INTRODUCTION

   When out in the market looking for a new gaming keyboard some people put build quality first while others put features like RGB lighting, dedicated media and macros keys, detachable USB cables and more. Now the good thing is that currently mechanical models make over 70% of the global keyboard market so at least for a very large percentage build quality (endurance/durability) seems to be quite important. However mechanical switches are just part of what makes a keyboard durable and so housing material, internal circuits and even the keycaps play a significant role in that as well. XPG (Xtreme Performance Gear) may not be one of the oldest gaming peripherals manufacturers in the market but after testing their very good Precog Gaming Headset i just had to also test their Summoner RGB Gaming Keyboard.

   XTREME PERFORMANCE GEAR (XPG) was established by ADATA with the aim of providing high-performance products to gamers, esports pros, and tech enthusiasts. XPG is committed to developing products that help users achieve extreme performance; therefore, it works closely with the gaming and esports community to gather insight into the real needs of users and incorporate it into its hardware. Beyond performance, every XPG product surpasses the rigorous ADATA A+ testing methodology, which ensures the highest standards of stability and reliability. Not only do XPG products sport solid functionality and durability, but they also shine through with sheer cool designs that have earned prestigious international accolades such as Japan’s Good Design Award. XPG delivers extreme gaming experiences to help make every moment exciting.

   The latest Summoner model by XPG sports a rather interesting list of features including Cherry MX red, blue and speed mechanical switches (up to 50 million actuations), RGB illumination (7 effects and 5 brightness levels), sandblasted aluminum frame, dedicated mute key (with a volume control roller), 100% anti-ghosting with full-key rollover (NKRO), 1000Hz polling rate, USB 2.0 pass-through port, 5 onboard profiles, detachable magnetic ergonomic wrist rest with faux leather cover and 7 extra red keycaps. Unfortunately, XPG doesn't currently provide a software suite for their Summoner keyboard but all functions can easily be used directly from its keys, in combination of course with the Fn (function) key.