DOIO KBGM-H04 Review

Price	DOIO
Release	April 29, 2024
Compatibility	NS / PC
Dimensions	11″ x 5″ x 0.8″
Weight	1.46 lbs
Cable	2 m

Other Edition

KBGM-H06

Introduction

The KBGM-H04 is a dual layout controller with 16 polycarbonate keycaps, and the Gateron Red linear switches are hot swappable for your convenience.

One of the primary differences between this edition and the KBGM-H04 Pro is that the pro edition offers an extender for your wrists more readily. The same applies to the KBGM-H06 Pro.

To keep you well informed, the KBGM-H04 has an OLED screen that shows the input mode, directional mode, and SOCD mode. As for the function buttons, they are for:

L3
R3
Turbo
Select
Home
Start

The cable of the KBGM-H04 is USB-C. Based on your preference, you can plug the cable into the back or left side. You should also be able to insert a dongle into the USB-A port for PlayStation 5 compatibility.

Unboxing

The KBGM-H04 comes in a sleek black box with the DOIO logo in dark gray, so the logo is not too overwhelming. Open up the box, and there should be a cable plus a switch puller.

There is a protective foam layer, and underneath the foam is the KBGM-H04, nicely situated within some housing to avoid rattling in the box during shipping.

Performance

The KBGM-H04’s buttons have a pleasant texture to them, but dead skin accumulation may interfere with the performance, so clean the buttons regularly. On the bright side, the buttons should not come off if you mash them.

Another detail about the KBGM-H04’s buttons is that you can remap them through web configuration or even disable them. For example, you might not want the W button of the WASD layout. Furthermore, you may want to change a function button to something more useful for you, such as the touchpad if you are a PlayStation user.

That said, it would have been nice for the KBGM-H04’s function buttons to be bigger. They might be uncomfortable to press, and they require precision, possibly needing you to look down to find the function button you need. Luckily, the function buttons are labeled.

As for the KBGM-H04’s Gateron Red switches, they can be hit or miss, especially because they might be too smooth for your taste, so consider hot swapping them. Otherwise, they have quite a pronounced sound that is very similar to a standard mechanical keyboard.

The KBGM-H04 is suitable for both desk and lap play. If you place the controller on your lap, you can spread your legs, but not too much.

Regarding slimness, the KBGM-H04 is thin enough for desk and lap comfort. Because the controller is heavier than it looks, this is a blessing in disguise as it adds stability, reducing the chances of the controller sliding during a match.

Hardware

Five layers make up the KBGM-H04. The top is made of aluminum alloy, and the bottom is acrylic. The controller is wide, but not that long. Note that the controller runs on the critically acclaimed GP2040-CE open source firmware.

Except for the 25 mm jump button, all of the KBGM-H04’s main buttons are 22 mm, which is the industry standard. That is because you want the jump button to require less precision when pressing it, especially if you use the side of your thumb. Also, you might alternate between your left and right thumbs to jump, even within the same match.

For hot swapping, you can prop up the KBGM-H04’s keycaps with any tool that can do the job, and the switches can come off with a puller. You can try DOIO’s switch puller.

Appearance

The matte finish of the KBGM-H04 is one of the reasons it looks like a piece of art. Also, the bevels on the edges make the controller look less boxy. In addition, it is worth mentioning that the DOIO logo is engraved subtly on the bottom right of the top panel, reminding you that this is a DOIO product, but without screaming it out loud.

Moving on, the KBGM-H04 is available in different colors, so it can represent your taste. Also, custom RGB LED shines from underneath the top panel, making your controller stand out.

The KBGM-H04’s acrylic bottom is see-through, so you can see the PCB. While that is not the most pleasant sight, at least you can see the LED going off from this view as well. That is in addition to the LED being visible when the controller is in its regular position during play, which is facing up.

Remember the dead skin on the buttons? It can affect the appearance as well, so again, try to clean the buttons regularly. On the bright side, DOIO made the right choice by making the cable black. Black fits the aesthetics of the KBGM-H04, especially because of the black buttons.

Conclusion

The DOIO KBGM-H04 is one of the finest leverless controllers on the market, and its dual layout is useful.

Dual layout
Textured keycaps
Hot swap switches
Versatile size
Decent weight
Slim design
Beveled edges
Matte finish
Color options
Beautiful lights
Three ports

Small function buttons
Dead skin accumulation

Rating

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