The company lead by OnePlus founder Carl Pei, is scheduled to launch it’s first phone, the Nothing Phone (1) on a special event on July 12th.
The Nothing Phone (1) is the company’s next big release after their earbuds, Ear (1) launched last year. The Phone (1) has a semi-transparent look. Nothing posted a picture of the back of the upcoming phone on the invitation for the upcoming event. The back of the device has various elements that light up and the wireless charging spool can be seen as well. The phone will have two cameras on the back.
The Nothing Phone (1) has an interesting design
It will be interesting to see if the Phone (1) will be embraced by consumers. As many manufacturers found out the mobile phone business is a tough one. Pei is no stranger to the business though, having been very successful with OnePlus.
We will find out about all the specs and pricing of the Nothing Phone (1) on July 12th.
Keychron is on a roll with their Q series of high quality boards for competitive prices. After their recent success with the Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4 they now launched the Q5. The Keychron Q5 is a 96% or a 1800- style layout board. This layout is perfect for those who want to have a numpad without the bulk of a full-size keyboard on their desk.
The Keychron Q5 has, like all the other Q series so far, full VIA and QMK support. This is great for those who wish to be able to program their boards to their liking.
Build
Just like the other members of the Q series the Keychron Q5 is made out of a full metal CNC machined body. The Q5 comes with a double gasket design which not only uses gaskets on the plate but also between the top and bottom cases. According to Keychron this reduces the sound resonance between the metals. The board has hot-swappable sockets so its easy to change switches. Both 3 pin and 5 pin MX switches are supported. So you can use Cherry, Gateron or maybe some of those lovely Jelly Purples or JellyBlacks from Akko! The Keychron Q5 comes with Screw-in stabilizers which is great for stability. Afterparty stabilizers from Cherry and Durock are supported as well. Enthousiasts will be happy to hear the board has a south-facing RGB layout. This makes the board compatible with Cherry-style keycaps.
Exploded view of the Keychron Q5
Perfect size for numpad-lovers
The 96% or 1800 layout is perfect for those who love their numpad but don’t want the bulk of full-size. Basically the layout is very close to a full size. Some keys right of the spacebar are shrunken down like alt, shift and control. This and a smaller zero on the numpad make the left and right side of the board crawl closer to the arrow-island. The INS, Page UP and Page down buttons have been sacrificed on the knob version but these are still accessible through shortcuts. The version without knob only lacks an INS key. Of course with the Keychron q5 running with QMK and VIA you can re-program this to your liking. After owning both full size and TKL boards I currently use an Akko 3098B with the 96% and I find it to be the perfect middle ground.
Choices, Choices everywhere!
One of the hardest part buying the Keychron Q5 will be choosing version. There are three colors to choose from; Carbon Black, Silver Grey and Navy Blue. All three come in a fully assembled version or as a bare-bones option. When choosing the barebone version it is possible to get a ISO-layout as well, which is great for European customers! All models are Windows and Mac compatible!
To Knob or not to knob the Keychron Q5
Both the barebone kits and fully assembled options can be had with or without a knob. The knob by default controls volume but just like the rest of the board, this can be reprogrammed. Choosing a model with a knob sacrifices some dedicated keys on the board, so pick your poison here.
Keycaps and switches
Colors come in Carbon Black, Silver Grey and Navy Blue. All three have matching keycaps while choosing a fully assembled board. The keycaps are double shot PBT, OSA profile. The OSA profile are sculpted keycaps with a OEM hight with the curvature of the SA profile. For more on different profiles, read this article on mechlounge.com
When going for the complete package you get to choose from a selection of 3 switches. These are the linear Gateron Red, clicky Gateron Blue or tactile Gateron Brown. All three are the of the G Pro line-up. These switches come pre-lubed (except the Blue) and should produce less wobble then standard Gateron switches.
Pricing and availability
The Keychron Q5 is available now. Check for all models and pricing on Keychron.com
Or check out some great alternatives from Akko at the Akkogear.de store and use code RIEZ1984 to get 10% off!
