Portronics Hydra 10 Mechanical wireless Gaming Keyboard review: A reliable choice

Design and build quality
The Hydra 10 has a compact 68-key layout also known as Ten Key Less (TKL) keyboard making it ideal for gamers and users who want to save desk space. At 580 grams, it is lightweight yet feels sturdy enough for daily use. The detachable keycaps add to the durability and customization options as well. Talking out the keys are easy and it also makes it easier to clean.

Compact form factor
The smaller size helps with portability, especially if you carry your setup between home and office. However, the tighter key spacing can take some time to get used to, and users with larger hands may find accidental key presses more frequent.

Connectivity options
This keyboard supports Bluetooth 5.0, a 2.4GHz USB nano dongle, and a wired Type-C connection. With multi-device pairing, it can connect to up to three Bluetooth devices plus RF and wired input, making it versatile across laptops, PCs, tablets, and phones. I tried pairing the Hydra 10 with my Windows 11 laptop, MacBook Pro, Android tablet as well as my smartphone. All of them worked just fine and no input lag or anything as such. Also, switching between the devices are fast and responsive here. Only, if you need to switch between the wired and wireless mode, there’s this additional press of a button. But, that’s alright considering the keyboard already has so many wireless connectivity options.

Switch options
It comes in Red, Blue, and Brown switch variants. These options let users choose between linear, clicky, or tactile experiences based on personal preference, catering to both typists and gamers. I have the Red one and as per its characteristic, feels clicky and that satisfying mechanical press sound is there too.

Battery performance
Powered by a 1000 mAh battery, the Hydra 10 lasts a decent duration on a single charge. The energy-saving design extends usage time, and the Type-C port ensures faster charging compared to older connectors.

RGB lighting
The keyboard includes RGB backlighting with multiple effects. It enhances aesthetics and is a popular feature among gamers. Although there's no software support, all the controls for the RGB are done via key combinations which are properly marked on the keyboard. For instance, the brightness control is Fn+ Arrow up or down, the RGB effect change is Fn+Back slash, The colour change is Fn+Enter and so on.

Typing and gaming experience
Mechanical switches provide the expected tactile response and quicker actuation, making it enjoyable for gaming and long typing sessions. The compact design improves portability but sacrifices comfort features like height adjustment.

Verdict
The Portronics Hydra 10 hits a sweet spot for users who want a mechanical keyboard with wireless flexibility without breaking the bank. It delivers tri-mode connectivity, a strong battery, and solid switch options (Red, Blue, Brown), making it good for both gaming and typing on the go. Its compact 68-key layout and lightweight build make it ideal for portability. If you need a feature-rich mechanical keyboard for travel, multiple device use, or a compact gaming/typing setup, the Hydra 10 is a strong contender.