Introduction

The first time I heard of GAMDIAS was when I caught the general media covering the smaller brands at Computex a few years ago. Their products all appeared to be named after Greek gods, which seemed like a gimmick at the time, but looking them up more did provide a background for this. Indeed, the very name GAMDIAS translates to "god of gaming". They went all-in here, with references to Zeus, Mount Olympus and more which you can catch here and here if interested. From where I stand, the name did the job in getting people's attention, and now, the product has to do its part. As such, we take a look at their Hermes P2 RGB keyboard here, and thanks again to GAMDIAS for providing a review sample.


The keyboard range from GAMDIAS is named Hermes, and I suppose it makes some sense. Regardless, there are sub-lines under the Hermes P/M name, and this particular one is the Hermes P2 RGB. GAMDIAS is marketing the use of optical switches here, so we have another entry joining the ever-growing list of keyboards choosing to ditch purely mechanical switches for optical ones. As the name suggests, we have RGB backlighting on a keyboard that has a fairly unique aesthetic with a wrist rest included and a dedicated volume scroll wheel as well. With a software driver promising more customization, let's begin the review of the keyboard with a look at the specifications below.

Specifications

Packaging and Accessories

The packaging for the GAMDIAS Hermes P2 arrived in a plastic wrap (not pictured), which does not do much, but if you want the box to be free of dust, then you shall have it. I like the aesthetics with lots of colors that are, however, organized to where nothing feels very busy. On the front is a large illustration of the keyboard with its salient specs and marketing features, and there is another column to the right with more points printed on. This continues on the back and sides as well to where one can tell GAMDIAS made the most of the available space here. There is a seal over a flap in the middle to help keep the contents inside in check.


Open the box and we see the keyboard itself in a foam wrap, with its cable in the same wrap as well. The lack of compartments here means everything is piled in, but then again, there is not much to see as far as accessories go. Included is a keycap puller inside a plastic pouch, and this is a ring-style puller with a plastic top and a puller out of metal. The metal too is on the rougher side and just increases the potential to scratch the sides of keycaps when in use. I would have rather seen a wire-style puller, but then again, I would much rather have GAMDIAS include an actual manual with the keyboard as well. There is an online manual available here, with support for multiple languages; however, there is no mention of this anywhere, and I dare say customers will go ignorant about it to then wonder about what the various pre-programmed functions do. GAMDIAS should change this as soon as able and include a printed manual—it's worth the price of admission.