Lately, I’ve been diving deep into the world of mechanical keyboards, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer. If you’re someone who spends hours typing, gaming, or just loves tech gadgets that feel premium, you’ll know how much difference a good keyboard can make. That’s where the IROK Mars68 Pro comes in. This wireless magnetic keyboard has been making waves, and for good reason. It’s sleek, fast, and surprisingly affordable at just $50 on AliExpress. For that price, you’re getting features that punch way above its weight, like smooth magnetic switches, a reliable 2.4GHz wireless connection, and a design that feels both modern and functional.
The Mars68 Pro is part of the growing trend of compact keyboards—specifically a 68-key layout—that’s perfect for people who want more keys than a 60% board but still crave that minimalist vibe. It’s also got some cool extras, like customizable RGB lighting, PBT keycaps, and a battery life that lasts up to 35 hours on a full charge. What stood out to me the most, though, was how stable and responsive the switches feel. They’re not overly loud, but they’ve got this satisfying clickiness that makes typing or gaming a joy. Plus, the retractable feet and slightly firmer switches give it an edge over other models in its category.
Now, I know there are tons of options out there, like the Fun60 Max or even older models like the Raven 68. But the Mars68 Pro brings something fresh to the table without breaking the bank. At $50, it’s hard to find another wireless keyboard that checks so many boxes. Sure, it might be a tad louder than some competitors, but trust me, the trade-off is worth it.
My Experience with IROK Mars68 Pro
First off, the IROK Mars68 Pro has a 68-key layout, which sits comfortably between the ultra-compact 60% boards and full-sized ones. It’s a sweet spot for people who want arrow keys and a few extra function keys but still crave that minimalist vibe. The design itself feels familiar. You’ve got four rubberized feet at the bottom for stability, plus retractable legs if you prefer a slight tilt. That little touch of having two height options is something many users will appreciate.
The build quality deserves a shoutout too. The case feels sturdy, and the PBT keycaps add durability. Double-shot legends mean they won’t fade over time, which is always reassuring. The inclusion of a switch puller would’ve been nice, but hey, at least it comes with a keycap puller.
Now, let’s talk about switches. This keyboard comes with magnetic switches, which are becoming more popular because they feel fast and responsive. The IROK Mars68 Pro switches are lubed right out of the box, which is always a nice surprise. They’re linear, meaning there’s no tactile bump or clicky feedback. Instead, you get a smooth press all the way down, but they do have a bit of a firmer feel compared to some competitors.
The stem itself is stable, so it doesn’t wobble side to side when you press down. This gives the typing experience a solid, premium vibe. Some might say it’s slightly louder than other keyboards in this category, but honestly, it’s not deal-breaking unless you’re super sensitive to noise.
One standout feature is how stable the switches feel under your fingers. There’s no annoying side-to-side wiggle, which can be a problem on cheaper boards. The Mars68 Pro nails this part, and it makes typing or gaming feel precise. Sure, it might not be as buttery smooth as the Raven 68—a keyboard often praised for its quieter acoustics—but remember, the Raven 68 is older tech and usually costs more. For $50, the Mars68 Pro holds its ground impressively well.
RGB lighting is present and accounted for, giving you plenty of customization options through the software. Speaking of the software, it’s straightforward to use. You can tweak Rapid Trigger settings, adjust dead zones, and play around with different RGB effects. One cool thing is how easy it is to update the firmware straight from the app. Just plug in the keyboard, open the program, and boom—it prompts you to update if needed. No hassle, no complicated steps. Everything works intuitively, even for someone who isn’t tech-savvy.
Performance-wise, the Mars68 Pro delivers where it counts. Using it for competitive games like CS:GO felt snappy and reliable. Latency wasn’t an issue, and the responsiveness was top-notch. It’s clear the magnetic switches play a big role here. They give that quick actuation gamers love without feeling mushy or unreliable. Typing on it also feels great, though again, it’s worth noting the sound profile is a smidge louder than some competing models.
Gaming on the Mars68 Pro feels satisfying. The Rapid Trigger feature works flawlessly, letting you spam keys without missing inputs. Competitive players will appreciate the low latency and consistent performance. Even in fast-paced matches, every keystroke registered accurately. It’s hard to overstate how much difference a responsive keyboard can make in intense moments, and the Mars68 Pro nails it.
Customization is decent, though nothing groundbreaking. You can save profiles directly onto the keyboard, which is handy if you switch between setups often. The action macros and programmable keys give it versatility for both gaming and productivity. While it may not rival high-end models with insane levels of customization, it covers the basics effectively.
Battery life is another area where this keyboard shines. During testing, it lasted around 30 to 35 hours with mixed use. That includes daily tasks like typing and browsing, plus some late-night gaming sessions. Once the battery dips below 20%, a red LED on the spacebar starts blinking to let you know it’s time to recharge. Honestly, for most users, this kind of battery performance is more than enough. Just plug it in via USB-C when needed, and you’re good to go. Having said that, one downside is the lack of a USB extender for the wireless dongle. If your PC is far from your desk, you might run into minor connectivity hiccups. But honestly, during gameplay, the 2.4GHz connection felt rock-solid, almost like using a wired keyboard.
Now, comparing it to similar keyboards like the Fun60 Max or Ace 60, the Mars68 Pro holds its own. It’s slightly pricier than the Fun60 Max, which retails closer to $40-$45 during sales. But if you value those extra keys and don’t mind spending a bit more, the Mars68 Pro could be worth it. On the flip side, if wireless functionality isn’t crucial for you, sticking with a wired option of Mars68 Pro saves cash while delivering the same performance.
