MechLands Blade 101 Review
A Premium Experience at a Mid-Tier Price
Disclaimer: MechLands sent us a unit free of charge to review, but all thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are our own and were not discussed with the company prior to publishing.
Retail Price: $109.99
The MechLands Blade 101 really stands out as a strong option within the $100 mechanical keyboard range. At that price point, you are getting a premium package– a great-sounding typing experience, an amazing fully aluminum chassis, and a refined design that checks nearly all the right boxes for both enthusiasts and casual users. MechLands really focused on what key elements to focus on in this keyboard and have nailed what customers enjoy in a keyboard. The Blade 101 sounds deep, thocky, and genuinely satisfying to type with every keystroke. It's the kind of keyboard that makes you want to type more, even if there's no need; you just want to hear it. The Blade 101 is an easy recommendation that delivers exceptional quality far above its price point.
Deep Sound, Premium Feel
Verdant switches with double-shot PBT keycaps
As soon as I started typing on the Blade 101, the experience was instantly satisfying. Using a fully aluminium chassis that weighs nearly 5 pounds contributes to deep sounds that enhance the in-house switches MechLands use. The materials used to make this keyboard, such as the double-shot PBT keycaps and the spray-painted frame, really do a great job of enhancing the experience when using it.
The switches made in-house are the Verdant switches, which create a unique balance of a linear switch feeling and a thocky sound profile. It has an almost pop sound while still maintaining that deep, full sound. Combined with gasket mounts and finely tuned stabilizers, the Blade 101 sounds refined and exactly what enthusiasts are looking for in a high-end keyboard. Honestly, this keyboard made me game more just so I can hear the switches.
Custom Cable Lovers, Beware!
This keyboard checks the majority of the boxes on my checklist with only a couple of small flaws that could be a dealbreaker for some. Out of the box, you get: a USB-C cable, a keycap puller, and extra switches, which is great for long-term use and customization. However, when I tried to plug in my aviator-style USB cable, I noticed that it would not fully connect. The Blade 101 has a recessed USB port, which was deep enough that my cable could not fit. I had to plug in the original cable that came with it for it to power on. This decision from MechLands can cause a lot of frustration for users who care about aesthetics and want a specific theme for their desk setup. While it may not be a dealbreaker for everyone, it is a frustrating oversight that could cause you to look into other options.
Needs adjustable feet
The second issue I ran into became apparent after using the keyboard for a while. The layout, specifically the function row, sits noticeably lower than the number row. This led me to stretch my fingers more to go over the number row and select the desired function key. I often found myself accidentally pressing a number key before the function key I intended to hit. This would not be as big a concern if there were adjustable typing angles, but the Blade 101 does not come with adjustable feet. Having adjustable feet adds that extra amount of customization that could affect how they type, such as in my experience, so that is something to keep in mind for this keyboard.
Final Thoughts
All things considered, the MechLands Blade 101 really displays an impressive amount of features for its $110 price point. From the premium materials, satisfying switches, amazing sound profile, wired/wireless connectivity, and support for third-party modifications, MechLands really created a keyboard that has the trifecta of performance, aesthetics, and value: a hard thing to do without sacrificing one or the other.
While I would have liked to see a better USB-C port to allow for all types of cables to be used and adjustable feet for better ergonomics, these are small flaws that I found do not outweigh to amount of joy I had when using this keyboard. Straight out of the package, this keyboard surprised me and really had me impressed with how little I would modify it for it to check off everything on my checklist. The Blade 101 offers a smooth, refined typing experience with a rich and thocky sound that is hard not to get addicted to. For those who appreciate a solid, premium-feeling keyboard with a rich and satisfying sound profile out of the box, the MechLands Blade 101 is an easy recommendation.
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