The YUNZII AL80 is here. Imagine a compact, 75%-sized board that packs a punch with features you’d expect from high-end gear, all wrapped in a sleek aluminum frame that screams “I’m not messing around.” This thing has a knob for volume control that feels like butter under your fingertips, an LED screen that displays everything from battery life to animated GIFs, and RGB underglow that’s smooth enough to make a neon city jealous. YUNZII isn’t new to the game, but with the AL80, they’ve leveled up.
Think of it as the cool older sibling of their popular L68 and L75 models. It keeps the minimalist, space-saving design but adds a dash of luxury—like swapping regular coffee for a caramel macchiato. The build? Rock-solid aluminum with a satin finish that resists fingerprints (mostly) and looks sharp enough to double as desk decor. And let’s talk about that price: $109. For a keyboard that blends premium materials, wireless freedom, and hot-swappable switches, that’s a steal.
But the real magic? It’s in the details. The AL80 nails the balance between “thocky” tactile feedback for typists and smooth, responsive performance for gamers. The included PBT keycaps won’t shine or wear out after a week, and the customizable RGB isn’t just for show—it’s there to make your setup pop. Plus, that little LED screen? It’s not just functional; it’s a conversation starter. This keyboard feels like it’s from the future—without the futuristic price tag.
Design & Build Quality
The YUNZII AL80 doesn’t mess around. From the moment you unbox it, the aluminium frame feels like it’s been carved from a single metal block—no flex, no creaks, just solid craftsmanship. The keyboard’s 75% layout is compact but purposeful, shaving off unnecessary space without sacrificing functionality. The satin finish gives it a matte look that resists fingerprints (mostly) and blends seamlessly into minimalist setups. It’s available in black-and-white or white-and-black colourways, both of which scream, “I put thought into my desk”.
What’s wild is how slim this keyboard is. Compared to chunkier aluminium boards, the AL80’s profile is noticeably thinner, giving it a sleeker, more modern look. The edges are bevelled but not overly sharp, and the corner radius balances edgy and ergonomic. It’s clear YUNZII borrowed design cues from their L68 and L75 models but refined them here, adding just enough flair (like that screen) without going overboard.
The star of the show? That aluminium knob and LED screen combo is on the top right. The knob isn’t just a volume controller—it’s a buttery-smooth dial with zero wiggle, wrapped in a darker finish than the rest of the frame, making it pop visually. Below it, the LED screen is encased in the same aluminium bezel, displaying battery life, connectivity status, or even a pair of animated eyes that glance around like a digital pet. It’s quirky but functional, and you can customize what’s shown via software.
Flip the keyboard over, and the attention to detail continues. The baseplate mirrors the top frame’s aluminium finish, complete with engraved mountain motifs and a magnetic USB dongle holder tucked neatly into the centre. The rubber feet keep it anchored during intense gaming sessions, and the USB-C port is finally centred—a small but welcome upgrade from older models where the port was awkwardly offset.
Inside, YUNZII didn’t cut corners. The PCB is layered with sound-dampening materials like Poron foam and a polycarbonate plate, which work together to soften pings and clacks without muffling the satisfying “thock” of the switches. The gasket mounts add another cushioning layer, making the board feel premium and well-insulated. Even the stabilizers are pre-lubed, though they could use a touch more TLC for absolute silence.
The keycaps are double-shot PBT, meaning they’ll never shine or fade, even after years of furious typing. Their crisp legends and slightly textured surface feel great under fingertips, and the contrasting colors (black-on-white or white-on-black) make them easy to read at a glance. The switches—whether you opt for the cocoa cream tactiles or Gateron linears—are hot-swappable, so you can tweak the feel without soldering.
Customization & Software
Let’s start with the software: VIA and QMK compatibility mean you’re not locked into basic settings. VIA’s interface is straightforward, letting you remap keys, create macros, or assign shortcuts without needing a PhD in coding. Want to turn that useless “Pause” key into a one-click Discord mute? Done. The software also unlocks the RGB’s full potential, letting you dial in per-key lighting, layer effects, or sync the underglow to match your mood. And yes, you can finally make the LEDs pulse like a rave or fade smoothly like a sunset.
The star of the show, though, is the LED screen. Out of the box, it cycles through battery status, connectivity mode, and a pair of animated eyes that follow your keystrokes (weirdly satisfying). But the real fun starts when you upload custom GIFs or images. VIA lets you drag-and-drop whatever you want onto that tiny display—a meme, your pet’s face, or even a mini game if you’re feeling ambitious. It’s gimmicky, sure, but it’s the kind of gimmick that makes your desk feel uniquely yours.
Then there’s the knob. It’s not just for volume anymore. Hold the function key and twist to cycle through RGB profiles, adjust brightness, or even scroll through playlists. YUNZII programmed it to work seamlessly with both Windows and Mac, so you’re not stuck fiddling with settings every time you switch devices. Pair that with the board’s TR mode for gaming or Bluetooth for casual use, and you’ve got a keyboard that adapts to your workflow.
