Keyboard Builders’ Digest / Overview
IQUNIX x Ghost within the Shell EV63 Cyber Blue evaluate
Two brand-new EV63 variants have been launched not too long ago: the Ghost within the Shell-themed Shell Core and Cyber Blue. For this evaluate, I took a more in-depth have a look at the latter.
KBD.information
Printed June 5, 2026
The IQUNIX EV63 was already the best-looking board I’ve reviewed this yr. And it will get much more thrilling: Iqunix partnered with Kodansha to design two formally licensed Ghost within the Shell-themed variants. Listed below are my ideas.
(The 5% KBDNEWS coupon code ought to robotically apply whenever you click on the hyperlinks on this article.)
TL;DR: The 60% IQUNIX x Ghost within the Shell EV63 HE is a totally constructed wired Corridor-effect (magnetic) gamer keyboard coming with the hallmark, futuristic CNC aluminum housing and a elaborate cyberpunk Ghost within the Shell-themed keycap set. The premium materials selection and ending are the identical, similar to the superior customizability: hot-swappable HE switches with MX-compatible stem. Proprietary software program stuffed with options for avid gamers, but in addition mod-tap perform for keymap wizards counting on layers.
Ought to I purchase the IQUNIX x Ghost within the Shell EV63? – chances are you’ll ask. I would say it is a protected guess, nevertheless, it at all times is determined by your actual wants. On this evaluate, I will pack in as many information as doable that can assist you reply that query for your self. As you will see, I’ve even eviscerated my EV63 all the way down to its core. (You do not have to do that at dwelling.)
That mentioned, earlier than putting an order, crucial factor is to know what you need. Be sure to’re conscious of your preferences and the options you want, and take a look at the complete evaluate under for all the main points and pictures.
Specs (and ToC)
- Contents: pre-built board, information, cable, instrument, mud cowl
- Structure: 60% ANSI, 64 keys
- Keycaps: dye-sublimated PBT units (translucent accents)
- Switches: Nova HE change (36gf beginning weight)
- Case: CNC aluminum
- Typing angle: fastened 6 levels
- Mounting: Tray mounting
- Stabilizers: plate mount (screw-in help)
- Plate: aluminum (with out flex cuts)
- PCB: south-facing per-key RGB, no flex cuts, inherently hot-swappable
- Sound dampening: 4 layers
- Lights: per-key RGB, 45 presets
- Connectivity: wired, USB-C
- Software program: proprietary, web-based
- Dimensions: 301x126x19 mm (entrance top)
- Weight: 1,206 g
- Worth: from
$249$237 (coupon: KBDNEWS)
Disclaimer
The evaluate unit was supplied by IQUNIX. Not paying for a product might introduce each optimistic and unfavorable biases, so please take all the pieces I write with a grain of salt.
Variants
The EV63 was initially accessible in three shade variants: Violet, Darkish Knight, and Silver Knight.
The 2 new Ghost within the Shell-themed fashions made their first public look this week at Computex Taipei 2026.
- Shell Core: silver/inexperienced/grey, with a plastic factor within the
- Cyber Blue: black/purple/grey
They arrive with a brand new change provide: the Nova – with totally clear housing.
It is at all times exhausting to decide on only one board when a model approaches me and says I can decide something. I actually cherished the silver case of the Shell Core variant, the aspect profile is refreshed, however I choose the keycap set of the Cyber Blue so voted for that one finally.
In the event you’re cautious about fingerprints, go along with the silver one.
Unboxing & Contents
That is some severe packaging. As at all times with IQUNIX, the expertise begins with the refined field design – good graphics, good materials, some shiny elements. Plus the full-blown Ghost within the Shell references, even a holographic Kodansha sticker.
The contents:
- The EV63, pre-built with switches and keycaps mounted.
- quick-start information
- braided USB cable
- fancy mixed change+keycap puller
- 12x further accented keys
- 4x bumpons
- brush
- sticker
- mud cowl
First impressions, design language
Clearly, the EV63 Cyber Blue options the identical construction as the unique variants, nevertheless, the GitS theme is greater than a face-lift: the consequence may be very distinctive, though the 60% format is pretty frequent. One way or the other, all of the little particulars make the board look exceptionally subtle.
The branding is bolder, but it surely focuses on the Ghost within the Shell model, not the producer. The hallmark aspect profile that includes the distinctive cuts and three-part aspect construction are spiced up: the Core Shell variant acquired a brand new plastic factor. The solid carbon ornamental plate of the Violet model has gone.
