A Closer Look
The biggest thing when it comes to mechanical keyboard is the switches. For some this can be confusing and somewhat complicated because there are so many choices out there. This particular keyboard features the Kailh Speed Silver Mechanical Switches switches.
User-Swappable Switches: Hot swap sockets allow you to customize the feel of your Z15 RGB keyboard with Kailh’s 3pin mechanical switches. You have 8 of them included in the contents.
MECHANICAL SWITCH CLICKY
- Switch Color : Bronze
- Switch Type : Clicky
- Travel : 3.5 mm
- Actuation : 1.1 mm
The biggest thing when it comes to mechanical keyboard is the switches. For some this can be confusing and somewhat complicated because there are so many choices out there. This particular keyboard features the Kailh Speed Silver Switches. Lets break down and compare the differences of the ones out there courtesy of PC Gamer and wasd for the force curve.
“Regardless of make, the behavior of any switch can be divided into three categories:
- Linear. The keystroke is consistent and smooth.
- Tactile. A bump in the middle of travel, usually around the actuation point.
- Clicky. A bump in the middle of travel accompanied by a sharp “click” sound.
“Kailh, also known as Kaihua Electronics, is a major China-based switch manufacturer. Since its founding in 1990, the company has expanded its presence all over the globe. Not only do its in-house Kailh switches compete directly against the Cherry MX, Kaihua also build custom switches for peripheral partners.
Commonly referred to as “Cherry MX clones”, the Kailh switches are identical to Cherry MX in design. They even have the same characteristics corresponding to the same color schemes. As such, keycaps designed for Cherry MX stems are also compatible with Kailh switches.” PC Gamer
Kailh Speed Silver
- Behavior: Linear
- Feel: Light
- Actuation Force: 50g
- Actuation Point: 1.1mm
- Total Travel Distance: 3.5mm
- Sound Level: Quiet
- Rated Lifespan: 70 million keystrokes per key
4K Hz REPORT RATE
The Z15 Keyboard is powered by a 32-bit Arm Cortex-M33 core microprocessor to support a 4K Hz report rate. Offering the most advanced gaming keyboard experience, 4K Hz is 4x more responsive and inputs can be more precise.
VOLUME SCROLL WHEEL & MULTIMEDIA KEYS
Dedicated volume wheel and media keys give you full control at your fingertips.
ILLUMINATE
The EVGA Z15 keyboard brilliantly outshines the competition with fully-customizable *Per-Key* RGB LEDs, with left & right edge RGB Light bar customization to fit any color scheme.
The Z Series LED backlighting can be configured via the EVGA UNLEASH RGB software, and multiple lighting effects can be instantly dimmed or brightened via the LED brightness function combination keys.
Software
The General Function Setting Panel allows you to configure your default keys for Windows, Game Mode, and settings to use Character Repeat. If at any time you need to clear out your settings, simply click the Driver Reset button to return the Control Panel to its Default state.
The lighting Effect Panel allows you to control the Z20’s seven pre-set modes and customize six different Set Zone lighting profiles. Customize buttons to turn effects on and off, change the effects, or even preview the lighting before saving it. Custom lighting profiles can be set to suit personal taste with *per-key* customization.
The Key Assignment panel gives you the freedom to remap your keys with both a primary and secondary assignment using the FN key.
The Macro Editor panel gives you access to the Timer and Macro Manager, granting you extensive control to predict in-game cooldowns and complete complicated patterns.
There we have it! The Z15 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard brought to us by EVGA! Let us cover a few final thoughts in the conclusion of our review.
