Software
Like most modern gaming keyboards, the Thermaltake TT Premium X1 RGB can be customized with either on-board key combinations or with an additional software application. While you can make some basic adjustments to the keyboard’s lighting modes without installing any software, the real customization comes with the application. In addition to adjusting the lighting modes on the X1, Thermaltake’s software allows you to modify multiple profiles and create macros, actions, etc. The X1 software is quite basic compared to other solutions we have used in the past, but it seems to get the job done. There are two basic sections in the application, “KEYBOARD” and “MACROS”.
The keyboard section is where you can select a profile to make adjustments to, including things like key assignments and lighting. The key assignment section allows you to remap individual keys to act like another key, or even be used as a hotkey for launching applications or executing a macro.
The lighting portion of the keyboard section is where you can make changes to the included lighting effects, which include Static, Pulse, Wave, Spiral Rainbow, Spectrum Cycling, Reactive, Flow, Ripple, Raindrop, Snake Marquee, Sound Control, and System Temperature. Everything from color to brightness and speed are adjustable here. The only issue we found was that the illuminated TT logo at the top left of the keyboard shares lighting control with the Escape key. The two must be the same color when using a static color, and will light up the same color in all other modes. We would have really liked to see a separate controllable RGB LED for the TT logo.
Below are a few examples of some of the lighting modes you can find on the X1.
Moving on to the Macros section is where you can record and modify macros. Thermaltake has included the basic functions used in macro creation, including the ability to adjust delays, insert and delete functions, etc.
The TT Premium X1 is also designed to work with a mobile app that allow for customization and control via your Apple smartphone. Not only can you adjust lighting colors, effects, speed, etc., you can also swap profiles with ease. Thermaltake touts hands-free operation, but you must be in the app and in the voice-enabled section to use this function; no taking advantage of Siri to control your keyboard here. Another software option with the X1 is a virtual game controller that lets you use your Apple smartphone’s screen as a gaming controller.