Performance

The Thermaltake Level 20 GT RGB keyboard supports N-key rollover USB out of the box, which tested successfully using Aqua's test. Switch Hitter confirmed no chatter with these keys either, and the right Windows keys is replaced with an Fn key as usually the case these days.

When first connected and running, the keyboard lights up in a rainbow wave lighting effect, which is different from the default option for the software profiles (static red on all keys). The transition animation is smooth, and the effect is a good demo to also ensure the keyboard is powered on and working properly.


In a separate test via one of the preset multi-color options, I tested for light bleed, and it was definitely present at the common edges because of the floating keycaps, but not to where it is distracting. Indeed, the light show from all the RGB LEDs underneath the keys and the light bar makes for a bigger attention grab anyway. I then manually set all the keys to white using the software driver to test for color fidelity since RGB LEDs have a hard time depicting white, and it was a white with a light blue hue in this case.

Here are some more of the lighting effects demonstrated, including a spiral rainbow, rain (drop), and color pulse, making full use of the hardware and software alike. There is a good amount of onboard control over choosing the lighting effects, as well as customizing the speed and direction as relevant. You also have 512 colors available onboard via 8-bit RGB channels, and can then switch to the software for more granular control if needed.



The onboard functionality is very handy for those who prefer not to use the software drivers a lot. There are dedicated buttons for media playback, a volume mute toggle button, volume scroll wheel, lighting on/off button, Win lock button, and profile switching between the six profiles saved on the device itself, which can have their own associated lighting as well to make them more readily distinguishable. The key-assignment options in TT iTAKE allow for users to also go with layouts other than QWERTY, and here, I used the source code from an older keyboard review in a layout tester (courtesy of Patrick Gillespie). The results above indicate that QWERTY is not even close to the most efficient layout for me, and very likely you as well. If you are willing, try out Colemak or Dvorak as they will result in lower finger travel and fatigue overall. As such, the driver offers a significant functional tool if you are willing to devote some time to adopting either Colemak or Dvorak. Here is the link to the full results if you are interested, including a detailed analysis on key presses and distances moved.



As always, the sound of a keyboard is based on more than just the switch type. So when comparing sound clips, consider the keyboard as a whole. In this case, I have provided above an example sound clip of me typing on the Level 20 GT RGB keyboard sample at ~110 WPM as it comes out of the box. For context, you can find sound clips from other keyboards here, including those with tactile and clicky switches. I did bottom out more often than not, but it is easier to train yourself not to with these Razer Green switches. This was my first time with these switches, and Razer started out with their own custom mechanical switches in the form of these very Razer Green switches a few years ago. While originally manufactured by Kailh to Razer's specifications, the switches have since been developed by multiple manufacturers, so quality control can be a potential issue more than within batches from the same factory. This is a light-medium weight clicky switch with actuation rated at 50 gf and ~1.9 mm travel, with a total travel distance of 4 mm and reset closer to 1.5 mm. This 0.4 mm difference between actuation and reset means you may end up wanting to fully have the keys back to 0 before hitting it again, but I otherwise liked the typing experience on these switches providing crisp and satisfying feedback even compared to the much more famous original that is the Cherry MX Blue.