Smurve80 Review｜A retro-sounding, curvy keyboard with solenoids

This keyboard can give rhythm and a smile to your typing.

Smurve80 is a Tri-Mode mechanical keyboard with a solenoid module, jointly developed by “Play Keyboard” of Taiwan and “SWAGKEYS” of Korea.

The name “Smurve” is a combination of the words “Smile” and “Curve,” and as the name suggests, the case design features gentle curves that evoke a smile.

Perhaps the most distinctive feature is the built-in solenoid module that physically produces a typing sound similar to that of a typewriter in the past.

Inspired by the famous IBM Model M, but blended with modern wireless technology and customizability, it provides a one-of-a-kind typing experience.

This article reviews Smurve80, a GB implementation underway at Sanyo LLC.

Smurve80 was loaned by Sanyo Godo Kaisha for promotional purposes.
GreenEchoes Studio, which operates Greenkeys, may receive compensation if a contract is signed from a link in this article.

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Price, sales format, and availability

Sales Schedule

Group Buy Starts: February 3, 2026 at 11:00
Group Buy Ends: February 16, 2026 at 23:59

Expected delivery: July to September 2026 (second quarter)

• Availability: ★★☆☆☆☆ (Group buy period limited)
• Color: sandstone/graphite
• Price: 19,800 yen (tax included)
• Sales format: Group Buy (joint purchase)
• Schedule:
  • Acceptance period: February 3, 2026 – February 16, 2026
  • Estimated shipping time: after the second quarter of 2026 (July to September)
• Available at: DIGIART

Product Variations

• Finished product (Cherry MX Slirent Red Switch)
• Finished product (Cherry MX Honey Switch)
• Custom kit (6.25u space bar)｜15,400(tax included)
• Custom kit (7.0u space bar)

Only custom kits offer a choice of space bar lengths. The standard complete kit board appears to be 6.25u and cannot be changed to 7u.

Custom kits do not include the key switch and key caps. Please be aware of this.

Smurve80 Specifications Overview

Smurve80 is an 80% (TKL) layout keyboard with a curved ABS injection-molded plastic case.

(data) item	Contents
Product name	Smurve80
Design and Development	Play Keyboard & SWAGKEYS
layout	80% / ANSI (87 keys)
Distinctive features	Built-in solenoid module
access method	Tri-mode (USB wired / BT / 2.4G wireless)
battery	Built-in 8,000mAh high-capacity battery
switch(ing) on	Cherry MX style / Hot-swappable
mount(ing) system	Gasket mount
Setup software	VIA Support
Case Material	ABS (curved surface design)

Review Environment

The review environment is as follows

• Connection environment: macOS
• Switch used: Cherry Silent Red
• Layout: 80% TKL
• Primary use: content writing (typing Japanese)

Evaluation of keystroke feel and keystroke sound

Smurve80 has a gasket-mounted structure and multiple layers of sound-absorbing material, so the typing sound tends to be “kotokoto” type.

However, because it is equipped with a special device called a sonoraid, which makes a “clicking” sound in conjunction with typing, it makes a slightly special sound in addition to the normal keystroke sound.

benchmark

• Connection options: Flexible options are available. Tri-mode support enables use in any scene, from PCs to tablets.
• Gaming performance: Not 8K polling rate, but typically available with wired and dongle connections. Polling rate reaches 1000Hz for wired and 2.4GHz connections, allowing wireless operation with minimal delay. However, BT connection is not suitable for gaming applications
• Battery life: Quite excellent, with a large 8,000 mAh battery that provides approximately 266 to 320 hours of continuous use with the backlight off. (Continuous use time is based on laboratory experiments and may vary.)
• Keymap customizability: Highly customizable; supports VIA software for easy keymap modification in a browser; also supports MOD-TAP, allowing MOD-TAP to be used with a wireless connection as well as with a wired connection. Note, however, that MOD-TAP is available in Mac mode (1/3 layer) and Windows mode (0/2 layer).
• Keyboard customizability: High, but requires attention. Hot-swappable, allowing easy replacement with switches of your choice. On the other hand, due to the use of curved switch plates, keycaps other than Cherry profile may interfere with keycaps in adjacent rows.
• Typing sound: excellent. Balanced, slightly low typing sound, thanks to a design that takes advantage of the large internal space and the gasket mount. When the sonorade is turned on, it produces a pleasantly bassy sound.

[Photos] Smurve80 Review

Let’s take a look at some actual photos of Smurve80.

The packaging is an eye-popping red exterior with striking gold printing.

You can see the curved plate portion of the iconic Smurve80 being imitated.

The concept is clear and easy to understand.

The double name of PlayKeyboard and Swagkeys is also hot.

When the sleep is pulled out, a white box appears.

The same smiley face and curve icons are printed here as well.

Let’s take a look at the contents.

Let’s start from the exterior.

The overall look is a beige-gray color that brings a classic feel to the forefront.

The orthodox layout is 80% TKL.

The housing is made of ABS plastic.

Legend is in sans-serif (basic gothic in Japanese) and is traditionally aligned in the upper left corner.

Space bar size is 6.25u.

The product under review is a complete kit and cannot be changed to a 7u space bar.

The icon showing the smiley face and the plate being arched is cool.

Most IBM feature keyboards have a curve in the case shape like this, but it is surprising that this product has the entire plate curved.

The alpha key is light-colored and the mod key is dark-colored, creating a crisp, clear effect.

