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The keyboard itself is quite well represented considering the modest price point – apart from the use of plastic over more costly materials, you would be hard pressed to spot the difference between this and something in the ‘high-end.'
The build quality is not stellar and there is some flex if you apply force at both ends of the board. That said it is well made enough that you should not expect any movement when in use. Indeed the overall feel is one of solidity, though it lacks the metal backplate so common in mechanical boards. It is therefore much lighter.
The colour scheme is matt black on black, with a slightly darker tone for the keycaps.
The keys are traditionally concave and feature clear plastic lettering to allow the back-lighting to shine through.
NB. Our review sample has the German key layout. Other layouts are available.
As mentioned earlier, this is a membrane board, so when we pop off the slightly stylised keycaps – which is not that easy – you can see the white, rubber membrane underneath. Notice also that each key's switch is isolated however, which means that there should be no fear of damaging your board or impacting its performance should you spill a drink on it.
Along the left hand side of the board are the macro switches, of which there are five in total. There is also a dedicated profile switching key.
Running along the top of the board you have the usual F keys, though most have a double function. The F1-F3 keys give you a quick colour change for the backlighting when pressed with the FN key. Above them are some quick shortcuts for certain functions. F4 lets you quickly record Macros for later use.
In the middle of the board is the Parthica logo and a few clear strips which all light up when the board is powered on.
The F12 key lets you turn off the Windows key as well. The media keys are located above and are single press switches, making adjusting volume and other functions a breeze with just one hand.
With the lock lights, there is also an extra one to let you know whether the Windows key lock is engaged or not.
The wrist rest – hard attached – has some styling elements, including some glossy plastic (scales?) and some additional light strips.
The side too has a light strip and some ridged plastic styling.
The underside of the board is glossy black and features the usual simple features. Rubber feet in the corners for added grip, and two extender legs in the ones furthest from the user. They do not have their own rubber feet however, so when using them, the keyboard's table grip is slightly reduced.
The cable is a lovely braided red and black affair and interestingly Speedlink opted to gold plate the USB connector.
