Portronics Keyboards, best known for making Bluetooth speakers, mobile accessories, and wearables, isn’t particularly famous for making mechanical wireless keyboards. However, the latest Hydra 10 Mechanical Wireless Keyboard offers some of the best value I’ve come across with a keyboard in quite some time.
After testing the keyboard for almost three weeks and comparing it with its closest competitors, I can confidently say that the Portronics Hydra 10 delivers an exceptional typing and gaming experience in a wireless package under Rs 3,500, despite a few minor issues provides.
Over the years, I’ve tested a number of mechanical keyboards at various price points, from brands like Cosmic Byte to Keycron. However, the Portronics Hydra 10 offers incredible value for money, especially considering how reasonably priced it is. Not only does it cost less than many competitors, but it also punches above its weight class and rivals’ entry-level keyboards from well-known brands like Keycron.
Switch Quality, Design & Typing Feedback
Currently, the Hydra 10 is only offered with red swatches, providing a nice middle ground between blues and browns. The response is quite tactile, and has that subtle hint of ‘thickness’ that most mechanical keyboard enthusiasts swear by. I have used the Hydra 10 not only for gaming but also for a lot of typing, including writing this review. And let me tell you, for the price, there is no better keyboard than this if you want quality sound and an even better stabilizer.
Unlike some wired rivals like the Redragon K617 Fizz 60% and the K530 Pro, both of which I’ve used personally, the stabilizers don’t feel flimsy and don’t rattle. In fact, I’d say the stabilizers rival the Keechron K2 with its Gateron Reds, which cost more than twice the Portronics Hydra 10. It’s surprising that the red switches used for the Hydra 10 are from Jixian, which aren’t as nice as switches from the likes of Otemu and Gateron. I believe the sound may have something to do with the construction of the keyboard rather than switch quality.
The keycaps are also well designed, with properly contoured surfaces for your fingers. The feedback itself is pleasing, combined with the anti-ghosting, and once again, the keyboard punches above its weight class. Despite being made entirely of plastic, the keyboard doesn’t feel cheap. The weighty feel of the keyboard adds to this, and the weight also makes it feel good with a subtle, creamy thickness. It’s quite satisfying! The keyboard backlight also looks high quality and has 20 different RGB modes to choose from.
And yes, there is no RGB per key, no support for macros and therefore, no PC software supporting the hub. For the money it sells for, I can’t complain, but being a gaming keyboard, these features should have been present.
Connectivity and Battery Life
In terms of connectivity, you have both wired and wireless options. While I want to go wireless all the time, battery life is a mixed bag. It will last you two full working days or a solid 12-13 hours when gaming, but don’t expect much from the built-in 1000mAh battery. However, when using it wirelessly, the supplied 2.4GHz wireless receiver does its job well, and there’s no observable lag or latency issues. Although the keyboard misses out on the keyboard height-enhancing clip at the back, I’m not complaining as I prefer it that way.
Verdict: Value winner!
Overall, the keyboard has been a pleasure to use and to be honest, I was quite surprised when I used the product for the first time. Let me put it this way – if a brand like Logitech releases a 67% keyboard that has such features and quality, I wouldn’t expect it to cost less than Rs 10,000 and that’s saying something!
On retail channels like Amazon, I’ve seen the price hovering between Rs 2,800-3,000, and for that money, there are few keyboards, if any, that come close to what Portronics offers with the Hydra 10. Not only is this a really good gaming keyboard, it’s the typing experience on it that sets it apart from the rest of the offerings under Rs 8,000. As for the response, I wish Portronics would build on this and maybe offer a full-sized mechanical keyboard – with a choice of switch types and maybe even introduce funky keycaps – with nicer font work.
So yes, if you’re in the market for a new mechanical keyboard under Rs 3,000 and don’t mind the 68 key size, the Portronics Hydra 10 could be an ideal choice. An absolute steal, get it!
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