Mechanical keyboard for 450 CZK. Rapture CHARLIE V2 is recommended by 100% of customers, now half price with AlzaPlus+

Many people associate mechanical keyboards with thousands of crowns and enthusiasts who care more about switches and their maintenance than the gaming itself. Rapture CHARLIE V2 lets even those who don’t want to spend a lot on a keyboard enter that world. With AlzaPlus+ you can now buy it for 450 CZK instead of the usual 899 CZK, which is half price. And it currently has a 100% rating from customers.

Quick summary:
✅ Makes sense if you want to cheaply try out a mechanical keyboard with linear switches and you lack space for a mouse on your desk.
⚠️ Consider that the promotional price is only valid with AlzaPlus+, the keyboard is wired only, and the key layout is American, with only Czech legends.
💡 For 450 CZK you get pre-lubed Gateron switches, RGB backlighting, and a three-year warranty.

Mechanical keyboard with Gateron for the price of a regular keyboard

Rapture is Alza’s own gaming brand. The initial 899 CZK for CHARLIE V2 corresponds to its usual selling price, so half price here truly means half price. With AlzaPlus+ you pay 450 CZK and save 449 CZK.

For that price, you usually get membrane keyboards that feel like pressing a rubber sponge. Here you get switches from the established manufacturer Gateron, which are pre-lubed from the factory, plus a three-year warranty. For a first mechanical keyboard, or a second keyboard for work or a cottage, it’s a very reasonable entry in my opinion.

What is AlzaPlus+ and how much does it cost?

The promotional price of 450 CZK is valid only for AlzaPlus+ members. This is Alza’s paid membership program, which costs 299 CZK per year. Members receive discounted prices, like this one, plus free delivery all year round. Without membership, the keyboard costs the usual 899 CZK.

Pre-lubed switches and 68 keys: what CHARLIE V2 can do

Under the keys are Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switches. Linear means that the press goes smoothly down without a tactile bump and without a click, which players usually appreciate for speed. The actuation distance is 2 mm. The switches are pre-lubricated from the factory, and the stabilizers are also lubed under the spacebar, Shift, Enter, and Backspace, so longer keys should not rattle. The manufacturer states a lifespan of 100 million keystrokes.

The keyboard has a 65% format with 68 keys and translucent ABS keycaps with an OEM profile. It features N-Key Rollover, which allows the keyboard to register many keys pressed simultaneously, and a Windows key lock to prevent accidentally exiting a game. RGB backlighting can be switched between effects using the FN + HOME shortcut, and you can also adjust brightness, speed, and color, or turn it off completely. It connects to the computer via a detachable braided 1.6 m cable with USB-C and works without driver installation.

What to get used to with a small keyboard

The compact format comes with a clear trade-off. Both the numeric keypad and the separate row of F1 to F12 function keys are missing. This gives the mouse more space on the desk, but those who work a lot with numbers or F-key shortcuts might curse the compactness.

The second thing concerns the layout. The keyboard has an American ANSI layout with Czech and Slovak characters, so the Enter key is only a single row high, and the key next to the left Shift, which you know from standard Czech keyboards, is missing. Those who type a lot in Czech without looking might need a few days to get used to it. Additionally, ABS keycaps can become a bit shiny over time, but for a keyboard at this price, it’s an understandable compromise.

Fifteen ratings, all five stars

Such consistent ratings are not often seen on Alza. CHARLIE V2 has 5.0 out of 5 from 15 customers, and 100% of them recommend it. No one gave it four stars, let alone fewer. While fifteen ratings are not a huge sample, Alza also reports over 1,000 units sold and a return rate of 0.87%, which it considers low.

Who CHARLIE V2 won’t suit

If you want a wireless keyboard, you won’t find it here; CHARLIE V2 only works with a cable. Likewise, skip it if you like a distinct tactile response under your fingers, as red linear switches don’t click. And if you want to go a step further and set the actuation depth of the keys, you should rather look at the Rapture BRAVO HE magnetic keyboard, which we wrote about in July.

Is CHARLIE V2 worth it for 450 CZK?

If you have AlzaPlus+, it’s an easy decision for me. For 450 CZK, you get a mechanical keyboard with pre-lubed Gateron switches, RGB backlighting, a three-year warranty, and ratings where nothing less than a five-star has been given so far. It’s especially suitable for those starting with mechanical keyboards, building their first gaming setup, or needing a small keyboard for their laptop on a desk. On the other hand, those who can’t do without a numeric keypad will be happier with a larger format.

Do you prefer typing on smooth linear switches, or do you need a distinct click under your fingers?