Going by the feature set and pricing, the Tecware Phantom RGB seems extremely similar to the 1stplayer Bullet Hunter MK6 we took a look at a few months ago. Both feature the CIY switch design for easily swappable switches and, consequently, increased mechanical keyboard customization. The 1stplayer offering comes in at $5 more, but does offer dedicated volume and media controls, although the design of the Tecware Phantom RGB is arguably better done. The true comparison, however, is with the Glorious Modular Mechanical Keyboard (GMMK) as it is effectively another take on the common OEM platform of the Tecware offering. Indeed, the PCB, case, and even keycaps share a lot of DNA, as does the software driver, which we discussed before. The GMMK has more switch options from the get go, but costs more than twice as much as the Tecware Phantom RGB. All this effectively means that the Tecware Phantom RGB offers more value for money to customers, especially those looking at the GMMK.

There are compromises here as nothing can be perfect, let alone a keyboard at $50 that is nearly the same as one selling for $110, which itself had issues. There is only a year of warranty, which can be found wanting for those dubious of a relatively unknown brand. The software driver offers a poor user experience at the best of times and does not really do much onboard controls don't do already. The common platform used also means that Tecware really does not have much that is new to offer here, so much so that the software driver is nearly two years old at this point. Indeed, carving out its own identity in this market is hard for the Phantom RGB even with the modular switch feature in mind. As it is, the $50 price point is a great deal and alone does plenty to justify the keyboard. However, the list of pros outweighs the cons heavily even outside of pricing, so I have no problems recommending it to the vast majority of our readers.