As 2017 comes to an end, Gamdias continues to roll out new gaming hardware with two new successors to the Hermes P1 RGB keyboard. These are, of course, the Hermes P2 RGB and the Hermes P3 RGB keyboards. This review focuses on the former, the Hermes P2 RGB. This latest piece of gaming hardware adds “innovative optical technology with dust and spill resistance, individually hot swappable keys, and a host of new features and improvements” to the Hermes lineup. We’ve seen how the Hermes P1 performs. Is this successor able to hold up against its predecessor? Will it stand out on its own? Let’s take a peak in our Gamdias HERMES P2 RGB keyboard review.

Key Features of the HERMES P2 RGB Keyboard

• Easily removable keys
• Sturdy wrist plate
• Gamdias Mechanical Switches
• 100% Anti-Ghosting Support
• N-Key rollover
• Multimedia Controls

Gamdias HERMES P2 RGB Keyboard Review

HERMES P2 Design and Features

The Hermes P2 keyboard has the standard fare one USB slot requirement working in both 3.0 and 2.0 formats. It has everyone’s favorite multimedia keys, but unlike its predecessor, it has a volume scroll wheel. Gamdias’ trademark keys are not forgotten, such as the key to lock the keyboard from an input, right mouse button input, brightness control, lighting modes, screenshot, and the WASD-Arrow Key flip. The font has returned to a much more generic, basic look. I prefer the stylistic approach which made the Hermes P1 pop. It’s a tad wider than the original model plus it grew in length, thanks to a sturdy non-removable wrist plate which is a very welcome addition.

The switches have a 50 million push-button life cycle that will probably outlast your use for the keyboard, but it’s way better than the other way around. Looking below the volume scroll wheel, you’ll find that the toggle keys light up in blue when activated instead of your standard green or red.

The lighting effects aren’t going to blind you like Patriot’s V770 (see inline post above,) but they aren’t as impressive as the Hermes P1. Maybe it’s because of the metal plate stabilizers, but the colors were brighter and more vibrant. Honestly, it’s a bit short in the lighting department. The Hera software that works with Hermes P2 appears to be rushed, as is not on par with other Gamdias components. There’s more on this topic below. A lot of the lighting patterns have been carried over, nearly all of which are still limited to just one color. “Neon” and “Wave” are the only ones that cycle through colors.

The keys are well protected from dust and any spills, with a switch cover on each key preventing any liquid from getting inside.

Specifications

Gamdias HERA Software

I’m somewhat upset with what’s happened here with the software. On previous Gamdias keyboards it was good-to-great, but on this keyboard not so much. Recently I sent Gamdias a support request informing them of the issues I encountered. It’s only been a couple of days since. Once the problems have been resolved, I’ll be sure to update this write-up.

Currently, it’s messy under the “Keyboard Luminance” tab. The sliders for the RGB don’t work and are not clickable by mouse. Values have to be manually edited by number. The whole part of the keyboard is to be able to make the “16.8 million colors.”

On the “Custom Pattern” screen where one can bind colors to any key they want, some keys that aren’t bindable. It’s just not registered by the software, such as F10, Home, and Num 4.

Furthermore, why has the Fn-Windows button switch has been removed? It was such a great option. Consecutive attack mode is missing as well. There are more lighting options on Hermes P1 with 3x more color presets.

Conclusion

Straight up we preferred the predecessor over this current model. There doesn’t appear to be any improvements, nor is the board “cutting edge.” If you wanted a similar-looking gaming keyboard, you should purchase the Hermes P1 RGB. With more options and better lighting, the original version is simply a better keyboard.

The Hermes P2 RGB keyboard lists for $140 on the Gamdias site, while the Hermes P1 RGB lists for $120.

What do you think of this Gamdias HERMES P2 RGB keyboard review? Do you agree or disagree with our verdict? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.

Don’t hesitate to head over to the Gamdias homepage to see their current line-up of products. The Hermes P2 RGB gaming keyboard comes with a 1-year + 2-months warranty.

FTC Disclosure: Gamdias provided Beantown LLC with one (1) Hermes P2 RGB keyboard sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Gamdias or Beantown LLC © 2017.