Switch Options & Typing Experience
The YUNZII AL80 doesn’t play favorites—it gives you options. Out of the box, you can pick between two flavors: the cocoa cream V2 tactiles or Gateron Zero linears. Both are pre-lubed and ready to roll, but they cater to wildly different vibes. The cocoa cream V2s are the life of the party—tactile bumps that feel like popping bubble wrap, with a crisp “clack” that’s music to a typist’s ears. They’re not just clicky for the sake of noise, though. The 50g actuation force hits that sweet spot: light enough for all-day typing but firm enough to avoid accidental presses. Bottom out feels satisfyingly snappy, and the 2.5mm travel keeps keystrokes quick without feeling mushy.
Then there’s the Gateron Zero linears. These are the smooth operators. No bump, no noise—just buttery keystrokes that glide like a hot knife through peanut butter. At 50g actuation, they’re perfect for gaming, where split-second inputs matter. The lack of tactile feedback might leave writers wanting more “oomph,” but gamers will love the seamless presses, especially during frantic FPS matches. Both switches sit on a PCB layered with Poron foam and a polycarbonate plate, which softens the “ping” of keystrokes while keeping the sound profile tight. The result? A “thock” that’s deep and satisfying, like typing on a vintage typewriter but way less rage-inducing.
Hot-swappable sockets are the unsung heroes here. Want to swap in clicky blues for a louder desk presence? Go for it. Fancy trying speed switches for competitive gaming? No soldering required. The south-facing RGB LEDs under the switches light up the board’s underglow like a neon sign, though they’re hidden from view if you use shine-through keycaps (a minor bummer for customization junkies).
The stabilizers deserve a shoutout too. Pre-lubed and smooth, they handle big keys like the spacebar or Shift with minimal rattle. They’re not perfect—a drop of lube would quiet them further—but they’re leagues ahead of what most budget boards offer.
The magic behind the sound? YUNZII stuffed the AL80 with sound-dampening layers. The PCB sits on Poron foam and a polycarbonate plate, which work together to kill that high-pitched “ping” some aluminum boards suffer from. The result? A deeper, warmer “thock” that’s less metallic and more organic. It’s the kind of sound that makes you want to type just to hear it again.
The gasket design also plays a role. By sandwiching the PCB between layers of foam and rubber, YUNZII isolated the board from vibrations, so keystrokes feel and sound more controlled. Even the aluminum frame contributes—its thickness and finish dampen resonance, keeping the sound tight instead of letting it echo like a tin can.
Battery Performance
The YUNZII AL80 packing a 6,000mAh battery (two 3,000mAh cells working together), this keyboard laughs at “low battery” anxiety. With RGB underglow cranked to max and the LED screen glowing like a tiny billboard, you’ll still squeeze out 36 hours of use. Turn off the lights, though, and it transforms into a marathon runner, lasting over 100 hours. That’s nearly a week of casual typing or a weekend gaming binge without reaching for the charger.
Charging is a breeze via USB-C, and the port’s centered placement means no awkward cable angles. A full recharge takes around 3-4 hours, and you can keep using it while plugged in—no downtime.
The LED screen it doubles as a battery gauge. No more guessing if you’re at 50% or 5%. The display shows real-time battery percentage, so you’ll never get caught mid-sentence with a dead board. Pair that with the TR mode (low-latency 2.4GHz wireless) or Bluetooth, and the AL80 sips power efficiently. Switching between devices? It remembers your connections and auto-reconnects faster than you can say “low battery.”
Final Verdict
The YUNZII AL80 is priced at $109.99. First, the basics: aluminum frames usually cost a pretty penny. Keyboards like the Keychron K6 or Akko 3098 start around the same price but often use plastic or cheaper alloys. The AL80’s full aluminum build—satin-finished, fingerprint-resistant, and CNC-machined—feels like something you’d pay $150+ for. Then there’s the knob and LED screen. Most boards at this price skip the fancy extras, but YUNZII threw them in anyway so, It’s clear it took notes from their own lineup (shoutout to the L68 and L75) and cranked everything up a notch.
Hot-swappable switches are another win. While brands like Epomaker or NuPhy charge extra for this feature, the AL80 includes it standard. The included PBT keycaps are double-shot, meaning they’ll outlast cheaper ABS plastic caps that shine after a month. RGB underglow is smooth and customizable via VIA/QMK, no proprietary software headaches. South-facing LEDs keep the glow subtle but vibrant, and the per-key lighting options are endless. Even the stabilizers are pre-lubed—a detail pricier boards sometimes skip.
YUNZII gives you all three connections, plus a 6,000mAh battery that lasts 36 hours with RGB blazing or 100+ hours in stealth mode. For context, the Keychron K6 struggles to hit 24 hours with lights on. Sure, it’s not perfect. The stabilizers could use a drop of lube for total silence, and the software—while powerful—isn’t the most intuitive if you’re new to VIA/QMK. But these are nitpicks, not dealbreakers. And I know, you can find cheaper 75% keyboards, but they’ll cut corners: hollow plastic frames, mushy switches, or finicky wireless. The AL80 sidesteps those pitfalls.
