G.Skill announced that its Ripjaws series of mechanical keyboards will be coming to market soon -- namely, the KM780 RGB and KM780 MX devices.
Like many mechanical keyboards on the market, these new keyboards use Cherry switches. The only real difference between the KM780 RGB and KM780 MX is that the former uses Cherry's RGB switches and RGB backlighting. Initially, the KM780 RGB will be available with Cherry MX RGB Brown and Cherry MX RGB Red switches. Similarly, the cheaper KM780 MX keyboard will be available with Cherry MX Brown and Cherry MX Red switches.
Both keyboards will be available later with Cherry MX Blue switches.
These switches are rated at 50 million keystrokes, and last longer than conventional switches used on keyboards. For additional durability, G.Skill used a 2 mm-thick aluminum plate on top of the keyboards.
As a customization feature, the keyboards include replaceable keycaps with a puller tool, all inside of a handy storage case.
The keyboard supports a wide range of extra function buttons. On the top-right corner of the keyboard are five keys for controlling the media programs, as well as a roller that can control the audio. Below the switches is an LED volume display to make checking audio systems easier.
On the left side of the keyboard are six programmable macro keys. Directly above the programmable keys are seven additional keys, three of which are hotkeys (Windows lock, brightness, and timer), and the other four are easy-access keys that allow you to change keyboard layouts on the fly.
As a small extra feature, the keyboard has a mouse cable holder, which helps to keep your cables together and organized.
The first two of these keyboards, with Cherry Brown switches, are already out now, with the KM 780 RGB available for $159.99, and the KM780 MX available for $119.99. The keyboards with Cherry Red switches are expected to come out some time later this month, while the Cherry Blue versions will not be available until later.
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