The core concept behind the HEXGEARS WEEK series is to house an all-aluminum chassis, a Gasket-mounted structure, and Kailh “White Jasmine” (Bai Mo) low-profile switches within a visually restrained, minimalist exterior. Eschewing the high-performance specs of magnetic switches or the flashy, aggressive aesthetic typical of RGB-heavy gaming gear, the WEEK series opts for a seamless, gapless key layout and subtle lighting—featuring north-facing backlighting paired with side-mounted LED strips. Available in 84-key and 100-key configurations, it is designed for office and desktop environments where users desire a premium metallic feel without the need for a dedicated number pad (in the 84-key version) or specialized gaming features. The integrated lens design of the “White Jasmine” low-profile switches serves as the hardware foundation that strikes a perfect balance between a slim profile and bright illumination.
I. Product Positioning: Minimalist Style and Dual Layout Options
The WEEK series is available in 84-key and 100-key versions. The 84-key model features a compact layout, while the 100-key model retains a numeric keypad—a more convenient choice for office users who frequently input numerical data. Both versions utilize a gapless key layout, resulting in a clean, uncluttered aesthetic reminiscent of the minimalist style found in Apple’s Magic Keyboard.
Offered exclusively in black or white, the all-aluminum chassis follows a “non-gaming” design philosophy. Free from exaggerated angles or unconventional keycap shapes, the series is aimed at users who prefer their keyboard to blend seamlessly into their workspace rather than serving as the primary visual focal point.
II. Switches: Kailh “White Jasmine” Low-Profile Switches with Integrated Lenses
The WEEK series comes equipped with Kailh “White Jasmine” low-profile switches—a linear switch type with the following specifications:
– Total Travel: 2.8 ± 0.25 mm
– Actuation Travel: 1.3 ± 0.30 mm
– Operating Force: 40 ± 10 gf
– Rebound Force: ≥ 15 gf
These specifications characterize the switches as having a light actuation and short travel distance, typical of the low-profile category. The 1.3mm actuation travel is significantly shorter than that of standard switches (typically around 2.0mm). Combined with a 40gf operating force, this reduces finger strain during extended typing sessions. The 2.8mm total travel distance also results in a shorter bottom-out distance, making it well-suited for users who prefer a fast typing rhythm.
A key structural feature of the “White Jasmine” (Bai Mo) low-profile switch is its integrated lens component. Because the height of a low-profile switch is compressed, the traditional method—relying on a cutout in the switch housing to channel light into the keycap—struggles to provide uniform illumination. The lens gathers the divergent light from the LED into a more focused beam, which is then projected onto the keycap; this is the essential mechanism that allows the WEEK series to maintain effective backlighting despite its low-profile form factor.
III. Structure and Dampening: Gasket Mount and Multi-Layered Damping
The WEEK series utilizes a gasket-mounted structure with multi-layered internal dampening to suppress hollow sounds and vibrations. Gasket mounting is relatively rare in low-profile keyboards, as the internal space is much tighter than in standard-profile boards, leaving very little room for gasket deformation or additional dampening layers. The choice to implement this structure indicates that the product is designed for more than just basic typing; it aims to provide a degree of “soft-elastic” feel and sound control, even within the slim profile of a low-profile keyboard.
The keycaps are crafted using PBT + PC dual-shot injection molding. The PBT component ensures wear resistance and prevents the keycaps from becoming shiny (developing a “shine” from oil/friction), while the PC component is likely used for light transmission or to enhance specific visual characteristics. Dual-shot molding also ensures that the legends (characters) will not wear off over long-term use.
IV. Connectivity and Battery Life: Tri-Mode Connectivity and Varied Battery Capacities
The WEEK series supports tri-mode connectivity (wired, 2.4GHz wireless, and Bluetooth). Battery capacity varies by layout:
– 84-key version: 3000mAh
– 100-key version: 4600mAh
The larger battery capacity in the 100-key version accounts for the additional power consumption of the numeric keypad, as well as the need for longer usage intervals between charges in office environments. Regarding battery life, the manufacturer promises “reliable endurance” when used with the low-power configuration, though they have not specified the exact number of hours the battery lasts with the backlighting turned on or off.
V. Lighting Effects and Details: North-Facing Backlighting and Magnetic Feet
The backlighting system consists of north-facing LEDs combined with side-mounted light strips. North-facing LEDs—positioned above the switches (further from the user)—offer better compatibility with the legends on certain keycap profiles (such as the “Cherry” or “original” profile) and help prevent the glare sometimes caused by south-facing LEDs. The side-mounted light strips provide ambient lighting along the keyboard’s edges without interfering with the visibility of the legends on the main keycaps.
The keyboard features magnetic, dual-height feet (4mm/6mm). Thanks to the magnetic design, you can adjust the height without having to flip the keyboard over to fumble with latches; simply detach and reattach the feet as needed. These two height settings cover the most common typing postures, ranging from a flat orientation to a slight incline.
VI. Scope and Trade-offs
The positioning of the WEEK series dictates a clear set of trade-offs.
This is not a competitive gaming keyboard. It lacks features like magnetic switches, Rapid Trigger (RT), or an 8K polling rate. With an operating force of 40gf and a total travel distance of 2.8mm, the Kailh “White Jasmine” (Bai Mo) low-profile switches are better suited for office work and daily typing than for FPS games that demand ultra-fast response times.
Furthermore, it is not a budget-tier option. The combination of an all-aluminum chassis, a gasket-mounted structure, tri-mode connectivity, and Kailh low-profile switches results in a higher cost structure compared to entry-level, plastic-cased low-profile keyboards. Some reviews have noted that while the overall design is excellent, the price point is quite high. The pricing reflects a premium for the “metallic build and minimalist aesthetic” rather than for raw performance specifications.
The ecosystem for low-profile keycaps remains somewhat limited. The stock keycaps for the WEEK series are custom-designed for this specific model; if you choose to replace them with third-party keycaps, you must ensure that the internal cavity depth is compatible with the height of the Kailh “White Jasmine” switches—otherwise, the keycaps may collide with the switch housing when pressed.