In the event you suppose it is exhausting to make an impression in a crowded market like the favored 60% phase, the EV63 x GitS fashions show you incorrect with the customized keycap units, the distinctive construction and sci-fi theme, making this board immediately recognizable any time, e.g. at keyboard meetups.
Structure
The shape issue is unchanged: the 60% format is comparatively customary and prevalent. Take a normal fullsize keyboard, reduce off the numpad and basic navigation cluster, additionally the perform row, and there it’s. The compact 60% format. What you’ve here’s a full quantity row, and devoted arrow keys snapped to the opposite keys.
That includes 64 keys (ANSI US model solely), the EV63 optimizes house within the first place. All of the performance of a 100% is there in fact, you simply must resort to key combos and further layers.
The EV63 does not help stepped CapsLock or cut up spacebar.
The arrow cluster is just not offset, and there is not any hole left of the arrows both, sadly, which might hassle a few of you contact typers on the market when altering between the house row and arrow cluster. I personally transfer the arrows (and numbers plus perform keys) to the house row and neighboring alphas by way of SpaceFN, so I am probably not affected by this potential problem. In the event you kind the basic manner, contemplate if you happen to would get misplaced with this association.
Keycaps
The brand new keyboard variants include kick-ass Cherry-profile (sculpted, cylindrical) dye-sublimated PBT keycap units – with translucent accented keys.
As an additional, you’ve full accent units in blue and purple – and extra. 4 Enter caps, 4 Esc caps, arrows, spacebars.
Legend high quality is nice. Really, dys-sub is usually higher on this regard in comparison with the coveted double-shot caps. Given the complexity of the keycap set design, doubleshot was not an possibility on this case. Comparatively crisp legends. The alphas have this sci-fi vibe, however not a budget gamer font. I personally discover the Cyber Blue keycap design extra refined, however the Core Shell is not unhealthy in any respect both. The colorway completely matches the boards, the palette was impressed by particular frames of the 1995 movie.
That mentioned, the switches function customary MX stems, so – additionally with reference to keycap compatibility – this format must be extensively supported if you happen to go for one thing completely different.
Switches
The Corridor-effect switches provided by IQUNIX for the brand new fashions are the ‘Nova’ by Keytok.
Mud-proof stem similar to that of the unique Magnetic X Professional switches, however a round one this time. Absolutely clear housing with some glitter, and decrease flux values. The journey has been barely diminished as nicely, from 3.5 to three.4 mm.
The switches are branded ‘Keyspire’, they function an built-in mild diffuser, and the housing has this glittery stuff blended into the fabric. Fairly exhausting to seize on pictures, however if you happen to’ve aready seen comparable switches, you realize what I am speaking about. The glittery particles are smaller right here.
Magnetic X Professional change specs
- Kind: linear Corridor-effect
- Begin drive: 36gf
- Backside-out: 48gf
- Mounting: PCB (2 plastic pins)
- Actuation journey: adjustable
- Complete journey: 3.4 mm
- Preliminary magnetic flux: 100GS
- Backside magnetic flux: 480GS
- Materials (high/backside/stem/stem sleeve): PC/PA12 Nylon/PA12 Nylon/POM
- Spring: 21 mm prolonged gold plated
- Manufacturing unit lubing: ?
We’re speaking about good mild linear Corridor-effect switches, with minimal wobble, near-zero lateral wobble truly, nevertheless, I discovered a single change that behaved fairly otherwise: it turned very scratchy in direction of the previous few millimeters of journey. All the opposite switches proved to be spotless, so a couple of alternative switches might have come in useful within the bundle.
The Nova switches, besides the only scratchy outlier, really feel respectable, however Corridor-effect keyboards are inherently hot-swappable, so you do not have to stay to the manufacturing unit setup. It is fairly simple to switch them when you get the hold of it (seize their north-south sides). Try the present best-selling magnetic switches, or be at liberty to make use of your private favorites laying round.
Construct high quality, construction, case
Crafted from aluminum with CNC machining, the EV63 options anodized end. With out the solid carbon self-importance plate of the Violet, however a GitS-branded one on the entrance. The basic one-piece tray construction is spiced up with the cool multipart and multicolor layered aspect items. The Core Shell variant incorporates a brand new design with a brand new plastic factor, the Cyber Blue is fairly the identical as the unique, simply with a unique shade palette.
In the event you’re involved about fingerprints, the silver model is the safer selection. Black anodized finishes are typically fingerprint magnets, attracting and highlighting smudges very simply.
This board appears completely premium: very good construct high quality with wonderful materials decisions and ending. Comparatively heavy (1.2kg), so it will not transfer throughout a frantic gaming session, to not point out much less demanding workplace or dwelling jobs use. The sensation is uncomparable to plastic boards.
