Marsback M1 Keyboard Review: One Keyboard, Many Uses

Who Is The Marsback M1 Keyboard For?

• The Marsback M1 keyboard is an easy solution for someone who has multiple devices, but doesn't want multiple keyboards
• The M1 is a mechanical keyboard, so is ideal for someone who prefers a tactile feel while typing
• The Marsback M1 comes complete with plenty of lighting customization options

As society moves further and further towards a wireless wonderland, sometimes it's still nice to have the option to keep things all wired together. That is what makes the Marskback M1 keyboard so great. This 84-key keyboard can both be wired to a computer or serve as a wireless Bluetooth keyboard for a wide range of devices. The Marsback M1 is currently raising money on Kickstarter, and the campaign has already raised more than double its requested amount. This means the Kickstarter campaign is more or less a pre-ordering system.

All-In-One

Within the first hour of using the Marsback M1 keyboard, I had used it while plugged into my desktop, had connected it to an iPad, and started working wirelessly on my Chromebook. Thanks to the included Bluetooth profiles, I have the ability to jump between devices with the press of two buttons. That said, getting the profiles set up properly did take me a few minutes.

It is a little annoying to have to jump between different profiles for each device, especially when plugging the keyboard into a computer for wired mode. It would be nice if plugging the keyboard into a computer automatically switched the keyboard into wired mode instead of requiring a specific key press.

Nice Feel

The Marsback M1 keyboard uses Marsback's own line of custom switches. This means the keyboard feels unique compared to the others I have tried. That said, pressing keys on the M1 is a pleasant experience, as the keys don't offer much resistance when pressed and bounce back quickly. There is a noticeable click when typing, but it never feels like the keyboard is getting too loud.

Marsback claims their switches offer as little as 1ms in delay, which is pretty much impossible to test in the real world, but regardless of using wired or Bluetooth mode, the M1 keyboard has a very quick and responsive feel. The switches are also said to be double lubricated, allowing for a smooth button pressing experience every time.

Of course, everyone has their own personal preferences, and the Marsback has made itself accommodating for modifications. If you don't happen to like the Marsback switches, they can be popped right out of the keyboard without any major tools, though a pair of pliers is pretty crucial to get a grip on the switches. Once the Marsback switches have been removed, replacement switches can then be popped in.

Stylish Looks

The Marsback M1 keyboard comes in a few different colors, but I opted for the slick grey look. The keyboard reminds me of something out of the 80s with its mix of grey tones and pops of red. It almost has an NES controller-like color scheme.

Of course, what modern keyboard would be complete without LED lighting options? Without even using the software, there are three different areas of LED lighting that can be customized with keyboard controls alone. The body of the M1 can light up, the keys area of the keyboard can light up, and there are also input-based effects. These can all be individually turned on and off with a few keystrokes, or one keystroke can turn all lighting on and off quickly.

More lighting and customization settings are included with the Marsback software, but we'll talk about the software more in-depth later in the review.

Cramped And Heavy

Although the Marsback M1 keyboard is roughly the same size as my laptop keyboard, it still feels a little cramped. This is likely because the Marsback keyboard has 10 more keys than my laptop. The keys are also all standard size on the Marsback, whereas my laptop features smaller keys for different functions.

Compared to my full 104-key keyboard, the M1 feels positively tiny. However, my big keyboard is a wired-only option with a full numeric keypad, so it's not exactly fair to compare the two experiences.

The M1 keyboard is also pretty thick and a little heavy at just over two pounds. This isn't exactly ideal for throwing in a bag and taking with you on the go. Especially considering there isn't a travel case or bag for the Marsback M1, it isn't the most portable device out there.

Battery For Days (With No Lights)

The Marsback M1 keyboard has a fairly robust battery life of around 12 hours with the lighting and effects going full-blast. However, if the lights are all turned off the M1 can last for several weeks, and up to two months, on a single charge. To help extend battery life, the M1 shuts itself off after 10 minutes of inactivity when in wireless mode. Turning the keyboard back on is as simple as pressing the spacebar.

The battery fully charges in six hours, which isn't an issue if you are using the M1 while it is plugged in. The keyboard also doesn't have to be connected to a device to charge and be used. It works just fine wirelessly if plugged into the wall or another power source.

Mac Friendly, But Not So Much For PC

The Marsback M1 keyboard does support both Mac and Windows, along with Android, iOS, Linux, Unix and a few others. However, the keyboard seems more situated for Mac than any of the other operating systems. For example, there are media control keys on the top row of the keyboard, but they don't work with PCs. The PC media control keys are all keyboard shortcuts that are spread across three areas of the keyboard and don't particularly make sense.

These function keys can be remapped in the Marsback software, but it just seems a little silly that there are seemingly dedicated media keys that don't actually work unless you are using the proper operating system.

Software Troubles

The Marsback M1 keyboard comes with its own software for customization options and the ability to tweak some settings. However, after downloading the software, the launcher popped up with some major language issues, which is to say the font wasn't in any language at all.

After having to be walked through the install process by a Marsback representative (and being assured that the language issue for the installer will be fixed in the future), I got the software up and running. Once installed, the software is fully in English, so no language issues here. However, the software doesn't really have any tutorials and doesn't show off any features, so using it is still a bit of trial and error to figure out how everything works. The user manual has some tips on using the software, but it still isn't the most clear process.

The Marsback software is capable of remapping shortcuts and creating new ones, and allows for almost unlimited customization in terms of lighting options. The sides and keys area of the M1 can be modified, as well as the input effects. Alternatively, completely custom effects and lighting set-ups can be applied, including the ability to individually customize each key. The Marsback keyboard can also be set to feature lighting that responds to audio being played through your system for an audio visualizer look.

The Marsback M1 keyboard has built-in memory, allowing the keyboard to save two custom profiles. The software can be used to modify these profiles, but once saved, the profiles are bound to the keyboard until connected back to the software to make additional modifications.

Final Thoughts

If you have a number of devices that need a keyboard, but don't want to get different wireless keyboards for each one, the Marsback M1 is fantastic. Jumping from one device to another with a few button presses is surprisingly smooth, and having so many customization options built right into the keyboard is pretty neat as well.

Typing on the Marsback M1 is also a smooth experience, as the custom Marsback switches offer a satisfying click when pressed, along with a nice and light bounce back up. The ability to add in prefered switches without needing any major tools is also a great benefit for those who really want to make the Marsback M1 their own ultimate keyboard.

However, the Marsback M1 is a little bulky and fairly heavy. This isn't the best option for travel, despite it being a wireless keyboard. The Marsback software, while useful, could also stand to be upgraded to make it a little easier to understand what is going on.

Will the Marsback M1 replace my wired desktop keyboard as my new permanent typing solution? Probably not. But it is a great wireless option for when I want that, and makes for a great backup wired keyboard if I ever find myself needing one.

As previously mentioned, the Marsback M1 is currently crowdfunding on Kickstarter, and has already passed its goal. The M1 is available through Kickstarter for $199, though reduced prices are available for those who get in early enough. M1 keyboards are expected to start shipping this July.