10 September 201810 September 2018PeripheralsBy David Ramsey

HyperX Alloy FPS RGB Gaming Keyboard Review

HyperX is the “high performance product division” of Kingston Technology– that is, they make the gamer-centric stuff. They have a complete line of gamer-oriented mice, keyboards, headsets and the like, but with the fierce competition in the field these days, they’re constantly expanding their product line. Their HyperX Alloy series of keyboards boasts a solid steel frame, anti-ghosting and N-key rollover, and Cherry MX key switches. Well, most of them use Cherry key switches: today, Benchmark Reviews has in hand the new HyperX Alloy FPS RGB keyboard with ultra-responsive RGB-lit Kailh Silver key switches. With a shortened actuation distance compared to other switches, the Kailh Silver switches should help amp up the responsiveness of this keyboard for the most hardcore gamers.

2 July 20182 July 2018Manufacturer NewsBy News Reporter

Razer Huntsman Opto-Mechanical Switch Keyboard Debuts

The new flagship gaming keyboard features Razer’s groundbreaking Opto-Mechanical™ Switch RazerTM, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, today announced the new Razer Huntsman premium gaming keyboard line. The duo includes a full-feature Razer Huntsman Elite keyboard with dedicated media keys, wrist rest and underglow lighting, and a performance-focused Razer Huntsman keyboard. Both units are equipped with Razer’s latest Opto-Mechanical Switches with key actuation at the speed of light. RAZER OPTO-MECHANICAL SWITCH Razer’s new Opto-Mechanical Switch showcases the gaming brand’s continued innovation in gaming switches. Using optical technology, an infrared light beam inside each switch precisely detects actuation when a key is pressed. A 1.5 mm actuation point allows the Razer Opto-Mechanical Switch to actuate 30 percent faster than traditional […]

14 May 2018PeripheralsBy David Ramsey

IOGear HVER RGB Gaming Keyboard Review

Any enthusiast will know the name IOGEAR; this prolific peripherals company has been around for years and has a broad and popular catalog of products. Today Benchmark Reviews has the IOGEAR HVER RGB Aluminum Gaming Keyboard for review. This interesting input device includes popular features like partial aluminum construction, programmability with multiple profiles, and RGB lighting, but keeps costs down by eschewing mechanical key switches for rubber domes. How much of a sacrifice is this? We’ll see in this review.

16 April 201816 April 2018PeripheralsBy Jason Maxfield

Roccat Horde AIMO RGB Gaming Keyboard Review

In this article for Benchmark Reviews, I will put the Roccat Horde AIMO keyboard through it’s paces, and see if the keyboard is up to snuff when it comes to gaming and general use. Roccat claims that the Horde AIMO has the perfect balance between membrane and mechanical keys, calling them ‘membranical’ keys.

29 March 20185 September 2018PeripheralsBy Meng Vang

Thermaltake X1 RGB Cherry MX Silver Keyboard Review

As a Thermaltake Premium product, the X1 RGB combines outstanding build quality with the ability to synchronize lighting effects across a variety of Tt RGB Sync compatible hardware. Not only does it come with a desktop gaming software for customization, the X1 RGB has an iOS app with voice controlled AI for changing lighting effects and macro settings from a smartphone or tablet. With the iOS app, it also features a patented designed Virtual Game Controller (VGC), which turns the smartphone/tablet into a wireless gaming controller. The X1 RGB keyboard comes in two variants: the slightly less expensive model with Cherry MX Blue switches, and the pricier model with Cherry MX Speed RGB Silver mechanical key switches. In this article, Benchmark Reviews will take a look at the X1 RGB with MX Speed RGB Silver switches, model KB-TPX-SSBRUS-01.

31 January 201814 February 2018Manufacturer NewsBy Olin Coles

Gamdias Hermes P2 RGB Keyboard Giveaway

Gamdias has offered Benchmark Reviews the opportunity to give some lucky visitor a brand new Gamdias Hermes P2 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard. Want to win? All you’ll need to do is comment below and tell us what video game you’ll use it with, and we’ll select a winner at random on February 14th.

