Pros: Backlighting looks great, overall the aesthetics is well done.

Cons: The QWER keys have horrible ghosting. Any time that I hold one of the keys and then press a key to the right it holds that keypress until I release the other key. This is particularly annoying as I primarily play MOBAs and Warframe which all use some from of those key combinations. I've attempted to contact Gamdias through the system on their website but no response. So hope I get one through here, or can get a refund through newegg as i'm better off using my Dell basic keyboard at this point.

Pros: *Keycaps are soft but firm, etched lettering with bright and adjustable red led individual Keycap backlighting with 5 levels of brightness and custom effects

*13 programmable buttons and availability for up to 10 separate profiles and easy to use software

*Phenomenally ergonomic key rest that doubles as a keyboard cover, key rest has 2 magnets for easily attaching while typing

*Heavy-duty braiding with 2 gold USB connections (1 pass-thru) plus an Audio and Mic Jack, USB/Audio/Mic Ports at the back of the keyboard for convenient Headphone connectivity, includes a heavy-duty Velcro wrap for effective cable management

*Cherry MX Blue Mechanical Keys that are extremely gratifying to game and type with, IMO. As to the clicky sound, it offers a unique soft pad that functions to soften the key before bottoming-out, which reduces the decibels of each stroke and offers a nice balance of auditory feedback and discretion in more crowded environments; a complimentary and easier option than purchasing and applying o-ring bumpers to each key)

*Keyboard and components have weight, giving the overall sense of durability and quality

Cons: *Only available in Blue Switches (obviously this doesn't matter for folks who prefer Blue anyways)

*USB connection cables don't detach (although if you're not traveling with it, this is a moot point, and as mentioned above, it includes a heavy-duty Velcro wrap for the cables that renders this merely a slight inconvenience)

*Only available with Red LEDs (again, doesn't matter if this is your preference)

Other Thoughts: I bought for $75 and had to clean it up quite a bit, but it still feels like an absolute steal of a deal 6 months later; for something like this, I would consider it worth every penny at full retail price. This keyboard not only matches more-familiar brands' top-of-the line keyboards, it actually surpasses a few with it's breadth of features. Definitely recommend.

Pros: -Looks nice
-LEDs are bright
-Macros in great spots for easy ergonomical access
-Fairly liquid resistant (oops)
-Easy macro setup
-If not good, then active updates of software
-Great detail. Even on the bottom

Cons: Hardware:
-Headphone, mic, and USB are in useless positions... I cant think of anywhere else you could put them, but dont imagine using them at all.
-Slip resistant pads on wrist rest fell off almost immediately
-unclear ....(mouse-shaped?) button to the left of Right ALT (still dont know what it does)
-Iffy manual, better than most. Includes colour, thick plastic paper, but still doesnt give great descriptions. And I would have preferred a .pdf or a dedicated section on the website to reduce waste.
-Annoying yellow logo. WHY IS IT SO YELLOW. IT STICKS OUT LIKE A SORE THUMB. AND YOU CANT TURN IT OFF.

Software:
Where to begin.... The software is the most awful thing I have used. It takes forever to start up. And you cant do anything else while it does because they leave a GAMDIAS logo overlayed on the first layer and it will cover anything. Many features are still missing (although there are frequent updates).
Macro creation is bulky and clunky. It needs to be simplified and then an extra option given to enable advanced mode.
Great Idea with adding the ability to play sounds through Windows audio input even through macros and such. (yet it doesnt work)
Great selection for many preset macros such as muting skype and answering skype calls (Dont work yet)
Flashiness is awful and hurts my eyes. Even makes it difficult to use.
Overall slowness and meh-ness

Other Thoughts: Most of GAMDIAS's/HERMES's customers are likely under 14 or younger and just getting into gaming thinking they need some flashy mechanical keyboard. The flashiness is the worst part. It seems that they have some really good manufacturing and engineers backing the production up, yet they completely ruin it with trying to appeal to young minded people. It's a shame how close they got to creating an amazing product, I suggest to anyone reading this to go buy a mechanical keyboard from Corsair or Logitech.

Pros: When I first got this keyboard it had some problems, but Gamdias had an update that fix it. With their software you can make any key a micro. Having the key under the space bare and left to your wasd is so nice. I have yet to have any problems with the led, and I love the wrist rest. I love how their logo isn't red, but works with the keyboard. Last note I love the cherry mx blue switches.

Cons: Like i said they updated the software on the keyboard. So no cons, I love this keyboard

Other Thoughts: Defenly planing on buying more of Gamdias products like the Hephaestus headset

Pros: Pros are listed my previous post.

Cons: I finally received a response from Gamdias after explaining the issue I was having with the keyboard :

"Dear Sir,
I am sorry for the inconvenience regarding the keyboard. I am afraid that it sounds more of a hardware problem then firmware. I would offer to replace the keyboard right away but I just checked our inventory and we have non in stock. Since this is a new product, they are sold out at the moment but we should be getting a new shipment towards the end of December.

Kworld (USA) Computer Inc."



Returned the keyboard back to newegg for a refund because the response given to me was not reassuring.

Other Thoughts: I received another e-mail from Gamdias technology after I have sent back the keyboard for a refund:

"Dear Sir

Good news. The newer firmware v72 is available. Please plug the Hermes and upgrade the f/w through the HERA. Start the Software HERA and check for Updates and install. It will take about 2-5 minutes to do the update.

Best regards,"


This e-mail update was a week too late...


If the new firmware fixes the problem then I would highly recommend this keyboard because I saw no problems with it other than the "w" and "e" keys not working together. But beware, I am not sure if this was a fix... Hopefully another reviewer with the newer firmware can confirm.

Pros: 1. Looks great. One of the best looking keyboards out. It nice curves and shape to it.

2. LEDs are nice and bright. (Only in red)

3. The clicking of the Cherry MX Blue have a quality sound to it and slightly quieter but not much.

4. I feel this keyboard is very responsive and fast when I'm playing my games. (World of Warcraft & Battlefield 4) I notice a big difference from my previous keyboard.

5. I like how to they added headphone and microphone jacks on the keyboard for headsets as well one USB port.

6. The quality of the keyboard is sturdy just as any mechanical keyboard should be.

7. Extra keys located under the space bar give me more to add to my key binding.

Cons: 1. I'm having issues with my "W' key working with my "E" key. When I hold down "W" then press and release "E" it will continue on as if I was still holding down "E" for a few seconds or until I release "W". No other combinations of keys have this issue. This is a big problem for me because I need these keys to work properly in order for me to play my game. I'm constantly getting stuck strafing to the right...

I'm thinking the issue most likely with the firmware. I have downloaded the latest one and the problem still persist. Because I'm not 100% on this issue which is why I need a fast response from Gamdias otherwise I'm forced to return the keyboard. I'm under the impression that Gamdias company isn't very professional as I hoped. The website is ok at best. I have sent Gamdias an e-mail on this issue a day ago. I didn't get a confirmation that they received the message. When you go to login their site it just goes to a white screen.

Other Thoughts: I will update on how the customer support from Gamdias side goes...