Kissen KN85 Budget Keyboard Review 2026: Still the Thockiest $38 Option?

Introduction

A year ago, a $38 keyboard made a bold claim: it could deliver a creamy, thocky typing experience that rivaled boards costing twice as much. That keyboard was the Kissen KN85, and it quickly became a favorite among budget-conscious enthusiasts. Now, with a year of hindsight and a few new siblings from the same brand, it is time to ask whether the KN85 still holds the crown or if Kissen has moved on to something better.

This review covers the KN85 alongside the Kissen KN7, KN104, MF34, and FD17, plus a look at how the full-size KN104 stacks up against competitors like the Yunzi B98 Pro and the Epomaker Galaxy 100 Lite. The goal is simple: help you decide which budget keyboard deserves a spot on your desk.

What Makes a Good Budget Keyboard?

Before diving into the keyboards themselves, it helps to define what actually matters. For most people, a good keyboard is cheap, sounds decent, and feels okay to type on. But there is more to it than that. A truly great budget keyboard should sound good, feel good, look good, and ideally have software that does not make you want to throw it out the window.

It should also have some longevity. A keyboard that feels like it will fall apart after a few months is not a bargain at any price. With those criteria in mind, let us look at what Kissen has been up to.

The Kissen KN85: A Budget Legend

The Kissen KN85 is a 75% keyboard that made waves when it launched at $38. It comes in six different color options, which is a nice touch for a budget board. The case is plastic, but it feels surprisingly hefty thanks to a generous amount of foam and silicone filling. It is not an aluminum keyboard by any means, but it does not feel cheap or hollow either.

On the back, there are flippy feet, a spot for the 2.4 GHz dongle, and a slider to switch between Mac and Windows layouts. It supports wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4 GHz connections, so you have plenty of flexibility. The retro aesthetic, with yellow or green accents, adds a charming personality that is rare at this price point.

What Makes the KN85 Feel and Sound So Good?

The typing experience is where the KN85 really shines. The keycaps are made of basic PBT, but they are not chattery or high-pitched. They have a pleasant texture that is not overly rough. The real star, however, is the switches. The KN85 comes with Bison Purple linear switches, which are pre-lubed and incredibly smooth. They produce a creamy, thocky sound that is genuinely surprising for a keyboard under $40.

The case is filled with silicone and multiple layers of foam, which helps dampen reverberation and gives the board a solid, satisfying feel. This level of attention to sound and feel is typically reserved for keyboards in the $50 to $65 range, so seeing it here is impressive.

Things to Consider Before Buying the KN85

The KN85 is not perfect. The software, which is a Chinese application, is clunky and lacks the polish of QMK or VIA support. If you like to tinker with key remapping or macros, you will find the experience frustrating. There is no easy web-based software either, which would have been a welcome addition.

Moddability is also limited. The case is not easy to open, and prying it apart risks damaging the PCB or the case itself. You can swap switches and keycaps thanks to hot-swap support, but do not plan on doing any serious case mods. The 2-year warranty and Amazon’s 30-day return policy do provide some peace of mind, though.

The Kissen KN7 and Other Numpad Options

If you need a number pad, Kissen offers a few options. The KN7 is a $20 wired macro pad that gives you a number pad when you need it and lets you set it aside when you do not. However, it uses basic switches that are not in the same league as the Bison Purples. It is a cheap numpad if you need one, but it is not a great typing experience.

The MF34 is another option at $44. It includes arrow keys, a cluster above them, and a full number pad with the good switches. But at that price, it is more expensive than the KN85 itself, which makes it a harder sell. The FD17, which was not tested here, appears to be wireless and uses the Bison Purple switches, but it costs $31 and requires AAA batteries.

The Kissen KN104: Full-Size with Extras

The Kissen KN104 is the full-size version of the KN85, priced at $69.99. It adds media controls in the top right, including pause, forward, and back buttons, plus a volume knob. It also has a fully integrated number pad and RGB lighting on the bottom edge. The retro design is still charming, but it only comes in two colors, and the green option is sadly missing.

The typing experience is just as creamy and satisfying as the KN85, with the same gasket mount and pre-lubed switches. However, the software remains a weak point, and at this price, the KN104 faces stiffer competition. The Yunzi B98 Pro offers better software support and a cuter cat aesthetic for just a little more money. The Epomaker Galaxy 100 Lite also sits nearby, bringing a full metal build into consideration.

Overall Buying Advice

The Kissen KN85 remains an outstanding value at $38. It delivers a typing experience that punches well above its price class, and it is hard to beat for anyone on a tight budget. If you need a number pad, the KN104 is a solid choice, but you should be comfortable with the software limitations and the fact that you are paying a premium for the full-size layout.

For those willing to spend a bit more, the Yunzi B98 Pro and the Epomaker Galaxy 100 Lite are worth considering. They offer better software, more premium builds, and additional features that may justify the higher price. The KN7, MF34, and FD17 are more situational, and they only make sense if you specifically need a separate numpad and are willing to compromise on the typing experience or price.

Conclusion

The Kissen KN85 still holds the crown as the thockiest $38 keyboard on the market. It is not perfect, and the software and moddability leave something to be desired, but for the price, it is hard to argue with the results. If you are looking for a budget keyboard that sounds and feels like a much more expensive board, the KN85 is the one to get.