Gamdias Hermes P2 Keyboard Review

By Meng Vang

Manufacturer: GAMDIAS Technology, Inc.
Product Name: Hermes P2 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
UPC: 848475002309
Price As Tested: $139.99 (Newegg)

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

The Gamdias Hermes P2 RGB is a combination of performance, durability, and longevity. With the use of Gamdias certified optical switches, the switches will not rust or corrode over time as they contain no metal contacts. They are also hot swappable, making customization and future repairs easier for the user. In addition, the Hermes P2 does include the normal gaming features, like RGB lighting, six separate profiles, and a built-in wrist rest. Gamdias has sent Benchmark Reviews their Hermes P2 RGB keyboard with blue optical switches. Let’s take a look at its features, specifications, and an overview of what this product has to offer.

• Storage up to 6 profiles on the keyboard
• 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
• WASD – Arrow Key Exchange Mode
• Online firmware update support (Required HERA)

In terms of performance, the Gamdias certified optical blue switches make a great switch for general purpose applications. They provide tactile feedback similar to the Cherry MX Silent Blue switches. Because they have no metal contacts, each press of the switch feels smooth to the bottom without feeling any metal on metal grinding. This prevents rust, corrosion, and that annoying double-click effect seen on some standard mechanical switches.

The Hermes P2 RGB looks amazing with its solid metal faceplate. The grey accent gives is a premium look and the key cap fonts are simple and clear. I would have liked it more if the LEDs gave off a more vivid look. This would have made the RGB feature identical to the Hermes RGB.

Not only does the metal faceplate serve as eye candy, it serves as the backbone of the keyboard to give it a durable feel. I had trouble trying to flex the Hermes P2 RGB, which is a great thing to see. The blue optical switches have a keystroke life cycle of 50 million strokes, which should last just as long as a standard Cherry MX switch.

In terms of functionality, the Hermes P2 RGB did well but had some problems with the software and its lowest brightness setting. There were two keys on the keyboard that would not change colors while creating a custom lighting theme. At the lowest possible brightness setting, the LEDs do not turn off completely. Also when turned off, the keyboard would stay dimly lit on a motherboard that provides power to the USB ports. I had to change my deep sleep settings in my BIOS to cease power to all USB devices because of this.

As of October 2017, the Gamdias Hermes P2 RGB gaming keyboard is available online for $139.99 (Newegg). I do have to admit this is a pretty steep price. But considering the outstanding build quality and the long-lasting potential of the optical key switches, the price does make a bit more sense. If any of the switches ever go bad, they are easily replaceable. But at the time of this review, Gamdias does not offer replaceable switches should you need to perform a repair or want to customize your keyboard layout. If they do provide replaceable switches to purchase from their site, the Hermes P2 RGB will be an interesting keyboard to consider.
+ Great build quality
+ Swappable key switches
+ Simple yet elegant design
+ Dedicated volume scroll wheel
+ Macro and lighting effects are stored on the keyboard
– Metal key cap puller scratches key caps
– LEDs remain dimly lit even at the lowest brightness

• Performance: 9.00
• Appearance: 8.75
• Construction: 9.75
• Functionality: 7.50
• Value: 8.50

Recommended: Benchmark Reviews Seal of Approval.