Marsback M1 Review: ‘The RGB heavyweight champion’

MARSBACK M1 KEYBOARD REVIEW FOR PC, PS5, PS4, XBOX SERIES X|S, AND XBOX ONE.

RGB lighting in keyboards is nothing new, but Marsback is taking it to a whole other level with its new M1. This keyboard boasts the brightest lighting that I’ve ever seen, enhanced even further by the keycaps and casing. However, it’s not just RGB lighting that the M1 gets right, as its superb combination of components makes for a damn fine typing experience, in both feel and sound. This is my Marsback M1 keyboard review.

Delivering RGB

In the box, there’s the Marsback M1 keyboard, manual, quick guide for shortcuts, keycap puller, keyswitch remover, and a USB-C cable. It’s all you need to get started with the keyboard and also the tools you’ll require for additional customization further down the line.

Plugging in the Marsback M1 led to a great first impression. The RGB lighting is next-level, shining brightly in even my brightly-lit office. It looks incredible, helped further by the provided white pudding keycaps. For anyone big into RGB lighting, this is god-tier and will make you very happy indeed. The quick guide helpfully guides users through customization, with various lighting effects and colors made easy to cycle through.

It’s the CNC’d translucent opaline polycarbonate case that adds an incredible defusion effect to the generous amount of RGB LEDs. Photos can’t do it justice, especially with the brightness cranked up to 100%.

So much more than lights

So the Marsback M1 is one of the best of the best when it comes to RGB lighting, but what about the typing experience? Well, the combination of the “MBS-I Switch,” a satisfying linear option that Marsback claims is “double lubed,” and the pre-clipped lubed screw-in stabilizers make for an absolute treat in both smooth typing and “thocc” sound.

The provided keycaps are PBT and so should last longer than your typical ABS variety, which can quickly develop a gross sheen. They have a good texture and their pudding-style transparent base lets a lot of light through. With the Marsback M1 at maximum brightness, the keycaps almost look like they are floating.

Make it your own

Of course, users can throw in their own keyswitches and keycaps to make the M1 their own. The featured image of this piece shows how GMK Olivia could look on this board. It’s hotswappable with a 5-pin PCB, so you won’t have to go around clipping switches. I tried it out with some Glorious Panda switches and they worked flawlessly.

As for the 84-key layout of the Marsback M1, I’ve said on more than one occasion how I think the 75% keyboard layout is the best. You get dedicated arrow keys, the function row, and five keys above the right arrow. Though the tight layout could benefit from some thin blockers, I think this is still the sweet spot between too small and too big. The M1 is narrow enough to provide extra room to swing a mouse, though doesn’t sacrifice much functionality to achieve this. Mainstream manufacturers should be taking notes here!

Battery for days

Another big selling point is the claimed 6,000 mAh battery. That is an enormous amount of juice for a keyboard, though I suppose the RGB lighting demands that kind of capacity. Disable that lighting and you’ll have a keyboard that lasts for an age!

The large battery adds to the overall substantial weight of the Marsback M1. Heftiness in the enthusiast keyboards scene often indicates premium build quality and I will say that this M1 feels rock solid. The heavy weight also keeps it sitting nicely on the desk without slipping around, though this comes at a detriment to the overall portability.

The only niggle I have against the M1 is the need to press in the spacebar to turn it on. You need to do this with a wired connection, even, which means pressing the spacebar and waiting a moment with each boot. It’s a very minor point, but it’s worth noting.

Marsback M1 Review: The final verdict

After receiving an impressive level of support through Kickstarter, the Marsback M1 is now available to buy for $189.00. For that price, you’re not only getting an RGB powerhouse, but also a keyboard that boasts great keycaps and keyswitches, as well as tuned stabilizers. This could well be an endgame keyboard, even if you choose to keep it stock.

For those that love RGB lighting, the Marsback M1 blasts you with rainbow goodness, while also delivering a fantastic typing experience.

M1 keyboard review unit provided by Marsback.