Page 3 - Conclusion
On a foundational level, the XPG Mage achieves what you may expect for a standard mechanical keyboard with RGB LED backlighting. This includes delivering a full-sized keyboard with individual lights and N-key rollover. The included detachable braided cable is another nice touch. As for the lighting quality, XPG provides a good number of custom effects, while also effectively placing the key legends so the LEDs shine through. I also appreciate the secondary functions with its illuminated effect to help users quickly find media keys, lighting adjustments, and profiles on-the-fly. Using the XPG Prime software is straightforward and lets users assign macros and change lighting settings without too much hassle. On the other hand, even a basic mechanical keyboard needs to accomplish the basics well, as the XPG Mage shows signs of corner-cutting. To start off, while the build quality is mostly adequate with its aluminum backplate, the keyboard has some deck flex when pressed. Next, its laser-etched, ABS keycaps will quickly show signs of wear beyond what I have seen in other ABS keycaps, as mine have already done so with a slightly chipped corner and shining. Underneath, the Kailh Red switches feel a bit wobbly on the longer stabilized keys and the stabilizers squeak a bit during actuation. I also would have liked to see a few extras, like a palm rest or even other switch options available for purchase. At the time of the review, the XPG Mage is available for $80 USD, which is a very competitive price for the features that are included on paper. However, other entry-level mechanical keyboards like the Corsair K60 RGB PRO SE is the same price and has pretty much everything the Mage has and more like a solid backplate, wrist rest, and even PBT keycaps. As such, XPG needs to refine the aforementioned areas in quality before I can say the Mage is a convincing option.
XPG provided this product to APH Networks for the purpose of evaluation.
APH Networks Review Focus Summary:
7/10 means Great product with many advantages and certain insignificant drawbacks, but should be considered before purchasing.
6/10 means A product with its advantages, but drawbacks should not be ignored before purchasing.
-- Final APH Networks Numeric Rating is 6.3/10
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 XPG Mage is a basic mechanical keyboard with full RGB LED backlighting at a very competitive price, but this price comes at the expense of quality and experience.
Page Index
1. Introduction, Packaging, Specifications
2. A Closer Look - Hardware and Software
3. Conclusion
