I researched magnetic keyboards so you don’t have to — …and I found Lamzu
Lamzu popped out of the blue with their Atlantis gaming mouse 2 years ago and was immediately noticed in the industry. The Chinese team consisting of dedicated FPS gamers, innovative designers, seasoned supply chain experts, skilled structural engineers, and hardcore DIY enthusiasts did what the biggest players like Logitech or Zowie did not — listened to the community to push the industry forward.
In the realm of gaming mice, personal preferences play a significant role, influencing aspects such as the click response, grip comfort, sound quality, tactile feel, shape, and aesthetic appeal. It’s clear that Lamzu stands out not only for its commitment to innovation but also for its unmistakable identity. Their design is truly unique, with packaging that exudes a premium quality so distinctive, you’ll know it’s a Lamzu product at first glance.
Among their offerings are gaming mice, mousepads, high-speed dongles and now… their very first Hall Effect gaming keyboard. Read this review to check my experience with the Atlantis Pro keyboard that I have tested for over a month.
In a nutshell
Lamzu has been dominating the gaming mouse market with their standout models: Atlantis, Thorn, Maya/Maya X (soon) and hot-swabbable Tachi (soon). Let’s take a look at their keyboard’s specs:
- a CNC aluminum case for durability and a premium feel
- 65% layout
- Raesha v1 magnetic switches
- hot-swappable
- 1k polling rate
- rapid trigger technology for swift responses
- silicone rubber keycaps designed for comfort (although their long-term feel remains to be seen, read on this review to find out more)
- vibrant RGB lighting to customize your setup
- a Type-C USB connection for modern compatibility
- an etched steel plate adding to its robust build
- enhanced comfort with silicone and foam cushions under an aluminum plate
- beautiful packaging and looks
- great unboxing experience
- downloadable software
In the box
- Lamzu Atlantis Pro keyboard
- spare switches
- spare keycaps
- Lamzu keycap puller
- Lamzu carrying bag
- two silicon pads for spacebar
- manual
- plastic cover
- spare stabilizers
Diving deeper into it
While other brands have introduced magnetic switch, hall effect keyboards, Lamzu’s execution appears to be shining and definitely outshining Wooting’s offerings when it comes to looks and overal design. The keyboard’s switches offer a 3.8mm travel distance, slightly shorter than Wooting’s 4mm. The rapid trigger function ranges from 0.2 to 3.8mm, with an actuation point starting at just 0.1mm, essentially equating a 0.2mm rapid trigger setting to a 0.1mm actuation point.
Although the keyboard’s mounting technique (e.g., gasket, case mount) isn’t explicitly stated, it’s presumed to be tray mounted to minimize flex with magnetic switches. Despite the high-tech features, the silicone keycaps may not appeal to everyone due to their unique texture, which some may find off-putting over time. And I have to say that after a month of heavy use, one of the keycaps (I use WSAD for movement and I press keys with some higher force than others I presume) looks like this:
Yet, that could also be cause by some nail friction as it was happening from time to time.
Those keycaps are ABS inside and only their top is silicone. They give you a nice feeling and are cool to the touch. Buts the overal risk with the rubber keycaps is still there — they may wear off pretty quickly. Fortunately, Lamzu provides 8 spare keycaps for replacement and you can also replace them with a nice set of Cherry profile keycaps on your own.
Lamzu uses Raesha v1 switches:
Build quality and typing experience
The Lamzu Atlantis Pro emerges as a paragon of keyboard engineering, embodying excellence in almost every aspect of its design and build quality. This keyboard represents the zenith of tactile precision and aesthetic elegance, setting a new standard for competitors to aspire to (however, Boog75 from Meletrix seems to be even better, watch for the next review!).
At the heart of the Atlantis Pro’s superiority is its unparalleled pre-factory lubing. Both switches and stabilizers undergo a meticulous lubrication process, ensuring a silky-smooth typing experience. This attention to detail eradicates the common pitfalls of friction and noise, leading to a typing experience that’s as quiet as it is satisfying.
Not a single key on the Atlantis Pro is plagued by instability; each one is steadfast, without the slightest hint of wobble. This steadfastness underscores Lamzu’s commitment to precision and reliability, providing users with a sense of confidence and consistency with every keystroke.
