Zalman ZM-K700M Mechanical Keyboard Review

By Olin Coles

Manufacturer: Zalman Tech Co, Ltd.
Product Name: Mechanical Cherry MX Red Gaming LED Keyboard
Model Number: ZM-K700M
UPC: 823884207972 EAN: 8809213768316
Price As Tested: $139.99 (Amazon)

Full Disclosure: The product sample used in this article has been provided by Zalman.

I’m picky, and have been described as a perfectionist too many times to count. So it stands to reason that the keyboard, that peripheral attachment that works like a natural extensions of the body for the eSports gamer, becomes a personal choice for many. Keyboards are used for both everyday workload as well as entertainment, so picking the right one is important. In this article, Benchmark Reviews tests the Zalman ZM-K700M Mechanical Gaming LED Keyboard, which features genuine Cherry MX Red switches with LED backlighting, and programmable macro capability.

Cherry MX-series switches have become all the rage for PC gamers and hardware enthusiasts. Most mechanical keyboard varieties utilize either Red, Brown, or Blue switches, each designed with its own unique feature set. Cherry Red switches, like those featured on the Zalman ZM-K700M, use a linear design that foregoes tactile feedback and audible click sound, while delivering a lightweight 45 cN resistance. Brown switches offer the same lightweight response, but add tactile feedback without clicking. Blue switches offer a slightly more resistant 50 cN response with tactile feedback and audible click.

Courtesy Zalman USA Website

Additional Information: Zalman ZM-K700M Product Page

The ZM-K700M Cherry MX Red mechanical gaming keyboard currently sells online for $139.99 (Amazon). The package includes the K700M mechanical keyboard, clear plastic dust cover, PS/2 to USB adapter, and a quick-start guide. This keyboard has a special “Z” key to turn off the Windows buttons, so no replacement keys are needed.

Zalman’s ZM-K700M “Z-Machine” mechanical keyboard differs from your standard offering, in that the company incorporates features that separate this product from other Cherry MX keyboards. Their proprietary Z-key mode is an improved feature that compliments n-key rollover. There’s also a speed meter, and LED-backlit keys that can be programmed to several different schemes including an Equalizer Mode that lights based on audio.

Measuring 18.70″ (475 mm) wide, the Zalman ZM-K700M is a full-size (103 layout) keyboard with added area along the sides for a column of macro keys and a visual meter. Five programmable macro keys are positioned along the left side, along with twelve standard function keys across the top of the keyboard and a ten-key pad at the right side.

The column along the left side features rounded square macro key caps, positioned approximately 3 mm below the rest of the layout. All other key caps utilize a traditional square design for conventional feel. At a hefty 2.71 lbs, the weight of this keyboard is considerable and helps prevent accidental movement when action gets heated.

Multimedia playback and volume control functions are available as secondary key functions on the ZM-K700M, rather than dedicated keys that would otherwise add to the footprint and distract from the traditional layout. ZM-K700M does not require software to program its macro functions, instead utilizing a simple recording process.

A braided and permanently attached USB 2.0 cord can be routed directly out the back, or off to either side through channels in the keyboards frame. Although ZM-K700M lacks a wrist pad, most keyboards include an attached component that is typically too close to be useful. In the next section, we’ll cover the deeper features available…

With the basic overview covered, it’s time to inspect the detailed featured included in Zalman’s ZM-K700M. To begin with, this Cherry MX Red-switch mechanical keyboard features white LEDs on each switch to backlight the keys using brightness intensity steps or one of several different modes:

• Key Touch Mode: Pressed keys will blink
• Key Wave Mode: Pressed keys will light up, and the backlight will softly glow the surrounding area.
• Key LED Mode: Turns on the selected keys only.
• Key Mask Mode: Turns on the selected keys only, and all other keys will not function.
• Key Mask Pattern Mode: Six different pre-programed patterns, each with a demo available.
• Breath Mode: Softly glows and dims at regular interval, slowly fading in and out.
• Equalizer Mode: Six different LED effects based on ambient sounds picked up through the integrated mic.
• Define mode: Allows user to define which keys receive lighting, and which remain dark.

Of the many settings ZM-K700M offers to illuminate the keys, Equalizer Mode was something entirely new to me. Hidden somewhere on this keyboard is an integrated microphone, which actively brightens the backlighting in response to ambient sound intensity. While this effect is especially interesting to watch as it follows the rhythm of music, it’s also exciting to see the keys all light up while playing games with explosions or pulsing to gunfire.

Zalman designed ZM-K700M to be completely self-sufficient, and does not require extra software to program macros. In addition to the lighting presets, users can also create their own scheme with certain modes. For program functions, the keyboard stores up to 160 actions per macro using either the Timing, Loop, or Auto programming modes. ZM-K700M also has 64KB internal storage for firmware updates, should they ever be issued.

