Finalmouse Centerpiece Pro Keyboard Review

Gaming keyboards have come a long way from simple mechanical switches and RGB lighting. But what happens when a company decides to put an entire computer display underneath your keys? The Finalmouse Centerpiece Pro keyboard answers that question.

This is not your typical gaming keyboard. It features a full 2K display beneath transparent keycaps, Hall effect switches, and a price tag that makes you think twice. After years of delays since its initial announcement in 2022, the keyboard has finally started shipping to customers. Is it worth the wait and the $349 price? Let’s find out in this complete review.

The Finalmouse brand became famous for ultra-lightweight gaming mice. Now they’re entering the keyboard market with something completely different. The Centerpiece Pro combines premium materials, cutting-edge technology, and a visual experience unlike anything else. This keyboard targets gamers who want more than just performance. They want a statement piece on their desk.

Key Takeaways

Display Technology: The Centerpiece Pro features a 2K 120Hz display underneath the keys, powered by an ARM Cortex processor and Mali-G52 GPU running Unreal Engine 5 animations.

Hall Effect Switches: The keyboard uses patented analog linear keyswitches with 0.1mm actuation adjustment precision, offering 4mm key travel and magnetic Hall effect technology for superior responsiveness.

Premium Build Quality: The keyboard sports a 65% exploded layout with CNC-machined aluminum chassis, laminated display circuit glass stack, and custom keycap design with 1.83-degree angle and 67.5 curvature radius.

8000Hz Polling Rate: With 8kHz polling rate and non-matrix scanning technology, the Centerpiece Pro delivers exceptional input speed for competitive gaming scenarios.

High Price Point: At $349, this keyboard sits in the ultra-premium category, competing with other high-end Hall effect keyboards while offering unique visual features.

Limited Availability: The Founders Edition version comes with exclusive perks including signed certificates, but availability remains limited due to production constraints and high demand.

What Makes the Finalmouse Centerpiece Pro Different

The Finalmouse Centerpiece Pro stands out immediately because of its screen. This is not a small OLED display showing stats. This is a full-size 2K resolution display that covers the entire area beneath your keys. The display runs at 120Hz and shows animated visuals powered by Unreal Engine 5. You can see dragons flying beneath your fingers, waves crashing, or custom animations you create yourself.

The transparent keycaps allow you to see the display clearly while typing. The effect creates an illusion that your keys are floating above a digital canvas. Each keystroke interacts with the animations below. Press a key and you might see ripples in water or sparks flying. This interactive element adds a new dimension to typing and gaming.

But the display is more than just eye candy. It serves as a form of expression. You can customize the visuals to match your mood, game, or setup theme. The built-in CPU and GPU handle all the processing without affecting your computer’s performance. This means you get smooth animations without any impact on your gaming framerates.

Hall Effect Switch Technology Explained

The Centerpiece Pro uses Hall effect switches instead of traditional mechanical switches. Hall effect technology uses magnets to detect key presses. When you press a key, a magnet moves past a sensor. This creates an electrical signal without any physical contact between parts. The result is a switch that never wears out and provides consistent performance forever.

Traditional mechanical switches use metal contacts that touch each other. Over time, these contacts wear down and can cause issues. Hall effect switches eliminate this problem completely. They can last for hundreds of millions of keystrokes without any degradation. This makes them incredibly durable for long-term use.

The analog nature of these switches allows for precise adjustment. You can set the actuation point anywhere from 0.1mm to 4mm. This means you can make keys super sensitive for gaming or add more resistance for typing. Each key can have its own actuation point, giving you complete control over your keyboard feel.

Specifications and Technical Details

The Finalmouse Centerpiece Pro comes packed with impressive specifications. The keyboard measures 367.88mm x 135.90mm with a height of 17.28mm near the wrist area and 37.01mm at the back. The typing angle sits at 8 degrees, which provides a comfortable wrist position for extended use.

The key travel distance measures 4mm from top to bottom. This gives you plenty of feedback with each keystroke. The switches feature 0.1mm actuation adjustment precision, allowing incredibly fine control over sensitivity. The custom key profile uses a 1.83-degree angle with a 67.5 curvature radius for ergonomic typing.

The display underneath runs at 2K resolution with a 120Hz refresh rate. An ARM Cortex processor combined with a Mali-G52 GPU powers the visuals. This hardware runs Unreal Engine 5 to create the stunning animations. The keyboard connects via USB-C and features an 8000Hz polling rate for lightning-fast response times.

