Thermaltake MEKA G-Unit Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Manufacturer: Thermaltake eSPORTS
Product Name: MEKA G-Unit
Model Number: KB-MGU006
Price As Tested: $139.99 (Newegg)
Full Disclosure: The product sample used in this article has been provided by Thermaltake.
Mechanical keyboards aimed at gamers are starting to take root in the enthusiast market. Keeping pace with this trend, Thermaltake eSPORTS has melded the two breeds into the MEKA G-Unit. Model KB-MGU006 builds macros, backlighting and other gaming features onto a robust mechanical keyboard base. There has been alot of hype around these "hybrid" style keyboards. As usual, Benchmark Reviews will cut through the flummery and use facts and performance to predict the future of the MEKA G-Unit and it's mechi-gaming peers.
For example, some of the newer keyboards are boasting 1000 Hz USB polling rates for improved performance. Does this make a difference? And if so, how much? It has been conclusively proven that it makes a difference for a mouse, so it must be just as good for keyboards too. Right? Well, maybe.
There's a temptation for companies to overstate the benefits gained by various features. It's as if consumers base their purchases on the length of the feature list rather than on things that really matter. But some statements are difficult to test or verify, even for the technical-minded. So we'll do our best.
When it comes to the MEKA G-Unit the two main areas that will get attention are the gaming features and the mechanical composition of the board, with special attention to the claims made by Thermaltake. When it comes to gaming macros and performance are important, but performance is considered more when evaluating the physical makeup of the board. Overall use and feel are always important and will be evaluated by putting the keyboard through our daily routine. We'll look at the technical specs of the mechanical components and compare differences from normal keyboards. Finally, we'll measure the performance of the keys for multiple key presses, ghosting, and make an estimate on speed.
MEKA G-Unit Keyboard Features
- Up to 1000 Hz Polling Rate
- Cherry Black Mechanical Switches
- Advanced Anti-Ghosting Function
- USB Hubs and Audio Jacks
- 3 Individual White Illumination Sections
- Large Memory Size
- Total Up to 60 Macro Keys within 3 Profiles
- Normal Mode / Gaming Mode Switchable
- ISS (Instant Switch System)
- User Interface
- 7 Multimedia Hotkeys
- Smart Cable Management
- Detachable Cable
- Gold-Plated USB Connectors
- Detachable Palm Rest
KB-MGU006 Specifications
- 12 fixed and 8 unfixed macro keys
- Anti-ghosting for up to 46 keys
- 64KB Onboard Memory
- 4 levels of lighting and pause-break
- 1000 Hz Polling Rate Limit
- 50 Million Keystroke Lifespan
- 2 Onboard USB Hubs
- USB to PS2 Adapter included
- Body dimensions (LxWxH): 16.9 x 6.3 x 1.6 inches
- Hardware Requirements:
- Interface: USB port (1.1 or 2.0)
- Operating System: Windows 7/Vista/XP or Mac OS X
- Internet Connection for Driver Installation
Closer Look: Tt eSPORTS MEKA G-UnitThe MEKA G-Unit is a direct descendent of the MEKA G1, a simpler mechanical keyboard from Thermaltake eSPORTS. While built upon the same robust mechanical platform as the MEKA G1, it also incorporates some of the best features from the Challenger Pro. As a sort of hybrid, the MEKA G-Unit is among the first keyboards to bring the benefits of a mechanical platform into the realm of gamers.
The packaging on the MEKA G-Unit is superb. The only thing missing is foam around the entire structure for absurd amounts of padding. It's amazing that so many components can be squeezed into such a tight space and decently padded with cardboard.
The package labeling is also excellent showing all the features and benefits. When you analyze the features and benefits you find that Thermaltake left out the stuff that was entirely frivolous in exchange for high-quality and durability. You'll also find, when hefting the box, that the MEKA G-Unit is a heavy beast of a keyboard. It weighs in at about 3 pounds.
In this case the weight alludes to the physical quality and composition. Stout is a good description for the feel of the MEKA G-Unit. The keys are laid out in normal fashion With few minor exceptions. The left end has been extended to include twelve custom macro keys. The print screen, scroll lock and pause\break trio in the upper right has been moved closer to the function keys to make room for several multimedia keys. Finally, the top of the keyboard has more real-estate than normal to accommodate both multimedia keys and profile switching keys.
The extra keys make the MEKA G-Unit bulkier than the average keyboard, but compared to other gaming keyboards it is nothing unusual. From the backside you can see height adjustment tabs, a cord management slot, and mounting areas for a wrist-rest. There are six small strips of soft rubber for anti-slip.
Two of the anti-slip pads are located on the height adjustment tabs. When flipped out, these tabs offer a half-inch of boost to the back of the keyboard. But since the keyboard is long, the total change in tilt is modest. There are also small rubber pads at the end of the tabs to provide anti-slip when the tabs are deployed. They help some, but when push comes to shove, the tabs simply collapse. It would be nice if they had more resistance.
Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Detailed FeaturesThe extended top and left side of the MEKA G-Unit provide space for some great features when it comes time to game. Above the escape key is a row of four buttons which provide different profiles and settings for the keyboard buttons. The left-most button toggles the keyboard in and out of "Game" mode. Really this just disables the windows key. Accidentally bumping this key while gaming can cause you to be horrifically pulled out of game. In past keyboards this was prevented by removing the key, so having a dedicated button is a vast and much welcome improvement.
The next three buttons are hotkeys to switch to each of three button profiles. Each profile can be programmed with up to twenty macros, twelve from the dedicated macro keys, and eight from other miscellaneous keys. Between three profiles and twenty macro keys there are sixty custom functions available. The twelve dedicated macro keys are clustered in groups of four on the lefthand side of the keyboard. This arrangement will not be effective for me. My memory is bad, and it gets spatially confounded by having all the macro keys in one location. There's also no physical display to help me remember which keys are programmed in which modes. So sixty is a nice number, but due to my own limitations and the lack of help from the keyboard, many of those will go unused.
The top-right of the MEKA G-Unit is the second place that has been modified from a standard layout. The print screen, scroll lock and pause/break keys sit closer to the function keys above the page navigation keys. In their place sit volume up, volume down, mute and a backlight mode adjustment key. Above these are four media navigation keys back, play/pause, forward and stop.
The brightness button toggles between five lighting modes. In all modes the lighting behavior of the num lock, scroll lock and caps lock keys remains the same; the keys only illuminate when toggled. The first four lighting modes simply vary the intensity of the lighting from off to bright. But they never get nearly as bright as the "locking" key. The LEDs on the locking keys are glaringly bright, especially when the room is dark. The fifth lighting mode pulses the backlights from off to bright. Unlike most gaming keyboards, the MEKA G-Unit lights only specific areas of the keyboard; wasd, shift, left ctrl, space bar, arrow keys and numpad all get lit.
At the back of the keyboard there is a slot for the USB cable. There's nothing extraordinary about the channel. Since the keyboard cable is removable it helps keep the cable snugly in place. It can be used or not to all the cable to exit on either side of the monitor for easiest routing of your cable.
On the top-center of the MEKA G-Unit sit an array of ports. There is one mini-b USB port for the keyboard cable, two USB 2.0 ports, one microphone jack and one headphone jack. The audio ports run through the USB interface and are detected as "Holtek" USB devices. Also from the top shot the height and profile of the keys can be see. They're normal size keys with cylindrical curvature. The lettering on the key caps is printed in place, so they'll wear out over the projected 50 million button presses. Under each caps sits a Cherry MX Black type mechanical switch. These provide a smooth key-press from top to bottom.
The MEKA G-Unit also comes with extra accessories. A detachable palm rest will help keep your wrists off the desk if you are prone to dropped-wrist typing (learn the piano, it will help keep your wrists elevated and avoid carpal tunnel syndrome). A carrying case will prevent scratches during transit if you travel much with your keyboard. It's only wide enough for the keyboard without the wrist-rest, but there's a divider to hold the rest as well as a pocket for the detachable cable and its carrying pouch.
Testing & Results
Testing Methodology
The MEKA G-Unit mixes the features of a gaming keyboard with the hardware of a mechanical keyboard. The gaming features were given a qualitative evaluation by using the keyboard in day to day operations paying attention to the overall experience. Then the software was evaluated for ease of use and available features. To test the transfer rate, AIDA64 Disk test was used. The keyboard reaction rate was compared to my Wolf King Warrior using a simple online reaction time tester. The number of accepted roll-over keys and ghosting were tested in notepad by sequentially holding more keys and observing the output behavior. The #KRO and ghosting tests were again repeated using a homebrew app called Keyscan.
Test System
Results
When it comes to the overall feel of the MEKA G-Unit, the mechanical switchs are a drastic difference compared to the rubber-domed switches to which everyone has grown accustomed. The type of mechanical switch also makes adifference in how a keyboard feels while gaming and while typing. The MEKA G-Unit comes with Cherry MX Black switches which give smooth, linear resistance from top to bottom. So you can't actually feel the moment at which the switch is actuated. For me this means I frequently misspell words due to missing letters. This could also be due to the extra force required to fully actuate the switches. It goes from 40 grams up to 80 grams fully depressed.
I'm surprised at Thermaltake's choice to use Cherry MX Black switches as opposed to the more popular blue or brown switches which provide tactile feedback at the operating point of the switch. This can make multiple keystrokes faster because you can train your fingers to be faster based on the feedback from the switch. For example, double-tapping could be much faster since you can release the key right after the operating point as opposed to black switches which must be fully depressed twice-over.
