Azio Cascade Slim vs Cascade Slim BareboneCompact vs Full Layout
Buy the Cascade Slim if you want a ready-to-type 75% board, or choose the Barebone if you need a 98% layout and want to supply your own switches and keycaps.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Azio Cascade Slim
Compact
Build quality in the top 25% of 75% boards under $100.
- Comes pre-built with Gateron low-profile switches and ABS keycaps, ready to type out of the box
- Includes 2.4 GHz connectivity for a more stable wireless connection during gaming
- Lightweight at 454 g with a compact 75% layout for easy portability
- Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
- No numpad.
Get the
Azio Cascade Slim Barebone
Full Layout
Build quality in the top 15% of 98% boards under $100.
- 98% layout includes a full numpad for improved data entry efficiency
- Screw-in stabilizers provide better stability for modding and tuning
- Barebone kit gives complete freedom to select your own switches and keycaps
- Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
- Compact full-size layout. The numpad is present, the gaps of a full-size board are not.
Choose the Azio Cascade Slim if you want a lightweight 75% keyboard that works immediately for gaming and travel. Pick the Azio Cascade Slim Barebone if you need a full numpad and prefer to build your own typing feel with custom switches and keycaps. The main trade-off is between immediate convenience with a smaller layout versus full layout flexibility with a DIY approach.
The differences that matter
Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.
Azio Cascade Slim
Azio Cascade Slim Barebone
Layout size
75%
98%
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Bluetooth, Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Weight
1,111 g
186 g
Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel
Released
2022
2023
USB-C
Yes
No
- Azio Cascade Slim
- Azio Cascade Slim Barebone
- Performance
- 7676
- Build quality
- 7475
- Productivity
- 8778
- Customizability
- 7980
- Portability
- 8051
- Hot-swappable
- Battery: 4,000 mAh
- Low profile
- Case material: Aluminum
- Sound dampening
- Plate material: Aluminum
What will you mostly use it for?
The Cascade Slim takes the lead for travel and gaming due to its compact size and lighter weight, while the Barebone wins for office and content creation with its full numpad. Both tie for programming where layout preference is personal and both share hot-swappable flexibility. Modders will gravitate toward the Barebone for its component freedom.
Pick the Azio Cascade Slim
- 75% layout saves desk space for mouse movement
- Pre-installed switches mean no extra setup
- Includes 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity for lower latency
Azio Cascade Slim vs Cascade Slim Barebone specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
6 of 21 specs differ
Azio Cascade Slim
Azio Cascade Slim Barebone
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Low profile
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Connection
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Backlight
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
Compare prices
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Azio Cascade Slim vs Cascade Slim Barebone: your questions
Yes, the Cascade Slim is a pre-built keyboard that comes with Gateron low-profile switches and ABS keycaps installed. The Barebone version does not include switches or keycaps and requires you to supply them separately.
The Cascade Slim has a 2,000 mAh battery according to the vendor, while the Cascade Slim Barebone has a larger 4,000 mAh battery. Both support Bluetooth and USB-C charging, but the Barebone offers longer potential runtime per charge.
Yes, both the Cascade Slim and the Cascade Slim Barebone feature hot-swappable switch sockets as stated in their extra features. This allows you to change switches without soldering, though they use low-profile sockets.
The Cascade Slim has a 75% layout with 84 keys, while the Cascade Slim Barebone has a 98% layout with 103 keys including a full numpad. The Slim is more compact, the Barebone offers more keys for data entry.
Yes, both keyboards have RGB backlighting with 4 light modes including Static, Breathing, Wave, and Reactive as described in the vendor specifications. They do not have an integrated screen.
The Cascade Slim at 454 g and 318 x 126 x 19 mm is lighter and more compact, making it easier for travel. The Barebone is larger at 414 x 146 x 29 mm and heavier once assembled, so it is less portable.
No, the Cascade Slim uses clip-in stabilizers, while the Cascade Slim Barebone uses screw-in stabilizers according to the vendor. Screw-in stabilizers are generally preferred for modding because they are more secure.
Yes, both the Cascade Slim and Barebone support macOS 11 or newer and Windows 10 or newer according to the vendor. They include dedicated keycaps for both layouts for convenience.
Yes, the Barebone supports Bluetooth and USB wired connectivity. It does not include 2.4 GHz wireless. You can use it solely via USB-C cable for a wired connection.
Both keyboards feature an aluminum top case (anodized top plate) as listed in the vendor specifications. The material provides a sturdy, premium feel for a low-profile design.
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