The Ukrainian brand HATOR has released an updated version of its flagship mechanical keyboard HATOR Skyfall TKL PRO. It was logically named HATOR Skyfall 2 TKL PRO, with new branded switches, «hot» swap function, etc. After a few weeks of use, we will analyze the pros and cons of the model, determine its tactile properties, convenience in games and when typing, and share our experience of using it and the features of the new product.
Pluses:
good build quality; PBT plastic caps; lubricated linear mechanical branded HATOR Aurum Orange switches; RGB backlighting of keys and side stripes; reliable and soft detachable nylon braided cable; proprietary software; rich package; macro recording; up to 10 profiles can be made; there is a function of «hot» replacement of Hot Swap switches
Minuses:
Someone will definitely not like the simplest software; there are no labels on multimedia and other keys, so you need to constantly refer to the table or memorize combinations
Content
Technical specifications of HATOR Skyfall 2 TKL PRO
| Number of keys | 87 |
| Connection type | USB |
| Survey frequency | 1000 Hz |
| Supply voltage | 5 В |
| Current strength | 350 mA |
| Illumination | RGB with the ability to customize each key individually |
| Type of switches | HATOR Aurum Orange |
| The life of the switches | 70 M clicks |
| Pressing force | 38 ±10%gc |
| Stroke before triggering | 1.9 ± 0.4 mm |
| General course | 4 ± 0.4 mm |
| Spring length | 21 mm |
| Captures | PBT double molding |
| Hardware support for platforms | Windows XP/2000/ME/Vista/7/10/11, Linux i Mac OS |
| Proprietary software | Є |
| Software compatibility with operating systems | Windows 7/10/11 |
| Dimensions | 365 x 133 x 36 mm |
| Weight | 1140 grams |
Packaging and equipment of HATOR Skyfall 2 TKL PRO
HATOR Skyfall 2 TKL PRO comes in a standard box in yellow and black colors.
Inside we can see the keyboard itself, a set of interchangeable keycaps, a pulser, a detachable USB Type-A to USB Type-C nylon braided cable, a user manual, a set of stickers, and a strip of adhesive noise isolation for the spacebar.
The 1.8-meter-long cable is soft and does not interfere with the use of the keyboard. The available cable tie can also help with this, as it can remove excess length.
Design and ergonomics
HATOR Skyfall 2 TKL PRO — 80% keyboard without a number pad. Its design is as simple and classic as possible, with smooth and flat edges and sharp corners.
Only the RGB-backlit stripes placed on the left and right ends of the model add «spice» to the visual style.
The dimensions are 365×133×36 mm and the weight is 1140 grams. The increased weight is explained by the presence of an aluminum stiffening plate at the base of the keyboard.
On the top panel, near the arrows, we see the inscription HATOR. On the front end, on the right side, there is the company motto. On the
The keyboard has black and white colors and a matte plastic body. I reviewed the white version, and in this version, dust and various traces of use are very visible on the model. I cleaned and wiped the case thoroughly before taking the photo, but it didn’t help much, so be prepared for constant care. But I like the look of the white color better. It’s fresh and bright, especially with active RGB backlighting. For this, in my opinion, you can tolerate certain color nuances.
Features of HATOR Skyfall 2 TKL PRO
HATOR Skyfall 2 TKL PRO is a mechanical keyboard with reliable keycaps and new branded switches. But first, let’s talk about the former.
The novelty has caps made of wear-resistant PBT plastic, which are made by double molding. The keys are laser engraved, through which the available RGB backlighting is clearly visible. And most importantly, there are Ukrainian and English layouts. We also have a few keys with Russian layout in the package, but I hope that all users of this keyboard will keep them in the box.
The switches here are linear HATOR Aurum Orange. The declared lifetime is 70 million keystrokes, the trigger point is 1.9 mm, the stroke length is 4 mm, and the pressing force is 38 grams. The polling frequency is 1000 Hz. There is a built-in memory for 10 profiles. It is claimed that the keys are lubricated from the factory with ROM stabilizers of improved design. Because of this, the manufacturer promises a fantastic typing experience.
HATOR Skyfall 2 TKL PRO also has a Hot Swap function. This means that the switches can be easily replaced with others. The aforementioned puller key is included to easily remove the switches. It also helps to remove the keys.
The keyboard supports full RGB backlighting. It is bright due to laser engraving, and in the dark everything is perfectly visible and no additional lighting is required. Four brightness levels and various modes are available. You can switch between them using the Fn, Win, and arrow keys (details in the section below), as well as a proprietary utility.
Connection, control, and software
HATOR Skyfall 2 TKL PRO is an exclusively wired keyboard, so it is connected via a USB Type-A to USB Type-C cable.
The novelty works with the HATOR Keyboard Software utility. This is the most ascetic program with all the necessary settings. You can change the language, customize the individual backlighting of keys or bars (12 effects are available), change their purpose, record macros, disable or change existing keyboard shortcuts. You can also create up to 10 profiles.
The keyboard doesn’t have separate multimedia keys, so all of them are tied to existing buttons. I’ll leave the list of Windows hotkeys and backlight settings below. You can view the keyboard manual in electronic form here.
Experience using HATOR Skyfall 2 TKL PRO
I liked HATOR Skyfall 2 TKL PRO primarily for its taping. Above I wrote about the loud statements from the manufacturer about the fantastic experience and so on. I’m not sure about the exact «fantastic», but I definitely expected the worst, but the experience turned out to be much better. I note the pleasant smoothness of the stroke, low pressing force and comfortable lamp click.
Some will say it’s loud, but I’ll tell you that it’s a mechanical model, so they’re all loud. I would also add that it is relatively quiet compared to other options. In general, the typing experience reminded me of more expensive Varmillos, but the new product has a nice price tag. If you like the tube sound of typing, but you are not ready to spend a lot of money, then take a look at HATOR Skyfall 2 TKL PRO.
The gaming experience is great. The response is fast and relatively light. There is no sharpness «red» switches for games, but at the same time, the response speed is good. The keyboard is also pleasant to type on and just work with.
I mentioned the very fast dust collection in the white version above. It will probably be less noticeable in the black version, so if anything, pay attention to it. As for me, I like the white version, and in terms of practicality, this color has always been worse than the others, but more effective.
I don’t like the fact that the multimedia keys are not labeled in any way. That is, you have to not only look for the user manual, but also memorize the key combinations. In a few weeks, I learned only a couple of RGB backlight changes, and for the rest I had to constantly refer to the table. Of course, over time, everything is memorized, but why would I bother with it if I could just mark it on the keys?
Price and competitors
HATOR Skyfall 2 TKL PRO is sold at a price starting at 78 USD. In my opinion, we have a fair price for the opportunities provided. But there are serious competitors, especially those that are only slightly more expensive (Keychron). I chose models with similar parameters, quick key changes, etc. I should also note that only HATOR offers a full-fledged Ukrainian layout on PBT keycaps.
So, pay attention to Hator Skyfall TKL PRO Wireless, if you need something similar, but wireless. There are also Keychron K1 SE and Keychron K8. You can also check out A4Tech Bloody S87 and Akko Black&Gold 5087B Plus.