The dispute over what to choose - "mechanics" or "membrane" already exists for a long time, each solution has a huge fan base. But in modern models, mechanical keyboards are becoming less and less common. Genius GX Gaming Manticore is aimed specifically at advanced gamers, here the developers tried to convey the feeling of using mechanical keys.

Why are mechanical keyboards so good? They are loved for their durability, less risk of breakage due to spilled liquids or falling, as well as the ability to clamp a large number of buttons at once. What do you need from a product that is aimed at advanced gamers? This is speed, the presence of additional buttons for macros and intelligent software for configuration. Nice additions are appearance and the possibility of customization, the latter is often solved by backlighting. It's all there in Genius Keyboard. But whether everything is so good in practice, we'll see during testing.

Video review Genius GX Gaming Manticore

Genius GX Gaming Manticore Availability

At the time of testing, the average cost of Genius GX Gaming Manticore, according to the Yandex.Market service, is 3175 rubles.

Equipment

The keyboard comes in a massive, brightly designed package made of soft cardboard. Inside the keyboard is fixed in a separate block. On the sides of the box is placed information on technical specifications and proprietary technologies of this model.

The buyer receives a CD with software and a warranty card.

Appearance

Representatives of the GX Gaming line stand out noticeably from model range Genius. We have already tested a number of mice from this series. This is manifested both in the design of the elements and in the dimensions of the case.

Bevelled corners, additional buttons, differences in the plane, inserts along the edges - all this makes a good impression.

The basis uses plastic, there is a combination of matte and glossy finish. The gloss area, unfortunately, is quite large, so there are a lot of fingerprints.

Genius GX Gaming Manticore installed full set traditional buttons. There are full-sized Enter and Shift buttons. The keys are standard size and have a lot of travel.

At first, the buttons are pressed with little effort, there is a not very pleasant creak. This effect disappears with use.

But the noise of clicks on the keys remains, here we have a reference to mechanical keyboards.

The case contains blocks of additional buttons. In the zone on the left are eight programmable G-keys. Additional software is required to configure them. Not a very convenient solution in terms of button placement - here they are arranged in pairs, it is problematic to determine the right one out of habit.

Another block from the bottom under the key - SPACEBAR. These are the P1, P2 and P3 buttons, they are responsible for switching settings profiles. In order not to get confused in the active profile, you can make your own backlight color for each.

Another useful button is located in the upper zone, it is responsible for starting macro recording. Thus, the necessary macros can be entered directly in the game without switching to the proprietary utility.

In the upper zone of the Genius GX Gaming Manticore, it is also worth highlighting the buttons for controlling the media player and the button for changing the backlight.

On the bottom edge there are five rubber feet that fix the keyboard well on a flat surface. To change the angle, two folding legs are provided. The angle of inclination is not so great.

A block with two USB ports is displayed from one of the corners. Convenient if you need to connect a drive - no need to reach for system unit. But for its operation, you will have to use two USB connectors on the case at once.

Since the keyboard is connected using two USB connectors, only one can optionally be connected. The cable itself is long enough and comes in a fabric sheath.

Soft

To unlock the full potential of the Genius GX Gaming Manticore Keyboard, a proprietary software download is required. Download it from the official site or a complete disk. Everything is problematic with the site at the moment, on Russian version There is no download link, I managed to find only in English.

Scorpion UI is divided into four main tabs. A block for selecting the active profile is displayed in the lower part, including the ability to backup and downloading the finished profile. The last point is useful if the keyboard is taken with you to a LAN party or competition.

The main window offers a setting for the G-key block. The setting is in the form of a drop-down list. There is a pre-installed list of hot actions, but there are not as many of them as we would like. Each button can have its own macro.

The Genius GX Gaming Manticore works with macros in a separate tab. The tool makes it possible not only to record, but also to edit the time interval between clicks.

In the third tab, you can block the WIN button. We block it for each profile separately. You can also activate the profile when you open a game or a specific program.

The fourth tab is the backlight setting. Each of the three zones is configured separately. It is possible not only to select the color of the backlight, but also to turn on the ripple. The utility lacks the ability to check for software updates and keyboard firmware.

Testing

Used test stand:

Model	Data
Frame	Aerocool Strike-X Air
Motherboard	Biostar Hi-Fi Z87X 3D
CPU	Intel Core i5-4670K Haswell
CPU cooler	Deep Cool Ice Blade Pro v2.0
RAM	Corsair CMX16GX3M2A1600C11 DDR3-1600 16GB Kit CL11
HDD	ADATA XPG SX900 256 GB
Hard disk 2	WD Red WD20EFRX
Power Supply	No problem in everyday tasks and typing a large amount of texts. Although I did not really like the small area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe wrist placement area. Because of this, the angle of the brush is not very comfortable. Totals for Genius GX Gaming Manticore Genius GX Gaming Manticore is a keyboard with a good level of performance, it is quite capable of competing with offers from more hyped brands in the price range from 3000 to 5000 rubles. A set of additional buttons, a system of settings profiles, macro recording, built-in memory, good assembly, three-zone lighting, USB connectors on the case are offered.