As we move into the next half of 2022 we are getting closer to some big releases. AMD and Intel both launching new CPU’s around October. Intel, AMD and NVIDIA launching GPU’s around the same time. Man, we are in for a threat! We don’t expect Intel to compete with the new launches of team green and red of course; but they could be a great option if priced competitively. Competition is a good thing. Just look at what AMD did with its first ZEN processor and where we are now. The quad-core era is over after years of slow progress. Let’s see if team Blue will force AMD and NVIDIA to step up their game with GPU’s.
GPU
Intel
Intel is expected to launch their first Arc desktop processors at the end of this summer. Launching before AMD and NVIDIA might let them get some attention provided to bring something interesting. Intel will have to win consumers hearts by competitive pricing and value though.
NVIDIA
The next generation of graphic cards code-named Ada Lovelace is expected to launch as soon as september. According to rumors NVIDIA will bring out the big guns first. Starting with the 4090 and coming with the 4080 and 4070 in later months. The talk around town is the 4090 will be a real powerhouse, both in processing power and wattage. DLSS and Raytracting have both been a staple of NVIDIA’s graphic cards since the RTX20 line-up and both technologies have only gotten better. So it’s interesting to see what’s next.
AMD
AMD is expected to launch their 7000 series of graphic cards just behind NVIDIA by the end of October. With the first generation of its RDNA graphic cards AMD proved NVIDIA it can’t sit back and relax. Just one generation later AMD able to compete with the highest end products of NVIDIA. Sure their ray-tracing isn’t on par yet but NVIDIA is at least one generation in front of AMD here. It is still very impressive nonetheless to see what the next generation of AMD graphic cards will bring to the table. Technologies like RSR and FSR are being supported by more and more games and RDNA 3 is expected to bring better ray-tracing.
CPU
Intel
After years of set-backs Intel has been pretty successful with their latest CPU’s. Not only did Intel move to a whole new hybrid design, they also became more power efficient. Intel had been struggling with increasing power draw to squeeze more performance out of its processors. With their 12th generation of processors though Intel proved to be back on track. They introduced a hybrid design which used high performance p-cores with highly efficient e-cores. With generation 13, called Raptor Lake Intel will introduce even higher core counts.
AMD
AMD has been highly successful with their ZEN processors and AM4 platform. After years of providing customers a platform with an upgrade path it’s time for something new. AM5 will be the next big thing for AMD. Not only will it support DDR5 but also will be equipped with 24 lanes of PCIe GEN5. So far AMD confirmed its bringing X670, B670 and the X670E boards to consumers. The latter being aimed at enthusiasts.
It is going to be an interesting time for consumers. Let’s hope pricing and availability will be better than last time!
Having had my computer filled up with Arctic’s P14 fans for a while it was time for a change. I contacted Noctua If they could send me over a fan for review. My plan was to compare this fan with my current ones and see if I would upgrade to an all Noctua setup. The good folks at Noctua didn’t sent me just one fan though, they provided me with 6 of their highly populair NF-A14 PWM Chromax Black Swap fans!
Package from AustriaNot 1, not 2 but 6 fans!
The Noctua Brand
Noctua, founded in 2005 has build up a high reputation among pc enthousiasts. The company was named after Noctua Athena closely associated with the Greek goddess Athena, which represents wisdom and knowledge. The brand has become synonymous with words like silence, cooling quality and service. If someone asks on a forum which case fan or air cooler to buy, you can bet Noctua is one of the first names to pop up. Whenever a new processor comes to the market, you can be sure Noctua has the right mounting kit available. Best of all, they are known to often send these as free upgrades to their loyal customers.
Chromax edition of the NF-A14
The NF-A14 is one of the best selling fans from Noctua. It is very suitable as a radiator fan for liquid cooling systems but also does very well as a casefan.
Traditionally Noctua’s fans have always had a brow/beige color. As most cases have a black or whice chassis Noctua’s fans tend to stick out. While some people don’t mind showing off their Noctua love this way, not everyone is a fan (hah!).
So after years of people asking and pleading Noctua decided to bring out the Chromax line-up. These are for the most part the fans people love but with a black frame and various colored sound-dampening rubbers. This makes the fans a lot more versatile for people who want to show of their build.
The Chromax line-up consists of different fan series and sizes. This review covers the 140 mm NF-A14.
