Final Words and conclusion

Final words and conclusion

The RipJaws KM780 RGB is a tremendously intriguing keyboard that will steal the hearts of many gamers. Really, a set of keys like this is a treat. G.Skill did it right, noting was saved on and everything a modern age hardware gamers keyboard should have, is on-board. That's from A to Z the USB HUB up-to the expensive RGB per key lighting system. Albeit not as complex as the competition, this keyboard remains to be a lot to digest once you connect it for the first time. The software is OK to manage. So simply take a step back, download a few profiles and let the product do the work for you. And here's how that pure awesomeness looks like:
 

Getting started

The RipJaws KM780 RGB keyboard animated lighting feature is a tad difficult to control and program. Here's my recommendation:

• Connect the keyboard.
• Install the control software and the firmware will likely automatically update as well.

Pricing and options

G.Skill is to release the KB780 RGB in two Cherry MX switch options initially. Brown and Red at a price hovering in the 175 USD marker. For that money you will get 16.8M color back-lighting per key for virtually unlimited customization, Exclusive Cherry MX RGB mechanical key switches and an anodized brushed aluminum base.

The keyboard

With all the RGB madness you'd almost forget that we are reviewing an actual mechanical keyboard. For the KB780 RGB the primary functionality and feel is just great. And sure I know, this is not a cheap set of keys. But you really are receiving something well designed and comfortable to play games on. For me I'd put this product high on my short list as the feature-list is miles long aimed at professional gamers with specs that baffle even me. Now the RGB lighting can be busy at times to continuously have enabled. Hey, you can dim it, disable it or just have it show one color just as well, remember this puppy can be tweaked to any and all of your desires and wishes. So yeah expect extensive features and specifications.

Final words

For a first keyboard release we find the RipJaws KM780 RGB from G.Skill extremely complete and versatile. It does remind us of the K70/K95 RGB from Corsair in many ways, it has the same feel and pretty much the very same features with some small differences here and there. In fact I do believe this keyboard originates from the very same ODM. But hey, the differences inbetween the two brands are significant enough to make a substantial difference. As always I will say the following, ANY mechanical keyboard does take getting used to a little, that's the honest truth. Give yourself a few days with the keyboard to fully understand it and get a feel for it. See, using a mechy definitely is a little different compared to your run of the mill keyboard. We do have to warn you though that if you use the keyboard for productivity (typing letters etc) then noise and feel might become a factor to consider. Mechanical keyboards are simply more noisy when you type on them.

This release is mostly about the RGB LEDs of course, but the most important thing remains the actual feel and functionality, it's all good there as well. The KM780 RGB is very mature and comes as a feature rich and well developed keyboard. It has a nice base that sits tight on your desktop with rubber feet and quite a hefty keyboard weight. The RGB back-lighting system is just downright l33t stuff. Great to see are the programmable keys including  macro programmable G keys. Overall the entire series feels very sturdy in  design as well, typing on it immediately gives you the feel that the product can take beating.

Getting the RGB lighting animations started for the first time is a rather user-unfriendly, as you need to make and activate some lighting profiles and only then can select them as an option. Once you are familiar with that proces it takes 5 seconds to get things going really. But that extra step could and should be improved. Next to that this is a 16 Million color animated per key keyboard, and then to only have 4 animations ... that's too little. I do hope that with the next software update more default animations are included, as besides being a kick-ass gaming keyboard, the RGB functionality really is what it is all about.

In closing, this keyboard belongs in a professional series gaming perhiperials and will sell in the 175 USD range, that is a lot of money, but face it - you can immediately see where the money goes to, the insane lighting options are amazing. Overall G.SKILL is offering a truly terrific keyboard with all the whistles and bells you may expect from a keyboard in this price segment. You will be nothing short of amazed as the RGB lighting is really fantastic. It is a Guru3D Top Pick product award worthy alright. 

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