Today we’re taking a look at an XPG full-sized mechanical keyboard from their Mage series. The design is based on the popular Kailh Red switches, with some additional features like macro keys and RGB lighting which are often found in premium keyboards today.
The “best mechanical keyboard” is a full-sized mechanical keyboard that uses the Cherry MX switches. It has a sleek black design and comes with anti-ghosting keycaps.
A decent keyboard is a vital aspect of any PC gaming setup, but buying a good one doesn’t have to be expensive. There are many of terrific mid-range keyboards out there that have all of the functions you need without the frills that push up the price. The XPG Mage is a full-sized mechanical gaming keyboard that seems to be all it claims to be.
ADATA’s gaming division, XPG, is well known for its hard drives. They reached out to us, requesting a fair and honest assessment of the Mage. Do they possess the necessary skills to produce the greatest mechanical gaming keyboards? Here’s what we discovered.
Specs (Zoom In)
- Form factor of a full-sized keyboard
- USB Type-C detachable cable
- Aluminum body with a gunmetal grey finish.
- Mechanical switches Kailh Red
- Software XPG Prime
- Backlighting in RGB
- Cost: $59.99
Quality in Design and Construction
The XPG comes with a quick start instructions, a guarantee, a detachable braided USB Type-C cable, and a sticker pack right out of the box. The Mage does not have a wrist wrest, unlike the XPG Summoner Keyboard we previously evaluated.
HGG / Cody Campbell photo
The keyboard itself has a great gunmetal grey aluminum shell with two feet at the rear of the board for increased inclination, giving it a neutral but attractive style. This strengthening also ensures that the board has no flex and is sufficiently heavy to prevent it from moving around when you’re using it.
The keycaps, on the other hand, are made of plain ABS plastic. As a result, they are less pleasant to write on and are more prone to develop wear over time. On the switches, they also feel a touch sloppy.
HGG / Cody Campbell photo
There are no dedicated media control keys, although the F7-12 keys have supplementary media control functionality. When you hold down the FN key, the RGB fades away, leaving just the keys with secondary functions lighted, making them simpler to discern.
Although the keycaps on this board may be replaced, it else seems strong and well crafted.
Red Kailh Switches
Kailh has long been one of the top makers of gaming mechanical keyboard switches. In my evaluation of the Kinesis TKO, I praised their Box White switches, and I like their red switches here.
These Kailh red switches have a smooth action, offering just enough resistance to provide input to the user without slowing them down. They’re just as easy to write on as they are to play on. Typing on the Mage produces a substantial amount of clickity-clack, however this is due to the keycaps rather than the switches.
HGG / Cody Campbell photo
The most popular among gamers are linear red switches, although they are not the only choice. They are, however, the only ones accessible on the Mage. Tactile or clicky switches are not recommended for users.
Gaming Capabilities
HGG / Cody Campbell photo
Brands often use the term “gaming” to describe their goods, but the only genuine measure of their utility in a crisis is to start up a game and observe how it functions when alien creatures are flying at you from all sides.
I put the XPG Mage to the test in game by playing some Prey, and I had a nice time. The switches were snappy and the keys were adequately spaced. Because it didn’t come with a wrist grip, I did have some joint fatigue after a time, but the board itself functioned well.
RGB and XPG Prime Software
A gamer’s customisation possibilities may be greatly enhanced by good software. Regrettably, the XPG Prime Software is abysmally poor. Only three profiles are available, and customizing choices are very restricted.
Static, color cycle, breathing, reactive, rainbow wave, and ripple are among the seven lighting effects available to users. On certain effects, they may also change the color, brightness, speed, and direction. There are additional keybinding settings including a “game mode” that enable the user to deactivate the windows key, alt + tab, or alt + F4 keys. Users may also utilize the Canvas capability to sync effects across several XPG devices.
Image courtesy of HGG / Cody Campbell
Other peripheral manufacturers’ control software apps often have a lot more customization and control options. To be fair, the XPG Prime Software works flawlessly, which is more than I can say for a lot of other control software – there’s just not much there.
Is the XPG Mage a Good Investment?
HGG / Cody Campbell photo
The XPG Mage is priced at $59.99, putting it in the midst of the budget and premium selections. That’s exactly where it belongs. Sure, the Prime Software should be improved, and the keyboard is lacking a few features (such as premium keycaps, media control buttons, and a wrist strap), but the Mage is well-built and works well in every activity.
Users who are prepared to pay more money may be better served with the Corsair K70 MK.2 Rapidfire, but there are few items with RGB and high-quality linear switches that can compete with the Mage at its price point.
Verdict (Zoom Out)
Create a high-quality product
Performance
Features
Value
Summary
The XPG Mage is a well-built keyboard that is reasonably priced. Although the program has limited functionality and lacks a few critical features, its build quality and durability make it a viable alternative for price-conscious consumers.
- With an aluminum face plate, the build quality is excellent.
- Kailh switches have a premium feel about them.
- Perfect functionality
- Keycaps that have a cheap feel to them
- There are no specific media restrictions.
- Software that isn’t up to par and RGB control that isn’t up to
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- cheap mechanical keyboard
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