In this way, the case design with margins is very beautiful.

The case shape is beautifully curved on the front side, but the back is angular.

There is only a simple USB Type-C port on the back for wired connections.

Then let’s look at the bottom.

On the bottom, rubber feet are placed at the four corners to avoid the case margins.

The connection mode switch is located at the top of the bottom of the unit, with the BT connection on the left, the wired connection in the center, and the dongle connection on the right.

Tilt legs are retractable and can be adjusted to two different heights.

Let’s look at the keycap/key switch.

The keycaps are made of double-shot PBT and the printing will not be lost.

It is characterized by a clear legends appearance.

The key profile is Cherry, with an arched depression in the horizontal axis direction (cylindrical design) and different vertical slopes in the vertical axis direction depending on the case row (step sculptured).

The interior walls are slightly thinner, the keycaps are beautifully terminated, and no burrs were observed.

The keyswitch is Cherry MX Silent Red.

Another option is the Cherry M2A Honey, a tactile switch.

Smurve80 Attraction

After all, the most attractive thing about Smurve80 is its curvaceousness and retro look.

Unlike the retro-featured models released by other companies, the Smurve80 bends the entire circuit board and switch plate, which is a major attraction of the Smurve80.

We felt that this gave us the practical advantage of physically being closer to the vertical line from the home position and having a shorter reach of the fingers.

In addition, the one-of-a-kind typing experience using Sonoraid is sure to be “addictive.

Another flexible and wonderful consideration is that you can turn on the sonorade when you want to lift your mood, and easily turn it off at your hand when you feel calmer.

Things to check before buying Smurve80

In addition to the complete kit, Smurve80 is also available in two custom kits.

The only difference between these two custom kits is “the length of the space bar that can be mounted.

6.25/7u.

Note, however, that this custom kit does not include the key switch and key caps, which must be provided separately by the customer.

In addition, because the plate itself is arched, keycaps may interfere with each other in the upper and lower rows, depending on the key profile chosen.

If you are unsure, purchase keycaps with key profiles that follow the Cherry profile.

Finally, the volume of the sonorade is quite “loud”.

The sound level is loud enough to wake up a sleeping child, so please be prepared for this to some extent before purchasing.

Comparison with similar concept keyboards

There are actually other keyboards that feature the IBM Model M.

Here are two retro-featured keyboards that compete with the Smurve80.

Model name	Smurve80	Vortex Model M SSK	NCR-80	8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard
concept	Gimmick-oriented (Built-in solenoid)	Focus on reproduction (faithful resizing)	Keystroke emphasis (hollow sound)	Playful and cost-effective
Keystroke feel and sound	Physical vibration and striking sound	Tight, modern feel	Pokopoko sound	Clunky retro typing
Size	TKL (80%)	TKL (80%)	TKL (80%)	TKL (80%)
Recommended Subjects	People who want stimulation	Love the IBM design.	I want to customize it.	Retro and modern

1. for purity of design: Vortex Model M SSK

When considering Smurve80, the first comparison is Vortex’s Model M series.

In particular, the Model M SSK Kit, which has the same tenkeyless (TKL) size feel as the Smurve 80, as well as the more compact M65 model, are unique in that they also exist.

The drawback is that retro-featured keyboards in particular tend to take up a lot of desk space due to their 80% size, but the M65 is quite compact, which is attractive.

comparison point

• Vortex: faithfully reproduces the shape of the IBM Model M. A 65% rearranged model exists in a modern style. The texture and curves of the chassis have been reproduced very well, and it is regarded as a “high quality modern Model M”.
• Smurve80: The design is Model M-like, but with a modern twist (physically curved switch plates, LEDs, etc.).

point

• If you genuinely like “that IBM shape” and want to keep your desk chic, Vortex is for you.
• If you are looking for the sound of a solenoid “ticking” and fun as a gadget, the Smurve80 is for you.

2. if you like thocky typing sound: NCR-80

Although different from the IBM Model M, the NCR-80, which pays homage to the Cherry G80-3000 series, is also a competitor in the framework of retro features.

comparison point

• NCR-80: The NCR-80 dares to use a lightweight plastic housing, which makes the entire housing sound like a musical instrument when the keys are struck.
• Smurve80: Because it has a built-in solenoid, the direction of the sound is “ta-ta-ta” type.

point

• If you like the pleasant sound of the keystroke, you’ll love the NCR-80.
• If you want to get your brain juices flowing with typewriter-like physical feedback, Smurve80 is for you.

3. superior in cost performance and convenience: 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard

For a more casual retro feel, we can recommend the 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard.

comparison point

• 8BitDo: It is Bluetooth/2.4GHz wireless compatible and comes with a giant “Super Button” to play with. Looks-wise, it also has a NES-like color scheme. It is also more affordable than Smurve80 and Vortex.
• Smurve80: In addition to the retro look, the main focus is on the “typing experience” of Sonoraid

point

• If you want to enjoy a playful, tick-tock, inexpensive retro feel, 8BitDo is the way to go.
• If you want a one-of-a-kind gimmick and a sense of ownership, Smurve80 is the one for you.

summary

These have been the reviews of Smurve80.

Although this model is the culmination of the “retro-feature boom” that has been gaining momentum since 2025, it is a keyboard with a “playful” spirit that sets it apart from the retro-feature keyboards of the past.

As this is a GB product, the possibility of resale has not yet been determined.

Don’t miss this opportunity.