2 October 20172 October 2017Manufacturer NewsBy News Reporter

SteelSeries Apex 150 Gaming Keyboard Released

Today, SteelSeries announced the APEX 150 gaming keyboard, delivering durability and advanced features in an affordable package. The Apex 150 introduces SteelSeries new membrane switches that provide an ultra-fast and quiet key feel with guaranteed 20-million click and splash resistance. The keyboard also features RGB lighting in five zones which are fully programmable with SteelSeries Engine software and compatible with SteelSeries apps such as Discord, PrismSync and the Audio Visualizer. The APEX 150 is available now at https://steelseries.com/apex150 for $49.99. More information: The Apex 150 features fully-programmable keys with advanced anti-ghosting and 24-key rollover to deliver fast-paced, accurate gaming. The quick tension keys are designed for fast reaction times; the tension membranes design pulls the key into actuation, resulting in […]

17 August 201717 January 2018PeripheralsBy Meng Vang

Bloody B820R Gaming Keyboard Review

Optical key switches provide fast response time and performance without compromising build quality. They use infrared sensors as a replacement for metal contacts, making them more durable when compared to a standard mechanical key switch. With the Bloody B820R Light Strike RGB Animation gaming keyboard, it uses LK (Light Strike) Optical switches built exclusively for Bloody keyboards. The B820R comes in two variants; one with blue switches (Machine Gun) and one with red switches (Silent Gun). Benchmark Reviews already tested the B820R with LK Optical Blue switches, so our friends at A4Tech sent us the red variant for this review.

13 March 201722 March 2017PeripheralsBy David Shields

Bloody B820R RGB Gaming Keyboard Review

In this article for Benchmark Reviews, we’ll take a closer look at the Bloody B820R Light Strike RGB Animation Gaming Keyboard, and determine if this latest offering has what it takes to set itself apart from the rest of the mechanical keyboard market.

20 December 2016PeripheralsBy David Ramsey

Bloody B830 Mechanical Keyboard Review

A4Tech is a Taiwanese company whose “Bloody” gaming division was launched in 2012. Bloody produces gaming keyboards and mice using a unique switch technology: rather than metal contact points closing an electrical circuit when a key is pressed, Bloody’s mechanical switches use infrared LEDs and photosensors, which Bloody claims provides faster key response and a more reliable and durable switch. Benchmark Reviews checks out the Bloody B830 LK Optic Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, equipped with next-generation “clicky” optical key switches.

16 November 201618 May 2017PeripheralsBy Meng Vang

Gamdias Hermes P1 Keyboard Review

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.

24 October 2016Manufacturer NewsBy News Reporter

HyperX ALLOY FPS Gaming Keyboard Released

New HyperX Keyboard Features Minimalistic Compact Design, Solid Steel Frame, FPS Cherry MX Mechanical Gaming Key Switches, and Dynamic Lighting Effects Designed for Gamers HyperX, a division of Kingston® Technology Company, Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, today announced the HyperX ALLOY FPS Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is now shipping in the U.S. and Canada. The full-size mechanical gaming keyboard has a space-saving layout allowing gamers to maximize desktop real estate for FPS mouse movement. The HyperX ALLOY FPS keyboard features Cherry® MX Blue Mechanical switches to provide the tactile feedback and performance to support extreme gameplay and enable players to be the best gamers possible. Built with a solid steel alloy frame, the HyperX ALLOY FPS keyboard features […]

23 September 201622 November 2016PeripheralsBy Jason Vaught

Zalman ZM-K900M Gaming Keyboard Review

The Zalman ZM-K900M is a gaming mechanical keyboard featuring Kailh blue switches with RGB illumination and a slew of lighting effects. What is the main reason to spend money on a “gaming” mechanical keyboard vs a regular keyboard? With membrane based gaming keyboards, your purchase depends mainly on features that you can only utilize during gameplay. But with a gaming mechanical keyboard, your priorities in performance to value are more broad. You’re looking for a long life keyswitch that offers tactile feel and a comfortable typing experience as well. This is what we should all look for in a gaming mechanical keyboard, does the Zalman ZM-K900M live up to their own expectations? We’ll find out in this article for Benchmark Reviews.

