Unleash Your Typing Skills on the TINIEST Mechanical Keyboard

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Overview of the Magic 4 Smart 49 Key Mini Mechanical Keyboard
3. Size Comparison
4. Switches and Functionality
5. Design and Build Quality
6. Backlighting and Lighting Patterns
7. Typing Experience and Adaptation Period
8. Pros and Cons
9. Recommended Usage Scenarios
10. Comparison with Other Keyboards (e.g. Magicforce 68 Key)
11. Conclusion

Introduction

Welcome back to the Channel! In today's video, we will be discussing a unique and compact mechanical keyboard - the Magic 4 Smart 49 Key Mini Mechanical Keyboard. Over the past month, we have been extensively testing this keyboard to see if it can truly meet our typing needs. In this article, we will provide You with a thorough and unbiased review of the Magic 4 Smart keyboard, along with insights into the world of 40-percent mechanical keyboards.

Overview of the Magic 4 Smart 49 Key Mini Mechanical Keyboard

The Magic 4 Smart is a compact and adorable forty-percent keyboard that packs a punch despite its small size. With only 49 keys, it is significantly smaller than the standard 87-key keyboard. We acquired this keyboard for around $50 on Amazon, and its key switches are Gateron Brown, known for their tactile feedback and similarity to Cherry MX switches.

Size Comparison

If you're Wondering just how small the Magic 4 Smart keyboard is, let's compare it to a regular 87-key keyboard. The size difference is quite astonishing, and it adds to the keyboard's overall cuteness factor. This compact size makes the Magic 4 Smart incredibly portable and lightweight – you can even toss it in your backpack alongside your Water bottle!

Switches and Functionality

One of the main reasons we decided to try out the Magic 4 Smart keyboard was our Curiosity about the 40-percent keyboard layout. Normally, 40-percent keyboards lack a function row, a number row, and often feature an unconventional assortment of buttons on either the right or left side. Some other examples of 40-percent mechanical keyboards include the Vortex Gear Race and the Planck keyboard, which features an ortholinear layout.

The Magic 4 Smart keyboard, with its unique layout, offers an interesting typing experience. With a split spacebar design, the left side functions as the space key while the right side functions as the right shift key. Surprisingly, instead of a right shift key, the keyboard has an arrow cluster on the right side, diverging from conventional 40-percent designs. It's important to note that the Magic 4 Smart keyboard cannot be programmed, so you are limited to the predefined key functions. Additionally, accessing certain keys, such as the apostrophe, may require using the FN key in combination with other keys. Adjusting to these layout intricacies can take some time, but it is possible with practice.

Design and Build Quality

The overall design of the Magic 4 Smart keyboard is minimalistic and straightforward. It boasts a compact form factor with little else to speak of besides the four Rubber feet on the bottom for stability. The absence of kickstands or any additional features contributes to its lightweight nature. However, it does come with a detachable microUSB port on the top left-HAND side, which adds some convenience for connectivity.

One notable aspect of the keyboard's design is the positioning of the legends on the keycaps. Each key has multiple legends, indicating different functions. While this provides versatility and functionality, it can be overwhelming at first, especially if you're trying to locate less frequently used characters or symbols.

Backlighting and Lighting Patterns

The Magic 4 Smart keyboard sports Blue backlighting, which adds a touch of elegance to its small frame. The keycaps have decent shine-through capability, although they are made of ABS plastic, which tends to be less prone to oil attraction compared to other keyboard keycaps like those on the Ducky One 2 Mini or HyperX keyboards. The keyboard offers pre-programmed lighting patterns with various effects, including static patterns, moving patterns, and reactive patterns that respond to keystrokes. These lighting patterns provide a visually appealing experience, and you can adjust the brightness as well as the frequency of the movement of the lights.

Typing Experience and Adaptation Period

Now, let's address the big question: Did we get used to typing on a forty-percent keyboard? Initially, it was quite challenging to adapt to the new layout, especially with the absence of a right shift key and the need to remember multiple key combinations. Typing characters like numbers and apostrophes required additional steps, which slowed down our typing speed. However, after consistent practice and perseverance, we gradually improved our typing proficiency. It took us around four days to achieve a typing speed of approximately 40 to 50 words per minute, which is around 50% of our regular keyboard speed.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Compact and lightweight design for excellent portability
• Tactile Gateron Brown switches offer a satisfying typing experience
• Unique layout with arrow cluster
• Diverse pre-programmed backlighting patterns

Cons:

• Keycap legends can be overwhelming and confusing
• Uneven key distribution (e.g., large escape key, small backspace key)
• Difficulties in gaming due to unconventional key placements and limited key customization options

Recommended Usage Scenarios

The Magic 4 Smart 49 Key Mini Mechanical Keyboard excels in specific usage scenarios. It is highly recommended for individuals who require a portable keyboard to accompany their laptop or who frequently work on the go. Moreover, it can be a great alternative to a laptop keyboard, providing a more comfortable typing experience. However, it is not ideal for gaming due to its unconventional layout and limited key customization options.

Comparison with Other Keyboards (e.g. Magicforce 68 Key)

To provide a better understanding of the Magic 4 Smart keyboard's capabilities and limitations, let's compare it to the Magicforce 68 Key keyboard. The Magicforce 68 Key keyboard offers a tenkeyless layout, meaning it excludes the number pad. Additionally, it features arrow keys in a separate cluster and four additional keys on the right side. This layout provides a well-rounded and versatile typing experience. However, it's worth noting that the Magicforce 68 Key keyboard has been known to experience clicking or pinging noises.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Magic 4 Smart 49 Key Mini Mechanical Keyboard is a unique and attractive option for those seeking a compact mechanical keyboard. While it has its limitations and requires an adaptation period, it offers portability, tactile switches, and delightful backlighting effects. However, for extended periods of typing or intensive gaming, we recommend opting for a more conventional keyboard layout, such as a tenkeyless mechanical keyboard. We hope this review has given you a comprehensive understanding of the Magic 4 Smart keyboard.

Is the Magic 4 Smart Right for You?

If you are looking for a portable, compact mechanical keyboard to enhance your typing experience on the go, the Magic 4 Smart could be a great choice. However, if gaming or prolonged typing Sessions are your primary concerns, we suggest considering alternative options.