Choosing the right keyboard can indeed be a complex decision. You’re faced with options like wireless or wired, optical or traditional switches, various form factors, and more. Fortunately, as a tech writer, you have the privilege of testing a wide range of keyboards to find the one that suits your preferences.
Now, let’s talk about the Angry Miao AFA R2 keyboard. This keyboard offers a unique combination of features that make it stand out. It features a split Alice layout, which is known for its ergonomic design, promoting a more comfortable typing experience. Additionally, it boasts an all-metal chassis, which adds durability and a premium feel to the keyboard.
One notable feature is the built-in wireless charging capability, making it convenient to charge your device without dealing with cables. Furthermore, it offers Bluetooth connectivity, adding to its versatility by allowing you to connect to various devices.
The three-stage adjustable leaf spring is an interesting addition. It acts like a suspension system for the keyboard’s plate, potentially enhancing the typing experience by providing a cushioning effect.
The ease of disassembly and maintenance is a crucial aspect of any keyboard, and the Angry Miao AFA R2 seems to excel in this regard. The fact that it can be taken apart quickly and easily, with the included screwdriver, is a significant convenience for users who want to customize or perform maintenance on their keyboard.
Your positive experience with this keyboard over the past two weeks speaks volumes about its quality and functionality. It’s not uncommon for users to develop a strong preference for a specific keyboard once they find one that suits their needs and preferences perfectly.
Aesthetic Appeal and Customization Galore: The Angry Miao AFA R2
Upon laying eyes on the VF-19 colorway of the Angry Miao AFA R2, I was instantly captivated. This keyboard, however, offers a range of anime and gaming-inspired colorways to cater to diverse tastes, including Demon Slayer, Zelda, Evangelion, and more. But there was a delightful surprise awaiting me when I opened the packaging for the first time.
The AFA R2 arrives in a sturdy plastic box equipped with latches, and the unboxing experience felt akin to unveiling the contents of the iconic briefcase in Pulp Fiction. The final product, particularly in the striking VF-19 colorway we received, exudes sheer beauty.
Within the box, I discovered a pair of unique wrist rests, accompanied by an abundance of accessories. These extras encompass various plate foam options and even a screwdriver for disassembling the keyboard, enabling comprehensive customization according to your preferences.
As we received the full kit version, the keyboard arrived pre-assembled, requiring nothing more than a USB or Bluetooth connection to get started.
The Angry Miao AFA R2 stands as a testament to both aesthetic elegance and user-friendly customization, making it a remarkable addition to the world of mechanical keyboards.
Unique Alice Layout of the Angry Miao AFA R2 Keyboard
Transitioning from my trusty Keychron Q1 to the Angry Miao AFA R2’s Alice layout initially presented a learning curve. Keys were positioned differently, dual space bars were introduced, and I had to recalibrate my typing posture. The initial days of using the board felt like a challenge. As a devoted right-shift key user, my muscle memory often led me to press the up key instead, which proved frustrating.
However, determined to master this keyboard, I persisted and gradually adapted over a span of two weeks. The Alice layout, combined with the slightly tented design offered by the AM AFA R2, has the advantage of providing enhanced wrist comfort compared to a conventional 75% board. A central module on the device displays connectivity mode and caps lock status. Additionally, this layout ensures that each palm is spread out, placing the hands in a more ergonomically neutral position than a traditional layout would.
As someone who frequently experiences wrist discomfort due to prolonged keyboard use, I observed a significant reduction in wrist pain after several weeks of using the AM AFA R2. This remarkable keyboard not only challenged my typing habits but also encouraged a healthier typing posture, ultimately contributing to improved comfort during extended typing sessions.
Exploring Angry Miao’s Magnetic Wrist Rests
Inside the package, I discovered a set of Angry Miao’s magnetic wrist rests, designed to be positioned beneath your arms as you type. Equipped with mouse-like feet, these rests smoothly glide along with your wrist, ensuring a comfortable typing experience. However, it’s worth noting that the wrist rests may offer varying levels of comfort depending on personal preference.
Surprisingly, adapting to the wrist rest proved to be more challenging than adjusting to the unique Alice layout of the keyboard itself. In my case, I eventually decided to forgo using any wrist rest altogether.
The choice of whether to utilize Angry Miao’s magnetic wrist rests or not boils down to individual comfort and preference, as it varies from user to user.
The Alluring World of Custom Keyboards
Venturing into the realm of custom keyboards is a journey that can become increasingly intricate and financially demanding. As I delved into larger and more advanced boards, I began to question whether an investment of approximately $200 would truly be worthwhile for end users. However, my experience with the Angry Miao AFA R2, outfitted with scratch-free Icy White switches and impeccable stabilizers, swiftly dispelled any doubts. In fact, it delivered the finest typing experience I have ever encountered.
While it’s true that the version of the keyboard I had the privilege of testing carries a price tag of around $800, the outstanding quality and performance it offers more than justify the investment. The AM AFA R2 proves that, when it comes to premium custom keyboards, the experience is worth every penny.
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The Art of Customization $800 Keyboard with Unique Features
Disassembling specific components of the AM AFA R2 grants access to its leaf spring mounting mechanism, available in different Gears, ranging from one to three. These gears allow you to modify how much the plate depresses into the case while typing, essentially altering the keyboard’s tactile feel. During our exploration, we discovered that the loosest setting felt a tad too bouncy, leading us to revert to the middle option, which provides a stable yet pleasantly light touch.
However, it’s important to note that the keyboard’s excellence in typing isn’t solely attributed to its mounting mechanism. It’s the synergy of various elements that sets this keyboard apart. Factors such as the plate foam, combined with the leaf-spring mount, create an unparalleled typing experience that feels akin to typing on a cloud. As someone who spends hours typing every day, the AM AFA R2 swiftly established itself as my preferred keyboard after just a week of experimenting with its various settings.
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Aesthetic Brilliance with Transparent Keycaps
The AM AFA R2 boasts stunning transparent keycaps that not only look fantastic but also align perfectly with the switches’ shine-through design. However, after weeks of usage, these keycaps can accumulate dirt and grime, requiring regular cleaning to maintain their visual appeal. While this might be a minor inconvenience, it’s worth noting for those who prioritize aesthetics. Despite this drawback, if your primary focus is on visual aesthetics, the AM AFA R2 will undoubtedly meet your expectations.
Conclusion
The Angry Miao AM AFA R2 comes with a hefty price tag, but it delivers a best-in-class experience across various aspects. Its wireless performance is stellar, thanks to a substantial 10,000mAh battery. However, it’s important to view this keyboard as an investment, not only in your PC setup but also in your ergonomic typing experience.
From the moment you unbox it, with its precision-engineered CNC-built chassis, to the exceptional switches and typing experience it provides, the AM AFA R2 stands unmatched in the world of mechanical keyboards. After weeks of usage, it’s hard to imagine using any other keyboard.
That said, it’s not for everyone. Much like owning a supercar, it comes with a prohibitive price tag and caters to a specific audience. Nevertheless, it represents the pinnacle that many boutique keyboard manufacturers aspire to reach. If you have $800 to spare and a passion for top-tier mechanical keyboards, the AM AFA R2 is an exceptional choice.
