XVX MU68 Walnut Mechanical Keyboard Review: A Compact 65% Keyboard With Premium Wooden Style
The mechanical keyboard market is full of familiar designs. Many boards rely on aluminum frames, plastic shells, RGB lighting, and compact layouts that often look very similar from one model to the next. The XVX MU68 Walnut Mechanical Keyboard takes a different approach by using a solid walnut wood enclosure, giving it a warmer, more refined look than the average gaming or productivity keyboard.
Priced at $119, the XVX MU68 aims to combine style, portability, wireless flexibility, and a satisfying typing experience in a compact 68-key layout. It keeps the desk-friendly footprint of a small keyboard while retaining dedicated arrow keys, making it more practical than many 60% models for daily work, writing, browsing, and casual gaming.
The result is a keyboard that immediately stands out visually, but its appearance is only part of the story. A good mechanical keyboard also needs strong typing performance, useful connectivity options, solid customization features, and reliable build quality. The XVX MU68 delivers well in many of these areas, though it also has a few design choices that may not suit everyone.
Inside the box, the XVX MU68 comes safely packed with protective foam on all sides. The packaging itself is simple, but it does the job well. Along with the keyboard, you get a braided USB-C cable, a 2.4 GHz wireless receiver, a switch and keycap puller, and three extra stock switches.
The included accessories are practical and useful. The extra switches are especially welcome because they give users a quick replacement option if a switch ever develops an issue. The braided USB-C cable also feels durable enough for regular wired use or charging.
In terms of core specifications, the XVX MU68 uses a 65% ANSI layout with 68 keys. It has a walnut wood case, PBT MOA profile keycaps, five-sided dye-sublimated legends, hot-swappable switches, south-facing RGB lighting, tri-mode connectivity, and a 4,000 mAh battery. It supports Windows, macOS, and Linux, and it can be customized through VIA web-based software.
The keyboard measures 326 × 122 × 31 mm and weighs around 865 grams. That weight gives it a stable and substantial feel on the desk without making it too heavy to move around. For users who want a compact mechanical keyboard that still feels premium, the size and weight strike a comfortable balance.
The 68-key layout is one of the MU68’s strongest practical features. It is compact enough to free up desk space, but it does not remove the arrow keys. That makes it much easier to use for editing documents, navigating spreadsheets, browsing, and general productivity. Smaller 60% keyboards often require function-layer shortcuts for basic navigation, but the MU68 avoids that inconvenience.
Build quality is where the XVX MU68 makes its biggest impression. The solid walnut enclosure gives the keyboard a natural, premium character that is rare in this price range. Instead of looking like another standard mechanical keyboard, it feels more like a desk centerpiece.
The natural walnut grain also means each unit can have slight variations in pattern and color. That gives the keyboard a more personal and distinctive look. The one-piece wooden body keeps the exterior clean and seamless, while the compact shape makes it suitable for minimalist desk setups, office spaces, creative workstations, and gaming desks.
A Sakura-style leather pendant is attached to the keyboard, featuring an engraved cherry blossom design. It adds a decorative touch and gives the board a more unique identity. The only major visible material change is around the USB-C port, where anodized metal is used for added durability.
Despite the premium wooden case, the keyboard remains easy to move. At around 865 grams, it feels planted during typing but does not become inconvenient to reposition. It also leaves plenty of mouse space, which is useful for gamers and anyone working on a smaller desk.
However, the MU68 does have one ergonomic drawback: it does not include adjustable feet. The typing angle is fixed, so users cannot raise or lower the rear of the keyboard to match their preferred position. Some people may find the default angle comfortable, but others who are used to adjustable tilt settings may miss that flexibility during longer typing sessions.
Typing performance is one of the most important parts of any mechanical keyboard, and the XVX MU68 performs very well here. This version uses pre-lubed XVX Coral Sea linear switches. These switches have an actuation force of around 45 ± 5 gf, pre-travel of 2.0 ± 0.4 mm, and total travel of 3.4 ± 0.4 mm.
The switches feel light, smooth, and responsive. Because they are linear, there is no tactile bump or clicky feedback. That makes the typing experience soft and consistent, which is ideal for users who prefer a quieter keyboard for work, study, or shared spaces.
