Closer Examination

With dedicated macro keys to the left and the EVGA logo in the center placed in a similar manner to the Z20, the EVGA Z12 is a full-size keyboard that takes inspiration from EVGA's current flagship keyboard. That logo is not etched into a metal block, though. Instead, you get an acrylic piece that is not even backlit. We have seen similar implementations from other companies wherein a budget-oriented membrane keyboard aims to replicate a premium mechanical keyboard in the physical layout, but of course cuts down on features to hit the price point. This means the EVGA Z12 makes do with ABS plastic for the case and keycaps, with actual case size and design matching the design language of the other recently released EVGA keyboards. Bezels are about average in size, and the all-black color scheme helps make this keyboard fairly universal in appeal.

The numpad has secondary legends below the primary ones, and the alphanumeric section switches things by having them alongside. While this means the legends are smaller than I'd like, it allows for some keyboard-specific tertiary legends to be placed underneath. This makes for some busy looking keycaps, but helps with functionally. As seen above, single legend placement is in the top left of the keycap, which suggests that backlighting is stronger towards the top of the keycaps. As such, legends placed further below may not be backlit to the same extent.


Flipping the keyboard around, we see a textured finish on the back as well as holes to aid with the IP32 dust and spill resistance. There is an EVGA logo in the plastic case panel, as well as the usual certification sticker with another logo and the product certification. We also see five long rubber pads along the top and bottom edges for friction against the resting surface and to prevent scratches to the case. Two sets of keyboard feet at the top corners each allow for two optional elevations. Continuing the design scheme, these feet have rubber pads, which prevents scratching the feet as well.


EVGA has gone with an attached cable, and a thick one at that. It protrudes from the middle at the top facing away from the user and is braided in black. The cable terminates in a male USB Type-A connector, which is gold-plated for additional oxidation resistance. A spare USB port on your computer is needed here thus, and USB 2.0 will suffice for power and data alike.


EVGA is using the OEM profile for the keycaps, with the six rows all sculpted and angled as with your average pre-built mechanical keyboard. While the included keycap puller works, its ring design can scratch the sides of keycaps. The stock keycaps are all thin ABS plastic (average wall thickness 0.89 mm) with laser-etched legends, which unfortunately does mean they will wear out sooner rather than later. The keycaps are backlighting compatible, although as we speculated above, the legends below the primary ones do not get as brightly backlit with north-facing LEDs. That said, we have the membrane switches that may have central LEDs to help alleviate that concern. Keycap sizes and spacing are standard, so aftermarket keycap sets will work even if they may end up costing more than the keyboard itself.


The EVGA Z12 keyboard uses membrane switches, but they come enclosed in a molded white cover that adds dust and spill resistance and improves LED light reflections for a brighter light show. While the actuation mechanism of these membrane switches is no different from others in having a rubber dome sheet below the slider for tactile feedback and resistance, EVGA has modified the slider to incorporate a Cherry MX-style stem for increased keycap compatibility. As suspected, central backlighting is also confirmed. The larger keycaps use the simpler wire stabilizer on the outside, and there is no lube to be found anywhere. The space bar keycap in particular feels quite mushy.

Since these are simply soldered membrane switches without a lot of complicated features for the USB microcontroller, there wasn't much to gain from disassembly. As such I did not bother opening up the keyboard.