MK9 Pro RGB review — can a $60 mechanical keyboard really keep up with the pros?

A forefinger and thumb rotating the volume dial on the iBuyPower MK9 Pro RGB Mechanical Keyboard.

I've been using the iBuyPower MK9 PRO RGB Mechanical Keyboard for the last week and a half while playing games and writing to see how well it works.

Rebecca Spear, Gaming Editor

(Image credit: Windows Central)

This week: I'm taking a break from my current Baldur's Gate 3 replay to create Halloween decorations after work.

While it's by no means the most premium mechanical gaming keyboard on the market, it's a fantastic choice that provides some customization and fast actuation at a decent price.

You've probably heard of iBuyPower before, since many of the company's devices and accessories are available for purchase at Amazon, Newegg, and Best Buy; however, this specific keyboard isn't listed at those retailers as of yet.

Additionally, it's worth noting that the MK9 Pro RGB Mechanical Keyboard is only available as a wired keyboard, with no wireless options in sight. You can get it for $59.99 at iBuyPower, and it's a great value buy given the features it offers.

In the box, you get the mechanical keyboard itself, a simple manual, a USB-C to USB-A cable, and a keycap remover tool.

iBuyPower MK9 Pro: What's good

This keyboard has a full number pad and Function row. (Image credit: Rebecca Spear / Windows Central)

While the keyboard's design doesn't really stand out from other mechanical gaming keyboards, it looks nice and is well-built. The MK9 Pro has a hefty, substantial weight and a sturdy chassis that doesn't slide around while I type. Of course, the well-placed rubber footpads on the bottom help with that as well.

Meanwhile, there are two different sizes of adjustable feet to choose the best keyboard incline for my experience.

MK9 Pro RGB specs

• Switch type: Linear
• Size: 96%, 98 Keys
• Connection: Wired
• Weight: .76kg (1.67 pounds)
• Dimensions: 392 x 145 x 38mm (15.4 x 5.7 x 1.49in)

It's worth noting that the keyboard's sole USB-C port is located on the keyboard's right side, which might feel awkward for people who need to plug it in on their right side. If the cable were attached to the back center of the keyboard, this wouldn't be a problem, but as it is, the included USB-C to USB-A cable is plenty long to reach your computer, whether it's on the ground or on the desk.

As you'd expect from a good mechanical keyboard that features linear switches, the MK9 Pro offers an extremely satisfying clicky clacky typing experience that I never tire of hearing or feeling.

If you're the kind of person who likes to buy and use different keycaps, then you can easily use the included keycap remover tool to

When it comes to gaming, the keys offer hardly any resistance but snap back up to attention very quickly. They're also very responsive with low latency, allowing me to respond as quickly as possible in competitive multiplayer games or when typing furiously at my computer.

Helpful light indicators to the left of the number pad tell you when certain commands are in effect. (Image credit: Rebecca Spear / Windows Central)

Some colors come through the dark see-through plastic better than others. (Image credit: Rebecca Spear / Windows Central)

The UBS-C cable connects to the keyboard's right side. (Image credit: Rebecca Spear / Windows Central)

iBuyPower's logo is located on the Esc key. (Image credit: Rebecca Spear / Windows Central)

You might have noted from the pictures that this is a 96% keyboard, meaning that it offers a full number pad, unlike some other mechanical keyboards in this price range. This comes in handy for me since I often work in spreadsheets and need to input numeric data for work, so if that's the same for you, it will be nice to have.

A useful set of Function keys along the top of the keyboard makes it possible to quickly open the calculator, open a new web browser page, launch a music player, adjust volume, open Outlook, and more.

Additionally, I love that the default function keys make it possible to alter the brightness of the keyboard's RGB or cycle through some of the animation effects without having to open the free HYTE Nexus software to make these customizations (you can download it from HYTE.com).

The default function keys make it possible to alter the brightness of the keyboard's RGB or cycle through some of the animation effects without having to open the free HYTE Nexus software to make these customizations.

Within HYTE Nexus, the program gives me more customization options, like determining how fast specific animations and effects are. I can even turn on Audio Visualization with visual effects that move to the beat of my music, or upload an image for the keyboard to copy.

I do have a few qualms with this software, though.

iBuyPower MK9 Pro: What needs improvement

HYTE Nexus provides several RGB effects and animations, including this rainbow one. (Image credit: Rebecca Spear / Windows Central)

Colors don't always match the colors chosen in the color picker. (Image credit: Rebecca Spear / Windows Central)

It would have been nicer if the RGB was a little brighter. (Image credit: Rebecca Spear / Windows Central)

Overall, the MK9 Pro looks nice and has a sturdy build. (Image credit: Rebecca Spear / Windows Central)

The full number pad and volume dial make this a convenient keyboard to use. (Image credit: Rebecca Spear / Windows Central)

While using the HYTE Nexus software, I found myself getting mildly frustrated multiple times since the program often takes a few seconds to respond when I click on anything. Sometimes the software fails to make anything happen at all after I make an effect selection.

The hues that shine through on the keyboard often don't match the color I select within the HYTE Nexus program's color picker. For instance, choosing a relatively strong Xbox green makes the keyboard glow blue, so your actual color options are somewhat limited.

And, unless I missed it, there is no way to change the color and effect for each individual key in the software.

Another thing to note is that this keyboard doesn't save onboard profiles for you to swap between, so if you want to make changes, you'll have to hop into HYTE Nexus.

iBuyPower MK9 Pro: Should you buy it?

The included key removal tool is very easy to use. (Image credit: Rebecca Spear / Windows Central)

✅ You should buy this if...

• You're looking for a mechanical keyboard on a budget
  It might not have the very best effects and customization features, but this keyboard does offer fun RGB with responsive keys at a value price.

❌ You shouldn't buy this if...

• You specifically want a wireless keyboard
  iBuyPower only sells a wired version of the MK9 Pro, so if you need something with a built-in battery you'll need to look elsewhere.

While it won't win any innovation awards, the MK9 Pro RGB Mechanical Keyboard is an aesthetically pleasing accessory that will serve your gaming and typing needs well. This keyboard is very responsive and snappy, allowing you to enjoy that satisfying clickiness while still getting the fast-paced performance you need with gaming.

I love the substantial weight of the keyboard, and there are plenty of helpful function keys, a full number pad, and a volume dial for your convenience.

While I appreciate being able to adjust some RGB lighting settings directly on the keyboard, the HYTE Nexus software requires an update to make it more responsive and reliable. But in the end, the MK9 Pro's biggest flaws really aren't that big; they certainly won't prevent you from getting a good gaming experience.

Overall, it's a reliable and attractive mechanical keyboard that you can trust during heart-pounding moments. Plus, its value price range means this mechanical RGB gaming keyboard won't make your wallet cry like some others will.

Reviewed keyboard ⌨️

iBuyPower MK9 Pro RGB Mechanical Keyboard

This mechanical keyboard utilizes linear switches to keep up with your fast-paced video games. You can customize the RGB lighting in the HYTE Nexus app or use keyboard shortcuts to make changes.