The Rainy 75 has long been considered a benchmark in the pre-built mechanical keyboard market. Its successor has been highly anticipated, but instead, a limited edition 'Mithril Silver' model has been released with only 2,000 units. This review breaks down the upgrades, including a new anodized aluminum finish, transparent keycaps, and a larger battery, to determine if it lives up to the legacy.
Build Quality and Design
The Rainy 75 Mithril Silver features a full aluminum body, a significant upgrade over plastic competitors in the same price range. The previous generation used an electrophoretic coating, which was prone to scratches. This new model uses an anodizing process, which is significantly more durable. The keyboard includes a customizable weight plate on the bottom, with three different designs included in the box: a mirror finish, a floral pattern, and a rain-themed acrylic plate.
Keycaps and Switches
The most striking feature is the 50% transparent keycaps, reminiscent of the Nothing brand aesthetic. This allows the per-key RGB lighting to shine through much more effectively than the solid keycaps of the original. The switches are HMX Mango linear switches, which are very quiet and smooth. For comparison, the original Rainy 75 used HMX Violet switches, which have a slightly higher actuation force and a more tactile feel.
Performance and Battery Life
The keyboard supports three connection modes: wired (USB-C), 2.4GHz wireless (via a dongle), and Bluetooth 5.0. Latency is impressive, rated at 2ms in wired mode, 3ms with the 2.4GHz dongle, and 8ms over Bluetooth. A major upgrade is the battery capacity, which has been doubled from 3,500mAh to 7,000mAh, allowing for weeks of use with RGB lighting off.
Comparison Table: Rainy 75 Mithril Silver vs. Original Rainy 75
| Feature | Rainy 75 Mithril Silver (Limited) | Original Rainy 75 |
|---|---|---|
| Body Material | Full Aluminum (Anodized) | Full Aluminum (Electrophoretic) |
| Keycaps | 50% Transparent | Solid PBT |
| Switches | HMX Mango (Linear, Quiet) | HMX Violet (Linear, Slightly Heavier) |
| Battery | 7,000mAh | 3,500mAh |
| Weight Plate | Customizable (3 designs included) | Fixed |
| Latency (2.4GHz) | 3ms | 3ms |
Users on Reddit have noted that while the Mithril Silver is a beautiful desk piece, the original Violet switches offer a more 'fun' and responsive typing experience for gaming. The new Mango switches are better suited for office environments due to their lower noise profile.
Verdict
The Rainy 75 Mithril Silver is a refined, aesthetic-focused update. It is not a true successor but a special edition that prioritizes design and durability. It is an excellent choice for users who value a clean, minimalist desk setup. However, if you prioritize a more tactile typing feel for gaming, the original Rainy 75 with Violet switches might be a better fit.
π Information Date: 2024-05-28
For a deeper dive into other unique keyboards, check out our review of the AULA L99 with its touch screen display. If you are looking for a complete audio upgrade for your desk, see our Edifier M90 speaker review.
