X-Bows Crystal Programmable Mechanical Keyboard: A Developer’s Best Friend?
Is this mechanical keyboard the right one for you as a developer? Let’s find out!
Keyboards are an essential part of any developer’s toolkit, and when you find one that feels like it was made just for you, it’s a game-changer.
In this review, we’ll delve into the X-Bows Crystal Programmable Mechanical Keyboard, which might just be the next must-have for coding enthusiasts.
FYI, this article is also in video format, so feel free to watch it here:
First Impressions: Unboxing the X-Bows Crystal
The unboxing experience of the X-Bows Crystal keyboard sets the tone for the quality of the product. The keyboard arrives in a hefty package with a magnetic lid, which adds a touch of elegance right from the start.
Inside, you find the keyboard nestled in foam, displaying its sleek design and transparent background. The X-Bows Crystal is a 70 percent keyboard, meaning it foregoes some keys for a more compact size, and it’s also wireless, which adds to its modern appeal.
Specifically, as a 70% keyboard, the Crystal doesn’t have any function keys nor a numpad section, however, as we’ll see in a second, that’s not an issue for this keyboard.
Included in the box are a USB-A to USB-C cable and a key switch puller, a hint at the keyboard’s hot-swappable feature. This allows users to customize their typing experience further by easily changing out the switches.
Customizability for the Developer
As a developer, having a keyboard that can be tailored to your specific needs is crucial. The X-Bows Crystal shines in this department. It comes with silent red, normal red, or brown switches, and the choice between Mac or Windows layouts.
The keyboard boasts RGB lighting, enhancing its aesthetic appeal with 16.8 million colors, especially elegant due to the transparent body. While not necessarily a productivity booster, it’s a nice touch that many will appreciate.
But the real draw is the keyboard’s programmability. It’s fully customizable through QMK, a powerful firmware that allows for extensive key remapping, macro creation, and layer configurations. And in this particular case, the entire configuration is done through a Web UI, which simplifies the process even further!
Simply go to KeyboardLab.club, select the “Crystal” keyboard, and start configuring your ideal layout. Once you’re done, click on “Download Config File” and drop the new configuration into your USB-connected keyboard (more details on the video at the top of this article!).
These features enable users to access more functionality without additional physical keys, a boon for any developer looking to streamline their workflow.
Ergonomic Design
While the X-Bows Crystal isn’t a fully ergonomic keyboard, it does offer several ergonomic benefits.
The key columns are aligned to reduce finger travel (it’s a columnar layout), and the keys are angled to match the natural positioning of your hands allowing you to use your hands in a relaxed position, which can help prevent repetitive strain injuries (RSIs).
See the following “hyper-detailed” visual explanation of what a natural typing position looks like vs the standard one you’re forced to adopt with regular keyboards.
However, it lacks the ability to tent or tilt like some other ergonomic keyboards, so while it’s a step in the right direction, it might not be THE ultimate solution for those already suffering from RSIs.
Build Quality and Sound
The X-Bows Crystal mechanical keyboard impresses not only with its transparent design aesthetics but also with its robust build quality.
The heft of the keyboard is immediately noticeable, suggesting that the materials used are of high caliber. This is not a keyboard that feels like it will slide around your desk or show wear and tear after a few months of heavy use. Its substantial weight “feels right”, conveying a sense of durability that you’d want from a device that is an integral part of your daily routine.
When it comes to the sound of the keyboard, the X-Bows Crystal offers a satisfying tactile feedback that auditory and touch typists will appreciate.
The choice between silent red, normal red, or brown switches allows for personalization not only in feel but also in sound. The brown switches, often favored for their tactile bump and audible click (which I love!), provide a typing experience that is both engaging and efficient.
The keyboard’s hot-swappable nature takes this customization further, allowing users to replace switches without soldering, which is a welcome feature for enthusiasts who may prefer a different switch feel or sound over time.
The keycaps themselves contribute to the overall acoustics of the keyboard, with a sound profile that strikes a balance between “clacky” and “thocky” (those are the actual technical terms BTW!)— providing a deep, satisfying sound on each keystroke without being too loud or distracting.
For developers and typists who take pleasure in the auditory feedback of their keystrokes, the X-Bows Crystal does not disappoint.
Pricing and Value: Worth the Investment?
At approximately $260, the X-Bows Crystal is positioned as a premium keyboard within the mechanical keyboard market.
While the price tag might seem steep for those accustomed to more conventional keyboards, it’s important to consider the value that the Crystal provides.
For professionals who spend countless hours coding, writing, or gaming, the return on investment can be measured in terms of comfort, efficiency, and satisfaction.
The keyboard’s fully programmable nature means that it can adapt to the user’s workflow, potentially streamlining tasks and reducing the likelihood of repetitive strain from unnecessary key travel or awkward hand positions.
Moreover, the build quality suggests that the X-Bows Crystal is built to last, potentially outliving cheaper alternatives that might need to be replaced more frequently. This longevity, combined with the ability to modify and replace switches, means the keyboard can evolve with your preferences and requirements over time.
In comparison to other high-end mechanical keyboards, particularly those targeted at the ergonomic and customizability-conscious market, the Crystal holds its own.
Competitors such as the Moonlander or Dygma Raise may offer additional ergonomic features like split design and thumb clusters but come at a higher cost. The X-Bows Crystal provides a middle ground, offering a significant number of high-demand features while remaining more accessible price-wise.
Ultimately, whether the Crystal’s price tag is justified will depend on the individual user’s needs and priorities. For those who view their keyboard as an essential tool in their productivity arsenal and are willing to invest in quality, the X-Bows Crystal offers a compelling blend of features that could well justify its cost.
A little gift for you!
If you’ve made it this far, I have a little present for you!
The good folks from X-Bows have agreed to create a special discount code for everyone who reads this article.
During checkout, use the code FER20 to get a whopping 20% off of any of the Crystal keyboards!
Conclusion
The X-Bows Crystal Programmable Mechanical Keyboard is a solid choice for developers who prioritize customization, comfort, and build quality. Its programmable features and ergonomic design make it a contender for those looking to optimize their setup without breaking the bank. While it may not be the ultimate ergonomic keyboard, it offers a significant step towards a more comfortable typing experience.
For those on the fence, the X-Bows Crystal might just be worth giving a try. Its blend of style, comfort, and customizability could very well make it a beloved part of your coding life.
