Tt eSPORTS POSEIDON Z Illuminated Mechanical Keyboard Review

[section_title title=”Introduction & Closer Look”]

Introduction & Closer Look

Manufacturer: Tt eSPORTS
Model: Poseidon Z Illuminated (Brown switches)
UK Price: £66.53 @ Amazon UK (At time of review)
US Price: $62.27 @ Amazon US (At time of review)

Thermaltake’s gaming products division (Tt eSports) are very well known for their futuristic, over the top and very flashy designs which bring out the best and worst of people; a bit like Marmite, you either love it or you hate it. With a huge focus currently on colourful RGB keyboards, not everybody is into that, so that’s why companies such as Tt eSports do multiple SKU’s and models to satisfy the needs of consumers.

Enter the Tt eSports Poseidon Z Illuminated Mechanical Keyboard, with a nice subtle look which makes a nice change from the more “aggressive” looking models we have seen from previous models; sometimes less is more, but not everyone feels that way. Tt eSports favour the cheaper Kaihl mechanical switches which are essentially Cherry MX copies since the patent ran out and although hard-core enthusiasts can tell the difference (somehow), regular gamers probably won’t.

The Poseidon Z Illuminated is available in 2 different switch types, a tactile clicky blue and like today’s sample, a slightly quieter and less tactile brown switches; both are favoured by gamers heavily in mechanical keyboards which fits the Tt eSports brand.

With some interesting features, the Poseidon Z Illuminated has a dedicated key in the top right hand corner to switch the Windows key on and off; surprisingly useful for those who don’t want to be accidently thrown out of a game, especially fast paced ones like CS:GO or League of Legends.

Although this isn’t a new model from Tt eSports, it still deserves respect and that is exactly what we are going to give it.  Dimensions wise, it measures up at 17.3 inches which makes this a full sized keyboard, but if you want the full dimensions they are 17.3” x 5.2” x 1.5” (LxWxH).  Not a massive intrusion on your desk such as the CM Storm Aluminium, but more average which is nice.

The Poseidon Z Illuminated features a space saving key stroke design in the way of increasing or decreasing the brightness of the LEDs, as well as a range of media keys which can be activated by pressing function and the F keys; each key has an illustration or guide as to what they double up as when pressing the function button.

Over on the rear of the Poseidon Z Illuminated, an interesting feature is a cable groove which goes both ways; perfect for optimal cable management on your desk.  Other companies should take note of this as it’s a really good idea and something not to be sniffed at!

Whether you’re a fan of Kaihl mechanical switches or not, they are essentially a cheaper Cherry MX clone which tend to be used by some of the more budget orientated boards, although I wouldn’t’ expect any mechanical keyboard to cost more than £80 to feature Kaihl switches; it would just feel too weird to me and defy the point of a cheaper switch.

Each Kaihl switch on the Poseidon Z illuminated has a dedicated backlit LED which glows blue; there is however a new RGB version of the Poseidon Z available which may be of interest for those wanting a wider variety of colour combinations.

Like practically all keyboards, this has 2 flip feet which allow for a more ergonomic experience while on your desk; I personally don’t use these, but they are there if you so wish to use them yourself.

A full list of features and specifications can be found below: