review – If you’re still using a keyboard that came with a desktop computer from a few years ago, or even a newer one, then you should check out the world of mechanical keyboard options now available for yourself. These are not the wired solutions of the past. Case and gist; Azio’s new Cascade Slim can be completely customized to the feel of your keyboard and control up to 3 different devices via Bluetooth (if you connect a USB cable and don’t mind flipping a physical switch occasionally, you can add a third 4 devices). Read on to learn more.
What is it?
Azio Cascade Slim is 75% of the layout mechanical keyboard This can be completely customized aesthetically and feel. There are two body profiles to choose from; Standard and Low Pro Slim, and you can also choose between different Gateron switches with varying dynamics and feel/sound.
What’s in the box?
- Azio Cascade Slim Mechanical Keyboard
- USB-C cable with USB-A adapter
- Instruction card
- key puller
Hardware Specifications
Material: Anodized aluminum top plate, laser etched ABS keycaps, ABS bottom plate with silicone feet.
layout: 75% ANSI – 84 keys
switch: Gateron G Pro (Cascade) / Gateron Low-Profile (Cascade Slim)
Battery: Li-Ion – 4,000 mAh (Cascade) / 2,000 mAh (Cascade Slim)
aspect: 317 x 126mm – 41.3mm high and 748g (Cascade) / 27 .5mm high and 658g (Cascade Slim)
Design and Features
The Cascade has a pretty solid set of features, including an aluminum upper body, hot-swap switches, screw-on stabilizers, RGB backlit keys, wired and wireless modes, a built-in lithium-ion battery, and the fact that it’s Windows and Mac right out of the box Compatible with.
As mentioned earlier, the Azio Cascade mechanical keyboard comes in Standard and Slim profiles, and that’s a decision you’ll need to make when purchasing. You can see a comparison of the two here.
I chose Slim, and here’s a photo of the profile and the controls and USB-C port that lets you switch between Mac/PC and Cable/BT.
Additionally, you can choose a space gray or gunmetal body for the keyboard base.
what is that? Do you want lighting? Well, Cascade has 4 color modes; Static, Breathing, Fluctuating and Reactive. That’s not all. There are 8 RGB colors and speed and brightness switching.
There are also a variety of colors/themes to choose from, including: Galaxy, Forest, Coffee, Shiba, Retro Arcade and Neon Flux. Note that some keycaps may not be laser etched, so keep that in mind as it will negate or at least affect your lighting patterns.
On the bottom, each rear corner of the rear edge has two flip-up feet, so you can raise the built-in 4º to 6º or 9º to find the perfect angle.
All the cool elements aren’t necessarily visible from the outside either. You can see the dual silencers in this animation showing the silicone layer just above the base plate and the Poron foam damper between the PCB and the aluminum chassis.
set up
There are a few quick decisions to make.
Mac or PC? – appropriate slide switch
Wired or Bluetooth – slide switch as appropriate. For wired connections, you are now ready to go. For BT, the connecting cable fully charges the internal battery, then you need to use the key combination (x) to put the keyboard in pairing mode. You can pair up to 3 devices with keys 1, 2 and 3, and use (x) to quickly switch between them.
The Azio Cascade Slim Mechanical Keyboard has a ton of keyboard shortcuts for adjusting colors and controlling your computer, which vary depending on the operating system you’re running. Their quick start guide does a good job of laying out what you need to know.
Performance
Except for my computer when I was younger, I only switched to a mechanical keyboard in about a year. It usually takes a little getting used to a new one, even if it’s a different model from the same brand, as they tend to change the silhouette and key shape. That’s part of the charm, the sometimes overwhelming opportunity for customization, and the popularity of mechanical keyboards.
Having said all that, I immediately feel that the Azio Cascade Slim Keyboard is the only keyboard I’ve ever used. It fits my hand perfectly, and the low profile is perfect for the way I use the keyboard.
If you haven’t used mechanical switches with Gateron switches before, it’s good to know that since these switches are hot-swappable, you can swap them out later if you end up not liking the feel.
The brown switches work fine for me, the only thing I might do is order some blue switches to swap out some specific keys for more clicks.
From an everyday use standpoint, this is how I set up the Cascade Slim. I connect to a Thunderbolt 4 hub via USB for a few reasons. This ensures that the keyboard connects as soon as my MacBook is connected to the hub, allowing me to use whatever backlight mode I want without worrying about battery power. That way, if I use the keyboard on the go, the battery will be charged. By the way, it also seems to be a bit more reliable when using the Mac’s new Universal Controls.
The Azio Cascade and Cascade Slim mechanical keyboards just completed a successful Kickstarter campaign where they raised over 13x their goal. I would say the supporters are very supportive of this, why are they not. Cascade should be available directly from Azio soon.
what do I like
- The overall combination of look, feel, silhouette, weight, color, etc.
- Gateron Brown Low Pro Switch is just right for me
- Supports up to 3 different Bluetooth connections
what would i change
- really nothing…
- But I do kind of want a matching number pad (similar to what they offer for the IZO keyboard)
final thoughts
If you’ve come across any of my other mechanical keyboard reviews, the simple truth is this. I dig this Cascade Slim from Azio more than others. You get a great set of features for a great price, you can customize the look and feel, and right out of the box, it feels like it was made for me. Enough said.
price: $109.00
where to buy: this crowdfunding The event has just ended and should be available directly from Asia soon.
source: This product sample is provided by Asia
