NPET K20 Review
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The NPET K20 delighted experts with its multicolored backlighting and the variety of switches it can use. They also commended its build quality and low typing noise. However, they did not appreciate its lack of programmability, high latency, and mediocre ergonomics.
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What Is Not on the Box
What the brand doesn’t always tell you…
our Verdict
Reviewers liked that the NPET K20 had multicolored backlighting. Experts from Ergo Guys liked that the K20 had 26 different lighting modes and tested its five different backlight brightness levels. They were pleased that its anti-sleep feet secured the keyboard nicely in place, while critics from Rtings were glad they could switch out its key switches.
They used the Huano Brown switches during their typing tests and found is typing noise relatively low. The keys aren’t hot-swappable like those on the Mountain Everest Max or the NZXT Function keyboard (check out our Mountain Everest Max review and our NZXT Function review), but their keycaps are made of ABS plastic, which reviewers commended as light to press.
However, testers didn’t like that the keys on the K20 were not programmable. This is in contrast to the Keychron K2, which is fully programmable, and which we’ve also covered in our Keychron Q2 review. Reviewers were also disappointed with the K20’s high latency of 19.5ms and its mediocre ergonomics.
Reasons to Buy
- Available with different key switches
- Keys have backlighting
- Full-size keyboard
- Good build quality
- Good for typing
Reasons to Avoid
- High latency for competitive gaming
- Mediocre ergonomics
- Keys are not programmable
Specifications
- Battery LifeWired
- Customizable LightingYes
- FoldableNo
- Form FactorFull size
- Key Switch BehaviorOutemu Red
- Keyboard TechnologyMechanical
- Max Wireless RangeWired
- Palm Restna
- Spill ResistantYes
- Touchpadna
- Wirelessna
- Wireless ConnectivityWired
Overview
The NPET K20 is a premium mechanical gaming keyboard that was first announced in early 2021. Similar to some of the best keyboards on the market, it boasts customizable backlighting, where users will be able to use up to 26 different lighting modes and five backlight brightness levels.
The wired keyboard has a total of 104 keys, all of which are conflict-free since the keyboard can detect each individual press. This characteristic is found on many highly rated gaming keyboards since it allows the user to press multiple keys simultaneously. Measuring 17.2 by 5.2 inches, it’ll take up slightly more space than the more compact NuPhy Air75 keyboard (which we’ve covered in our NuPhy Air75 review), but it does have anti-slip feet and boasts good build quality.
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Product Comparison
 |  |  | ||
| True Score | 80 | 87 | 76 | |
| Market Context | – | The NPET K20 is a mechanical keyboard, while the SteelSeries Apex 3 is not. The K20 has individually backlit keys, while the Apex 3 does not. However, the Apex 3 has a lower latency of 10.7ms compared to the K20, which has a latency of 19.5ms. Also, all the keys on the Apex 3 are macro-programmable, while none of the keys on the K20 can be programmed. To learn more about the Apex 3, check out our SteelSeries Apex 3 review. | The NPET K20 is a full-size keyboard, while the Drop SHIFT is a compact keyboard. The keycaps on the Drop SHIFT are also made up of PBT material, while those on the K20 are made out of ABS plastic, and lastly, the Drop SHIFT has a lower latency of 6.2ms compared to the K20, which has a latency of 19.5ms. | The NPET K20 weighs about 1.87 pounds, while the NPET K10 is heavier, weighing approximately 2.02 pounds. The K20 also has up to 26 multiple rainbow RGB backlit modes, while the K10 only has 4. However, the K10 is water resistant while the K20 is not. |
| Keyboard Technology | Mechanical | Membrane | Mechanical | |
| Key Switch Behavior | It’s available with tactile Brown, linear Red, or clicky Blue switches | Tactile | Tactile | |
| Touchpad | No | No | No | |
| Customizable Lighting | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Palm Rest | No | Yes | Yes | |
| Dig Deeper | – | Read Review → | Read Review → |
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Score Card
E
Expert Score
*.75
We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores
C
Customer Score
*.25
We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores
True Score
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Expert Score Breakdown
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ATrust Score
76The NPET K20 is good for gaming. It has light-feeling Huano Brown switches, and it’s… read more
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