ADATA XPG Summoner Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Review

A Closer Look & Performance

The ADATA XPG Summoner is a pretty cool looking keyboard. The first thing I noticed is that it has a really good weight to it. It’s not super heavy, but it does have some bulk to it that gives it a good quality feel. This partly comes from the aluminium top panel, which gives it strength but also looks superb.

The metalwork is sandblasted too, giving it a premium quality look and feel. What I do love is that the frame around the keyboard is kept fairly slim. Overall, the keyboard is full-size, but it doesn’t take up more space than it needs to on your desktop either.

The keycaps are lightly textured and UV coated too. The font isn’t as big as the one Corsair uses, but it’s still perfectly easy to read even without the RGB fired up. You may notice that we have the US model here, there is a UK layout available, this was just the samples they had to hand at the time.

Premium

As I said, the sandblasted aluminium really does look fantastic on this. What’s more, I think it looks fantastic with the RGB off. It’s got a dark grey and menacing look to it. However, that textured metal will diffuse the RGB lighting nicely too, which we’ll see in action in a moment.

Easy Configuration

The keyboard uses an FN-Shift button to help you cycle through lighting profiles, macros and more. All your settings can be saved to the on-board profiles, allowing you to quickly just between your custom gaming and work modes with just two key presses. Personally, I set up one for work and one for gaming, but you have up to five to play with here.

There’s also a gaming mode, allowing you to disable things like the Windows key. The keyboard always has 100% anti-ghosting though, which is fantastic. However, you can also record macros to any key, giving you even more options to play around with; very handy for work and gaming in my experience.

While not the most comprehensive setup, there are some basic multimedia controls here too. It’s just enough to cycle through songs while you’re working and gaming and they’re a very welcome addition to the Summoner.

There’s a master audio mute here too, but best of all, an infinity scroll volume wheel. Plus, I think the design looks fantastic, but it’s also a very practical feature too, so a big win-win right there.

Of course, it’s a full-size keyboard, so you get the full number pad too. I don’t know of XPG will make a TKL version though, but we’ll keep an eye out for it.

Cherry MX Switches

The keycaps are mounted using the standard Cherry “+” mounts. This means that custom keycaps shouldn’t be too much an issue. Of course, you do get some included in the box too, but they’re just for the WASD keys, etc.

As you can see, the Cherry MX Silver switches are at the heart of my review sample. They’re arguably the best switches in the world, so I’m happy to see XPG deploy them here. I don’t mind some of the alternative brands myself, but Cherry has a long history that I know a lot of PC gamers appreciate and trust. Plus, with a choice of Silver, Red and Blue switches, you’ll easily find something to suit your taste.

Practical

Around the back of the keyboard, you’ll see the cable is hard-wired. Why XPG didn’t go for detachable, I don’t know, but I do prefer removable cables myself. The cable is durable and nicely braided though, so I can’t moan about that.

There’s a 5v USB port here also, allowing you to hook up your headset, mouse, etc. It’s no good for charging your phone, but peripherals will do just fine.

Finally, on the bottom of the keyboard, there are four strong rubber grips to keep it firmly planted on your desktop. Plus, two large kickstands to give it a little extra tilt should you need it.

Performance

The keyboard looks stunning with the RGB lighting powered up. It’s not the default puking rainbows crazy macro lighting like you’ll find on Corsair and Razer. At least not at default, but you can do all that in alternative profiles and customisation. By default, it has a range of colours to cycle through, and honestly, it feels all the more mature for it. They’re nice and bright and the colours are vivid too. However, they’re not too bright like some keyboards, and it feels more grounded in practicality than putting on a desktop disco.

Gamer Life

I mean, there really are no surprises here. If you’ve ever used a Cherry MX keyboard before, you’ll know how the typing action feels here to some extent. It’s very consistent and the Silver switches are as good as ever. If you’ve never used Silver, they’re like Cherry MX Red but with a shorter travel distance, making them even better for fast-paced gaming and touch typing. Of course, if you want that “click” in your switch, grab the MX Blue model.

The keys are fast and light, and the keyboard is strong and fairly heavy. The combination is a responsive and tight action on the keyboard. It doesn’t slide about your desktop, even when you’re rage smashing at the chatbox. The 100% anti-ghosting means you’ll never miss a strike too. However, my favourite aspect has to be the wrist rest. The padding on the wrist rest is a real pain saver. You can dig your hands in for those long gaming sessions and come away happy.