When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the Genesis Thor 660 strikes a fine balance between portability and performance. This 60% keyboard is designed for gamers and productivity enthusiasts who value a clutter-free desk without sacrificing essential features. Over the past few weeks, I’ve tested it extensively with Diablo 4: Vessels of Hatred, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, and Space Marine 2. Here’s my comprehensive take on how the Genesis Thor 660 performs across different scenarios.
Design and Build Quality
The Genesis Thor 660 boasts a sleek and minimalistic design with a 60% layout, eliminating the function row, numpad, and dedicated arrow keys. Despite its compact form, the keyboard is robust, thanks to its durable plastic chassis and PBT keycaps, which provide a premium feel and resistance to wear.
- Build: The keyboard feels solid and doesn’t flex under pressure, making it durable for heavy use.
- Portability: Weighing just under 600g give or take a gram here and there unless my weighing machine is broken, it’s incredibly portable. Perfect for gamers on the go or those with limited desk space.
- Keycaps: The PBT keycaps feature a smooth finish with excellent light diffusion, enhancing the RGB lighting.
Switches: Gateron Red and Brown
Genesis equips the Genesis Thor 660 with Gateron Red and Gateron Brown switches, catering to both gaming and typing enthusiasts.
- Gateron Red: Linear and smooth, these switches offer quick, quiet keystrokes, ideal for action-packed titles like Diablo 4 and Space Marine 2. The rapid response time helps maintain a competitive edge in fast-paced combat.
- Gateron Brown: These tactile switches provide a subtle bump with each keystroke, delivering satisfying feedback for typing and precise inputs in games like Horizon Zero Dawn, where timing matters.
Both switch options include lubricated stabilizers for larger keys, ensuring consistent and quieter operation.
Gaming Experience
Diablo 4: Vessels of Hatred
Navigating Sanctuary in Diablo 4 requires precision, especially in high-intensity boss fights. The Gateron Red switches’ fast actuation allowed me to execute attacks and dodge maneuvers seamlessly. The compact layout didn’t hinder my experience, as the macro functionality helped streamline complex input sequences.
Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered
The vast open world of Horizon Zero Dawn challenges players with tactical combat and exploration. The Gateron Red switches enhanced my experience, making each arrow shot and trap placement feel deliberate and controlled. The RGB lighting complemented the game’s stunning visuals, adding immersion during nighttime sequences.
Space Marine 2
As a third-person shooter, Space Marine 2 thrives on chaos and intensity. Quick reflexes are crucial, and the Genesis Thor 660 didn’t disappoint. The smooth keystrokes of the Gateron Red switches made chaining melee attacks and switching weapons feel natural and fluid, crucial during massive battles.
Connectivity and Battery Life
The Genesis Thor 660 offers dual connectivity options: USB-C wired mode and Bluetooth 5.0 wireless mode.
- Wired Mode: Provides low latency, making it ideal for competitive gaming where every millisecond counts.
- Wireless Mode: Allows pairing with up to three devices, with a quick toggle function. This versatility is perfect for multitaskers who switch between gaming, work, and other devices.
Battery Life: With its 3000mAh battery, the Genesis Thor 660 can deliver up to 40 hours of usage with RGB lighting enabled. During my tests, it lasted several extended gaming sessions on a single charge, and with lighting off, you can easily stretch that further.
RGB Lighting and Customization
RGB enthusiasts will appreciate the Genesis Thor 660’s per-key customizable RGB lighting. The keyboard offers 19 preset lighting modes, ranging from wave effects to reactive lighting.
- Customization: While the onboard controls are sufficient for basic tweaks, the companion software provides more in-depth customization, including key remapping and creating custom profiles. However, the software is relatively barebones compared to competitors like Corsair iCUE.
The lighting is vibrant and evenly distributed, adding a dynamic visual flair to your setup. It enhances the atmospheric experience in games with dark environments, like Diablo 4.
Typing and Everyday Use
Beyond gaming, the Genesis Thor 660 excels as a daily driver for typing. Whether drafting documents or managing spreadsheets, the Gateron Red switches provide a balanced typing experience. The compact form factor does pose a learning curve for those accustomed to full-sized keyboards, but the transition is worth it for the desk space saved.
Pricing and Availability
Retailing for around £70-£80, the Genesis Thor 660 offers excellent value given its performance and feature set. You can purchase it directly from Genesis’ official store or major online retailers like Amazon.
Final Verdict
The Genesis Thor 660 is a stellar choice for gamers and minimalists alike. Its compact form doesn’t compromise on essential features, and its dual connectivity and vibrant RGB lighting make it a versatile addition to any setup. While its software could use some improvement, and the lack of dedicated keys might not suit everyone, it delivers exceptional performance for its price.
Genesis Thor 660 First Look Video
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I reviewed it and edited it with my partner.
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