Arbiter Studio Polar 65 Magnetic Keyboard: My Review
If you’re a serious gamer or a typing enthusiast, you’ve likely experienced the pursuit of the perfect keyboard – one that melds functionality with feel, and performance with precision. Poler 65 is a decent keyboard, but at a lower price you can get a better keyboards with rapid trigger such as DrunkDeer A75 Pro or Keydous NJ80-CP.
Unboxing: First Impressions That Stick
From the moment I lifted the Polar 65 out of its box, I could tell that Arbiter Studio didn’t skimp on build quality. The body’s CNC aluminum frame exudes luxury, instantly ramping up my desk’s aesthetic. But a keyboard is more than its looks, it’s about how it feels under your fingers, and I was keen to put those Fuji Hall Effect Magnetic Switches to the test.
Compact Design: Where Function Meets Form
The 65% layout of the Polar 65 strikes a balance between saving space and preserving functionality. Having the arrow keys is a godsend – as someone who frequently uses shortcuts in both gaming and productivity, their presence is non-negotiable.
Magnetic Key Switches and Stabilizers
Magnetic Switches: Smooth as Silk
Arbiter Studio’s custom-tuned Fuji magnetic switches are factory lubricated, offering a keystroke that glides like a hot knife through butter. The typing experience here is sublime, and the factory lube job means I don’t have to crack open the switches – a bonus for those wary of DIY keyboard mods.
Stabilizers: Sturdy and Silent
With screw-on stabilizers, the Polar 65 delivers a stable, chatter-free experience even on larger keys like the space bar. The absence of unwelcome rattling during intensive typing or gaming is a detail I can’t get enough of.
Keycaps: Thinner Than Some, But Still a Winner
Despite a surprising 1.1mm thickness (the nominal value touts 1.3mm), the double-shot PBT keycaps feel robust. Their profile complements the magnetic switches’ performance, producing a confident, crispy clack that resonates through my workspace – a sound I’ve come to enjoy.
Sound Test
Here’s a sound test of Arbiter Studio Polar 65 keyboard
Instant Trigger Mode: Customize Your Keystroke
With Instant Trigger Mode, the Polar 65 allows on-the-fly adjustability for key sensitivity, a feature that’s boon for gamers. I found the process straightforward, although the lack of visual feedback for the exact actuation points was mildly frustrating.
Rapid Trigger: The Need for Speed
The always-on nature of the rapid trigger function means I can register key presses at breakneck speeds, essential for competitive FPS environments. Yet for day-to-day use, I did find myself wishing for a toggle option to minimize accidental keystrokes.
The Daily Driver: Polar 65 In Use
Over the past few weeks, the Polar 65 has seen me through marathon gaming sessions and workdays alike. The tactical feedback from the switches keeps fatigue at bay, while the magnetic actuation has been a revelation for my response times in games like VALORANT and CS: GO.
Software: The Missing Link
A keyboard of this caliber begs for bespoke software, and unfortunately, it’s the Polar 65‘s achilles’ heel. As of my writing, there’s none available, which admittedly, is a sizeable oversight. The promise of end-of-the-year software does give hope for customization that I believe will unlock the keyboard’s full potential.
To Buy or Not to Buy?
This is a decent rapid trigger keyboard, but personally I think DrunkDeer A75 Pro or Keydous NJ80-CP is a better option with a lower price too.
The lack of software at this point might put off those who value fine-tuned control over their hardware. Additionally, the limited keycap compatibility might be a sticking point for enthusiasts looking to personalize every aspect of their setup.