FiiO x Jade Audio KB3 HiFi Edition

Why a mechanical keyboard?

Mechanical keyboards are more popular than ever, and are the preferred choice of many typing enthusiasts and gamers in particular. The technology behind mechanical keyboards is older than membrane or rubber dome keyboards (which are mainly used in laptops), but their precision and customisability are their main advantages.

Mechanical keyboards use individual mechanical switches under each key, giving a typing feel reminiscent of a classic typewriter. Compared to membrane keyboards, where a rubber mat with nubs registers the keystroke, mechanical switches offer a well-defined pressure point and precise feedback.

To fine-tune the latter two key features, switches and keycaps (the key covers on a keyboard) can be swapped from cheap to expensive, making mechanical keyboards hot-swap compatible.

FiiO KB3 – high quality switches installed

The manufacturer has opted for Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches, which come with factory lubrication. This should ensure smooth and fluid operation for years to come. These switches are linear mechanical switches that, with a keystroke force of around 50 grams, offer a smooth and pleasant typing feel that has been optimised for gamers and frequent typists. The full stroke length is 4 millimetres, with an actuation point of just 2 millimetres. This allows fast and efficient typing without having to press the key all the way down.

These switches are rated at approximately 80-100 million keystrokes, making them an extremely durable choice. In terms of stability, the switches have a reinforced construction that minimises key wobble for more precise typing. In addition, the use of sound-absorbing foam and silicone dampers means that typing noise is pleasantly quiet and muffled.

What can the FiiO KB3 HiFi Edition do?

The keyboard has a 75% layout and is only slightly wider than a 14.2-inch MacBook. The case is a combination of aluminium-magnesium alloy and plastic, and is very well made. The RGB LEDs are customisable and the red aluminium volume wheel doubles as a play/pause button. Incidentally, Mac users will have to switch to Windows mode to change the illumination so that the FN plus F1 to F4 keys also work. Thanks to different keyboard layouts (QWERTY on our review unti) and some double-printed keys, the KB3 is compatible with Windows and Mac as well as Android and iOS.

There are three USB ports on the back: The central USB-C port connects to your computer and provides power, while the two older USB-A ports can be used for mice, wireless adapters or other peripherals.

The real highlight, however, is the built-in headphone amplifier, which has a 3.5mm jack (unbalanced) and a 4.4mm jack (balanced). FiiO uses two CS43131 chips for the processing, which have already proven their worth in other products, and combines them with two SGM8262 op amps. This means that the KB3 can handle even the most power-hungry IEMs.

Keyboard specifications

• 75% layout (329 mm x 140 mm x 43.5 mm) with 81 keys
• Aluminium-Magnesium-Plastic case
• Gateron G Pro 3.0 yellow switches (hot-swappable)
• RGB LEDs, controllable by key combination
• 3.5 mm connector for unbalanced headphones and headsets
• 4.4 mm jack for balanced headphones
• Folding keyboard feet
• Two USB-A ports and one USB-C port
• Compatible with Android, iOS, Mac and Windows

Audio Specifications

• DAC-AMP based on 2x CS43131 + 2x SGM8262
• Power output: 170mW into 32 ohms (unbalanced) and 550mW into 32 ohms (balanced)
• Supported formats: PCM up to 32 bit / 384 kHz (DSD)
• Compatibility: works with a wide range of headphones and IEMs

Package contents

The FiiO KB3 comes with a dust cover for the keyboard, a keycap and switch puller, a long USB-C to USB-A cable for connection to the computer and the usual documentation (quick start guide and warranty card). However, the bilingual quick start guide could have been supplemented with information on which key combination can be used to set the RGB lighting. Unfortunately, there is no mention of this in the small booklet.

Sound quality

As a bedroom producer, I’ve been doing without an audio interface for several months now, using the MacBook Pro’s mini-jack instead. For most creative work in the DAW, this audio solution, which is certainly not the highest quality, is sufficient. However, switching to the FiiO KB3 opens up a whole new world of sound.

The bass range is slightly boosted and basslines sound tight but still airy in direct comparison to the laptop’s audio output. Deep bass drums with a long release have a long sustain and are reproduced exactly as the artist intended. Bass lines remain meticulously identifiable without spilling over into the higher frequency ranges. This is particularly true of symmetrical reproduction. Subjectively, it sounds even more precise and open, although the unbalanced wiring already sounds great to my ears.

The mids are neutral and open, revealing subtle details in vocals that are swallowed up by the PC’s conventional headphone jack. The built-in DAC brings out particularly dynamic vocals and stringed instruments with clarity and presence, while keeping the treble at the same level: Detailed without being harsh – and at any volume. Together with a pair of neutral headphones, this makes it easy to pinpoint errors or problem areas in a mix.

The FiiO KB3 also illuminates the soundstage beautifully. It is wide and deep, making it easy to judge even the most complex tracks. There was no noise from the DAC at any time during our tests.

Practical benefits – who is the FiiO KB3 ideal for?

If you value a tidy desk and want to keep your setup minimalist, the KB3 is essentially three devices in one: a keyboard with a great typing feel, a high-quality headphone amplifier and a USB hub.

Using the Fn keys takes some getting used to, as the manufacturer has not documented everything in the Quick Start Guide, but thanks to the web interface and JSON import, you can create even the most complex keyboard layouts to suit your needs.

However, there are no special audio customisations, such as those offered by the manufacturer for its KA13 mobile DAC, which uses the same chipsets.

The bottom line

At first glance, the FiiO x Jade Audio KB3 HiFi Edition is an unusual combination of mechanical keyboard and headphone amplifier. However, a second look reveals a very clever purpose. In other words, you can live without it, but once you get used to the KB3, you won’t want to miss out on the pleasant typing experience combined with high quality sound.

With its robust construction, hot-swappable switches and superbly tuned DAC, the FiiO KB3 is ideal for anyone looking for a functional, audiophile and minimalist solution for their home or office desk.