Final Words and conclusion

Final words and conclusion

The ZM-K900M from Zalman is affordable, this RGB lit set of mechanical keys is spotted for 99 USD which I feel is a terrific price. One dilemma here remains, you either like or hate Kailh mechanical switches. The truth is that Kailh switches are Chinese imitation switches copied nearly 1:1 from the Cherry MX design. Some user experiences will say that the feel and pressure is a little bit different, I do agree with that ... but am not bothered. They nearly sound the same, feel the close to similar but pressure wise I can feel a little more resistance. Some will even like that extra resistance and others hate it. My advise remains simple go and try them out in a store. The point I am trying to make here is that for 99 USD this is an awesome set of keys as you get the full spectrum of RGB functionality, a little macro lovin and then Kailh switches which are pretty close to Cherry MX if you ask me. So for the 99 USD you will receive all the benefits from your typical mechanical red based keys and switches, and then some. The extras are found in the funky lighting system. It might just be one color (white) but let's be honest the 16M RGB lighting system available at the competition simple is not for everybody.
 
  

 
 
The biggest downside is that programming is done in hardware at the actual keyboard, and not comfortably in a Windows software UI, that will not be everybody's cup of tea as a software GUI can be more helpful with things like these. I do hope to see Zalman move towards a keyboard with software suite as the user interface that directly at the keyboard is rather confusing. But in all fairness, it works OK enough. 

  

So in retrospect it is the combination of all factors combined that make this an appealing product and yes, it is an overall excellent keyboard all by itself. The macro programming and RGB LED lighting configuration can be a little difficult and daunting to use at first due to all the key combos you need to remember, but after 15 minutes of goofing around you'll get the hang of it. A bit of LED back-lighting for me is the icing on top of the cake, even at just one color. For the keyboard, the primary functionality and feel is just great.  The weight system feels right (1.25kg) and the key feedback is very responsive, albeit as mentioned I do fee a little more resistance in the key presses over Cherry MX (but I am nitpicking here). Now then, if you never used one for gaming before, it does take getting used to a bit as it is a lot to take in for a keyboard. Give yourself a few days with the keyboard to fully understand it and get a feel for it as 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 might become a factor to consider. Mechanical keyboards are simply more noisy when you type on them. 

Concluding

Priced at 99 USD we feel the K900M is a bargain, perhaps even a steal as you purchase a  proper mechy keyboard with RGB lighting system and macro functionality. You get what you pay for though as that macro and LED functionality is all managed at the keyboard and not through software guided by a more clear user interface. This really is the only caveat with this keyboard as the setup and configuration can be a daunting thing to grasp and understand. The Kailh switches I am fine with, they feel and sound very close to Cherry MX, aside from a notch more pressure. As stated, multiple brands now offer Kailh based keyboards, our advise give them a try at a local computer shop as that is the only way for you to determine whether or not the Kailh work out well for you. For me they feel fine, and combined with a few presses on the keyboard I get an awesome RGB LED lit configuration to go with it. In the end, we can recommend the Zalman ZM-K900M from their Z-Machine gaming gear line just for value alone. At that price it will not break the bank, you get mechanical keys and that awesome RGB LED system. So yes definitely recommended. Currently I have only spotted the keyboard with blue switches, black red and brown should become available as well.

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