The only other major difference between a normal keyboard and the MEKA G-Unit is the layout of the keys. The keys at the top are as convenient as any other keyboard with extra functions, I haven't ever noticed critical differences in placement in this respect, though it's nice to have dedicated keys rather than multi-colored labels on every key, and a bunch of extra shift/fn keys. The extra macro buttons on the left tended to throw off my brain's ingrained spatial location of keys on the keyboard since I subconsciously use the bottom-left corner of the keyboard as a reference for my typing. So my error rate right now is much higher, but getting better. Finally, I hate the shortened right-shift key. It got shortened by the backslash/pipe key which has been moved. This causes me grief at least once every ten minutes. All this can be overcome with time, but there is a transition.
Despite these slight typing drawbacks, it's great to have a keyboard with macro functions. Macros are recorded and assigned through a simple software interface. Though the interface is simple, navigating the interface to record and assign a macro is not intuitive. Even the short instructions leave some confusion. For each of the three profiles, you click on a macro key then click one of four options: T Key, Default, Single Key or Launch Prgm. T Key assigns a pre-recorded macro to the selected key. Default makes the key perform it's default operation, which for the twelve dedicated macro keys is nothing. Single Key assigns a single key press. Launch Prgm lets you browse for any exe file on your computer, and assigns it to the macro key. Yes, it will ONLY allow exe files, which rules out many options. They should just allow it to launch any file.
In each profile, up to eight random keys can be assigned as macro keys. It took me a while to figure out that these eight keys can only be programmed when the keyboard is in game mode. The same rules apply here as with the twelve dedicated macro keys. For quick access to all 60 macro assignments, a shift key can be assigned for each profile. Sadly, the current software only lets you choose ctrl, shift, or alt as shift keys. Since these are pretty common keys they are not good options. Again, I just don't understand why they couldn't allow any key to be used as a shift. Also, once you assign a shift key, it can only be reset by clearing all settings...UGH.
In order to assign a macro, you need to first write some macros. This is accomplished in the "Macro Key" popup window. First create a new macro or load an existing macro from an ini file. Then hit record and start typing away. Key down, key up and durations are all recorded. During the record session you can also use a drop-down to assign other custom functions. This list includes Page Up, Page Down, Copy, Paste, Close Window, Show Desktop, Undo, Open Windows Explorer, Delete, Cut, Print Screen, Alt, Find, Print, Save, and New. After recording is completed the keys, orders and durations are completely editable.
When assigning the macro to a key, you can have it execute once, multiple times, continuously repeat while holding the macro key, or repeat until the macro key is pressed again to stop. In all cases, when a macro is executing it will be interrupted by any other key presses on the keyboard. Inputs from other devices (keyboard or mouse) do not stop the macro mid-execution. The interrupt behavior should be another option in the T Key menu.
Finally we get to the technical performance of the keyboard. One of the great acclaims as a gaming keyboard is the 1000 Hz USB polling rate. To test the file transfer rates see the screenshot above from AIDA64 Disk test. The tests are all on-par and nothing unexpected. How about reaction times? Two different online tests were used to compare reaction times between the Wolf King Warrior and the MEKA G-Unit. I was expecting no difference between the keyboards because polling rate alone shouldn't make a huge difference. Also, I expected the variation in my reaction time to mask any differences between tests. I found that I'm quickest with a mouse having a reaction time of 245 ms. The absolute time isn't important, but the differences are. The next fastest times were on the MEKA G-Unit with an average time of 271 ms over 25 tests. Last was the Warrior with an average response of 297 ms.
That's a HUGE difference of 25 ms. I couldn't believe my results and actually tried to be faster with the warrior, but the times continued to be consistent. The odds of getting this result due to random chance are one in a billion, so there's definitely a big difference. An improvement of 25 ms can easily make you faster than 5% more people. I'm not even gonna guess why there's such a big difference (keys, USB rate, etc), I'm just satisfied that my method was controlled enough to produce reliable and repeatable results. I'm sure different tests will vary in the absolute values of the results as well as the magnitude of the differences between keyboards, but the statistics show an undeniable difference, a large difference. How that difference translates into your performance is a topic for some other article.
The MEKA G-Unit will only register 6 simultaneous key presses. The last key entered will repeat forever as long as it is held despite any additional key presses. Really, this is pretty poor performance when compared to true-blue professional mechanical keyboards with NKRO. I would have been happy with around 10, but 6 is not even worth mentioning, which is probably why it didn't make the feature list. When it comes to ghosting, Thermaltake claims no ghosting for up to 46 keys. Yes, you can press practically every key on the keyboard and not get any unexpected characters, because you were expecting nothing but garbage anyways. If the MEKA G-Unit were capable of 46 key rollover then this might be useful, but really it's a feature full of fluff.
Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Final Thoughts
Mechanical gaming keyboard...throw in all the features and it sounds like buzzword soup. By that I mean that it sounds like the product was conceived by using words that they think would bring sales. While that may not be far from the truth I still have to ask if this is a technology that will stick around or just another fad. I mean, head mounted monitors seemed like a good idea when virtual reality was starting to be popular, but it just didn't pan out that way.
On the other hand, looking back at mice, it was a real eye-opener when tracking stats were first measured and compared. Some people may disagree, but I noticed a difference when I moved from my dell mouse to something with quality. Then it happened again, when they started using extra buttons and fancy software to enhance gameplay. I turned three long reaches into near instant button presses and drastically improved my effectiveness in multi-function applications and games. I see a continued market for mice with these features.
Mechanical keyboards have traditionally held a small niche following of enthusiasts, carpal tunnel sufferers, and people who just like the clicky sound. Enough discerning people have caught on to the performance improvements that they are starting to go mainstream. And if you want to gain a strong foothold among people who pay attention to their hardware you've got to win over the gamers. Based on my experience with the MEKA G-Unit I think that mechanical keyboards have a definite future in gaming. They offer superior hardware from both a construction and performance perspective. While it's not going to turn people into instant masters, I think that gamers will find they are a little better when they have better hardware. Don't believe me? Try it for a few months, then suddenly go back to what you were using!
MEKA G-Unit Conclusion
The layout of the MEKA G-Unit is just different enough from a standard keyboard that my error rate went up slightly, especially on capitalization (long caps lock) and question marks (short right-shift). I also found due to the mechanical switch type (Cherry MX Black)that I had a higher rate of missed letters. These are things that can improve with time, but may provide difficulty switching between home and work. The MEKA G-Unit has 6-key rollover which is hardly worth mentioning, so any benefits from anti-ghosting are overstated. In a controlled study using a simple online reaction time test, the MEKA G-Unit improved my response time by 25 ms versus my Wolf King Warrior.
Selected areas of the keyboard light up to highlight keys used frequently in gaming. The backlighting won't let you type in a black room, but it's enough to provide orientation. The Caps, Scroll and Num lock keys are all individually lit, and are too bright, especially compared to the rest of the back lighting. The remainder of the keyboard has a great black matte finish with pleasant proportions.
Sizing in at about 3 pounds and 17 inches, the MEKA G-Unit is not dainty. It is a solid and reliable as it feels. Everything but the elevation tabs are built to survive a beating of 50 million clicks per key. You'd have to dedicate a year of non-stop typing to wear out just one key. The extra width and height will need some desk real-estate, but it comes with 12 macro keys, 7 multimedia keys and 5 profile adjustment keys. Due to the Cherry MX Black switches the keys have a smooth, linear response. It would be nice if Thermaltake would offer the MEKA G-Unit with other switch types. A detachable USB cable and carrying case make for portability.
Thermaltake moves mechanical keyboards into mainstream by adding the same types of features that we've been putting on regular keyboards for years. The top of the board has two USB 2.0 ports for peripherals which refresh at 1000 Hz offering USB read rates around 23 MB/s. The MEKA G-Unit also includes a USB device and jacks for a microphone and stereo headphone. For gamers, macros can be assigned to dedicated keys and 8 other keys for a total of 60 macros across three different profiles (20 keys each). The software is simple and usable, but has some minor flaws (like ALL software) which can be worked around. Profiles are easily switchable using three buttons at top-left. Also, the windows key can be disabled using a fourth button which toggles gaming mode on and off.
As of February 2012, the MEKA G-Unit costs $139.99 (Newegg) and sits right at the top of the pack for price. It's performance probably merits the price, but other competitors offer nearly the same features and construction at a lower price point. For your money you won't get a fancy electronic readout, n-key rollover, or fifty LED modes. You will get a hardy, robust and versatile keyboard to improve your performance.
Pros:
+ Superior Construction
+ Modest Backlighting
+ 12 Dedicated Macro Keys
+ One Button Disables Windows Key
+ Quick Response Time
+ Dedicated Multimedia Keys
+ Cherry MX Black Switches
+ Launch Any EXE File with Macro Key
+ USB and Audio Ports
Cons:
- Somewhat Limited Software
- Slightly Adjusted Key Layout
- Bright LEDs on Caps, Scroll and Num Locks
- Not Cherry MX Blue Switches
Ratings:
-
Performance: 9.75
-
Appearance: 8.50
-
Construction: 9.75
-
Functionality: 9.50
-
Value: 7.00
Final Score: 8.9 out of 10.
Quality Recognition: Benchmark Reviews Silver Tachometer Award.
Benchmark Reviews invites you to leave constructive feedback below, or ask questions in our Discussion Forum.
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