Unleashing the Power of the PIIFOX LUNA Muse65 Pro Mechanical Keyboard: A Comprehensive Review

It has been a long time since I last reviewed a mechanical keyboard; my previous reviews were on the CHERRY KW X ULP and the Cherry MX 8.2 TKL Wireless. At work, I use the Cherry ULP because it’s relatively quiet, making it more tolerable for my colleagues. At home, for writing, I have stuck with the JamesDonkey RS2.

I used to be a fan of tactile switches, enjoying the feedback and noise they produce. However, after trying out the JamesDonkey with Gateron Red switches, I switched to linear switches as they seemed to improve my typing speed.

PIIFOX is a new brand for me, and there isn’t much information available online about them. They seem to be more well-known for their keycaps, but they do offer a wide range of keyboards, with many listed as new models. They sent me the PIIFOX LUNA Muse65 Pro to review, and also, at my request, they kindly sent me the LUNA Grid98 to review, as I prefer having a number pad.

The specification of the PIIFOX LUNA Muse65 Pro includes a 68% layout, 67 keys, mechanical switches, and the option for linear, tactile, or silent switch feel. It also features a display, control knob, ANSI keyboard language/layout, tri-mode connectivity, a 4,000 mAh battery, compatibility with Windows, macOS, and Android, hot-swappable switches, south-facing RGB lighting, and more.

When researching this keyboard, I came across the Varmilo Muse65 HE. While both keyboards are 65%, the Varmilo has a different layout, featuring a more compact design with the arrow keys integrated into the main keys and the Insert/PgUp/PgDn/Delete key in a vertical column.

The PIIFOX LUNA Muse65 Pro offers three switch options, including Jade Peak, Jade Spike, and Jade Ripple. Each switch has its own specifications, such as operating force, bottom-out force, pre-travel, total travel, sound profile, and more.

The design of the keyboard is sleek and modern, with a white ABS plastic case, a sandwich mount structure, and a polycarbonate plate with flex cuts. It also features a 4,000 mAh battery, tri-mode connectivity, and a hidden 2.4 GHz dongle.

In the box, you will find a USB-C to USB-A cable, the 2.4 GHz dongle, a keycap and switch puller, spare switches, translucent keycaps, a smart screen module, knob options, and a manual.

The keyboard is hot-swappable, allowing you to easily change switches and keycaps. It also features a smart screen and media knob that can be swapped in and out without any tools.

The QMK driver allows for customization of the keyboard via a web UI, where you can remap keys, build macros, set up layers, and change lighting.

Connectivity options include Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4 GHz via the dongle, and wired USB-C. The keyboard has a 4,000 mAh battery, providing long battery life.

The keyboard features south-facing per-key RGB lighting, but the RGB is mostly blocked by the non-shine-through keycaps.

In terms of performance, the keyboard offers a refined typing experience, with smooth and light switches. The keyboard is also suitable for gaming, providing good performance.

The typing sound and acoustics are well-controlled, with layered sound dampening and a flex-cut plate.

The PIIFOX LUNA Muse65 Pro is priced at around $81 and offers a good combination of features and typing quality. Some compromises include the non-shine-through keycaps, plate-mounted stabilizers, and reliance on a third-party configuration portal.

Overall, the Muse65 Pro is a great value for money and offers a lot of features for its price. It is a compact and well-designed keyboard with impressive typing quality and a range of customization options.