I researched magnetic keyboards so you don’t have to — …and I can’t help myself but to Boogy
In my odyssey to find my endgame keyboard, I heard some rumours about some Asian brand that aims at challenging Wooting in the HE keyboards field both in quality and performance. Their name is Meletrix and the one to battle Wooting is called Boog75.
Wuque Studio sparked Meletrix with the same vibe that made their keyboards hits. Meletrix aims to pump out top-notch mechanical keyboards for everyone, packing enthusiast-level features and customization into every model. Leveraging years of know-how, Meletrix has beefed up its game with top-tier materials, a crew of ace designers, engineers, and its own production spot. Kicking off with the Zoom65 and expanding to models like the Zoom75 and Zoom TKL, plus cool gear like keycaps and switches, Meletrix isn’t slowing down. They’re all about giving keyboard lovers more of what they love and keeping the hits coming. With the launch of the Boog75 HE, they’re making it super easy to dive into cutting-edge Magnetic Switch tech with a ready-to-go setup.
Ladies and gentelmen, check this short video:
Boog75 Specifications
- Gasket Mount Design
- 75% Layout
- PCB: 1.6mm, with Ai03 DB
- 5° Typing angle
- 22.14 mm front height
- Dimension: 323.6 x 145.78 x 34.73 (mm)
- Default plate: Alu
- Case Material: 6063 Aluminum
- Case Finish: Anodized+Infill (No Sparkles, No Chamfer)
- Backplate and External Weight: Anodized+Infill
- Switches Type: Gateron KS37B
- The Orientation of the Switches: North Facing
- No SS Internal Weight
- Boog 75 Wired Polling Rate: 1000hz
- QMK or VIA Support: no, customization requires use of our independent web-based driver.
- Total weight: about 3kg
Switches
- GATERON KS-37B Magnetic Hall Sensor Keyboard Switch
- Initial Force:30±10gf.
- Total travel:4.0±0.2mm.
- Operation Lifetime:150,000,000 Cycles.
- Bottom Force: 50±10gf.
- Top Housing Material: Thermoplastic, Transparent
- Bottom Housing Material: Thermoplastic, Red
- Stem Material: Thermoplastic, Red
- Spring Material: Stainless steel
- Factory lubed
- Dual-rails to help reduce stem wobble
Keycaps
- Manufacturer: WS PBT
- Keycap Material: Doubleshot PBT
- Keycap Thickness: 1.6mm
- Keycap Profile: Cherry
- Keys QTY: 81 keys
In the box…
…you have a fully assembled keyboard, which includes the following:
- Top and bottom case
- HE Module (Switches, plate, gasket, foam, PCB)
- Themed keycaps
- Tools and accessories (screwdrives to open the case, Chinese and English manual, coiled themed cable, some paperwork)
Note that the Boog75 does not include any spare switches or keycaps; you won’t find a keycap/switch puller in the package either. It seems they assumed that keyboard enthusiasts already possess the latter. However, I believe the inclusion of some spare switches would be a welcome addition.
Design and Build Quality
The Meletrix Boog75 is undoubtedly one of the most visually stunning keyboards I’ve encountered. It boasts a sleek black aluminum upper casing, adorned with tastefully arranged teal engravings on its top and sides. Turning it over reveals a captivating teal bottom plate embellished with black engravings that are a delight to behold.
Meletrix rounds off the aesthetic with harmoniously matching black and teal double-shot PBT keycaps. Though a slight increase in thickness could enhance the keyboard’s acoustic performance during typing, most users will find them perfectly adequate.
The Boog75 utilizes magnetic hall effect switches from Gateron, specifically the KS37B model, representing an enhanced version compared to the switches Higround incorporates in its performance 65 keyboards. While it offers hot-swap functionality, the compatibility range for other switches is somewhat restricted.
The design does not extend support to mechanical switches akin to the Akko MOD007B PC, with Meletrix confirming that the Boog75 is exclusively compatible with Gateron’s KS37B and KS37 switches. It lacks wireless capabilities such as 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth connectivity. However, given the board’s focus on performance, this omission might not be a significant drawback for those prioritizing optimal connection quality. Weighing in at nearly seven pounds, this hefty keyboard is ideally stationed at a desk. Although the Boog75 does not feature adjustable height, Meletrix’s design prowess ensures the keyboard is set at an ideal typing and gaming angle. And if you are not satisfied with the angle or Cherry profile, you can always purchase a wrist rest or try lower keycaps: I’ve tried the Nuphy Air75 and they fit and feel perfectly on the Boog75 as well.
