Gone are those days where a “Mechanical Keyboard” is considered an expensive gadget. And there’s another category where people say only the enthusiasts can own a “60” or “65” per cent keyboards. But thanks to the eSports industry and famous twitch streamers who introduced 60% keyboards to the general audience.
Today at MeshPie we are looking at one of the cheapest 60% mechanical keyboards that you can buy in India. The keyboard we are reviewing is from the AntEsports (A brand well known for budget gaming peripherals) who flipped the switch and introduced its new lineup to the market – The AntEsports MK1200 Mini.
Specifications
Type – 61 Key Qwerty layout
Formfactor – 60%
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Material used – Plastic
Software – None
Macros – Fixed macros, non-customizable
Illumination – 17 Backlit modes with 4 brightness levels
Price – ₹2050
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Initial Impression
The AntEsports MK1200 Mini is a fully mechanical 60% keyboard with a customizable RGB backlight. The keycaps used are basic ABS Keycaps which feels normal like any other basic keys out there. But nothing to worry, as it is a mechanical keyboard you can swap out for better keycaps anytime you wish. The only downside is that a good set of mechanical keyboard keycaps would cost more than the AntEsports MK1200 mini. 😂😜
This keyboard supports full anti ghosting mechanical keys and comes with 17 preset backlit modes which are non customizable. The RGB can be adjusted to four levels of brightness using the function keys. Connectivity wise, this keyboard has a Detatachable Type C port and a braided type C cable included in box.
The keycaps used in this keyboard are generic YH Blue Switches which feel similar to outemu blue switches which can be seen in most of the budget mechanical keyboards. According to AntEsports website, these keys have 50 Million keystrokes lifespan.
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Review
The first impression made me WOW! This is a perfect example of a good VFM product. If you are a first time user of 60% keyboards, you’d be having some basic doubts like –
How can I use the arrow case?
With the provided FN key + Alt (Left) for left arrow ; FN key + Question key for top arrow ; FN key + menu key for down arrow ; FN key + Crtl key for right arrow.
How can I use function keys?
With FN Key + Shift Key + F1, F2, F3 and so on. So if you want to use Alt + F4 on this keyboard, you have to use the FN Key + Shift + Alt +F4. Kinda hard right? 😜 Simply use the close button in the app instead.
Now that you have understood some basics of the keyboard, and got an idea of the 60% keyboard overview, let me dive into the real review.
I’ve personally been using the AntEsports Mk1200 Mini keyboard for over 2 months now as my primary keyboard. Getting used to this keyboard too just a day or two at max (might vary from person to person) and then it was yet another normal keyboard for me.
My usage varied from typing (A LOT) to gaming just like how most of you guys will be using, so I can give a definite vouch to that part and you will definitely have a wonderful experience and a good looking setup as the 60% keyboard takes up very little space.
As shared above with the basic FAQ on 60% keyboards, closing an application or using the function keys might be a weird as it invloves lots of keys,but honestly that won’t matter and can be overcome easily.
The only problem/issue I have faced personally is situations where a random function gets activated making few keys unresponsive, but that can be fixed quickly by replugging the cable.
And talking about the cable, the keyboard comes with a 1.5 meter type C cable which looks decent. But if you are a user like me whos main PC is far from your monitor, you can easily get a cheap high quality braided type C cable which is longer and use it. And yes, it work’s perfectly, thereby you can literally use any type C cable with this keyboard.
Typing test
Being an armature keyboard racer, my WPM averages around 72 as I tend to occur few mistakes and stutter during typing. So if you are a person who is willing to type a lot in this keyboard then these screenshots might give you an idea on how fast you can type and comfort while typing –
Conclusion
The AntEsports MK1200 Mini is an excellent starter options for those who are looking forward to get into the 60% keyboard scene I’d definitely recommend you to get it without any doubt. But at just ₹1000 extra, you can also get the Gamdias Hermes E3 which also have a white color variant if you’re looking for something to go along with your setup. The key presses feels satisfying and sounds decent but not too loud.
The only downside to this keyboard is that there is no Keyboard height adjuster and no keycap puller included out of the box. But hey, at this price what could go wrong? If you are willing to purchase AntEsports MK1200 Mini, check out the bestbuy link from Amazon down below. (PS: We earn a commission out of it)
