Fantech MAXFIT61 MK857 Frost Wireless Mechanical Keyboard: A Budget Brilliance

Fantech MAXFIT61 MK857 is a 60% hot-swappable RGB mechanical keyboard for only $50. It is a budget keyboard with really impressive aesthetics, especially the white one. The RGB lighting of the white variant of MAXFIT61 MK857 is of another level. Fantech MAXFIT61 is a wireless keyboard that can be connected through a 2.4G wireless adapter, Bluetooth, and even with a type-C detachable cable. So, let’s dive into the review of Fantech MAXFIT61 MK857 Frost Wireless Keyboard.

Unboxing

The MAXFIT61’s package is a compact box for it, should feel good in hand. As you open the box, you will get the Fantech MAXFIT61 Mechanical Keyboard, a user manual, a switch plugger, a keycaps plugger, a warranty card, a 2.4G dongle, and a detachable type-C cable to connect to the power. You won’t get any additional keycaps in the box.

Dimensions

Length	294 mm
Width	103 mm
Height	42 mm
Weight	566 gram

First Impression

Upon unboxing the Fantech MAXFIT61 MK857 Blue Switch RGB Mechanical Keyboard, the compact and sleek design immediately will catch your attention. Its 60% keyboard layout not only feels comfortable to hand but also promises an uncluttered setup. The white variant sported a tasteful front design, showcasing the logo, brand name, and keyboard model on the right-hand side. The transparent sides hinted at an immersive RGB lighting experience, while its lightweight build—clocking in at under 580 grams—seemed promising.

Crafted from durable ABS plastic, the keyboard felt sturdy without being overly heavy. With 61 keys in play, it strikes a balance between functionality and minimalism. This initial encounter with the Fantech MAXFIT61 MK857 will pick your curiosity hopefully, hinting at a keyboard that might just offer a blend of aesthetics, comfort, and performance.

Build Quality

The first thing that will catch your eye is the keyboard’s compact 60% layout, which not only ensures a comfortable fit in your hands but also lays the foundation for a streamlined setup. The keyboard’s sides, transparent and alluring, hold the promise of intensifying your RGB lighting experience as you explore its 16 distinct lighting modes. Notably, the keyboard boasts per-key RGB lighting, providing you with a spectrum of customizable aesthetics to suit your every mood. While lacking RGB illumination on the backside, it’s interesting to note that the ‘Zifriend ZA68‘ offers rear RGB lighting on a tighter budget.

With a weight just exceeding 550 grams, this keyboard strikes an ideal balance for prolonged use. Crafted from resilient ABS plastic, it finds the perfect equilibrium between durability and a feather-light touch, making sure it can endure the demands of your gaming escapades.

Equipped with 61 keys and double injection keycaps, this keyboard provides a sturdy platform for precise typing and immersive gameplay. A robust full-key anti-ghosting mechanism ensures that each of your commands is registered accurately, ensuring a seamlessly immersive gaming experience.

Examining the dimensions of 294 x 103 x 42 mm, it’s evident that Fantech has masterfully merged a compact form factor with uncompromised functionality. A noteworthy feature is the inclusion of hot-swappable switches, enabling effortless personalization of your typing preferences. Upon flipping the keyboard, you’ll immediately spot the rubber grip on its rear, contributing to stability during even the most intense gaming sessions.

Keys and Switches

The keycaps are made of ABS plastic, but they have a matte texture on them which is a good choice. Another thing to praise about the keycaps is its double-shot ABS. The red linear and blue clicky switches are replaceable, actually hot-swappable, 5-pin hot-swappable. The PCB of this keyboard is a hot-shot PCB. Switch lifetime is 50 million clicks as like other budget keyboards. MAXFIT61 does not contain a volume knob like Fantech MAXFIT67. Full keys are anti-ghosting and have RGB LEDs. It is a 61-key 60% keyboard, so you don’t have Numpad and Home, End, etc.

The stabilizers are pretty much good for this budget though are just normal plate mounted.

Connectivity

Fantech MAXFIT61 supports tri-mode connectivity. You can connect it to power with the USB to Type C cable given in the box with the keyboard if you want to use it as a wired keyboard. If you want a wireless feel, there are 2 options for you. One is the 2.4G connection using the dongle and the other is Bluetooth connectivity by starting the Bluetooth visibility of the keyboard by pushing the button behind the keyboard.

RGB Lighting

Offering per-key RGB backlighting, this keyboard ensures that each key is a canvas of customizable colors. The RGB lighting effects are not just good; they will bring an eye-catching brilliance to your setup. It has 16 RGB modes.

Navigating the effects is a breeze; with a simple key combination (Fn+M), you’ll have a range of lighting patterns at your fingertips. From subtle waves to mesmerizing gradients, the keyboard offers a captivating light show that complements your style. You can customize the RGB of each key with the software MAXFIT61. But the software is only useable in Windows.

Download the Software to Customize the RGB Lighting of MAXFIT61.

The keyboard’s keycaps themselves become part of the RGB spectacle, allowing light to shine through for an immersive experience. The white keyboard variant goes the extra mile with side RGB lighting, adding a touch of sophistication and enhancing the overall aesthetics. It’s a visual feast that truly elevates your desk setup. On the other hand, the black variant does not feature side RGB lighting, emphasizing a more subtle look.

While the keyboard showcases an array of RGB beauty, it’s important to note that there’s no RGB illumination on the backside. Despite this, the Fantech MAXFIT61 60% Mechanical Keyboard remains a stunning choice for those who value dynamic lighting effects, per-key customization, and a touch of elegance in their gaming or work environment.

Battery

The Fantech MAXFIT61 mechanical keyboard has a 1900 milli-amp battery lying on the backside under the sound-dampening foam.

Operating System

The Fantech MAXFIT61 keyboard caters to both Windows and MacOS X users, requiring a USB port for connectivity. While the keyboard itself is designed for compatibility with both operating systems, it’s worth noting that the accompanying software is exclusively compatible with Windows (7 or newer), offering enhanced customization options to Windows users and leaving MacOS users softwareless.

User Manual

Here is the multi-language user manual provided by Fantech. It is the online version of the manual that you will receive in the box with the keyboard. The user manual is written in English, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Indonesian, Thai, Portuguese, Polish and some other languages as well. This is a 1-page PDF, you need to zoom in to read it, and every page will be clearly visual to you.

Sound

Enjoy the sound of the two variants (Blue and Red) from the video attached here.

Blue Switches

Red Switches

Pros and Cons of Fantech MAXFIT61 MK857

Specifications

Conclusion

Fantech MAXFIT61 is a budget excellent mechanical keyboard, it can be said loudly. But as it is a 60% keyboard, you will not have some keys, that’s normal. But the minus point is, that this keyboard doesn’t have the dedicated arrow keys. A keyboard at this price or less than this like ‘Zifriend ZA68 Pro‘ has arrows. But overall, this is a great keyboard at this price having the hot-shot PCB, 5-pin hot-swappable switches, and many other features under $50. The RGB lighting in the white one really impressed me.