Design and Build Quality

The Centerpiece Pro uses a 65% exploded layout. This means you get arrow keys but lose the number pad and function row. The exploded design adds extra space between key clusters for a unique look. The aluminum chassis gets CNC-machined and anodized for a premium finish that resists scratches and wear.

The star of the show is the laminated display circuit glass stack. This special glass sits on top of the display and beneath the keycaps. It needs to be transparent enough to show the display clearly while strong enough to withstand typing forces. Finalmouse developed this technology specifically for this keyboard.

The keycaps themselves use a custom design. They’re made from transparent materials that allow maximum light transmission. The legends are printed in a way that doesn’t block the display underneath. The keycaps feel solid and don’t wobble or rattle during use. Everything about the build quality screams premium craftsmanship.

Top 3 Alternatives for Finalmouse Centerpiece Pro

Gaming Performance and Response Time

Gaming with the Centerpiece Pro feels incredibly responsive. The 8000Hz polling rate means the keyboard sends input data to your computer 8000 times per second. Compare this to standard keyboards that run at 1000Hz. You get 8 times more frequent updates, reducing input lag to almost nothing.

The Hall effect switches contribute to the fast response. Because they use magnetic sensing, there’s no debounce delay like traditional switches need. The keyboard registers your keypress the instant you hit the actuation point. For competitive gaming, this can make a real difference in reaction times.

The adjustable actuation points let you fine-tune performance. Set a shallow actuation for rapid-fire games where you need quick taps. Use a deeper actuation for games requiring more deliberate key presses. You can create different profiles for different games and switch between them instantly.

The non-matrix scanning technology also helps. Traditional keyboards scan keys in a matrix pattern, which can cause slight delays. The Centerpiece Pro scans each key individually at the full 8000Hz rate. This ensures every single keypress gets detected and transmitted as fast as possible.

Typing Experience and Daily Use

Beyond gaming, the Centerpiece Pro serves as a daily driver keyboard. The 4mm key travel provides satisfying feedback for typing. The linear switches don’t have a tactile bump, so they feel smooth throughout the keystroke. This makes them quiet and consistent for office work or content creation.

The 8-degree typing angle puts your wrists in a natural position. You don’t need a wrist rest for comfortable typing, though you can add one if you prefer. The compact 65% layout saves desk space while keeping the essential keys you need for productivity work.

The display underneath doesn’t distract during typing. You can set it to subtle animations or static images that don’t pull your attention. Some users prefer turning the display brightness down during work hours and cranking it up for gaming sessions. The flexibility lets you use the keyboard however you want.

Software and Customization Options

The Centerpiece Pro comes with comprehensive software for customization. You can adjust the actuation point for every single key individually. This level of control is rare and allows you to optimize the keyboard perfectly for your needs. Save multiple profiles and switch between them with a keyboard shortcut.

The display customization options are extensive. Finalmouse provides several built-in animations and themes. You can also create your own using compatible software. The keyboard supports importing custom animations and graphics. Want your favorite game character dancing beneath your keys? You can make it happen.

Key mapping and macro creation work as expected. Remap any key to any function. Create complex macros for productivity or gaming. The software runs efficiently and doesn’t hog system resources. Updates get released regularly to add new features and fix any issues.

Display Features and Visual Effects

The 2K display beneath the keys is the headline feature. It shows incredibly detailed animations that respond to your typing. Press a key and see interactive effects like ripples, particles, or light trails. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth motion without any stuttering or screen tearing.

Unreal Engine 5 powers the visual effects. This is the same engine used for modern AAA video games. The result is graphics quality that rivals what you see on your monitor. Realistic lighting, shadows, and particle effects create an immersive experience that transforms your keyboard into a piece of interactive art.

You can sync the display with your games or music. Some games support integration that shows relevant information or effects. Music reactive modes pulse and flow with your audio. The display can also show system monitoring information like CPU temperature or FPS counters if you prefer practical displays.

Switch Feel and Actuation Points

The patented analog linear switches feel buttery smooth. The Hall effect technology provides consistent resistance throughout the entire key travel. You won’t find any scratchiness or binding that sometimes affects traditional mechanical switches. The smoothness enhances both gaming and typing experiences.

