TECWARE Phantom RGB 105 UK Layout (QWERTY) Mechanical Keyboard, RED Switch

This is my first mechanical keyboard. Has worked perfectly for two months of daily use working and gaming. However yesterday I noticed the D key was becoming intermittent. Noticeably so when using WASD to move in games, but not particularly when typing. I was able to fix the issue quickly as the switches are modular and the board comes with four spare switches. I would hope that the rest of the keyboard lasts a bit longer than two months... Still, if it doesn't, I can always buy more switches, so I have to give 4 stars because I was very happy to find a fully mechanical keyboard with modular switches, in full size, and with customisable RGB lighting at this price.EDIT: it's now 3 and a bit months since new, just had to replace the Lctrl switch for the same reasons.

The "TECWARE Phantom 105 UK Layout Key Mechanical Keyboard, RGB led, Outemu BROWN Switch, Spare Switches Included …" stands alone, not on price as there are others in a similar price bracket, but primarily because it provides four replacement key switches (no caps) and a mechanism to help remove one in the event of a failure; a key puller is also nested into the underside. While this offers the full 105-key range, there is an 88-key version that lacks the numeric section; otherwise features and construction are presumably identical.In addition to using a steel sub-frame on which its key switches are mounted, and that presumably equate to the Cherry Brown, the body is strong fibreglass. In theory, optical switches need less operating pressure and are also faster-reacting and that is true. They also avoid the clicky nature of mechanical switches, other than when bottoming-out. It lacks dedicated media keys although their functions exist as Fn options within the F-key row.The keyboard is shallow front to rear and there is no wrist rest or support. It offers full backlighting as-is, a range of lighting effects via the Fn key and several of its main keys, and various standard configurations via software. It is also possible to select several levels of illumination brightness (up and down) and to turn it off. The link for the software isn't directly provided although a QR code is on the packaging as a link to its manual but fails to specify the download link, but is on Tecware's site (the site URL is in the manual although with versions for different layouts), and under 7Mb! Six Macros can be set-up and saved via Fn key and the Ins-Del sub-section of the keyboard; that avoids the need for dedicated Macro keys which can, with some keyboard layouts, sometimes cause unintended problems.The key switches are of previously unknown manufacture and have no given probable lifespan; 20-30 million depressions per key is a workable minimum for any mechanical keyboard but far higher numbers are common for original Cherry keys and their many known clones, and also preferable; the keys' lifespan may reflect in the board's pricing and will need time to establish, and vary among users and their differing usage patterns. Unlike most of its type, it is not described as a 'gaming keyboard' and need not be intended for the additional demands such use can entail.The key-caps are smooth and untextured on their upper surfaces, their dishing very slight where it is most relevant and it is therefore possible for the fingers to slip, the pips on the F and J keys that help indicate the 'home' keys for touch typists are placed at the bottom edges rather than centred as is usual while the keys all have rather sharp edges. Were it not for those small points it would have rated 5-stars especially for its value-for-money; as they exist, it loses a star for that.It loses a second star as it will not retain the NUM LOCK setting whenever the PC is shut-down, put into hibernation or sleep; admittedly, the indicator is large and bright but it is easy to fail to check that it is lit. It otherwise feels pleasant to use and all characters and optional functions are fully illuminated although with an unusual choice of side-by-side labelling, unlike some brands who choose to illuminate just the major ones, a practice many deplore. It provides good value.

I was worried about buyiung one with blue switches because I tend to play games after everyone else has gone to sleep and thought that the red switches would be quieter than the blue switches. Whilst this is the case, the brown OUTEMU switches feel better for typing on, especially for someone like me who isn't as accurate on my keyboard as other people may be. So if the keyboard is going to be used just for playing gaming, this keyboard is really nice and the switches are not too loud. If you are buying it for typing however, I'd go for the brown switches, because it's really easy to misclick these red switches when typing at any decent speed.Insofar as the quality of the keyboard and the switches this is an awesome mechanical keyboard for those of us on a budget. The OUTEMU swiutches feel just as nice as the Cherry Reds in my opinion, although lots of people will say they are worse simply because they are cheaper, which is not the case at all.So yes, switches are just personal taste, have a read up on what the diffeent ones feel like and then make up your own mind as to which ones fit your taste. I'd say for most people go for the browns if it's for all round use.

It is a beautiful keyboard, lighting is great, as soon as connected I was very happy from my purchase until I actually pressed some button, there is quite a distinct and loud ping / resonating metallic sound, not sure if because of switches or the lack of any dampening / quality of metal plate, probably a mix as reading around unlubed switches create the issues.I personally did not try to lube them myself and returned it as it seemed very marked ping not just something subtle.

It's great for those of you who need a good quality mechanical keyboard, but don't have a lot of cash to spare. It has all the thrills and looks really cool. The keys are not Cherry, but a clone style, so there is a slightly cheaper feeling, but you wouldn't know unless you've used the real ones. It's certainly not a negative. The red switch version will activate at the slightest touch. The feed back is a small resistance all the way down to a solid stop. Perfect for gamers, but I can still use it for typing.

I've had this keyboard a month however I'm having to return it. It's absolutely beautiful and I'm gutted to see it go. The "pinging" noise mentioned in other reviews was there when I got it out of the box, however this went away after a few days of use. The tactile brown keys are very subtle but are nice to type with. Sadly though a couple of the switches have now failed and it's not reliable enough to use for gaming. I was live streaming a game earlier this evening and the shift key failed causing me to die. I've seen a few other reviews noting the same thing so I don't think it's a one off. If they could make more reliable switches I would love to try this keyboard again in future.