Popular mechanics. Testing the mechanical gaming keyboard Thermaltake Meka G1
Technical characteristics
Buttons: 104 main * Poll frequency: 1000 Hz * Clicks on refusal: 50 million * Backlight: No * Built -in memory: No * Connectors: 2x USB, Audio * Cable length: 1.5 m * Interface: USB (wired) * Additionally: Removable hand stand * Dimensions: 43x16x4 cm * Weight: 1.6 kg * Price since May 2010: from 3500 rubles
If you are familiar with computers for a long time or suddenly studied at a technical university, where experimental attitudes are controlled by the ancient three hundred eighty -sixth machines, then you probably know that the keyboards were previously other – mechanical. From modern membranes, they differ in a separate mechanical switch under each key, and to identify such keyboards is easiest by a characteristic metal sound from pressing the buttons.
The main advantages of the mechanical keyboard are enormous reliability, processing simultaneous presses and unique tactile sensations: the key move is uniform, as in clockwork, no sticks and jerks. Unfortunately, now this type of keyboards has almost freezed – to make them expensive, and the ordinary user usually does not care what to print another https://playojo-gb-casino.co.uk/ abstract or fill frags in Call of Duty. However, recently, manufacturers of elite gaming periphery have come to the conclusion that mechanics are the best solution for games, and then after Steelseries And Razer company Thermaltake I released two mechanical keyboards at once – the younger model Meka And the eldest Meka G1. The differences between them are small, so we will devote the main part of the article to the senior model.
A significant argument
Having printed a beautiful black box, you find the keyboard itself, the hand stand, the USB-PS/2 adapter and instructions in a dense cardboard envelope. The first thing you notice when taking the keyboard in your hands is its impressive weight. The compact Meka G1 weighs nearly 1.6 kg, which is twice as much as the average membrane keyboard. Thanks to the serious weight and rubber inserts on the bottom of the Meka G1, it will not fuele throughout the table during an intensive game, but sticks to it almost tightly. The assembly quality is great, we have never seen this almost: good smooth plastic, nothing plays and creaks – it feels that you have a really good thing, and not another plastic craft.
On the back of the keyboard there are two USB-shares, inputs for microphone and headphones. But this does not mean that three wires will hang from your table: all the cables are carefully packed in a hard braid, so that the cable stretches to the computer only one. True, it turned out to be too hard, but, in our opinion, it is still better than a web of wires. The length of the cord is 1.5 meters, all the connectors are gilded.
The working part of the keyboard looks ascetic: standard 104 keys, three LEDs to indicate Num Lock, Caps Lock and Scroll Lock and, in fact, all-neither backlight, nor separate multimedia buttons. But there is a “fn” key, by pressing which at the same time with F1-F7 you will get a standard set of buttons for controlling a media player and volume. Of course, in Russia, Meka G1 will be sold Russified; We publish photographs with English layout only because at the time of the keyboard test with Cyrillic existed only at the factory.
You can’t name a one hundred percent keyboard-for this there is not enough at least programmable buttons with macros. We would classify it as a semi -playing one: reliability (50 million presses for refusal), additional connectors on the keyboard itself and a survey frequency of 1000 MHz, against it – strict (but thoughtful!) design without frills and the absence of at least some additional software.
Mechanical work
Having finished with inspection, we proceed to testing. At first we did not lean on games, but on a printed business. Meka G1 in this regard is seriously different from ordinary membrane keyboards. It uses Cherry Black mechanical switches, which means that the key move is simply huge, very smooth and without a characteristic click symbolizing pressing. This may seem like a serious drawback, but in fact the keyboard device does not affect the print speed. The buttons are triggered by another half of the course, so it turns out to type even a little faster than on membrane keyboards, where they must be pressed all the way. The main difference lies in the tactile sensations that are extremely difficult to convey in words: you very clearly feel each key under your fingers, and the seal is smoother. And, like all mechanical keyboards, Meka G1 has one inexperienced drawback – it is very noisy by switches. Of course, this is no longer a wild clang, like Matsumi , But even modern mechanical keyboards work significantly louder than any membrane.
The buttons themselves are large, and the distance between them is decent – people with big hands (or thick fingers) Meka G1 will have to. In general, if we talk about convenience, then the keyboard manifests itself beyond any praise: does not slide on the table, lies comfortably under the palms. In addition, Thermaltake is equipped with the older model very large and therefore an insanely comfortable stand for wrists. Our keyboard is not low -profile, so the stand is not just a decorative element: it would be not comfortable to print without it, the keys are unusually high above the table.
In the games, Meka G1 manifests itself no worse than in print. RPG lovers will be able to hang additional skills on the large classic keys of the upper row and blindly reach them; The maximum keyboard stability and a clear buttic stroke guarantee that in the heat of the battle you will not lose control at the most inopportune moment.
It is worth saying a few words and about additional connectors. With headers and microphone entrances, everything is clear: this is a very convenient solution, which has been increasingly used even more often even manufacturers of non -game keyboards. Still, so without problems you can connect any headset without climbing under the table.
The issue with USB ports has been elegantly resolved. In most other keyboards, for their power, the same wire is used to which the keyboard is connected to the computer. Because of this, some devices, such as external hard drives, simply do not work due to lack of power. Meka G1 has two USB pipelines: one is used by the keyboard itself, and the other just enlistes two additional USB-deposits. Therefore, you can connect anything to them – hard drives, mice and even another keyboard.
The younger model, Meka, differs from Meka G1 with trifles. Firstly, with configuration: only the keyboard and instructions were put in the box-the adapter USB-PS/2 and you will not find hand stands inside you. Secondly, weighing (lighter than 300 grams) and slightly smaller dimensions. Thirdly, she does not have multimedia functions at all-change the track in the player or make the sound of a quieter with its help. Finally, fourthly, in order to save places, the LEDs are built directly into the Num Lock, Caps Lock and Scroll Lock buttons, and in their front part. Because of this, they can shine directly into the eyes at a certain position.
* * *
Thermaltake Meka G1 , Like any other, even the most professional game keyboard, is unlikely to greatly improve your results in games. Its main value in another is in amazing thoughtfulness and comfort. There is nothing superfluous on the keyboard, it lies with the reliability of the monolith at hand and reacts sensitively to all the presses.
In Russia, Meka G1 will appear no earlier than May at a price of 3,500 rubles. Of course, more than a hundred dollars are asked not so much for good materials and high -quality assembly as for exclusive Cherry Black switches. Fifty million clicks will be enough for a very long time – mechanical keyboards have been serving for decades. For example, on average, four to five million presses per year come out, we specially counted. But we print a lot and even more – we play.
Pros:
- Mechanical device: great reliability, smooth move, processing simultaneous presses
- really thought out to the smallest detail
- High -quality assembly
- All wires are packed in one reliable braid
Cons:
- No programmable macros buttons
- There is no backlight
- There are no separate multimedia buttons
- A little noisier than a conventional membrane keyboard
- Very expensive