The HighKEY 718 is one of daWg‘s (Zebronics / daWg brand) forays into the mechanical keyboard market, specifically targeting gamers and content creators in India and other similar markets. It aims to pack a compact but feature-filled 75% layout with wireless functionality, a solid build, and customization.
The HighKEY 718 retails at around ₹4,999 (official) in India during its initial launch. Some listings list slightly lower deals (₹4,288) through third-party sellers such as bhagwaticomputers.in. The 718 is the flagship model in daWg‘s new “HighKEY” lineup (along with 373 and 685), offering the most features (particularly wireless) in that range.
So the HighKEY 718 is trying to integrate a solid hardware backbone (gasket mount, foam layers, hot-swap) with the wireless flexibility of today, while also aiming for an Indian market price level undercutting a lot of premium import boards.
Design & Build Impressions of HighKEY 718
Appearance & Layout
The 75% layout is an intelligent option for those who prefer most of the keys (function row, arrows, etc.) but prefer to conserve desk real estate over a complete 104-key board. The reduced size makes it seamlessly blend with laptop and peripheral configurations. The bezel design is fairly clean without being super-minimalist, resulting in a balanced aesthetic.
Gasket Mount & Sound/Feel
The addition of a gasket mount (i.e., mounting the plate away from the case with foam/rubber “gaskets”) along with several absorption layers is a nice feature—these types generally assist in decreasing harsh resonance and rattle and enhancing the acoustic “thock” or damped sound. daWg boasts five layers of absorption in their construction. For those sensitive to typing noise, that’s a good addition.
Keycaps & Switches
Double-shot PBT keycaps are an enthusiast keyboard favorite, as they better resist shine and wear over time compared to more affordable ABS caps. The Glacier switches being pre-lubed is a useful bonus (less friction/scratch)—although whether the factory lube is ideal or not will vary per unit.
Volume Knob & Extras
The metal-lit rotary volume knob is one of the user-friendly features commonly missing on mid-level boards. It is more convenient for most users to have a physical knob than to use function keys to adjust volume.
Wireless + Connectivity Construction
The board needs to house wireless components (2.4G module, Bluetooth, antenna, and battery) while still maintaining a low profile and minimal interference. In reviews of similar boards, wireless module placement and antenna routing can affect signal strength or dropouts. It will be interesting to see real-world performance (distance, reliability) for this board.
Performance & Use
Latency & Gaming
In 2.4 GHz and wired modes, a 1000 Hz polling rate implies low latency, which is required for games. 2.4 GHz will be preferred over Bluetooth for fast-action competitive games due to decreased latency. Responsiveness of the board in 2.4G mode will be a critical measure for serious gamers.
Battery & Usage
A 4,000 mAh battery is lofty for a keyboard. The advertised “up to 60 days (5 h/day)” comes with caveats (brightness, usage habits, RGB on/off)—real-world battery life in normal use will depend. Heavy RGB or extended hours will result in shorter intervals between recharges.
Multi-device & Switching
Having tri-modal connectivity along with a capacity for three Bluetooth connections allows you to switch between PC, laptop, tablet, phone, etc. How easy and fast switching is (how many key combinations and how much delay) will determine how smooth the experience is.
Hot-swappability & Modding
The hot-swap feature allows users to try out various switches (Cherry, Gateron, etc.) without soldering. That’s a big plus for keyboard hobbyists. Additionally, the inner foam/layers might enable modding (adding additional dampening, sticker mods) more freely.
Typing & Acoustic Experience
With the gasket mount + absorption layers, pre-lubed switches, and PBT cap combination, the typing feel would trend towards a more upscale, dampened, tuned sound. It might prevent a screeching “ping” or empty sounds prevalent in low-end mechanical boards. But that’s subject to tolerances and factory build quality.
Software & Configurations
Custom RGB configs, remapping, macros, and device-level configurations are anticipated through the software given. Depth and stability of software are usually a point of differentiation, particularly for Indian-market/newer brands. Buggy or feature-limited software will take away from value.
Strengths & Advantages
Below are the chief benefits of what the HighKEY 718 offers (if done well):
- Great feature set for the price—few boards featuring wireless + gasket + hot-swap are significantly cheaper. —few
- Tight layout with most necessary keys—conserving space without sacrificing usefulness.
