G.Skill Ripjaws KM780 Keyboard Review
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Final Analysis
The G.Skill KM780 is a keyboard with all the trimmings. This is apparent from the look — big and wide, with rolled bars on the edges (parts of which are actually useful), and a host of extra keys and dedicated buttons — to the software to the extra key caps to the high build quality that you’ll find inside.
Keyboards like this one are not for everyone. The size necessitates plenty of desk space, and all those bells and whistles add and add and add to the final $170 price tag. However, as fully loaded keyboards go, that’s about the going rate. Razer’s BlackWidow Chroma is $170 (although its newer BlackWidow Chroma X is $160), and Corsair’s K95 RGB series keyboards land at $190. One could argue that any one of these has some better features than any other, but the point is that the KM780 is priced commensurately with its immediate competition.
Note that, as we mentioned on the first page of this review, that there are several variations on the KM780. We tested one with Cherry MX RGB Brown switches, but there are RGB Red and Blue options. Red LED-only versions cost $130. The KM780R models lack the extra key caps, which knocks the price of the RGB versions and red LED-only models down to $160 and $120, respectively. (You can find multiple KM780 and KM780R models with lower street prices - sometimes significantly lower).
As it often happens these days, companies like to brand a range of peripherals. In the case of G.Skill, the KM780’s partner is the Ripjaws MX780.
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cryoburner 19621208 said:For some typists, any deviation from the norm is going to be problematic, and it’s unclear why Cougar and G.Skill would bother with the change.
It might be to make the Alt key a bit more reachable, particularly for gaming, where you may want to use Alt as a secondary thumb function while keeping your fingers on WASD. -
KenMarley One of the most primitive macro software I've seen for a gaming keyboard. Software very unstable, had to reinstall it after every reboot just to be able to open it up.Reply -
Trolling4Dolars I have tried many keyboards over the years, and my KM780 MX, Blue switches, red backlight is my favorite. I like it so much, I purchased another one for work (with my own cash). The 6 G keys and the volume roller are my top features. I have a 8' wide desk, so the large size is not a problem. I give it 2 big thumbs up.Reply -
Realist9 Still waiting on someone to release a new version of the zboard fang. IMO, the best gaming keypad ever made. The keys were physically distinct and made if very easy to know which one you were hitting, just by feel. The layout also helped make sure you were hitting the right keys. Now they want almost $200 used, IF you can find one. Ridiculous. Why can't someone make an updated version of the Fang???Reply -
SBMfromLA I also have the Fang Zboard. I remember picking it up at Circuit City on a closeout sale for $20. It's sitting under my desk.Reply -
bgunner I personally have this keyboard myself, MK780 red LED with MX red switches, and would like to mention a few things that were not mentioned in the article or possibly mentioned wrongly.Reply
As for the N-Key roll over switch on the back of the keyboard and the software. In the software you are not able to select what the N-key rollover is set to but it does display the current position it is set to. I urge you, Scolaner, to try this and find out for yourself.
The Volume LED indicator doesn't seem to rise with the volume IF the volume is adjusted by Windows or a program that can control the volume, Creative control console as an example. It only registers if the volume wheel is physically moved. Did you notice these anomalies while testing?
EDIT: After a bunch of testing and a reset of the OS It was found that in order for the volume LED indicator to work properly the G.Skill software must be run at startup. IF it is not running then the LED does not register the volume change if it is changed from inside the OS. The N-Key rollover selection as mentioned earlier still stands. The reason for this is it is a manual switch and has no motorized mechanisms to flip the switch when a different selection is made inside the software. The way the following is written it says you can adjust teh N-Key rollover from within the software which is not the case.
Under the Setting tab, you can adjust the polling rate to 125Hz, 250Hz, 500Hz, or 1,000Hz; toggle between NKRO or 6KRO; and create sleep and timer settings (for which you can add a lighting effect, because why not).
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bgunner 19621786 said:One of the most primitive macro software I've seen for a gaming keyboard. Software very unstable, had to reinstall it after every reboot just to be able to open it up.
Odd I have never had an issue with the software for the MK780 myself. This points more towards compatibility issues. If you want to speak of primitive Macro software try using what came with my old keyboard from Saitek, the original Cyborg. -
Realist9
I use mine every day. You should put yours up for sale on fleabay or something. Someone will buy it. I'd buy one as a backup, but people asking $200 kinda stops me.19623859 said:I also have the Fang Zboard. I remember picking it up at Circuit City on a closeout sale for $20. It's sitting under my desk. -
firefyte I'd like to know (in all KB reviews) what layouts and country options they have available. I'd rather not have to search the manufacturer's website to find out if I can actually purchase the KB.Reply