Whirlwind FX Atom review: 60 percent size, 100 percent awesome

Whirlwind FX Atom Source: Windows Key

While the full suite of keys you'll detect on standard-size keyboards is great for productivity work, many of them will likely go untouched if you're primarily using your keyboard for gaming. This led to the emergence of the lx% keyboard form factor — a term that describes gamer-focused boards that have twoscore% of the keys removed. Equally a effect of the lower key count, these keyboards are shorter and lighter than other options.

Prior to this review, I had never tried out lx% keyboards, and so when Whirlwind FX contacted me and asked if I wanted to test out its new Whirlwind FX Atom 60% keyboard, I jumped at the opportunity. And later on testing it out for a few weeks, I tin can confidently say that, while information technology's non the right keyboard for a author by mean solar day, gamer by night blazon like me, it'south still one of the best keyboards available. That's especially truthful if you're a gamer that wants to salvage space on your desktop, become rid of keys y'all're not going to use, and take your keyboard wherever you go.

Whirlwind FX Atom

Cyclone FX Atom

Bottom line: Aside from some wobbly stands, the Cyclone FX Atom is a durable, high-performance 60% keyboard that feels amazing to play games on. The reactive RGB lighting is pretty sweet, too.

The Adept

Excellent build and pattern
Several different Ruddy MX switches bachelor
N-key rollover and 3000Hz polling charge per unit
Snazzy reactive RGB

The Bad

Stands are slightly wobbly
Typeface won't be for anybody

Whirlwind FX Atom: Price and availability

Whirlwind FX Atom Source: Windows Central

The Whirlwind FX Cantlet is priced at $100 and can be purchased from Amazon or directly from Whirlwind FX itself.

Whirlwind FX Atom: What you'll love virtually this keyboard

Whirlwind FX Atom Source: Windows Central

Starting time and foremost, the affair I dear most about this keyboard is that information technology has a fantastic build and design that makes it both durable and comfortable to game on. The double shot ABS matte keycaps are easy on the fingers, and the switches activate without any noticeable issues at all (no doubt assisted past the keyboard's lubricated stabilizers). The board chassis itself is likewise very rigid, and so you don't have to worry about flex. If you lot've never used a 60% keyboard before, it'll feel weird at first, only once you do you'll have an splendid feel gaming on this keyboard.

This keyboard is built to last, and also very comfortable to use.

Secondly, this keyboard comes with full N-central rollover and an excellent 3000Hz polling rate. The sometime ensures that rapid inputs won't be delayed, and the latter guarantees your inputs will be reported to the reckoner instantaneously — both of which are very benign advantages for gaming. Yous also have the choice between Cherry MX Red, Blue, and Dark-brown switches (I picked Blood-red).

Finally, I really love what Whirlwind FX is doing with the RGB on this lath. In addition to typical RGB features similar being able to customize colors and patterns, Cyclone FX's SignalRGB software also comes with integration for over l dissimilar games, with more being added weekly. This reactive RGB causes the lighting to shift based on what'south happening in-game. For example, in Skyrim, the keyboard volition change colors based on when y'all're taking damage, regaining mana, and attacking enemies. Y'all can view the entire listing of integrated games here, and if a game you similar to play isn't on it, you can submit a request for Cyclone FX for integration.

Whirlwind FX Atom: What you lot'll love less about this keyboard

Whirlwind FX Atom Source: Windows Cardinal

There are simply 2 things I dislike about this keyboard. Firstly, the foldable stands on the dorsum of the board are slightly wobbly. The keyboard stays propped up on them fine, but there'southward a decent chance that you'll accidentally flip ane or both of the stands upward if you unintentionally scoot the keyboard forwards while playing.

Secondly — and much more subjectively — the typeface on the keyboard is a bit weird for my tastes. I don't like how many of the characters have strikethroughs, but if you think information technology looks cool, you'll love information technology.

Whirlwind FX Atom: Competition

Ducky One 2 Mini Source: Windows Central

In terms of a competing threescore% keyboard that gives the Whirlwind FX Atom a run for its money, we recommend the Ducky Channel Ane 2 Mini as a solid culling. It has all of the same features that the Whirlwind FX Atom has aside from the reactive RGB, and as well comes with premium PBT keycaps that trump the Cyclone FX's ABS ones. All the same, it costs $20 more than and also has a much "louder" overall aesthetic thanks to the white chassis and sizable Ducky brand logos on the spacebar and dorsum of the lath. I would personally choose the Cyclone FX Atom, but the Ducky Channel 1 two Mini shouldn't be overlooked.

Cyclone FX Atom: Should you buy it?

Source: Windows Fundamental The Cherry MX Cerise switches on the Whirlwind FX Atom.

You should buy this if ...

You need a high-performance gaming keyboard
Y'all want something portable and space-conscious
You lot don't need all of the keys on a standard keyboard
Yous like snazzy, reactive RGB

Yous shouldn't buy this if...

You need something for lots of typing
Y'all don't care well-nigh portability or saving space
You want a keyboard with a metal chassis
You'd prefer to become wireless

Ultimately, if you're in need of a infinite-witting gaming keyboard with great performance, the Whirlwind FX Atom is a superb pick. The reactive RGB lighting is a really cool bonus, and while the slightly wobbly stands are a bit annoying, they're hardly a serious problem. Overall, this keyboard is fantastic.

You probably won't similar this keyboard (or any other 60% keyboard, for that affair) if you programme to do a lot of typing when you're not gaming, though. If a total-sized gaming keyboard that will as well serve well for typing is what yous're after, don't miss our roundup of all of the all-time gaming keyboards available. Also, make sure to check out our list of the best keyboards for some not bad productivity-focused options as well.

Whirlwind FX Atom

Bottom line: The Whirlwind FX Atom is the ultimate compact wired keyboard that's perfect for gamers looking to save on infinite. The reactive RGB lighting is neat, too, and more games are being integrated with the keyboard's software weekly.

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