FiiO’s mechanical keyboard for audiophiles features in-built DACs and headphone amps

The KB3 contains desktop-grade DAC and amps (Image Source: FiiO)

FiiO, best known for its IEM earphones and portable DACs/amps, has launched its first mechanical keyboard with built-in DACs and headphone amplifiers. It has an 81-key 75% layout, gasket mount design and hot-swappable Gateron G Pro 3.0 yellow key switches. The audio circuit uses Cirrus Logic DACs supporting 32 bit/384 kHz audio and high output op-amps for driving high-impedance headphones.

Having made a name for itself with its high quality IEM headphones, portable music players and DACs/amps, FiiO is now leveraging its audio expertise in a new product – a mechanical keyboard with in built HiFi audio capabilities. The newly launched KB3 HiFi takes digital audio over USB and outputs it from a pair of headphone jacks using its onboard DAC and amplifiers.

The audio circuitry includes a pair each of Cirrus Logic CS43131 DACs and low-noise SGM8262 op-amps, supporting 32 bit/384 kHz and DSD256 audio. 550 mW of output power ensures that audiophile-grade, high impedance headphones can be driven easily, as with desktop amps. The KB3 features dual headphone outputs – a 3.5 mm and a balanced 4.4 mm jack.

On the keyboard side too, the KB3 has some strong credentials. It comes with Gateron G Pro 3.0 yellow key switches with 50±15 gf operation force and transparent keycaps, arranged in a 75% layout, making it “perfect for both productivity and gaming”. The switches are also hot-swappable, and the in-built RGB lighting and support for the popular VIA key configuration software together make it easy to customise.

The magnesium-aluminium alloy case is built with a gasket mount design in multiple layers to absorb shocks and reduce noise. The output volume can be controlled by a stepless knob, and there is support for both Windows and Mac computers.

The KB3 is available on AliExpress in 3 versions: a barebones wired one without switches or keycaps for US$129, a fully assembled wired for US$149, and a wireless one without the DAC+amp for US$129.

The KB3 has in-built RGB lighting (Image Source: FiiO)

Vishal Bhardwaj – Tech Writer – 85 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2023

I’ve always been interested in technology, but it was my passion for music-making and photography that led me to dive deep into audio and imaging technology and understand all the tools that had fascinated me. I hold degrees in electronics engineering and business management, and have worked as a software developer as well as in marketing. Apart from being an amateur musician and photographer, I enjoy reading books, being outdoors, cooking and lately, running.

Vishal Bhardwaj, 2023-11-23 (Update: 2023-11-23)

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