# The WORST keyboard we've ever tested - REDMAGIC GK001J Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88QjRm48J3U Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/88QjRm48J3U Generated: 2025-12-01T22:35:10.891+00:00 --- ## Quick Overview The RedMagic GK001J mechanical keyboard is deemed the worst tested due to its surprisingly high latency across all connection modes (wired 50.82 ms mean, receiver 58.88 ms mean, Bluetooth 62.28 ms mean), making it unsuitable for competitive gaming despite its hot-swappable switches, rotary encoder, and dedicated screen. **Key Points:** - The RedMagic GK001J keyboard exhibited poor performance, with the lowest mean latency being 50.82 ms when wired, which is too high for competitive gaming. - Latency increased when using wireless modes: 58.88 ms mean via the receiver and 62.28 ms mean via Bluetooth. - The keyboard features hot-swappable linear switches, PBT keycaps, a small display screen controlled by a rotary encoder, and a distinct, aggressive gaming aesthetic with red and grey accents. - The presenter found the plastic chassis allowed for noticeable flex when squeezed, suggesting it is not the most rigid build. - The keyboard includes a USB-C to A coiled cable (4.76ft/1.45m) and a 2.4 GHz dongle. - The presenter ultimately cannot recommend the keyboard, especially considering its MSRP, despite positive aesthetic features like the screen and RGB. - The video includes a segment promoting LTT's Black Friday deals with free worldwide shipping over $100 until December 2nd. ![Screenshot at 08:21: latency test results showing the mean wired latency for the RedMagic GK001J at 50.82 ms, which the reviewer concludes is too high for competitive play.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/88QjRm48J3U/00-08-21.png) **Context:** The video is a review of the RedMagic GK001J Mechanical Keyboard, a device targeting gamers with features like hot-swappable switches, a dedicated display screen, and a gaming-centric design. The reviewer compares its performance, particularly latency, against established standards for gaming peripherals to determine if it meets the performance expectations set by its aesthetic and branding. ## Detailed Analysis The review concludes that the RedMagic GK001J mechanical keyboard is one of the worst tested primarily due to its high input latency across all connection types. When tested, the wired connection yielded a mean latency of 50.82 ms, the receiver mode was 58.88 ms mean, and Bluetooth was 62.28 ms mean. The presenter notes that the wired latency alone, at over 50ms, is too slow for competitive gaming, and the wireless modes are even worse, suggesting that gamers who care about input speed should avoid it, regardless of its $159 sale price (down from $179). Physically, the keyboard features a plastic construction that exhibits noticeable flex, which the presenter dislikes. On the positive side, it includes desirable features such as hot-swappable sockets for the linear switches, PBT keycaps that resist shine-through, a dedicated rotary encoder, and a small screen that displays customizable images and system stats, including five different loopable images. The presenter tests the typing experience and confirms the hot-swap functionality, though he ultimately cannot recommend the product based on performance alone. ### Unboxing and Initial Impressions - Keyboard model is GK001J; packaging is silver with 'WIN MORE GAMES' branding - Keyboard features a black/red/grey color scheme and a clear plastic dust cover - Accessories include a coiled USB-C to A cable (4.76ft/1.45m) and a 2.4 GHz dongle. ### Build Quality and Features - Chassis is mostly plastic, resulting in some flex when squeezed - Features hot-swappable sockets (confirmed linear switches tested) and PBT keycaps that do not shine through easily - Includes a small screen for displaying images (like anime waifus or system stats) and a control knob. ### Performance Testing (Latency) - Wired mean latency is 50.82 ms (Max 61.78 ms) - Receiver mean latency is 58.88 ms (Max 75.68 ms) - Bluetooth mean latency is 62.28 ms (Max 79.24 ms) - Latency is deemed too high for competitive gaming, especially in wired mode where performance should be best. ### Software and Customization - Keyboard has custom software allowing changes to RGB lighting patterns (tested with green lighting) and screen images, although the presenter had initial issues running the software due to a missing DLL file. ### Final Verdict - The keyboard is not recommended due to poor latency metrics, despite having attractive gaming-focused features like the screen and hot-swap capability, especially given its price point. ### Sponsor Segment - Promotion for LTT's Black Friday sale with free worldwide shipping over $100 until December 2nd, featuring items like the MCM Arch Room Solution and Elgato Stream Deck MK.2. ![Screenshot at 00:08: The presenter holding the silver packaging box for the RedMagic GK001J Mechanical Keyboard.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/88QjRm48J3U/00-00-08.png) ![Screenshot at 00:55: Close-up of the keyboard's top right corner showing the small embedded screen and the rotary encoder knob.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/88QjRm48J3U/00-00-55.png) ![Screenshot at 01:18: On-screen graphic detailing the included USB-C to A cable specifications \(4.76ft / 1.45m\).](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/88QjRm48J3U/00-01-18.png) ![Screenshot at 04:37: Close-up of the keyboard's top edge showing the thin strip of green RGB lighting.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/88QjRm48J3U/00-04-37.png) ![Screenshot at 08:22: Keyboard latency test results chart comparing mean latency across wired \(50.82 ms\), receiver \(58.88 ms\), and Bluetooth \(62.28 ms\) modes.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/88QjRm48J3U/00-08-22.png)