Gaming Keyboards – Size Matters, But is Bigger Better?

TECWARE Phantom RGB 105

Much like the XPG, the TECWARE Phantom is a full 105-key full-size mechanical keyboard. However, this one is quite a bit more affordable, and is a little bit slimmer too, with a lower profile aluminium frame and floating key design that helps keep the amount of material, size and weight just that little more trim. Not by a huge amount, of course, it’s still a full-size keyboard, and we’ll be getting on to much smaller models soon enough. What I like about the Phantom, however, is you get all those full-size keyboard and high-end mechanical thrills, at a very wallet-friendly price.

Phantom RGB Mechanical Keyboard | Tecware Keyboards

Features

• 16.8 Million RGB Color Lighting
• ‘Floating Key’ Design
• 50 million Reliable Keystrokes
• Modular Switches for Easy Replacement
• 1000Hz Polling Rate
• N-Key Rollover
• 11 Multimedia Keys
• 18 Pre-set Lighting Modes
• Double-shot ABS Keycaps
• Long Lifespan SMD LEDs
• Windows Lock Feature
• Braided 1.8m USB Cable
• Keyboard Legs with Rubber Feet

Performance

The full-size design has the same advantages as the XPG, it’s got a traditional key spacing, so it feels very familiar and there are no real surprises in terms of where all the buttons are located. If anything, this is a pretty simple keyboard design, but that’s a strength, not a weakness.

There’s a full set of navigation keys, and of course, the full-size numberpad, so again, this one works really well for both practical work applications, while still having everything it needs for gaming too.

the trimmed-down chassis looks great, and Tecware has used a floating key design, so the caps float just above the chassis, rather than sit recessed into it.

It makes removing the key caps for cleaning and general maintenance very easy; handy if you drop a lot of toast crumbs into your keyboard on a morning.

However, this keyboard has a further trick too. You can even pull out the switches using the switch tool. No soldering is needed and they’re hot-swappable. This way you can replace, upgrade, or just change out to a different switch design whenever you have the need. I doubt I’d ever actually do this myself, but I like the idea of throwing a few clicky switches onto the numberpad or something whacky like that.

It’s a solid competitor for gaming though, the keys are Outemu and feel pretty fantastic, very fast and smooth, making them ideal for just about anything from an eSports tournament to typing an email, so big thumbs up there.

The keyboard has full N-key, and anti-ghosting, with a 1000Hz polling, and a set of ABS keycaps that all just give it a premium look and feel, so it’s hard to figure out why it’s so affordable compared to the more established names in the industry.

The keyboard is full-size so again, like the XPG it does take up a lot of desktop space. However, it’s the “traditional” amount of space one would expect from a keyboard. It is a little more compact than the XPG though, so if you need full-size with no extra fat, this is a good start.

Price and Availability

The TECWARE Phantom RGB 105 is available in a few layouts for UK, US and EU locations, with a choice of Outemu Blue, Brown and Red switches. What’s amazing is that it’s available for around £62, what a bargain!