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Nov 11, 2021
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Just got a Niz. The 68. I gotta say… Hardware? 9 out of 10. The typing experience is phenomenal. Deduct one point for the all-plastic construction.
But the software? 1 out 10. Truly abysmal… bugs galore. RGB doesn’t work in BT mode, Fn + inputs work only occasionally, and which mode you are in (or not, as the case may be) is often impossible to figure out, because the board only randomly gives an indication if it has accepted the command when you attempt to switch modes… And these are modes that have a major impact on usability, such as low power draw, MAC or Windows, Office/Game/Program etc etc etc.
Usually when I deem a keyboard to be upside down software-wise, it’s the little things… No charging/charged indicator, for instance. Of course, the Niz screws that up as well, but in the face of such other major issues, it’s nearly forgotten.
And good luck finding any kind of user manual. Niz boards do not come with English-language user manuals. You can download one on their site, but it is so poorly translated, it is nearly impossible to use. And even if it were translated properly, it would be largely useless anyway, as it simply skips over or does not address major areas of information. Under the Bluetooth connection section, for instance, it starts out with specs/basic info -how many devices the board can handle, and what the pairing flashing looks like- but then skips directly to advanced instructions for pairing the board with a second device after it is already paired with a first. It completely omits the basic instructions for how to pair it to that first device.
All in all, I think Niz makes great hardware, and a lovely typing experience, but if they are to successfully challenge other Topre boards on the market, they need to bite the bullet, spend the money, and hire professionals to take over the programming and software duties. They are pretty obviously utilizing the skills of an amateur in that department right now, and while that person(s) may be talented, a for-market alpha product is not the place for an amateur to cut their teeth.
Bottom line- until Niz makes some changes, I can’t recommend their boards. The software is simply not remotely acceptable in a board that costs this much. It wouldn’t even be remotely acceptable in a budget entry-level $25 generic “AliExpress Special” mechanical, honestly. It’s a shame, because the typing experience really is sublime.
(Edited)
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