- Hot-swap and mod-friendly—tinkerers will love it.
- Multi-device connectivity and fluid switching—handy for multi-PC or cross-device workflows.
- Good build & sound design focus—gasket and absorption layers, and quality caps indicate attention to acoustics and feel.
- Volume knob & ergonomic touches—little added extras that make everyday use better.
- Local/Indian brand presence—simpler support, warranty, and spares available in India versus imported brands.
Weaknesses, Risks & What to Test
Even though there’s promise, there are some points of concern/things a prospective purchaser should test or check for:
- Wireless stability & range: Whether the 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth remain stable between desks, walls, or with interference.
- Wireless mode latency: For fast gaming, Bluetooth may be inadequate; how effective is 2.4 GHz in reality?
- Software solidity & compatibility: Does the setup software perform neatly on Windows/Mac? Are there any bugs or features left out?
- Build quality & uniformity: Are all units built to spec, and are there any tolerance problems (key wobble, panel gaps)?
- Battery life on full use: With RGB at maximum brightness, prolonged daily use—how long between charging?
- Switch consistency & feel: Even in the same batch, custom switches may have variation; try whether all keys feel equally similar.
- Lack of tilt/stands: Some reviews talk about there being no stand to lift the angle of the keyboard.
- Weight & portability: 800 g is a good weight; it’s not precisely ultra-light, so for carrying use it’s moderate.
- Spare parts/compatibility: Are replacement switches, keycaps, or components for this board readily available in your area?
One Amazon India user review states:
“Smooth clicky keyboard with loaded functionality … you can easily change the switches and keycaps … The only problem I found is there are no stands at the back by which it can be raised.”
So that fits with one of the caveats above.
Also, in online forums (Reddit), some people comment, “Dawg, HighKEY 718 is 5k and is not the best, but it was a good value for the money for a keyboard.” So the board is being appreciated as a good value offering, but it is imperfect.
Use-case Suitability & Recommendations
Here’s how it might be suitable for different types of users:
| User Type | Likely Fit | Considerations/Warnings |
| Competitive gamer / esports | May be suitable in wired or 2.4G mode—check latency | In Bluetooth, latency could be a limiting factor; check wireless stability. |
| Creator / typist / programmer | Good: ergonomic design, modding, typing sensation | Check software, key remapping, and macro support. |
| Multi-device user (PC + laptop + tablet) | Strong fit: multi-device switching is an advantage | Ease of switching should be seamless; check switching delays. |
| Keyboard hobbyist/modder | Good foundation: hot-swap, gasket mount, multi-layered foam | Could re-lube or further mod; inspect internal layout and spacing. |
| Portable/mobile use | Fits reasonably well: small but a bit on the heavy side | 800 g plus the bulk of the wireless internals may make it less suitable for ultralight travel. |
So, for most enthusiast-to-average users, it is a highly appealing combination of features—particularly versus imported high-end brands that are far more expensive after shipping—but gamers requiring very low latency may wish to try or compare against top-of-the-range boards from international brands.
Comparison/Alternatives
Although not discussed in depth here, some comparisons with alternatives to look at in the same price/feature range include:
- 75% wireless boards from companies such as Keychron, Akko, Epomaker, etc.
- TKL wireless boards, if you don’t require function rows.
- Full-size wireless boards if you want a numpad.
Specifications comparison (battery size, polling rate, software, mod support, warranty) is important. The HighKEY 718 is competitive, particularly for its spec sheet to price in India.
Verdict & Final Thoughts
The HighKEY 718 Wireless RGB Gaming Keyboard is a brash and feature-laden addition to India’s mechanical keyboard market. It crams high-end features—gasket mount, hot-swap, tri-modal connectivity, multi-device switching, solid battery—into a streamlined 75% layout, all for a price that undercuts even most international competition boards.
It will succeed or fail based largely on real-world use: how good the wireless is, how refined the firmware/software is, and the build and sound consistency. If daWg gets those things right, this board can be a staple among Indian gamers and typists looking for a premium experience without import premiums.
