MK9 Pro RGB review — can a $60 mechanical keyboard really keep up with the pros?

by

For the past fortnight, I’ve been testing out the iBuyPower MK9 PRO RGB Mechanical Keyboard, employing it for gaming sessions and writing tasks to evaluate its performance.

Although it might not be the most high-end mechanical gaming keyboard available, it’s an excellent option that offers some personalization and quick response times at a reasonable cost.

It’s possible you’re familiar with iBuyPower, given that their products and accessories are often sold on platforms like Amazon, Newegg, and Best Buy. However, at the moment, this particular keyboard from them isn’t available for purchase through these retailers.

Furthermore, it’s important to mention that the MK9 Pro RGB Mechanical Keyboard is exclusively offered as a wired model, with no wireless version currently available. You can purchase this keyboard for $59.99 from iBuyPower, making it an excellent value considering its array of features.

Inside the package, you’ll find the mechanical keyboard, an instruction manual for easy setup, a USB-C to USB-A cable for connection, and a keycap removal tool for customization purposes.

iBuyPower MK9 Pro: What’s good

Though the design of the MK9 Pro mechanical gaming keyboard isn’t exceptionally unique compared to others, it boasts a sleek and robust appearance. This device carries a solid, durable construction, staying firmly in place during typing without the need for constant readjustment. Rubber pads strategically placed at the bottom also contribute to its stability on surfaces.

Instead, you can select from two varying sizes of adjustable footrests to find the perfect keyboard angle that suits your comfort level best.

It’s worth mentioning that the keyboard’s single USB-C port is situated on its right side, which could feel inconvenient for some users who prefer to plug in their devices on the right side. Ideally, the cable would be attached to the back center of the keyboard, but unfortunately, this isn’t the case. However, the included USB-C to USB-A cable is long enough to reach your computer, regardless of whether it’s located on the ground or on a desk.

Just as you’d anticipate with a quality mechanical keyboard sporting linear switches, the MK9 Pro delivers an exceptionally pleasing and repetitive “click-clack” typing sensation that always keeps me engaged.

For individuals who enjoy swapping out various keycaps, it’s a breeze to utilize the provided keycap removal tool.

In terms of gaming, the keys have minimal resistance yet spring back promptly, ensuring swift action. They boast exceptional responsiveness and low lag times, making them ideal for instant responses in fast-paced multiplayer scenarios or rapid typing on a computer.

You might observe from the images that this keyboard is a 96%, which means it includes a full number pad – an advantage not found in many mechanical keyboards within this price bracket. If you frequently work with spreadsheets and require inputting numerical data for your job, like I do, having such a keyboard could be beneficial to you as well.

A handy row of Function keys positioned above the keyboard enables swift access to functions such as opening a calculator, creating a new web page in your browser, starting up a media player, controlling the sound level, launching Outlook, among other tasks.

Moreover, what I appreciate about this device is that you can adjust its RGB brightness and even switch among various animation effects using the default function keys, eliminating the need to open the Hyte Nexus software on Hyte.com for these customizations.

With the default function keys, you can conveniently adjust the brightness of your keyboard’s RGB lighting or switch among various animation effects, all without needing to launch the free HYTE Nexus software for these customizations.

As a researcher within the HYTE Nexus platform, I have the flexibility to tailor the program’s settings to my preferences. This includes controlling the speed of certain animations and effects according to my liking. Moreover, I can activate Audio Visualization, which responds dynamically to the rhythm of my chosen music, or opt for the keyboard image upload feature that allows the interface to mirror a selected image.

I do have a few qualms with this software, though.

iBuyPower MK9 Pro: What needs improvement

While navigating through the HYTE Nexus software, I’ve experienced moments of gentle frustration as I find the program tends to take a brief pause before reacting whenever I click on any feature. Occasionally, it seems that despite my selections within the software, nothing appears to change or function accordingly.

In simpler terms, when you choose a specific color in the HYTE Nexus program’s color picker, it doesn’t always correspond to the hue that illuminates on the keyboard. For example, selecting a vibrant Xbox green might cause the keyboard to glow blue instead, thus limiting your available color choices somewhat.

It appears that the software does not offer an option to customize the color and effect for each specific key separately.

It’s worth mentioning that this particular keyboard does not offer the convenience of storing onboard profiles for easy switching. Instead, to modify settings, you would need to navigate to the HYTE Nexus interface.

iBuyPower MK9 Pro: Should you buy it?

✅ You should buy this if…

  • You’re looking for a mechanical keyboard on a budget
    It might not have the very best effects and customization features, but this keyboard does offer fun RGB with responsive keys at a value price.

❌ You shouldn’t buy this if…

  • You specifically want a wireless keyboard
    iBuyPower only sells a wired version of the MK9 Pro, so if you need something with a built-in battery you’ll need to look elsewhere.

Although it might not stand out as a groundbreaking innovation, the MK9 Pro RGB Mechanical Keyboard boasts an attractive design and performs exceptionally well for both gaming and typing purposes. With its quick response time and snappy feel, this keyboard delivers the satisfying tactile feedback you crave while keeping up with the high-speed demands of your gaming activities.

I really enjoy the hefty feel of this keyboard, which is equipped with numerous useful function keys, a complete numeric keypad, and an easy-to-use volume control knob for added comfort.

As a dedicated fan, I must express my gratitude for the ability to fine-tune RGB lighting settings directly on the HYTE Nexus keyboard. However, to enhance its performance and reliability, I strongly suggest an update to the software. Despite the keyboard’s minor hiccups, the MK9 Pro delivers a solid gaming experience, and these imperfections are hardly deal-breakers for an enjoyable gaming session.

In essence, this mechanical keyboard is both dependable and aesthetically pleasing; it’s a trustworthy choice even in intense situations. Moreover, it falls within an affordable price range for RGB gaming keyboards, so you won’t feel the pinch on your budget as much as with some other options.

Read More

2025-08-31 17:10