This Ghost in the Shell keyboard inspires me to unleash my inner cyborg.
Anime collaborations are popping up everywhere, from Gundam-themed watches to Naruto events at Major League ballparks, but these Ghost in the Shell keyboards from Iqunix stand out as some of the coolest anime-inspired tech I’ve encountered. They not only look fantastic but also deliver an excellent typing and gaming experience. Priced at $249, they do come with a premium over the standard $169 model, but for the quality and unique designs, it’s a fair deal.
The Iqunix EV63, the base model for the Ghost in the Shell Edition, is a 65-percent Hall effect keyboard designed with gamers in mind. It features a compact layout, an impressive 8,000Hz polling rate, and ultra-sensitive rapid trigger keys, which give players a competitive edge over those using standard gear. It’s wired only, which is a trade-off for that 8K performance; while wireless mechanical keyboards are common, a Hall effect board at this level requires a wired connection. The standard EV63 has a sleek design, but the Ghost in the Shell Editions take it to another level.
These keyboards come in two striking designs: shell core and cyber blue, both infused with Ghost in the Shell aesthetics, including iconic imagery and character art. They boast aluminum cases with vibrant RGB lighting, preprogrammed to match their color schemes, and frosted keycaps on the escape, space bar, left shift, enter, and arrow keys that allow the colorful lighting to shine through.
While these keyboards coincide with the release of a new Ghost in the Shell anime, their design draws inspiration from the classic 1995 film by Mamoru Oshii, featuring close-ups of characters on several modifier keys. The cyber blue model includes a subtle outline of Motoko “The Major” Kusanagi’s nude profile from the original theatrical poster on its keycaps and bottom case. The effect is understated, with a black outline on dark gray, making it less revealing than the source material, but it might still raise eyebrows in a formal office setting.
The build quality of these keyboards is top-notch. Weighing in at 2.7 pounds (1.2kg), they feel substantial—similar to a 13-inch MacBook Air but in a more compact form. Typing on the Iqunix EV63 is a pleasure, especially for a Hall effect keyboard, which typically prioritizes gaming performance over tactile feedback. The Ghost in the Shell editions utilize KeyTok Nova linear magnetic switches, providing a light and crisp feel, while the tray mount design enhances the overall typing experience.
The sound profile of the EV63 is impressive as well. While it may not have the deep, warm tones of some non-Hall effect boards, it delivers a satisfying clack. Compared to similar models, the Ghost in the Shell EV63 sounds significantly better. Although the Chilkey Slice75 HE offers a more “thocky” sound, it lacks the striking aesthetic of these keyboards.
A 65-percent gaming keyboard tailored for competitive shooters is a niche product, and these Ghost in the Shell editions are even more specialized, but they are undeniably awesome. While there have been anime keyboard collaborations in the past, many have felt uninspired. I’ve collected my share of anime-themed keycaps, which look great, but they often lack official licensing. It’s refreshing to see licensed keyboards that not only look and sound fantastic but also cater to the most dedicated fans. The Major would definitely approve.
