Been using M1W from even before this review released. I love it! I use it wired and for my pc only, so none of the cons affect me at all. I love how Monsgeek gives you the freedom to modify this keyboard every easily, you can get superb sound and premium feel with a fairly low budget
If you'd like to change the toggle switch under the CAPS LOCK often, then I suggest you pop 2 o-rings under the CAPS LOCK keycap then you can pop it off quite easily without a keycap puller. It's what I've done and the key feels like normal yet easy to pop off
Great video, honest review and straight to the point. minor correction, the battery life is stated as 25 Days (~ average 4hr/day without RGB) and 8 Days (~ average 4hr/day with RGB)... (also read some complaints about that on reddit about its low battery life) I'm startting to become inclined to get the original M1, even though I saw reviews about a problem with the gasket (daughter board switch hits the bottom of the case without any travel distance) and another with the knob scratching the sides of the case.
That does sound a lot more reasonable, but check the battery life stated on Monsgeek's website here: www.monsgeek.com/product/m1w-fully-assembled/ It's about halfway down the page under the description of the battery where it say 150 days of use time at 4hrs/day, no lights on. Could definitely be an error on the site though.
@@semiprotech I haver it and it's more like 25 days I think. Still OK but battery charging is really slow. The switch below the Caps key is annoying as well. But still for the price it's a good choice.
Yup. This is what the Mode Sonnet build guide suggests, and it works perfectly. The best part is that it’s specific to the keyboard on your Mac settings.
Only curious, why isn't changing the keybindings in Mac OS a solution? that's what I do and just have to press a button to switch the USB switch I got from my laptop to my pc.
Hey buddy, thanks for the very helpful albeit critical review (need more of those!) I'm planning to get a second keeb for work, two important questions holding me back: 1. Does the MonsGeek Cloud Driver work natively on Apple Sillicon Mac's? 2. Are changes and macros programmed into the keyboard stored onboard? Asking as I only have a mac at home and there's no way my company will allow me to install the program on my work laptop. Thanks buddy!
I'm a Linux user so the I can't access the software... I thought I was ordering the VIA version, alas I clicked on the wrong one. Apart from that, quality and finish is first class, everything about it is perfect, if only it supported VIA... I guess I will just have to bite the bullet and buy another... perhaps the TKL VIA version?
The biggest con is the OS switch? Earlier in the video you mention it doesn't have QMK/VIA/VIAL compatibility I see that you put that 2nd, but I don't understand that because regardless of the OS you use, your mods will be the same, and I don't see why you would have to change that. One of the few things macOS does perfectly with minimal effort & per-keyboard options is mod placement. Just change your device(s) mods in the keyboard shortcut settings of macOS to fix the issue. This is especially true because the traditional custom keyboard mod layout is 3 1.25u keycaps in the bottom-left, so you'll never have a proper Mac layout since your "command" key will always because closer to the Mac option key placement Nice vid mate, love the consistency
Thanks! Yeah, I know it was risky to put my issue with the OS switch as the biggest con, but I really don't like to use software to fix something that has a well established, simple firmware solution. There was no innovation required to get it right...a simple key command or better placement of the switch like hundreds of other existing keyboards is all that was needed, but they decided to make it more difficult to use. I totally get some users won't care at all because they only use one OS all the time and don't have to switch. I probably should have put the lack of QMK/VIA as the #1 con and the OS switch as a secondary related issue because I could have toggled the layers no problem with access to VIA. I think I took it too personally as mac/win user!
@@semiprotech I agree it could've probably been a better switch, but I'm against key binds for things like this because more often than not they interfere with hotkeys I use, or they take away a potential hotkey That being said, I think they felt a switch would cheapen the aluminum look if it was on the outside or didn't want to invest in a nicer-looking one that would've added a great cost difference compared to a plastic one
@@semiprotech also, I use both, but that's why I pointed out the software solution in macOS. But you're saying you don't like this… is it because you use each OS's mod layout separately? Like main mod ctrl on windows bottom left & command to the left of the spacebar on macOS? I had assumed you could remap cmd to bottom left and opt to cmd etc. to match your windows layout but on macOS, which would solve the issue. But if you use a different layout each way, this can be harder, but still doable. Just leave it in windows mode & on the macOS devices go to keyboard shortcuts & remap it like so: cmd → opt, opt → cmd.
