Gamdias Hermes P1 Keyboard Review

By Meng Vang

Manufacturer: GAMDIAS Technology, Inc.
Product Name: Hermes P1 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Model Number: GKB1050BL
UPC: 848475001838
Price As Tested: MSRP $119.99

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

The Hermes P1 RGB mechanical gaming keyboard is part of a new RGB gaming peripheral line from Gamdias. It features RGB illumination with clicky TTC Blue mechanical switches on the signature Gamdias aluminum frame. Six separate profiles can store different macro functions and lighting effects. A detachable wrist rest is included for extra comfort along with a keycap puller tucked underneath the keyboard. With the Hera software, users have plenty of options to choose from to customize the keyboard. At Benchmark Reviews, we will take a look at what the Hermes P1 RGB has in store and compare it to the competition.

• RGB 16.8 million color illumination
• Storage up to 6 profiles on the keyboard
• Integral wrist rest for gaming comfort
• Highly reflective metallic plate for optimized backlighting
• Windows Key lock on/off indicator
• Exchange the FN and Windows keycap (Required HERA and key puller)
• 4 hotkeys for instantly switch lighting effects on/off
• 13 sets of lighting effects and 5 custom backlit pattern
• WASD – Arrow Key Exchange Mode
• Portable profiles and macros allow users to backup and share their personal experience
• Online firmware update support (Required HERA)

The Gamdias Hermes P1 RGB mechanical keyboard does well when it comes to performance. The TTC Blue mechanical switches require more force to actuate when compared to red and brown mechanical switches. This may prevent accidental mistypes for some people. There was a minor flaw with the ripple effect when pressing two or more keys at once. Once the ripples made contact, one of them cancels out as the other ripple continues going. I am hoping to see a firmware update that can possible fix this small glitch.

With the signature Gamdias aluminum frame, the keyboard looks like it is floating on the desk. This looks great along with the spot on LED color accuracy. I would have liked to see brighter LED’s with the entire clear switch housing illuminated. This would have enhanced the looks of the lighting effects. The keyboard maintains a simple layout without dedicated macro or media control functions. This helps save space on the desk for other peripherals, like a mouse.

The aluminum frame keeps the keyboard nice and sturdy to prevent any major flex. With 50 million clicks to the TTC Blue mechanical switches, this keyboard would be long obsolete once the switches fail. Gamdias did advertise this keyboard to be water proof during their announcement, but I am not sure if I want to test that since the switches have an opening with the LED’s exposed at the bottom.

In terms of functionality, the keyboard works well and saves lighting effects and macro functions straight to the onboard memory. Although I was unable to test it with the Hera software at the time of this review, the Hera software does not need to run in order to get your lighting effects and macros up and running. The pre-programmed lighting effects on the keyboard worked well with more lighting effects accessible through the software.

As of November 2016, the Gamdias Hermes P1 RGB mechanical gaming keyboard will hit the market at a price of $119.99. This may seem like a steep price for some users, but not when you compare it to the RGB mechanical keyboards from other leading manufacturers. The signature Gamdias aluminum frame not only prevents flex and promotes durability, but it also gives it a nice floating effect. Lighting effects and macro functions may seem limited, but the Hera software does not need to run in order to enable lighting animations and macro functions. I would have liked to see a USB port for easy connectivity. Overall, I am satisfied with the Hermes P1 RGB as it makes a great keyboard for a beginner and an enthusiast.
+ Record macros on-the-fly
+ Great RGB color accuracy
+ Simple yet elegant design
+ Signature Gamdias aluminum frame
+ Macro and lighting effects are stored on the keyboard
– External USB port can be useful
– A few lighting effects can be improved
– Clear switch housing does not illuminate entirely

• Performance: 9.00
• Appearance: 9.00
• Construction: 9.25
• Functionality: 7.75
• Value: 9.00

Quality Recognition: Benchmark Reviews Silver Tachometer Award