FiiO KB3 HiFi Audio Mechanical Keyboard – Keyboard with USB DAC and headphone amplifier
Keyboards that shine in every conceivable colour appeal primarily to a young target group, which is often found in the gaming sector. This is probably exactly where FiiO Electronics Technology Co. Ltd. wants to go with the new FiiO KB3 HiFi Audio Mechanical Keyboard, which, although a keyboard with an integrated high-quality audio interface, could perhaps also appeal to a somewhat broader customer base.
- The new FiiO KB3 HiFi Audio Mechanical Keyboard from FiiO Electronics Technology Co. Ltd. is a very special product.
The Chinese specialist for personal audio devices and desktop audio systems FiiO Electronics Technology Co. Ltd. describes its latest offspring, the new FiiO KB3 HiFi Audio Mechanical Keyboard, as a desktop-grade all-in-one DAC and amp. Yes, it really is a keyboard for PCs and Macs, but with an integrated high-quality audio interface and headphone amplifier.
FiiO Electronics Technology Co. Ltd. even goes so far as to call this solution a True HiFi Desk Keyboard, clearly indicating that it is not only aimed at a young target group, especially in the gaming sector, but that the potential clientele is definitely more broadly positioned.
True HiFi Desk Keyboard – A solid keyboard
Let’s start with the most obvious, the task of the FiiO KB3 HiFi Audio Mechanical Keyboard as a keyboard for PCs and Macs. Broken down to the new FiiO KB3’s very own task, the manufacturer wants to offer a solution of the highest quality, using a so-called Gasket Mound Design for particularly high stability, precise keystrokes and a long service life. The multiple layer design also ensures that even hard knocks are absorbed into the keys and noise development remains low.
In contrast to many other solutions on the market, plastic is by no means the only material used here. Instead, a complex structure based on a stainless steel base plate and an aluminium-magnesium alloy frame is used.
With dimensions of 329 x 140 x 43.5 mm, this keyboard weighs an impressive 1.06 kg.
Solid buttons with RGB lighting
Even the sensors for the buttons are made from particularly high-quality components, as the manufacturer states – Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow Switch – to guarantee reliability over many years, even with intensive use. If the worst comes to the worst, the switches can all be replaced.
As already mentioned, the buttons can be illuminated in a wide variety of colours on request, thanks to the integrated RGB lighting, which allows for various effects.
Incidentally, the FiiO KB3 HiFi Audio Mechanical Keyboard is connected via a USB-C interface, whereby a mouse can also be connected via USB-C, for example. It should be expressly mentioned once again that the FiiO KB3 HiFi Audio Mechanical Keyboard can be used with PCs running Microsoft Windows as well as with systems from Apple Corporation and therefore Apple macOS as the operating system.
The keyboard as a USB DAC and headphone amplifier
The new FiiO KB3 HiFi Audio Mechanical Keyboard also functions as an external D/A converter via USB-C, using two CS43131s from Cirrus Logic Inc. in dual-mono mode and two SGM8262 OP amps from SG Micro Corp.
This allows audio signals with up to 32 bit and 384 kHz in Linear PCM format as well as content in DSD with up to DSD256 to be processed.
An unbalanced connection in the form of a 3.5 mm stereo mini jack should provide two times 170 mW and the balanced connection in the form of a 4.4 mm Pentaconn should provide two times 550 mW, in both cases to headphones with an impedance of 32 ohms.
The volume can be controlled directly via a rotary encoder on the right-hand side, as well as the option of connecting headsets for use in video calls and, of course, online games.
Wired Edition or Wireless Edition
Finally, we would like to point out that FiiO Electronics Technology offers the FiiO KB3 in a Wired Edition as well as a Wireless Edition, whereby only the version with cable is relevant for audio. The FiiO KB3 Wireless Edition has an integrated 4,000 mAh battery, but without a cable it can only be used as a keyboard, audio is not available here.
Prices and availability
There is currently no information on when and at what price the FiiO KB3 HiFi Audio Mechanical Keyboard will be available in Germany. However, you can expect to pay around € 150,-.
Getting to the point
At first glance, many will probably wonder why we are suddenly presenting keyboards for PCs here, and indeed, the latest device from the Chinese specialist for personal audio and desktop audio FiiO Electronics Technology Co. Ltd. is a keyboard, and a particularly solid one at that. The real speciality, however, is the integrated USB DAC and headphone amplifier, which should perform its task at such a high level that it is referred to as the FiiO KB3 HiFi Audio Mechanical Keyboard.
| PRODUCT | FIIO KB3 HIFI AUDIO MECHANICAL KEYBOARD |
|---|---|
| Price | approx. € 150,- |
| Brand | FiiO |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | FiiO Electronics Technology Co. Ltd. |
| Distribution | NT Global Distribution GmbH |
| More about this manufacturer at HIFI BLOG |
