I’m back with a review of the Genesis Thor 230 TKL keyboard variants. Same keyboard, different switches – ready to dive in? Let’s check them out!
Unboxing the Genesis Thor 230 TKL
Unboxing the Genesis Thor 230 TKL keyboards is a satisfying experience. The keyboard comes neatly wrapped, with swappable keycaps and a set of USB cables, all conveniently laid out at your fingertips. Each variant—Outemu Brown, Outemu Panda, and Outemu Red—comes in sleek, sturdy packaging that immediately gives off a good vibe. The boxes are adorned with vibrant images of the keyboards, along with key specifications and features. Inside, the keyboards are securely nestled in foam padding, ensuring they arrive in pristine condition. Alongside the keyboard, you’ll find a keycap puller, a switch puller (thanks to the hot-swap capability), and a user manual, among other thing, like some Genesis stickers.
Design and Build Quality
The Genesis Thor 230 TKL keyboards boast a compact, tenkeyless design, making them perfect for gamers who need extra desk space for mouse movements. In simple terms that don’t come with any side buttons for specific macro creations or a number pad section. The keyboards feature a non-floating key design, which gives them a sleek, modern look. The build quality is impressive, with a robust plastic frame that feels durable and resistant to flex. The double injection keycaps are sturdy and resistant to wear, ensuring the legends remain crisp and clear even after extensive use.
Weight and Portability
Weighing in at around 812 grams, these keyboards strike a balance between heft and portability. They are heavy enough to stay firmly in place during intense gaming sessions but light enough to be easily transported to LAN parties or gaming events. I was able to bring mine on holiday to France, did not add much weight at all. The detachable USB-C cable adds to their portability, allowing for easy packing and setup.
Key Switches and Sound
Each variant of the Genesis Thor 230 TKL offers a unique typing experience, thanks to the different Outemu switches:
- Outemu Brown Switches: These switches provide a tactile bump without the audible click, making them ideal for both gaming and typing. The sound is relatively quiet, so they won’t disturb others in the room.
- Outemu Panda Switches: Known for their smooth and linear feel, these switches are a joy to use. They are slightly quieter than the Browns, with a soft, muted sound that is perfect for late-night gaming sessions.
- Outemu Red Switches: These linear switches are the quietest of the three, offering a smooth keystroke with minimal resistance. They are perfect for fast-paced gaming, where rapid key presses are essential.
Specs and Features
The Genesis Thor 230 TKL keyboards are packed with features that cater to gamers and typists alike:
- RGB Lighting: Each keyboard comes with customizable RGB lighting, allowing you to personalize your setup with a wide range of colors and effects. The lighting is bright and vibrant, with excellent diffusion through the keycaps.
- Hot-Swap Capability: One of the standout features is the hot-swap capability, which allows you to easily swap out switches without soldering. This is perfect for those who like to experiment with different switch types or need to replace a faulty switch.
- Mute Foam and Pre-Lubricated Stabilizers: These features help to reduce noise and improve the overall typing experience, making the keyboards feel smooth and responsive.
- Wired Connectivity: The keyboards connect via a detachable USB-C cable, ensuring a stable and reliable connection with minimal latency. This is crucial for competitive gaming, where every millisecond counts.
- N-Key Rollover: (NKRO) allows a keyboard to register multiple simultaneous key presses accurately. It ensures no missed inputs or ghosting, which is essential for fast typing and gaming.
Functionality and User Experience
Using the Genesis Thor 230 TKL keyboards is a pleasure, thanks to their responsive keys and ergonomic design. The keyboards are easy to set up, with plug-and-play functionality that works seamlessly with both Windows and macOS. The included software allows for extensive customization, from remapping keys to creating macros and adjusting the RGB lighting.
Gaming Performance
When it comes to gaming, the Genesis Thor 230 TKL keyboards are great. I tested them with a variety of new releases, including Space Marine 2 and Visions of Mana, and the performance was good across the board:
- Space Marine 2: The fast-paced action and intense combat of Space Marine 2 were handled effortlessly by the keyboards. The Outemu Red switches, in particular, provided the rapid response needed for quick reflexes and precise movements.
- Visions of Mana: This game’s intricate controls and complex spells were a breeze with the Outemu Brown switches. The tactile feedback helped ensure that every command was executed accurately, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
Multimedia Experience
The Genesis Thor 230 TKL keyboards aren’t just for gaming; they also excel in everyday use, including listening to music and watching movies:
- Listening to Music: The keyboards’ media controls make it easy to adjust the volume, skip tracks, and pause/play music without leaving your game or application. The Outemu Panda switches were particularly enjoyable for this, as their smooth, quiet operation didn’t interfere with the listening experience.
- Watching Movies: The customizable RGB lighting can be set to a subtle, ambient glow, creating the perfect atmosphere for movie nights. The keyboards’ compact design also means they don’t take up too much space, leaving plenty of room for snacks and drinks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Genesis Thor 230 TKL keyboards are a fantastic choice for gamers and typists alike. Each variant offers a unique typing experience, with high-quality switches, robust build quality, and a plethora of features that enhance usability and performance. Whether you’re gaming, typing, listening to music, or watching movies, these keyboards deliver a top-notch experience that is hard to beat. If you’re in the market for a new keyboard, the Genesis Thor 230 TKL should definitely be on your shortlist.
GENESIS Thor 230 TKL | Gaming keyboard
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Written by myself, Helped and edited by my partner Natalie Thomas