Adjusting actuation points is easy through the software. You can set actuation as shallow as 0.1mm for hair-trigger sensitivity. This makes double-tapping and rapid inputs effortless. Or push it to 4mm for a deeper press that prevents accidental activation. The precision of 0.1mm increments means you can find your perfect feel.

The analog capability opens up interesting possibilities. Some games support analog keyboard input, allowing you to control movement speed based on how far you press the key. This works like a controller’s analog stick but with the precision of a keyboard. Not all games support this yet, but the feature exists for those that do.

Price Analysis and Value Proposition

At $349, the Centerpiece Pro costs significantly more than standard gaming keyboards. You can find excellent mechanical keyboards for under $100. Even other Hall effect keyboards cost less. So what justifies the premium price tag? The unique display technology and custom components drive up the cost.

The built-in computer that powers the display adds expense. The custom glass stack, transparent keycaps, and aluminum chassis all use premium materials. The research and development that went into creating this keyboard also factors into the price. Finalmouse targets enthusiasts willing to pay for innovation and uniqueness.

Compared to other high-end gaming keyboards like the SteelSeries Apex Pro ($239) or Razer Huntsman V3 Pro ($147), the Centerpiece Pro sits at the top of the price range. However, none of those keyboards offer the display feature. You’re paying extra for a visual experience you can’t get anywhere else.

Pros and Cons

Pros:
The 2K display creates an unmatched visual experience that turns your keyboard into interactive art. Hall effect switches provide exceptional durability and adjustability with 0.1mm precision. The 8000Hz polling rate delivers competitive gaming performance with minimal input lag. Premium build quality uses CNC aluminum and custom glass for long-lasting construction. Extensive customization options let you personalize both performance and appearance.

Cons:
The $349 price point puts this keyboard out of reach for many buyers. Limited availability and Founders Edition exclusivity make purchasing difficult. The 65% layout lacks a number pad and function row that some users need. The display, while impressive, doesn’t improve actual typing or gaming performance. Linear switches might not appeal to those who prefer tactile or clicky switches.

Who Should Buy This Keyboard

The Finalmouse Centerpiece Pro targets a specific audience. Content creators who want a unique centerpiece for their setup will love the visual appeal. The display looks amazing on camera and makes for great stream content. Streamers can showcase custom animations that match their brand or current game.

Gaming enthusiasts who prioritize performance will appreciate the Hall effect switches and 8000Hz polling rate. Competitive gamers get the responsiveness they need for esports titles. The adjustable actuation points let them optimize for their specific games and playstyles.

Keyboard collectors and tech enthusiasts represent another target group. The Centerpiece Pro is a conversation starter and a showcase of cutting-edge technology. It’s the kind of keyboard you display proudly. If you love having the latest and most innovative tech, this keyboard deserves consideration despite the price.

Comparison With Competitors

The Wooting 60HE offers Hall effect switches and rapid trigger technology for about $175. It lacks the display but provides excellent gaming performance at a lower price. The Razer Huntsman V3 Pro features analog optical switches and costs around $147. It includes media controls and a wrist rest.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3 provides OmniPoint 3.0 magnetic switches with adjustable actuation for $239. It includes an OLED screen for stats but nothing like the Centerpiece Pro’s full display. The Corsair K70 MAX uses magnetic switches and costs about $165 with sound dampening and PBT keycaps.

None of these competitors offer the visual display that defines the Centerpiece Pro. They focus purely on performance and traditional features. The Centerpiece Pro stands alone in combining high-end gaming specs with artistic display technology. Your choice depends on whether that visual element matters to you.

Durability and Long-Term Reliability

Hall effect switches essentially last forever. Without physical contact between parts, there’s no wear mechanism. You can expect millions of keystrokes without any degradation in feel or performance. This makes the Centerpiece Pro an excellent long-term investment despite the high initial cost.

The aluminum chassis resists damage and maintains its finish over time. The anodized coating protects against scratches and corrosion. The glass display layer is the component that needs the most care. While durable, glass can crack if you drop heavy objects on the keyboard or handle it roughly.

Finalmouse has a mixed reputation for customer service and product support. Some users report excellent experiences while others struggle to get help. The company operates more like a luxury brand with limited releases. Make sure you’re comfortable with this approach before purchasing.

Setup and First Impressions

Unboxing the Centerpiece Pro feels like opening a luxury product. The packaging uses premium materials and presents the keyboard beautifully. Everything comes neatly arranged with protective materials keeping the glass display safe during shipping.