3 September 2016Manufacturer NewsBy News Reporter

Razer Ornata Gaming Keyboard Unveiled

The new Razer Ornata mid-height keyboard features the unprecedented hybrid of membrane and mechanical keyboards – combining the best of soft touch keys with tactile feedback Razer™, a world leader in connected devices and software for gamers, today announced the Razer Ornata, a line of gaming keyboards featuring revolutionary Razer Mecha-Membrane™ technology. Designed to combine the most desirable traits of membrane rubber dome design with the merits of mechanical keyboard technology, the Razer Mecha-Membrane delivers both a soft, cushioned touch and a crisp, tactile click with each keystroke. Traditionally, users choose membrane rubber dome keyboards for comfort, while mechanical switches are favored for fast actuations and distinct tactile feedback. The Razer Mecha-Membrane is a unique mid-height keycap hybrid that provides […]

20 June 201622 November 2016PeripheralsBy David Ramsey

Bloody B188 Light Strike Keyboard Review

In this article, Benchmark Reviews looks at the A4Tech Bloody LED B188 Light Strike Keys Gaming Keyboard, the low-cost entrant in Bloody’s keyboard lineup. Bloody keeps the cost down by using rubber-dome switches for most of the keys, saving their pricier infrared mechanical switches for the 8 special gaming keys.

21 March 2016Manufacturer NewsBy News Reporter

Tt eSPORTS POSEIDON Z TOUCH Gaming Keyboard Unveiled

The Smartbar Technology Gaming Keyboard Tt eSPORTS is excited to announce the brand new SmartBar technology that adds a touch input area onto the space bar of the new keyboard, the POSEIDON Z TOUCH. Engineered with a special spacebar that can be touched, swiped and programmed, making a capacitive touch sensors in the keyboard; Perfect for both mechanical keyboard user and a gamers enthusiast. The POSEIDON Z TOUCH input this amazing SmartBar Technology to this keyboard enabling a more compact gaming keyboard without any loss of functionality! SmartBar Technology Specially engineering by adding a touch input area onto the space bar, which then lets you perform certain tasks without having to touch the mouse. There are many more features have […]

3 February 2016Manufacturer NewsBy News Reporter

ROCCAT Ryos MK FX Gaming Keyboard Launched

– ROCCAT Ryos MK FX available now – Intuitive Swarm software provides lighting presets and rich customization The new ROCCAT Ryos MK FX represents the chance to opt for both style and performance when you search for the perfect weapon for your gaming arsenal. Purpose built for hardcore gamers, the Ryos MK FX is the most advanced mechanical gaming keyboard on the market. Using all of ROCCAT’s industry expertise and gaming experience, the Ryos MK FX boasts an amazing feature set, headed up by its impressive 16.8 million color per-key RGB illumination. It also features precise Cherry MX switches, two ARM processors and ROCCAT’s intuitive Swarm driver software for easy yet, deeply customizable illumination options. The Ryos MK FX offers […]

24 November 2015Manufacturer NewsBy News Reporter

COUGAR 450K Gaming Keyboard and 450M Gaming Mouse Announced

COUGAR, one of the world’s leading gaming gear brands, announces today the arrival of two new and attractive products to the gaming peripherals market: COUGAR 450K Gaming Keyboard and COUGAR 450M Gaming Mouse. 450K is a Hybrid Mechanical gaming keyboard that brings gamers a wide range of functions within an attractive splash-proof design. 450K’s hybrid mechanical switches provides a tactile feedback and a durability similar to those of high end mechanical keyboards, and its functionality is everything one would expect from a gaming keyboard: macros, function remapping and many other options allow gamers to adapt the keyboard to their own preferences. When it comes to its external design, 450K features a three color backlight that will allow the user to […]

29 October 2015Manufacturer NewsBy News Reporter

ROCCAT Isku FX White Gaming Keyboard Unveiled

ROCCAT Studios, Hamburg-based manufacturer of competition quality gaming peripherals, announces the international availability of its highly popular award winning keyboard ROCCAT Isku FX in the much requested white variety. The ROCCAT Isku FX is an intelligently engineered gaming keyboard with a multicolor lighting system providing infinite possibilities for a completely personalized gaming experience. The Isku FX features 8 configurable media & hotkeys and your choice of backlighting in 16.8 million colors and 6 adjustable brightness levels. Featuring AlienFX ROCCAT and Alienware have joined forces to combine the most innovative and game-enhancing lighting system on the market, AlienFX, with some of ROCCAT’s most beloved peripherals. The Isku FX White is one of these, its quality pushed to even greater heights by […]

