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View Full Version : [Review] Tt eSports MEKA G Unit Mechanical Gaming Keyboard



Fuganater
02-06-2012, 05:28 PM
Introduction
The MEKA G Unit Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is one of the newest products out of the Tt eSports by Thermaltake lab. This keyboard has all of the features a gamer would want from a gaming keyboard without all the fluff that some other keyboards have. Now let’s take a look at what this device has to offer.

Specifications
• Interface: USB
• Operational system: Windows® 7/Vista/XP
• Number of Multimedia keys: 7
• 2.0 USB port: 2
• Mic-In &SP Out jacks
• Switch lifecycle: 50 Millions
• Switch brand: Cherry Black switch
• Cable length: 1.5m military grade cable
• Detachable palm rest
• Body dimension (LxWxH): 430x160x40mm

Features
• Detachable USB Cable
• Backlit keys. 3 individual white illumination sections for 4 levels and pause-breaking lighting design.
• USB hub & Audio jacks
• Macro Capability
• Normal/Game Mode switchable. Win key disabled in Game mode to avoid any accidental pressing.
• ISS (Instant Switch System) advanced macro key shifting fiction allows Gamer to reach all 60 macro keys within one profile.
• Up to 20 macro keys (12 fixed & 8 unfixed) per profile and total up to 60 macro keys with 3 profiles.
• 7 media hotkeys to provide gamers the instant control of audio sound.
• Up to 1000Hz polling rate which equates to 8x quicker than regular gaming keyboard.

Packaging
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Packaging looks great. The box itself is very eye catching and points out lots of the features.

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The back displays those features on the keyboard so that you can have a better idea of what it offers. Several of the main features are displayed in 15 different languages on the back which is great for the international market.

What’s inside?
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Once we get into the box you will see the CD/manual case and a snapshot of what the GUI setup looks like. It points out all of the things you can change like macro key assignments, backlight key lighting and profile settings. Having 3 profiles is really great for gamers because you can have different hotkey setups for your favorite games. Or for generic gaming you can switch to Gaming mode to disable/enable different functions like disabling the windows key. (No one likes seeing the start menu pop up when you’re trying to crouch.

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Under the details flap you will find the keyboard wrapped in a protective plastic wrap. It is also tucked into a cardboard insert to ensure it does not slide around. This is great to see because no one wants their product scratched up in shipping. Under the keyboard is the USB cable, wrist rest and carrying bag.

A Closer Look
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Once we pull everything out you can notice the Tt eSports logo on everything. It looks very tasteful to me. Some companies slap their logo every 2 inches on their product but luckily, Tt does not. I can say that I am a huge fan of the carry bag. This really puts Tt ahead of others because they include something to protect your investment with instead of throwing it in your backpack.

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Here you can see how everything fits in to its place. There is a separation at the bottom of the bag that you can’t see. This keeps the keyboard from rubbing against the wrist rest. And at the top left of the bag you can see the small compartment for the USB cable.

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The USB cable for this device is pretty awesome. I have owned well over 10 different keyboards in my time and I have never seen one that was sleeved. This shows me that Tt is really paying attention to the small details for this device. It even comes with a Velcro strap attached for easy bundling.

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From left to right on the back of the keyboard you will see the cable management U-Channel. Next to that you will see the mini USB input which is where the data/power cable for the keyboard plugs into. In the middle there are 2 USB 2.0 ports. These are great for USB sticks or even your mouse. It’s a great addition because I hate bending down to put a USB drive or USB HDD in to my tower. And finally on the far right you have your audio and mic inputs. Also a great addition if you don’t have a long cable on your headphones or if you don’t want to run the cable over with your office chair.

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Here you can see the 12 macro keys. The spacing from the main keys is great. You can easily reach over to spam your med macro key while still moving. I never really used macro keys before for MMO gaming but I found it very easy to learn and make it second nature. You can also see some of the backlit keys. CTRL, Shift, W A S D and the spacebar on this side of the keyboard. The Caps Lock key is illumined when active. This is great for gamers but for daily drivers that just like the feel of a mechanical keyboard this really isn’t helpful. A nice improvement would be if all the keys were backlit and maybe the key gaming keys were a different color. That way it would satisfy both crowds.

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On the other side of the keyboard you can see that the arrow keys and 4 8 6 2 keys are backlit. The Num Lock and Scroll lock are illuminated when active. On the top right of the keyboard you can see the 7 media keys and the brightness level key. They are easily accessible and work with a single touch. Nothing to complain about here.

Conclusion

Pros:
• Fast response time when gaming
• Sleek look
• Normal/Gaming mode
• Multiple profiles for macro keys
• Onboard USB and audio ports

Cons:
• $129.99 MSRP
• Loud when typing
• Limited amount of keys are backlit

Even though this is the first mechanical keyboard that I have ever used it was very impressed. I am used to the consumer grade keyboards which sometimes make gaming difficult but after using the mechanical keyboard my gaming experience changed dramatically. Overall I give it a 4/5 because of 3 things. Number one being that it the keys are not fully backlit. The second thing being that it is really loud to type on. So loud that you can hear it in the next room. And the third thing being the price. For me spending around $75 for a peripheral is OK but at $130, I think it will scare away some of the mid level or even younger gamers.


This product was provided free of charge for the purpose of this review.

TLHarrell
02-06-2012, 06:23 PM
Nice looking board, and a good writeup. I really love the macro keys on my Logitech G11. This has fewer of those keys, but still highly useful. I just wish all the keys were backlit, or if they gave you the option to backlight all or just the gaming keys. From the pictures, the Scroll Lock/Num Lock keys look like they would be annoying in a dark environment.

I'll stick with the G11, but I need to mod my keys to white light. The blue LEDs bug my eyes.

Now you need to water cool it. :lick:

Aldersan
02-06-2012, 06:26 PM
That's a nice board, but I still think my Razer Blackwidow Ultimate is a better mechanical keyboard, all the keys are backlit :D