@@jammies701 Yeah I don't map the mod keys to match for both OS's, I leave them as-is because I also map a few other differences in the layers for win/mac when I have access to do so. Depending on the size/layout of the keyboard, I assign some windows shortcuts that aren't available on mac and use the same keys for something else on the mac layer. Because of that I like to leave the ctrl/cmmd mods as-is so I can quickly identify if I forgot to toggle layers. Probably sounds bonkers to some but that's what works for me.
@@semiprotech no that makes perfect sense to me. Different OS different layout. I bottom left ctrl on Windows & 2nd from bottom left ctrl on macOS (but I still use it a lot for keyboard shortcuts )
As far as I know the Monsgeek Driver software is only available for Windows and Mac. The wired-only version of the M1 has QMK firmware so you can customize that one on linux, but the M1W uses the driver software and I don't see an option for linux on Monsgeek's site.
@@yivanoff It actually does have individual key RGB control. On the Mode list you have to select "User Picture" and then you can select each key individually and pick a color. The mode defaults to setting the WASD and arrow keys red but it lets you change any key.
@@yivanoff yes true per key RGB, this is why I like this one better than the M1 I also have. If wireless + RGB versatility is important get the M1W, if VIA/QMK is more important get the M1.
The M1W is wireless, but if u are gamer then get the M1 or M1W using wired...because the wireless sadly is kind a lagging in gamings... Not much but you can feel it...
The switch under keycaps is a HUGE dealbreaker for me. Even if I use just one operating system, I couldn't deal with the fact that I have to pull out a key just tu reach a switch that could be placed anywhere but under a keycap. It's simply a bad design, no way to justify this.
aluminum + wireless is gonna be a recipe for...trouble they really need to add a plastic insert into the back of the case (like tablets do) to allow the signals to pass through without issues and if they have to retool the case add a storage cutout for the dongle thanks for saving me from buying this, its still a nice board but i wanna make extensive use of the 2,4ghz mode and often switch between wired too so i'll pass, maybe a v2 will fix the issues
Glad it was helpful! I agree with you on the wireless - the Keychron Q1 Pro has a plastic section in the back of the case to allow transmission and even has some shielding inside around that area. Unfortunately the Q1 Pro doesn't have 2.4GHz but I had no trouble with the bluetooth on it. With the M1W, the wireless transmitter might be in the plastic housing around the USB-C connection but there is still an aluminum wall with no direct outward path other than the USB port itself - so that definitely could be why I had stability issues with the wireless connections. Thanks for pointing that out!
I'll remind everyone that as soon as u open the monsgeek m1, you void your warranty. Don't buy this keyb anymore people. I own one and this will be my last monsgeek
Been using M1W from even before this review released. I love it! I use it wired and for my pc only, so none of the cons affect me at all. I love how Monsgeek gives you the freedom to modify this keyboard every easily, you can get superb sound and premium feel with a fairly low budget
thank you for covering those cons, haven't heard any other review talk about them
very nice.😀
If you'd like to change the toggle switch under the CAPS LOCK often, then I suggest you pop 2 o-rings under the CAPS LOCK keycap then you can pop it off quite easily without a keycap puller. It's what I've done and the key feels like normal yet easy to pop off
Just set it on Win or Mac mode and use FN+U for wired and FN+Y for wireless mode.
Great video, honest review and straight to the point.
minor correction, the battery life is stated as 25 Days (~ average 4hr/day without RGB) and 8 Days (~ average 4hr/day with RGB)... (also read some complaints about that on reddit about its low battery life)
I'm startting to become inclined to get the original M1, even though I saw reviews about a problem with the gasket (daughter board switch hits the bottom of the case without any travel distance) and another with the knob scratching the sides of the case.
That does sound a lot more reasonable, but check the battery life stated on Monsgeek's website here: www.monsgeek.com/product/m1w-fully-assembled/
It's about halfway down the page under the description of the battery where it say 150 days of use time at 4hrs/day, no lights on. Could definitely be an error on the site though.
@@semiprotech like you said maybe it is, I did read those values from the European site which might be managed by different team.