Remarkably, the Gateron KS37B switches’ north-facing orientation doesn’t cause the premature contact issue common in many keyboards with this configuration. Compatibility tests with a GMK keycap set also showed no issues with early switch housing contact.
Currently, the Gateron KS-37B switches are the only ones compatible with the Boog75, despite Gateron offering other Hall effect switches. Expanding the range of compatible switches, perhaps including a tactile variant, would be desirable. The KS-37B’s dual-rail design impresses with its virtually non-existent stem wobble though — a feature that, despite my usual indifference to stem wobble, has made me appreciate the stability it offers.
In essence, the Boog75 caters to a broad audience, not only gamers, taking no unnecessary risks in its build and design — a wise move by Meletrix as they venture into the realm of Hall Effect switches. This cautious approach signals a promising start for Meletrix’s foray into magnetic switch technology, positioning them for a very successful debut.
I want to stress it out again: it is the best built, best “quality and sound”, best looking keyboard I’ve tested in my whole life, hands down.
Typing Experience
Perhaps the most surprising aspect of this keyboard is that after two months of daily use, I feel no compulsion to modify anything. The board’s stock sound, dampened significantly by its foam construction, might not appeal to everyone. I prefer to describe its sound as marbly, reminiscent of marbles hitting a hard surface, which adds a unique auditory signature to the keyboard, enriching the typing experience.
The Boog75 produces a sound that, while clearly related to other foam-dampened keyboards, has a unique twist, likely a tad more subdued. It’s possible that the deeper sound profile is influenced by the Hall effect switches. The keyboard feels robust to type on. Despite its gasket mounting, the aluminum plate is securely integrated within the case. While I believe a softer gasket might have introduced some desirable flexibility upon hard keystrokes, it seems the gasket’s primary role here was to isolate the plate from the case, effectively eliminating any resonating ping. The choice of an aluminum plate offers a balanced typing experience, neutral in its feedback.
Yet, with Nuphy Air75 low profile keycaps, typing went smoother and fewer typos were being made. Well, that’s the merit of having really low keycaps, isn’t it.
Software
Meletrix has developed a web-based application for the Boog75, and despite my initial reservations, the software proved to be impressive upon thorough testing because it is tailored to support Meletrix keyboards specifically. It encompasses all the functionalities one would anticipate from such software, including the ability to create profiles, program keys, set up macros, and adjust RGB lighting. However, sometimes it still shows some bugs (my first ever profile didn’t save) and needs evergoing work, but that’s the reality for any HE keyboard, including Wootility from Wooting.
One of the unique attributes of the Boog75, owing to its hall effect switches, is the capability to fine-tune adjustable actuation points — a feature seen in all HE/magnetic keyboards. While these settings have been somewhat challenging to navigate in other contexts, Meletrix has streamlined the process, making it remarkably user-friendly. This is achieved through the introduction of a “sensitivity” slider for general adjustments, with more detailed ‘make’ and ‘break’ stroke settings accessible under advanced options for those who prefer to delve deeper. Mind you, sensitivity 1 means the SLOWEST actuation point at 4mm, while sensitivity 20 means the FASTEST actuation point at 0.1 mm.
An innovative addition by Meletrix is the inclusion of an ‘F13’ key at the top right corner of the Boog75, which doubles as a macro button, introducing a novel software feature. This advanced key can perform three distinct functions to enhance gaming experiences. The “Dynamic Keystroke” option allows a single key to execute up to four different actions, depending on the depth of the press. “Mod Tap” enables a key to perform dual actions — one through a sustained hold and the other via a quick tap. Lastly, the “Toggle key” feature allows for an action to be toggled on or off with a simple tap. These features significantly differentiate the Boog75, offering versatile functionality across the keyboard, not limited to the F13 key, thereby elevating the user experience to new heights and I wish other HE companies, apart from Wooting that does a great work with software, followed suit.
In terms of RGB functionality, the Boog75 offers the standard range of options. Personally, I prefer a static RGB setting, currently opting for a flashy green to complement the keyboard’s aesthetic, though I’m equally inclined to switch it off entirely. Meletrix also claims to have integrated new LED technology that reduces power consumption by 37% without compromising brightness, a notable advancement for those who use their keyboards with portable devices.
