Chill Key ND104 Review: A Silent Full-Size Keyboard With a Built-In Calculator

Introduction

For years, the custom keyboard world has had a running joke: you show someone the most impressive, feature-packed keyboard you can find, and the first thing they ask is whether it has a numpad. The Chill Key ND104 answers that question directly. It is a full-size keyboard with a numpad, a built-in calculator screen, and a typing feel that is remarkably quiet straight out of the box.

This keyboard launched as a Kickstarter project that raised over $100,000, and it is still available as a pre-order for some configurations. The price starts at $199, with ANSI and ISO layout support. It is made by Chill Key, a subbrand of Wu Studios, a company with a long history of producing premium keyboards and well-regarded switches.

Who This Keyboard Is For

The Chill Key ND104 is aimed at people who want a full-size keyboard with a numpad without giving up the premium feel of a custom board. It is also a strong option for anyone who needs a quiet keyboard for an office, a shared space, or late-night use. The silent switches produce a soft, raindrop-like sound that is unlikely to bother people around you.

It is also a good starting point for people new to custom keyboards. The board is hot-swappable, so switches can be replaced without soldering. The case opens with a ball clasp closure, making it easy to modify the sound and feel by adding or removing foam or changing gaskets. That level of accessibility is rare in a full-size keyboard at this price.

A Keyboard With a Built-In Calculator

The most distinctive feature of the Chill Key ND104 is the small screen in the top right corner. A dedicated calculator button pulls up the Windows calculator, and pressing Fn with the calculator button brings it up as well. It is a practical addition for anyone who regularly needs quick calculations while working.

The screen can also be customized through Chill Key’s web configurator, which means there is no need to download and install third-party software. The configurator is usable, though not particularly polished, and it also handles key rebinding. While screens on keyboards are often dismissed as gimmicks, the calculator function here has a clear, everyday use case.

Next to the screen is a rotary knob that controls volume. It has a satisfying turn and a solid click when pressed. It is one of the better-feeling knobs on a keyboard in this price range.

Build Quality and Design

The Chill Key ND104 is made from full aluminum, which gives it a substantial, hefty feel. The weight on the back of the case shows visible machining lines, a detail that looks impressive even if it is hidden during normal use. The sky blue version has a clean, cohesive aesthetic, and the double-shot PBT keycaps match the board’s color scheme well.

The keycaps are not the most premium available, but they look good and should hold up well over time. The black version of the keyboard uses a different set of keycaps with a pseudo-metallic finish. Those keycaps look sleek but contribute to a chattier sound, which is worth keeping in mind if you are considering that color option.

Silent Switches and a Raindrop Sound

The Chill Key ND104 comes with WS White silent linear switches, which are available separately from the Wu Studios website. These are a midweight silent switch that produces very little audible noise when pressed. The result is a typing sound that has been described as similar to raindrops, which makes the keyboard well suited to quiet environments.

Silent switches are not for everyone. Some people find them slightly mushy or scratchy, while others describe the same feel as soft and pillowy. If you are unsure whether silent switches suit your preferences, it is worth trying them before committing. The good news is that the keyboard is hot-swappable, so you can easily replace the switches with something else if the stock feel is not to your liking.

The non-silent version of the ND104 uses a different linear switch called the Breeze switch. While those switches feel smooth and cloudlike to type on, the sound is noticeably chattier. Swapping them out for a different switch makes the keyboard sound significantly better. If you are considering the shadow black version, be aware that the combination of the pseudo-metallic keycaps and the Breeze switches produces a less refined sound than the silent version.

Tool-Free Modding With Ball Clasp Closure

One of the standout features of the Chill Key ND104 is how easy it is to take apart. The case uses a ball clasp closure, so it pops open in a couple of seconds without needing to disconnect cables or undo screws. This makes it simple to remove or add foam, change gaskets, or swap switches, all of which change how the keyboard sounds and feels.

This tool-free design makes the ND104 an excellent starter keyboard for people who want to experiment with modding. It removes most of the barriers that usually come with customizing a keyboard, and it means you can adjust the board to match your preferences without much effort.

Wireless Connectivity and the 2.4 GHz Dongle

The Chill Key ND104 supports wireless connectivity through both 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth. The 2.4 GHz dongle is stored in a recessed slot on the side of the keyboard, which is a thoughtful touch that keeps it from getting lost. The 2.4 GHz connection is the recommended way to use the keyboard wirelessly, while Bluetooth is available for pairing with devices like phones or tablets.

The keyboard also includes a cable, a keycap and switch puller, and a selection of spare parts in the box. There is also a small tray built into the keyboard that can be used for storing small items, though it is a minor extra rather than a defining feature.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The silent version of the Chill Key ND104 is the stronger of the two configurations. It delivers a quiet, pleasant typing experience and a solid build quality at a reasonable price for a full-size aluminum keyboard. The non-silent version, however, is less impressive. The Breeze switches sound chattery, and the pseudo-metallic keycaps on the shadow black version make the issue more noticeable.

If you are drawn to the design of the black version, you can still swap the switches easily thanks to the hot-swappable design. That said, the silent version is the one that stands out as a complete package.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the plate is not universal. If you buy the ANSI version and want to use it as an ISO keyboard, you will need to purchase a separate plate. This is a minor inconvenience but worth knowing before you order.

Buying Advice

The Chill Key ND104 is a compelling option if you want a full-size keyboard with a numpad, a premium aluminum build, and a quiet typing experience. The silent version is the one to go for, especially if you work in an office or share your space with others. The built-in calculator screen is a genuinely useful addition, and the tool-free modding makes it easy to adjust the keyboard to your preferences over time.

If you prefer a louder, more traditional mechanical keyboard sound, the non-silent version may leave you wanting more. In that case, plan to swap the switches, or consider whether a different keyboard might be a better fit.

Conclusion

The Chill Key ND104 solves the numpad problem without compromising on the things that make a keyboard feel premium. It is hefty, quiet, and packed with thoughtful features like the calculator screen, the rotary knob, and the tool-free case. The silent version is the standout, offering a raindrop-like typing sound that is easy to live with. For anyone looking for a full-size keyboard that works well straight out of the box, the Chill Key ND104 is worth serious consideration.