So recently, my beloved Merc Stealth keyboard (the best keyboard in the world) started feeling mushy. Since they don't make them anymore and it is pretty darn old, I decided to look for a new keyboard. I got a newegg deal on a G.skill 780 RGB mechanical keyboard with cherry mx red switches for $99. I ordered it Saturday night and it was here on Monday. One of the perks of living so close to one of their warehouses.
 

Now, I HATE when things are marketed for "gaming" and the picture of the rainbow keys make me want to puke but the reviews were good and the price was right. I have only used a few mechanical keyboards before and it was a long time ago so I don't have much to compare this too but here are my 8 cents...
 
The Good
The first thing I noticed on this keyboard is the build quality. The aluminum chassis has a very cool brushed finish to it and it feels very solid. I was not expecting so much weight but in a good way. They put a "bar" that runs around a bit of the edge that fits with the rest of the aesthetics that is not too prominent but adds just a touch of style. This bar also serves as a connection point for the wrist pad and the tray for the extra gaming keys. The braided cord is very thick and it also has an audio and usb pass-through. There is also a hinged mouse cord holder in the back. Mouse cords never got in my way before but it's still a nice extra.

 
Not sure if all keyboards are built this way but the keys are slightly raised from the body which from the side, looks a tad odd but doesn't seem to effect it's performance.

 
The tactile feel of the keys was a nice surprise. The best words I can think of to describe typing on this are "snappy" and "articulate". They respond perfectly just as they should with an upper mid range click sound to the keys. Nowhere near as loud as some other cherry mx red keyboards I have heard but not as quiet as a membrane keyboard. The layout is standard with 6 added macro keys on the side, media control keys with an awesome volume wheel that has led lights to indicate volume. There are also 3 profile buttons to save lighting effects and layouts.
 
The lighting is where this keyboard really shines. Almost every single key on this keyboard can be tailored to whatever color you can think of. The lighting can do silly stuff like a "breathing" effect, cycle and ripple effect. Most of the time, I just want it to stay on. I have seen some effects that are full of epileptic nausea.

 
Since my hands were used to the Merc Stealth's layout that could only be used 1 way, I had to relearn contorting my fingers to the standard WASD layout. Since all the keys feel the same, I found myself actually having to glace at the keyboard during game play a few times. This is where the customization came in handy. I made the WASD keys a different color along with some other well used keys and it actually helps a lot. While I don't believe that the software is as intuitive as say the Corsair K70, it does plenty for me. I already feel like a big enough geek being almost 40 with a "light up", "gaming" keyboard. 

 
The Bad
My biggest complaint about this keyboard is the wrist pad. I am pretty sure my hands are average sized but this came nowhere near to fitting for me. The wrist pad on this is actually painful to use during gaming. It can not be adjusted in any way. I would think that making a cheap plastic slide option would be easy to do but as it stands, it needs to pull out away from the keyboard. It's not as obtrusive when typing but I ended up leaving it off. Too bad because it looked cool when it was on.

 
The next issue is the extra "gaming" keys that are included. I was hoping that I could replace the WASD keys with  textured keys that my hand would gravitate to but the slope on these keys are is so steep, they feel like points. They are so uncomfortable and I can't see anyone actually using these. The little box they come in with the key puller is handy but they really missed the mark on this one. Especially since this is supposed to be a "gamer" keyboard.

 
The last thing is pretty minor. The lighting for the media keys can not be changed to anything but off and red. Not a big deal to me but it may ruin someones uber nerd color scheme. The software takes some getting used to but it works.
 
 
On a side note, I had an issue a few times playing Metal Gear: Phantom Pain where I would be walking in a direction and then it was like a key was stuck going and I was all of the sudden going in another direction. I made sure I didn't have a stray finger hitting a key or any other obstruction. This was grounds for an immediate return but after I googled the issue, it turns out to be a fairly common occurrence in that game regardless of the keyboard used. My Merc never had that issue with that game and I have almost completed it. I will keep an eye on it and try some other games to be certain.
 
Conclusion
The Merc Stealth's gaming keys are hands down the best I have ever played on and going back to a regular keyboard layout is frustrating, uncomfortable and I don't like it but I am not going to find any fault in this keyboard or any other since the Merc was one of those unique layouts. (Oh how I miss the Merc's crouch key. Pushing "C" to crouch sucks!!)
For what it is, this G.skill keyboard hits almost all the right marks and could be a near perfect keyboard with a few changes.  I think I am going to keep it but I may try one of those Razer Tartarus gaming pads just for giggles. If you are looking for a mechanical keyboard with RGB lighting, I would say this is a good, solid choice. I doubt I would ever pay the full $140 regular price for it but for $100, I am pretty happy.
 
My score is 8.5 out of 10.

Well I debated back and forth to return this keyboard but I put my Merc Stealth on ebay and it's already going to sell for what I spent on the G.skill keyboard. I played on a few membrane "gaming computers" and I think I am going to keep it. The keys just seem to respond better. Not thrilled that I spent $100 on a keyboard but I am going to call it an even trade for my old one as most of the Stealths are getting over $100 on there. I think I am going to spoil myself and order one of those Razer Keypads too. $70 on Amazon and the returns are so easy, I am going to take a chance. Even if I end up using the Razer for gaming, this keyboard is really cool.