Portronics Hydra 10 review: A mechanical keyboard that punches above its weight class

Known for making Bluetooth speakers, mobile accessories, and wearables, Portronics isn’t particularly known for making keyboards, especially mechanical wireless keyboards. However, the latest Hydra 10 mechanical wireless keyboard offers some of the best value I’ve seen with a keyboard in a long time.

After testing the keyboard for almost three weeks and comparing it to its closest competitors, I can confidently say that the Portronics Hydra 10 offers a phenomenal typing and gaming experience in a wireless package for under Rs 3,500 despite some minor quibbles.

Over the years, I’ve tested numerous mechanical keyboards in various price ranges, from the Cosmic Byte to the Keychron. 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, it also punches above its weight class and rivals entry-level keyboards from well-known brands like Keychron.

Clutch quality, design and writing feedback

Currently, the Hydra 10 is only available with red switches, which offer a good middle ground between blue and brown. The response is quite responsive, with that subtle hint of “thickness” that most mechanical keyboard enthusiasts swear by. I’ve used the Hydra 10 not only for gaming, but also for a lot of typing, including writing this review. And let me tell you, there is no better keyboard for the price if you want quality sound and even better stabilizers.

The stabilizers don’t feel flimsy or rattle, unlike some wired competitors like the Redragon K617 Fizz 60% and the K530 Pro, both of which I’ve personally used. In fact, I’d say the stabilizers rival the Keychron K2 with its Gateron red ones, which cost more than twice as much as the Portronics Hydra 10. This is surprising considering the red switches used on the Hydra 10 are from Jixian, which don’t ole Not as good as switches like Otemu and Gateron. I think the sound may have something to do with the keyboard construction rather than the quality of the switch itself.

The keycaps are also well designed, with a properly shaped surface for the fingers. The feedback itself combined with anti-ghosting is pleasant and the keyboard once again beats above its weight class. Although the keyboard is made entirely of plastic, it doesn’t feel cheap. The weighty feel of the keyboard adds to it, and the weight also makes it sound nice with a subtle, creamy thickness. It is quite satisfying! The keyboard backlight also feels high-quality and has 20 different RGB modes.

And yes, there’s no per-key RGB, no support for macros, and thus no PC software hub. I can’t complain about its retail price, but as 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 would like to use wireless all the time, the battery life is a mixed bag. It will last you two full days of work or a solid 12-13 hours of gaming, but don’t expect much from the built-in 1000mAh battery. However, when used wirelessly, the included 2.4GHz wireless receiver does its job well and there are no noticeable lag or latency issues. However, the keyboard misses out on the raised keyboard height on the back, but I’m not complaining because I prefer it.

Verdict: Honorable Master!

Overall, the keyboard has been a joy to use and I was honestly quite surprised when I used the product for the first time. Let me put it this way – if a brand like Logitech came out with a 67% keyboard with that kind of features and quality, I wouldn’t expect it to be priced under Rs 10,000, and that’s saying something!

On retail channels like Amazon, I’ve seen the price range between Rs 2,800 and Rs 3,000, and for that money there are few, if any, keyboards that come close to what Portronics is offering with the Hydra 10. It’s not just a really good gaming keyboard, it’s the typing experience that really sets it apart from other sub-Rs 8,000 offerings. For feedback, I’d like Portronics to build on this and maybe offer a full size mechanical keyboard – with switch type selectable and even funky keys – with a good font.

So yes, if you’re looking for a new mechanical keyboard under Rs 3,000 and don’t mind 68 key sizes, the Portronics Hydra 10 can be an ideal choice. An absolute steal, take it!

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