After bringing the EV63 as the flagship Hall Effect 60% keyboard that brings an unparalleled gaming experience, IQUNIX is back with its EV63 "Ghost in the Shell" edition, which it showcased at the Computex event recently. The EV63 Ghost in the Shell is based on the standard EV63 but brings some noticeable changes to both the appearance and hardware, bringing a special experience to the desk that enthusiasts would love.

I was lucky to get the EV6 Ghost in the Shell edition keyboard, which essentially retains the same core hardware foundation as the standard EV63 while introducing a unique visual identity. Drawing inspiration from the futuristic world of Cyberpunk, the keyboard incorporates custom keycaps and legends as well as themed packaging that stands out. In this review, we will take a closer look at the IQUNIX EV63 Ghost in the Shell Edition, examining its packaging, design, connectivity, typing experience, and customization options to see whether it offers more than just eye-catching aesthetics.

Packaging and Contents

The IQUNIX EV63 Ghost in the Shell makes a strong first impression out of the box with its packaging. The outer cover is inspired by the cyberpunk anime franchise, but the main box retains the same packaging as the standard EV63 keyboard. Nonetheless, the outer cover features some attractive custom artwork and branding that clearly distinguishes it from the standard EV63 models.

Inside the box, IQUNIX includes everything needed to get started. Along with the keyboard itself, you will find a well-braided USB Type-C cable, a premium keycap/switch puller, a cleaner brush, several additional themed keycaps, and a user manual.

Connectivity and Compatibility

Unlike other vendors, IQUNIX prefers to have only wired connectivity for its flagship EV63 and Ghost in the Shell edition. We personally love keyboards and such peripherals with tri-mode connectivity, but the EV6 Ghost in the Shell edition only brings wired connectivity to the table, which maintains superior connection stability, low latency, and an 8 kHz polling rate. Personally, for a price tag of $249, a wireless mode should have been given, but as this is based on the EV63, you will find only a wired connection that's through a USB Type-C to A cable.

The keyboard utilizes an 8000 Hz polling rate and an ultra-low-latency architecture that IQUNIX claims can achieve a response time as low as 0.125ms. When combined with Hall Effect technology, the EV6 is clearly engineered for users who prioritize responsiveness and precision. Features such as Rapid Trigger, adjustable actuation points, Dynamic Keystroke, SOCD support, and customizable key travel settings further enhance the competitive gaming experience that enthusiasts crave.

Compatibility is straightforward on Windows systems, where the keyboard's web-based software unlocks its full feature set. The keyboard is also compatible with macOS-based devices, but as it lacks wireless connectivity modes such as Bluetooth, users will be limited to either Windows or macOS systems.

EV63 Ghost in the Shell: A Closer Look

The layout is a 60% form factor that appears identical to the EV63, but with a drastic change in appearance through custom keycaps. The chassis has been revised completely and while the aluminum body is retained, the silver-themed exterior body hosts the keyboard that appears to have changed the look even from the sides.

The keyboard features a compact 64-key ANSI layout that maintains dedicated arrow keys while retaining a minimal desk footprint. Ghost in the Shell edition appears to be identical to the standard EV63 in size and weighs just over 1.2 KG, making it a decent portable option compared to most premium hall effect keyboards that can weigh nearly 2 KG.

The EV63 Ghost in the Shell keyboard uses a CNC-machined aluminum chassis and an enthusiast-focused construction as the standard model. Similar to the standard EV63, it's durable, appears premium, and is decently heavy, which keeps it stable on the desk while in use. That said, the collaboration elevates the design far beyond a simple color swap.

The keyboard is currently available in Cyber Blue and Shell Core variants. I received the latter, which I personally liked more than the Cyber Blue variant. The keyboard directly draws inspiration from the Ghost in the Shell universe, incorporating custom keycap artwork, unique legends, futuristic color palettes, and franchise-specific branding throughout the design.

One of the highlights of this edition is the KEYTOK custom keycap set, which is manufactured using high-quality PBT material with dye-sublimated legends and translucent accent keys, as you can see from the images. The keycaps boast excellent durability while retaining a futuristic appearance. The color palette appears to be inspired by the original 1995 Ghost in the Shell film, which appears authentic.

Internally, the keyboard utilizes multiple layers of sound-dampening materials, including PORON foam and PET sheets to reduce unwanted resonance. I found this one much quieter than the standard EV63, which is also the result of newer and flagship Nova Switches. These magnetic switches boast HyperCore V3 technology for great control and feature a light 36gf of starting force, adjustable actuation points, and excellent stability, thanks to their split-structure design. These offer smooth linear keypresses that are ideal for both gaming and office environments.

Customizations

The EV63 Ghost in the Shell offers built-in Hall Effect technology, which opens the door to high-level customizations that traditional mechanical keyboards cannot match. Unlike mechanical keyboards, you can customize the actual points on the EV63, making them quick and responsive in gaming or work if you want every small keypress to be registered.

However, you can only do it through IQUNIX dedicated software, which offers extensive customization options, including adjustable actuation settings, Rapid Trigger customizations, Dynamic Keystroke functionality, SOCD (Simultaneous Opposing Cardinal Directions) support, Multi-layer key remapping, and more.

Of course, the keyboard allows you to swap the default keycaps with a dedicated keycap set that ships with the box. Moreover, the magnetic switches can be swapped easily using the switch puller included, which allows adding your favorite switches.

RGB lighting customization is yet another outstanding feature on this keyboard. It's way different from the traditional mechanical or hall-effect keyboards I have used till now. Out of the box, the EV63 Ghost in the Shell exhibits cyberpunk-themed lighting combinations, but you can cycle through various presets by pressing FN+Enter. Once you are satisfied with a particular mode, you can switch the color combinations using FN+Shift (Super key), and you are good to go.

Multiple key combos are available on the board to change the speed and brightness of the RGB lighting, which gives you great control over the keyboard without even needing the software. But of course, you are allowed to customize the RGB lighting extensively through the dedicated software if you want to try custom RGB modes on per key basis.

The Verdict

EV63 Ghost in the Shell edition doesn't merely introduce a visual makeover, but also brings flagship performance to the next level through flagship Nova Switches. It boasts a stunning appearance through custom keycaps that boast translucent design where RGB lights shine through, creating a distinctive cyberpunk-inspired aesthetics. Apart from bringing a drastic change in the appearance, the EV63 Ghost in the Shell brings unparalleled functionality through extremely fast and smooth magnetic switches, extensive customizations on both hardware and software levels, and enthusiast-grade features for competitive gaming that keep you ahead in all circumstances.

The absence of wireless connectivity may disappoint some though, but if you care more about latency and quick response, then the EV63 Ghost in the Shell will be a terrific magnetic keyboard that takes care of professional gaming needs. For Ghost in the Shell fans, the collaboration represents one of the most thoughtfully executed anime-themed keyboards currently available.

Check out IQUNIX EV63 Ghost in the Shell on the official website.

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Extremely fast and silent magnetic keyboard that boasts gorgeous Cyberpunk-inspired aesthetics for Ghost in the Shell fans.

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