Enhancing the quiet typing experience, the silicone Cherry profile keycaps would be a revelation if.… Well, they manage to strike an exquisite balance between firmness and flexibility, contributing to a quiet yet responsive typing feel. This choice of material further distinguishes the Atlantis Pro from its peers, marrying functionality with a unique tactile sensation. However, their durability may be questionable with some heavy use, as I’ve already stated.
The craftsmanship of the Atlantis Pro is nothing short of incredible. Every component, from the robust case to the intricate elements that comprise its internal mechanism, is crafted with an obsessive attention to detail. This keyboard is not just a tool; it’s a masterpiece of engineering and design philosophy, showcasing the pinnacle of what modern technology can achieve.
Crowning this exceptional design is the beautiful etching on the bottom stainless steel plate, a testament to Lamzu’s dedication to aesthetics as well as performance. This artistic flourish adds a layer of sophistication and exclusivity, making the Atlantis Pro not just a keyboard, but a piece of art that elevates the computing experience to extraordinary heights.
Ultimately, this keyboard is hands-down the best build quality magnetic keyboard I’ve had the pleasure of using (but the Boog75m is a very strong competitor), marking a notable achievement for Lamzu in both functionality and user experience.
Software
Honestly, at this stage, it appears that software is the pivotal factor. The hall effect (HE) keyboards present a unique opportunity to stand out here. They share many qualities with traditional custom or customized keyboards, albeit with a currently limited selection of switches. Yet, what truly sets them apart is their software capabilities — ease of use, reliability, extensive customization options, and, crucially, non-intrusive operation are the key aspects that will determine their success or failure.
Another important consideration is the longevity and reliability of the companies producing these keyboards. The concern is whether these companies will remain operational in the foreseeable future, especially with technological advancements such as the potential release of Windows 12. Will their software compatibility issues lead to critical errors like the blue screen of death, with no hope for updates if the company ceases operations? This uncertainty adds another layer of complexity to the decision-making process for potential buyers. Yet, we can be certain that Lamzu will not disappear one day and will continue supporting their products.
Yet, I’d like Lamzu to move their software to a web-based version one day — as of now, you need to download and instal the software on your PC. It’s light but in 2024 one should follow the web-based solution in my opinion.
Lamzu’s software, while functional and encompassing all the essential features needed by users, such as RGB settings, macro configurations, sensitivity adjustments (including actuation and rapid trigger options), and key remapping, remains somewhat basic in its current form. However, when compared to the more advanced and nuanced capabilities of the Wootility software, it falls short of delivering a truly sophisticated user experience. Lamzu’s interface is intuitive enough for the average user to navigate and make the necessary adjustments, but it lacks the depth and breadth of options that more tech-savvy users or enthusiasts might look for. Enhancing the software to offer more intricate customization options and a more refined user interface could significantly elevate Lamzu’s standing in the competitive keyboard market. Moving forward, it’s crucial for Lamzu to focus on software development, aiming to match or surpass the sophistication of systems like the Wootility, to fully unlock the potential of their hardware offerings.
Oh, and it should be web-based, I will stress that again.
Experience in gaming aka “When you switch to magnetic, it’s absolutely terrific.”
I had zero issues, no ghost inputs, no double inputs, all keys were registered properly and on time, all worked flawlessly. The settings on WSAD were 1mm for the actuation point, and 0.5mm for the rapid trigger. Why not the most sensitive settings? Because, just like with DrunkDeers, that was just too sensitive for me. But your experience may vary.
At the end of the day, it’s way faster than any mechanical keyboard and there’s no going back to me and if it weren’t for the need to be considerate of light sleepers nearby, I’d stick with this option forever. For gamers, a keyboard with a magnetic axis is essential for maintaining precise control thanks to its flexible magnetic switches. These provide benefits (albeit small at times) in FPS, rhythm, and racing games. If versatility is your goal, then the situation might lean towards mechanical keyboards. However, in the realm of gaming, pursuing even the minimal edge is crucial — it’s all about gaining any advantage in this competitive environment!
Bullet points
- good price-to-value ratio for a premium experience because…
- IT IS A PREMIUM KEYBOARD!
- drivers are not web-based and still need some work
- the best unboxing experience you will have in this industry
- beautiful design and looks
- very good build quality
- silicon keycaps make it a very quiet keyboard
- lots of add-ons in the box
- flawless in games, only slightly less effective than Wooting but you will probably not notice the difference
- silicon keycaps may degrade over time
- great community on discord
Coming up in the next episode: Boog75!
If you are interested in the magnetic keyboards showdown, check my previous episode on Wooting!
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.