TteSPORTS MEKA Pro Keyboard Review
Monday 7th August 2017, 04:00 | written by: Gabriel SciberrasStill looking for the perfect budget mechanical keyboard? Scared of making the wrong choice? Well, TteSPORTS seem to think that they’ve got the product for you in the MEKA Pro Keyboard for a mere €90. We’ll have to review it to validate this statement; since something sounding so sweet isn’t always as great as it looks.
As usual, we’ll start with the package. Fittingly, red and black dominate the colour scheme on the illustrated box along with. TteSPORTS chose to highlight the three most important features to them, being the type of genuine MX switch, “on the fly macro recording” and the lighting capabilities. Flipping over the box reveals all the specifications and a breakdown of all the features to ensure you know what you’re purchasing; it’s something that we’ve realised on all the company’s products which really shows how honest and informative they are. Continuing with the unboxing, the lid opens up to reveal the keyboard wrapped in styrofoam with everything else discreetly hidden behind the carboard. Included with the keyboard is the warranty and manual information along with a red keycap set along with a keypuller to switch things up a bit.
Now that we could handle the keyboard, the 1200g of weight was duly noted and quickly put onto a desk. It’s no doubt that this peripheral is very well built, having no structural flex at all thanks to a solid plastic matte black material. The mentioned material can be found all over the body, doing a great job at resisting finger oils and prints. Focusing on the layout of the keys, it’s an orthodox look with dual function media keys. Lock functions are noted through red lights at the top right along with other functions. The only thing out of the ordinary is the red “MK” buttons which we’ll deal with later. Also, a small preface, our hardware unit arrived from Asia and thus had an eastern language on the keys which we cannot identify. There are also a tonne of function keys which will need explanation. One thing which did tear apart our OCD was the fact that the TteSPORTS logo isn’t perfectly centred on the spacebar.
Under the black, plastic keys is a red backplate which looks to play a part in the backlighting. At the circumference of the keyboard there is a little border that helps make the product appear more compact than it is. The underside has what you’d expect; five thin rubber feet and two retractable legs. Jutting out from here is the cable, 1.8m of normal plastic with a gold connection. Honestly, the rubber feet could have had a better grip to stop the keyboard from moving. Mapping an area of 449 by 142 by 37 mm, the hefty product moves a little more than you’d expect.
Typing on the MEKA Pro is a reliable experience riddled with a plethora of features. Key switches on the hardware unit were Cherry MX Blues, with Brown and Red switch variants also available. The plastic keys have a solid feel and remain firmly in place. Typing is great; now, those features I mentioned. First of all, the keyboard has full antighosting/ 6 key rollover which ensures that every press is registered. Partnered with this is the 1000Hz polling rate. Apart from these and the macros are a whopping amount of quick-function keys as shown in the image below.
They’re functions are self-explanatory. Back to macros; it’s a seamless and quick experience. Without the hassle of software (there isn’t any by the way), one can set 6 macros “on-the-fly” as boasted on the box. Pressing the red MK button will activate the procedure; FN + M1 for example will allow you to give M1 a macro. Very simple and well executed. Your six macros will be saved on the internal storage of 256 bites. Setting a macro on this keyboard is a unique experience, but it will be noted that however slow you set yours, it will automatically speed it up.
The final feature, but definitely not the least, is the backlighting. Sticking to red, keycaps show off the colour having vibrancy and brightness. The red backlight does a phenomenal job of engulfing the keyboard in a sea of red; perhaps the blood of your online enemies if that’s not too dark. Thankfully, TteSPORTS don’t just use a boring static; they’ve done everything in their power to use the lighting to its full potential. Using the “light effect” quick function, one can swap between static, breathing, reactive, wave, ripple and random starlight. The speed of the mentioned can be adjusted to your will, potentially making the wave effect nauseating. Usually, most keyboards stop there. Thankfully, the MEKA Pro has one last surprise in pre-configured lighting zones which each favour a different genre. Four modes for FPS, RTS, MOBA and MMORPG – a nice touch from TteSPORTS. Just in case you were wondering, there is an option to deactivate lighting completely, but why would you?
To conclude, we’ve got to keep the price in mind. For just €90, the average entry level for mechanical keyboards, you’re getting an incredible amount of lighting, endless features, genuine Cherry MX switches, easy macro settings and a solid build quality. TteSPORTS has done a super job and this is certainly a competitor for other gaming keyboards in the market at this price point.
Who it’s for;
- Budget gamers who need top tier performance and functionality
- Those looking for great build quality and switches
- Those who don’t mind the generic red but with super effects
Who it’s not for;
- Gamers with a higher budget
- Gamers who would rather not choose red
- Enthusiasts who’d like to sync peripherals’ lighting.
Check out other TteSPORTS products at the Gamers Lounge now while stocks last; http://shop.gamers.com.mt/search?keyword=ttesports