This bold, anime-themed MelGeek Centauri60 keyboard just became my daily driver — here’s why
This Evangelion-themed board combines high-end Hall-effect performance with Cyberpunk style and mecha-grade build quality, and I can’t get enough of it.
In recent days, I had the opportunity to sit down and explore MelGeek's Centauri60 Evangelion 'Asuka Edition' keyboard. Having previously experienced their Made68 Ultra V2, I had high expectations for this latest offering. The Asuka Edition does not disappoint, as it builds upon the strengths of its predecessor while enhancing key aspects for an improved everyday typing experience.
One of the first things that stood out about the Centauri60 is its bold, anime-themed design. From the dominant red case to the sharp angled edges, lighting strips on both sides, a hidden engraving of Asuka's iconic line, a Prog-Knife motif, a metal nameplate, and a laser-etched EVA-02 insignia, the keyboard is unapologetically geeky and visually striking. The volume knob is another thoughtful touch, adding a tactile control that elevates the overall experience.
Beyond its theme, the Centauri60 excels in build quality, sound profile, and gaming features, making it my daily driver at home. The acoustic profile impressed me the most, as the keyboard provides a deep, muted sound with a rich, grounded tone. The CNC aluminium unibody, weighing 1.32kg, contributes to a dense and vibration-absorbing foundation that minimizes higher-frequency noise and enhances lower tones. The five-layer acoustic dampening system further reduces harsh clacks, resulting in a smoother, "creamy" signature.
The build quality of the Centauri60 is exceptional, with a machined aluminium chassis that feels rigid and confident. There is no flex anywhere in the frame, and the tighter tolerances, cleaner seams, and even weight distribution give it a premium feel. The keyboard's weight (1.32kg) ensures stability, preventing sliding during intense gaming sessions. The overall construction is so well-engineered that it could almost make Shinji's father smile.
In terms of styling, the Asuka Edition truly shines. The saturated, confident red color is a standout feature that showcases the Evangelion inspiration. The lighting enhances the red colour, making it easily noticeable through the keycaps. The white characters against the red background improve readability, and the Evangelion-inspired legends give the board a futuristic vibe. The bottom of the case carries additional EVA-specific detailing, making the keyboard feel like a collectible piece.
Despite its many strengths, there is one aspect that feels restrictive. The USB-C port is recessed, but the MelGeek USB-C cable has an extra lip that only fits the MelGeek cable snugly. This means that using a third-party coiled cable or non-MelGeek option is not feasible without resorting to soldering. While the rest of the keyboard boasts a cohesive and visually appealing design, this issue detracts from the overall experience.
In conclusion, the MelGeek Centauri60 Evangelion 'Asuka Edition' keyboard is a well-thought-out, high-quality product that excels in build quality, sound, and gaming features. The bold anime-themed design and attention to detail make it an appealing choice for Evangelion fans and keyboard enthusiasts alike. The only minor drawback is the restrictive USB-C port setup, but the keyboard's overall performance more than compensates for this limitation.
Written by urgent.news from Tom's Guide's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
