GAMDIAS Hermes Ultimate Review

👤by Tim Harmer Comments 📅04-11-13
A Closer Look



The first feature we should take a look at are the switches, so we can attempt to discern how GAMDIAS’ Element design works. From the looks of things it’s relatively simple - a square channel around the switch is filled with a rubber-like substance (an elastomer) which will cushion the keycap when the key is fully depressed. It will retain the uniform switch dynamics up to the point that you would normally hit the backplate, at which point you will push into the elastomer rather than a hard steel or plastic. The overall effect should be to dampen the noise of typing whilst not affecting the clicky response of the Cherry MX Blues.



As far as the layout goes, it’s broadly derived from the standard UK whilst also incorporating macro keys. G1-G5 are macro keys on the left side of the keyboard, which tends to be the most suitable place for additional keys intended to be used in gaming. There’s a slight gap between the two, but not enough to be too much of a stretch from WASD.



MI-MVI are macro keys positioned in two sets of three - one set below the spacebar and another below the right control. In common with the rest of the keyboard these keys are also mechanical and have received the Element treatment. Although they’re relatively low compared to the rest of the keyset they remain quite proud from the keyboard chassis, and may interfere a little with hand movement in this area.

Along the top row are the F-keys, which double as Media Keys through the used of the Function modifier (Fn-key). A lack of dedicate media keys isn’t uncommon amongst mechanical keyboards, especially as a means of saving space and thus overall footprint. A little less common is that 1-0 also have sub-type modified by the function key - PF1-PF10. These are profile selectors and yes, there are ten.



On rear there are three ports: USB, mic-out and headphone out. These are strictly passthrough, the keyboard isn’t independantly powered and nor does it have a built-in soundcard. The main passthrough cable bundle is braided and secured to the rear firmly with plenty of support - no risk of failure through wear here.



A final feature on the main keyboard is arrow key block, which also includes two additional macro keys labelled MVI and MVII. This block as a whole are part of what GAMDIAS calls their ambidexterious deign which allows left-handed users to operate WASD-like input with their right hand whilst using the mouse in their left. This is augmented by the macro keys below the right control and within easy reach of the thumb. It’s not exactly cleay why it wouldn’t just be more sensible to used the number-pad, but the option is there if required. It’s also a pretty cool option for games which have local (on same PC) co-op.

The wrist-rest is attached to the front of the keyboard chassis with two powerful magnets rather than an elaborate mechanical locking mechanism. It’s a pretty substantial piece of plastic however, and so will extend to footprint of the keyboard considerably. When not in use it can slide over the keys as a dust protector



In contrast to the top, the base of the keyboard is unadorned. Two small rubber pads are present towards the front whilst plastic supports near the extendable feet are located at the rear. Unfortunately the base is slightly uneven resulting in only one pad being in contact with desk at a time, and causing the keyboard to slide around far too easily. When the feet are extended it’s held in place very well as the feet themselves are rubberised. This is a poor show for those who prefer their keyboard to have as low an angle of attack as possible, and isn’t helped enough by the three rubber feet on the front of the optional wrist-rest.

Finally we come to the braided cable. Four inputs - two USB, a microphone-out and headphone-out - are all individually braided at the ends and unified in a single cable around 20cms up.

There’s not a huge amount more to say about the Hermes’ exterior features, and they seem to be quite adequate in the main. The aesthetics won’t set the world on fire, and in fairness the wrist-rest locking mechanism will never feel the most secure, but there’s little here apart from how well the keyboard holds itself in place to be disappointed about.


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