Getting to know better – Dark Project Parašykite komentarą

Today we will get acquainted with an exciting and strong representative of the mechanical keyboard market Dark Project. This brand is distinguished because, in a short period, it created keyboards that stand out for their strict and concise style, the quality of assembly, and the components used. Their keyboards will not only please you aesthetically, but for the price, they will give you a quality that big gaming brands such as Razer, SteelSeries, HyperX, and so on can envy.

Among their model range, various options for form factors range from full-size to 60% and 65% options. In addition to multiple variations in terms of the form factor, there are also options for the type of execution of “key-caps,” that is, keycaps. The hallmark of some models is the option with pudding key-caps, in which the upper part (about 1/3 of the height of the entire key-cap) is made of dark opaque matte material. The lower part is lighter and more transparent, so the backlight is more pronounced and very smoothly illuminates the entire keyboard surface due to the scattering of light from the LEDs. And the keycaps themselves are made using double-molded PBT plastic technology, which makes them incredibly durable and resistant to wear, abrasion, and fading from sunlight.

And for fans of customization, most keyboards have a “hot-swap” system which allows you to change the switch to the appropriate one without soldering. Thanks to “hot-swap,” you can choose the most convenient switches. Including for this several additional “trial” switches are included with the keyboards, allowing you to familiarize yourself with other options, which, if necessary, can then be purchased separately and installed on the keyboard without any difficulties. Also, following the modern trend of Dark Project, they equipped their keyboard with bright RGB backlighting, which can be fully customized through proprietary software, adjusting the brightness, color effects, speed, and backlighting of each individual key if necessary. And for those who like to customize the keyboard completely, it will be nice to completely “remap,” that is, change the function of any key to any other. Thanks to it, you can fully customize both simple parts and assign macros that can be recorded separately. There are 10 profiles for storing this kind of setting. Thus, Dark Project keyboards give you complete freedom of action to customize both “hardware” and “software.”

Separately, it is worth mentioning the case. In most models, it is made according to the “silent mount” design, which reduces noise due to the fact that silicone layers are installed under the main parts of the case, which dampen excessive sounds (noises, bounce of keys), as well as vibration, making printing is even nicer. This is achieved by having a separate silicone substrate installed on the switch substrate, the same substrate is also installed between the case and the plate to which the switch substrate is attached. Thus, the design acquires additional rigidity while getting rid of excessive noise and “quenches” vibrations that could pass through the case.

Dark Project’s approach to assembling its keyboards also deserves special attention. In this regard, they do what I would like to see from expensive gaming brands, but most often need to be visible, namely, the use of high-quality stabilizers and their lubrication, as well as the lubrication of switches. Dark Project is trying its best here. They use high-quality “PCB” stabilizers that are attached to the substrate itself, firmly clinging to it, due to which wide keys (such as space, Shift, Capslock, Enter, and so on) are pressed evenly throughout square keys, without leaning to either side like a swing. This reduces key bounce (and in the case of Dark Project, it almost completely removes it, more on that later) and makes pressing even, so whether you press the key from the edge or exactly in the middle, the result and sensations will be the same – smooth and even pressing. In addition, the use of high-quality stabilizers prolongs the life of long keys since stress points may form due to uneven loading, which may cause micro-cracks to appear in them over time, which can lead to breakage and splitting of the keycap itself. In addition to this, special respect deserves the fact that most often, right out of the box, all the switches and stabilizers of their keyboards are already treated with a special lubricant, which is why the switch slides evenly when pressed and therefore the pressing feels smoother. The sound from pressing becomes more dull and quiet. Also, it neutralizes the rattle of stabilizers, which can often be heard even on expensive keyboards of gaming brands, which sometimes skimp on the lubrication of switches and stabilizers. For this, Dark Project deserves special respect.

And last but not least, this is the execution of the body of their keyboards, it most often uses high-quality matte plastic, which, thanks to the use of the design of the previously voiced “silentmount’a”, has a sound-absorbing effect and solid construction makes it highly durable. And special channels for laying a USB cable on the bottom of the case under the keyboard allow you to lay the wire as conveniently as possible so that it does not take up extra space on the table and does not interfere.

Among the switches, as a rule, there are several main options:

  • G3MS Sapphire are linear switches with 50g actuation force, 2mm travel, and a lifespan of 50 million clicks, using copper contacts and high-quality, durable plastic.
  • G3MS Sapphire Optical: Linear optical switches with 42 grams of actuation force, 2 mm travel, and 50 million click life, using copper contacts and high-quality, durable plastic.
  • Gateron Optical Red 2.0: Linear optical switches from Gateron with 45 grams of actuation force, 2mm travel, 50 million click life, and reduced response lag to 1 ms.
  • Gateron Optical Silver 1.0: Linear optical switches from Gateron with 45g actuation force, 2mm travel, 50 million click life, and reduced response lag to 1 ms.
  • Gateron Cap Teal: Linear switches developed by Gateron in collaboration with Dark Project with 50g actuation force, 2mm travel, 50 million click lifespan, and reduced response lag to 1 ms. Also, the switches are factory lubricated, giving perfect smoothness and a lack of creaking sound.
  • Gateron Yellow: Linear switches from Gateron with 50g actuation force, 2mm travel, 50 million click lifespan and reduced response lag to 1ms.

