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Plugable Compact 87-Key Mechanical Keyboard With Blue-Style Switches
$49.95 USD
SKU: USB-MECH87BWAmazon Rating : (227 Reviews)
Features
- Blue Mechanical Switches—Compact 87-key mechanical keyboard provides a distinct, smooth, tactile and crisp audible feedback when pressed. Outemu switches and are rated for 50 million actuations. 60±15 grams actuation force with 4.0±0.2mm of keystroke travel
- Plug and Play—Compatable with Windows, Mac and Linux devices. Driver and software free for a fully plug-and-play experience
- Ergonomic Layout—Keycaps are ergonomically sculped and individually lit for ease of use even in the darkest environments
- Durable Build—Robust frameless buld features a steel backplate and doubleshot injection ABS keycaps. This rugged design reduces flexing and common wear that shortens the lifespan of other keyboards
- 2-Year Coverage, Lifetime Support—Every Plugable product, including this mechanical keyboard, is covered against defects for 2 years and comes with lifetime support. If you ever have questions, contact our North American-based team - even before purchase
Enhance Your Computing Experience With the Plugable Compact Tenkeyless Mechanical Blue Switch Keyboard (USB-MECH87BW)
Plugable is well known for docking stations, hubs, and more. This keyboard is one of four models in our Performance line of products.
It's time to enjoy typing again with a mechanical switch keyboard. Mechanical switches offer greater typing precision and improved typing feedback, along with a more satisfying feel and sound when compared to traditional rubber dome, membrane, or chiclet switch style keyboards.
Enjoy the tactile, clicky, and crisp response from the Outemu Blue MX style switches. Built with a metal frame, our keyboard feels solid and won't flex while you type. The durable ABS plastic keycaps have double-shot (a two-step manufacturing process) translucent legends with subtle white back-lighting to aid in visibility in low light situations while also offering a clean aesthetic.
Mechanical Advantage
Plugable engineers carefully evaluated a large variety of potential switches during the development of this keyboard. We chose the Outemu brand blue switch, a high quality clone of the well known Cherry brand MX Blue clicky switch.
What is a Blue switch?
This type of switch has a tactile “bump” and audible “clicky” sound from within the switch when pressed.
Rated at 60±15 cN of force (1 centinewton equals roughly 1.02 grams of force) with 4.0±0.2mm of keystroke travel.
These switches are rated for an average of 50 million actuations (presses) which means the keyboard should last you for many years without failure.
Enhanced Typing Experience
Our keyboard offers more than just a mechanical switch advantage:
Double-Shot ABS Keycaps
Double-shot refers to a process where the keycap legend and keycap itself are two separately molded parts. Benefits of this design prevent the legend (text on the keycap) from wearing off.
Full N-Key Rollover (NKRO)
Each key switch is individually addressed by the keyboard's controller, enabling full N-Key rollover for multiple key presses to register simultaneously. Great for users who need custom macros.
Anti-Ghosting
Entry level keyboards may sometimes register phantom key-presses when typing certain key combinations. With anti-ghosting you will never get an unexpected input.
Ergonomic Design & Special Functions
Not all keycaps are alike
Featuring an ergonomic sculpted profile, our keycaps provide a gentle sloped arc preventing hand fatigue.
Gaming Functions
Ability to swap WASD and Arrow key functions (useful for retro games or left handed users) and Windows and menu keys can be disabled.
Multimedia Function Key Shortcuts
For convenient control while maintaining a compact form factor, we’ve programmed numerous built-in F1 through F12 keyboard function shortcuts for multimedia and volume controls along with shortcuts to launch the calculator, email, and web browser apps (functions may vary depending on your computer operating system).
Adjustable White Backlighting
Back-lit keycaps ensure easy key visibility regardless of ambient light
Featuring not only on or off control, set the brightness to your desired level with fully dimmable brightness.
In addition there is a "breathing" mode where the light gently pulsates on and off. No special drivers or software required!
Additional Features
Compact Desk Footprint
Desk space can be at a premium, this tenkeyless keyboard measuring in at just under 14 inches wide and 5.25 inches deep is perfect for users who don't need a numeric pad but do need more desk space.
Flip out rear feet
Elevate the keyboard about 0.5 inches for a more relaxed typing position. Unlike most entry level keyboards the feet have rubber pads to prevent the keyboard from slipping.
