Kataaa Model VI Mechanical Hot-Swappable Keyboard Review

Shocking cost performance.

The Kataaa Model VI Mechanical Hot-Swappable Keyboard is a very reasonably priced mechanical keyboard available at zfrontier.

It is assembled and ready to use from the moment it arrives, and offers a key feel and sound that is unbelievable for the price.

It also has a very nice retro look and is a great keyboard to have.

This article reviews the Kataa Model VI Mechanical Hot-Swappable Keyboard.

Use coupon code “GREENKEYS5” for 5% off

The Kataaa Model VI Mechanical Hot-Swappable Keyboard was provided by zfrontier for promotional purposes.

Kataaa Model VI Mechanical Hot-Swappable Keyboard Specifications Overview

Let’s take a look at the specifications of the Kataaa Model VI Mechanical Hot-Swappable Keyboard.

As it stands, it is a hot-swappable version of the non-hot-swappable Kataa Model VI Mechanical Keyboard.

Specification Details

• Color: Translucent Black
• Keyboard weight 1000g
• 68-key layout
• Support Windows, MacOS/iOS and Android
• Keycap Material：ABS
• Hot-Swappable: Yes
• Dimension: 330mm(length)*164mm(width)*28mm(front)*17mm(back)
• wire only
• Batteries included for Tri-mode models

On-board key switch

• HMX Custom Switches
• Linear
• Operating force: 43±5gf
• Pre-travel: 2.00±0.5mm
• Travel distance: 3.4±0.3mm
• Spring length: 15mm
• Lubrication: Yes
• Stem: POM
• Upper Housing: PC
• Housing Base: PA66

As for the key switches, custom key switches made by HMX are used, the body is a translucent black body, and the plate is a rather heavy steel plate.

The price is only $55.00.

Therefore, despite its appearance, it is a heavyweight, weighing approximately 1 kg, and provides stable typing.

Kataa Model VI Mechanical Hot-Swappable Keyboard Review

Let’s take a look at some photos of the actual keyboard.

It comes in a retro-look box like this.

The logo gave the impression of featuring IBM.

On the side of the box is the Kataaa logo.

The contents are quite simple and include the main unit, keycap/key switch puller, USB Type A to C cable, and a simple manual.

Adjustment of lighting, etc., will be made while reviewing the manual.

As for the keymap, it is originally possible to change it in VIA, but it was not possible at present because the distribution destination of json is unknown.

The design allows for enjoyable margins, which are extremely beautiful, and the rounded shape of the top and bottom further adds to the retro atmosphere.

Note that the default keycaps are printed for Mac, but are different from the actual MOD keys that are typed.

Also, keycaps for Windows are not included.

The thin line font around the body of the car seems to feature a font that was used in Old Mac.

The profile is shaped like an OEM profile, which is taller than Cherry and slightly taller.

The keycap itself has a cylindrical design and is a stepped sculpture that varies in slope from row to row.

The tilt angle is approximately 4.2 degrees in normal operation and 8.2 degrees when the retractable tilt leg is out.

Since the connection is wired only, there is no need to worry about technical compliance.

Except for a connection port on the left rear side of the unit, there are no specific switches.

The back is quite simple, with no serial number, etc., only the brand name and model name in simple print.

The keycap is made of single-shot ABS, and the printing is believed to be UV printed.

There is no problem with molding accuracy.

It produces a ticking typing sound typical of ABS.

The color of the board is a dazzling yellow, and south-facing LEDs are installed on all key switches.

The switch plate is made of steel and is quite heavy.

The keyswitches are custom switches made by HMX.

There is no engraving, etc., is there?

The pressing pressure is just 43g and the total travel is a short stroke of 3.4mm for quick typing.

The bottom hitting sound is distinctive and peppy, and coupled with the ABS key caps, the clicky sound is quite good-tempered.

As for the key feel, it is quite hard due to the steel plate being top-mounted.

Advantages of the Kataaa Model VI Mechanical Hot-Swappable Keyboard

The advantages of the Model VI that we felt after touching the actual machine are the following four points.

Shockingly cost-effective

The first thing I found to be the biggest advantage was its low price.

What a great price for such a high quality keyboard for only $55.00!

Even if the price is 150 yen per dollar, it is 8,250 yen.

Even after taking into account shipping costs to Japan, the price is less than 10,000 yen.

Frankly, there is a strong sense of price destruction.

This price is unlikely to be offered by a Japanese manufacturer.

Retro looks are irresistible!

This retro look is irresistible.

The keycap specs look “cheap” – UV printing on ABS single shot – but perhaps this is also what they are aiming for.

The fact that the printing color is not “white,” but rather a faded ivory, shows a consistent product design.

The case design, which emphasizes the blank space, and the rounded look of the watch make the wearer feel as if he or she has stepped back in time when the watch is placed on his or her desk.

Great key feel and sound

The Model VI seems to be aiming for a “cracky” keystroke feel.

HMX keyswitches have a peppy bottom strike sound, so the high pitched “click-click” sound is audible if the keyswitch is left in place.

By adjusting it with steel plates and sound-absorbing materials, it is tuned to a “dead and high” percussion sound with less reverberation, which is characterized by a high pitch sound.

The key feel is relatively hard, probably due to the rigidity of the steel plate.

You will enjoy fast typing, thanks in part to the short-stroke HMX key switches.

No need to worry about technical compliance by daring to use a wired specification.

In fact, Model VI has a solder model that does not support hot-swapping.

This one is even less expensive at $34.99, but unfortunately the wireless connection feature is present.

Naturally, since it has not acquired technical qualification, it cannot be used in Japan.

On the other hand, this hot-swap model is “wired-only” and can be used in Japan without worrying about technical compliance.

Disadvantages of the Kataaa Model VI Mechanical Hot-Swappable Keyboard

The three disadvantages of the Model VI that I have found are as follows.

Keymap cannot be changed because there is no .json when trying to use VIA

As is relatively common with these inexpensive keyboards, although they claim to be VIA-compatible, the keymap cannot be changed.

The reason is that “.json” is not distributed.

Originally, “.json” is not necessary when using VIA, but that is only if the .json file is registered on the VIA side.

Recently, it is difficult to register .json files to VIA, perhaps because there are too many keyboards to register, and it is necessary to read .json files by yourself to change the keymap.

However, I cannot find Kataaa’s website from Japan, and I cannot change the keymap because there is no .json file.

Not suitable for carrying due to its heavy weight

At first glance, it appears to be just a keyboard with a plastic casing, but it actually weighs more than 1 kg.

It cannot be used for portable applications.

No replacement keycaps for Windows.

Thus, the default keycaps are for Mac, and replacement keycaps for Windows are not included.

Therefore, it is more of a product for Mac users.

However, the key layout is not as shown in the above photo, and is actually Ctrl,⌘,⌥,Space,⌥,Fn,Ctrl from the bottom left row.

Summary｜Worth buying if you like retro

This has been our review of the Kataaa Model VI Mechanical Hot-Swappable Keyboard.

It is hard to believe that this can be purchased for less than 10,000 yen, which is an incredible value for money.

The large margin design and retro looks alone make it a must-have for the collection.

Please visit zFrontier to purchase.

Use coupon code “GREENKEYS5” for 5% off