YUNZII AL66 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard Review: A Premium Aluminum Device for Gaming and Typing

Wireless mechanical keyboards They are increasingly becoming a necessity in the technology industry. This is because PC gaming is becoming more popular and these keyboards, which often support Bluetooth wireless connection and 2.4GHz USB receiver, offer more flexibility to users. Earlier this week, we received a unit of the YUNZII AL66 aluminum mechanical keyboard for review. In this article, we give our honest review of this device after using it for a few days. This review will cover all aspects of the YUNZII AL66, from its design and appearance to its performance and connectivity options.

The YUNZII AL66 wireless mechanical keyboard comes with a fairly robust build quality, premium design, and versatile features. It is a 65% layout wireless mechanical keyboard with 66 keys and a multifunctional knob. Designed for both gamers and typists, it features a CNC-machined aluminum body, joint mounting structure, and triple-mode wireless connectivity. Focusing on durability, comfort and functionality, the AL66 promises an exceptional user experience.

What is in the box

When unpacking the YUNZII AL66, you will find:

1. The YUNZII AL66 Aluminum Mechanical Keyboard
2. A USB Type-C cable for wired connectivity and charging
3. A keycap and switch remover (2 in 1)
4. A warranty manual (Quick Start Guide in different languages)
5. Additional keys for customization (2 options and 2 commands)
6. 2 additional switches
7. A 2.4 GHz USB receiver for wireless connectivity

Design and appearance

The YUNZII AL66 features a sleek, modern design with an anodized aluminum body that is durable and aesthetically pleasing. Available in multiple colors including white, black, pink and blue, it suits different style preferences. Color options refer to the dominant color of the keyboard. Since this device uses an aluminum body, the body is silver. However, the unit we received comes with a predominantly white keyboard, making it the white color option.

The wireless mechanical keyboard features a 65% compact design, saving desk space while retaining essential function keys, arrows and numbers. The bottom of the AL66 is designed with stability and aesthetics in mind. Includes rubber feet to prevent slipping during intense writing or gaming sessions. The back of the keyboard also features a compartment to store the 2.4GHz USB receiver, ensuring it doesn’t get lost. Although the aluminum body is sleek, it also has a gritty feel that allows for a good grip on the device and makes it less slippery.

Control of weight, dimensions and volume

If there is any drawback to this keyboard, it should be the weight. Weighing in at a hefty 1.145kg (2.52lbs), this keyboard is as heavy as most laptops. However, many mechanical gaming keyboards I’ve reviewed also weigh over 1.2kg. The truth is that mechanical keyboards are heavy. We can’t just eat our cake and have it, if we need a mechanical keyboard then we have to deal with the weight.

The YUNZII AL66 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard measures 322mm x 113mm x 42mm (12.68 x 4.45 x 1.65 inches), making it a substantial keyboard that feels sturdy and well-built. The multi-function knob makes it easy to adjust volume, RGB modes and brightness, adding extra convenience. When testing, you can turn the knob left or right to increase or decrease the intensity of the RGB beam. Additionally, you can press the knob to change RGB lighting modes.

Indicator, charging and compatibility lights

To charge this keyboard, please connect the original charging cable to the USB port of the computer or use a DC-5V charger. The RGB light will turn red during charging and turn off when fully charged. In terms of compatibility, AL66 keyboard is compatible with Windows2000, WindowsXP, Vista Win7, Win8, Win10, Win11, MacOS and mobile phone systems.

The YUNZII AL66 includes several indicators to keep the user informed:

• Charging indicator: red when charging
• Bluetooth connector indicator: green for Bluetooth 1, pink for Bluetooth 2, and yellow for Bluetooth 3.
• 2.4GHz indicator: blue when connected

Build quality and keycaps

The CNC machined aluminum body, combined with the joint mounting structure, gives the AL66 a premium feel. The anodic oxidation process improves the durability and corrosion resistance of the keyboard, ensuring it remains in excellent condition over time.

The AL66 features dye-sublimation PBT Cherry Profile keycaps, known for their durability and wear resistance. These keys provide a comfortable typing experience with a satisfying tactile feel, making them ideal for long-term use. The keyboard comes in a combination of colors. For the white model we received, the space bar, directions, Enter and ESC keys are ash colored, while some keys around these ash keys are very light gray colors. However, most of the keys are white.

It is important to note that both the keys and switches are removable. Therefore, if the key is broken or the switch no longer works well, you can easily replace it.