Setting up the keyboard is straightforward. Plug in the USB-C cable and the keyboard powers on. The display boots up and shows a default animation. Download the software from Finalmouse’s website to access customization features. The whole process takes just a few minutes.

First impressions focus immediately on the display. Seeing animations flowing beneath your fingers creates a wow moment that doesn’t fade quickly. The smooth switch feel and solid build quality reinforce that this is a premium product. The typing experience feels refined and polished.

Sound Profile and Acoustics

The linear switches operate quietly compared to clicky or tactile switches. You hear a soft thock sound when keys bottom out. The sound dampening materials inside the keyboard reduce hollow pinging. The overall sound profile is pleasant and not distracting.

The typing volume sits at a moderate level. It’s quiet enough for office environments but not silent. The aluminum case produces a slightly higher-pitched sound compared to plastic keyboards. Some users might want to add foam or modify the keyboard for even quieter operation.

The display doesn’t produce any noticeable noise. The internal components run silently. You won’t hear any buzzing or humming from the screen or its power systems. This keeps the acoustic experience clean and focused on the typing sounds.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Cleaning the Centerpiece Pro requires some care because of the display. Use a soft microfiber cloth to wipe the keycaps and glass surface. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the display or transparent materials. Compressed air helps remove dust from between keys.

The Hall effect switches don’t need lubrication like traditional switches might. They maintain their smooth feel without maintenance. The keycaps are removable if you want to deep clean them. The transparent material shows fingerprints easily, so regular wiping keeps things looking fresh.

Protect the keyboard from spills. While the electronics are protected, liquid can damage the display or seep into the switches. Use a keyboard cover when not in use if you eat or drink near your desk. Basic care will keep your investment looking pristine for years.

Final Verdict and Recommendations

The Finalmouse Centerpiece Pro delivers on its promise of creating the most visually stunning keyboard available. The 2K display beneath the keys provides an experience you simply cannot get from any other keyboard. Combined with excellent Hall effect switches and top-tier gaming performance, it offers substance along with style.

However, the $349 price and limited availability make this a difficult recommendation for most users. You can get 95% of the gaming performance from keyboards costing half as much. The display is the key differentiator. If that visual element doesn’t excite you, better value exists elsewhere.

For those who want the ultimate statement piece and can afford the premium, the Centerpiece Pro is genuinely impressive. It pushes keyboard design forward and shows what’s possible when companies think outside the box. It’s a keyboard for people who view their setup as an expression of personality and style.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Finalmouse Centerpiece Pro worth the $349 price?

The value depends on your priorities. For pure gaming performance, cheaper Hall effect keyboards offer similar specs. The $349 price includes the unique 2K display beneath the keys, premium build materials, and exclusive technology. If you want a keyboard that doubles as interactive art and a conversation piece, the price makes more sense. Budget-focused gamers should look at alternatives.

How durable are Hall effect switches compared to traditional mechanical switches?

Hall effect switches are significantly more durable than traditional mechanical switches. They use magnetic sensing without any physical contact between components. This eliminates wear and tear that affects metal contact switches. Hall effect switches can last indefinitely with consistent performance. Traditional mechanical switches typically last 50-100 million keystrokes before potential issues arise.

Can I use the Finalmouse Centerpiece Pro for work and productivity?

Yes, the Centerpiece Pro works excellent for productivity tasks. The linear switches provide smooth, quiet typing suitable for office environments. The 65% layout includes all essential keys while saving desk space. You can set the display to subtle or static images during work hours. The adjustable actuation points let you optimize for typing comfort rather than gaming speed.

Does the display affect gaming performance or cause distractions?

The display does not impact gaming performance. The built-in processor and GPU handle all visual processing independently from your computer. Your framerates and system performance remain unchanged. As for distractions, you have complete control over brightness and animation intensity. Most users report quickly adapting to the display and finding it enhances rather than distracts from gaming.

What are the best alternatives to the Finalmouse Centerpiece Pro?

The Razer Huntsman V3 Pro offers analog optical switches with rapid trigger for $147. The SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3 provides magnetic switches with adjustable actuation for $239. The Wooting 60HE delivers Hall effect switches and gaming features for around $175. All three offer excellent gaming performance without the display feature. The Logitech G Pro X TKL Rapid uses magnetic analog switches and costs $149. Choose based on your layout preference and budget.

Last update on 2026-02-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API