Review: The IOGear HVER PRO X brings optical mechanical switches for gaming
Source: Windows Central
IOGear makes a lot of budget-friendly PC accessories, with a dedicated “Kaliber Gaming” brand aimed at gamers. While it released an HVER PRO RGB mechanical gaming keyboard a couple of years ago, the new HVER PRO X is a recent addition that makes a change to optical-mechanical switches. It’s an otherwise similar design, so is the extra cost worth it? I used the HVER PRO X as my main gaming keyboard for a couple of weeks to see whether or not it’s worth being the next addition to your PC.
RGB Optical Gaming Keyboard
IOGear HVER PRO X
Pros
- Macro customization support
- Per-key RGB lighting
- Snappy keypress response
- Solid aluminum chassis
- Anti-ghosting on all keys
Cons
- Loud keys with a loose feel
- Support software could be more intuitive
- Metal chassis is a bit overdone
What I love about IOGear’s HVER PRO X
Source: Windows Central
The full-size keyboard includes a number pad you can use for productivity work or to set up macros with the custom software. Along with the flared metal edges, the board is not exactly compact. It’ll no doubt fit fine on most desks, but if you like a minimalist setup, you should probably check out some other options.
Source: Windows Central
Anti-ghosting and fast actuation with optical switches make the HVER PRO X a smooth keyboard that’s great for gaming.
Actuation feels short, and playing frantic games like Call of Duty: Warzone and DOOM Eternal is as smooth as I’ve experienced. The board also features full N-Key Rollover (NKRO) for all its keys. This anti-ghosting design cuts down on key presses going unnoticed, which sometimes means the difference between virtual life and death.
Because there are no metal contacts inside the switches, IOGear claims the HVER PRO X is “nearly immune to spills and dust.” I wouldn’t want to test it out since pouring water on anything with RGB lighting seems like a bad idea, but at least those with pets can pull off the keycaps and wipe the board down with a damp cloth and not be as worried about ruining any internals. The keycaps don’t merely have the letters and numbers printed on, either; all are embedded, so they don’t wear off.
What I disliked about IOGear’s HVER PRO X
Source: Windows Central
Customization is handled through proprietary software that offers plenty of fancy presets and the ability to set up macros for any key on the board. The only gripe is that the software could be a bit more intuitive to better compete with some of the more premium brands on the market.
Finally, coming from my usual Logitech G513 with proprietary “Romer-G” switches, the HVER PRO X’s keys are quite loud. It’s not as noticeable while gaming and hitting WASD and a few surrounding keys, but sitting down to type even a short message is a bit aggravating. Keys just feel and sound a bit loose, and it’s not something I’d like to put up with every day if I was buying a keyboard to double for productivity work.
Should you buy the IOGear HVER PRO X?
Source: Windows Central
The HVER PRO X is still relatively new, so it’s still demanding a higher price compared to the HVER PRO RGB. If you like the look of these boards and don’t mind the metal contacts that don’t have quite the same performance (though still great for most gamers), you can pick up the PRO RGB for about $50. Otherwise, you’re looking at spending closer to about $90 for the PRO X.
If you prefer an optical keyboard with no bump at all, you’ll want to check out something like Razer’s Huntsman Elite TE. And be sure to have a look at our roundup of the best overall gaming keyboards for more buying options.
RGB Optical Gaming Keyboard
IOGear HVER PRO X
Great for gaming, not so much for typing
Optical-mechanical switches deliver faster performance than standard mechanical switches, all in a well-built metal deck with per-key RGB lighting.
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