Guide
How to silence irritating keyboard chatter
by Kevin Hofer
This keyboard is low-priced, but just as good as its pricey competition
23.12.2021
Translation: Eva Francis
Mechanical keyboards that are small and produced by well-known manufacturers are usually expensive – and not great. The GAM-075 is Deltaco’s affordable alternative.
Several renowned manufacturers released their first keyboards in a small form factor this year. But neither Corsair nor Razer nor Asus won me over with their keyboards. More than anything, I wasn’t impressed with the value for money.
The Deltaco GAM-075 is more budget-friendly while offering a similar range of functionalities. I’ve put this keyboard to the test for you.
Small keyboard with Tenkeyless functionality
The GAM-075 is a so-called 60 per cent keyboard – it’s only 60 per cent the size of a full-sized keyboard. It’s missing the F-keys on top as well as the number pad, navigation keys and the arrow keys.
However, the FN key at the bottom right allows you to use all functions except the numeric keypad. This means it offers the same range of functions as a keyboard without a number pad – a Tenkeyless keyboard. It takes some time to get used to, but works well afterwards.
RGB and USB-C
The keyboard is connected via the 1.5 metre USB cable that’s included. Contrary to the product description, this worked with USB-C and not Micro-USB when I tested it. That’s a great update.
Of course the keyboard, or more precisely each key, features RGB LEDs. 19 lighting modes are available. In addition, the colour, speed and strength of the modes can be adjusted. Deltaco offers software for even more configuration options such as reassigning keys and creating macros. The interface doesn’t look pretty, but it works and is just as good as any other software by a reputable manufacturer.
Cheap switches and keycaps
Deltaco’s keycaps are made of ABS plastic. They have thin walls, are light, look cheap and are covered in fingerprints within a very short time. The caps are produced in a double moulding process: first the inscriptions are moulded, then the rest of the keycap. This is intended to prevent the markings from fading over time, as they do if they’re printed on. The keycaps are transparent, allowing the RGB LEDs to shine through. This only works for the top part of the lettering. The lower part remains pale.
Deltaco has equipped the 62 keys with linear switches by Content. Linear switches don’t have a perceptible or audible pressure point. Switches by Content are usually installed in inexpensive keyboards. The keys require 45 grams of actuation force and are therefore rather easy to press. They’re okay in terms of quality, but I’ve pressed better switches – even on prebuilt keyboards. These switches friction when pressed, which makes them produce a grinding noise. Having said that, even Cherry switches, which are more expensive and used in many other keyboards, do this.
In addition, when I started typing, I I got the impression that the switch on the space bar made a ticking noise. However, as I found out, this is due to the keyboard’s acoustics. Nothing’s wrong with the switch itself.
Acoustics: no, no, no
When you’re typing on a mechanical keyboard, you can hear every keystroke. Even with so-called quiet keys or O-rings that are supposed to dampen the sound. That’s why acoustics are an important argument for me.
The GAM-075 makes the same sound as most plastic prefabricated keyboards. It’s awful. It’s a hollow sound and when typing, it rattles as if someone were jackhammering in front of your house. But so do keyboards by other manufacturers that cost twice as much. With a bit of work, you can improve this rattling sound:
Pay less for the same
It makes an awful sound and features cheap keycaps and switches. At first glance, the GAM-075 is rubbish. But most prefab keyboards sound just as terrible and have bad keys and keycaps – and they cost twice as much or even more than the Deltaco. With well-known manufacturers, you pay mainly for the name. But their keyboards aren’t better than the GAM-075.
And when it comes to functionality, the affordable keyboard by Deltaco is just as good as its competitors. It boasts RBG with countless lighting modes and software for further personalisation. Therefore, my advice is: if you want a prebuilt keyboard in a small form factor, get the Deltaco rather than an expensive one by a well-known competitor. With the money you’ve saved, you can invest in modding the keys.
Kevin Hofer
Senior Editor
kevin.hofer@digitecgalaxus.chFrom big data to big brother, Cyborgs to Sci-Fi. All aspects of technology and society fascinate me.
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