Thermaltake eSPORTS Meka G-Unit Keyboard Review

I replaced my Roccat Isku with the G-Unit for a good weekend of gaming.  I played a pretty good mix of Borderlands, TF2 and Dungeon Defenders logging about 12 hours of pretty solid game time.  I also used the G-Unit as my primary keyboard for a Windows 8 based system install cumulating with a reinstall of Office 10.  This fresh install is my new work setup and endures the daily grind of that duty.  In fact, I am using the G-Unit and that build to write this review.  I even had a chance to use the built in USB with no issues or lag from the setup.  Even a full size 10 key setup is accounted for.

Overall I found the G-Unit a joy to work with even if it is a bit noisier than my Isku's dependable membrane build.  The keys are responsive and predictable thanks to the 1000Hz polling rate that Thermaltake rates at 8x the normal keyboard.

I programmed some basic macros only a short learning curve that was easily overcome by how easy it is to edit existing macros in the software.  It would be nice to have the ability to program Macros on the fly but, let's be honest, how often do we really do that?  Towards the end of about two week of use, I found the urge to switch back to a membrane keyboard was gone.

Overall the design of the G-Unit series has made these gaming focused Meka keyboards some of the best on the market and adding an option for the Cherry MX Red Switches expands the lineup even more.  I have always been a fan of the Reds myself.  They tend to be a bit friendlier to my softer touch and the clicking isn't so loud. 

The lighting is a bit of an interesting choice.  It looks great and I love the pulse effect.  But how useful is it to only have some keys lit up with no backlighting or anything on the rest of the keys?  Most gamers will probably only notice when not actively fragging away.  I guess that is why there are Illuminated editions too.  Still there is something kind of cool about having only the three zones pulsing in a dark LAN to turn heads and that's going to put a smile on your face!

Towards the end of about two week of use, I found the urge to switch back to a membrane keyboard was gone.  That's a pretty high recommend from an admitted bad typist with an aversion to the usual mechanical clicking of most of these high end units.  It's safe to say the G-Unit proves mechanical keyboards do have a place in the gamers arsenal.  They have the model to prove it.

Nearly indestructible construction
Outstanding response
Head turning light effects
There is a model to fit your individual style
Adds the Cherry Red MX Switches to Meka line

No On-the-fly macro recording
Light effect does not include full backlight or color choice
Not for you if you prefer another  Cherry MX Switch type