YUNZII AL80 Mechanical Keyboard Review
Why This $99 Keyboard Might Be the End of Budget Compromises
⌨️ Yunzii AL80: https://amzn.to/3DUuTTH
🎥 Watch More Keyboard Reviews: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEzayd3M04GAYPRqiCZXNpblVWo5Bsy4r
🏰 Join the community for more tech & keyboard content! https://discord.gg/craftingworlds
It’s no secret that the mechanical keyboard space has exploded in recent years. From premium custom builds to budget-friendly pre-builts, there’s no shortage of options. But too often, “budget” means sacrificing build quality, sound profile, or aesthetics. Not so with the YUNZII AL80.
Coming in under $100, this keyboard doesn’t just check boxes—it creates new ones. With an impressive combination of features including triple-mode connectivity, hot-swappable switches, south-facing RGB, and one of the best stock sound profiles I’ve ever experienced, the AL80 is proof that the gap between custom and pre-built boards is closing—fast.
Design & Build Quality
Let’s start with what you see and feel right out of the box.
The YUNZII AL80 uses a 75% layout, offering a compact footprint without sacrificing essential keys like arrows or function keys. Visually, it blends retro vibes with modern polish. The keycap set is double-shot PBT in Cherry profile, providing a durable, textured feel that doesn’t shine over time. The colorway leans into a tasteful cream or beige tone that screams ‘classic’—though some may find it a bit old-school.
Then, there’s the back. A subtle shine with a metallic finish, an etched logo, and rubber feet for added stability all point to thoughtful industrial design. And the build? Sturdy, with a noticeable heft and zero flex despite being lightweight enough for travel.
Switches & Typing Experience
The review unit I tested came with Cocoa Cream V2 linear switches, and I have to say—they’re buttery smooth. These switches provide a refined typing experience that feels far beyond their price bracket. There’s a natural tactility to these linears that feels like a happy accident in the best way. They don’t have the sharp bump of true tactile switches, but you still feel connected to each keystroke.
The stabilizers? Solid. No rattle. No excessive noise. And here’s the kicker: this is all stock—no lubing, no mods. That alone puts this keyboard in rare territory.
Sound Profile
Sound matters. The AL80 sounds shockingly good. In fact, it sounds better than many custom builds I’ve tested that cost three times as much.
It’s got that rich “thock” people crave, with minimal hollowness and a balanced acoustic profile. The gasket-mounted design, layers of internal dampening material, and well-tuned stabilizers all work in harmony to produce a full, satisfying sound with every keystroke. No modding necessary.
If you’re into sound tests, you’ll be stunned at how refined this keyboard sounds straight out of the box.
Features Galore
YUNZII clearly didn’t hold back here. The AL80 is stacked with extras:
✅ Customizable LCD Screen
It’s not just a gimmick. This screen displays everything from battery levels to animated GIFs. Upload custom images, show the time, or even use community-made animations—it’s a genuinely fun, functional addition.
✅ CNC Aluminum Knob
The tactile feel of this knob is elite. It’s smooth, notched, and responsive—perfect for volume control or creative work.
✅ Triple-Mode Connectivity
- USB-C Wired
- 2.4GHz Wireless (via dongle)
- Bluetooth 5.0
You can hot-swap between up to three devices, making it ideal for creators and productivity multitaskers.
✅ QMK/VIA Compatibility
Advanced users will be thrilled with full key remapping and macro capabilities. Not many budget boards offer this level of programmability.
✅ South-Facing RGB with Per-Key Customization
This board doesn’t just light up—it glows. You can control lighting through built-in hotkeys or software, and yes, there’s a side LED light bar that pulses, waves, and breathes in sync with your board’s vibe.
Software
The software is functional, if not particularly flashy. It mirrors the same UI found in other budget boards like Epomaker or Mechlands models. That said, you can:
- Remap keys
- Upload screen animations
- Control lighting
- Update firmware
- Save and load profiles
No cloud registration is required, which is a big plus.
Real-World Usage
Whether you’re a coder, gamer, student, or typist, the AL80 holds up. I tested it across multiple environments—editing video, writing scripts, and casual gaming. Latency was minimal even over wireless, and Bluetooth pairing was snappy.
Despite its features, the board is lightweight, making it a solid choice for travel or on-the-go setups. It’s also Mac and Windows compatible, with swappable keycaps for both systems.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
- Outstanding stock sound
- Hot-swappable with Cocoa Cream V2 switches
- Gasket-mounted internals for enhanced acoustics
- Full RGB + screen + knob in a compact 75% layout
- Triple-mode connectivity
- VIA/QMK programmable
- Affordable – often under $90 on sale
- No mods required
❌ Cons:
- Packaging includes excess plastic (eco concern)
Final Thoughts
The YUNZII AL80 is a rare example of a keyboard that feels like a flagship while being priced like an entry-level product. It’s the kind of keyboard that forces you to question the value of your expensive customs. Why pay $250+ when a sub-$100 board offers this level of design, acoustics, and usability?
This isn’t a $300 board. But that’s the point—it isn’t, and yet it performs like one.
Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or someone looking for their first mechanical keyboard, the AL80 delivers more than expected in almost every area. This is a true sleeper hit—and easily one of the best mechanical keyboards of 2025 so far.