Typing angle: non-adjustable, fastened 6 levels.
Disassembly
An accompanying leaflet warns you that disassembly might void your guarantee. Properly, I actually needed to look beneath the hood, so I eviscerated the EV63 anyway.
As I discovered final time, the multipart layered sides with the uncovered screws are a lure! 😀 You need not take away these in any respect.
As a substitute, begin by eradicating the ten keycaps depicted above to entry the six screws fixing the PCB to the case poles.
Whereas this can be a pre-built mannequin, not designed with frequent disassembly in thoughts, I am glad the EV63 is fairly easy to disassemble.
Construction & Mounting
The EV65 options tray mounting, which means the plate/foam/PCB sandwich is screwed to 6 poles of the underside case. No gaskets. Some cutouts on the PCB, however I would not say these add something to flexibility.
This construction leads to a fairly exhausting, direct typing expertise, as anticipated from a precision instrument for avid gamers. No room for mushiness or heterogenity resulting from flex right here and there if the your life is at stake.
Plate
The plate is a phenomenal bead-blasted aluminum plate with none flex cuts. Very inflexible for direct motion – very simple to scratch although. My in any other case favourite Kemove P10 change pullers should not your best option on this case.
Stabilizers
Plate-mount stabilizers by default, nevertheless, the PCB comes with holes for PCB-mount stabs.
PCB
The good black PCB is a part of the thick plate/foam/PCB sandwich, screwed collectively, and it options south-facing per-key LEDs. There are not any flex cuts besides some tiny elements across the screws, and there is not any want for hotswap sockets both.
I am unsure about these bombastic options, however right here you go (quoted):
- M.A.T. 2.0 algorithm “adjusting efficiency in actual time”
- Customized dual-circuit system for steady enter with out dropouts
- proprietary IQUINIX Gen-3 Corridor sensor
Lastly, the PCB, as already talked about, options the mandatory holes for screw-in stabs if you would like to experiment with them.
Backside weight & Toes
A really elaborate backside design with layered dual-color metallic elements, Ghost within the Shell-specific carvings, and cut-throughs. Anodized the identical manner because the case, that includes varied geometric patterns.
No typing angle adjustment. 4 small bumpons within the corners.
Sound dampening & Really feel
PORON PCB foam, PET change sheet, PORON backside case foam, a skinny PET backside case pad, and a closing narrower strip to fill out a recess within the case.
Given the tray mounting, non-flex-cut aluminum plate, non-flex-cut PCB, the EV63 offers a comparatively loud sound together with a tough and direct typing really feel for precision, understandably. A desk mat is a should I would say.
The sound of the keys is comparatively heterogeneous, relying on the space from the closest screw/pole. That mentioned, it appeared principally clacky to me first. Nonetheless, after evaluating varied boards aspect by aspect, I would say it is someplace within the center between thocky and clacky. There are some clackier and noisier (Dareu Cool68) and plenty of thockier (Evo75, Akko MOD 007 HE, KiiBOOM Phantom 81 Lite alternate options on my desk – to not point out the entire market.
I would say that the out-of-the-box typing expertise is about common, however the principle design purpose was the efficiency and HE options for avid gamers – the sound is much less vital right here.
RGB lights
The board comes with per-key RGB (south-facing LEDs), no different ambient mild. The default animation may be very trendy, matched to the colours of the case.
In the event you’re actually into lighting results, go along with the translucent PC keycaps (Darkish Knight and Silver Knight variants). Many of the keycaps of the 2 new variants do not let a lot mild via, besides in fact the translucent accents.
The change housing is clear, that includes an built-in mild diffuser, so already good for RGB magic. In the event you choose one thing else, there are lots of standard clear HE switches optimized for lighting.
By the way in which, the software program has a staggering 45 presets in its lighting part. From delicate ambient glow to vibrant full-spectrum animations, you may fine-tune colours, brightness, velocity, and modes to match your temper and setup.
Connectivity
The EV63 is a wired keyboard, so no wi-fi Bluetooth or 2.4GHz connection choices.
The USB-C socket is positioned on the left rear a part of the case (when going through the board in a typing orientation).
The accompanying cable is respectable, a braided black one with branded connector, matching the case. Nonetheless, the board appears so dope that I would change the cable with a good fancier one – a pleasant coil and a conceit connector.
Software program
Hm. Corridor-effect keyboards often include proprietary software program, and the EV63 is not any exception. To be clear: no QMK/VIA/Vial help.
