The Azio Retro Classic Mechanical Keyboard Review: Eyecatching, But Stiff

Conclusion

Once again, we should stress that Azio designed the Retro Classic for people who just want something aesthetically different; exotic even. The Retro Classic is a keyboard intended to win people over primarily via its design and materials.

Aesthetics are a highly subjective matter, but we cannot argue that the Retro Classic does indeed stand a long way out of the crowd. The Retro Classic will especially match classic/retro designs and offices, especially alongside a custom wooden PC case or similar setups. It is not often that we see leather and/or wood on a keyboard’s surface and, even though the use of aluminum is frequent nowadays, the bolted-on brushed copper-colored aluminum frame does add style.

The highlight of the Classic Retro definitely is the round keycaps with their centered backlighting and painted surrounds. According to Azio, the keycap surrounds are electroplated. Strange as that may sound to those that know plastic plating methods to be quite expensive, the keycaps of our sample were definitely plated with a layer of metallic paint. The minimal resistivity of the paint suggests a reasonable layer thickness and very high metal content. This paint job will certainly outlast the white paint at the center of the keycaps.

The rounded keycaps left us with mixed feelings, as they are the source of multiple practical issues. The keycaps do look nice when new, but they will eventually be worn, and their special stem design does not allow the use of any currently available aftermarket keycaps. Their flat design, in combination with the use of mechanical switches and a flat layout, is what makes the Retro Classic uncomfortable for extensive use. Gamers will also find it very difficult to adjust their finger movements to its unique layout.

Rounded keycaps were never really meant for flat profiles, even very old manual/mechanical typewriters had a very steep staircase profile. As flat profiles only tend to work with very short key travel distances, the flat profile forced Azio to shorten the travel distance of the switches - or perhaps it is the shorter travel distance that had the company thinking they could make the flat profile work comfortably enough - but the short travel also makes the Kailh Typelit switch stiff and tiring for long-term use. The stem of Kailh’s Typelit switch is not very stable mechanically either, making the keys wobble a lot when they are not pressed at an exact right angle. This wobbling adds friction, discomfort and, in time, will damage the keycap and/or switch stems. It also makes the keyboard feeling quite “cheap” after typing on it for some time, as the wobbling is so extensive that will remind an experienced user of older $15-20 office keyboards.

The real problem with the Azio Retro Classic is its retail price. It currently retails at $190, making it one of the most expensive mechanical keyboards on the market. And while its exotic design definitely makes it stand out from the crowd, that's also its only trump card. Crowdfunding campaign backers managed to get their keyboards at 50% off and we would still consider that expensive for a mechanical keyboard lacking any advanced features and/or programmability, but we would justify it due to the use of non-standard materials and production methods.

The Azio Retro Classic is not the most comfortable mechanical keyboard and, other than its well-applied backlighting, has no advanced technological or practical features. Nevertheless, its design is simply enchanting, especially to people who are old enough to remember manual typewriters and/or are into retro/steampunk fashion. If despite its practical problems and the insanely high retail price you find yourself considering buying a Retro Classic, then you too have been enchanted by its unique design. If it is not meant for extensive professional use and/or serious gaming, it will not disappoint. However, we strongly advise against using it for long typing/gaming sessions, as the strain may lead to serious issues in the long run.