I received the Iqunix F97 Dark Side last week on 5/12/2022. Prior to using the F97, I have used the Razer Blackwidow V3 Pro (Yellow and Green Wwitches), Razer Huntsman V2 Analog (Optical Mechanical Switches), Corsair K100 (Optical Switches), Steelseries Apex Pro (Optical Switches), Royal Kludge K100 Pro (Gateron Milky Yellow and Gateron Red Switches), Logitech G915 (Linear and Clicky Switches), Logitech MX Keys, Glorious GMMK2 Pro, and, most recently, the Glorious GMMK Pro (Everglide Aqua King V3 and Gateron Black Ink V2 Switches).
After going through so many pre-built brand name keyboards, I thought I would try building a custom keyboard. However a few weeks of research, I realized that I needed a keyboard that had a number pad, 2.4Ghz wireless, and bluetooth for work purposes. For personal preference, I wanted south facing RGB, hot swappable PCB, and a keyboard that was either pre-built or could be easily put together.
The only keyboard on the market that could check all the boxes was/is the Iqunix F97. I was about to buy the Hitchhiker version, but was really glad the Dark Side version was released because my PC, PC desk, and all peripherals are black. The keyboard is very well built! It is incredibly sturdy and solid. Out of all the keyboards I have used over the past 10 years, this is clearly the BEST! I did make a few mods to make it slightly better. For example, I changed the switches to the Everglide Aqua Kings V3 to improve the RGB and for quieter typing. I added O rings under the keycaps and re-lubed all the stabilizers. Lastly, I changed the keycaps to the reverse pudding caps, which are perfect for the south facing RGB. This has made it by far the (again) the BEST keyboard I have ever used.
However there are some negatives as nothing is perfect. The ESC and F1 keys are north facing because of the Type C USB port. I found this out after purchasing the keyboard. It is probably not something most people will care about, but my OCD'ness is bothered by it. The stabilizers are Costars, which are very hard to deal with and make changing keycaps a hassle when compared to plate mounted Cherry stabilizers. There is no software to help program macros or change key bindings (even the budget Royal Kludge had dedicated software). There is a slight delay whenever the keyboard connects or wakes up from sleep mode and the timer cannot be adjusted because there is no software. Lastly, I wish there was an indicator for the NUM Lock. There is a light for the CAPS lock, but nothing for the NUM Lock.
Hopefully, Iqunix develops a dedicated software and updates the keyboard in the future. Considering the higher price for this keyboard, a software package would have been expected. Again, aside from the issues above, the keyboard is far superior to any of the keyboard I have ever used.