The factory lubrication helps reduce scratchiness and gives the keys a smoother feel right out of the box. Key presses are quick and effortless, making the keyboard comfortable for fast typing. Writers, students, programmers, and office users should find the switch weight easy to adapt to.
The MU68 also uses internal sound-dampening materials to improve acoustics. The sound profile is controlled and pleasant, with a softer, deeper tone than many hollow-sounding compact keyboards. It may not deliver an extremely deep “thock” sound, but it does produce a clean and consistent typing sound that feels refined.
The 65% layout also benefits typing and general usability. You still lose the dedicated function row, but most everyday keys remain accessible. For many users, this layout is one of the best compromises between compact design and practical functionality. It is small enough for portability and desk space, yet functional enough for daily productivity and gaming.
Connectivity is another major strength of the XVX MU68. It supports USB-C wired mode, Bluetooth, and 2.4 GHz wireless. This tri-mode setup makes the keyboard highly flexible, especially for users who switch between multiple devices.
The 2.4 GHz wireless mode is useful for those who want a more responsive wireless connection than Bluetooth. It is a good choice for desktop use, gaming, and low-latency typing. Bluetooth is better suited for laptops, tablets, or multi-device setups, while USB-C wired mode is available for charging and direct connection.
The built-in 4,000 mAh battery is also a solid inclusion for a compact wireless mechanical keyboard. Battery life will depend on RGB brightness and connection mode, but the large battery capacity should make the keyboard practical for wireless use without constant charging.
Unfortunately, the connectivity mode switch is not placed in the most convenient location. To change between wired and wireless modes, you need to access a switch underneath the Caps Lock key. That means you must remove the keycap using the included puller whenever you want to change modes.
This is one of the keyboard’s most frustrating design choices. A physical switch near the USB-C port would have been much easier to reach. A function-key shortcut would also have been more convenient. If you plan to switch connection modes often, this hidden switch placement may become annoying.
Customization is available both physically and through software. The keyboard is hot-swappable, so users can replace the switches without soldering. This is a major advantage for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts who like experimenting with different switch types. It also helps extend the keyboard’s lifespan because a faulty switch can be replaced easily.
The PBT keycaps are another highlight. PBT plastic is more durable than standard ABS and resists shine better over time. The MOA profile gives the keycaps a rounded, comfortable shape, while the five-sided dye-sublimation printing helps preserve the artwork and legends.
The south-facing RGB lighting is bright and attractive, even though the keycap legends are not translucent. The light glows around the keycaps and creates a pleasant underglow effect that pairs nicely with the walnut case. The keyboard does not rely on RGB to look interesting, but the lighting adds personality without overpowering the natural wood design.
Users can adjust lighting effects, brightness, and speed using function-key combinations. More detailed customization is available through VIA web-based software. VIA support is a valuable feature because it allows users to remap keys, create macros, and personalize the keyboard layout without needing complicated software.
This makes the XVX MU68 suitable for different workflows. You can set up shortcuts for productivity, assign macros for creative applications, or adjust key functions for gaming. For a compact keyboard, this level of software flexibility is a strong advantage.
Overall, the XVX MU68 Walnut Mechanical Keyboard is a stylish and capable 65% keyboard that stands out from typical compact mechanical keyboards. Its solid walnut case gives it a premium and unique appearance, while the 68-key layout keeps it practical for everyday use.
The typing experience is smooth, light, and comfortable thanks to the pre-lubed linear switches and internal sound dampening. The hot-swappable PCB, PBT keycaps, VIA support, RGB lighting, and tri-mode connectivity all add meaningful value at its $119 price point.
It is not perfect. The lack of adjustable feet may bother users who prefer a specific typing angle, and the hidden connectivity switch under the Caps Lock key is inconvenient. Still, these drawbacks do not take away from the keyboard’s biggest strengths: its build quality, design, typing comfort, and versatile feature set.
For anyone looking for a compact wireless mechanical keyboard with a premium wooden case, smooth linear switches, and strong customization options, the XVX MU68 is an appealing choice. It is especially well suited for users who want a keyboard that looks elegant on a desk while still delivering the performance and flexibility expected from a modern mechanical keyboard.XVX MU68 Walnut Keyboard Review: A Compact Mechanical Keyboard With Premium Style
The XVX MU68 stands out in a crowded mechanical keyboard market by doing something many compact keyboards do not: it uses a solid walnut body that immediately gives it a warmer, more premium look. Even with the RGB lighting turned off, the keyboard has plenty of personality. The natural walnut finish creates a striking contrast against the darker keycaps and frame, making it a great fit for a clean, modern desk setup.
