Mojo84 compared to our daily driver keyboards. The overall experience feels fast, accurate, and comfortable for long writing sessions.
Gaming Performance
While not marketed specifically as a gaming keyboard, the Mojo84 holds its own for gaming as well. The 75% layout retains a full set of arrow keys while condensing the overall footprint. For FPS titles, the tighter clustering of keys centered around WASD improves ergonomics since your hands don’t need to spread out as far to reach everything.
The smooth linear switches on our unit worked great for gaming. Keystrokes register instantly with little resistance, allowing fast reactions and repeated taps. The RGB lighting can be configured into various effects including reactive modes that highlight keys as you actuate them.
Some gamers may want the ability to disable certain keys to prevent accidental presses, which isn’t currently an option on the Mojo84. But overall, its compact size, responsive keys, and removable USB-C cable make it a solid keyboard for gaming on the go or at home.
Everyday Use
Thanks to its wireless connectivity and onboard battery, the MelGeek Mojo84 works great for daily tasks whether you’re working in the office, relaxing on the couch, or traveling with a laptop. It maintains a reliable connection within 10 meters whether using the dongle or Bluetooth. We didn’t experience any lag, disconnects or repeats during wireless use. The 1900 mAh battery lasts for days on a single charge.
The RGB lighting effects add some nice ambiance when using the keyboard for more casual purposes like web browsing and media viewing. It looks great sitting on a desk or coffee table. The Mojo84 is lightweight and portable enough to toss in a bag as well, though you may want a protective carrying case.
Mojo84 Review of Pricing and Value
The MelGeek Mojo84 retails for $219 directly from their official website. Considering the quality of materials, custom gasket design, and overall feature set, we found this to be a reasonable price compared to other pre-built mechanical keyboards. Given the Mojo84’s excellent construction and typing comfort, it provides good value at this price point that’s on par with or better than keyboards costing $50-100 more.
For those looking for the utmost value, MelGeek occasionally offers the Mojo84 at a discounted price during promotions and through coupon codes found on their site. So be sure to check for any deals that can make this excellent keyboard an even better bang for your buck.
Mojo84 Review: What are The Pros and Cons?
After extensively testing for this Mojo84 review, here is a summary of what we consider to be its most notable advantages and disadvantages:
Pros
- Superb build quality from premium materials
- Comfortable, tactile typing experience
- Novel gasket mount design
- Easily customizable with hot-swap switches
- Tons of RGB lighting customization
- Triple wireless and wired connectivity
- Compact 75% layout
- Quality stock keycaps (MDA profile)
- Reasonable price for the overall package
Cons
- RGB lighting could be brighter
While no keyboard is perfect, the Mojo84 nails the fundamentals with its sturdy build, comfortable typing feel, and versatile feature set. For most users, the pros should easily outweigh the cons. However, personal preferences around size, aesthetics, and specific features will play a role in determining if the Mojo84 is the right fit for you.
Mojo84 Review: Conclusion
The MelGeek Mojo84 offers an excellent overall package for those seeking a premium custom mechanical keyboard in a 75% form factor. Both first-time mechanical keyboard buyers and enthusiasts are sure to appreciate the clever gasket mount design that emphasizes a satisfying typing experience. While not the most feature-packed keyboard, it provides well-thought-out capabilities focused on customization and comfort.
Gamers on the hunt for a high-quality, portable mechanical keyboard will find a lot to love in the Mojo84 as well. It offers the essential features to enhance your gameplay while retaining a compact layout for travel. For day-to-day users who want the feel of a premium mechanical keyboard without sacrificing their desk space, the Mojo84 is a compelling option to consider especially given its reasonable price point.
To get your hands on the MelGeek Mojo84, head over to melgeek.com and browse their wide selection of custom mechanical keyboards. Be sure to take advantage of these latest MelGeek coupon codes that can help you score this excellent keyboard at the best possible price. Let us know in the comments if you have any other questions that we didn’t cover in this Mojo84 review. Happy typing!
