Eagletec Kg010 Review

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The Corsair K55 RGB Gaming Keyboard Review: We outlined what is different about a gaming keyboard from a regular keyboard, and whether they are worth the high price. For those who don’t remember, these were premium features, such as anti-ghosting and custom macro keys. It also had a striking, attractive design.

A keyboard with these features is likely to cost you $150, although there are cheaper alternatives. The $50 Corsair K55R RGB keyboard was a good keyboard. However, it was a bit expensive for what it offered. But, at just $10 more, how does EagleTec KG010 mechanical keyboard compare?

It would appear that it is. Let’s dig in.

Unlike the more expensive Corsair K55 RGB, the EagleTec KG010 Mechanical Keyboard does just what it says on the tin: it has actual mechanical switches. This is about as premium as premium features get in a keyboard, and the EagleTec KG010 is about the least expensive mechanical keyboard on the market. You can feel the click when you press the key. It may not be a significant improvement over conventional membrane switches in gaming but it does make it feel great to move your fingers across the keys. EagleTec boasts in its product information about how long-lasting these switches are and that they can withstand “tough gaming environments.” (editorial note: What exactly is a difficult gaming environment? ), and while we don’t have the time or energy to put those specific claims to the test, it feels remarkably well made. I don’t expect you’ll run into issues any time soon, and even if you do, EagleTec offers a one year warranty from the date of purchase.

Beyond the keys, the keyboard has rubber pads to prevent sliding, as well as fold-out feet to elevate it to a more comfortable typing position (all the standard fare), and while it does not come with a wrist wrest, it does have slots on the bottom lip to connect your own if you’re so inclined. Though it’s a minor bummer it doesn’t have one to match the keyboard’s look. It is better to get a cheap keyboard and not throw away some plastic crap that will end up in the trash.

Features

EagleTec KG010 has one weak spot. That is in premium features that are specifically made for games. Layout-wise, the keyboard is an ordinary 104-key design with no extras such as customized macro keys and dedicated media buttons. While media playback controls still exist using the function keys they do not have their own dedicated space on the keyboard.

This keyboard also has n key rollover. That means you could use all the keys on it at the same time and not lose any inputs. Although I don’t have 10 fingers, this claim is impossible to verify. I can press up to 10 keys at once and each key will be recognized. Although this may seem academic because you won’t ever need to press more that ten keys at the same time, I think it’s better than having less.

Last but not least, let’s discuss the EagleTec KG010’s most distinctive feature. The darn thing’s aluminum construction! Okay, so not the entire thing – the keys themselves are, of course, plastic, as is the bottom plate – but the entire upper portion of the construction is made of sleek, solid brushed metal. The model I reviewed had a black finish on the aluminum, but EagleTec also offers a version with a silver finish and white keys for those so inclined. This keyboard, combined with its LED backlit keys makes it look far better than the price. You should note that the backlight offers only one color and no pulsing light or chasing patterns. Just “on” and “off.” Personally, I prefer the solid blue over the multi-colored lighting and I find the flashing light patterns to be distracting, but ultimately that will come down to personal taste. EagleTec sells a RGB model for slightly more. The keyboard looks great. The brushed metal body clearly differentiates it from your run-of-the-mill keyboard, but it still manages to be sleek and mostly minimalist rather than trying to impress with gaudy, unnecessary design flourishes.