Mechlands Vibe99 Review: A Budget Mechanical Keyboard with All the Essentials

If you’re looking for a budget mechanical keyboard with a bit more functionality, the Mechlands Vibe99 could be the one. It’s a full-size keyboard, which means you get that full layout with a dedicated numpad, function keys, and everything else you might need at your fingertips. Plus, it costs around $83—a really appealing price for anyone. Mechlands designed this one with budget-conscious in mind, but it packs in some neat features you’d expect in pricier models. In this review, we’ll go beyond just the looks to break down the build quality, typing feel, connectivity options, and modding potential. So, we’ll see if the Vibe99 lives up to its promise of being a solid, affordable keyboard.

Build Quality and Design

The Mechlands Vibe99 has an 1800 compact layout is a standout feature for anyone who wants a full-size keyboard without the typical bulk. It offers all the essential keys, including the numpad, but in a slightly tighter layout that saves desk space. For those who frequently work with numbers or prefer a dedicated numpad, this setup is ideal. Is built entirely from plastic, but don’t let that fool you—this keyboard feels solid. For something in this price range, the construction quality is actually impressive. It doesn’t have that premium metal feel you might find in higher-end boards, but for a plastic keyboard, it holds its own with decent weight and a sturdy frame.

Opening up the Vibe99, you’ll find that Mechlands has put some thought into the internal design. Inside the case, there’s a silicone padding layer, which is a nice touch for a budget board. This padding helps absorb shocks and adds a bit of dampening, giving the keyboard a softer sound profile. Between the PCB (printed circuit board) and the plate, there’s also a foam layer. While it’s not the thickest foam out there, it does help with sound absorption, which is essential if you want a satisfying typing experience.

One thing to keep in mind, though, is that the latch-based assembly can make disassembly a bit tricky. Instead of screws, the case is held together by plastic latches. This means you’ll need a tool to separate the two halves if you ever want to open it up for modding or repairs. The latch system is a bit fragile, so if you’re planning on taking it apart, go slowly to avoid any breaks.

While the Vibe99 is generally well-built, it does have some fragile points. The controller and PCB connections, for example, are delicate and might require extra care, especially if you’re planning on modding. The USB dongle holder inside the case is a clever addition, but it can make putting the board back together a bit tricky if you’re not careful about aligning everything.

Mechlands has managed to create a budget keyboard that doesn’t feel “cheap” in the hand, and they’ve added thoughtful touches like silicone padding and an internal foam layer for better sound and feel. However, if you’re planning on opening it up or doing any mods, a little caution will go a long way to keep it in good shape.

RGB Lighting and LCD Screen Features

The Mechlands Vibe99 brings a lot of visual flair to your setup with its vibrant RGB lighting and built-in LCD screen. These features add a modern, customizable look to the keyboard. First, the RGB lighting is surprisingly dynamic for a budget keyboard, thanks to its south-facing RGB lighting. The colors are bright, and there are a variety of built-in lighting modes you can switch between:

• Preset Lighting Effects: You can choose from multiple effects, like wave, breathing, and static colors, directly from the keyboard without any additional software.
• Adjustable Brightness: You can increase or decrease the brightness through function key shortcuts, making it easy to adapt the lighting to different environments.
• Color Choices and Limitations: While the RGB colors are vivid, it’s worth mentioning that the green tint of the Cream Mint switches slightly affects color accuracy. For instance, white light may appear with a subtle minty-blue tint. This isn’t necessarily a drawback, as it gives the keyboard a unique look, but it’s something to consider if you’re very particular about exact colors.

Another fun feature is the keyboard’s ability to sync lighting with audio—perfect for setting the vibe during music playback. When activated, the lighting pulses and changes in response to the rhythm, creating a more immersive experience if you’re listening to music, gaming, or watching movies.

One of the more unique features of the Vibe99 is its small LCD screen that displays various settings:

• Lighting Control: The screen allows you to see the current lighting mode, making it easy to switch effects without needing software. You can adjust the color, brightness, and speed of each effect directly on the keyboard.
• Connection Mode Indicator: The LCD screen also shows which connectivity mode you’re in (USB, 2.4 GHz, or Bluetooth), giving you a quick visual reference if you’re switching between devices.

Customization Options with Mechlands Driver Software

The Mechlands Vibe99 comes with dedicated software that, while not groundbreaking, gets the job done, and provides essential tools for configuring key functions, RGB settings, and even the TFT screen. Although it’s a bit basic, it covers most of what you need. While the Mechlands software may feel a bit dated and lacks some of the polish of higher-end software suites, it still provides all the essential functions for configuring and personalizing the keyboard.

The software allows you to remap keys on the main layer as well as set up a function layer. While it doesn’t have the extensive functionality of open-source tools like VIA or QMK, it still provides enough flexibility to create a comfortable, personalized layout for work or play. You can export and import configurations, making it easy to switch between setups or back up your custom layout.

The RGB lighting on the Vibe9 is vibrant, and the software provides several modes and color options. You can tweak everything from brightness and speed to specific RGB effects that cycle through colors, pulse, or stay static. For those who prefer hardware control, you can also cycle through these modes using keyboard shortcuts without opening the software, which is handy for quick adjustments.