Logitech has announced the release of the Logitech G512 mechanical gaming keyboard. The novelty is the development of models G413 and G513. It is offered in three versions, differing in switches. To the Tactile and Linear switches already known from other models, a new one has been added - GX Blue.

The Tactile switch provides a pronounced tactile response, while the Linear provides smooth pressing keys. The new GX Blue switch provides not only a tactile effect, but also an audible feedback in the form of a clearly distinguishable click.

Other features of the Logitech G512 include four-zone full-color backlighting, programmable using Logitech Gaming Software (LGS).

The body of Logitech G512 is made of anodized aluminum. Built-in connection is used USB cable. The connection is made through, that is, the keyboard is equipped with USB port 2.0.

Only the black version of the keyboard is available. It costs $100. In addition, the manufacturer intends to offer a variant of the Logitech G513 with GX Blue switches for $150.

Genius announces the GX Manticore, the next generation of professional keyboards for gaming in all categories. It's optimized controllable backlighting, a completely new mechanical keystroke experience, and the confidence to win.

With a palette of 16 million colors, you can choose your favorite backlight color within 3 clustered areas, as well as adjust the brightness using 4 different levels. Combined key illumination gives you a tactical advantage in low light conditions.

8 side macro keys will help to increase the number of "quick" commands. Allowing you to assign 24 macros, they will help you quickly and without unnecessary actions switch to the game mode. The tactile feel of the keys is so sensitive that you can play blindly.

User interface Scorpion includes 3 game profiles for different game categories with the ability to fast switching between them.

GX Manticore has built-in memory to prevent delay in command execution. 6 separate media control keys allow you to quickly control audio / video content. The anti-ghost function allows you to press up to 20 keys at the same time without the effect of delaying the execution of commands.

With two additional USB ports located directly on the keyboard, you can connect USB peripherals: headphones, mouse, speakers, etc.

Noticed an error? Select a piece of text and press CTRL+ENTER!

Genius, with its GX Gaming brand, seems to be serious about conquering the market for manipulators designed specifically for gamers. We have already managed to get acquainted with the mouse, which left a very favorable impression.

Today we will get acquainted with a larger "weapon" - the GX Gaming Manticore keyboard, among the combat capabilities of which you can find everything that a serious e-sports player needs. Let's get to know each other.

Packaging and equipment

The keyboard is sold in a cardboard box of impressive size, which is decorated in dark colors. There are many pictograms on the packaging that tell about the main "chips" of the device inside.

In addition to the keyboard, the kit includes a user manual and a CD with drivers.

Design and ergonomics

The keyboard, as befits a gaming device, has a very aggressive design. Beveled corners, a combination of black matte and glossy plastic, as well as scarlet "metal-like" inserts on the sides - all this looks impressive.

The main blocks of keys are completely standard. Enter big, both Shift keys wide, backspace short. The keys have standard sizes and a fairly long travel. Pressing at the same time is of medium elasticity, the level of generated noise can also be described as medium. This keyboard is suitable not only for games, but also for typing.

What surprised me a little in the gaming keyboard is the WASD block, which is not highlighted either visually or tactilely.

To the left of the main unit are eight programmable G-keys, which have a somewhat unusual shape, expressed in the inclination of each pair of buttons towards each other. Thus, they are quite comfortable to the touch.

There are three functions available for each of these keys, which can be switched between banks using the P1, P2 and P3 buttons. They are in front of the Space button.

The MR key, located behind F11, is responsible for recording macros. To the left of it are four media player control buttons, as well as a button responsible for the backlight. With its help, successive presses can change the brightness of the backlight from minimum to medium, and then to maximum, or turn it off completely.

The Lock mode indicators are in their usual place, they also have an MR indicator, which, by its blinking, signals the macro recording process.

Noteworthy is the absence of one important detail for a gaming keyboard - a button that blocks the Win key.

One more useful feature This keyboard may have two USB ports located on the rear end near its right edge. This is very convenient, because there is no need to bend over to the system unit, for example, to connect a USB flash drive.

Let's look at the bottom. Here we have five rubber pads that exclude any movement of the keyboard on the table, and two large folding legs that allow you to tilt the case towards you. Also in the back there are grooves that make it possible to put the cable in them and take it out of the case in the place you need: if you want closer to the left edge, if you want - to the right, or even in the middle.

The cable, by the way, has an impressive thickness and is placed in a fabric sheath. At its end are two USB connectors, because. for the operation of the keyboard, backlight and USB ports, one is not enough.

In work

With the help of Scorpion UI proprietary software, which is installed from a disk or downloaded, you can configure and reassign buttons, save up to three profiles on a computer or keyboard memory, and record macros. The "Advanced" tab also revealed the ability to disable the Win key in each of the profiles. AT last tab You can customize the backlight color for each of the three zones.

As for the behavior of the keyboard in general, then, as already mentioned, it is quite suitable for typing. But after all the keypad game - what texts? Really. In games, the GX Gaming Manticore behaves decently, the keys have good feedback, so no matter the style of keystrokes, there are no problems.

All additional features in the form of G-keys, profiles and macro recording are implemented with high quality and work as they should.