Unboxing
outside
The NF-A14 Chromax fan comes in a bigger then expected box. On the outside the name and specs can be found. On the front the Chromax logo is present on a white background. On the sides Noctua shows off their classic brown color-scheme.
Opening the box of the NF-A14 PWM Chromax fan
When opening the box you are immediately greeted by the fan itself. The fan sits firmly in a plastic shell. On the right you see one of each included anti-vibration pads. Available options here are; white, yellow, blue, green, red and black. So it should be easy enough to match these fans with any build. Pulling the shell out of the box reveals a white box with the rest of the anti-vibration pads. The fan comes with a detachable 30 cm long 4-pin sleeved cable. Unfortunately there are no extra low noise and splitter cables included like with the standard NF-A14 fans.
The fan is nicely buildNF-A14 with its accesoiresThe sound dampening corners
First impressions
Upon first look the NF-A14 fans look like, well; fans. But looking closer there are small details like the Flow acceleration channels on the blades to help reduce noise and improve airflow. Also visible are the so-called Inner Surface Micro structures which complement the above mentioned technology. The Fans are well made, and fortunately do not have that ugly ketchup and mustard cables on them. The extension cable comes nicely sleeved and has a wrapper with its purpose on it in Noctua colors. The included anti-vibration pads are vibrant and made of a soft flexible rubber which is easy to attach to the fans. They stay in place thanks to the two pins that are pushed in the housing. It is clear Noctua takes their fans seriously. Noctua also sells extra anti-vibration pads if you ever lose one of your favorite colors or want to add some flair to your existing Noctua fan.
Specifications of the NF-A14 Chromax Black Swap
The specifications taken from the official Noctua website:
I have tested the Noctua NF-A14 in a 6 fan setup. This means I had 3 fans as intake, 1 outtake and 2 on my top-mounted radiator. Ive tested the fans on full speed, 50% speed and at a 30 decibel level. Measurements were done with HWinfo64 and Cinebench R20. Pictures of the temperatures measured can be found here I have tested with a 5900x processor cooled by an Arctic Liquid Freezer II 280. The case used is the Phanteks P600s with the solid top and front panels removed, using the mesh covers.
3x 140mm NF-A14 Chromax as intake fansAIO with 140mm NF-A14 Chromax
Cooling performance and Sound
100 percent
At full speed the CPU reached a maximum of 66°C with a minimum of 34.4°C while running Cinebench R20. The average was 48.8°C. Sound measured in front of the case was 56,3 dB which according to the app I used for this equals a quiet office. I have definitely experienced far louder fans but I still would not recommend full speed for daily use.
50 percent
When setting the fans to 50% of their maximum capacity sound became much more pleasing to the ears while stay keeping things cool. The CPU reached a maximum of 66.4°C which is just 0.4°C higher then before! the minimum was 35.0°C and the average noted 51.5°C on the the CPU. Sound dropped significantly in front of the case with an average of 33.6dB in and a max of 37.4. This equals the sound of someone whispering.
NF-A14 Chromax at 30dB
At a 30db setting the cpu reached a maximum of 66.6°C (They say the Devil is in the details, right?) and a minimum of 35,9. very close to the 50% settings.
100% is quite loud but 50% is more then fine
Compared to Arctic P14
When compared to the Arctic P14 the Noctua’s fall 1°C behind in my measurements on average. You could argue the Arctic is a better choice because these are quite a bit cheaper then the Noctua fans. But there are still some differences that favor the Noctua fans. The Noctua fans feel of higher quality build. The blades and frame feel more secure. I also noticed that the Noctua fans spin absolutely straight. The Arctic fans all wobble around while operating. This makes me think Noctua spend more time and effort in making a high end product that will last long. The biggest win for me is the sound though. While both fans can achieve real low sound levels while still keeping things cool, the Noctua wins for me. This might seem a bit strange as according to measurements made the Arctic produces less sound at the same speed setting. Well there is one thing that causes this for me; The Arctic fans all have a very irritating humming noise. I have to find specific settings for each fan not to produce this humming sound. For me this is a big win for Noctua and a personal argument for me to choose these over the Arctic fans.
