INTRODUCTION

   Even though the PC peripherals market is overflowing with gaming keyboards it's not that easy to find a full sized model that combines Cherry MX mechanical switches with a long list of features and a rather affordable price tag. Like if things weren't difficult enough already it's even harder when you're looking for such a keyboard manufactured by a popular and established company which gamers can trust. Thermaltake expanded into the PC gaming peripherals market several years ago with the introduction of their Tt eSPORTS brand which thanks to its high quality and performance products didn't take long to take its place right next to other leading gaming peripherals manufacturers like Logitech and Razer. However, in a surprising move early last year Thermaltake released the X1 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard into the market not under the Tt eSPORTS brand name but their newest TT Premium one and today we're taking a closer look at it.

   The beginning of every myth and legend is about dreams and desire: the challenging, creative and combative features of Thermaltake Group create an exciting and fascinating user experience to share with everyone, while allowing users to enter a selfless state in terms of function and potential. Thermaltake Group's 3 main brands: Thermaltake, Tt eSPORTS and LUXA2 have been merchandising throughout the world, and have successfully established 6 business footholds in areas such as Europe, America, Oceania, Japan and China, with 95 regional distributors and over 4000 premium retailers. All product planning is orientated by observation of global PC peripheral market and understanding of consumer demands. Thermaltake creates direct contact opportunities with resellers and consumers by participating major global ICT exhibitions and trade shows every year, and develop innovative marketing strategies for the promotions of new products. Meanwhile, Thermaltake incorporates the composite marketing system by making branch offices and regional distributors both the distribution channel and technical support or service center to provide instant support; by maintaining close contact with end users, we manage to strengthen corporate competitiveness and create the momentum for the growth of accomplishments. With its outstanding wisdom and strength Thermaltake Group is recruiting creative talents to build a cultural brand for the enjoyment of entertainment, e-Sports, technology and lifestyle!

   The X1 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is currently available in two "flavours" one with the linear Cherry MX RGB Silver Speed (which is also the version we'll be reviewing today - up until 2017 these were exclusive to CORSAIR keyboards) and one with the clicky Cherry MX RGB Blue mechanical switches (both have a lifespan of up to 50 million actuations). As expected, since the Cherry MX RGB Silver Speed switches have an shorter/lower actuation point and require less force compared to other models (1.2mm with 45g actuation force) they are primarily targeted towards gamers looking for speed (up to 40% faster according to Cherry) whereas the Cherry MX RGB Blue switches (2.2mm actuation point with 50g actuation force) are mostly for gamers who also type a lot. Other features include per-key RGB illumination (12 different effects and 5 pre-configured game genre modes), N-key rollover (NKRO), dedicated media controls, audio and USB 2.0 pass throughs, detachable magnetic wrist rest, six onboard profiles, 8 extra red keycaps and compatibility with Thermaltake's RGB Sync system (automatically sync the color and effect of all your RGB products by Thermaltake) and with Amazon's Alexa (an smartphone app from where you can easily control aspects of the keyboard like its RGB effects is also available).