A unique feature of the software is the ability to customize the TFT screen. You can upload static images or simple animations (GIFs) to the screen. This allows you to display visuals like battery life, time, or even your favorite character or logo. Customizing the screen is a straightforward process within the software, although more advanced customization options would be a welcome addition.

For productivity, the software supports macros, allowing you to create shortcuts for frequently used functions or sequences. You can include mouse inputs in your macros. The macro setup is user-friendly, though not as feature-rich as some more advanced keyboard software.

Typing Experience

When it comes to typing, the Mechlands Vibe99 delivers a unique feel, thanks in large part to its Cream Mint switches. These switches are proprietary to Mechlands and aim to offer a smooth, satisfying typing experience with a subtle “tacky” sound profile that many will appreciate. The Cream Mint switches are linear with an actuation force of 45gf and a 3.6mm travel distance. Here’s a breakdown of what that means in day-to-day use:

• Light and Smooth Actuation: With a low actuation force, these switches are easy to press, making typing feel effortless, especially over long periods.
• Quiet Yet Satisfying Sound: The Cream Mint switches produce a “thock” rather than a loud “click,” offering a quieter typing experience that’s well-suited for both work and gaming.
• Slight Stem Wobble: If you’re a detail-oriented typist, you might notice a bit of wobble in the stem. It’s minor but worth noting, especially if stability is a top priority for you.

The Cream Mint switches aren’t sold separately, so you won’t find them on other keyboards—this gives the Vibe99 a bit of exclusivity. The sound and feel are aimed at a balanced experience that’s great for both typing and gaming.

Now, let’s talk about the keycaps. The Mechlands Vibe99o uses double-shot PBT keycaps with side-printed legends. These keycaps are durable, resistant to wear, and have a nice texture, so they won’t get that shiny, worn-out look over time. The side-printed legends are cool; they’re bold, easy to read, and give the keyboard a unique, clean look. Plus, the keycaps are shine-through, allowing the RGB lighting to show through just enough for an added visual flair without being overpowering.

Mechlands has used gasket-mounted and multi-layer padding in the Vibe99, which helps provide soft, cushioned feedback with every keystroke. By using Gasket Mount, This mounting style means that the switches sit on a gasket, which absorbs some of the impact when typing. It results in a slightly softer and more comfortable feel, especially for heavy typists. Also, Between the plate and PCB, Mechlands has added a foam layer that dampens noise and adds a bit of “give” to the typing experience, making each keypress feel smoother and more controlled.

The Vibe99 isn’t strictly a gaming keyboard, but it performs well for casual and even some competitive gaming. The fast linear switches and low actuation force make quick key presses easy and responsive. The 2.4 GHz wireless mode is also lag-free, offering smooth gameplay without noticeable delay, which is essential for gaming sessions.

Connectivity Features

One of the standout aspects of the Mechlands Vibe99 is its tri-mode connectivity—you can connect it via Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz wireless, or a USB cable.

• Wired Mode: Connecting with the USB cable is straightforward and ensures the most stable performance, especially for gamers or anyone needing zero lag. It also keeps the battery charged while in use, which is handy for extended sessions.
• Bluetooth Mode: The Bluetooth option is perfect if you want a cleaner setup, especially for workspaces with multiple devices. Switching to Bluetooth lets you connect to mobile devices, tablets, or laptops without any hassle.
• 2.4 GHz Wireless Mode: The included USB dongle gives you the option of using 2.4 GHz wireless, which offers lower latency than Bluetooth. This mode is great for those who want a reliable, wireless experience without the lag—ideal for gaming or high-speed typing.

Battery Life

The Vibe99’s 4000mAh battery provides a decent amount of power for a full-size board, though it’s not the biggest in its class. On average, you can expect good battery life, but the actual longevity depends heavily on how you use the keyboard. Running vibrant RGB lighting, for instance, will drain the battery faster than using a static or low-brightness setting.

Pros and Cons of the Mechlands Vibe99

Final Verdict

The Mechlands Vibe99 is a strong contender in the budget mechanical keyboard category with a full-size layout and some unique extras, delivers an impressive blend of features, build quality, and performance in a way that’s rare to find in this price range, making it a strong contender in the entry-level and mid-range mechanical keyboard space. Don’t miss out on the Vibe99, a $83 keyboard that offers premium features without the premium price! Grab yours now on Amazon or AliExpress or shop directly on the official site.

For around $83, the Vibe99 offers features you’d typically find in higher-priced models, like tri-mode connectivity, hot-swappable switches, and a thoughtful build. It’s an affordable choice without sacrificing much in quality. With its Cream Mint switches and solid connectivity options, the Vibe99 performs well in gaming and productivity scenarios. The linear switches are smooth and responsive, and the quick connection switching makes it easy to adapt between gaming and work modes. If aesthetics are important to you, the Vibe99 has you covered with vibrant RGB lighting, an LCD screen, and on-board controls for easy customization. Although it lacks software-based customization, the on-board options are extensive for a keyboard in this range.