Conclusion
Noctua delivers with the NF-A14 Chromax line-up what people have been asking for. The build and performance of the classic brown models in a more versatile color scheme. Performance and sound levels are both excellent. The idea of making a black fan with different colored sound dampeners is brilliant. This makes for a fan that can sit well in almost any build. The level of details like the micro-structures on the fans and the flow channels are very nice. The competition hasn’t been sitting doing nothing though. Fans like the Arctic P14 are available for a lot less then the Noctua’s and can be a great alternative for those on a budget. On max speed the Arctics are a lot quieter then the Noctua’s. But these fans come with their own downsides like a humming sound especially noticeable at the speeds you will probably use the fans in real life. All in All The NFA-14 Chromax is a high quality which is highly versatile as a case fan and radiator fan. I’m curious to see what products Noctua comes up with in the near future. Next year they will launch their desk-fan which should also be very interesting. For more on Noctua, be sure to visit their website.
Noctua provided the fans for testing. Noctua had no prior insights on this review and my opinions are my own. This review may contain affiliate links. Using these links will help me fund this website and get products in for review.
Dutch technology website Tweakers.net interviewed principal engineer Jeremy Soller from System76. In this interview Soller revealed that System76 is going to build a distribution center in Europe, possibly in the Netherlands.
System76 is working on an ISO version of its Launch keyboard though the ANSI version is also expected to come to Europe.
According to Soller, System76 wants to make it easier for European people to order their products by opening a distribution center in Europe. By sending from Europe they can lower the import taxes and shipment costs for customers in the continent.
System76 is also working on a 65% version of its Launch keyboard. This so called Launch Lite will have to make due without a usb 3.2 hub.
For more information and to read the original article in Dutch, please visit Tweakers.net
MSI recently introduced a microphone aimed at streamers; the MSI Immerse GV60. At first I was not immediately enthusiastic when I saw the microphone, as it strongly reminded me of the Blue Yeti. But is it just a clone or does MSI know how to add value in this category?
Packaging
The if we look at the box of the MSI Immerse GV60, it looks quite sober. The box only consists of white, black and grey colors. In my opinion, this is not a wrong choice. MSI clearly shows that it does not only puts focus on a young gaming audience with this product. On the frontside is a large image of the microphone with the model number listed. You will also find an MSI logo on this side. The main specifications are listed on the side. It is striking that both the sample rate and the bit rate are higher than with the major competitor; the Blue Yeti. Instead this is more in line with the more expensive Blue Yeti X.
Inside the box
After the outer box has been pulled off, the inner box can be opened. First you see the manual, which is thicker than your wife’s average romantic pocketbook. The microphone can be found in a thick foam bunker, wrapped in a plastic jacket. The foot is already in place. On the side is a flap containing the USB-C to USB-A cable, an included pop filter and two caps to cover up the screw holes, more about this later.
The Immerse GV60 unpacked
The microphone gives a good first impression. It is sturdy, quite heavy even compared to an already hefty Blue Yeti. The design is slightly less rounded, but still very sleek. The MSI Immerse GV60 has a sleek, uniform dark gray finish in matte aluminum. On the front there are 3 buttons of equal size for the various recording modes, headset volume and microphone volume. Below that is a small button that mutes the microphone. The microphone comes on a stand that feels sturdy. The Immerse GV60 can be screwed in on both sides and does not fall down when positioned, for example, at an angle. At the bottom you will find a USB-C connection, a screw connection for a boom arm and a 3.5 inch microphone connection.
Specifications
Noticeable specifications include an USB C port and a higher then average sample- and bit rate.
In practice
I bought the microphone mainly because of its clean look and lack of software. I have experience with a Blue Yeti Nano and a HyperX Quadcast microphone. These are my personal frames of reference.
Appearance of the Immerse GV60
The microphone has a matte finish and no eye-catching logos. MSI has subtly put its name on the front in a dark color. On the back if the mic you will find an MSI brand logo. A small light indicates the status of the microphone; green for active, red for mute. As mentioned, the buttons have a uniform look with a white text and logo to indicate the function. In my opinion, the buttons could have had some ridges for just that little bit of extra grip. The MSI Immerse GV60 looks sleek and will not distract during a teams meeting. Speaking of which, check out this article about monitor arms for a cleaner desk.
