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NOS / Keyboards

How to choose a NOS mini keyboard

In short. The NOS range runs from a 60% mini keyboard up to a 100% full size, so choose your layout size first and your switch type second. The C-450 Mini Pro is the 60% board, running Outemu Red switches and weighing 590 g. The CLEAR65 and the C800 both sit at 65%. The C350 is the tenkeyless model, while the K-100 covers the full size end. Every keyboard in the lineup connects over wired USB.

What Layout Size Changes on Your Board

A 60% board strips out the function row, loses the number pad, and folds the navigation cluster onto an Fn layer. The C-450 Mini Pro RGB uses that 60% form with 62 keys and a weight of 590 g. Step up to 65% and the arrow keys return, along with a short navigation column, while the function row and number pad stay gone. The CLEAR65 and the C800 Magnetic both sit at 65%.

A tenkeyless board holds the function row and the navigation cluster, giving up only the number pad, as the C350 V2 RGB TKL does at 789 g. A full size board keeps the lot, number pad and all, like the K-100 Core LED at 370 g. Choosing a smaller layout size frees more of the desk for the mouse, and your mouse hand ends up closer to the keys.

Close-up of the keys on the NOS C-450 Mini Keyboard Pro RGB, a 60% mini layout

Mechanical and magnetic switches explained

A mechanical switch closes a small metal contact at one set depth in the keypress, giving a defined point of registration. The C-450 Mini Pro RGB runs Outemu Red switches, while the C350 V2 RGB TKL pairs Jixian Red with a gasket mount. Magnetic Hall effect works differently: a magnet and a sensor track where the key sits, so you can shift the actuation point and use Rapid Trigger. That describes the C800 Magnetic 65 Hall Effect, which weighs 510 g and wears PBT keycaps that hold off shine longer than ABS.

The K-100 Core LED stands apart as a membrane board reporting at 125 Hz. Every other keyboard in the range polls at 1000 Hz.

Close-up of the keys on the NOS C800 Mini Keyboard Magnetic 65 with Hall Effect switches
NOS keyboards compared
C-450 Mini ProCLEAR65C800 MagneticC350 TKLK-100
Layout60% mini65% mini65% miniTenkeyless100% full size
SwitchesOutemu Red mechanicalMechanical, transparent keysMagnetic Hall EffectJixian Red mechanical, gasketMembrane
Rapid TriggerNoNoYesNoNo
Polling rate1000 Hz1000 Hz1000 Hz1000 Hz125 Hz
Anti-ghostingYesYesYesYesNo
ConnectionWired USBWired USBWired USBWired USBWired USB
Weight590 g700 g510 g789 g370 g
PlatformsPC, MacPC, MacPCPCPC, PlayStation

How to choose

  1. 01

    Desk room. A 60% board clears the most room beside your mouse, 65% brings the arrow keys back, tenkeyless retains the function row, and full size holds onto the number pad.

  2. 02

    Switch feel. The C-450 Mini Pro runs Outemu Red switches, the gasket-mounted C350 uses Jixian Red, and only the C800 carries magnetic Hall effect keys with Rapid Trigger.

  3. 03

    Weight. From heaviest to lightest: the C350 at 789 g, C250 730 g, CLEAR65 700 g, C-450 Mini Pro 590 g, C800 510 g, and the membrane K-100 at 370 g.

  4. 04

    Platform. PC and Mac are listed for the C-450 Mini Pro and CLEAR65, while the K-100 pairs PC with PlayStation. Other boards list PC alone, and all connect through wired USB.

FAQ

What is a 60% mini keyboard?
A 60% mini keyboard leaves out the top function row, the separate number pad and the arrow and navigation block, moving all of those keys onto a secondary Fn layer instead. The C-450 Mini Pro RGB fits this format with 62 keys and weighs 590 g.
What is the difference between a 60% and a 65% keyboard?
A 65% board brings back the arrow keys and a slim navigation column that a 60% leaves off, while both sizes still skip the function row and the number pad. The C450 Mini Pro RGB V2 CLEAR65 and the C800 Magnetic 65 Hall Effect both use this layout.
Which NOS keyboard has Rapid Trigger?
The C800 Magnetic 65 Hall Effect is the one with Rapid Trigger. Its magnetic switches sense how far each key travels, so the actuation point can be tuned and the key resets the instant you lift it. It uses PBT keycaps and weighs 510 g.
Are NOS keyboards wireless?
No, none of them are wireless. Every keyboard in the range runs over a wired USB connection. If you want wireless, look instead to the mice, such as the M700, M750 and M800, or to the H800 headset.
What does 1000 Hz polling mean?
A 1000 Hz polling rate means the keyboard sends its key status to the computer 1000 times every second. Every NOS keyboard reaches this rate except the membrane K-100 Core LED, which reports at 125 Hz.
Which NOS keyboard works with a Mac?
Two boards list Mac support: the C-450 Mini Pro RGB and the C450 Mini Pro RGB V2 CLEAR65, both marked for PC and Mac. The K-100 Core LED covers PC and PlayStation, while the others are listed for PC only.