G.SKILL RIPJAWS KM780 RGB [INTRODUCTION]

01/2018 by  WILLIAM ZWINGENBERGER / HOLGER DASSLER - Back to overview

In addition to PC components such as RAM, the G.Skill Ripjaws Series also includes gaming keyboards. The manufacturer now offers an extensive range of peripherals, with the Ripjaws KM780 RGB model as the flagship of the keyboard series. Like for the entire current line-up, the KM780 RGB features CHERRY MX switches to guarantee the highest possible quality. An additional highlight is the RGB lighting, which can be configured per individual key through the G.Skill’s software. These and other special features of the G.Skill Ripjaws KM780 RGB are explained in this article.

Specifications at a glance:

  • Keyboard Layout: Extended
  • Switch Type: CHERRY MX RGB Red / Brown / Blue
  • LED Color: RGB
  • Macro Keys: Six dedicated keys
  • Response Rate: up to 1ms
  • Matrix: 100% Anti-Ghosting with N-Key-Rollover
  • Software: Yes (G.Skill Driver System)
  • Media Keys: Five dedicated multimedia keys including volume roller
  • Palm Rest: Detachable, soft-touch finish
  • Dimensions: 518 mm x 228 mm x 48 mm (incl. palm rest)
  • Weight: 1.54 kg (incl. palm rest)

G.Skill Ripjaws KM780 RGB in detail

The G.Skill Ripjaws KM780 RGB has a sturdy and stylish housing with pretty accents. The keyboard is stable on the table and looks futuristic, partly thanks to the chic anodized backplate made of brushed "military grade" aluminum. The flashy edges of the keyboard are an important part of the optics as well. The manufacturer has succeeded in creating a design that perfectly matches the eye-catching RGB lighting, and offers a high-quality feature set as well.

Makcro keys and extended layout

Looking at the feature set and specifications of the KM780 RGB it quickly becomes apparent that this is the flagship of the Ripjaws series: the dimensions of 518 x 228 x 48 millimeters allow for an extended layout with numerous additional keys. Six macro keys can directly be programmed with individual commands. They are positioned in a vertical row on the left edge, which makes them easy to reach, for example when gaming.

It is also easier than ever to define macros thanks to so-called "on-the-fly macro recording" functionality. One key press is enough to record macros without any additional effort. This macro key is located directly above the six buttons mentioned earlier, and next to three other keys that allow switching between different modes.

Ten additional key caps included

G.Skill’s attention for detail shows in the ten additional, specially designed key caps that can be found in the box. These allow gamers to quickly identify the most important keys on their keyboard without having to look at the screen. The caps have a textured surface and a special shape, which differs from the regular slightly concave keys. Furthermore, the additional key caps are colored red and can be stored in a practical case, which can be attached to the back of the keyboard. G.Skill has included a suitable tool to easily replace the key caps.

The extended layout of the Ripjaws KM780 RGB offers space for three additional function buttons along the top edge. The first button disables the Windows key, the second toggles between 3 levels of backlight, and the third key features a built-in timer with lighting notification. The free area along the upper right corner is used as the so-called "Media Control Corner", including five additional buttons for multimedia functions as well as a large volume roller. Directly below this roller G.Skill has integrated a digital LED volume display, clearly showing the current volume level.

Extra features

The front of the keyboard features a detachable wrist rest. Made from a soft-touch material, the wrist rest offers additional comfort for long gaming or typing sessions. For those who prefer a clean look on the desktop with a minimal amount of cables, G.Skill offers two dedicated features. Firstly, there are dedicated pass-through connectors on the back of the keyboard for USB and audio devices, so that headsets and gaming mice can easily be connected. Secondly, all cables can be fixed in a holder, which effectively prevents snagged or tangled cables.

CHERRY MX RGB Red, Brown or Blue

The Ripjaws KM780 RGB is based on CHERRY MX RGB switches. The keyboard is available with Red, Brown and Blue variants. The MX RGB Blue variant is particularly popular with typists: these key switches have a pre-travel of 2.2 millimeters and require a comparatively high actuation force of 60 centinewtons. The tactile switching point has an audible click.

CHERRY MX RGB Brown as silent alternative

CHERRY MX RGB Brown switches are a perfect solution in usage scenarios where acoustic feedback is undesirable. These switches also provide tactile feedback, but without an audible click. The actuation force is 55 centinewtons with a two-millimeter pre-travel. In addition to office users who expect tactile feedback from their keys, the CHERRY MX RGB Brown switches also represent a good middle ground for gamers.

Lightning fast operation with CHERRY MX RGB Red

G.Skill also offers the Ripjaws KM780 RGB with Red switches, specifically aimed at gamers. The CHERRY MX RGB Red variant features a linear switch characteristic and a relatively low actuation force of 45 centinewtons with a two-millimeter pre-travel, which allows for lightning-fast input. That's why the MX RGB Red is especially suitable for gamers.

RGB lighting, on-board profile storage, dedicated software

The backlight of the CHERRY MX RGB switches on the KM780 RGB can be individually adjusted down to the last detail. If you decide not to go for a custom configuration and want to quickly be able to switch between different profiles, G.Skill offers three predefined modes which can be activated at the touch of a button and configure lighting, macros and other keyboard settings. This makes it easy to switch between different settings on-the-fly without much effort.

G.Skill Driver System for configuration and lightning controls

Manually configuring the keyboard settings is done with the G.Skill Driver System, which is available for download on the site of the manufacturer. It allows for extensive keyboard individualization, such as defining macros or adjusting recorded “on-the-fly” macros. The Driver System can reprogram additional buttons as well as all the other individual keys of the Ripjaws KM780 RGB. But the most important functionality of the G.Skill Driver System is undoubtedly its lighting effects control.

It offers endless possibilities of waves, rain and breathing animations. For every effect you can set the speed, direction and of course the desired colors, so you can configure the keyboard to match your taste as well as your other RGB components. To this end, Driver System supports both Gigabyte’s RGB Fusion software as well as MSI’s Mystic Light Sync technology. The end result is a completely uniform RGB set-up, from motherboard to graphics card and from PC case to keyboard.

Conclusion

The Ripjaws KM780 RGB is G.Skill’s flagship for a reason: it is a true high-end keyboard with a solid feel, high-quality materials, a chic design, and a rich feature set. Fans of RGB lighting can enjoy various lighting modes, powerful software in the form of the G.Skill Driver System, and the support for third-party RGB standards. With its MX RGB switches CHERRY provides the optimal basis for spectacular lighting effects as well as maximum key switch performance. The RM780 RGB is available with MX RGB Red, Brown, and Blue switches. In addition, G.Skill offers the Ripjaws KM780 MX with monochromatic, red lighting and non-RGB switches (MX Red, Brown, Blue). Whether you’re going for precise input with tactile feedback or lightning-fast input for the lowest response times, the KM780 RGB should be on your list.