FiiO JadeAudio KB3 (Hardware)
Official GBAtemp Review

Name: FiiO JadeAudio KB3
Item: FiiO JadeAudio KB3
Rating: 7.5
Author: Prans

Product Information:

Official Store: https://www.fiio.com/newsinfo/880928.html

With the JadeAudio KB3, FiiO is bringing its audio expertise to a new hardware: a mechanical keyboard with integrated DAC and amp. How does this new venture fare?

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Among audio enthusiasts, FiiO has made a name for itself with its high-end audio products such as the M15S portable hi-res DAC and over-ear FT3 headphones. The company is now attempting a new approach to cram its audio expertise in new hardware. They are starting off with keyboards, with their first model being the JadeAudio KB3 which we’ll take a look at in this review.

Contents and specs of the FiiO JadeAudio KB3

On the official AliExpress store, the FiiO JadeAudio KB3 starts at €153 and comes with the following items:

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Specs for the device can be found below:

There are two models of the KB3, namely a wired and a wireless one. The wired version comes with HiFi functionality while the wireless one does not. The model under review is the wired-only KB3 and the views shared in this review will reflect on that model.

KB3 hardware: a promising outing

As FiiO’s first keyboard, the KB3 packs a decent build. Its 75% keyboard layout means that it’s not overly large nor too small and all of the keys are within reach. The keys themselves are all hot swappable and the default caps are semi-transparent black, highlighting the backlight effects.

On the underside are concealed feet that allow you to tilt the keyboard to two different angles if propped up. As the wired model will occupy one of your USB ports, it compensates by integrating two additional USB ports that you can use instead. These are welcome additions, and I found them apt for plugging in USB hubs to expand the number of ports available in my setup. Having a detachable USB-C cable is also welcome as this allows for easier storage as well as replacement of the cable in case of damage.

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Being audio specialists, FiiO didn’t fail to highlight their expertise on the hardware as well. There is a volume knob on the upper right, dedicated audio shortcuts and two audio outputs, a 3.5mm and a 4.4mm headphone jack.

FiiO also boasts that the KB3 packs an aluminium-magnesium alloy construction, this is only true for the upper part of the body. It does add some quality to the overall build but the phrasing can be somewhat deceptive as the rest of the keyboard is plastic. It doesn’t feel too cheap but having an all-metal chassis would have gone a long way to improve the hardware quality.

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A HiFi keyboard experience

Using the KB3 is a plug-and-play affair as it does not require any drivers to run on Windows or Mac. That said, FiiO does offer the option to download a Windows driver to enable ASIO mode that can improve the audio experience.

As a keyboard, the KB3 works as expected. All keys are responsive and are within reach. The default Gateron G Pro 3.0 yellow switches as well as the integrated multi-layer gasket mount design lead to a relatively quiet and soft typing experience.This makes the keyboard adequate for general uses and typing as it won’t attract too much attention or cause distraction in your workspace.

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However, for my personal preference, I found the tactile feedback to be too soft as I prefer a more clicky experience. The soft feedback can also be a downer for gaming as individual button presses might not be as obvious and might take some getting-used to. It would have been better for FiiO to offer the option between different types of switches to suit more preferences and use cases; and I hope that the company offers such options with its next iterations.

What I would also like to see improved is the backlight. The KB3 comes with preset templates ranging from breathing patterns to static ones but you cannot customise them to your liking. A companion software for this purpose would be welcome.

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The wireless KB3 model isn’t just a keyboard but with the integrated DAC/amp, it is a HiFi keyboard. On the upper left side are two headphone jacks, a 4.4mm balanced and a 3.5mm single-ended headphone output. Having these options are welcome based on your needs and headphone available. If you have one with swappable jacks like FiiO’s own FT3, you can make use of either based on your preferences.

With quality headphones plugged in, the KB3 enables you to enjoy high-fidelity audio. This is thanks to the two high-performance DACs and a pair of amps that are able to deliver output of 550mW. The experience is akin to desktop-grade amps but crammed in a keyboard. I am also particularly fond of the volume knob that delivers a satisfying feeling every time it is used. The KB3 is a great companion to playing music to accompany your computer-based work or for PC gaming. Audio details are relayed crisp and clear, with the subtle notes discernible. Of course, the experience will depend on the headphones you use as well but a decent pair of cans will be complemented with the KB3.

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However, there are a few hiccups with the KB3. Most noticeably is that the volume would reset once the PC is restarted or the keyboard is unplugged and plugged again. Having the option to use the device in wireless mode, while having the HiFi feature would also be welcome. These indicate some room for improvements that could be addressed in future iterations.

As FiiO’s first keyboard, the JadeAudio KB3 represents a decent outing. The company’s audio expertise is on display and the attempt to integrate that expertise in new hardware is commendable. There is definitely room for improvements, such as the choice for switches, different keyboard size, all-metal body and offering wireless option with the HiFi feature; and I hope that the company improves on these aspects in future iterations.

Verdict

What We Liked ...

HiFi keyboard with integrated, quality DAC/amp
Satisfying volume control knob
Extra USB ports and detachable USB cable

What We Didn't Like ...

Only top section is made of aluminium
No choice of switches
Minimal backlight customisation

7.5

out of 10

Overall

By cramming a quality DAC/amp in a keyboard, FiiO makes a promising outing in the keyboard market with the JadeAudio KB3.

Reactions: jeffyTheHomebrewer, MrSandstorm and SAIYAN48

I'm guessing someone at Fiio is a keyboard enthusiast, and got the company to make one with the excuse of putting a DAC+Amp in it

_v3
Jan 8, 2024

Those caps... what the heck...

Scarlet
Jan 8, 2024

It is probably worth mentioning that FiiO is selling a version of this keyboard without keycaps or switches, so you could just go out and get your own. You only save $20 compared to the build version but it is an odd omission with complaints about switch variety.

The keycaps seem a bold choice for a keyboard like this too, but I guess FiiO's stuff typically does look a bit funky in their own way, so maybe not too out of character lol.

Edit:
Also noticed there's no mention of VIA/QMK in the review. Did you try to remap the keys at all? I've read some people having issues with it, so would just be nice to have some input here given the support is advertised.

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