TECWARE Phantom 87 Key Mechanical Keyboard, RGB led, Outemu BROWN Switch (US Layout)

Product Information

As a mechanical keyboard, the Tecware Phantom comes with mechanical switches underneath the keycaps (see below for more info on this), and this particular keyboard is hot-swappable, meaning you can easily remove and replace the switches without having to solder or desolder anything. Several limitations of Tecware’s keyboards include limitations in the mods and customization options, limitations in the keyboard switch offerings, housing/chassis offerings. etc. Also, the design of Tecware’s keyboards will surely not be for everyone. Of course, like most brands in this price range, Tecware’s keyboards are limited to what budget keyboards can offer. Yes, they are good for the price and can easily punch way above their weight class. However, they will still not be able to compete with more premium mechanical keyboards.

While the adage “you get what you pay for” is true in some cases, in the case of the Tecware, you get more than you pay for: A plethora of functions are available at a price that is comparable to those of higher-priced keyboards. Surely, there must be some sort of compromise, right? Well, I've been using the Phantom RGB for several weeks now, and it's arguably one of the more pleasing keyboards I've tested for quite some time. Here's wot I think. The company recognizes the fact that PC gaming would drive demand for faster, and more powerful computer peripherals and the budget limit of every consumer. In this regard, they continue to offer the market their affordable yet decent enough market peripherals for every consumer out there. In this article, we are going to discuss what you need to know about the brand and how do they fare in the highly competitive market of gaming keyboards. Brand HistoryAnd generally speaking, they come with quite a bit of rattle and wobble (an issue that isn’t really fixed with switch films, as it’s the switch connection to the keyboard that is wobbly, not just the housing).

Outemu switches are used in the TECWARE Phantom RGB, and users can choose among Outemu blue, brown, or red switches. Users have the option of choosing between crisp and loud tactile switches, silent and smooth linear switches , or a switch that is equally balanced. Brown Switches: These are tactile switches, meaning there is a noticeable bump when the switch is activated.Personally, I've always got on very well with red switches when it comes to general typing, and the Phantom RGB is no exception. I was able to type at full speed practically straight off the bat, and everything felt well-spaced and perfectly proportioned despite the keyboard's somewhat diminutive frame. The Phantom L is the company’s first mechanical keyboard with a low-profile design. Outemu Low Profile Mechanical switches (Red, Brown, Blue) are used on this keyboard, which have shorter travel and actuation distances for faster key presses and less finger strain. Shorter keycaps keep the curved shape for a more pleasant typing experience. Tecware SPECTRE PRO Tecware Spectre Pro Tecware should be complimented, though, for using double-shot ABS keycaps, which are still uncommon even on keyboards twice as expensive. These keycaps are made up of two pieces of plastic that are molded together to keep the legends from fading over time. Consider, however, that ABS keycaps are not as durable as PBT keycaps. of course you can replace the keycaps on ANY keyboard, but it’s nice to have some options out of the box!) Final Word: The Tecware Phantom is a well-built mechanical keyboard for the price! It’s almost impossible to find a hot-swappable keyboard in this price range, but there’s one huge issue for me.

The keyboard support software is rather simple to use, so even inexperienced users should have no trouble navigating it. Tecware appears to have gone to great lengths to ensure that all of the legends are lit uniformly. For example, take the number row: although conventional keyboards place the secondary symbols below the numbers, the Tecware places them right next to each other, immediately above the LED. Do not forget that the keyboard is hot-swappable meaning you can easily replace or change its mechanical switches easily. Each keyboard includes four spare switches, a keycap puller, and a switch puller, ensuring that customers have everything they need to replace a damaged switch at their leisure. Tecware Phantom Elite Tecware Phantom Elite Again, there is nothing wrong with Tecware’s offerings. But there are more premium options out there both in the prebuilt and custom keyboard markets.Even though this is really common these days, even with budget keyboards, it’s still a nice feature to have. All of the lights can be modified on the keyboard once you figure out the instructions, which aren't exactly heiroglyphs but are pretty brief, so the manual included is less an instructional booklet and more a guided tour. It is possible to change the various modes with the keyboard software, but…well…

The Phantom RGB also feels great under the fingers, too. Tecware have used Outemu mechanical switches here rather than Cherry's more widely used MX switches, but in terms of overall feel I'd say the Outemu Red switches on my particular review sample (it's also available in Blue and Brown flavours) were pretty similar to your average Cherry MX Red switch. But you can still swap in Outemu switches (sold separately), and this is additionally handy if something HAPPENS to one of your switches, and you just need to replace one or two! Tecware Software (for macros and custom keybinds).Comes in two different sizes (You can get the 87-key TKL (tenkeyless) version, or the full 104-key version.)