ASUS Jelly75 Keyboard KD201 Flash Review: Practicality Over Modability
ASUS Jelly75 Keyboard KD201 Specifications
| Model | ASUS Jelly75 Keyboard KD201 |
|---|---|
| Color | Orange Meadow, Volt Green |
| Connectivity | USB, RF 2.4GHz, Bluetooth |
| RF Distance | 10m |
| Form Factor | 75% |
| Battery | Li-ion 4000mAh |
| Battery Life | Up to 8500 hours (backlit off) |
| Polling Rate | USB: 1000Hz RF 2.4GHz: 500Hz Bluetooth: 133Hz |
| Key Style | Mechanical |
| Switch | Travel: 4.0 mm Type: Linear |
| Backlit | White |
| Gasket Mount | Yes |
| Dimension | 326.2 × 142.1 × 39.5 mm (L x W x H) |
| Weight | 1,193 g |
| OS Support | Windows 10, Windows 11, macOS, Android, iPadOS |
| Package Content | Keyboard Dongle Quick Start Guide Warranty Booklet Charging Cable |
Pros
Quality Build and Aesthetics
The smoky, translucent case paired with tall SA-style PC keycaps gives the board a distinctive, modern look with a retro-esque feel. The lettering on the keycaps are crisp, the styling is unique, and the 3-tone colorways, specifically Volt Green for this one, add a bit of visual personality without going overboard. Personally, I like this more than the Orange Meadow colorway as that looks too much like a Pinterest board design.
Efficient 75% Layout
The compact 75% layout keeps function keys, arrows, and navigation keys, all in an efficient footprint. It’s slightly more cramped than an exploded 75%, but easy enough to get used to. If you’re used to a full-sized layout, the spacing between the keys may feel a bit awkward at first but it shouldn’t take long before you get accustomed to it.
Hot-Swap Sockets and Decent Stock Switches
To my surprise, ASUS has included hot-swap sockets for this keyboard. This means you can easily replace the switches without having to solder. The stock linear switches are surprisingly smooth for an OEM board; pre-lubed, low scratchiness, and a comfortable 45–50g bottom-out weight. Most users won’t feel compelled to replace them unless they dislike linears, but that crowd would likely just get a completely different keyboard altogether.
Tri-Mode Connectivity
Arguably the best thing ASUS going on with its peripherals is here with the Jelly75; Tri-Mode connectivity. You can choose to connect to devices via three different options USB-C, Bluetooth, and 2.4GHz wireless using the included dongle. This also allows you to easily switch between devices such as from your laptop to your desktop and to a tablet with ease.
Solid Acoustics Out of the Box
Thanks to its gasket mount structure and internal dampening (plate foam, PCB foam, and case silicone), the Jelly75 delivers a pleasant thock without hollowness or excessive volume. It’s soft and satisfying, but it’s not enough that you’d want to flex it on social media.
Mac Compatibility, No Software Needed
Most ASUS peripherals are tied to their software; either MyASUS or Armoury Crate. The ASUS Jelly75 Keyboard KD201 is a true plug-and-play experience. Simply connect it to your Windows PC and you’re good to go. It’s even compatible with Mac, Android, and even iPads, with the latter two ideally being connected via Bluetooth. Just remember that the Function key is your best friend if you’re connecting it to multiple devices, particularly Fn+1, Fn+2, and Fn+3.
Cons
Poor Stabilizer Performance
While the switches are decent, the stabilizers on the other hand hold the entire experience back. They arrive completely unlubed, resulting in loud, rattly performance reminiscent of cheap, older gaming keyboards. This is particularly disappointing given ASUS’s own ROG line has already mastered tuned stabs but perhaps this was done as a cost-cutting measure or to separate it from ROG’s own allure.
Easier to Maintain Doesn’t Mean It’s Mod-Friendly
As we mentioned earlier, the hot-swap sockets make it easy to replace switches as it eliminates the need for soldering. While that would let you easily change switches if any one of them suddenly dies out, it doesn’t mean it’s easy to mod this keyboard. The clip-together case makes it difficult, though not impossible, to access internal components.
No RGB
In case some of you might not be sure, the ASUS Jelly75 Keyboard KD201 has no RGB lighting. The colorway suggests that it might be something it has, but it doesn’t. Instead, it only has a white backlight, which is more than adequate. If you’re into that kind of aesthetic, you will need to look for a keyboard that’s more catered to gamers.
Slightly High Price
At RM399, the Jelly75 sits above some competitive offerings, especially from newer budget brands offering aluminum builds. Brand reputation helps justify the cost, but the stabilizer situation makes the premium harder to swallow. Not to mention, it doesn’t even come with a keycap / switch puller, which is odd given the hot-swap sockets. If you have one lying around, it’s fine but otherwise, you’ll need to spend a bit more for one. You don’t want to use your hands because you’ll either damage the keyboard or your fingers.
Should You Buy the ASUS Jelly75 Keyboard KD201?
The ASUS Jelly75 Keyboard KD201 has a clear vision; a sturdy, stylish, tri-mode keyboard for casual users who want a touch of “custom keyboard” flair without the complexity. And in many areas, it succeeds; decent switches, solid acoustics, attractive design, and a layout that most consumers would have no trouble with in today’s age.
But of course, it’s not perfect. The stabilizers hold back its true potential and the price could be a bit lower for what it is, especially since it doesn’t come with a keycap / switch puller, which is rather baffling to me. The lack of RGB and the inability to mod it with ease aren’t dealbreakers for it, especially since the crowd that would be into these two features are not its target market.
Despite this, it’s still a pretty compelling choice that could be one of the most attractive mainstream options for a 75% keyboard in the market, particularly for those who aren’t into custom modifications. If it ever gets a discount of about RM100 or more, it would absolutely be worth buying.
PriceShop Rating
Not Bad Leh!
✅ Quality Build and Aesthetics
✅ Efficient 75% Layout
✅ Hot-Swap Sockets and Decent Stock Switches
✅ Tri-Mode Connectivity with Windows, Mac, Android, and iPad support
❌ Poor Stabilizer Performance
❌ Not Mod-friendly
❌ Could Be Priced a Little Lower, Especially with No Keycap / Switch Puller
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