Introduction

EVGA continues its complete keyboard lineup overhaul! We saw the new flagship Z20 earlier this year, with the innovative time-of-flight sensor that was a working gimmick, and then came the more mainstream Z15 with its hot-swappable switches and a significantly lower price. So when EVGA informed me of a more budget-friendly offering coming up, it piqued my interest. Here we are finally with the all-new EVGA Z12 keyboard, and thanks to the company for arranging a review sample to TechPowerUp!


At first glance, the EVGA Z12 may not look out of sorts compared to the usual flagship-class RGB gaming keyboard. This is a full-size keyboard with an extra column of macro keys on the left, dedicated media and volume control buttons on the top right, and of course the expected RGB backlighting. What makes this more value-oriented is the use of membrane switches rather than mechanical ones, but EVGA included a nice feature even here by making them compatible with Cherry MX-style keycaps. We cover all this in our review which begins with a look at the product specifications in the table below.

Specifications

Packaging and Accessories

My previous experience with retail EVGA products has me expecting more than the usual here, although packaging for the Z12 keyboard bucks that trend with an average-sized, slim box inside a plastic wrap. The front is adorned with a look at the lit up keyboard, and we also see the company and product name listed. On the back and sides, more technical and marketing features are listed in multiple languages, along with other renders of the keyboard. There is a seal on either side of the box to keep the contents inside in place during transit.


Removing one of the seals and the flap there reveals the box in two pieces, with an outer sleeve over a plain black cardboard box. There is a double flap in the middle, which when opened shows the keyboard immediately displayed prominently inside a plastic wrap. The keyboard cable is attached, but in a compartment to the top inside another cardboard layer.


There is a quick start guide with more information on the pre-programmed functions and a visual reminder about what the various things on the keyboard do. It comes in multiple languages depending on your region, and that's about it as far as the unboxing experience of the EVGA Z12 goes. The EVGA "Premium Magnetic Palm Rest" that came bundled with the Z20 will be made available as an optional accessory for those wanting to pair it with the Z12.