It is also worth noting the backlight, which in the heat of night battles is very useful. The ability to change its colors is also not superfluous, because the default RGB combination is not entirely successful. But the yellow or orange backlight in the dark is very pleasant.

Conclusion

GX Gaming Manticore is a good alternative to more expensive gaming keyboards. She has everything you need for virtual battles: G-keys, the ability to change profiles, macro recording, built-in memory. Separately, it is worth noting the convenient buttons for controlling multimedia functions and high-quality backlighting, the color of which can be changed at your discretion.

Backlighting can come in handy in the evening and at night, and at the same time you are not limited to the color chosen by the developers. There were some annoying little things in the form of the absence of a separate shutdown button Win keys, but it can be blocked in the profile settings, so this nuance can be forgiven.

Photos taken in TECHLABS studio, photographer Kirill Kruchinin

Nektar keys are commonly associated by users with DAW integration. The Impact GX49 and GX61 are no exception.

Their compact design makes them easy to place in front of your computer, and they offer high functionality that other full-fledged controllers are not capable of. Impact GX 49 and 61 let you save your ideas for moments of inspiration.

Compactness. Power. Control.

IMPACT GX KEYBOARD

The Impact GX49 and GX61 MIDI keyboards are dynamic and expressive instruments designed for both studio work and performance. The interface is authentic and no frills.

The controllers have keyboards for 49 notes (4 octaves) or 61 notes (5 octaves), a pitch wheel, a modulation wheel and a pedal jack. Two color-coded octave switches allow you to shift the range of the keyboard by -3/+4 octaves with a change in the color of the LED indicators showing the current status.

Dedicated transpose buttons let you shift the keyboard range up to +/- 12 semitones. Buttons can be quickly remapped to change the Global MIDI Channel or program messages. In addition, an assignable fader provides control over any MIDI parameters, adjusting the mix volume by default.

The Nektar DAW Integration feature for most commonly used DAWs makes it easy to set up synchronization. With the Impact GX49, your controller's keyboard becomes part of your system and gives you the freedom to create, perform, and play without having to constantly be distracted by the mouse.

TRANSPORT - EXPANDS OPPORTUNITIES!

Eight DAW control buttons are at the center of the Impact GX. With other keyboards, it often happens that basic tasks like activating vehicles or navigating tracks are often repeated and each time make you distracted by using the mouse. With Nektar DAW Integration, eight buttons expand functionality, including transport controls and many other important DAW features right from Impact GX.

Buttons can also be assigned to MIDI commands when used with any MIDI software that is not supported by Nektar DAW Integration. Primary and secondary commands can be programmed for each of the 7 buttons, providing a total of 14 programmable options.

NEKTAR DAW INTEGRATION - ALL FUNCTIONS AVAILABLE

The Nektar DAW integration is carefully thought out to make the best use of your Nektar hardware. This gives you the freedom to be creative without having to constantly look for the mouse when you're in the creative process.

With the Nektar DAW integration, the hard work is already done so you don't have to do it yourself. Once installed, Impact GX offers an advanced set of features not normally available on a compact controller.

Transport controls with the ability to jump and set locators, track navigation, adjust volume, launch windows, and navigate patches are available directly from Impact GX.

MIDI CONTROLLER and SETUP FUNCTIONS

Impact GX is a MIDI controller and DAW controller. If you are using software MIDI that is not supported by Nektar DAW Integration, you will have many options available to control MIDI on your own.

Each of the 14 assignable MIDI buttons, modulation wheel, foot switch and of course the big fader can be assigned to send MIDI cc messages. The assignable buttons (14) can also be configured to send a Program Message or MMC transport control. MMC (MIDI Machine Control) is often supported by non-integrated DAW versions, so with this option, Impact GX covers all areas of work.

The Setup menu also lets you quickly send Program, Bank LSB/MSB messages, as well as select setup options for one of 4 velocity curves, Global MIDI Channel setting, and transpose button assignments.

CONNECTIVITY AND APPLE iOS

As a low power USB device, the Impact GX works with all USB devices that have a Class compliant MIDI driver. All supported Windows versions from XP and above, Apple OS X 10.5 and above, and Linux (provided that the USB MIDI driver is installed).

If you travel frequently, you can easily connect your Impact GX keyboard to iPad Apple using the optional iPad USB Camera Connection Kit (USB camera connection kit sold separately). Impact GX is fully iPad compatible, so you can work while your iPad is charged.

BITWIG 8-TRACK INCLUDED

Impact GX comes with specialized Bitwig 8-Track software so you can start creating and performing professionally right away. Bitwig 8-Track gives you access to over 50 software instruments and effects for up to eight project audio or MIDI tracks. You can also use any third party VST plugins. The "Bitwig Essentials Package", containing a versatile set of loops, clips and samples, is also included. Together it is a powerful system for bringing musical ideas to life, incorporating the renowned Bitwig Studio technology.

Nektar DAW Integration supports Bitwig 8-Track, so sharing Nektar Impact GX and Bitwig 8-Track would be a fantastic combo. For beginners, this is the perfect way to take your first steps into the world of digital music production. And professionals will be amazed at the breadth of Bitwig's Nektar Impact GX!