Page 5 - Conclusion
The Turtle Beach Command Series KB7 and KP7 are a new start, but we have seen both positive and negative points. From a physical perspective, we have an island-style design and an exposed brushed metal backplate. Both products have vibrant RGB LED backlighting, comfortable palm rests, and low-profile Hall effect switches. Specific to the KB7 keyboard, the top holds a media bar and extra keys, while a passthrough USB port can be found at the back. The biggest addition here is a 4.3" touchscreen to execute other functions and provide shortcuts for third-party apps like Discord or OBS. As for the keypad, the KP7 can be used for numbers or gaming with more macro keys and an additional knob. The two inputs are sold separately, but they combine with side rails for a complete package. However, once you get past the physical aspects, there are issues with the Command Series that stem from lacking cohesion between the two products and the overall usability. To start, Turtle Beach making the keypad placement flexible means there is no one good placement for multiple uses. A number pad makes more sense on the right side, but the gaming mode's button layout is solely for left hands. Worse yet, anytime you swap which rails the KP7 is mounted to, the keyboard stops functioning. This brings me to my second problem, which are the multiple usability issues. The Command Series KB7 is slow to start. The keys or the volume knob can both become stuck and it often requires a keyboard restart. Another thing to consider is that the touchscreen means users cannot rely on muscle memory to execute common functions like Insert or Delete. In addition, Turtle Beach's Swarm II application is clearly a work in progress, with unexpected delays when making changes. Finally, the typing experience is adequate with its Hall effect switches, but the tactile and audible feedback is unpolished, especially when you consider the price of the two Command Series products. Speaking of which, the Turtle Beach Command Series KB7 sells for $200, while the Command Series KP7 is $100. For a complete $300, there should be more refinement. Turtle Beach might have a commendable concept, but their execution in both hardware and software leave me desiring an improvement in the future.
Turtle Beach provided this product to APH Networks for the purposes of evaluation.
APH Networks Review Focus Summary:
5/10 means An average product with no real advantages; drawbacks and advantages just seem to cancel each other out.
4/10 means With disadvantages that slightly outweigh its advantages, you should not get this product unless there are no product alternatives that does its job.
-- Final APH Networks Numeric Rating is 4.7/10
Please note that the APH Networks Numeric Rating system is based off our proprietary guidelines in the Review Focus, and should not be compared to other publications.
The Turtle Beach Command Series KB7 and KP7 Hall effect keyboard and keypad is a promising idea littered with implementation problems across the board.
Page Index
1. Introduction, Packaging, Specifications
2. A Closer Look - Keyboard Hardware and Software
3. A Closer Look - Keypad Hardware and Software
4. A Closer Look - Disassembly and Internals
5. Conclusion
