IQUNIX MQ80 Mechanical Keyboard Review – My Honest Take After Daily Use
The keyboard that you use every day has a bigger impact on your workflow than most people think. It’s the piece of tech that you interact with the most throughout your day – whether it’s emails, writing or just general admin work.
The IQUNIX MQ80 mechanical keyboard sits in the premium bracket, with its compact layout and solid aluminium build. After using it daily, I’ve formed a clear view on where it stands. In this IQUNIX MQ80 Mechanical Keyboard review, I’ll share my honest take on the build quality, typing experience and whether it’s worth considering for everyday work.
With that in mind, let’s take a closer look 👀
Design & Build Quality:
From the moment that I unboxed the MQ80, it made a strong first impression. I have it in the Moonlight Silver colour, giving it a clean, understated look that fits a modern, minimal desk setup
The weight is noticeable as soon as you pick it up. It’s a solid piece of kit and gives you confidence that it’s going to last.
The MQ80 features a full aluminium body with a CNC-machined frame and anodised finish. This explains the weight of the keyboard. The anodised finish adds to its refined aesthetics, making it one of the nicest-looking keyboards that I have owned.
There is a small amount of flex if you deliberately apply some pressure, but this is down to the Le-Tray gasket mount design. Unlike other keyboards that bottom out against a hard plastic surface, this mounting system provides a softer, cushioned feel under each key press.
One thing to note with this design is that there are no adjustable feet to change the typing angle. However, with this being a low-profile keyboard with a relatively low front height (10.2mm), it’s not an issue for me during daily use. I find that it sits at a comfortable typing angle without any need for adjustment.
On the side of the keyboard, you will find a removable red accent. It’s a nice subtle design detail, although I’m not entirely sure what it is meant to do. That said, it does look nice.
The MQ80 also comes with a carry case, keycap puller and a small keyboard brush. These extras aren’t always included with keyboards in this category, and they help reinforce the overall premium feel of the package. The carry case in particular is a nice touch if you do plan on moving it between setups.
Typing Experience:
Let’s get to what really matters — how does the IQUNIX MQ80 feel to type on? Honestly, it’s one of the best I’ve come across.
The MQ80 comes with the Gold Red switches, which deliver beautifully smooth keystrokes with a total travel of 2.8mm (the distance the keycap moves from its resting position).
The switches are paired with PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate Plastic) keycaps that feature an anti-oil coating to help maintain that premium feel. I haven’t experienced any wobble in the keys when typing, and because of the overall build quality, typing fatigue hasn’t been an issue — even after longer writing sessions.
And now onto what you all want to know — the sound.
Here’s a quick typing sound test so you can hear it for yourself:
⬇️ Embed video here ⬇️
The MQ80 produces a deep, satisfyingly thocky sound with every key press. Even though it’s a low-profile keyboard, you still get that classic mechanical keyboard sound, which, if you’re anything like me, is something to enjoy. That said, it’s probably not a keyboard you’d want to take into a quiet office, as it could distract your colleagues.
Connectivity & Daily Use:
The IQUNIX MQ80 supports Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless via the included dongle, and wired USB-C connectivity, giving you the flexibility to choose what works best for your setup. It can also support up to three devices, making it easy to switch between machines if you work across multiple setups.
I have used all three connection methods, but I spend most of my time using Bluetooth when I’m on my MacBook Air, as the included dongle is USB-A and there isn’t a USB-A port on the Air. Pairing is straightforward, with the keyboard connecting quickly. There have been a couple of occasions where I’ve noticed slight lag, but they have been few and far between.
When I’m using the MQ80 with my work laptop, I connect via the 2.4GHz dongle. This provides a very stable connection with no noticeable lag while typing.
In terms of battery life, it has been solid, and I haven’t had to charge it frequently. IQUNIX states that the keyboard can last up to 350 hours on a single charge thanks to its low power consumption technology.
The keyboard also comes with RGB backlighting, which I personally enjoy. It adds a bit of personality when working. The lighting can be adjusted using shortcut keys to change the effects or colours. As expected, heavier use of RGB will have an impact on battery life, depending on how much you use it.
Layout & Productivity:
The MQ80 has an 80% ANSI layout, which for me is the perfect size, as it strikes a nice balance between functionality and desk space. I don’t miss having a number pad, as it’s not something that I use in my daily workflow.
What I appreciate most about having an 80% layout is that it takes up less space on my desk, which fits nicely into my minimalist setup. Despite it being a compact design, you still get the function row, and the keys don’t feel cramped at all.
Another great feature is that the keyboard supports VIA custom key mapping. While this isn’t something I’ve used, as I haven’t needed to remap any of the keys for my particular workflow, it’s good to know that you can tailor it to suit your setup. So, if you enjoy customising your gear, this is an added bonus.
Who is it For?
The MQ80 is a great choice for:
– Professionals who want a premium, desk-first keyboard
– Writers and heavy typists who value a smooth, cushioned typing feel
– Anyone building a minimalist desk setup
– Users who don’t need a number pad but still want full functionality
– Those who appreciate mechanical sound and build quality
It may not be the best option for:
– Anyone who regularly travels with their keyboard
– Users who require a full-size layout with a number pad
– People working in very quiet office environments
– Budget-focused buyers
Final Thoughts:
The IQUNIX MQ80 is a premium low-profile mechanical keyboard, and I can say from my experience using it daily that it feels like one. From its solid build to the smooth typing experience and that beautiful thocky sound, it delivers on every level.
This is not a lightweight travel keyboard, and it’s not a budget option, coming in at £119 (roughly $159) But this isn’t a keyboard playing in the budget space. If you’re looking for a keyboard with strong build quality that is genuinely enjoyable to type on, then it justifies the price.
For my workflow, this keyboard has truly been a pleasure to use and one that I’d happily recommend.
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