Welcome to our in-depth novelkeys classic tkl underscore edition review, where we explore the highly anticipated evolution of a beloved enthusiast kit into a ready-to-use retro masterpiece.
For years, the mechanical keyboard community has thrived on the satisfaction of building devices from scratch. Choosing the right components, tuning stabilizers, and assembling everything was considered a rite of passage. However, not everyone wants a DIY craft project. Some professionals just want an exceptional typing experience right out of the box. Enter the NovelKeys Classic-TKL Underscore Edition.
Previously available only as a bare-bones kit that required significant time, effort, and separate purchases to complete, this tenkeyless wired custom keyboard is now available fully preassembled. At an incredibly competitive price point, it promises high-end components and a distinct vintage aesthetic without the hassle of building it yourself.
The Big Shift: From Enthusiast Kit to Preassembled Retro Mechanical Keyboard
The original Classic-TKL won hearts with its earth-tone, vintage design that looks like it came straight out of a 1990s computing laboratory. It features an injection-molded plastic case with a high forehead and a gasket-mounted design, providing both a nostalgic look and a modern typing feel. Now, the Underscore Edition brings that exact same quality to the masses in a pre-built format.
Michael Sickler, owner of NovelKeys, intended this edition for enthusiasts who want to recommend a flawless board to friends and family, or for professionals who know exactly what they want but lack the time to build it. The result is a keyboard that requires zero effort but delivers maximum satisfaction.
“The Underscore Edition takes everything enthusiasts love about custom builds and delivers it right out of the box, saving both time and money.”
Available in three distinct retro colors—clay (warm beige), boulder (taupe), and lichen (dusty green)—the board fits perfectly into any workspace. It also includes full RGB backlighting and a light bar, both of which can be customized or completely disabled using the Via web application.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | Tenkeyless (TKL) |
| Connectivity | Wired Only (USB Type-C) |
| Mounting Style | Gasket-mounted |
| Customization | Fully remappable via Via app |
| Price | $189 |
Premium Specs: GMK CYL Classic Beige Keycaps and Hot-Swap Linear MX Switches
What truly sets the NovelKeys Classic-TKL Underscore Edition apart from other prebuilt models is the sheer quality of the components included. The keyboard ships with GMK CYL Classic Beige keycaps. For those unfamiliar, GMK is considered the absolute gold standard for doubleshot Cherry-profile keycaps. They offer crisp legends, unmatched consistency, and a premium texture. Buying these keycaps alone would normally cost upwards of $120.
Underneath the keycaps, you will find NovelKeys’ own Classic Blue switches. These hot-swap linear MX switches are incredibly smooth, stable, and exhibit almost no stem wobble. With a 53g actuation force and a 63g bottom-out, they provide a medium-heavy typing experience that feels robust and satisfying without being obnoxiously loud. To further enhance the acoustics, the board includes a silicone mat on the base for premium sound dampening.
The stabilizers are equally impressive. NovelKeys opted for preinstalled and pretuned TypePlus stabilizers. This means there is absolutely no rattle or tick on the larger keys like the spacebar or enter key, which is usually a common issue on prebuilt keyboards.
“For $189, you are getting an unparalleled typing experience equipped with top-tier GMK keycaps and factory-tuned stabilizers.”
Market Comparison: Value Breakdown
When evaluating the cost-to-value ratio, this keyboard is a phenomenal deal. If you were to buy the bare-bones DIY kit for the Classic-TKL and add the exact same GMK keycaps, switches, and stabilizers, the total cost would easily reach $276, not including the hours of labor required to lube and tune everything.
At $189, the Underscore Edition saves you nearly $100 and a lot of frustration. To explore the product further, you can visit the NovelKeys Official Store.
| Keyboard Model | Build Type | Estimated Cost | Target Audience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic-TKL Underscore Edition | Preassembled | $189 | Premium Retro Enthusiasts |
| Classic-TKL Custom DIY Build | Bare-bones Kit | $276+ | Hobbyists & Builders |
| 8BitDo Retro 87 | Preassembled | $100 | Casual Retro Gamers |
However, the keyboard is not entirely without flaws. It is wired-only, which might deter users looking for a clean, cable-free desk setup. Furthermore, there are no extra keycaps included for Mac users or alternative layouts, and you are locked into a single switch option unless you utilize the hot-swap sockets later.
Despite these minor drawbacks, it stands far above cheaper alternatives like the 8BitDo Retro 87, which looks more casual, and competes fiercely with aluminum boards like the Evoworks Evo80 in terms of pure typing quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the NovelKeys Classic-TKL Underscore Edition special?
It offers a fully preassembled, premium typing experience featuring top-tier GMK keycaps and pretuned stabilizers without requiring the user to build it themselves.
Does this keyboard support wireless connections?
No, it is a strictly wired tenkeyless wired custom keyboard that connects via a USB Type-C cable.
Can I change the switches in the Underscore Edition?
Yes, it features a PCB with hot-swap sockets, allowing you to easily replace the default switches without soldering.
Are the GMK CYL Classic Beige keycaps high quality?
Absolutely. GMK is widely regarded as the benchmark for premium doubleshot Cherry-profile keycaps in the mechanical keyboard community.
What kind of switches are included out of the box?
It comes with TypePlus Classic Blue switches, which are smooth, medium-heavy hot-swap linear MX switches.
Is the keyboard programmable?
Yes, the keyboard is fully remappable and programmable using the popular Via web application.
Is the Underscore Edition cheaper than building it yourself?
Yes, buying the preassembled version for $189 is significantly cheaper than buying the bare-bones kit and matching premium components, which would cost around $276.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and represents an independent review based on available product specifications and market comparisons.
