Thermaltake Premium X1 RGB Review: a gaming keyboard that lights up a room

The TT Premium X1 is a keyboard that’s not shy about its love for light effects. Thermaltake has a number of different pieces of hardware that feature bright and colourful backlighting from power supplies, coolers, chassis and now they have a keyboard to match. The TT Premium X1 RBG could light up a rave but for $110 / £133 is there more to this keyboard than just a fancy light show? Straight out of the box, the TT Premium X1 RGB feels like a sturdy keyboard. It’s a full board with a good weight to it and has a sleek black matte finish. It has a single black braided cable that adds a little extra protection to the wired USB connection, and gives it the requisite ‘gamer’ aesthetic. It’s a heavy board but, because of the Cherry MX keys, typing feels effortless and light. You also get that lovely recogniseable audible click typical of mechanical switches. The TT Premium X1 RGB has Cherry MX Silver speed switches which feel great and respond ultra fast; the keys react with the lightest touch. You do also have the option of purchasing the Premium X1 RGB with Cherry MX Blue switches, but if you are into ultra fast feedback and competitive gaming then I’d recommend spending the extra $20 for the silver switches - they have a lower actuation point making them 40% faster than the Cherry MX standard switches.