Cherry MX switches have become the gold standard for mechanical keyboards, but not all include stabilizing switches for the wide key caps (space bar, shift, etc). Zalman includes support switches at the sides of these wide keys, which ensure the cap remains level during depressions (a problem for some mechanical keyboards).

The translucent key caps on Zalman’s ZM-K700M are of single-shot ABS construction, which have been sprayed black and then UV coated. ABS plastic is impact resistance and very durable, however key caps could develop a shine after several years of use. This keyboard does not utilize any rubberized or tactile coating on the key caps.

In addition to secondary function multimedia keys, the ZM-K700M also offers mouse-click keys and app shortcuts keys. The mouse click keys are excellent for programming macros, but the real star of the show (for me) is the Num Lock key that can be double-pressed to bring up the Windows Calculator program… which I use a lot.

Zalman touts a 1000 Hz polling rate for ZM-K700M, which enables up to 1000 inputs per second at a .001 second response time. A high inputs per second rating is important for high-speed macros with lots of steps, but also critical for fast key press actions during gameplay. The speed meter along the right side can be switched to show the macro’s run speed, or your unimpressive typing speed.

The keyboard’s 67″ (170 cm) braided nylon-sleeved USB 2.0 cable might be the perfect length to reduce desktop clutter, but it might also require passing through a USB port on the monitor if the system is positioned too far away. There are no USB ports available for other peripherals devices on ZM-K700M, likely to ensure bandwidth remains at its most optimal for rapid key input transmission.

A feature we don’t see enough of is multi-level adjustable keyboard legs with soft rubber feet to avoid movement. Combination short and tall legs can be extended for medium and tall lift settings, or collapse down into the recessed keyboard body to rest flat on rubberized pads for level access to the key cap surface.

In the next section, I share my experience with the Zalman ZM-K700M Mechanical Gaming Keyboard…

Before we get into my personal experience with this product, allow me to reveal my personal history with keyboards. For the past fifteen years I’ve handled various membrane and switch-style keyboards, primarily using rubber dome membrane and scissor switch types for everyday activity. It wasn’t until the past few years that started using switch-style keyboards for gaming purposes.

On my Max Keyboard demo board there eight of the most popular Cherry-branded switch styles, each arranged side-by-side for easy comparison. Personally, I prefer to use Cherry Red switches, which are silent with light linear resistance. Cherry Brown switches are also silent and offer the same light resistance, but feature mild feedback delivered mid-stroke. There are also Cherry Blue switches, which include an audible click similar to a ballpoint pen and mild tactile feedback felt mid-stroke. Blue switches require slightly more pressure than Red and Brown switches.

Since I tend to work long hours at the computer, the added resistance for Cherry Blue switches tends to fatigue my hands faster than Cherry Red or Brown switches. Although Cherry Red switches offer silent actuation, most key caps deliver a tapping sound when they reach the bottom of travel and make contact with the keyboard frame. Some premium keyboard manufacturers offer O-rings to dampen the noise when key caps bottom out, which brings operational noise levels closer to the near-silence achieved by rubber membrane keyboards.

Keyboards require your interaction, and testing is very much a hands-on ordeal. After that, however, everything else about them becomes subjective. This is an account of my personal experience with the Zalman ZM-K700M, a mechanical gaming keyboard with authentic German-designed Cherry MX Red switches. Cherry MX switches are guaranteed for 50-million key strokes.

The first few days with this keyboard were spent understanding the function settings, and learning how to adjust the LED scheme. The user manual contains a scant three pages of information on creating macros and switching between N- and Z-key rollover options. Conversely, the Zalman ZM-K700M Product Page is loaded with information and videos, and unsurprisingly, the best place to learn about the product and how it can be used.

By default, the Zalman ZM-K700M utilizes a proprietary Z-Key mode that enhances the N-Key Rollover (NKRO) technology that registers all simultaneous keystrokes regardless of their number. This Z-Key mode enables four speeds for repeat functions: the standard Windows speed, 50, 75, and 100 Character Per Second (CPS). This comes in very handy for repetitive key press functions or when building programmable macro functions.

If I were traveling to LAN parties or gaming among friends, some of the more visually impressive LED schemes would be used to impress or distract others. Since I’m a desk jockey on most days, the always-on lighting schemes appeal to me. This is partially because I don’t play music or games as much as I’d like, relegating LED Equalizer Mode to a one-time show that impressed me and entertained my wife. The other reason for a bright always-on LED scheme is because the key caps go dark without the lighting and it’s annoying to hunt down that rarely used bracket or forward slash when you can’t see the symbols. For those who demand LED backlighting, they’ll be pleased by the even distribution of light behind the keys regardless of angle and viewpoint.

