Whatgeek x 3inuS Kebohub EE01 mechanical keyboard review – it has a built-in hub!

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CROWDFUNDING REVIEW – I’ve been reviewing quite a few mechanical keyboards lately because I’m on a personal quest to find the perfect one for my computer setup/workflow. The newest mechanical keyboard that I’m testing is the Whatgeek x 3inuS Kebohub EE01 mechanical keyboard which is currently seeking funding on Kickstarter. This is no ordinary keyboard though, so keep reading to find out more about it.

What is it?

The Whatgeek x 3inuS Kebohub EE01 is a mechanical keyboard with a built-in 5-in-1 hub that adds extra ports to your laptop or desktop computer

Hardware specs

Model: EE01
Number of keys: 87
Structure: Metal Plate Mounted
Case Material: ABS
Bottom Foam: Nil
Keycap: Double Injection ABS – transparent letter
Switch: Huano Red Switch
Support Switch: 3pin/5pin switch
Backlight: RGB
Connection: Type C cable
Anti-ghosting: Full Key
System Support: Mac/ Windows/ IOS/ Android
Product Weight: 0.93kg
Product Size(L x W x H): 35.5×12.5×4.5cm
Cable Length: 160cm

What’s in the box?

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  • Whatgeek x 3inuS Kebohub EE01 mechanical keyboard
  • Manual

Other accessories will be included depending on the stretch goals reached for the campaign

  • Switch puller tool ($10,000)
  • Keycap puller tool ($20,000)
  • 4 extra Windows keycaps ($30,000)
  • 4 extra switches ($40,000)
  • Full set of grey/darker keycaps ($50,000)

Design and features

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At first glance, the Whatgeek x 3inuS Kebohub EE01 mechanical keyboard doesn’t look all that different than other Windows and Mac-compatible keyboards. In fact, looks a little boring. But don’t judge this keyboard by looks alone because it’s pretty great under the hood.

On top, you get 87 keys including a dedicated function key row and a full-sized T-shaped directional pad.

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On the bottom, you get flip-out feet to raise the back of the keyboard for better ergonomics.

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Here’s a side view of the Whatgeek x 3inuS Kebohub EE01 mechanical keyboard with the feet in the raised position.

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The feet have rubber pads to keep the keyboard from sliding around on your desk.

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The Whatgeek x 3inuS Kebohub EE01 mechanical keyboard comes with a mixed set of keycaps as you see here, but an extra set of QWERTY keycaps that match the other keycaps’ darker color will be included if the campaign raises $50,000.

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The double-shot keycaps have a modern style which you will notice when looking at the 6, 8, 9, 0, R, O, P, D, and B keys.

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One of the best things about this keyboard is how easy it is to replace the keycaps using a keycap puller tool.

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You can easily customize the Whatgeek x 3inuS Kebohub EE01 mechanical keyboard by changing out the keycaps with a huge variety of 3rd party caps.

The same ease of customization is available for the switches. You’ll have the choice of red, brown, or blue switches. My review sample came with red switches.

Replacing the keycaps and switches is super convenient, but there’s another feature of the Whatgeek x 3inuS Kebohub EE01 mechanical keyboard that makes this keyboard my current favorite keyboard ever! It’s the fact that…

This keyboard has a built-in 5-in-1 hub!

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You may have noticed that the Whatgeek x 3inuS Kebohub EE01 is a wired keyboard. If it bums you out that this keyboard isn’t wireless, don’t worry, because it’s totally worth the fact that it’s wired. That’s because it has a built-in hub.

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Just by plugging this keyboard into your desktop or laptop, you will get an HDMI port, 3 USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C 3.0 port.

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This hub has been a game changer for me because my main computer is a MacBook Pro that only has 2 USB-C ports. One of those ports is already used to connect it to my monitor. That means if I need to plug in something that has a USB-A cable, I have to use a dongle. Or if I need to plug in more than one device, I need to use a dongle or adapter. With the Whatgeek x 3inuS Kebohub EE01 mechanical keyboard, I have plenty of ports that let me use card readers, hard drives, and more. It’s been great not needing to rely on dongles anymore!

Note: The built-in cable for this keyboard is Y shaped with 2 USB-C connectors on the end. It isn’t required that you use both connections. I just use one. Using both with provide more power to the ports if you plan to use the hub for charging other devices. One Type-C connector provides a total output of 1.5A for the USB-C1 and USB-A1 ports. While two Type-C connectors provide 1.5A output for the USB-C1 and USB-A1 ports respectively.

But wait, there’s more!

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Those of you who love RGB lighting effects will be happy to know that this keyboard has many effects to choose from. I’m normally not that impressed with lighting effects and always disable them, but I really like some of the effects that are built into the Whatgeek x 3inuS Kebohub EE01 mechanical keyboard. Check out the video below where I show them in action as well as let you hear what it sounds like to type on this keyboard (with red switches).

See and hear it in action

What I like

  • Built-in hub
  • Hot-swappable switches and keycaps
  • Cool RGB lighting effects

What I’d change

  • Different color options for the chassis would be cool

Final thoughts

As of posting this review, I can easily say that the Whatgeek x 3inuS Kebohub EE01 mechanical keyboard is my new favorite mechanical keyboard. It’s comfortable to type on, infinitely customizable, and the fact that it has a built-in 5-in-1 hub makes it the best addition to my everyday workflow. I’m very happy with this keyboard.

The Whatgeek x 3inuS Kebohub EE01 mechanical keyboard ends on 5/4/23 and they are working towards their funding goal of $891. You can pre-order a keyboard starting at $84.99. After the campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in June 2023. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Price: $86.99
Where to buy: Whatgeek and Kickstarter
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Whatgeek.

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