Gradient Black V102 Wired Keyboard 98 Keys - Creamy Gaming RGB

In this review the Gradient Black V102 wired keyboard is assessed for gamers and productivity users who want a compact, feature-rich board without software fuss. The biggest reason to buy is its dedicated smart rotary knob and built-in display, which provide tactile, immediate control over backlighting and media functions while keeping key handling quiet and responsive for long sessions. The review finds it especially useful for users who value a tidy desk footprint and direct hardware controls.

Key Features

• Dedicated Knob & Display: The smart rotary knob toggles backlight modes, adjusts brightness, and with FN held it becomes a multimedia controller for volume and mute, while the small display reports Caps Lock, Num Lock and Win Lock without software.
• Dynamic RGB Backlighting: Twelve built-in RGB effects are selectable on the keyboard and brightness and speed can be tuned with FN shortcuts for an immersive, customizable look.
• Wired Type-C Connectivity: A Type-C wired connection provides a stable, zero-latency link to a laptop or PC so there is no battery or wireless interference to manage.
• 98-Key Compact Layout: The 98% layout keeps a numeric keypad and full functionality in a reduced footprint, freeing desk space while retaining productivity keys.
• Ergonomic Design: The streamlined layout and adjustable typing angles aim to reduce fatigue during long typing or gaming sessions while maintaining broad device compatibility.

Who It's For

The V102 Gradient Black is a good fit for compact desktop setups, streamers, and gamers who want hardware controls and RGB without installing extra software. Its quiet membrane switches and numeric keypad make it suitable for office work that still benefits from media control and lighting customization.

Users who need mechanical switches with hot-swap support or wireless freedom should look elsewhere; this model is a wired membrane keyboard designed for stable connection and silent typing rather than mechanical key feel or wireless portability.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Built-in rotary knob and display give quick, software-free control of lighting and media.
• Multiple RGB effects with adjustable brightness and speed make it easy to match ambiance.
• Type-C wired connection ensures consistent low-latency performance for gaming.
• Compact 98-key layout saves desk space while keeping a numeric keypad.

Cons

• Membrane switches are silent but do not provide the tactile feedback some mechanical-keyboard users prefer.
• All adjustments rely on FN shortcuts and the knob, which has a learning curve for new users.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Gradient Black V102 is a solid choice for users who want direct hardware control and customizable RGB in a compact wired keyboard. It delivers value through a smart knob and status display, stable Type-C connection, and an efficient 98-key layout; buy it if you prefer silent membrane keys and practicality over mechanical key feel or wireless features.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the keyboard need software to change lighting?
No, lighting modes and brightness are changed using FN shortcuts and the rotary knob; the built-in display and hardware controls remove the need for software.

Will it work with consoles and mobiles?
The keyboard is broadly compatible and supports Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Xbox, PS4 and PS5 via its wired Type-C connection.

Can the knob control volume?
Yes, hold FN and rotate the knob to switch to multimedia mode to control volume and mute directly from the keyboard.