After the keyboard was configured, I did have two more small adjustments to make. The first was the column of macro keys along the left side, an area I typically expect to find tab and shift keys. They’re positioned a bit lower than all the other keys and have a unique key cap shape to them, so this was an easy adjustment. The other was a helpful adjustment: learning and memorizing the multi-function keys. Again, I’d like to emphasize, the Num Lock calculator key is awesome. I really wish Zalman had used the double-tap options for some others, as well.

Typing (or keyboarding, if you’re a purist who was thinking of commenting below just to correct me) with ZM-K700M was easy on the hands, and didn’t fatigue my fingers the way that some rubber membrane and Cherry MX Blue keyboards do after a few hours. Gaming offered a similar benefit, as I use WASD movement and maintain constant pressure on at least one of those keys while playing.

If you’ve ever enjoyed the silence of membrane keyboards, you might find the clacking sound of mechanical keyboards a bit disruptive. Cherry Blue keyboards annoy me with their constant clicking and clacking. Cherry Red keyboards are a delight to use and far more quiet than Blue switches, yet still produce more noise than rubber membrane keyboards. Clacking noise aside, the key caps feel natural and the traditional layout very familiar.

IMPORTANT: Although the rating and final score mentioned in this conclusion are made to be as objective as possible, please be advised that every author perceives these factors differently. While we each do our best to ensure that all aspects of the product are considered, there are often times unforeseen market conditions and manufacturer changes occurring after publication which might render our rating obsolete. Please do not base any purchase solely on this conclusion, as it represents our rating specifically for the item tested which may differ from future versions. Benchmark Reviews begins our conclusion with a short summary for each of the areas that we rate.

Our first rating is performance, which compares how effective the Zalman ZM-K700M Mechanical Cherry MX Red Gaming LED Keyboard performs against other products in this category. The standout features this keyboard offers are genuine Cherry MX Red switches, programmable LED backlighting, anti-ghosting N-key rollover, and customizable macro profiles. All of these are premium features that are typically seen only on high-end keyboards, and work together nicely to elevate ZM-K700M beyond competition that lack these added technologies.

Appearance is a subjective rating, but considering that Zalman’s ZM-K700M adheres to the standard layout and lacks any bright distractive branding there’s not a lot to score… unless you count the speed meter located along the right side. On its own, K700M looks like any other full-size mechanical keyboard. Choose a LED scheme like Breath or Equalizer mode, and suddenly this keyboard takes on a whole new attitude.

Construction is one area where ZM-K700M receives very high marks. Cherry MX switches guarantee 50-million key strokes, and ABS keys ensure that no amount of regular use will crack or deform the caps. Firmware updates are quite simple, but I couldn’t find the update I received listed anywhere on the public website. Zalman offers a one-year worldwide product warranty on this keyboard, and has an online portal available to submit service requests.

The standard 103-key layout makes it easy for users to quickly adapt to ZM-K700M, while five macro profile buttons and four multi-function media keys help promote extended functionality. LED display schemes help give users real-time feedback of their key presses, which is helpful when learning combinations. Alternatively, users can mask and disable any keys they wish to reduce the chance of keyboard mistakes during hardcore gaming. NKRO functionality is very beneficial to gamers, who escape ghost key presses while in action.

As of January 2016, the Zalman ZM-K700M Mechanical Cherry MX Red Gaming LED Keyboard with Cherry MX Red switches was available online for $139.99 (Amazon). This places the price near the middle of premium gaming keyboards with similar features, adding to the many options for discerning gamers.

In conclusion, the Zalman ZM-K700M is built solid with highly-customizable macro profiles and high-quality LED backlit Cherry MX Red switches that will likely outlast everything else attached to your computer. For the money, this mechanical keyboard outshines most other competitive products, and introduces some unique features not found elsewhere. I recommend the Zalman ZM-K700M keyboard to gamers of all levels.

+ Genuine Cherry MX Red switches
+ Translucent ABS key caps
+ Five custom macro profiles
+ Several LED backlight schemes
+ Enhanced N-Key rollover feature
+ Repeat speed stepping
+ Multi-function media/app keys

– Single-shot painted key caps
– 5′ 7″ USB cable may be too short

• Performance: 9.50
• Appearance: 9.00
• Construction: 9.75
• Functionality: 9.25
• Value: 7.50

Excellence Achievement: Benchmark Reviews Golden Tachometer Award.

COMMENT QUESTION: What switch style do you prefer most?