Gamdias Hermes gaming keyboard review

1. Introduction2. Packaging and Bundle3. Software and Performance4. Closing Thoughts5. View All Pages

Throughout all of this review we have managed to get by with only the occasional mistype that you will get from any new keyboard. Not once did we stray onto the big, suspiciously placed macro keys – so all seems good on that front.

The Gamdias Hermes more than measures up with the competition when it comes to performance, with a great feel when typing as well as gaming, easily accessible onboard audio and USB access as well as the excellently positioned and implemented macro keys. Outside of the questionable approach to aesthetic design it's hard to find fault with the Hermes, so we'll just look to the competition to see how it measures up.

It's more expensive than similarly spec-ed rivals from known brands like CM Storm. In terms of raw features, the Hermes comes up short if you compare it with a high-end Logitech offering, which has more in terms of sheer mass of macro keys and user scripting that allows for practically any implementation of the 18 individual keys.

It's got RGB customisable backlighting, more accessible multimedia controls and that little LCD screen.

The Hermes has a few things that the the G510s lacks though, it's got the lovely mechanical switches, a considerably smaller footprint so you'll still have room left on your desk for a mousepad, the macro keys are in far more accessible places – and the audio pass-through is analogue rather than USB, giving a bit more flexibility to people with intricate audio setups.

Ultimately, gaming keyboards are a personal choice. I loved this one, but we tried it with another gamer in the KitGuru office who was not impressed with the position of the additional keys.

In either case, there's always the chance that the macro keys could drive people up the wall if they do a lot of typing. It can be hard to get used to.

The fastest typist in the KitGuru Studio knew that he'd hit the function key instead of the ctrl key, when nothing was selected, cut or pasted. It is that quirky.

You can't argue with the build quality – and it really feels as though it can take a beating. Ultimately, the kicker here is the price tag. You can buy direct from Amazon for £105.68 inc vat.

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Pros

• Interesting location for the macro keys and, once installed, really good driver support for them.
• Typing and gaming feels like a dream with the cushioned, sound-dampened cherry blue switches.
• Accessible audio and USB ports on the keyboard itself make it great for LAN users.
• Looks like a Decepticon.

Cons

• Expensive price tag puts it into a difficult position in the market.
• At the very least, it takes getting used to for typing – some people will never get the hang of it.
• Virus alert when you install software shoes how new these guys are to the market – and this would put off a less experienced gamer.
• Weird position of some keys can fool you into hitting the wrong thing at the wrong time.

KitGuru says: Good effort, but you cannot get away from the price. They have tried to innovate, which is always nice to see, but for a new brand to break into the market OVER the £100 price mark is gonna be tough. Any gamer who wants a Decepticon based on blue switches without the noise, will find this worth considering.

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