Introduction
Yeah… Meet the latest low-profile mechanical gaming keyboard from Armaggeddon. It is loaded with Hotswaptech hyper-reactive short-travel Outemu mechanical switches and Kevlartech contoured keycaps. Comes with 16.8 million colour RGB effects. Slim profile for faster response in all the games. Available in Outemu Blue, Red and Black Short Switch. How does SMK-12R RGB-Kestrel perform? Let’s find out…
Special Thanks
This review is possible thanks to below companies. Be sure to check them out…
- Armaggeddon for this Armaggeddon SMK-12R RGB-Kestrel Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Package Content & Design
Everything comes with well-protected. Once taken out the keyboard, you can find 3 short-travel Outemu modular red mechanical switches, key cap puller, switch puller and user manual. Yes, mine is red switches model.
Excellent build quality for the price. Thanks to metal top panel and solid plastic bottom. Furthermore, it has sleek form factor that ease carry around as you can see. But it does have some weight at 970g when compared to normal keyboard. A simple cable with magnet ring this round. Not braided as I wish for.
At the bottom, there are 6 anti-skid pads including 2 rubber anti-skid pads on keyboard legs. Yup, it does provide good grip and stability even tiny in size. No worry about keyboard moving around for sure.
Yes, have a closer look on the keyboard leg with anti-skid pad.
Low profile keycaps are what you can get here. In addition, slim keyboard as well.
Software
You can start using SMK-12R without any software. Most of the stuff can be configured on the keyboard directly. Or install the software to unleash all of its interesting and useful features. Yes, you need to download it from Armaggeddon Website. 13 lighting effect with adjustable effect speed and light brightness. Up to 3 user profiles for you to choose. As usual, it is loaded with macro editor. You can also assign shortcut like Ctrl + C on key that you prefer. Other quick launch like volume up/down can be assigned.
Performance Result
Let’s talk about short-travel Outemu mechanical switches first. The very first thing you will notice – it is quiet. Yes, quieter than Cherry MX Red. As expected, the travel distance is shorter since this is a short-travel switch after all. Faster response in return when compared to traditional ones. In addition, tactile feedback and actuation force are slightly lower too. Lastly, being modular type is easier for you and me. You can replace the switch by yourself manually. No addition fee incurs even after warranty period. Isn’t that great?
100% Anti-Ghosting or NKRO (N-key rollover) supported!!! Yes, you can press every key on SMK-12R and they will all be registered correctly. You can also lock the Windows key to avoid accidental interruption during extreme gaming as well. In addition, there is a lot of Fn shortcut keys for you to play with. For example, you can control volume and music playback easily. Quick calculator launcher is useful too.
Up to 13 backlight movement effects are supported. Pre-set 5 game lighting profiles are there. And can be customized according to your needs. Up to 4 brightness levels to select. And can turn it off too. However, not all the effects can adjust brightness. Not sure why. Anyway, they are attractive and colourful. Not the brightest during the day. Workable. Better in the dark environment. Yes, it will level up your gaming experience for sure.
Advantages
- Anti-ghosting with n-key rollover
- Low profile keycaps
- Hot-swap modular switches
- Illuminated character keys
- Windows key lock
- 12 multimedia function keys
- Solid build quality
- Cool RGB backlight effects
Limitations
- Can’t set LED brightness on certain effect
- Non-braided cable
Conclusion
Fast response! 100% anti-ghosting! 3 types of switches (blue, red and black) to choose. Armaggeddon SMK-12R RGB Kestrel is surely one of the best budget mechanical gaming keyboards that you can get. Perfect for games and can be used for office works too. Interested? Get yours at Lazada or Shopee.
