Thermaltake has taken a dive into the gaming world with their new set of peripherals with the Tt eSPORTS series. This week I got to use the Thermaltake MEKA G1 Mechanical keyboard, which is one of two keyboards currently in the series. The MEKA is a great keyboard, with excellent response time, USB 2.0 inputs, and my favorite feature – “clacky” mechanical keys. Let’s get to the review.
The MEKA G1 comes equipped with two mounted USB 2.0 ports, as well as onboard headphone and microphone jacks to make connecting your peripherals faster and more efficient. The keyboard comes with a removable palm rest, which I found very comfortable and stylish. Another great feature of the G1 is the heavyweight military-grade 1.5m braided cable that leads to a PS2 connector, as well as a USB connector. These features alone make the MEKA G1 more than a standard mechanical keyboard right out of the box.
Weighing in at just a bit over three pounds, the MEKA G1 won’t budge when under pressure. The keyboard has seven multimedia keys that make it perfect for controlling any videos, music, or PC volume as easy as a button press. I was very pleased with the way the G1 performed, as its quick response made it great for my fast-typing fingers. The keys offered a nice “clacking” sound (which I have come to love), and have a resistance to them that makes typing more manageable for me, since I work with typing a lot.
Now I don’t necessarily see where the G1 would provide an advantage in the gaming world, except for the fact that the resistance put up by the keys makes it harder for your fingers to slip. I switched to the G1 from a Steelseries Zboard, and I do have to say that I prefer this one over the Zboard. Mechanical keyboards like the MEKA G1 just fit me better than the normal ones you can find everywhere else. I’ve found that I am quicker on the MEKA, which is good when it comes to games like WoW where you constantly switch between a chat window and controlling a character. The ergonomics and feel of the keys just seem to make me get around the board quicker than when I am using a normal keyboard, or one like the Zboard. Also, since the MEKA weighs as much as it does, I don’t have to worry about it sliding all over my desk while I am trying to use it.
My verdict is simple. The MEKA G1 is a perfect mechanical keyboard, and I think it will set the standard for more in the Tt eSPORTS series. The G1 is sitting at about $139.99 which is right in between some of the pro gaming keyboard out right now. With the price tag it has, the MEKA offers the same high performance qualities that you expect from a mechanical keyboard for a cheaper price. When put to the test, the MEKA does the job, and it does it well. If you’ve got the cash to spend and you’re looking, definitely consider picking up the Thermaltake MEKA G1 mechanical keyboard for yourself.