G.Skill Ripjaws KM780 MX Keyboard Review

Like many of the more aggressively styled products we have reviewed the KM780 has a look that is polarizing.  The black anodized aluminum frame is accented by G.Skill branded plastic flaps.  A ring of metallic tubing surrounds connects these accents bringing to mind the sort of styling found in many science fiction serials these days.  The tubing doubles as a mount for the optional key cap box and a clever cord minder in addition to acting as the mount for the wrist rest.

With the wrist strap attached the KM780 measures in at a pretty big 518 x 228 x 48 mm (~20.4 x 9 x 1.9 inches).   That’s a pretty big footprint that is partially due to the extra accents.

The core of the KM780 is a traditional 104 key layout mounted directly to the frame with the switches and lighting visible.  This raised key style seems to be gaining traction and takes some getting used to as the keys are much higher than a “normal” inset design.  To help with the tactile feel the keys are contoured to provide a more natural resting position.  This is a welcome touch that makes using the KM780 without the padded wrist rest awkward to me.

Connectivity is provided by a thick black cable covered in a matching black mesh.  This cable terminates in a set of gold plated USB plugs (one for the pass-through) and two matching Audio plugs.  A thick rubber breakout protects the cables and separates them about a foot from the end to allow routing to your back plate. If you only need the keyboard functionality the three extra cable connections can be ignored.