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As a keen gamer I was excited to be offered the chance to take a look at this mechanical gaming keyboard. Though I do like to game on a console when I get the opportunity, I generally game on my iMac most of the time, due to hubby taking over the console. My game of choice is GTA for Mac and having tested this fully whilst playing, I can say it takes my speed and accuracy to a whole new dimension!
Before you start though, you need to be aware that mechanical keyboards use a lot more power than normal keyboards, so you need to be sure to plug this into a USB port directly into the back of your Mac or PC, rather than using an external additional USB port. For that reason, mechanical keyboards are more suited to using with desktops, rather than laptops.
You'll also be pleased to know that its fully compatible with both Mac's and PC's and requires no driver installations for it to work. Its truly plug and play. If you are on an iMac like me, you will need to go into your System Settings to allow your iMac to identify which type of keyboard you are using.
System Preferences - Keyboard - Change Keyboard Type. Then just follow the instructions for your keyboard to be located. It took a matter of seconds for my iMac to do this for me.
You'll also need to be aware that this has a US keyboard layout and as such you have a dollar sign, instead of a pound sign. On a Mac that is easy to get around. I'm not sure on a PC, though there is probably a shortcut available if you search the internet. That's the setup out of the way, the rest is just fun, fun, fun!
As soon as you are plugged in you will see a myriad of colours! its awesome!! as a female the colourful display on my new keyboard is just a delight to see and is so very pretty. From a more practical point of view, this will assist usage in low-light conditions. Most gamers I know game into the early hours, so it will come in very useful to most. The first time you press a key you will notice that the light on the keyboard temporarily dulls, just incase the noise of the key press doesn't alert you to its usage. When you glance down, you'll see that temporary dulling of the light on each individual keystroke.
The sound is phenomenal! If you've ever used or heard the 'typing' sound of a vintage typewriter, thats the noise you get. I really like it, it lets me know I've pressed a key and stops me having to look. Perfect for touch typists and rapid speed gamers who do not have time to take their eyes off the monitor.
The build quality is superb, seriously! most keyboards that ship with standard computers are quite cheaply made, and generally those keyboards don't last too long either before they need replacing. A big benefit with a mechanical keyboard is both the build quality and the longevity of the keyboard. This one particularly, comes with a 2 year warranty, though I expect it to last many, many more years. Basically, I'll get bored of it before it packs up because of the durability and construction of the key 'switches' that are in effect your keys, with the usual keycaps on top that you are used to. The switches underneath the keycaps are made of several moving parts: a hard plastic stem containing two metal contacts and a spring. They are more durable than regular membrane keyboards or rubber domed keyboards and are more expensive to manufacture. This is where the quality and longevity come into play. Even if you are not a gamer, you have a much better built keyboard here.
Designed ergonomically and incorporating an oxidized steel board and mechanical axis, the build quality far outweighs the majority of 'ships with your computer' keyboards. It looks fantastic and using it is a sublime experience. I just love that clicking when I tap my keys, I'm addicted to it already. Makes me feel like I'm typing properly, as it used to be done and when I'm playing, it enhances it and I have to glance at my keyboard less often.
It also has 8 built in gaming key light-up patterns. In fact, when you switch on your computer and the keyboard initially gets powered, its like an orchestra of lights as it rolls across the keyboard - its wonderful to watch. It also features 10 light flashing modes (ripple, scroll etc.) and it supports selectable key lights. If at any stage you want to turn off the backlights, simply press FN + Home keys simultaneously and they will all go off. This also works on a Mac when using the system setting for UK keyboards. To turn back on, repeat.
The 104 keys are anti-ghosting! Ghosting is the term given when some keys don't work when multiple keys are pressed simultaneously. The key presses that don't show up on the computer or seem to have disappeared are said to have been ghosted. So, during gameplay choose how fast you go, your keys will keep up with you!
A smooth aluminium alloy chassis and translucent suspended keycaps made from ABS combine to give you a mechanical keyboard that is water proof, splash proof, durable, built to last and above all, looks absolutely fantastic to the eye. The build quality has surpassed even my high expectations. My iMac keyboard is no longer used. This is great even when I am not gaming. When I'm gaming, I simply wouldn't swap back to my old keyboard for love nor money.
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