Hexgears Immersion A3 Review by mmorpg.com

18 sept. 2024

Original Post: Hexgears Immersion A3 Review by https://www.mmorpg.com/

Hexgears keyboards have been around for over a decade, and as a company that claims to focus on innovation, precision, and attention to detail, I was immediately intrigued by their latest addition to the market.

The Immersion A3 Keyboard is the latest addition to the massive arsenal of keyboards that Hexgears has to offer, featuring hot-swappable Kailh switches, wireless capabilities, and an on-board display screen. While the design and layout of the keyboard are nothing new to the market, it does have a few standout features that I got to experience firsthand through my two weeks of testing.

Specifications

Current Price: $159.00 (Amazon, Hexgears)
Keyboard type: Three-Mode Low-Profile Mechanical Keyboard
Number of Keys: 87-key (Anti-Ghosting)
Backlight: 16.8 million Color RGB
Switch: Kailh Low-Profile Switches
Switch life: 50 million clicks
Function key: Fn combination function key
Bluetooth version: Bluetooth 5.0
Wireless dongle: 2.4GHz Wireless
Transmission distance: 10 meters
Keycap material: PC (Polycarbonate)
Translucent keycaps: Yes
Report rate: 1000 Hz (wired mode)
Keyboard size: 360 x 146 x 31mm
Function key: Fn combination function key
Bluetooth version: Bluetooth 5.0
Wireless dongle: 2.4GHz Wireless
Transmission distance: 10 meters
Keycap material: PC (Polycarbonate)
Translucent keycaps: Yes
Voltage / Current: 5v / 100mA
Battery capacity: 5800 mAh
Battery charging time: Less than 3 hours
Battery gameplay time: Up to 50 hours
Handing force: 55 ± 10gf
Latency: Approx. 1-4ms (wired), Approx. 1-6ms (2.4GHz).
Wire length: 1.8 meters
Keyboard weight: 762 grams
Wired and 2.4GHz Connectivity: Windows OS, MacOS, & Android systems.
Bluetooth connectivity: Windows, MacOS, iOS iPadOS, & Android.

The Clicks and Clacks

The minimalistic look of the Hexgears Immersion A3 is entirely misleading, as it offers so much more than the average keyboard in terms of functionality, color choice, and swapping out switches with ease. Speaking of switches, the variety is one of the standout features this keyboard has to offer. With the availability of Kailh Box switches, this gives us a choice between the loud clicky clacky keys some desire, the tactile options, as well as more linear options for standard typing. The ability to swap them out in the blink of an eye is also something worth noting, as Streamers might want loud clicks when gaming alone, but not so much when they are streaming to the masses.

These customization options give a significant advantage for those looking to tailor their typing experience to fit their needs. The combination of an aluminum top plate and premium doubleshot polycarbonate keycaps creates a very durable and hefty keyboard, all while remaining relatively lightweight and easy to bring from one space to another if necessary. This feature is further boosted by the fact that the Immersion A3 has wireless capabilities, making it even more versatile for on-the-go users. With the use of the plating and PC keycaps, the keyboard itself feels premium and is said to hold up through the test of time even with heavy everyday use.

On the topic of keycaps, it is worth noting that since these are PC and not PBT keycaps, the sound and feel are a bit different than many keyboards of this type. They’re very durable and sound great but because they keyboard is low profile, finding replacements is a little bit tougher due to the reduced variety in aftermarket sets.

Functionality and Build Quality

For gamers, the Immersion A3 brings a whole new world of colors and RGB backlighting that some might find appealing. The overall performance, through my testing, does make for both a visually appealing and accessible experience for those with limited desk space or looking to downsize their keyboard space on their desk. The tenkeyless form is ideal for anyone who wishes to maximize their desk space or give more space to move their mouse around, making it suitable for those working with minimal space.

For those who may appreciate tactile feedback and a premium typing experience with a little less than premium keyboards have to offer, the ability to swap switches out with minimal effort might be appealing. The feel of the keys themselves is slick, very reactive, and smooth as silk when typing out documents or just pounding the keys during a hectic match while gaming.

The detachable USB Type-C cable makes the keyboard extremely versatile, and for those who travel often or just need to make use of what they have at a nearby coffee shop, this is a viable option for anyone who doesn’t want to sacrifice performance for portability.

The final thing to note is the screen. It can be used to configure the keyboard's lighting, display important info like battery life and connection method, or display custom GIFs. There are also indicators for lock status and battery under the logo at the top, which is nice to see. It makes tweaking its settings easier and adds another layer of customization and visual interest.

Final Thoughts

The Hexgears Immersion A3 is a perfect blend of high-quality materials, highly customizable features, and compact design to maximize space. The switch options make it versatile for those gaming alone or working in small shared spaces that may require less of a click and more of a soft clack. The RGB backlighting options, including the ability to sync the lights up to music, make it fun and visually appealing, while the ability to dim or shut the lights off entirely with the use of the on-board screen helps curate a more peaceful or professional look.

However, the lack of dedicated media controls and USB pass-through ports might be a drawback for some users. Another factor that may be seen as a bit of a negative would be the price point, as it is a bit on the high side for a tenkeyless keyboard that does not have all of the premium fixings some may prefer.

Overall, the Hexgears Immersion A3 is a strong contender in the keyboard market, specifically for gamers looking for a smooth and sleek keyboard with a plethora of lighting options to fit their aesthetic. It also caters to avid typists looking for something both portable, reliable, and customizable based on where they may be typing that day.

The product described in this article was provided by the manufacturer for evaluation purposes. Purchasing items through our links may result in a small commission to support the site. Authors are not compensated based upon clicks or commissions.