TT eSports Poseidon Z Keyboard Review

1. Introduction2. Unboxing & First Look3. Testing4. Conclusion5. View All Pages

Today we are taking a look at the ThermalTake's TT eSports Poseidon Z Mechanical Keyboard, featuring Kailh brown switches. This model lacks RGB lighting but at £64.99, could this be a decent option for those who just want a basic mechanical keyboard? Let's find out…

This TT eSports Poseidon Z mechanical keyboard ships with Kailh Brown switches but it also comes in a blue switch option, which will offer click-based tactile feedback. On paper the Thermaltake keyboard looks like a high value option for the audience unwilling to invest £100 or more to replace their old model.

Features and specifications:

• Kailh brown mechanical key switches.
• Cable Management.

 

The TT eSports Poseidon Z arrives in a very compact box with no wasted packaging. The box pretty much only fits the keyboard inside, though you will also find a quick-start guide and warranty info.

 

The keyboard isn't overly flashy like some of the other gaming keyboards we have tested. The design is simple and doesn't immediately scream ‘gamer', this could easily be mistaken for a regular office keyboard- which isn't a bad thing.

Unfortunately, there is no USB or audio passthrough to be found on this keyboard, a feature that I personally value when it comes to mechanical keyboards. Its not a deal breaker but it would have made a nice addition.

On the underside of the keyboard you will find a cable management groove, along with the standard rubber feet.

This ThermalTake keyboard does not come with any gaming specific features such as extra macro buttons or media keys. Not a deal breaker for some.

Here you can see the brown Kailh switches, they use the same cross-head design as Cherry MX keys so you should be able to find replacement keycaps if you ever need them. Each key is also individually backlit.

There are no premium build materials here, the Poseidon Z is built entirely from plastic. However, the build feels sturdy enough to last. Now let's move on to the testing phase…

With our peripheral reviews, I normally like to kick things off with an in-depth look at the software and its features. However, this particular keyboard doesn't come with a software suite.

Since there is no software, there are no additional lighting effects. The keyboard backlighting is blue and you get four levels of brightness. It is strictly no frills, but effective and fairly evenly lit across the length of the board.

As I pointed out earlier in this review, ThermalTake has opted for the Chinese-made Kailh mechanical switches for this board, rather than Cherry. This model came with Kailh brown switches, which are tactile rather than linear. However, unlike blue switches, the browns don't click whenever a key press is registered, making for a slightly quieter typing and gaming experience.

While typing, I noticed that the brown Kailh keys were significantly quieter than the Cherry MX keys found on my Corsair K70. However, they also had a higher actuation point, making them slightly heavier to press.

ThermalTake has opted for a simple, understated design with the Poseidon Z keyboard. It features a traditional layout, with standard key caps- a tried and true design that makes for an easy typing experience. Since this keyboard is pretty basic, I did not experience a ‘adjustment period', so my touch typing didn't take a hit and I didn't find myself making more mistakes due to key spacing.

Since this is branded as a gaming keyboard, we have to touch on gaming performance. This keyboard does not have any macro keys, which may be a deal breaker for some right off the bat and since there is no customization software, you can't make any custom macro commands for the keys you do have. Personally, I don't make use of macro keys so I was good to go but I do know some of our readers value that level of customization.

I didn't experience any input lag while gaming, in all, things felt as snappy and responsive as they should. The keyboard is a great option for demanding typists, using a tried and true design. For gaming, you are getting the bare minimum, with no additional customization available. However, that won't be a deal breaker for everyone so it really depends on what you are looking for.

I have found using the TT eSports Poseidon Z Keyboard an enjoyable experience. It doesn't deviate from a traditional design too much in terms of design, making for an easy transition and a pleasant typing experience. I encountered no problems with key spacing or layout, so thankfully touch typing didn't take a hit.

That said, as a gaming keyboard, the features incorporated are surprisingly minimal. I personally don't mind a bare bones keyboard but those who value macro functions and high levels of customization may want to look elsewhere. Undoubtedly they will have to pay more too.

This particular keyboard makes use of Kailh switches, rather than the more widespread Cherry switches. I get on well with Kailh switches, though some people do find that Cherry switches are the better option – especially as there is a key colour to suit every specific demand.

As far as usability goes, I found the brown switches to be excellent and slightly quieter than the Cherry variant found on our Corsair K70. Occasionally on Kailh keyboards, some of the keys, particularly the space bar, will start to develop a ‘spring-like' sound. I found this to be particularly noticeable on the similarly priced Tesoro keyboards I have tested previously for KitGuru. Fortunately, ThermalTake's board does not seem to suffer from the same issue.

The Poseidon Z model I have reviewed here today does not come with RGB lighting. However, ThermalTake do have an RGB model available at extra cost, using the same Kailh switches.

The ThermalTake Poseidon Z has an RRP of £64.99, though UK availability is a bit limited. SCAN have the keyboard available for pre-order, while Amazon has one left in stock at the time of writing. At this price, this offering from ThermalTake seems like it would be a good option to those looking to get their first mechanical keyboard, or even someone who just wants the basics and isn't willing to spend £90+ on a keyboard.

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Pros:

• Simple design.
• Kailh brown switches are excellent for typing and gaming.
• Brown switches slightly quieter than Cherry variant.

Cons:

• Not much room for key command customisation.
• No USB passthrough.
• No RGB lighting.

KitGuru Says: It might be lacking customization and RGB lighting but the TT eSports Poseidon Z keyboard is still a very good product, especially at the price.

 

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