The MelGeek Centauri 80 keyboard is undeniably a showpiece, drawing immediate attention with its space shuttle-inspired design. Its white and silver aesthetic, complete with themed keycaps and a prominent OLED touchscreen, evokes imagery from science fiction titles like Starfield and Blade Runner. The commitment to the space theme extends to included accessories like a themed wire and key puller.
The keyboard features transparent keycaps with RGB backlighting, and a strip of RGB lighting encircles its side. While this creates an impressive visual effect in dark environments, the transparent nature of the keycaps can make them difficult to read in low light, especially when the lettering is white against the clear plastic.
Underneath the surface, the Centauri 80 is equipped with TTC x MelGeek magnetic white switches. These switches offer a satisfyingly 'thocky' sound profile, thanks to multiple layers within the keyboard. The keys actuate smoothly with minimal resistance. For gaming, the keyboard supports an 8,000 Hz polling rate, a feature that offers rapid trigger functionality. This allows keys to register actuation the moment they are released, enabling quicker spamming or more precise movement control in games where stopping movement affects accuracy, such as Valorant.
The build quality of the Centauri 80 is robust, featuring an aluminum alloy chassis that contributes to its substantial 1.87 kg weight. This heft ensures the keyboard remains stable on a desk during intense gaming sessions. However, its considerable weight makes it less portable for users who might wish to transport it.
Accompanying the main keys is a 1.78-inch color OLED touchscreen, which can display custom GIFs or images. When paired with the media dial below it, the screen's functionality shifts. The dial can be set to control volume or media playback, offering versatility. An orange button below the dial provides a shortcut to MelGeek's web-based software, which allows for adjustments to lighting, custom controls, and firmware updates.
Despite its impressive design and features, the Centauri 80 faces significant competition and has notable drawbacks. Its $359 price point is considerably higher than many other high-quality keyboards that offer comparable performance and features. For instance, the Wooting 80HE and Logitech G512 X are available for around $150 less, while still providing impressive build quality and features like 8K polling. Even options like the Steelseries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 offer a color OLED screen at a lower price. For those seeking rapid trigger Hall effect switches, more budget-friendly alternatives like the Gamakay X NaughShark NS68 exist at a fraction of the Centauri 80's cost.
A peculiar issue encountered was with the USB Type-C connection. Several standard cables failed to work, either due to insufficient power delivery or the port's recessed design preventing a proper connection. While the included braided cable functions well, this quirk limits flexibility when using alternative connections.
The thematic wording on the 'Enter' and 'Space' bars, reading "Enter to the universe" and "Back to the space" respectively, may also be a matter of taste, with the reviewer finding the specific phrasing slightly off. Furthermore, the transparent keycaps, while visually striking with RGB, can hinder readability in darker conditions.
Ultimately, the MelGeek Centauri 80 is a keyboard designed to make a statement. Its unique aesthetic and integrated OLED screen offer a distinct experience. However, for users prioritizing value or practicality, more conventional options at a lower price point may prove to be a more sensible choice.