The Hexgears Immersion A3 aims to deliver high-end gaming keyboard features at a fraction of the cost. This wireless, hot-swappable, RGB keyboard with a built-in screen starts at $130 (and sometimes less with coupons), making it a surprisingly affordable option in a market dominated by premium-priced competitors. But does this budget-friendly keyboard truly deliver on its promise?
hexgears logo Michael Crider/
The Hexgears Immersion A3 boasts a sleek, low-profile design.
Design and Build
The Immersion A3’s design clearly takes inspiration from Logitech’s G915, featuring a similar sleek, low-profile aesthetic with black keycaps on a brushed metal frame. It sports a tenkeyless (TKL) layout and a dedicated row of circular control buttons. The most noticeable difference is the small screen nestled in the top right corner, which unfortunately squeezes the volume wheel into a smaller rocker switch.
hexgears screen Michael Crider/
The small screen offers limited functionality.
While screens on keyboards are a growing trend, their practicality is debatable. On the Immersion A3, the screen’s functionality is limited to adjusting lighting and changing the display language. Adjusting the clock requires the desktop software. This limited utility, combined with the potential impact on battery life, raises questions about its value. The screen appears to be a generic component used across various keyboard brands, further suggesting a lack of bespoke integration.
Features and Functionality
Beyond the screen, the Immersion A3 offers a solid set of features. It boasts hot-swappable low-profile Kailh switches, a rare and welcome combination. The keyboard is available with linear (white), tactile (black), and clicky (grey) switches, offering a good starting point for customization. The tactile switches on our review unit felt responsive and comfortable for extended typing sessions.
hexgears switches Michael Crider/
Hot-swappable Kailh switches offer customization options.
The keyboard also features RGB lighting with various animation options, although the brightness could be improved. The brushed aluminum top plate adds a touch of premium feel, while the plastic bottom feels slightly less refined. Dual keyboard feet offer three adjustable typing angles. The inclusion of a 2.4GHz wireless dongle compartment is a convenient touch, given the keyboard’s lightweight design. Despite packing a large 5800mAh battery, the Immersion A3 weighs just over 1.5 pounds, making it surprisingly portable.
Performance in Typing and Gaming
In real-world use, the Immersion A3 performed surprisingly well. Both the wireless dongle and Bluetooth connections proved stable and reliable for extended typing and gaming sessions. While the typing experience isn’t as refined as some premium low-profile keyboards, it’s more than adequate for everyday use.
hexgears side Michael Crider/
The Immersion A3 performs well in both typing and gaming.
For gaming, however, the Immersion A3 lacks a crucial feature: per-game profile switching. The included Windows driver software allows for macro programming and lighting customization, but the inability to automatically switch profiles based on the active game is a significant drawback for a gaming-focused keyboard.
hexgears driver software Michael Crider/
The driver software offers basic customization but lacks per-game profiles.
Conclusion
The Hexgears Immersion A3 offers a compelling combination of features and affordability. While the screen’s limited functionality and the lack of per-game profiles are drawbacks, its hot-swappable switches, wireless connectivity, and lightweight design make it a strong contender in the budget mechanical keyboard market.
hexgears front Michael Crider/
The Hexgears Immersion A3 provides good value for its price.
If you’re seeking a budget-friendly alternative to Logitech’s premium offerings, the Immersion A3 is worth considering. However, if per-game profile switching or a smaller/larger form factor is a priority, exploring alternatives like the Nuphy Air or Keychron K series might be a better choice.
