Thermaltake MEKA Mechanical Keyboard Review

1. Introduction2. Packaging & Bundle3. Thermaltake MEKA Mechanical Keyboard4. Keyboard Performance5. Closing Thoughts6. View All Pages

This keyboard is not supplied with a software or driver disc. Thermaltake have instead opted for pure ‘plug and play' operation.

The main talking point is obviously the use of quality Cherry MX Black switches which are said to be one of the gamers favourite switch designs. I have been using the original DAS Professional Keyboard now for years with its Cherry MX Blue stem switch design and when I moved to the MEKA for this test it actually felt rather spongy to me.

The Cherry MX Black switches on the MEKA keyboard have a very unusual feel, only giving tactile feedback when they reach the very bottom of the length of travel. The unusual keyboard layout also meant that I found this keyboard rather difficult for typing and a massive step backwards from either my Cherry MX3000 or DAS Professional Keyboard.

I found it less than ideal for serious typing duties and my speed dropped by around 20 wpm to 100 wpm, even after several days of practice and adapting to the layout. The glowing caps lock light also annoyed me slightly when enabled, as it was distracting. I don't look at the keyboard when typing and my peripheral vision noticed the red light. Sadly, a complete lack of software support means there is no way to disable it, unless you damage the LED light, or use tape to cover it.

To be fair, for general typing duties it is acceptable, however the unusual omission of the Windows key proved troublesome a couple of times when I needed it, having to rely instead on ALT-TAB.

When used within a gaming environment, the keyboard is much better, however initially I found myself not pressing some of the keys hard enough due to the actuation force required. A few hours later I felt quite comfortable using it within Dragon Age 2, Left4Dead 2 and Home Front. I am not a hard core gamer but my friend, who games online regularly found it quite comfortable to use. Again he questioned the choice of removing the Windows Key completely.

My colleague Henry made a good point when he was reviewing the Razer BlackWidow Ultimate in June. I agree with this views that for someone new to using a mechanical keyboard, it can take a week or so to adapt.

In regards to build quality, there are no concerns to be raised. The MEKA is well made, heavy enough and seems to be able to withstand some abuse. I deliberately dropped it from a height of around 5 feet onto a hard carpeted surface and while one of the keys dislodged, it wasn't damaged and could be replaced easy enough. If you buy one however I don't recommend you do it, that's why we are here.

Sadly, the lettering  will start to wear off over time as they aren't laser etched into the keys themselves. That said, the same problem has occurred with my DAS Professional Keyboard as several of the letters are already partially worn away.

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