As opposed to the “full” Poseidon Z, the Poseidon ZX doesn’t have a numeric keypad and is consequently 20 percent smaller than traditional keyboards. This can often be a very practical form factor, like when a bit more space for the mouse would come in handy on a smaller desk or when a workstation is limited to a width of 19 inches.
Tt eSports by Thermaltake settled on Kailh switches instead of Cherry ones for the Poseidon ZX. This decision is probably due to price, since the availability of Cherry switches made by ZF Friedrichshafen AG in Germany isn’t really a problem anymore.
You can say what you want about the Cherry knockoffs, but at least they seem to have the problems with the first batches they made under control. We’ll talk about these switches in more detail later in their own section. Suffice it to say here that Tt eSports by Thermaltake has a 5-year warranty on the mechanical switches, which makes the fact that the company didn’t use the original switches a lot less relevant for the buyer.
We’ve received our keyboard directly from Tt eSports by Thermaltake’s headquarters. We’ll take a look if, and for whom, this board makes sense.
| Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Keyboard Dimensions | 36.3 x 14.3 x 4 cm |
| Wrist Rest | None |
| Weight | 970 g (Manufacturer's Specifications) 940 g (Measured without Cable) |
| Memory | Not Stated |
| Features | Anti Ghosting and Anti Jamming 6KRO |
| Multimedia Keys | Present, Can Be Activated via Function Keys (Sound and Media Player) Windows Key Can Be Turned Off |
| Macro Keys | None |
| Connection Type | USB Polling Rate 1000 Hz (1 ms) |
| Switch Type | Kailh (Blue) |
| Lighting | Each Key Has Its Own Blue LED 4 Brightness Levels, Can Be Turned Off Completely |
| Key Caps | Cylindrical Key Design (Good Protection against Sliding Off Sides) Coated, Keys Recessed |
| Accessories | Quick Starter |
| Layout | U.S. (Others Available) |
| Cabling | 2 m USB Cable Plastic Sleeve |
Look and Feel
The simple design emphasizes functionality. Fortunately, Tt eSports by Thermaltake didn’t go for the creases, pseudo-military trappings, or other "gamer" aesthetics, which makes for a refreshingly clean impression.
Like all keyboards with these keys, the Poseidon ZX has an inherent vulnerability to crumbs. Otherwise, the matte back surface is surprisingly resistant to fingerprints. Tt eSports by Thermaltake successfully walked the fine line between a rough finish and nice looks.
Speaking of the design, sometimes less really is more. The gently rounded edges and corners are really smooth. The bottom of the Tt eSports by Thermaltake Poseidon ZX is more your typical blocky industrial style, but it’s not like you’ll spend a lot of time looking at it.
The bottom of the Poseidon ZX looks like it was divided into three parts. This is due to two large notches meant for cables. Even the keyboard’s thick connector cable can be threaded through here, not just once, but twice. However, it’s 1.8m length, means that it can’t be stored here without squeezing it in way more than any cable ever should be. This calls the entire function of the two notches into question, since also running the mouse and headset cables through here is a pointless and futile exercise.
Usability and Functionality
Since the Tt eSports by Thermaltake Poseidon ZX’s dimensions are on the lower end of the spectrum, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that there’s no palm rest to be found. We don't really miss it all that much, though. This is due to the very stable hinged feet at the back, which allow for a nice tilt which most users should very much appreciate. The feet also sport a rubber surface where they meet the desk, which is very effective at keeping the Poseidon ZX from sliding.
The rubber pads set into the bottom of the Poseidon ZX also do their part to keep the keyboard in place. The two pads in the front are always in use, whereas the two in the rear only connect with the surface if the keyboard’s hinged feet are folded in.
From an ergonomics point of view, it’s advisable to use the board only in its tilted configuration.
The Poseidon ZX is a very solid offering in spite of its diminutive size. Its torsional rigidity is sufficient, and it weighs in at almost 1kg. The latter, in combination with the rubber pads, effectively keeps the keyboard from going anywhere — even in the middle of the most heated battle.
The build quality is acceptable. Most gaps are exemplary, and the materials also leave a good impression, which speaks for the Tt eSports by Thermaltake Poseidon ZX’s long-term durability.
Copy or Competing Product?
Answering this question isn’t as easy as one might think. The Kalih coloring system is identical to Cherry, which was probably done on purpose, but the feel of the switches is somewhat different. Kailh isn’t new to the field of switches. For almost 24 years, they’ve been making everything that clicks and clacks in a wide variety of industries.
