After building its hardware ecosystem, Galax has started branching out into gaming accessories to strengthen its position in this market. This move is especially important as their graphics cards and other hardware face challenges due to the global semiconductor shortage.
Unlike their hardware products, Galax’s gaming gear isn’t categorized by price tiers but by product lines. For example, the Stealth series covers gaming keyboards, the Slider series includes gaming mice, and the Sonar series focuses on audio devices.
While Galax is a powerhouse in graphics cards, their gaming gear is still relatively new and unfamiliar to many.
Recently, Galax’s first gaming gear products have appeared in Vietnam, including the full-size mechanical keyboard STL-03.
The STL-03 features a floating key design with a slim case and exposed switch-keycap assembly. This popular design makes cleaning easier and helps prevent dust buildup. It also allows RGB lighting to shine brighter without any obstructions.
The STL-03’s case is thin and combines gray and black tones for a sleek yet distinct look. Made entirely of plastic, the keyboard is lightweight but still sturdy with no flex during use.
One downside is the keyboard’s feet, which extend beyond the case edges and lack anti-slip pads, making it less stable on smooth surfaces.
Galax uses ABS doubleshot plastic for the keycaps with custom-molded fonts to ensure durability and allow full LED light to pass through, not just the base.
The font on the STL-03 is large and clear, giving plenty of room for LED illumination. Visually, the font is decent but not particularly striking.
The keyboard uses Outemu switches, balancing value and performance. While Outemu isn’t as renowned as Cherry, it has improved over time and offers a smooth typing experience. This review was done using the Blue Switch variant of the STL-03.
The switch housing is made of transparent plastic to let the LED colors shine through. However, the STL-03 does not feature full RGB lighting, which might disappoint some gamers.
The keyboard also includes shortcut keys for popular apps and multimedia controls, which are handy for gamers who like to listen to music or multitask while playing.
Alongside the STL-03 keyboard, the Slider-01 mouse is another fresh addition to Galax’s gaming gear lineup. This ergonomic mouse stands out a bit from similar models on the market.
Mostly made of plastic, the Slider-01 looks bulky but remains lightweight. It targets users with larger hands who prefer palm or claw grips, especially those who use their mouse for extended periods.
The mouse’s matte surface helps resist dust and some sweat, though gamers will still need to clean it regularly to keep it looking fresh.
The Galax logo and an RGB light ring wrap around the mouse’s body, adding a cool touch. Unlike the STL-03’s zone-based lighting, the Slider-01’s RGB colors shift smoothly along the entire ring. This also indicates the current DPI setting.
The Slider-01 has plenty of buttons. Besides the two main buttons and scroll wheel, it includes back and forward buttons common in many mice today. DPI sensitivity can be adjusted on the fly with two buttons on the mouse’s back, perfect for quick changes during gameplay.
There’s also a “Fire” button on the upper left side designed to enhance gaming. This extra button lets players add custom actions synced with their mouse movements for faster, smoother control.
The mouse buttons feel great to press with balanced feedback and weight. The sensor’s accuracy is solid, but the lift-off distance is a bit high, which can reduce precision in fast flick shots for FPS players. Still, for other game genres, the Slider-01 performs without issues.
Overall, Galax is stepping into gaming gear with accessible products aimed at casual users who don’t need high-end features. It’s a promising start for the brand as it looks to grow in the gaming peripherals market.
