FirstbloodReleased 2023

B81

74/100
Very good
Overall score · how we rate
75% ANSIHot-swappableHall-effectQMK / VIARGB backlightWireless
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Why we rate it

  • Class-leading productivity (91/100)
  • Class-leading portability (82/100)
  • Hot-swappable switches
  • First-class QMK / VIA firmware
  • Performance is the weak point (52/100)
Score profile

Where the B81 wins and loses

Six weighted axes · the shape tells the story
BuildCustom.Perform.Productiv.Portab.Overall627952918274
Build quality
62
Customisability
79
Performance
52
Productivity
91
Portability
82
Overall
74
Full specification

Specifications

Grouped · supported features marked in blue

Layout

Layout size75
StandardANSI
ProfileNormal
ErgonomicsNormal
Volume knobYes
OLED / LCD screenYes

Switches & feel

Switch typesLinear
Hot-swappableYes
Mount typeGasket Mount
Screw-in stabilisersYes
Sound dampeningYes
Hall-effect / magneticYes
Rapid triggerYes

Connectivity & firmware

ConnectionWireless + wired
USB-CYes
Battery3750 mAh
N-key rolloverYes
QMKYes
VIAYes
VIALYes
Mac & WindowsYes
Multi-media keysYes

Build

Case materialAcrylic
Keycap materialPC · PBT · ABS
BacklightNorth-Face · RGB
ColourwaysYes
Dimensions100
Weight1500 g

More specs

Height Mm100 mm
Passthrough UsbYes
Head to head

B81 vs MCHOSE Ace 60 Pro

Highlighted cell = better in that row
BuildCustom.Perform.Productiv.Portab.Overall
B81Ace 60 Pro
 FirstbloodB81This pageMCHOSEAce 60 Pro
Overall score74 /10074 /100
Build quality62 /10079 /100Better
Performance52 /10056 /100Better
ConnectionWireless + wiredBetterWired only
Polling rate8,000 Hz
Mount typeGasket MountBetter
Case materialAcrylicAluminum · PlasticBetter
Hot-swappableYesYes
QMK / VIAYesYes