The difference between Cherry MX Blue and Kailh Blue lies in the small details of the spring and the characteristics of the switch. It’s barely perceptible while writing, which is also reflected in the almost-identical specifications and curves presented in the diagrams below.
| Cherry MX-Blue | Kailh Blue | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Switch Type: Tactile Feel, "Click" Differential Movement | Switch Type: Tactile Feel, "Click" Differential Movement | ||
Switch Actuation Feedback Character: Precisely Felt | Switch Actuation Feedback Character: Precisely Felt | ||
Switch Actuation Travel: 2 mm from Initial Position 4 mm Total | Switch Actuation Travel: 2 mm from Initial Position 4 mm Total | ||
Actuation Force: 50 g to Depress Key App. 60 g Peak Force to Actuate Switch | Actuation Force: 50 g to Depress Key App. 60 g Peak Force to Actuate Switch | ||
|
|
The only thing that really jumps out in a direct comparison is the resistance after the actuation point — passing it isn’t as pronounced for the Kailh Blue. This can actually be a good thing, since it lessens any problems with bottoming out. With a bit of training, there might even come a point where writing becomes a bit quieter, since less force is used intuitively. Don’t get us wrong, though, this is still a tactile switch with a very pronounced actuation point.
The keycaps are okay and pretty much what you would expect. The letters are recessed as per the usual solution, but the colors’ finish is quite thin. How durable these ABS keycaps will turn out to be is anyone’s guess. We can’t really do a practical test in our lab without going long term. Consequently, we chose the second-best option and tried to simulate long-term use with a buffing wheel. The color withstood this treatment for one minute. This gives us at least a bit of hope, since we’ve seen much worse.
Another question that can’t really be answered at this point is if the mechanical durability suffers due to the shorter pieces in the keycaps. The OEM has made the keycaps even more minimalistic, which makes them a lot simpler and cleaner-looking than those built into keyboards by other manufacturers.
Font, Readability and Lighting
The font used on the keys is clear and easy to read. The manufacturer actually put some thought into this, and it shows. It’s a nice change of pace from the frippery that others like to engage in when it comes to their key labels. The lighting isn’t as optimally done due to how the keys are built. The characters are on the lower half of the keys, whereas the LEDs are positioned at the top. It’s not really much of a problem, though.
Unfortunately, there isn't any lighting for the Caps Lock and Scroll Lock keys. These keys are only lit if they’re activated, in which case they stay lit. Otherwise, complete darkness is all that greets the user. This choice might be controversial, but it’s certainly one way of doing things.
The brightness can be adjusted in several steps using the Fn and F11/F12 keys, which is good enough. The bright blue LEDs, in combination with the perfectly shaped letters, result in a very easily readable keyboard, no matter the ambient light level.
N-Key Rollover
The Tt eSports by Thermaltake Poseidon ZX avoids both ghosting and jamming perfectly.
PS/2 and USB Issues
The Poseidon ZX "Tenkeyless" doesn’t feature the two-device solution that would have been the ideal way to transfer data. Consequently, it’s a pure 6KRO keyboard.
Less can be more, at least if it’s well implemented. There’s nothing to really complain about when it comes to the Tt eSports by Thermaltake Poseidon ZX.
In the end, everybody needs to decide for themselves if they need a numerical pad or not. Those who can, or even want to live without one really don’t have a reason to hesitate. Alternatively, two more points that might sway them away from the Tt eSports by Thermaltake Poseidon ZX are the use of Kailh switches and the choice of the blue switch type.
Those who want a keyboard that does just as well with office work as with gaming, like tactile switches, and can live with the noise, have found a winner in the Poseidon ZX. And the second batch of Kailh switches aren’t as bad as they’re made out to be on a lot of forums. Kalih can apparently take feedback and adapt accordingly, especially since there’s probably a good amount of pressure from its clients.
All in all, the new Thermaltake keyboard’s features aren’t going to blow anyone’s mind, but it can do anything that a keyboard needs to. Simplicity, basic functionality, and plain and practical execution — all of these are phrases that can be applied to the Poseidon ZX.
Conclusion
There’s definitely a trend towards keyboards with less width, and lots of people don’t just have limited space, but also a limited budget and a preference for mechanical keys. The Tt eSports by Thermaltake Poseidon ZX tries to fill this gap in the market. The company managed to combine all these naturally opposing concerns, which is really the bottom line here.
The Tt eSports Poseidon ZX "Tenkeyless" is neither a super-flashy conversation piece, nor does it sport a ton of macro keys for gaming. However, it’ll put in a good day’s work, or play. This is assuming that the switches will actually hold up in the long run. They did look good for the duration of our review. Then again, if all else fails, five years is a good long time to exchange the keyboard for a brand new one.

















