In terms of extra features, this tenkeyless keyboard has a rare volume wheel in the upper right and a button that's set to play/pause by default. This can be customised in the SteelSeries GG software, which also allows different lighting modes and key assignments. The optical sensor built into each switch ensures key presses can be registered in an instant, equalling the responsiveness of much more expensive gaming keyboards like the Razer Huntsman TE we featured in a previous version of this article. Keychron's optical switches are also hot-swappable, making it easy to replace a broken switch or change to an entirely different feel later on. (If you're not sold on optical switches, then you can get regular Gateron low profile switches instead for a slightly lower cost, but note that these aren't hot-swappable.) All in all, the Keychron K3's compact size, excellent switches and overall aesthetic makes it one of our favourite keyboards for gaming or typing. This keyboard is also uniquely in-demand here at Digital Foundry's Bristol office, and disappearing on many occasions because someone fancied using it for work. If that's not a tacit recommendation, I don't know what is! Watch the latest DF Weekly, where Digital Foundry staff discuss the hottest gaming technology news.

I tested it on a range of games that I felt would be fair to show its capabilities across some popular genres. It functioned well with Age of Empires 4, Warframe, The Sims 4 and ESO. Software and Lighting The GXT 834 Callaz is wired. The cable is braided (always better), and 180 cm, a good length, particularly when the cable is not detachable, as is the case here. From an aesthetic point of view, the GXT 863 Mazz would look completely at home on a desk alongside other gaming peripherals so it'll have plenty of appeal for people who are only bothered about getting something cheap to match their setup. The lighting options are a tad restrictive though, with only 14 pre-set modes and colors to switch between, rather than products from the likes of Razer or Corsair that can be fully customized using branded software. As well as performing well in games, the K3 is also one of the few Mac-friendly keyboards on the market, with both Mac and Windows keycaps available. If you ever have occasion to use a Mac, you'll no doubt appreciate the hotkeys along the top row of the keyboard and the alternate Mac modifier keycaps. The keyboard should be used via USB-C for competitive gaming, but Bluetooth is also available with around 30 hours of battery life - so you can use it comfortably with the iPhone and iPad, in addition to a wide range of other computers and mobile devices. You can’t assign macros or rebind keys with the Callaz, which is a bit disappointing in a gaming keyboard. While I am fully aware of its cheaper price point, I was still surprised that it didn’t offer even the most basic macros or rebindable key options. Some gamers don’t care about these things, but many gamers (including myself) prefer to have a more customised gaming experience.

Plug in, play on

However, the keyboard does have one major disadvantage. Despite claiming "gaming-grade anti-ghosting technology", the keyboard doesn't offer as high a key rollover count as we'd expect. For example, with Q and W held down, you can't press down 0, H, J, comma or period. This means the keyboard only has a rollover count of two (2KRO), and six is the standard for a good gaming keyboard. Sadly, this is often a downside to choosing membrane over mechanical, and is worth bearing in mind if you are a fast typer or play games that require a lot of simultaneous key presses (like rhythm games or co-op games with two players on a single keyboard). Does it make up for that with its low price, metal top plate, and “rainbow-wave” lighting? Keep reading on to find out whether it’s worthy of our best gaming keyboard shortlist. Design

The keyboard is good for everyday use. The keys are the right height and have decent separation – typing feels accurate, and satisfying, perhaps because of the metal top plate. When it comes to gaming it was comfortable, and easy to use, although it took me a few days to feel comfortable using it. It’s not out-of-this-world amazing, but it certainly isn’t anywhere near bad. When unplugged, the Trust GXT 863 Mazz looks like a standard office keyboard, losing the dated and edgy design we saw on another Trust offering, the semi-mechanical GXT 811 Odyss. That changes when you plug it in however, as you'll be met with the usual rainbow barf RGB lighting that's become a staple to PC gaming hardware in recent years.The Trust Gaming GXT 834 Callaz TKL has the look and (most of) the functionality you would want from a budget mechanical keyboard. Overall, it's easier to list off what the Corsair K100 can't do than what it can do. If you have the desk space for a full-size-and-then-some keyboard and you'll actually use its many many features, then the K100 is worth every penny of its premium asking price.