All in all, I’m pleased to report that the software’s initial release is promising. While it may not be the pinnacle of keyboard software I’ve encountered, it certainly doesn’t fall short either. What’s encouraging is Meletrix’s commitment to ongoing software development and enhancement. In the roughly two months I’ve had the keyboard, Meletrix has already implemented significant updates, including the ability to remap multiple layers and enable macros — features that were not available upon first receiving the board. Meletrix’s proactive approach to software updates and openness to community feedback bodes well for the future of this software, ensuring that it will evolve to better serve its users.
Gaming Experience
This brings us to a topic of keen interest for many: the gaming performance of the Boog75. The keyboard’s software facilitates the use of rapid trigger technology, allowing adjustments in actuation and break stroke distances in 0.1mm increments. For my gaming setup, I chose an actuation distance of 0.8mm and a break stroke distance of 0.4mm. While my days as a hardcore FPS gamer are behind me, I’ve logged many hours on QuakeWorld as usual and other more casual games like Doom Eternity and Enlisted, enabling me to discern the nuanced differences the Boog75 offers.
My initial impression was a noticeable enhancement in overall responsiveness and feeling compared to all HE keyboards but Wooting (DrunkDeers also very close to be honest). Strangely enough, Boog75 is as bit behind the fastest HE keyboards out there in raw performance but that is only one aspect of a magnetic keyboard out of many that make a complete gaming keyboard. I played with RT settings and by setting an early actuation point, character movements felt more is immediate. A lower break stroke distance further contributed to a sense of agility and precision. Initially, I opted for a 0.1mm break stroke, aiming for peak responsiveness. However, I soon realized my slight, habitual hand movements, a carryover from using traditional MX switches, inadvertently disengaged my character from sprinting. Adjusting the break stroke to 0.4mm resolved this issue.
Mind you, in terms of raw latency Boog75 (around 8–9 ms) is a bit behind Wooting 60 HE (3.25 ms) and DrunkDeers (4–5ms) according to various online tests and reviews. That’s something I’ve barely noticed while gaming though.
Not sure what caused it, but my movement was better and faster on Boog75 than on DrunkDeers, Lamzu and even Wooting Two that I’ve covered so far. Perhaps it’s the dual-rail switch design, incredible key stability and overal switch and key lubrication or maybe it’s just a placebo effect? Not sure yet, it needs more time but Boog75 will become my main now, at least until I put my hands on the new Wooting 80HE that looks so promising in both quality and software (true 8k polling rate, gasket mount design, alu plates, Rappy Snappy software feature etc.) field that I can’t wait to see it launch somewhere mid 2024.
One important thing though — will Hall Effect switches transform you into a gaming prodigy overnight? Unlikely, as skill development requires time and dedicated practice. However, they do offer a level of crispness and intentionality in movement that traditional MX switches can’t match, alongside unparalleled customization options. The difference in feel and performance compared to standard MX keyboards is palpable.
For those prioritizing gaming performance in their keyboard choice, Hall Effect switches are certainly worth considering. Based on my experience, the Boog75, with its Hall Effect switches, is unlikely to disappoint anyone seeking a keyboard that enhances their gaming experience. And this keyboard is beautiful, do not forget that!
Bullet points
- the best looking and sounding HE keyboard out there, hands down
- incredible build quality
- the best switches (dual rail design) I’ve seen in a HE keyboard as of now
- not hot-swappable though, compatible only with specific Gateron switches for now
- lacks spare switches and keycap/switch puller in the box
- great value for 229.99 USD to be honest
- no modification required, feels great out of the box
- swappable with different Meletrix cases
- great community on discord and open-minded team at Meletrix to ensure continous support and improvement
- this keyboard is really quiet, no need to use a lousy office keyboard to game in night anymore!
Coming up in the next episode: the battle of three Chinese Dragons
👊Ready to try out Boog75 and get an advantage in gaming? Use the link below for a 5% discount!👊
If you are interested in this topic, check the previous episodes:
Disclaimer: this review is not a paid endorsement. I want to ensure transparency and let you know that I am not receiving any compensation, monetary or otherwise, for evaluating or discussing this tech product.
The views and opinions expressed in this review are solely based on my experiences and observations with the product. While I strive to provide accurate and unbiased information, it’s essential to keep in mind that individual experiences may vary.
My goal is to offer you an honest and impartial assessment to assist you in making informed decisions about the product in question. If you have any concerns or questions about the review process, feel free to reach out for further clarification.