Battleye 74.5 RT
Dry Studio's Battleye 74.5 RT is a unique Hall-Effect keyboard with a compact 74.5-percent layout and a side-mounted 1.7-inch touchscreen. It features Rapid Trigger, a CNC-machined aluminum case, and extensive adjustment options. The keyboard is priced at $199.99 and is aimed at users who want to combine Hall-Effect functions with an unusual custom-oriented construction.
The Battleye 74.5 RT is a distinctive keyboard that sets itself apart from classic gaming keyboards with its compact 74.5-percent layout, CNC-machined aluminum case, and round 1.7-inch touchscreen. According to Dry Studio, the keyboard is designed for users who want to combine Hall-Effect functions, Rapid Trigger, and extensive individual parameters with an unusual custom-oriented construction. The keyboard is priced at $199.99.
Technical Specifications
The Battleye 74.5 RT features a 74.5-percent layout that retains a dedicated row of F-keys but omits several less frequently used keys found on a classic 75-percent board. The keyboard has a polling rate of up to 8,000 Hz and a scan rate of up to 16,000 Hz. It also features magnetic TTC King of Magnetic RGB Switches, Rapid Trigger, and a Leaf Spring RT 2.0 Mount. The case is made of CNC-machined aluminum alloy and weighs 1,393 grams.
Performance and Latency
The Battleye 74.5 RT's performance is notable for its low latency. According to the source, the measured end-to-end latency decreases from 13.6 to 11.5 ms at 8,000 Hz compared to 1,000 Hz. The variation in latency remains practically unchanged. The manufacturer specifies a latency of less than 0.125 ms, but this value should not be equated with the end-to-end latency determined in the test.
Construction and Materials
The Battleye 74.5 RT's construction is designed to provide stability and flexibility. The keyboard features a six-layer internal structure with foam and an additional pad for influencing the typing sound. The plate is made of aluminum, and the keycaps are made of Double-Shot PBT. The keyboard also features a large damping mat that practically fills the entire interior of the case bottom. The Leaf-Spring elements support the assembly elastically within the case, providing a unique typing feel and sound.
The Battleye 74.5 RT's touchscreen is a notable feature that sets it apart from other keyboards. The round display can show RT modes, visualize key presses, display custom backgrounds, and serve as a virtual Escape key. The touchscreen is controlled by its own processing unit and operates separately from the other keyboard functions. According to the manufacturer, this separation is intended to prevent mutual thermal influence.
The keyboard's packaging is also worth noting. The Battleye 74.5 RT is supplied in a comparatively large, flat package with a technical-looking design in black, gray, and orange. The keyboard is enclosed in a transparent plastic sleeve, and a black warning tag is attached to the keyboard, warning against removing the protective material. The keyboard itself is separately protected once again during transport, with a seal that must be opened to remove the board from the film.