@@semiprotech I haver it and it's more like 25 days I think. Still OK but battery charging is really slow. The switch below the Caps key is annoying as well. But still for the price it's a good choice.
i think u can customise each button setting (control, windows key…) on system preferences on mac, then u can keep on windows setting only
exactly, not sure why he needed to switch
That's exactly what I did. Kept the Windows setting and on macOS I just remapped the keys using Karabiner Elements. Works like a charm.
Yup. This is what the Mode Sonnet build guide suggests, and it works perfectly. The best part is that it’s specific to the keyboard on your Mac settings.
The extra TPU Double-shot plate mount stabilizers are much better than the installed purple ones and easy to replace (even without opening the case).
Do you need to mod the stabilizers or just lube it with krytox and dielectic grease?
@@MATITYAHUU Also wondering this.
how do i know what kinds of switches are compatible with this keyboard ?
Only curious, why isn't changing the keybindings in Mac OS a solution? that's what I do and just have to press a button to switch the USB switch I got from my laptop to my pc.
Great review! nicely executed and straight to the point
Thank you!
Hi , can you please tell how many layers it supports in the software
In the video it looks like 4
hey is this the M1W V3 or V1? also, where do i get the case foam from?
Hey buddy, thanks for the very helpful albeit critical review (need more of those!)
I'm planning to get a second keeb for work, two important questions holding me back:
1. Does the MonsGeek Cloud Driver work natively on Apple Sillicon Mac's?
2. Are changes and macros programmed into the keyboard stored onboard?
Asking as I only have a mac at home and there's no way my company will allow me to install the program on my work laptop.
Thanks buddy!
Monsgeek M1W (Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pros) for $145 vs Keydous NJ80-AP (Gateron Milky Yellows) for $116?
I'm a Linux user so the I can't access the software... I thought I was ordering the VIA version, alas I clicked on the wrong one.
Apart from that, quality and finish is first class, everything about it is perfect, if only it supported VIA... I guess I will just have to bite the bullet and buy another... perhaps the TKL VIA version?
The biggest con is the OS switch? Earlier in the video you mention it doesn't have QMK/VIA/VIAL compatibility
I see that you put that 2nd, but I don't understand that because regardless of the OS you use, your mods will be the same, and I don't see why you would have to change that. One of the few things macOS does perfectly with minimal effort & per-keyboard options is mod placement. Just change your device(s) mods in the keyboard shortcut settings of macOS to fix the issue. This is especially true because the traditional custom keyboard mod layout is 3 1.25u keycaps in the bottom-left, so you'll never have a proper Mac layout since your "command" key will always because closer to the Mac option key placement
Nice vid mate, love the consistency
Thanks! Yeah, I know it was risky to put my issue with the OS switch as the biggest con, but I really don't like to use software to fix something that has a well established, simple firmware solution. There was no innovation required to get it right...a simple key command or better placement of the switch like hundreds of other existing keyboards is all that was needed, but they decided to make it more difficult to use. I totally get some users won't care at all because they only use one OS all the time and don't have to switch. I probably should have put the lack of QMK/VIA as the #1 con and the OS switch as a secondary related issue because I could have toggled the layers no problem with access to VIA. I think I took it too personally as mac/win user!
@@semiprotech I agree it could've probably been a better switch, but I'm against key binds for things like this because more often than not they interfere with hotkeys I use, or they take away a potential hotkey
That being said, I think they felt a switch would cheapen the aluminum look if it was on the outside or didn't want to invest in a nicer-looking one that would've added a great cost difference compared to a plastic one
@@semiprotech also, I use both, but that's why I pointed out the software solution in macOS. But you're saying you don't like this… is it because you use each OS's mod layout separately? Like main mod ctrl on windows bottom left & command to the left of the spacebar on macOS? I had assumed you could remap cmd to bottom left and opt to cmd etc. to match your windows layout but on macOS, which would solve the issue. But if you use a different layout each way, this can be harder, but still doable. Just leave it in windows mode & on the macOS devices go to keyboard shortcuts & remap it like so: cmd → opt, opt → cmd.