This is not just a keyboard built to look good, though. The MU68 also focuses on the features mechanical keyboard enthusiasts expect, including hot-swappable switches, software customization, wireless connectivity, and a compact 68-key layout that saves desk space without feeling too limited for everyday use.
The walnut chassis is easily one of the biggest highlights of the XVX MU68. While many mechanical keyboards rely on plastic or aluminum cases, the wooden body gives this model a distinct identity. It feels solid, seamless, and more refined than the typical compact keyboard in this price range.
The compact 68-key layout also makes sense for users who want a smaller keyboard without losing too much functionality. It keeps the essentials while freeing up more room for mouse movement, which is especially useful for gaming, productivity, and minimalist desk setups.
Typing on the XVX MU68 is one of its strongest points. The Coral Sea linear switches deliver a soft, smooth, and fast typing feel. They are quiet enough for everyday work while still feeling responsive for gaming. If you prefer a keyboard that does not sound overly sharp or harsh, the MU68 offers a more pleasant typing experience than many louder mechanical boards.
The stock switches should satisfy many users, but the hot-swappable PCB adds another layer of flexibility. You can replace the switches without soldering, making it easy to experiment with different linear, tactile, or other compatible switch types. This is a valuable feature for anyone who likes to fine-tune the feel and sound of their keyboard over time.
The keycaps can also be replaced with aftermarket sets, giving users another simple way to personalize the keyboard. Whether you want a different color theme, profile, or material, the MU68 supports the kind of customization that mechanical keyboard fans often look for.
Software customization is supported through VIA, which should allow users to remap keys, create layers, set macros, and adjust RGB lighting. These features make the MU68 more versatile for different workflows, gaming setups, and productivity needs. While connectivity with VIA can sometimes vary depending on the setup, the advertised customization options are exactly what many users expect from a mechanical keyboard in this price category.
The RGB lighting is bright and adds a nice visual touch, especially when paired with the walnut frame. However, one of the best things about the design is that it does not depend on lighting to look attractive. With RGB on or off, the MU68 still feels stylish and distinctive.
Connectivity is another strength. The keyboard supports tri-mode connection options, giving users the ability to switch between wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4GHz wireless modes. This makes it suitable for different devices and setups, whether you use it with a desktop PC, laptop, tablet, or multiple systems.
That said, the placement of the connectivity switch is not ideal. Since it is located underneath the Caps Lock key, switching modes is less convenient than it should be. A side-mounted or rear-mounted switch would have been more practical.
Another drawback is the lack of height-adjustable kickstands. The keyboard has a fixed typing angle, which may not suit every user. If you prefer to adjust your keyboard height depending on your posture or desk setup, this limitation is worth considering.
There is also no dedicated storage slot for the wireless receiver, which would have been a useful addition for users who travel with the keyboard or frequently move it between devices.
Overall, the XVX MU68 is a well-rounded compact mechanical keyboard with a design that helps it stand apart. Its solid walnut construction, smooth linear switches, bright RGB lighting, hot-swappable PCB, VIA support, and tri-mode connectivity make it a strong option for both everyday typing and gaming.
At $119, the MU68 offers fair value for users who want something more unique than the usual plastic or aluminum mechanical keyboard. It is not perfect, mainly due to the fixed typing angle and inconvenient connectivity switch placement, but its premium look, comfortable typing feel, and customization options make it an appealing choice.
If you want a compact mechanical keyboard that combines natural wood styling with modern enthusiast features, the XVX MU68 is definitely worth considering.
Rating: 8.8 out of 10
Pros:
Solid walnut one-piece construction
Distinctive premium design
Smooth, soft, and fast linear typing feel
Relatively quiet switches
Bright RGB lighting
Wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4GHz wireless connectivity
Hot-swappable switch support
Strong customization options
Cons:
Connectivity switch placement is inconvenient
No adjustable height
No storage slot for the wireless receiver
