Gamdias Hermes M3 RGB Mechanical Keyboard Review

By Meng Vang

Manufacturer: GAMDIAS Technology, Inc.
Product Name: Hermes M3 RGB Low-Profile Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
UPC: 848475002293
Price As Tested: $139.99 (Newegg)

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

Being the first 87-key RGB Low-Profile mechanical gaming keyboard, the Hermes M3 focuses on fast key response and accurate actuation in a small and compact form factor. An aluminum back plate creates the backbone to the keyboard to give it a premium look and feel, and the compact design does allow for more room for a mouse. This keyboard does come in four variants; blue, brown, red, and black switches. Our friends at Gamdias were kind enough to send Benchmark Reviews their Hermes M3 with blue low-profile mechanical switches for this review. Let’s take a look at its features, specifications, and a quick overview in the next section.

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

The low-profile key switches perform very well. Although these switches have been introduced in other keyboards before, there is not much information on how long they will last in the real world. These switches have a 60 million keystroke life cycle, so I hope to see them last a good long while. But just talking about how they work, they feel very responsive, very tactile, and are fun to type and game on especially for their low-profile design and short travel distance.

In terms of appearance, I have no major complaints. The keyboard looks great with its aluminum back plating, and the RGB color accuracy is nearly sport on. It does have a silver, chrome-like design that goes around the perimeter, which does give it a premium look. I am also happy to see the simple and legible key fonts on the key caps, similar to what is on the Hermes RGB and Hermes P2 mechanical keyboards.

With the aluminum back plating, this gives the Hermes M3 a very solid backbone. The only real concern is how the key caps mount onto the key switches. The small plastic hooks look very delicate, which makes them hard to remove without breaking something. Now because these switches and key caps do not share the same stem as a standard Cherry switch, finding a replacement part may be difficult.

As for functionality, the Hermes M3 works great as a gaming keyboard and a normal desktop keyboard. Of course with the absence of the number pad, you lose those extra keys to make more space for something like a mouse. The Hera software works well and applies the changes on-the-fly. Because the lighting effects, macro functions, and profiles do not depend on the software, the keyboard keeps all that information making it suitable for a gaming keyboard to take to LAN.

As of November 2017, the Gamdias Hermes M3 RGB Low-Profile gaming keyboard is available online for $139.99 (Newegg). This is a pretty steep asking price, but with its low-profile design and functionality, it does make more sense. Personally, I would like to see some more budget oriented products from Gamdias, as a keyboard in this price category may not get very much attention from people on tighter budgets. But if you have a few extra bucks to spend and want the first 87-key low-profile RGB keyboard, the Hermes M3 is the keyboard for you.
+ Great build quality
+ Great RGB color accuracy
+ Simple and elegant design
+ Low-profile mechanical keys
+ Macro and lighting effects are stored on the keyboard
– Key caps may break if not removed correctly
– Key caps/switches may be hard to find and replace if they do break

• Performance: 9.00
• Appearance: 9.50
• Construction: 9.00
• Functionality: 9.00
• Value: 8.50

Quality Recognition: Benchmark Reviews Golden Tachometer Award.