Review: Speedlink Ultor

Software and Summary

As is the case with most gaming keyboards, Ultor can be used as a plug-and-play solution, but you'll want to install the bundled software utility to make full use of the available feature set. The lightweight, 24MB utility is split into three main menus - Keys, Macros and Advanced - and it covers many of the essentials in an easy-to-use layout.

The first screen can be used to reassign the majority of keys (F1-F12, Print Screen, Scroll Lock, Windows Lock and the navigation cluster being the exceptions). Speedlink's default key layout is logical with no unnecessary complications, and the available shortcuts are all well within reach. F1-F4 double as USB polling rate adjustments, F5-F12 provide multimedia functions, the navigation cluster serve as macro shortcuts, and Print Screen can be used to quickly activate a Gaming profile. Fn has been moved to the right of the space bar, and Windows Lock can be activated through either hardware or software.

A built-in macro recorder is available with delay and loop options, while the final tab, advanced, provides a choice of four polling rates, key response times up to 16ms in 2ms increments, as well as the ability to select light intensity and one available effect (breathing). Speedlink's software isn't the most expansive, and it often takes a while to apply any changes, yet it handles the basics and we like the fact that stored profiles can be tied to specific .exe files for automatic activation when certain games are loaded.

Summary

The big question, of course, is how do red Kaihua Kailh mechanical switches feel during gameplay? The answer, unsurprisingly, is a lot like Cherry MX Red. A low 50g (+/-15g) actuation force and a linear profile without additional tactile feedback makes the red switch a good choice for gaming, and though Cherry's 45g rating may be preferred by some, there's very little in it.

Choosing between Kaihua Kailh or Cherry MX switches is, we feel, likely to be dictated by perception. The latter is the German-made original, the former is the Chinese equivalent, yet in a blind test we suspect most users would struggle to tell the difference. And if you're contemplating longevity, it's worth noting that Speedlink matches the industry standard with a two-year warranty while the Kailh switches are rated to 50 million keystrokes.

Yet brand recognition goes a long way, and in a market brimming with household names it's good to see another competitor. At £70 it faces stern competition from an array of Cherry MX-based solutions yet the Speedlink Ultor is a viable alternative.

Speedlink Ultor

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The Speedlink Ultor mechanical gaming keyboard is available to purchase from Amazon UK and More Computers.

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