Most days, my email inbox is stuffed with press releases telling me about the “latest and greatest” innovative products. Today is no exception, but this piece of news about a genuinely innovative FiiO product is worth passing on.
FiiO is probably best known for its headphones, earbuds, portable DACs and other gadgets designed for music lovers. The company has announced a mechanical keyboard that can work with Windows, macOS, Android and iOS. It has a high-spec DAC and amplifier so you can listen to hi-res music while typing away at your computer.
The new KB3 is the first keyboard of its kind that I’ve seen. The built-in DAC supports digital audio files up to 384kHz/32-bit and DSD256 files. There is a 3.5mm single-ended jack and a balanced Pentaconn 4.4mm headphone output for a wide range of headphones and IEMs. The keycaps are swappable and there’s a handy volume knob on the side of the keyboard for turning up your favorite tunes.
The KB3 keyboard from FiiO is an ideal way of listening to music while you work and reducing the … [+]
The FiiO KB3 is a fully functional mechanical keyboard that can work seamlessly with Windows or macOS computers. It can also work with Android and iOS smartphones and tablets. Inside the keyboard are two high-performance CS43131 DACs and two low-noise SGM8262 op-amps. The keyboard can output up to 550mW and can play any audio file you throw at it, including DSD256.
The keyboard design of the FiiO KB3 features a Gasket Mount consisting of multiple layers that absorb shocks and serve to reduce shocks from typing, reducing the noise of the keys. This arrangement makes sense since you’ll want to hear the music more than the key clicks. The KB3 is fitted with Gateron G Pro 3.0 yellow switches, which balance office and gaming use nicely.
The FiiO KB3 has semi-transparent swappable keycaps, multiple preset options of RGB backlighting, plus a built-in step-less volume control. Thanks to dual USB connections, the KB3 can function as a docking station for a mouse, USB drive etc.
The FiiO KB3 mechanical keyboard is compatible with Windows, macOS, Android and iOS.
Pricing & Availability: The FiiO KB3 keyboard is available in Midnight Black / Morning Silver and is priced at $149 / £139 / €169.
More info: jadeaudio.com
Tech Specs:
- Outputs: 1 x 3.5mm single-ended and 1 x 4.4mm balanced.
- DAC: 2 x Cirrus Logic CS43131.
- Op Amp: 2 x SGMICRO SGM8262.
- USB chip: Savitech SA9312L.
- Output power (3.5mm): L+R≥170mW+170mW (32Ω, THD+N<1%, USB IN).
- Output power (4.4mm): L+R≥550mW+550mW (32Ω, THD+N<1%, USB IN).
- SNR: ≥122dB (32Ω A-weighted).
- Noise floor: 2.5uV (A-weighted).
- THD+N: <0.0005% (0dB, 32Ω).
- Supported OS: Windows / MacOS / Android / iOS.
- USB Connections: 1 x USB-C / 2 x USB-A.
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 43.5 x 329 x 140mm.
- Weight: 1.06kg.
- Color options: Midnight Black / Morning Silver
