By: Aaron Lai
August 30, 2024
How well do things hold up over time? Some may argue recent products are not at all like they once were. While part of me wants to say this is nostalgia speaking, I do think the build quality and durability of many products have not been as good recently, as companies continue to try to increase their profit margins by reducing their production costs. Furthermore, if companies produce items that last longer than expected, this could lead to a cannibalization of their own sales, as fewer people would need to purchase their products a second time. We have also seen concepts like planned obsolescence become more prevalent, especially in the consumer electronics industry. This is the idea that all products have a predetermined lifespan or that its capabilities or performance degrades over time, forcing users to buy a replacement within a certain period. As I do not work in the industry, I do not want to veer to one extreme of defending companies or putting on my tinfoil hat. On the other hand, there are also products that can be packed with forward-looking features for future-proofing. Today, we have a unique situation with our review of the Mountain Everest Max. This keyboard is not new, as it launched back in 2020 and won a Red Dot Award in 2021. However, we finally have this keyboard in our hands today, and I wonder how well has it held up. When it initially launched, it was a top-of-the-line mechanical keyboard. How does this typing instrument compare to the latest models? Is it still worthy of praise and adoration, or has the competition caught up? Let us read on to find out!
Today's review unit arrived from be quiet!'s American offices in Walnut, California. You might be wondering how these two companies are related; this is because both are part of the same parent enterprise, Listan GmbH. Mountain was originally its own entity until 2022, when it was acquired by Listan. The corrugated cardboard box arrived in decent condition. It was shipped to us via UPS using their Standard ground service and arrived at our APH Networks location here in Calgary, Alberta. Thankfully, everything was packed well, with only a slight dent on the corner of the retail packaging.
Premium packaging can come in all shapes and sizes, and the Mountain Everest Max features both subtle and bold elements in its presentation. The oversized retail box for the Everest Max is clean on the front, with a sleek all-black finish and glossy text that reads "Reach Your Summit". The sides are equally minimalist, with a unique logo built into the bottom of the box. The back provides all the information about the Everest Max, including its features, specifications, and box contents. While the box is quite large, you will understand the reason for its size once we delve inside.
Before we do, I have grabbed the specifications from the manufacturer's website for your perusal:
Color: Gunmetal Gray/Midnight Black
Switch Type: 3-Pin Cherry MX, hot-swappable
Stabilizer: Cherry (plate-mounted, lubricated)
Layout: Standard ANSI / ISO
Backlight: RGB
Key Rollover: NKRO over USB
Polling Rate: 1000Hz / 1ms
Keycaps: ABS (PBT Optional)
MCU: Cortex M0
Onboard memory: Up to 5 profiles
On-the-Fly System: Through FN Function Key
Connector: USB Type-C
Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 1
Cable length: 2m
Product Dimensions: 365x461x43mm (LxWxH)
Product Weight: 1373g
Materials: Aluminum, ABS (PBT optional)
Media Dock Display: RGB TFT IPS 240x204px
Media Dock keys: 4: media, 1: display control
Display Keys: 4: 72x72px per key TFT LCD
Palm Rest: Magnetic, covered in PU-Leather
Software Support: Base Camp™ (Windows only)
Warranty: 2 years
Included Accessories:
- Keycap & Switch combo removal tool
- USB Type-C to C cable (15cm)
- USB Type-A to C cable (2m)
- Extra Cherry MX Switch x5
- Extra ESC keycap x1
- Riser feet
Opening the Mountain Everest Max retail box is a two-step process that reveals everything inside. First, you can flip open the front cover, which is secured with magnets, to reveal the upper portion. This section holds the keyboard and wrist rest, both of which are wrapped in plastic for protection. Foam surrounds these items to offer offer impact protection. Beneath this, a pull-out drawer holds all the other accessories. Each accessory comes in its own separate box, enhancing the premium experience. It has been a while since I have seen such a well-packaged product, and I was quite pleased with the Everest Max.
All of the accessories are shown in the photo above. First is the large wrist rest, which measures the width of just the tenkeyless keyboard. It features a polyurethane leather padding on top for a sleek finish. It may not imitate real leather, but it has a soft-touch finish that feels good on your palms. This wrist rest attaches to the keyboard via magnets and tabs to ensure proper positioning. It extends out far enough for you to comfortably rest your hands on them if you so desire.
On the top, there is a separate number pad that matches the keyboard in color and style. A nearby box contains keyboard-specific accessories, including a combination keycap and switch puller, set of eight magnetic extending feet, single Escape keycap, and five additional Cherry MX switches. They are all different and include Cherry MX Blue, Red, Speed Silver, Brown, and Silent Red. It is a bit interesting to see such a wide selection, considering the keyboard only comes with one variant, but I am not opposed to having extras. Beneath this box, you will find a media control pad that attaches to the top of the keyboard. Finally, there are two USB cables, including a thick 2m USB Type-C to Type-A cable as well as a 15cm USB male Type-C to female Type-C cable. This shorter cable is meant to connect the number pad while maintaining a distance. Not pictured above is the small quick start guide and set of stickers. The quick start does not mention it, but the Everest Max comes with a standard two-year warranty.
Page Index
1. Introduction, Packaging, Specifications
2. A Closer Look - Hardware and Software
3. A Closer Look - Disassembly and Internals
4. Conclusion
