In the ever-expanding world of mechanical keyboards, the Mchose UT98 emerges as a noteworthy contender, blending robust features with a design that avoids the bulkiness typical of full-sized keyboards. This review delves into the UT98’s build quality, customization options, user experience, and purchasing considerations.
Build Quality and Design
The UT98 is a 98-percent mechanical keyboard that boasts exceptional build quality. Its visually striking multicolor design on the plastic case and keycaps sets it apart from many competitors. The color choices and bold font on the keycaps give the UT98 a designer’s touch, and nothing about it feels cheap or poorly made.
Every component of the UT98 feels custom and durable, designed to withstand years of daily use. Despite using a hard plastic case instead of aluminum, the UT98 feels like one of the best keyboards ever reviewed.
As of this writing, Mchose offers the UT98 in two models with two color configurations:
– Classic Therapy: A black and white palette
– Retro Therapy: A white, black, grey, and orange palette
The model and color choices for the UT98 are directly linked to the type of linear switches included with the purchase. The Classic Therapy model includes Silent Peach V3 silent switches, while the Retro Therapy model has Icy Creamsicle HiFi switches.
The Kickstarter page for the UT98 states that the model and switches are chosen via a backer survey once the campaign ends. It stands to reason that consumers should be allowed to mix and match at that point.
A Retro Therapy model was provided for testing, and the Icy Creamsicle keycaps are very satisfying to type with. However, they are not whisper-quiet.
The Icy Creamsicle switches and the Cherry-profile keycaps are very satisfying with the soft thock sounds they make. The level of noise is very pleasing.
Mchose is touting the UT98 as the Silent Yet Satisfying typing experience. The Silent Peach switches were not available for testing, so this claim cannot be confirmed.
Both the Classic Therapy and Retro Therapy models include RGB backlighting, complete with 16.8 million color options and music rhythm options. The RGB lights are very bright and pretty, and thankfully, adjustable.
The UT98 includes two-stage flip-down legs to adjust the overall angle of the typing surface, providing three different angles to choose from. This feature is beneficial for users with hand and wrist issues.
The center back of the keyboard has a single USB-C port for charging or using the keyboard in wired mode.
The left side of the UT98 includes a sturdy three-position switch for powering the keyboard off, switching to Bluetooth connectivity, and for 2.4G connectivity.
One of the standout features of the UT98 is the aluminum scroll wheel set into the keyboard case. It has a small ambient light that also functions as a battery level monitor. The sleek integration of this volume control is very appealing and was used often during testing.
Customization
Mchose offers a web-based hub for device configuration and customization through its website. While web-based hubs that require an internet connection are not always preferred, this one is among the nicest ever seen or used. The level of customization for the UT98 is staggering.
In addition to key commands and setting custom macros, the hub allows users to customize the RGB light settings beyond the numerous preset options. The RGB presets are robust by default, but the added level of customization is wonderful.
User Experience
After several days of use, it’s evident that the UT98 is a fantastic mechanical keyboard. Having tested many keyboards, this one easily ranks in the top three all-time list. This is coming from someone who doesn’t typically care for large, chunky mechanical keyboards, preferring low-profile, 60-65 percent keyboards.
Out of the box, setting up the UT98 and pairing it with a Mac Studio via Bluetooth took less than a minute.
The UT98 offers tri-mode connectivity via a connected USB-C cable, Bluetooth, and 2.4G. All three modes were tested with zero issues connecting to a Mac Studio, gaming PC, and iPad.
Good quickstart cards and user manuals are appreciated, and Mchose delivers on this, which is great for those new to mechanical keyboards.
The intent with the UT98 is to deliver a mechanical keyboard that offers full-size features without feeling like a gigantic, obtrusive plank on workspaces.
Mchose threads the needle by getting the most out of a tighter presentation that delivers features outside of the norm on mechanical keyboards. The volume wheel, keycap placements, and unique ideas like the dedicated calculator key make the UT98 stand out.
The approach works, and the working experience with the UT98 was thoroughly enjoyable.
The Icy Creamsicle switches are so good that the UT98 will be kept as a gaming keyboard, with plans to eventually swap out for the Silent Peach switches to see just how silent they are. The keyboard is so impressive that this will be done out of pocket.
Purchasing Considerations
The only issue with the UT98 is not with the keyboard or Mchose, but with the use of Kickstarter for its development and funding.
Kickstarter has a reputation for being unpredictable when it comes to the funding and delivery of tech products. This is the nature of Kickstarter and smaller, inexperienced creators and studios taking their first steps to bring their dreams and ideas to life.
There can and will be missteps and outright failures.
Mchose is a fully established company with a large catalog of products, and this is its first Kickstarter campaign. At the time of writing, the project is fully funded, Mchose is communicating with backers, and everything appears to be on track for production and fulfillment.
The cost-benefit for purchasing the UT98 through Kickstarter is a discount off the MSRP.
The cost of entry for the UT98 is in the range expected for a nice full-size mechanical keyboard, with an MSRP of $139 and a 29% discount through Kickstarter bringing the cost down to $99.
For the quality of the UT98, that is a steal.
The UT98 is a fantastic mechanical keyboard that will be happily kept on the desk as a gaming keyboard, but the risks of any Kickstarter are valid. If that is a deal breaker, it may be best to wait until the UT98 arrives in the Mchose online store.