@@jammies701 Yeah I don't map the mod keys to match for both OS's, I leave them as-is because I also map a few other differences in the layers for win/mac when I have access to do so. Depending on the size/layout of the keyboard, I assign some windows shortcuts that aren't available on mac and use the same keys for something else on the mac layer. Because of that I like to leave the ctrl/cmmd mods as-is so I can quickly identify if I forgot to toggle layers. Probably sounds bonkers to some but that's what works for me.
@@semiprotech no that makes perfect sense to me. Different OS different layout. I bottom left ctrl on Windows & 2nd from bottom left ctrl on macOS (but I still use it a lot for keyboard shortcuts )
Switching between mac and windows are for the rich! most\majority have one or the other not both!
Me who has both and is not rich 🗿
I have work provided laptop and personal laptop, definitely not rich
Hi i simply wondered even if it might sound stupid but is the fully built option hot swappable?
Hi! Yes, the fully assembled option is still hot swappable.
Bro Monsgeek M1 or Keychorn V1 max?
can i use the Bluetooth connection for linux?
Could you possibly link me to these keycaps? Thank you! :)
They are the ones that come with the prebuilt option of this keyboard
Ok, thank you!@@facundosilva2449
Does the software work with linux?
As far as I know the Monsgeek Driver software is only available for Windows and Mac. The wired-only version of the M1 has QMK firmware so you can customize that one on linux, but the M1W uses the driver software and I don't see an option for linux on Monsgeek's site.
Planning to buy this keeb btw
What do you think about this keyboard versus the Q1 Pro?
Uh oh. You got ignored. 😢
Get the Q1 Max !
Is there a single colour lighting mode?
Also want to know
Yes! In the software you can control the lighting to change the mode to solid color and then select the color.
@@semiprotech and do you know if it has per key color configurable mode? I think it problably doensn't have but....
@@yivanoff It actually does have individual key RGB control. On the Mode list you have to select "User Picture" and then you can select each key individually and pick a color. The mode defaults to setting the WASD and arrow keys red but it lets you change any key.
@@yivanoff yes true per key RGB, this is why I like this one better than the M1 I also have. If wireless + RGB versatility is important get the M1W, if VIA/QMK is more important get the M1.
Should i get the m1 or the m1w
The M1W is wireless, but if u are gamer then get the M1 or M1W using wired...because the wireless sadly is kind a lagging in gamings... Not much but you can feel it...
I wish Iso had a barebones version
There are commands to change from wireles to wired, its not only from the physical switch
It's the OS switching that's my main concern - changing between Mac and Windows layouts is only possible with the switch.
why the fuck would you test the wireless connectivity 53 inches away from the computer?!? i don't understand...
The switch under keycaps is a HUGE dealbreaker for me. Even if I use just one operating system, I couldn't deal with the fact that I have to pull out a key just tu reach a switch that could be placed anywhere but under a keycap. It's simply a bad design, no way to justify this.
aluminum + wireless is gonna be a recipe for...trouble
they really need to add a plastic insert into the back of the case (like tablets do) to allow the signals to pass through without issues
and if they have to retool the case add a storage cutout for the dongle
thanks for saving me from buying this, its still a nice board but i wanna make extensive use of the 2,4ghz mode and often switch between wired too so i'll pass, maybe a v2 will fix the issues
Glad it was helpful! I agree with you on the wireless - the Keychron Q1 Pro has a plastic section in the back of the case to allow transmission and even has some shielding inside around that area. Unfortunately the Q1 Pro doesn't have 2.4GHz but I had no trouble with the bluetooth on it. With the M1W, the wireless transmitter might be in the plastic housing around the USB-C connection but there is still an aluminum wall with no direct outward path other than the USB port itself - so that definitely could be why I had stability issues with the wireless connections. Thanks for pointing that out!
I have this and BlueTooth works fine even at a few metres distance, 2.4 Ghz as well the one time I tried it.
Do you recommend getting it and is the wireless good or it's like he said@@yarly3180
rgb off space bar under red light always
Wait you look like Thundross!!!
I'll remind everyone that as soon as u open the monsgeek m1, you void your warranty. Don't buy this keyb anymore people. I own one and this will be my last monsgeek
Why do you not like the keyboard?
@@zacy-t2771 I love the keyboard. But as soon as u mod it, it's bye bye warranty
@@kaziasifmahmud2839 oh ok
@@kaziasifmahmud2839thats with every product… what did u expect?