A mechanical keyboard usually handles one job, while an audio interface handles another. TOPPING is bringing the two together with the KB22 Professional Keyboard Audio Interface, a $269 device aimed at gamers, streamers, music listeners, and creators who want keyboard controls and dedicated audio hardware on the same desk.
The KB22 is built around a mechanical keyboard but includes a 2-in/2-out audio interface, headphone amplifier, microphone preamp, DSP processing, USB connectivity, and streaming features. That makes it more than a keyboard with a few audio controls, as TOPPING has designed the device to work as part of a complete desktop audio setup.
On the audio side, the KB22 offers up to 126dB DNR from its DAC and 119dB DNR from its ADC. Its headphone amplifier can deliver up to 1100mW × 2 at 32Ω, with an output impedance of 0.2Ω. TOPPING says it can drive headphones ranging from 16Ω to 600Ω, giving users plenty of flexibility when choosing headphones for gaming or music.
The microphone input is also designed for creators. The KB22’s microphone preamp provides up to 88dB of gain and supports 48V phantom power, allowing it to work with condenser microphones as well as other microphone types. TOPPING has also added DSP-based noise reduction for applications such as streaming, voice chat, and recording.
The KB22 includes three main audio modes: HiFi, Gaming, and Pro Audio. HiFi Mode supports playback up to 384kHz/32-bit PCM and DSD256, while Gaming Mode adds features aimed at games and voice communication. The device also supports EQ, reverb, delay, compressor, and expander functions through TOPPING’s KB Control Center software.
It supports dual-device streaming and provides six loopback channels, giving users the ability to manage different audio sources such as game sound, music, voice chat, and streaming output. Real-time mixing and ducking are also available for managing audio levels while broadcasting.
The keyboard uses a gasket-mounted structure and supports hot-swappable switches. Buyers can choose between Qingning Silent Tactile and Anlan Silent Linear switches. The keyboard also supports VIA for key remapping and customization, while RGB lighting provides additional personalization.
A 1.46-inch full-color display is built into the keyboard as well, giving the KB22 a small visual interface in addition to its physical controls. Compatibility extends across Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, making it suitable for a range of desktop and mobile setups.
TOPPING appears to be targeting users who would normally need several pieces of hardware to achieve a similar setup. Instead of having a mechanical keyboard, audio interface, headphone amplifier, microphone controls, and streaming mixer occupying separate areas of the desk, the KB22 puts these functions into one product.
At $269, the TOPPING KB22 is positioned as a premium mechanical keyboard with considerably more functionality than a conventional gaming keyboard. Its combination of mechanical keyboard hardware and dedicated audio features could make it particularly interesting for streamers and PC users who spend as much time managing audio as they do typing or gaming.
TOPPING KB22 Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Mechanical Keyboard + Audio Interface |
| Audio Interface | 2-in/2-out |
| DAC DNR | Up to 126dB |
| ADC DNR | Up to 119dB |
| Headphone Output | 1100mW × 2 @ 32Ω |
| Output Impedance | 0.2Ω |
| Headphone Support | 16Ω–600Ω |
| Microphone Gain | Up to 88dB |
| Phantom Power | 48V |
| Audio Modes | HiFi, Gaming, Pro Audio |
| Max PCM | 384kHz/32-bit |
| DSD Support | DSD256 |
| Loopback Channels | 6 |
| Streaming | Dual-device streaming |
| DSP Features | EQ, Reverb, Delay, Compressor, Expander |
| Keyboard Mount | Gasket-mounted |
| Switches | Qingning Silent Tactile / Anlan Silent Linear |
| Switch Support | Hot-swappable |
| Software | VIA / TOPPING KB Control Center |
| Display | 1.46-inch Full-Color Display |
| Lighting | RGB |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Price | $269 |
