Accessories

The iRocks K85R balances function, build, and design

Everything you need, all in one board

Published

August 29, 2025

Keyboards can make or break how productive you feel.

The iRocks K85R steps up as a full-size mechanical board that doesn’t drown in gimmicks.

Instead, it brings together thoughtful design, practical features, and a solid typing experience that strikes the right balance for both work and play.

Build, design

The iRocks K85R is a full-sized wireless mechanical keyboard built with productivity in mind. One standout feature is its dedicated control knob and screen, which enable on-the-fly setting adjustments.

And with onboard memory, you don’t have to load up their software to make these changes.

The knob feels sturdy and smooth to use, while the screen adds practicality by giving you instant feedback.

This combo brings a thoughtful touch that puts the K85R a step above more basic entry-level boards.

The K85R’s metal top plate and sturdy plastic case work together to deliver a rigid, durable build.

The polished metal accents, including the knob, add a clean and professional touch that leans more towards a minimalist office aesthetic than a flashy gaming board. This balance makes it versatile for both work setups and casual play.

Features, functionality

The K85R offers practical features that make it easy to live with daily.

It supports both wired USB-C and wireless 2.4 GHz connectivity, with a polling rate of up to 1000Hz in either mode. So, whether you’re gaming or working, responsiveness won’t be an issue.

With a dedicated control knob, you can manage key functions on the fly. Adjust volume, switch between tasks, or adjust screen brightness without opening any software.

Plus, with onboard memory, your custom lighting profiles and macros stay saved directly on the keyboard, so your setup goes wherever you do.

The only caveat is software support: while the keyboard works fine on macOS, iRocks’ configuration software is Windows-only. Mac users can still use the K85R without trouble, but customization options might be limited.

Switch and typing experience

You can choose from three of iRocks’ in-house switches for this keyboard: Silent Bubble Switch (tactile, quiet), Bubble Switch (tactile, louder), and Berry Switch (linear).

Our unit came with the Silent Bubble Switches, and here are the key specs: Actuation force: 45 ± 10gf, Pre-travel: 2.5 ± 0.5mm, Total travel: 3.7 ± 0.5mm.

Typing on these feels slightly stiffer than mainstream tactiles, due to the longer pre-travel and medium-to-heavy actuation force. The good thing about this is there’ll be minimal to no accidental presses.

Despite the tad stiffer feeling, the shorter overall travel balances things out, providing a soft feeling before bottoming out. The shorter travel distance also makes bottoming out feel snappier and more deliberate.

Overall, this quiet but tactile typing experience is ideal for shared spaces, like offices or cafes. And if the Silent Bubbles aren’t your thing, the K85R’s hot-swappable sockets let you swap to your preference.

Is this your GadgetMatch?

The iRocks K85R strikes an excellent balance of functionality, build quality, and clean design. It’s great for productivity-first users who want a full-size keyboard with a genuinely useful control knob.

Starting at US$ 99, it stands as a strong mid-range option. The K85R is a well-rounded keyboard and a worthy addition to any enthusiast’s arsenal.

If you’re looking for a professional, versatile mechanical keyboard with hot-swap flexibility and thoughtful features, the K85R is well worth considering — and for us, it’s a Swipe Right.

Accessories

TicNote AI recorder launches in the Philippines

AI-powered transcription, translation, insights, more

Published

December 19, 2025

Manila Connoisseur

Mobvoi has officially launched TicNote, its AI-powered note-taking device in the Philippines for PhP 9,499. The thin and lightweight recorder is currently available offline and will soon roll out on Lazada and Shopee.

The pocket-friendly TicNote comes with 64GB of memory and offers up to 25 hours of continuous recording. Beyond these, it supports real-time translation in over 120 languages through the TicNote app.

Moreover, powered by Shadow AI, the device goes further with advanced insights, including Smart Summary, Mind Map View, Deep Research Reports, Aha Moment, and even AI Podcast Generation.

To complement the device, Mobvoi offers unlimited TicNote cloud storage and 600 minutes of free monthly recording time.

On paper, the TicNote AI recorder has several professional applications. It can be used for meetings, legal and medical consultations, and more scenarios to record high-quality audio.

Meanwhile, journalists can leverage the tool for press conferences and media scrums. Even content creators can use the tool as a microphone as TicNote can process high bitrate audio and save it to .wav format.

Still, there’s a catch. Users will still need a smartphone, tablet, or laptop to make the most out of TicNote’s AI-powered features.

And that raises the dilemma: modern phones already offer AI translation, real-time transcription, and audio-to-text uploads through popular AI assistants.

For consumers, the question becomes whether TicNote offers enough beyond what their phones already do — or if it will just make having both devices redundant.

Accessories

Genshin Impact DualSense controller coming in January

Sony, HoYoverse partner for better PlayStation 5 experience

Published

December 14, 2025

GadgetMatch

Sony and HoYoverse have partnered for the Genshin Impact Limited Edition DualSense Wireless Controller.

The timing couldn’t have been better as Genshin Impact Version Luna III approaches PlayStation 5. There is a new 5-Star Pyro character in Durin, and a new story chapter set to take place in Nod-Krai.

The specially-designed controller features the popular open world RPG’s classic elements. It has an ethereal white, gold, and green palette.

It is also adorned with arcane glyphs of a fantasy realm, including emblems of Traveler Twins Aether and Lumine. Trusted companion guide, Paimon, is also present in the peripheral.

The controller will be available in these markets, with preorders now available in select retailers:

Singapore: SG$ 119
Malaysia: MYR 419
Philippines: PhP 4,890
Indonesia: IDR 1,549,000

Naturally, players can expect an immersive experience with the PlayStation 5 and DualSene controller combo.

There’s haptic feedback, support for 4K visuals, and lightning-fast load times, allowing players to continue exploring Teyvat and uncover its secrets.

For Sony, the collaboration is the latest in a long list of partnerships that more recently include the Ghost of Yōtei PS5 bundle, as well as the God of War, Death Stranding, and Fortnite edition controllers.

Meanwhile, for Genshin Impact, the controller succeeds recent tie-ups with Duolingo and UGREEN.

Accessories

Kingston launches Dual Portable SSD with up to 2TB storage

Supports high-speed transfer between USB-A and USB-C devices

Published

December 11, 2025

GadgetMatch

Kingston has announced its first cable-free solid state drive (SSD), the Dual Portable SSD, for those in need of an affordable, reliable, and portable solution for data back-up and transfers.

The new offering has the sleek look of a traditional flash drive in a compact and durable casing. It’s simple and cable-free, fitting pockets and purses and also lightweight for users to carry with them anywhere.

With both USB-A and USB-C connectors, it can easily transfer files between devices, including laptops, desktops, and mobile devices.

Moreover, the product can support USB 3.2 Gen 2 speeds of up to 1,050MB/s read and 950MB/s write. There are also various storage capacities for large files like high-res photos and 4K videos.

The new Kingston Dual Portable SSD is available in these configurations and prices:

512GB: US$ 133.99
1TB: US$ 155.39
2TB: US$ 329.99

Just a month ago, Kingston also added an 8TB storage option for its FURY Renegade G5 SSD. This is ideal for high-power uses, including video editing, 3D rendering, gaming, and more.

For another pocket-sized backup solution, customers can also consider the XS1000 External SSD. This storage includes a black, silver, and red colorway.