IOGEAR Kaliber Gaming Hver Stealth Review
Summary
A solid gaming keyboard that can do double-duty as a work keyboard, but it’s a bit loud for multi-person environments—though the easily accessible RGB lights might bring fun to otherwise dull workspaces.
IOGEAR Kaliber Gaming Hver Stealth Review
I recently reviewed several keyboards. Some are elegant; some are functional. The IOGear Kaliber Gaming Hver Stealth is certainly functional, though it’s very loud and clicky; on the other hand, it’s the most fun because it makes its lighting effects very accessible.
IOGEAR Kaliber Gaming Hver Stealth Specifications
- Number of Keys: 104
- Numeric Keypad: Yes
- N-Key Rollover: Yes
- Anti-Ghosting Keys: All
- Keyboard Technology: Boxed Mechanical Switches
- Key Switch Type: Brown Type (light tactile)
- Keycap Type: Double injected
- Hot Keys Function: Multimedia, Window key lock, lighting
- Programmable Keys: Yes
- Windows Key Lock: Yes
- User Interface: Downloadable driver software
- Keyboard Color: Black
- Keycap Color: Black
- Dimensions: 1.5″ x 17.6″ X 5.5″/3.8cm x 44.7 cm x. 13.5
- Weight: 1.75lbs/.8kg
What we like
Unlike the Drop and Vissles keyboards which offer compact, 75% keyboards, the Kaliber is a full-size keyboard, complete with a ten-key pad. This is good for some, especially those who work with numbers. For those with more cramped workspaces, the long keyboard may not fit in their workspace.
Price is a major difference between IOGear Kaliber Gaming Hver Stealth and the other recently reviewed keyboards. At $49.95, the Hver Stealth comes in just above the price of a set of Cherry switches, less the keyboard and keys. It’s a budget keyboard, but it attempts to work above its paygrade; the typing experience, however, doesn’t match that of more expensive keyboards.
The real joy of using a Hver Stealth comes from its easily accessible RGB backlighting that doesn’t demand a manual to figure out. The 15 built-in backlight patterns require the function key and an arrow, and “+” or “-” to adjust speed. The icons on the keys make it clear which ones control the backlighting.
For custom programming without software, follow this process:
To set the DIY lighting mode
- Press Fn+1 to start programming lighting profile 1.
- Press Fn+Esc. The 4 status LEDs will begin flashing.
- Press the keys you want to light. Each press will cycle the key color as follows: Red, off, Blue, off, Violet, off, White, off, Green, off, Yellow, off.
- Press Fn+Esc again to exit and save setting. The 4 status LEDS will stop flashing.
- Repeat for lighting profiles Fn+2-Fn+5.
For those who like to hack their keyboards, Windows software allows for even more customizable experiences.
Gamers will appreciate the anti-ghosting with key rollover and the ability to Swap W-A-S-D key functions with arrow keys. The gaming features can sometimes present an issue for typists because typing works best when the keyboard and the operator miss errant keystrokes.
The braided cable on the USB connector and the brushed aluminum chassis are quality plus features for a keyboard at this price.
What could be improved
I’m not a fan of the fragile feet that prop up the Hver Stealth. One of them broke during my evaluation. A new pair is on its way, but the design would benefit from a rethink on the feet despite the responsive customer service.
While the IOGear Kaliber Gaming Hver Stealth may invoke a certain kind of tactile experience for gamers that makes the somewhat wiggly keycaps and loud clicking appealing, neither is great for office work. IOGear claims the Hver Stealth uses brown switches, I find neither the sound nor the tactile input matches brown switch experiences on other keyboards.
I know offices are not the target market for the Stealth, but I evaluate all products for their business usefulness. Although the Hver Stealth will certainly serve as a work keyboard, and bring some fun to a workday, it would fit best in work-from-home situations with good separation between people or just a single worker.
The Hver Stealth will work with non-Windows computers, including Mac and Chrome, but the configuration software only runs on Windows.
IOGEAR Kaliber Gaming Hver Stealth Keyboard: The Bottom Line
If you don’t mind a little more noise and a little less of a tactile experience on the keys, the IOGEAR Kaliber Gaming Hver Stealth may well prove a fun bargain to complement gaming or bring some fun to the work experience.
IOGEAR provided the Kaliber Gaming Hver Stealth for review. Images courtesy of IOGEAR.
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