The DARK PROJECT ALU Midnight is a gaming keyboard for 70 euros. MeinMMO editor Benedikt Schlotmann thinks: A real insider tip if you can overlook the weak software. Because the device not only offers good switches but is also quite quiet for a mechanical keyboard.
Recently, I stumbled upon the Dark Project Midnight by chance. It is a gaming keyboard in TKL format for around 70 euros.
In my opinion, the gaming keyboard from Dark Project is a true insider tip. It is not only very quiet but also offers many premium features that you wouldn’t expect in this price category.
Overview of the Test
- Scope of Delivery, Design, and Construction
- Processing
- Software
- Ergonomics
- In Practice: Keys and Volume
- Conclusion
Who tested that?
I am a Tech Editor at MeinMMO and have a penchant for peripherals, testing mice, keyboards, and gaming headsets. I have been testing hardware for our readers since 2019. Gaming mice, in particular, are among my absolute favorites. Besides the PS5, I also play on my Steam Deck.
I ordered the model myself via Amazon.
Benedikt Schlotmann
Hardware Editor MeinMMO
Here you can find the technical details as a table (click to expand):
| Design/Interface | Wired; TKL design |
| Key Type | mechanical, linear switches (g3ms zircon) in German layout; ABS keycaps in double shot process |
| Programmable Keys | Yes |
| Lighting | Yes |
| Compatibility | PC |
| Scope of Delivery | Keyboard, USB cable, manual, 3 additional keycaps, 4 additional switches, tool for removing keys |
| Special Features | TKL design |
| Price (RRP) | 69.99 Euros |
Scope of Delivery, Design, and Construction
What does the scope of delivery look like? In the box, in addition to the keyboard, there are extra keycaps, 4 additional switches, a tool for removing the keys, and a USB cable for the keyboard. Overall, you really can’t complain about the scope of delivery.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dark Project ALU87B Bushido Mechanische Gaming-Tastatur | ISO Multi | Hot-Swap | G3MS Moonstone... | Zu Amazon |
*Affiliate-Links. Wir erhalten bei einem Kauf eine kleine Provision von Amazon. Vielen Dank für Eure Unterstützung!
How is the keyboard constructed? The keyboard offers you an official TKL design. The keyboard is a bit shorter, and the number pad is missing on the right side. This makes the keyboard look a bit slimmer and is particularly more ergonomic.
What does the keyboard look like? The keyboard is available in various color and key variations. For my purchased model, I chose the color “Midnight”: The keys vary between gray and black, with slight color accents on the spacebar.
The keycaps themselves are translucent, allowing you to see the labeling of the keycaps even in the dark. The design is otherwise very restrained and not overly playful. The RGB lighting is nice and elegant, but not a real surprise.
Processing
The keyboard features a surprisingly heavy, solid aluminum chassis. This makes the keyboard feel really high-quality and robust. Even in higher-priced models, such as those from SteelSeries, Razer, or Corsair, plastic is often used instead.
Otherwise, the keyboard only earns plus points: pre-lubed switches, good stabilizers under the keys, and especially a spacebar reinforced with rubber so that you don’t hear it rattling in everyday use. And that is a real relief for my ears! Additionally, the manufacturer has also thought to install soundproofing inside the keyboard.
However, there is a downside: the manufacturer relies on ABS keycaps. These feel okay, but they are no comparison to good PBT keycaps. But at least they are double shot caps. What else you should know about keycaps and gaming keyboards can be read elsewhere directly on MeinMMO.
Software
Dark Project takes a completely different approach with its keyboard, as instead of installable software, it relies on a web application: You access this via software.darkproject.eu and make both software updates and additional settings here. This only works as long as the website is available, of course.
And that’s the big catch: If Dark Project ever shuts down the website, you can no longer make settings and updates. Interestingly, the web app does not work everywhere: it fails in Firefox, but works flawlessly in Edge.
The web app itself can only partially excite me. The settings work smoothly, but Dark Project definitely does not win a design and beauty award for its application. The web app appears too clunky and confusing. The text also slips out of the text windows for me, but that may be due to my UWQHD monitor.
Also unfortunate: QMK/VIA is not supported either and would have been a good alternative to the weak web app.
Ergonomics
The keyboard is more ergonomic than large full-size keyboards due to its TKL design. Because you can position the mouse arm closer to your body. Additionally, the heavy aluminum chassis ensures that the keyboard sits securely on the table.
However, I find the bottom side to be ergonomically poorly thought out: While other keyboards have adjustable feet on the underside, the feet on the “Dark Project” keyboard are permanently mounted and cannot be adjusted. With a height of 1.6 mm, the keyboard isn’t particularly high either.
The Keys
Under the keycaps of my keyboard are “g3ms Zircon” switches. Behind the cryptic name is the manufacturer Blackrock, who sells his switches mainly in budget brands like Dark Project, Ozone Gaming, or Micromedia.
The Zircon switches are officially linear switches. With an activation point of 55 CN, they are rather on the level of brown switches. In comparison, this is even lower for “real” linear switches (red) (45 CN). With an activation distance of 1.5 mm, a very short pathway has been chosen.
How does that feel in everyday life? Surprisingly good, and I don’t feel like I’m typing on a model for significantly under 100 euros in my day-to-day use. Typing feels light and nimble, which is also due to the soft actuation of the switches. Typing and gaming on the significantly more expensive Razer Blackwidow V4 Pro 75% (to the test) feels much harder, which is not only due to the natural resistance of the orange switches.
How loud is the keyboard? I really didn’t expect this for around 70 euros, but the keyboard is almost silent. Yes, you hear the tap of the fingertips on the plastic caps, but you don’t hear the loud rattling of a spacebar or the clicking of the switches.
Conclusion: A strong insider tip for under 70 euros
Is the keyboard worth it? With a RRP of 69.99 euros, the keyboard is an excellent offer if you are looking for a well-constructed keyboard with many premium features. Aside from the strange software (web app), you get a very good product for surprisingly little money.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Dark Project ALU87B Bushido Mechanische Gaming-Tastatur | ISO Multi | Hot-Swap | G3MS Moonstone... | Zu Amazon |
*Affiliate-Links. Wir erhalten bei einem Kauf eine kleine Provision von Amazon. Vielen Dank für Eure Unterstützung!
What alternatives are there?
- With the Corsair K65 Plus Wireless you get an excellent keyboard that is also very quiet. The RRP is 160 euros, but it is often available for 110 euros. Minor issues tarnish the overall picture.
- The Epomaker TH80 Pro is also a tip if you don’t want to spend more than 100 euros. Unfortunately, the battery life is not that great.
More Gaming Keyboards: Are you looking for more recommendations in the peripheral area? Then check out the following buying guide on MeinMMO. Here we explain which keyboards are currently worth it the most: The best gaming keyboards you can currently buy
