Gamdias Hermes M5 Gaming Keyboard Overview
Taking a first look at the Hermes M5 we can see that it is a full-size keyboard so you have a full compliment of keys as well as a full number pad. The overall design of the keyboard is minimal, meaning that there really is not a whole lot of wasted space, which I prefer. This means that the keyboard is going to take up less space on your desk than a larger full-size keyboard.
As I mentioned this keyboard has a very unique colorway and that is apparent on the keycaps themselves. We have a two-tone design with most of the keycaps being while, but a select few being light blue. We see many custom keycap sets with a design similar to this, but not stock on a keyboard. Another thing that sets this keyboard off is the aluminum top-plate which is silver and has a bushed look to it.
As far as extra keys on the keyboard there aren’t really any except for four above the number pad for multimedia control, which is a nice addition.
The keycaps that Gamdias is using are ABS, but they are double-shot injected. The main legends are see-through for the lighting below, but the secondary legends on many of the keys for functions are just laser-etched on and not see-through.
Removing these keycaps with the included puller reveals mechanical key switches. These are Gamdias-branded, but are meant to replicate Cherry MX mechanical key switches. According to the Gamdias website these switches are rated for 50 million clicks, but that is really all we know about them. Currently the Hermes M55 is only offered with the Blue switch, which is a clicky switch with tactile feedback.
Looking at the keyboard from the side we can see that by default it sits at a pretty low-profile and that the keys are arranged in the typical orientation we see on gaming keyboards with the first three rows (from the bottom) angled down, while the three and angled up. There are pop-out feet on the keyboard to bring up the angle.
Flipping the keyboard over to the bottom we can see those feet along with four rubber feet to keep the keyboard in place on your desk. While we do have the aluminum top plate on the keyboard the main chassis of the keyboard is made of plastic. This is very apparent as when you pick the keyboard up it is very light.
The USB cable on the keyboard is affixed so you cannot remove it or swap it out. Gamdias has gone with a white cable, but it is one of the cheaper cables I’ve seen being made of rubber and only being 5-feet long compared to the standard 6-feet.
