Gamdias isn’t exactly the first word that comes to mind when one thinks about gaming peripherals. For those who don’t know, Gamdias is relatively new and up-and-coming brand that makes keyboards, mice, headsets and other accessories for gamers. The brand takes inspiration from Greek mythology, which is reflected in the product names as well. Today, I review the Hermes 7 colour mechanical gaming keyboard that makes use of Gamdias certified blue switches. Take a look at the tech specs below:
Specifications
| Key Switch | GAMDIAS certified mechanical switches |
| Key Switch Type | Blue |
| Dimensions | 458 x 220 x 44 mm |
| Weight | 1.1 Kg |
| Built-in Memory | 8 KB |
| Polling Rate | 1000 Hz |
| Additional Macro Keys | NA |
| Programmable keys | NA |
| Multimedia Keys | 7 |
| Switch Lifecycle | 50 Million |
| Backlit | 7 colors |
| N-Key Rollover | N-Key rollover |
| OTF Macro Record | No |
| Windows Key Disable | Yes |
| All-Keys Lock | Yes |
| Onboard Audio Jacks | NA |
| Onboard USB Port | NA |
| Cable Length | 1.8m (Braided Cable with Gold-plated USB Connector) |
| Graphical | UINA |
| Interface | USB |
| Number Of Profile | NA |
| WASD& Arrow keys Change | YES |
| Consecutive Attack Mode | YES |
| Customizable Lighting Effects | YES |
| Model No. | GKB3000 |
The Gamdias Hermes 7 Colour keyboard (let’s call it Hermes 7 for short) is a zazzy looking device with a complete black and RGB backlighting that looks quite amazing in my opinion. Rather than going for the OEM Cherry MX Switches like a lot of mechanical keyboards do these days, it features Gamdias certified blue mechanical switches, with a 50 million actuation lifecycle. The have the tactile bump which is characteristic of the blue switch, letting you know when a key has been pressed. What that also means is that these keys require a little more pressure to press than red or brown switches, but also greatly reduce the possibility of typing errors. While the blue switch used in the Hermes 7 is good and makes that amazingly satisfying clicking sound as you type, I personally fell that the Cherry MX ones are a little better, in terms of their tactile bump and overall feel, but that’s more of a personal preference.
The keyboard has a rough, textured black finish, while the wrist rest is smooth, made up of solid plastic.. It is a bit on the heavier side, as mechanical keyboards tend to be, and is not easily displaced while an intense typing/gaming session. The keys are quite smooth and responsive, and it’s pretty easy to slide your fingers over them without inadvertently pressing the wrong ones. The Hermes 7 has almost no curves, but that sharp look adds to the impact that its looks have.
The most impressive thing, in my opinion, is the backlighting. Though there is one itsy bitsy thing that’s weird. The keyboard says there are seven colours, but I could count only six, one for each row of keys. Nonetheless, the colour spectrum is quite limited but still looks incredible. It comes with 14 lighting effects, out of which 9 are preset and 5 customizable. These include lighting when a single key is pressed, a wave effect, breathing effect, a single line that goes along each row, or the entire periphary, and more. The Hermes 7 has a horde of other features as well, including a Consecutive Attack Mode. The WASD and the Arrow keys are swappable, adding to another level of convenience. The Windows key can be disabled, making sure you don’t keep running off your game screen if you mistakenly press the Windows key instead of the Ctrl or the Alt key. The F keys also double up as media management keys, and it also gives you the ability to “lock” your keyboard.
While the Hermes 7 has a lot of offer, there are certain aspects that might not appeal to everyone. For starters, there is a lack of dedicated macro keys and on-the-fly macro recording. Now, this may not exactly be a turn off for most people, the hardcore and competitive gamers who rely heavily on macros might suffer. Another problem is, the keyboard is not supported by Gamdias’ Hera software, which means that any customization you want to make to the backlighting has to be done using the laptop itself. This can also prove to be a problem for anyone who want to add a personal touch to the keyboard’s looks. Additionally, blue mechanical switches are known to be the noisiest ones. Though this may not be a problem for the user, the people around might take notice and point out.
The Verdict
At a price point of around INR 7000 (Amazon), the Gamdias Hermes 7 Colour is one of the better mechanical keyboards in the market. Great looks coupled with Blue mechanical switches make it a good choice for people who game on a daily basis. Though there are some limitations, and I would have really liked to see some more customization options, it still offers plenty to the users, without ripping a huge hole in their pockets.
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