6 August 2015Manufacturer NewsBy News Reporter

Razer DeathStalker Chroma Gaming Keyboard Launched

The all-new Razer DeathStalker Chroma offers professional gaming-grade performance and 16.8 million color options on fully programmable slim chiclet keycaps Razer™, a world leader in connected devices and software for gamers, today announced the launch of the Razer DeathStalker Chroma, a high-performance gaming keyboard featuring fully programmable slim chiclet keycaps and three customizable backlighting zones. Known for its sleek design that requires a travel distance of only 2mm to actuate, the Razer DeathStalker Chroma provides superior performance when compared to traditional rubber dome membrane switches that require the entire travel distance just to register a keystroke. The ergonomic wrist rest has been designed with the sole purpose of comfortable typing on this low profile keyboard, ensuring countless hours of gameplay […]

25 February 20158 March 2015PeripheralsBy Jason Vaught

ASUS Strix Tactic Pro Gaming Keyboard Review

The Strix brand, ASUS’ new performance-to-premium gaming brand, was launched in May of 2014. Modeled around the mythological Roman owl. In it’s line up is the Strix Claw (a 5000 DPI optical mouse), the Strix DSP (7.1 ch. USB headset), the Strix glide control/speed mouse pads, and the Strix Tactic Pro gaming mechanical keyboard. In this article, Benchmark Reviews tests the Strix Tactic Pro keyboard to see if meets expectations and lives up to the ASUS name.

18 February 201519 February 2015PeripheralsBy Tom Jaskulka

Cougar 500K Gaming Keyboard Review

After Cougar’s fully featured 700K mechanical keyboard & 700M aluminum gaming mouse were released in 2014, a streamlined mechanical 600K & ergonomic 600M followed close behind. It’s not surprising then, in early 2015, that Benchmark Reviews has the opportunity to take a closer look at Cougar’s newest gaming keyboard; the 500K.

11 December 2014Manufacturer NewsBy News Reporter

COUGAR 500K Gaming Keyboard Released

The Membrane Keyboard Market Changed Forever COUGAR, a leading player in the computer gaming hardware market announces today the release of a breakthrough product: the COUGAR 500K Gaming Keyboard. The 500K is the most recent addition to COUGAR’s series of gaming peripherals. Its main target are gamers who either due to habit or due to a wish to minimize hardware cost prefer to use membrane keyboards and at the same time do not want to be in inferiority when playing against mechanical keyboard users. The 500K achieves this by being one of the extremely few real N-Key Rollover membrane keyboards on the market and by including all the pro gamer functions of the acclaimed COUGAR 700K. When it comes to […]

3 December 2014Manufacturer NewsBy News Reporter

COUGAR 600K Gaming Keyboard Launched

COUGAR, a leading player in the computer gaming hardware market announces today the release of a breakthrough product: the COUGAR 600K Gaming Keyboard. Sharing design with the award-winning COUGAR 700K that already conquered the desktops of thousands of players, the 600K offers a radically different approach with the same quality. While the COUGAR 700K satisfied the needs of those gamers who crave for extended functionality and full customization, the 600K caters for the purists, those people for which the most important is that nothing gets in the way. The 600K is a N-Key Rollover mechanical keyboard featuring Cherry MX Switches. Its purist approach to functionality means that there is no need to install drivers or set it up to start […]

AORUS Thunder K7 Keyboard Keypad on the Left

24 October 20143 November 2014PeripheralsBy Jason Vaught

AORUS Thunder K7 Gaming Keyboard Review

Ever heard of the brand AORUS? I hadn’t until this review, but I bet you’ve heard of the parent company, Gigabyte. That’s right, AORUS is Gigabyte’s gaming brand. The company currently makes a gaming keyboard, gaming mouse, some gaming laptops, and accessories such as the B7 gaming backpack. But don’t let the relatively new company name “AORUS” fool you, these products carry the Gigabyte quality we’ve all come to know and appreciate. In this article, Benchmark Reviews tests the Gigabyte AORUS Thunder K7 cherry mechanical keyboard with detachable macro pad.