FL Esports NX87: The Ultimate Gaming Keyboard Guide
Hey guys! Ever been on the hunt for a new keyboard that can level up your gaming experience? Well, look no further! Today, we're diving deep into the FL Esports NX87, a keyboard that's been making waves in the gaming community. We'll explore everything from its features and performance to why it might just be the perfect fit for you. So, buckle up, because we're about to embark on a journey to discover if this keyboard is the real deal.
What is the FL Esports NX87?
Alright, first things first, what exactly is the FL Esports NX87? It's a compact, tenkeyless (TKL) mechanical keyboard designed with gamers in mind. What does TKL mean, you ask? It simply means it's missing the number pad, making it smaller and more portable than a full-sized keyboard. This design is super popular among gamers because it gives you more space for your mouse movements, which is a big win in fast-paced games. The FL Esports NX87 isn't just about the size; it's packed with features that aim to boost your gaming performance. From its high-quality switches to its customizable lighting, this keyboard is all about giving you the edge. But, let's not get ahead of ourselves. We will break down everything you need to know about the FL Esports NX87 keyboard later in the guide.
Now, let's talk about some key features of this keyboard. We will delve into the type of switches this keyboard uses, the customization options you get, and what makes this keyboard stand out from the crowd. We will also talk about how the keyboard feels when you are typing or gaming. The main goal is to give you a clear picture of what the FL Esports NX87 is all about.
Key Features and Specifications
Let's get down to the nitty-gritty and take a look at the FL Esports NX87's key features and specifications. This will help you understand what you're getting and how it can benefit your gaming setup. Here are some of the most important aspects:
- Layout: Tenkeyless (TKL) – As we mentioned, this means it has no number pad, making it compact and ideal for gamers who need more desk space for mouse movement.
- Switches: Typically comes with various switch options (like the ones from Gateron or the FL CM switches, more on this later), offering different feels and responsiveness. This is a big deal, as the switches determine how your keystrokes feel and sound.
- Keycaps: Often features high-quality keycaps, which can be made of PBT or ABS plastic. PBT is known for its durability and resistance to shine, while ABS is more common and can be a bit more affordable.
- Connectivity: Usually connects via USB-C, which is a modern and reliable connection. Some models might even offer wireless connectivity for added convenience.
- RGB Lighting: Customizable RGB backlighting is almost a standard feature, allowing you to personalize the look of your keyboard to match your setup or mood.
- Build Quality: The build quality is pretty solid, with a sturdy frame that can withstand the rigors of intense gaming sessions. The weight is pretty good too, not too heavy, not too light.
- Software: Often comes with software that allows you to customize the lighting, remap keys, and create macros. This is where you can really fine-tune the keyboard to your liking.
As you can see, the FL Esports NX87 is packed with features designed to enhance your gaming experience. But how do these features translate into actual performance? That's what we'll explore next.
Performance and Gaming Experience
Alright, let's talk about the important stuff: how does the FL Esports NX87 perform when you're in the heat of battle? The performance of a gaming keyboard comes down to several factors: the switches, the keycaps, the responsiveness, and the overall feel. So, let's break it down.
Switch Options and Feel
One of the most crucial aspects of any mechanical keyboard is the switches. The FL Esports NX87 usually offers several switch options, allowing you to choose the feel that best suits your gaming style. Popular choices often include Gateron switches, which are known for their quality and variety. You might find options like:
- Linear Switches: These switches offer a smooth, consistent keystroke with no tactile bump. They're great for fast-paced games where speed is key, as you don't have to overcome any resistance before the key registers. Common linear switches include Gateron Red, which is super popular for its light touch.
- Tactile Switches: These switches have a noticeable bump when pressed, giving you tactile feedback. This can help you know when a key has been registered without bottoming out. Gateron Brown is a great example of a tactile switch, offering a balance between typing and gaming.
- Clicky Switches: These switches offer both a tactile bump and an audible click. They give the most feedback, making them great for typing but can be a bit noisy for gaming. Gateron Blue is a classic example of a clicky switch.
Each switch type offers a different feel and sound. Linear switches are smooth and quiet, tactile switches offer a bump, and clicky switches offer both a bump and a click sound. The choice depends on your personal preference and gaming style.
Responsiveness and Input Lag
In gaming, responsiveness is everything. The FL Esports NX87 is designed to minimize input lag, ensuring your commands are registered instantly. High polling rates (the frequency at which the keyboard reports its status to the computer) contribute to this responsiveness. With a low input lag, you can react faster, which can make a huge difference in competitive games. The keyboard's overall design also plays a role in responsiveness. A well-built keyboard with stable keycaps and switches ensures that every keystroke is registered accurately and consistently. The design and build quality of the keyboard have a significant impact on its responsiveness. A sturdy frame, combined with high-quality switches and keycaps, ensures that every keystroke is registered accurately and consistently.
Keycaps and Typing Experience
Keycaps play a crucial role in the typing experience. The FL Esports NX87 often comes with high-quality keycaps that feel great to the touch and are durable. Keycaps can be made from different materials, the most common ones are:
- PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate): PBT keycaps are known for their durability and resistance to shine. They have a slightly rougher texture that feels premium and doesn't develop a glossy look over time.
- ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): ABS keycaps are more common and can be more affordable. They can develop a glossy shine over time due to wear and tear.
Keycap profile (the shape of the keycaps) also affects the typing experience. Different profiles offer different feels, from the sculpted feel of Cherry profile keycaps to the more uniform feel of XDA or DSA profiles. The keycaps' material, profile, and design all contribute to the overall typing feel. A good set of keycaps will make typing and gaming much more enjoyable.
Customization and Features
Now, let's dive into the fun stuff: customization! The FL Esports NX87 offers a range of options to personalize your gaming setup. We're talking about RGB lighting, key remapping, and macro creation. Let's see how you can make this keyboard truly your own.
RGB Lighting and Effects
RGB lighting is a staple of gaming keyboards, and the FL Esports NX87 doesn't disappoint. You can usually customize the backlighting in a bunch of ways:
- Color Customization: You can choose from millions of colors to match your setup or create a unique look.
- Lighting Modes: There are usually tons of lighting modes like static, breathing, wave, reactive, and more. You can choose the mode that suits your style.
- Brightness Control: Adjust the brightness to the perfect level for your environment.
- Per-Key Lighting: Some models even offer per-key lighting, allowing you to customize each key individually.
All these options let you create an awesome visual experience. You can sync the lighting with your other RGB devices, like your mouse or case fans, for a cohesive look.
Key Remapping and Macros
Key remapping lets you change the function of any key, so you can tailor the keyboard to your gaming style or workflow. This is super useful for making shortcuts or optimizing your controls. You can also create macros, which are sequences of keystrokes assigned to a single key. This is a game-changer for complex commands in games or repetitive tasks. You can set up macros for complex combos, which can give you a significant advantage. This level of customization allows you to create a keyboard setup that fits your exact needs.
Software and Firmware
Most FL Esports NX87 keyboards come with software to control these features. The software typically allows you to:
- Customize lighting effects and colors.
- Remap keys and create macros.
- Save and load profiles for different games or applications.
- Update the keyboard's firmware to get the latest features and bug fixes.
The software is your control center for your keyboard. It lets you tweak and refine your settings to get the perfect gaming experience. Regularly updating the firmware is also important, as it can improve performance and stability.
Design, Build Quality, and Portability
Beyond performance and features, the FL Esports NX87 scores some points in design, build quality, and portability. Let's dig in.
Design and Aesthetics
The FL Esports NX87 often sports a sleek and minimalist design, which is a plus for any gaming setup. The tenkeyless (TKL) layout is compact, giving you more desk space and making the keyboard look clean and uncluttered. The design is all about functionality and style. The clean lines and compact size make the FL Esports NX87 a great-looking addition to any setup. Many models feature a floating keycap design, which makes cleaning easier and enhances the RGB lighting effect. The overall design contributes to the keyboard's premium feel.
Build Quality
Build quality is crucial for a mechanical keyboard. The FL Esports NX87 usually has a sturdy frame made from durable materials like aluminum or high-quality plastic. The build quality directly affects how long the keyboard will last. Solid build quality ensures that your keyboard can withstand the rigors of everyday use and intense gaming sessions. A good, solid keyboard is an investment that will last. The stabilizers (the mechanisms that prevent larger keys from wobbling) are also important. Good stabilizers prevent key wobble and create a smooth and satisfying typing experience.
Portability and Ergonomics
Being a TKL keyboard, the FL Esports NX87 is naturally more portable than a full-sized keyboard. Its compact size makes it easy to carry in a backpack, which is perfect if you're a gamer who travels or attends LAN parties. Ergonomics also plays a role in the design. The keyboard's height and keycap profile can influence how comfortable it is to type or game on for extended periods. The ergonomic design helps reduce strain and fatigue during long gaming sessions. Proper ergonomics are important for your comfort and health.
Pros and Cons of the FL Esports NX87
Before we wrap things up, let's summarize the pros and cons of the FL Esports NX87 to help you decide if it's the right keyboard for you. This will give you a clear, concise overview.
Pros:
- Compact Design: The TKL layout saves space and is great for gamers.
- Customizable RGB Lighting: Personalize the look with a wide range of colors and effects.
- High-Quality Switches: Offers various switch options for different feels and preferences.
- Solid Build Quality: Durable materials ensure longevity.
- Key Remapping and Macros: Customize your controls for better performance.
Cons:
- Switch Options Can Be Limited: Depending on the model, the switch options might be limited compared to other brands.
- Software Can Vary: Software quality and features may differ slightly depending on the specific model.
Conclusion: Is the FL Esports NX87 Right for You?
So, is the FL Esports NX87 the gaming keyboard you've been looking for? It really depends on your needs and preferences. If you're a gamer who wants a compact keyboard with great performance, customizable lighting, and solid build quality, the FL Esports NX87 is definitely worth considering. It's especially a great choice if you appreciate a clean, minimalist design and want a keyboard that's easy to transport.
If you prefer a full-sized keyboard or require a wider range of switch options, you might want to explore other options. But overall, the FL Esports NX87 offers a great balance of features, performance, and value. The FL Esports NX87 is a strong contender in the gaming keyboard market.
Thanks for hanging out and reading this guide! Hopefully, this gives you a good idea if the FL Esports NX87 is right for you. Happy gaming!