Keyboard typing/gaming experience

The YUNZII AL66 offers an exceptional gaming and typing experience. YUNZII’s Milk Linear switches provide smooth and consistent keystrokes with quiet operation, suitable for both typing and gaming. The keyboard’s NKRO (N-Key Rollover) ensures that multiple keystrokes are accurately registered, which is crucial for gaming.

The key is recessed a little at the top, which makes the finger rest properly on the keys. This is different from normal keyboard layouts and makes typing more fluid. Additionally, the key has a good bounce that provides relaxing ASMR clicks.

Connectivity

The AL66 supports tri-mode connectivity:

• Bluetooth: Connect up to 3 devices simultaneously and switch between them easily.
• 2.4G Wireless: Use the USB receiver for a stable wireless connection.
• Wired: Connect via USB Type-C cable for direct, uninterrupted use.

The connection for all three modes is quite simple. On the back of the device you will find two switches, a USB Type-C port and the 2.4G receiver. One of the switches allows you to choose between Windows and Mac. The other switch is a three-mode switch to toggle between Bluetooth, wired, and 2.4G connectivity modes.

For Bluetooth mode, turn the three-mode switch to BT (far left) and search for the device on your PC. This should take a few seconds. The device name is AL66 5.0, click on it to pair and that’s it. When active, the indicator light will flash pink, green or yellow depending on the Bluetooth you used. This review used BT3.

For 2.4G mode, turn the triple mode switch to 2.4G (far right). Carefully take out the 2.4GB receiver and connect it to your PC. The indicator light will flash blue and you are ready to go.

For wired mode, turn the triple mode switch to the center and connect the cable to the PC. The device will automatically connect to the computer and is ready to go.

This versatility allows the AL66 to be used with a wide range of devices, including laptops, tablets, PCs and smartphones.

RGB lighting

The keyboard features south-facing RGB LEDs with 14 preset effects and 8 backlight colors. RGB lighting enhances the gaming experience and allows customization to fit your setup.

The AL66 also offers a variety of RGB modes, including dynamic rainbow effects and static solid colors. Users can customize lighting through compatible software to create a custom aesthetic that enhances their gaming or typing environment. Click the knob at the top right of the keyboard to switch from static to dynamic rainbow effects.

How to activate some modes

Activating different modes on the YUNZII AL66 is simple:

• FN+Q = Bluetooth 1
• FN+W = Bluetooth 2
• FN + R = Bluetooth 3
• FN + R = 2.4G mode
• FN + ALT = Battery
• To toggle RGB effects, use the multi-function controller or dedicated key combinations provided in the user manual.

These are just a few, but the user manual/quick start guide goes into more detail. Don’t worry, the manual is not a booklet, it is a single card that makes it easy to read.

Battery

With a 4600 mAh battery, the AL66 offers up to 90 hours of continuous writing on a single charge. The long battery life ensures that users can rely on the keyboard for long periods without needing to recharge frequently.

Price

The YUNZII AL66 is positioned as a premium mechanical keyboard with a decent price of $99.99. For this value, this device offers more in terms of durability, performance and aesthetics and this justifies the investment.

To purchase this device, CLICK HERE.

Advantages

• Durable Construction: CNC machined aluminum body with anodic oxidation for corrosion resistance.
• Versatile Connectivity: Supports Bluetooth, 2.4G wireless and wired modes.
• Premium Typing Experience: YUNZII milk linear switches and PBT keycaps.
• Compact Design: 65% design saves desktop space and preserves essential keys.
• Customizable RGB Lighting: South-facing LEDs with multiple effects and colors.
• Long-lasting battery: A 4600 mAh battery provides up to 90 hours of use.
• Multifunction Knob: Convenient control for volume, brightness and RGB modes.
• Price: a fair price for the features it supports

Cons

• Weight: At over 1kg, this keyboard is quite heavy
• Learning Curve: You may need some time to get used to switching between modes and using FN shortcuts. Therefore, users will have to follow the quick user guide for some time.

Conclusion

The YUNZII AL66 wireless mechanical keyboard is a premium device designed for both gaming and typing enthusiasts. Its solid build quality, versatile connectivity options, and exceptional typing experience make it a standout choice. This device offers good value for money in terms of durability, performance and aesthetics. However, it weighs over 1kg, meaning it’s not a device to use on the go. Additionally, users may need to follow the user guide before getting used to switching between modes.