Lets look at the main range of Dark Project keyboards:

Dark Project K083A
One of the most exciting keyboards from the Dark Project comes in two versions – Blue-White and CoolGrey. Both options have a 75% form factor (83 keys) and have a volume wheel on the left side of the keyboard, which, compared to the “standard” location of this in the upper right corner on the edge of the keyboard, which other manufacturers usually use, feels much more convenient and more accessible, since you can easily move your hand slightly to the left and change the volume without looking up from the game or printing. And for convenience, an additional USB port on the left side allows you to connect any other additional device. The USB-TypeC port for connecting the keyboard is located on its back in the center. It is also slightly recessed, which is why it sits firmly in its place. Well, for ease of use, there are two-stage legs with rubberized pads, because of which the keyboard will stand firmly in one position, not shifting again due to light movements. In addition, the keyboard has a bright RGB backlight that can be fully customized BY.

Two types represent variation:

CoolGrey: In a dark gray case with keycaps in two colors – gray and dark gray. It uses switches designed by Gateron in conjunction with the Dark Project-Gateron Cap Teal, which are linear switches with 50 grams of actuation force, suitable for those who want a “universal” option.

Blue-White: As the name suggests, it is made in dark blue and white shades. Namely, the case itself and the switches on the sides are made of dark blue, and the remaining switches are white, which contrasts beautifully and concisely and sets a uniform tone for the entire keyboard. The switches are made in-house, G3MS Sapphire, which has a 50g actuation force and feels softer than their Gateron Cap Teal brethren.

Specifications
Switches: Gateron Cap Teal/G3MS Sapphire
Backlight: RGB, with the ability to customize individual keys;
Dimensions (LxWxH): 324 x 133 x 43 mm;
Weight: 865 grams;
Form factor: 75%;


Dark Project KD104A
For those who love full-sized keyboards, the KD104A model is available in two corresponding variations: dark – Black and light – White. In the case of the first, the entire body is made in black. The keycaps themselves are signed on the side, so in the dark, and in general, the backlight of the keys will be minimally distracting. Still, when printing, you will see the characters at a convenient angle, which will seem to many even more convenient than the classic application on the surface of the keys. This variant uses Gateron OpticalRed 2.0 linear optical switches, which have 45 grams of actuation force and a reduced latency of 1ms, so it may appeal to those who want minimal latency and a light click in games. The second version is made in white, and unlike the dark version, the symbols are printed on the main surface of the keycaps and not on the side. Also, due to the light housing, the light from the backlight feels softer. The switches used are linear GateronYellow, which have a 50g actuation force and a reduced response of 1 ms and may appeal to those who want quiet and smooth switches, which, despite being linear, will give an excellent typing experience. If you want, you can change the switches to the ones you need at any time, since the keyboard has a “hot-swap”, making it possible to change them without soldering. Like other keyboards, it features full-fledged RGB backlighting that can be fully customized, both by selecting pre-existing backlighting options and by customizing each key, thanks to which you can achieve the most convenient customization for you. The keyboard case itself has a solid monolithic structure. It has separate channels at the bottom for laying a modular USB cable, which can be output from any side conveniently.

Specifications
Switches: Gateron Optical Red 2.0 / Gateron Yellow
Backlight: RGB, with the ability to customize individual keys;
Dimensions (LxWxH): 443 x 138 x 39 mm;
Weight: 1050 grams;
Form factor: full size;


Dark Project KD68B
If you liked the K083A but want an even more compact version, then the KD68B is your choice. It is made in a 65% form factor and, has 68 keys (5 rows of keys instead of 6), has a slightly more compact body. Unfortunately, this model lacks a volume control wheel and a USB port on the end, but it saves space as much as possible for those who care about it. It is also available in two versions:
Grey-Blue is made in light shades, with a light gray body and kai-cups in two colors – white and dark gray.
Transparent White, in which the case is made of transparent plastic, and the keycaps have a “pudding” look, in which the top part has an opaque white matte surface, and the side walls have a translucent surface, due to which the keyboard has a bright appearance when the backlight is on, which can set a special tone for your desktop.
The switches in both versions use G3MS Sapphire’s own linear switches, which will appeal to those who like slightly springy, smooth-acting switches.