The MSI Immerse GV60 from all angles
Ease of use
The microphone can be used immediately, no separate software is required. My windows 11 system recognized the microphone immediately after connecting it. In windows itself you can indicate if the MSI should or should not do all the recording work instead of any other microphone present, such as that of a webcam. MSI has not developed any software for the microphone. If you want to use certain filters or adjust other sound effects, you will have to do this with your streaming software. The advantage is that no unnecessary resources are used by software that not everybody will be using.
The stand is easy to remove if you want to place the microphone on a boom arm. the screw holes are then neatly covered with the supplied caps.
Recording quality of the Immerse GV60
I have used the Immerse GV60 from MSI for online gaming, a video call through teams and for communication during a phone call. In all cases, according to the person on the other end, I was very easy to understand. Voices came across true-to-live, with no noise or distortion. I have largely made use of the cardioid setting. If you want to make a podcast interview, the stereo mode is ideal. For people who like to play with ASMR, there is the stereo mode. I notice I find it very convenient to be able to adjust these settings without having to reach to the back of the mic. This was one issue I had with the Yeti Nano I used before.
Conclusion
MSI has released a very nice microphone with the Immerse GV60. The appearance is initially reminiscent of the Blue Yeti. However, to put the MSI away as a simple clone would do the product injustice. For about the same price as the Blue Yeti you get a higher sample and bit rate with the MSI. If you want the same level of recording quality with a Blue Yeti you will need to step up to the Blue Yeti X. I haven’t used that before, but it seems to be a nice mic as well. The appearance is not disturbing when it comes into the picture and the operation is simple. A pop filter is included, although any threaded adapter will have to be purchased separately. All in all, a very solid entry from MSI. For the price I paid, which was around €110,- I can highly recommend this microphone. For more info visit the official product page.
Akko has a wide variety of keycap sets. One of these is the Los Angeles set; a keycap set inspired by the famous basketball team from LA. This is a beautiful set of keycaps. Weather you are a fan of the Lakers or you are just looking for something different then your average black on white set.
Packaging
The outside box
Akko sells the Los Angeles keycaps in a nice box which shows an image of the keycaps in full color. Upfront there is the Akko logo. The profile, which is ASA and the keycap material; PBT can be seen on the right side. Up front is the name of the set which comes in handy if you are like me and have different Akko sets stacked on a shelf. On the back there is some contact info.
The keycap storage box
The storage box for the keycaps comes in a vibrant yellow color with a big Akko logo on it. On the left are hinges and it closes with magnets. This ensures the storage box is secure but still easy enough to open when needed.
The keycaps in their storage box and outer box
The keycaps
Opening up the storage box you are greeted by a beautiful assortment of keycaps. An assortment of white and yellow keycaps for standard layouts whit a nice purple print on them. Purple variants of keys are included, as well as different sizes for special layouts and a few novelty keys.
If you want to get serious about matching your keycaps with your switches check out the Lavender Purple, Jelly white or limited edition Spongebob switches!
ASA profile
The keycaps are of the ASA profile type. They have a large font, placed in the center of the keys. Being flat and having a large surface area, they are easy to find for your fingers. The ASA profile’s height sits in between the Cherry and OEM profile.
Different layouts
The Los Angeles keycap set comes with a total of 158 keys. Included are keycaps in different sizes for layouts such as 60, 65, 75 and 96 percent.
Storage box
You can store the keycaps you replace with these safe and sound in this box. The keycaps are secured by a cross shaped placeholder for each individual keycap. This can make them a bit harder to take out though. Fortunately Akko also provides a nice keycap puller with the set.
Build
Here’s how the keycaps look in my Akko 3098B keyboard. (review here). I think they look really nice with the black. I bet they will look even better on a white keyboard though! I ‘m curious what you think. Let me know in the comments!
You can check at Akkogear.de for international shipping here If you want to get 10% off on any purchase on Akkogear.de just use coupon CLICKSMASHSTUFF or use this link.
I have been using the Jelly Purple switches for a while now on a daily basis. The Jelly Purples rekindled my love for tactile switches. I like my switches to have a little weight or feedback to them. Well fortunately for me the great people at Akko reached out. They gave me the opportunity to review the Jelly Black switches. According to Akko these are their most populair switch at the moment. So lets see if I can stand behind this product, shall we?
