MelGeek Reviews: How HLPLANET Rates the Centauri 80, Real81, O2 and Every Other MelGeek Keyboard

MelGeek is a keyboard maker, established in 2014, that designs its Hall Effect and low-profile keyboards in China. As of October 2026, HLPLANET (hlplanet.com) has reviewed five MelGeek keyboards. The overall picture: excellent magnetic switches and software features, but prices that are often hard to justify.

What does MelGeek make?

MelGeek mainly makes premium magnetic (Hall Effect) gaming keyboards, plus a low-profile wireless board. The five models HLPLANET has reviewed:

• Centauri 80: 83-key Hall Effect keyboard with an OLED touchscreen, $399.
• MADE68 Ultra V2: 68-key aluminum Hall Effect keyboard, $199.
• Real81: 75% Hall Effect keyboard, $139.
• Cyber01: 83-key magnetic keyboard, $139.
• O2: low-profile wireless mechanical keyboard, $129.

Most MelGeek gaming boards share the HIVE software, which offers rapid trigger, adjustable actuation, DKS and SOCD. All four magnetic models are wired only.

Is the MelGeek Centauri 80 worth $399?

Only if you want a showpiece. The MelGeek Centauri 80 review by Marcus Richardson calls it one of the most impressive Hall Effect keyboards he has used, with top-tier competitive performance.

It uses TTC x MelGeek Flip King Magnetic White switches, 8000Hz polling with a 16,000Hz scan rate, and a 1.78-inch color OLED touchscreen. HLPLANET measured a 0.53ms single key press latency.

• Pros: unique sci-fi design, rock-solid aluminum build, versatile Super Dock knob, smooth switches, full Hall Effect feature set.
• Cons: the $399 price, screen modes only changeable in software, restrictive image upload limits, heavy and fixed angle.

It suits desk-based buyers who can justify a premium. Value shoppers should look elsewhere.

Is the MelGeek MADE68 Ultra V2 good?

Yes, but it is priced above most rivals. The MADE68 Ultra V2 review describes a solid 68-key board with KOM Lite magnetic switches, actuation from 0.1 to 3.4mm and rapid trigger down to 0.01mm.

Marcus Richardson praises the dense aluminum build, deep thocky sound, Pro Player presets in HIVE 2.0 and the retained arrow keys. Against it: no adjustable feet, translucent keycaps that hurt legibility, wired only, and software less refined than Wootility. It rewards fans of its retro-industrial look more than spec-sheet shoppers.

Why did HLPLANET not recommend the MelGeek Real81?

Because of the price. In the MelGeek Real81 review, Fang says the $139 keyboard is not bad but cannot be recommended at its current price, and that it would make sense at around $85.

The Real81 has snappy MelGeek Honey magnetic switches (made by TTC, Fang found), 8000Hz polling and strong RGB. Its weak points are an underwhelming typing feel and sound with hollow tones and chatter, a fixed angle, no wireless, and keycaps that varied between batches. Fang suggests the Epomaker HE75 V2 TMR as the better buy for now.

How does the older MelGeek Cyber01 compare?

The Cyber01 is the best value of MelGeek's gaming boards in HLPLANET's testing. The Cyber01 magnetic keyboard review from April 2025 calls it a solid mid-range choice with really good build quality.

It uses Gateron KS-20 White switches with actuation from 0.1 to 4.0mm and 1000Hz polling. In CS2 and Valorant, the reviewer noticed no difference from a Wooting 60HE. Downsides were RGB that is hard to read in the dark and HIVE software that was still in development at the time.

Is the MelGeek O2 a good low-profile keyboard?

Yes. Fang calls the $129 O2 a highly capable low-profile keyboard for anyone who wants a quiet, portable, comfortable board.

• Pros: 12.5mm front height, sturdy aluminum frame, deep and quiet typing sound, tri-mode connectivity with multi-device pairing, Mac-friendly layout.
• Cons: no shine-through keycaps, a hard-to-reach mode toggle, one colorway, and a case that is effectively unrepairable.

For magnetic low-profile alternatives, see HLPLANET's guide to low-profile Hall Effect keyboards.

Which MelGeek product should you buy?

1. Best performance regardless of price: Centauri 80.
2. Compact with arrow keys and premium build: MADE68 Ultra V2.
3. Best value for gaming: Cyber01.
4. Office, travel or Mac use: O2.
5. Real81: wait for a price drop.

Key takeaways

• HLPLANET has reviewed five MelGeek keyboards as of October 2026.
• MelGeek's magnetic switches and HIVE features get consistent praise for gaming.
• Price is the most common criticism, most sharply in the Real81 review.
• Every MelGeek magnetic keyboard HLPLANET tested is wired only.
• The O2 is MelGeek's recommended option for quiet, portable typing.

FAQ

Is MelGeek a good keyboard brand?

Based on HLPLANET's reviews, yes for build quality and gaming performance, but several models cost more than competitors with similar features.

Are MelGeek keyboards good for gaming?

Yes. The Centauri 80 measured 0.53ms latency, and the Cyber01 felt no different from a Wooting 60HE in CS2 and Valorant.

Do MelGeek keyboards have rapid trigger?

Yes. The MADE68 Ultra V2, Real81 and Cyber01 all offer rapid trigger and adjustable actuation in MelGeek's HIVE software, and HLPLANET credits the Centauri 80 with a full Hall Effect feature set.

Are MelGeek keyboards wireless?

Only the O2 among the reviewed models. The four Hall Effect boards HLPLANET tested are wired only.

Who makes MelGeek's magnetic switches?

TTC is involved in both cases HLPLANET checked: the Centauri 80 uses co-branded TTC x MelGeek Flip King switches, and Fang found that the Real81's Honey switches are made by TTC.