🏆 Review Score: 4/5 – ‘Great!‘
✅ Pros:
😍 Stunning looks and build quality
💪 Stacked with competitive features
🎮 Controller emulation is nice to have
🔧 Web-based software is in-depth and simple to use
👏 Hot-swappable for easy switch replacement
❌ Cons:
🐾 It doesn’t have adjustable feet
🤏 Compact 60%-size isn’t for everyone
💰 Premium pricing
The Shortcut Review
The IQUNIX EV63 is aimed squarely at fans of the iconic Ghost in the Shell anime series and gamers who desire a high-performance keyboard that has must-have features like rapid trigger, customizable actuation points, and in-depth software.
Inspired by Major Motoko Kusanagi and Section 9 motifs, the IQUNIX EV63 certainly looks the part, and its build quality is exceptional. There’s a real premium heft to the keyboard, thanks to its forged-carbon, aluminum finish and notable weight. The detailed keycaps inspired by the cyberpunk theme that Ghost in the Shell is so famed for are also beautifully crafted.
The detailed keycaps inspired by the cyberpunk theme Ghost in the Shell is so famed for are also beautifully crafted.
But it’s the IQUNIX EV63 gaming capabilities that really elevate this keyboard above other models. Not only is it armed with Hall-effect magnetic switches that support rapid-trigger and continuous rapid trigger, but IQUNIX’s web-based configuration tool lets you lock-in exactly the settings you desire.
IQUNIX EV63 Ghost in the Shell Edition specs 🛠️
Price: $249.99
Colors: Shell Core, Cyber Blue
Connectivity: Wired
Post-launch support has added new functionality, such as controller emulation, a useful feature for third-person and driving games, and its hot-swappable design lets you customize the feel and sound if you’re not satisfied with the stock setup. However, I found the default Nova Switches delivered a smooth and responsive typing experience, and felt incredibly responsive for gaming.
As a 60%-sized keyboard, it’s ideal for those looking for a smaller footprint on their desk, and there are layer shortcuts you can program to remap missing keys and create macros using the aforementioned IQUNIX configuration tool.
Still, its bold styling will only appeal to those who are fans of Ghost in the Shell and are after a compact gaming keyboard above all else. At $249, it’s a premium product that commands a premium price tag, and means there’s plenty of competition to consider at this price bracket. Read my full IQUNIX EV63 Ghost in the Shell Edition review below.
A review unit was provided by IQUNIX.
What I loved about the IQUNIX EV63 Ghost in the Shell Edition ❤️
😍 Stunning looks and build quality. There’s no denying that the IQUNIX EV63 looks the part, with its cyberpunk-infused styling and intricate details that pay homage to the Ghost in the Shell series. It doesn’t look garish or loud, and really feels like a genuinely special edition. It’s also built like a tank, weighing 1.2kg.
💪 Stacked with competitive features. The IQUNIX EV63 Ghost in the Shell Edition is a gaming keyboard at heart, and is packed with every modern-day tech competitive gamers could ask for. There’s 8 kHz polling rate and 16 kHz scan rate, SOCD 2.0 (Simultaneous Opposite Cardinal Direction) and dynamic keystroke support, and ultra-responsive hall-effect switches that can offer 0.01mm precision with barely any perceptible latency. It feels fantastic to play games on.
You can customize the IQUNIX EV63 to your heart’s content with the web-based software without having to download or install anything.
🎮 Controller emulation is nice to have. Few keyboards offer a way to emulate a controller, which is a neat addition to the IQUNIX EV63. Games that rely on analog stick movement greatly benefit, and it bridges the gap between a controller and a keyboard. You’ll need to install the latest update, but it’s a breeze to do using the web-based software.
🔧 Web-based software is in-depth and easy to use. Speaking of which, you can customize the IQUNIX EV63 to your heart’s content with the web-based software without having to download or install anything. There’s a wealth of features available, including key actuation, rapid trigger, macros, profile presets, and more to choose from. There are also helpful explanations next to each setting, so you know what you’re enabling and why.
👏 Hot-swappable for easy switch replacement. If you don’t gel with the stock Nova key switches, you can mod the IQUNIX EV63. Each switch sits in a modular socket rather than being soldered to the PCB, allowing you to use a switch puller to lift out any of the Hall-effect modules and drop in a new one. The board automatically detects the new switch and recalibrates accordingly. It’s great for modders and also gives you peace of mind if any switch fails.
What I disliked about the IQUNIX EV63 Ghost in the Shell Edition 💔
🐾 It doesn’t have adjustable feet. The IQUNIX EV63 isn’t the most ergonomic keyboard as it doesn’t have any feet that let you adjust the height. The chassis sits at a fixed angle, so if you’re someone who prefers a flatter or more forward-leaning setup, you’re out of luck. You also don’t get a palm rest.
🤏 Compact 60%-size isn’t for everyone. Even though you can remap and create macros to make up for the missing keys, I always miss having dedicated media keys, and some games make use of the F keys that aren’t present on the IQUNIX EV63. You need to be comfortable sacrificing some functionality for form.
💰 Premium pricing. Unless you’re completely sold on the look of the IQUNIX EV63 Ghost in the Shell Edition, its price of $249 puts it head to head with other gaming keyboards that may offer more keys, ergonomic features, and similar gaming perks, often for a lower or a similar price. It’s also a wired-only connection.
Should you buy the IQUNIX EV63 Ghost in the Shell Edition? 🤔
Yes, if…
✅ You love Ghost in the Shell
✅ You want a high-end, feature-packed gaming keyboard
✅ You need a compact-sized keyboard with a small footprint
No, if…
❌ You don’t have an affinity with Ghost in the Shell
❌ You value ergonomics and being able to adjust a keyboard’s angle
❌ You require more keys than a 60%-sized keyboard offers
Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.