IQUNIX created a web-based app referred to as EV Software program, specializing in gamer options, however I’ve to say I like this so much as a non gamer keyboard fanatic as nicely.
Such software program has its deserves and dangers: it is easy to make use of and requires no set up, however as soon as the web site disappears, you are left with a keyboard that successfully turns into non-programmable.
As well as, Iqunix developed HyperCore V3, their newest firmware replace for the EV63 and EV63 GitS variants, fully rebuilt from the bottom up. The replace begins robotically, I had no selection however drift – no skip or postpone possibility. The method took about 4-5 minutes.
Firmware replace
The purpose was to maintain efficiency steady (apart from quick scanning), to make sure predictable conduct throughout aggressive gameplay, and allow easy change adaptation with out sacrificing keystroke accuracy.
Some letters swapped
The net interface is intuitive, swapping letters and symbols labored advantageous. You possibly can simply recreate your base layer if you happen to rock a customized keymap.
And at last there is a mod-tap perform that really works! Many customized software program lack this function. Just one further layer and no different layer features, however not less than you may arrange SpaceFN. For these new to it: SpaceFN is an easy-to-access layer that is essential for a lot of customers, letting you assign arrows, navigation keys, and numbers proper beneath your fingertips – no want to maneuver your hand to the arrow cluster, for instance.
SpaceFN arrange
Players will most likely uncover all of the specs and options geared toward avid gamers as an alternative:
- RS, MT, TGL, SOCD, DKS
- A number of presets (FPS Professional Presets)
- 0.01 mm speedy set off
- 8K Hz sampling (1.25 ms latency), adjustable
And naturally the lighting part – with 45 animations if I am proper.
Compatibility
I had no drawback on Home windows, however unsure about Mac compatibility. No mode change or further caps with Mac mod legends.
Portability
The EV63 is a good keyboard for stationary use, but when portability is your predominant concern, I’d positively select one thing lighter.
Certain, with its comparatively small 60% footprint it should almost certainly slot in any backpack, however I would not name a 1.2kg board splendid for journey.
Comparability
I’ve reviewed many magnetic gamer boards, however the 60% type issue is a bit uncommon on this class. So nothing what I would contemplate a real competitor of the EV63.
Try the unique three EV63 variants in fact for a cleaner look.
In the event you want one thing magnetic for gaming, the Luminkey Magger 65 HE, the Dareu Cool68, MoeeTech’s Glitter65 HE, the Syntech Chronos 68, or the entry-level Kemove TMKB T68-C have been lined. The Magger and Chronos are aluminum, however as you may see, most boards within the checklist are 65%.
In the event you insist on 60% fashions, I’ve not too long ago reviewed the sunshine and moveable (plastic) Dareu COOL60 HE, but in addition the mechanical alu 60/65% Chosfox Fox65 with slider and cut up spacebar. Perhaps the Elytra is price testing as nicely if you happen to’re open to separate boards. Or the Lego KBDcraft Israfel if cut up ortho is an possibility.
That mentioned, the EV63 clearly stands out with its construct and options as one of the crucial outstanding fashions in the marketplace. The brand new Ghost within the Shell fashions increase the stake and elevate this distinctive provide to the subsequent stage.
Conclusion
The brand new Cyber Blue variant of the 60%-ish Corridor-effect IQUNIX EV63 is one other beautiful aluminum keyboard from Iqunix, with breathtaking design in partnership with Ghost within the Shell rights holder Kodansha. A wired gamer board with a plethora of options with aggressive gaming in thoughts. Given the translucent magnetic switches with some trendy glitter, the inherent hot-swappability, the MX-compatible stem for keycap compatibility, and all of the little particulars, I can positively suggest this mannequin for consideration if you happen to’re searching for one thing on this type issue. Whereas the target market is avid gamers, even much less choosy keymap wizards will recognize it, as a result of the customized software program includes a very helpful mod-tap perform.
Professionals
- beautiful aluminum design
- kick-ass Ghost within the Shell theme
- extremely customizable
- specs and options with severe avid gamers in thoughts
- customized however intuitive and feature-rich web-based software program
Cons
- proprietary software program has its common dangers
- fingerprint magnet (black case)
- a single change behaved surprisingly – some spare switches might be added to the bundle
Worth & Availability
The IQUNIX EV63 Cyber Blue is out there at iqunix.com, in the mean time for $249 $237 (in distinction to the $169-209 worth vary of the unique fashions). Do not forget to make use of the KBDNEWS coupon code to assert your 5% low cost.
Printed on Fri fifth Jun 2026. Featured in KBD #212.
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