In The Box
Keyboard with integrated 6ft / 1.8m gold plated USB connector
Keycap & Switch Puller Tools
Quick Start Guide
In The Box
Item and Quantity | Item Notes |
---|---|
1x Plugable Performance 87 Key Mechanical Keyboard | |
1x Quick Start Guide | |
1x Keycap Removal Tool | |
1x Switch Removal Tool |
Keyboard
Layout and Profile | Key Count | Switch Type | Legend and Keycap Material | Keyboard Lighting (Color) | Lighting Modes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Compact OEM Profile |
87-Key | OUTEMU Blue | ABS Double-Shot | White | Off or Static or Breathing or Brightness Adjustment |
Connection To Host
Port | Placement | Version and Link Rate | Features |
---|---|---|---|
1x USB-A | Cable End | USB 1.1 (12Mbps) |
Physical Stats
Item | Size (H x W x D) or Length | Weight | SKU or Part Number |
---|---|---|---|
87-Key Mechanical Keyboard | 4 x 35 x 13 centimeters 1.6 x 13.8 x 5.1 inches |
930 grams 32.8 ounces |
USB-MECH87BW |
Get Started
No special drivers are necessary.
The keyboard is fully plug and play and will use the built in USB HID class drivers provided by Windows, Mac OS, Linux/Unix and all other modern USB host systems.
Questions? We're here to help! Please reach out to us at support@plugable.com
Keyboard Functions
1. To swap WASD and arrow key functions press [Fn] + [W] to convert the [W][A][S][D] keys into arrow keys [Up][Left][Down][Right]. This will also make the arrow keys function as [W][A][S][D]. Press [Fn] + [W] to return key functions to normal.
2. To turn the backlight on or off press [Fn] + [ScrLk]
3. To adjust the backlight brightness press [Fn] + [-] to lower and [Fn] + [=] to increase.
4. To turn "breathing" backlight on or off press [Fn] + [Home]
5. To adjust the "breathing" frequency press [Fn] + [-] to lower and [Fn] + [=] to increase.
6. To disable the Windows and Context Menu keys (useful while gaming) press [Fn] + [Win]. Press [Fn] + [Win] again to enable Windows and Context Menu keys.
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How to Use Two External Displays with the Lid Closed on MacBook Air and MacBook Pro M3
Overview
With the release of Apple’s M3 CPU chips and the Sonoma 14.6 update your base MacBook Air and MacBook Pro systems with M3 chips can now host two external displays natively in clamshell mode. This guide will walk you through the process of setting up and using two external displays with the lid closed on your MacBook Air or MacBook Pro equipped with an Apple M3 chip.
Requirements
Before getting started, ensure you have the following:
- MacBook Air or MacBook Pro with an Apple M3 chip.
- macOS Sonoma 14.3 or later for an M3 MacBook Air or macOS Sonoma 14.6 or later for an M3 MacBook Pro.
- Two external displays with compatible video inputs (e.g., HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C).
- A dock or graphics adapter can be used as well.
- External keyboard and mouse (wired or wireless).
- Power adapter or power source for your MacBook
- A docking station that provides adequate charge can be used in place of the native power adapter, be sure to check the wattage your dock provides.
Steps to Set Up Dual External Displays with the Lid Closed
1. Set Up Your External Keyboard and Mouse
- If you’re using a wired keyboard and mouse, connect them directly to your MacBook or Plugable dock.
- For wireless peripherals, ensure they are paired with your MacBook and functioning properly.
- An AC adapter/power cable of some kind will also need to be connected for clamshell mode to function properly. This adapter can be one from a docking station or the included Apple adapter.
2. Connect Your Displays
- Connect the first external display to your MacBook using the appropriate cable (e.g., HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C)
- Close your laptop’s lid.
- Connect the second external display using a similar method.
- Ensure both displays are powered on and set to the correct input source.
3. Configure Display Settings
- Open System Settings on your MacBook.
- Go to Displays.
- You should see both external displays listed. Arrange them according to your preference by dragging the display icons.
- Adjust the resolution, refresh rate, and other settings as needed.
4. Enable "Clamshell Mode" (Lid Closed Mode)
- With your external displays connected and set up, close the lid of your MacBook.
- Your MacBook will automatically switch to "Clamshell Mode," where the internal display turns off, and the external displays become your primary screens.
- Ensure your MacBook is connected to a power source to prevent it from entering sleep mode.
5. Check the Display Arrangement
- With the lid closed, check that the external displays are functioning as expected.
- If necessary, re-open the Displays settings to adjust the arrangement, resolution, or other preferences.
Troubleshooting Tips
- No Display on External Monitors: If the external displays are not showing anything, open the lid of your MacBook and check the connections.
- MacBook Sleeps When Lid Is Closed: Make sure your MacBook is connected to a power adapter. Clamshell Mode requires the MacBook to be plugged into an external power source.
- Performance Issues: If you experience lag or performance drops, try lowering the resolution or refresh rate of the external displays.
Thunderbolt Dock Users
With these steps, one can use Plugable Thunderbolt docks to enjoy a dual-display setup without the need for additional software installation. The dock leverages the native capabilities of the MacBook Air M3 and MacBook Pro M3, providing a straightforward and efficient solution for expanding your workspace with additional USB ports, audio, and ethernet (as well as the dual displays).
Additional Resources
If you should need any assistance with your setup, please feel free to reach out to our support team at support@plugable.com.