The MechLands Blade 101 is one of the boldest entries in the world of mechanical keyboards. With its hefty aluminum build, gasket mount design, and tri mode connectivity, this keyboard is designed for users who demand both durability and premium typing experience. In this review we dive into its build quality, layout, performance, and customization to see if it truly stands out among modern RGB mechanical keyboards.
Box Contents and Accessories
Inside the box you get the keyboard itself, a user manual, a keycap and switch puller combo, a long plastic coated USB C cable, two extra Verdant switches, and a dust cover. The dust cover is particularly useful for keeping the board clean when not in use and should not be discarded.
The cable has a gamer styled aesthetic and matches the case clearance requirements, which is important because the recessed port does not accommodate all aftermarket cables.
Design and Build Quality
The Blade 101 makes an immediate impression with its full aluminum chassis. The powder coated body has a slightly rough texture with a glittery finish, giving it a rugged yet refined appearance. In the blue color option, the contrast between the metallic sparkle and the bold tone enhances its premium feel.
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At 2.1 kilograms, this heavy aluminum keyboard is not built for portability but for stability on a desk. Underneath, you’ll find rubber pads that prevent slipping, along with a mirror back plate carrying the MechLands branding.
This design is reminiscent of its sibling, the Blade 75, but scaled up for those who prefer a larger layout and a more commanding presence on their setup.
Layout and Keycaps
The Blade 101 uses a 96 percent or 1800 layout, striking a balance between compactness and functionality. It retains a numpad, arrow cluster, and navigation keys but in a condensed footprint that saves space compared to a full sized board.
The keycaps are double shot PBT in ASA profile. Their chunky and bulbous shape enhances comfort and makes key legends easy to read. The darker variant has better contrast, while the lighter option is more subtle, appealing to different aesthetic preferences. The mirror back plate and clean top case give the keyboard a modern look without overwhelming branding.
Mounting and Typing Experience
At the heart of this board is its gasket mounted structure. The flexible positioning plate, combined with multiple dampening layers, creates a soft yet controlled typing feel. This design also contributes to the deeper and more resonant sound that gasket mounted keyboards are known for.
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The keyboard ships with MechLands Verdant switches. These pre lubed linear switches feature a 42 gram spring and smooth travel. They produce a mix of clack and thock when paired with the polycarbonate plate and fully dampened case. Stabilizers are also pre lubed, though some users may notice slight rattling that can be improved with tape mods or aftermarket replacements.
Verdant Switch Specifications
The Blade 101 comes equipped with MechLands Verdant switches, a smooth linear option designed to balance comfort and responsiveness. These are 5 pin switches with an operating force of 42 grams, bottoming out at around 50 grams. They feature a 1.8 mm pre travel and a 3.8 mm total travel, putting them in the quicker category compared to more traditional linears.
The pre lubrication from the factory gives them a consistent glide, reducing scratchiness and stabilizing the sound profile. For everyday typing, they feel light yet controlled, while for gaming the shorter pre travel offers faster actuation without feeling too sensitive. Since the PCB is hot swappable, users can easily replace the Verdants with other switches if they prefer a different feel.
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Connectivity and Performance
The Blade 101 offers tri mode wireless keyboard connectivity. Users can choose between wired USB C, Bluetooth 5.0, or a 2.4 GHz dongle. With a polling rate of up to 1000 Hz in wired and 2.4 GHz mode, it delivers low latency performance suitable for casual and even competitive gaming.
Inside the case sits a massive 8000 mAh battery, made from dual 4000 mAh packs. This ensures extended wireless use far beyond many competitors in its class. The recessed USB C port, however, may limit compatibility with thicker custom cables, making the included cable the most reliable option.
Software and Customization
The Blade 101 currently does not have dedicated software support. At the time of review, the MechLands software suite does not recognize this keyboard, which means you cannot remap keys, record macros, or fine tune RGB through a desktop app.
Instead, all adjustments are handled through onboard function shortcuts. You can cycle through RGB lighting effects, change brightness levels, and toggle basic modes directly from the keyboard, but more advanced customization simply isn’t available.
On the positive side, the Blade 101 still includes a hot swappable PCB that supports both 3 pin and 5 pin switches, giving enthusiasts the freedom to experiment with different switches and personalize their typing feel even if the lighting and key remapping features are limited.
| Pros | Cons |
| Premium aluminum construction with powder coated finish | Very heavy at over 2 kilograms |
| Blue color option adds a bold and stylish desk presence | Recessed USB C port limits third party cable use |
| Gasket mounted structure with satisfying flex and acoustics | Non standard layout may take time to adjust |
| Hot swappable PCB for easy switch changes | |
| Tri mode connectivity with 8000 mAh battery | |
| ASA profile double shot PBT keycaps | |
| Vibrant RGB lighting |
Blade 101 vs Blade 75
The Blade 75 and Blade 101 share many design philosophies but cater to different audiences. The Blade 75 is more compact, lighter, and includes a rotary knob that the Blade 101 lacks. The Blade 101, on the other hand, offers a larger layout with numpad, a heavier aluminum frame, and a more commanding desk presence.
If you value portability and space saving, the Blade 75 is the better pick. If you want a full layout and prefer the bold style of the blue aluminum chassis, the Blade 101 is the stronger choice.
Final Verdict
The MechLands Blade 101 is a striking example of a modern mechanical keyboard that blends enthusiast level design with practical functionality. Its heavy aluminum build, gasket mounted typing feel, tri mode connectivity, and hot swappable flexibility make it a compelling option for those seeking a premium desk keyboard.
The blue variant in particular stands out as one of the most eye catching mechanical keyboards in its class, pairing bold aesthetics with solid performance. It is not perfect—the recessed port, stabilizer rattle, and weight are drawbacks—but for users who prioritize build quality, acoustics, and design flair, the Blade 101 in blue is a worthy investment.
If you have any questions, feel free to drop them down below in the comments!