Unboxing the Jelly Black
Well, if you’ve read my review about the Jelly Purple switches you know where this is going. Akko’s Jelly Black switches come in a nice little box. The theme is consistent with their keycaps and keyboards. Inside this box are the switches in a nice plastic case. They are not just thrown in a bag like many brands do. Instead they are individually hiding in their own little foxholes. This helps reducing the risk of getting bend pins. Once again all switches came in perfect shape. Kudos to Akko!
The packagingThe wrapper and the box itselfThe keycaps individually protected
Up close and personal
The Jelly Black switches are nice to look at. In the hand they feel solid and there is no obvious ping when pressing them. First impression is that of a smooth transition while being pressed, but definitely with a bit of weight behind them. They have a black stem with a dust cover which also helps against wobble. The translucent housing is made of poly-carbonate material. It has a bit of a smokey color to it, which makes it really classy to look at. The official name of the switches is CS Jelly Black; CS stands for Custom Switches. These are switches made after getting feedback from Akko’s customers.
Side viewUpsideDownside
RGB makes things go brrr
For you RGB lovers out there, here is how they look compared to the Silvers and Purples.
Jelly Black switches in 3098BJelly black with lightsJelly Purple, Jelly Black and CS Silver
As can be seen in the column above, the Jelly Black’s are a heavy switch; in fact these are Akko’s heaviest switches at the moment. For me this was an interesting test as previously I have had experience with a linear switch on the other side of the spectrum; the CS Silver switches. The Silver switches are extremely easy to activate. The biggest difference here is the pre-travel which is 1.0 compared to the 1.9 of the Black. Be sure to check out all the Akko switches here!
Jelly Black and CS silver side to side
Opening both switches with my tool and comparing them side to side, there are some obvious differences. The bottom is made of a grey nylon on the Silvers while the Jelly Black has a pc bottom. Another difference you can see is the pole on the stem which is longer on the Silver switches. Both springs seem to be the same.
My Dutch readers can buy a set with a switch opener along with all the other basic tools here. If you are an international reader check out a great switch opener from Epomaker here.
Jelly Black and a Silver switch opened upThe stem of the Silver has a longer poleThe springs are the same
Lubing the Jelly Black switches
The Jelly Black switches didn’t seem to have much crunch or ping to me. I must admit I am not the most sensitive person out there when it comes to hearing spring ping though. The blacks are a nice feeling switch and I would argue that it is not a must to lube these. Having said that, a little bit of lube never hurts. So I lubed the switches with the well known Krytox G205g0. Lubing made the switches even more smooth, so if you have the time, sure lube them!
The stem of the Jelly Black switch lubed up
Check out my guide if you want know how to lube switches here. Or if you are looking for a nice complete lube kit, check this one out.
Conclusion
So, do I like them? The short answer would be; Yes, I like them, a lot. For me they are not my full keyboard switch though. Let me explain myself a bit here.
I have been using the Black switches for about a week now. Compared to the silver switches I think these are nicer to type on. I tend to make less mistakes because I can actually feel the key that I am pressing. They also sound more “Thocky” then the Silvers do if that is what you are after.
So far I have used four pairs of linear switches; Cherry Red, Gateron Yellow, Akko Silver and Akko Black. Of these switches I find the Blacks the most interesting. If I had to choose a switch between these four for a full layout, I would go with the Gateron Yellow though. The reason behind this, is that I experience some fatigue whilst typing on the blacks after a while but your mileage may vary.
For people who don’t really like tactile switches but do want to feel a bit of force while using their board these can the perfect solution.
Keep in mind though that the extra force needed can be a bit of a downside for those having to type for long sessions or playing fast FPS games.
My current daily is an Akko 3098B (review here) with the Akko Jelly Purple and for the numpad and F-row I use the Akko Jelly Blacks. These are perfect for me when crunching numbers for example.
Coupon
If you want to get 10% off on any purchase on Akkogear.eu just use coupon HELLOAKKO or use this link.
Disclaimer
This product was send to me by the Akko. Opinions are my own. This review may contain referral links. By using these links you support this website and allow us to get products in for review and testing.
