Introduction
GAMDIAS is a peripheral manufacturer; founded in 2012 by R.K. HAN, the company is composed of 100 members. The main aim of the GAMDIAS company is to create peripheral for gamers and eSports type of events.
Official product link:
http://www.gamdias.com/products-en-gb/keyboards/hermes-p1-rgb-en-gb
Packaging and accessories
The keyboard is packaged in a two-color cardboard box with golden accents. The front of the box presents the keyboard using a diagram of it, on the right, the name and logo of the manufacturer as well as the name of the product are printed. Below are listed some of the keyboard’s features.
The back side of the packaging presents the features of the keyboard in eight different languages while on the right part, a general image of the keyboard is printed, next to the GAMDIAS name and logo.
Accessories
– 1x Manual
– 1x Wristrest
– 1x Keypuller
Specifications
Name: Hermes P1 RGB
Keyboard Type: Mechanical
Key Architecture: TTC Blue switches
Polling Rate: 1000Hz
Backlighting: 16.8 million colors and 4 levels brightness
Anti-Ghosting: N-Key rollover
Memory: Built-in 72KB
Media Controls: 6 Keys
Wrist Rest: Yes
Cable Type: Braided Cable with Gold plated connector
Cord length: 1.8m
Weight: 1.56 kg
Features:
– Ready to game: Full key rollover, 100% anti-ghosting and 2 dedicated Marco keys with 6 profiles up to 12 settings are essential to victory.
– Durable, Stylish Design: The flawless aircraft-grade black anodized brushed aluminum faceplate is built to superior rigidity sturdy and lightweight.
– Ultra-Comfort: Quick-attach wrist rest provides the comfort you need for prolonged gaming sessions.
– Fully Customization: HERMES P1 features 16.8 million RGB backlighting immerses you in the game with virtually unlimited lighting adjustability, by tapping HERA software, you can personalize your very own RGB lighting patterns or simply use 13 kind of preset lighting effects for all your games and beautiful animations.
Visual inspection
The overall design of the keyboard is minimalist due to the metal construction and elevated keys. The Hermes P1 model uses a standard layout with no media or macro keys, these functions being integrated into the standard keys. The brushed aluminum surface helps to uniformly dissipate the key illumination.
The keyboard uses 5 rubber stands, two are rotative, thus elevating the rear part of the keyboard. In addition, the keyboard features a channel for routing the cable towards the sides of the keyboard.
On the rear of the keyboard we find the key-cap puller. This is a welcomed inclusion, due to it being often offered for sale as a separate product.
A feature of this keyboard is the detachable arm-wrest, it features a matte texture in contrast with the brushed metallic texture of the keyboard. The arm-wrest fixes onto the keyboard with the help of two plastic clamps.
The keyboard uses a 1.8m long black braided cable, the USB connector of the keyboard (pass-through) is gold plated. The sleeving of the cable is high quality.
Testing
The Hermes P1 model uses TTC Blue switches, these have an actuation force of 45g. The keyboard layout is standard without added keys. 
The keyboard features six configurable profiles, these can be accessed by using the numeric keys from 1 to 6, these are highlighted by the name “PF1”. Above there are placed the multimedia keys, starting from F2 up to F9.
The F4 key allows the users to change the W-A-S-D keys to the arrow keys from the right side.
The Macro configuration of the keys is done in combination with the FN key found on the F9 key. In order for the Macro keys and functions to register, the GAMDIAS Hera software must be installed and running.
In the case of the Hermes P1 model, six preinstalled illumination profiles can be accessed directly from the keyboard. Each key features a small diagram of the illumination mode it activates.
Software
The keyboard can be configured using the proprietary software of GAMDIAS the “Hera 2.7.3”. This piece of software has an intuitive interface, it is also very easy to use due to the overall layout of the menu. The background of the program is semi-transparent.
The Hermes P1 model was tested both in normal use & gaming.
Normal day to day use consisted of Internet browsing & a few writing applications (MS Word & Excel).
When it comes to games the keyboard behaved exemplary, being tested in multiple games.
The games used for testing are the following:
– Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege
– Battlefield 1 (multiplayer)
– Rise of the Tomb Raider
– Grand Theft Auto V
– The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
– Deus Ex: Mankind Divided
– Mass Effect: Andromeda
Final thoughts
The Gamdias Hermes P1 keyboard, through its concept, offers a good experience at a reasonable price. The exterior design is simple with a metal surface and plastic base, the aluminum is brushed and the keys are raised over the keyboard surface. The multicolor LED illumination is pleasing and the 6 preinstalled profiles do not require a driver to function, while they are accessible directly from the keyboard.
The Hermes P1 RGB keyboard uses TTC Brown switches similar in tactile feedback with Cherry MX Brown switches, making it easier to press than TCC Blue or Cherry MX Blue, and thus adding value to the overall experience.
The wrist wrest attaches to the metal body of the keyboard, but the mounting system is simplistic, and the stand is not fixed when the keyboard is moved.
In conclusion, with this model, GAMDIAS makes a step forward in the gaming keyboard segment, offering a good quality-price ratio and a pleasant experience in both daily and gaming use.
