Adesso RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Review 2024
Adesso RGB Programmable Mechanical Gaming Keyboard with Detachable Magnetic Palmrest, 108 Keys, Black
Adesso
- Enjoy this multi-color illuminated USB keyboard.
- Programmable Macro keys provide access to your most frequently used programs.
- A mechanical switch provides a tactile and clicky feedback so you can feel and hear clearly when a key has been pressed.
- RGB color brightness adjustment knob allows you to adjust the color brightness or the patterns to match your patterns.
Quick Verdict
Pros
- Tactile clicky switches deliver satisfying, precise keystroke feedback
- Built-in RGB dial lets you adjust brightness and cycle patterns on the fly
- Programmable macro keys save time during repetitive tasks and gaming combos
- Detachable magnetic palmrest adds wrist support for long typing sessions
- Solid aluminum construction feels sturdy and resists flexing during intense use
Cons
- Clicky switches are loud — neighbours and open-plan coworkers will hear every keystroke
- Adesso's configuration software is basic compared to Corsair or Razer alternatives
- RGB software lacks per-key customisation; limited to preset patterns
Quick Verdict
The Adesso RGB gaming keyboard lands in a peculiar middle ground — the tactile clicky switches feel genuinely satisfying for both fast typists and gamers, the magnetic palmrest is a thoughtful touch, and the hardware dial for RGB brightness is genuinely handy. That said, the clicky acoustics are a dealbreaker in shared spaces, and the software leaves a lot to be desired compared to what Corsair or Razer offer. Check current price on Amazon — this board makes sense if you game solo or work from home, less so if silence matters to you.
What Is the Adesso RGB Gaming Keyboard?
The Adesso WKB-4000UB is a full-size 108-key mechanical keyboard built around clicky switches, wrapped in a black aluminium frame and loaded with per-key RGB backlighting. It sits in the mid-range gaming segment, competing against boards like the Corsair K55 RGB and the Redragon K552. The headline additions here are the six programmable macro keys on the left side, a dedicated rotary knob for cycling RGB patterns and brightness, and a detachable magnetic palmrest that clips to the bottom edge.
I unboxed this on a rainy Thursday evening, peeled the film off the keycaps, and plugged it into my work laptop before I'd even read the quick-start card. It was recognised immediately — no drivers, no fuss. The first thing I noticed was the weight. At roughly 1.4 kg, this board doesn't shift on the desk unless you actively drag it, which is reassuring during intense gaming sessions.
Key Features
- 108-key full-size layout with six dedicated macro keys on the left
- Mechanical clicky switches with tactile bump and audible click
- Multi-colour RGB backlighting with hardware brightness/pattern dial
- Detachable magnetic palmrest included in the box
- Aluminium top plate and ABS keycaps
- USB Type-A wired connection
- Adesso utility software for macro programming (Windows only)
Hands-On Review
By day three, I had replaced my usual office membrane board with the Adesso RGB gaming keyboard for a full workday — emails, two Google Docs articles, and a spreadsheet marathon. The difference in feel was immediate. The switches have a distinct tactile bump before actuation, and the click fires reliably once you hit the actuation point. My typing speed didn't drop, but my accuracy improved slightly — there's a crispness to each keystroke that membranes simply can't replicate.
What surprised me was the RGB dial. I've used gaming keyboards where cycling lighting modes means a Function-key shortcut or diving into software. Here, a twist of the knob on the top right cycles through eight preset patterns and adjusts brightness on the fly. It's a small quality-of-life feature, but once you use it, you notice the absence of it on boards that require a key combo.
The macro keys sat idle for the first week. On day eight, I finally downloaded the Adesso utility and assigned a three-keystroke macro to one of them — a text expansion shortcut I use constantly. It worked without drama. The software is barebones: functional, but visually dated and occasionally slow to register changes. It does the job, but it won't win design awards.
Here's the thing nobody mentions in the listings: the sound. The clicky switches on this board are loud. Not office-loud in the sense of a colleague's mechanical board — this is louder. During a late-night gaming session, my partner asked me to switch keyboards because the clicking was audible through a closed door. If you share a workspace, audition this in person if possible or at least factor in a keyboard cover.
Who Should Buy It?
The Adesso RGB gaming keyboard is worth considering if:
- You work from home in a private space and want tactile typing feedback without spending on a premium brand
- You're a gamer who appreciates clicky switches for their auditory and tactile confirmation on key presses
- You want macro programmable keys but don't want to pay Razer or Corsair prices
- You like customising desk lighting and appreciate having a hardware dial for quick adjustments
Skip this keyboard if you share an office or work in a shared space — the acoustics will annoy people around you. Also skip it if you need per-key RGB customisation, wireless connectivity, or polished driver software; look at the Corsair K55 RGB or the Logitech G413 instead.
Alternatives Worth Considering
If the Adesso RGB gaming keyboard isn't quite the right fit, here are two solid alternatives:
- Corsair K55 RGB Pro — Quieter membrane keys with RGB and macro support. Better software ecosystem, but the typing feel is softer and less tactile.
- Redragon K552 Kumara — Budget TKL mechanical keyboard with red backlighting and Outemu switches. Excellent value, but no macro keys, no palmrest, and no RGB colour options.
FAQ
Yes. This keyboard uses clicky mechanical switches, which produce a noticeable audible click on every keystroke. If you need something quiet, look for a membrane or linear mechanical board instead.
Final Verdict
The Adesso RGB gaming keyboard isn't trying to out-spec the big gaming brands — it's a practical workhorse with satisfying mechanical feel and genuine RGB convenience features at a competitive price. The magnetic palmrest and hardware dial are small touches that add up in daily use. The loud clicky acoustics and basic software are the main compromises, and they're real ones depending on your environment. Will I keep using it? Yes — in my home office where the volume doesn't bother anyone. In a shared space, I'd swap it out in a heartbeat.