Specifications
Switches: G3MS Sapphire;
Backlight: RGB, with the ability to customize individual keys;
Dimensions (LxWxH): 314 x 104 x 40 mm;
Weight: 720 grams;
Form factor: 65%;


Dark Project KD87A
And finally, the most variable model is KD87A. It is a compact keyboard in the TKL form factor (without a numeric keypad) and has 87 keys. The case itself is closed (with the exception of one of the variations), very compact like the previous model, and the plastic itself is matte. In addition to a similar external case design, it also has a similar internal structure. Inside the case two noise-insulating substrates reduce not only noise, but also vibration. In addition, on the bottom there are channels for laying the cable and its output in three directions – in front, on the left and on the right. And for the stability of the keyboard, rubberized legs are located in the corners, which allow the keyboard to stand firmly at a standard height at zero tilt. If you are a fan of tilting the keyboard, then in this case there is also a pair of folding two-level legs, the ends of these legs are also rubberized, so even when tilted the keyboard will have a constant position, due to which its position will constantly be on the table. As well as in other models, all switches and stabilizers are lubricated from the factory. Therefore, you will hear only a pleasant and quiet sound of pressing on all keyboard variations.
If we talk about keyboard variations, then there are three of them. Therefore, this model represents the widest choice for selecting your ideal version.


Black Version:
A dark variation of the keyboard, in which both the body and keycaps are made in black, but even this has several versions, namely: G3MS Sapphire is used here as switches; side-engraved – a version in which characters are engraved on the side, and GateronOpticalRed 2.0 optical switches are used as switches; with “Pudding” key-caps – a variation using key-caps in the “pudding” format, in which the upper part (about a third of the height of the key-cap) is made of opaque black plastic with engraving on top and the lower part is made of light translucent plastic, due to which the backlight is evenly scattered through it and nicely illuminates the space between the keys, this variation uses switches co-produced by Gateron and Dark Project – Cap Teal.


Cool Gray version:
A dark variation of the keyboard, in which the body is made in black, and the keycaps come in two colors – black at the edges and light gray in the central part. It comes in two main versions:
With standard closed case. The standard version has a closed case and all its advantages – greater sound insulation and reduced vibration due to additional walls. This version has three options depending on the type of switches you choose – optical Gateron Optical Red 2.0, quiet Gateron Yellow, and the smoothest Gateron Cap Teal.
With a closed case of the “skeleton” form factor, which does not have an external edging, which is inherent in standard cases, this, the keyboard sounds a little louder because there are no external walls along the edges, which also additionally absorb sound. Still, this type of case seems to be more aesthetic and more convenient to clean because you do not need to remove the upper part of the case. This variation is available on GateronRed switches.


White Version:
A light variation of the keyboard, in which the case and keycaps are made in white, the keycaps in it are made in the pudding style, and the keyboard itself has two variations: on switches of G3MS Sapphire’s production, on switches co-produced by Gateron and Dark Project – Cap Teal.


As well as a limited Limited version:
The variation is made in a dark case with a branded key-cap design in bright colors (yellow, white, and black), has a standard case, and an incredibly eye-catching and harmonious design with a branded design from Dark Project. It has two variations depending on the switch type you select: On Gateron INK Red – Gateron’s updated Red switches, the INK version stands out for being smoother and deeper sounding thanks to the use of a new body material; on optical GateronOpticalSilver 1.0, quiet and fast switches, which, in addition to a very quiet sound, also have an incredibly low response of 1 ms.


Proprietary software
Separately, the proprietary DarkProject application, in which you can customize the backlight, assign functions to keys and macros. In terms of backlighting, you can choose either the already existing ready-made animation options, such as waves, flickering and shining, or you can set up a static backlight of the desired color, or set up a separate one for each key, as well as “responsive” for each press. In terms of “remapping”, that is, remapping the keys, the software also does not lag and allows you to remap any of the keys completely. You can assign both individual functions and set individual macros, so you can set the functions and special macros you are interested in to convenient for you keys. Also, for convenience, there is a function of demonstrating the keys to which any actions are already attached. It works as follows: you press the Fn key and the keyboard highlights in white those keys to which some action is already assigned, whether it be controlling the backlight modes and brightness, controlling the volume, multimedia keys, and so on. Interactive convenience is on par with the information that is also available in the user manual that comes with the kit.


Outcome
The Dark Project is one of the most enjoyable and high-quality out-of-the-box keyboards, both in terms of build quality and design. Factory lubricated switches and stabilizers provide the most enjoyable gaming and typing experience, as well as reducing the noise and rattle that can be heard on even more expensive options from major gaming brands, this is perhaps one of the “killer features” of this brand, thanks to which they rise to the level of such eminent mastodon brands as Ducky and Leopold. And their keyboards’ strict yet varied designs provide a wide range of choices for even the most demanding customers. In case this is not enough, Dark Project allows you to further customize the selected keyboard: the presence of a “hot-swap”, due to which you can choose the most convenient switches for yourself; various sets of keycaps that are commercially available and will allow you to further “tune” the keyboard for yourself. And the high-quality materials and components used will ensure a long service life for your future keyboard, whether it is PBT plastic used as the material of the case and keycaps or switches and “PCB” switches, which, by mounting directly into the mounting board, ensure their durability and reliability. All these characteristics form this very Dark Project brand, which stands out for its incredible quality and love for detail in its products.

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