Dark Project x TORNADO Gaming Keyboard Review

Packaging and design

The keyboard comes without documentation or an official name, so for convenience, we’ll refer to it throughout this review as the “Tornado Dark Project,” after the manufacturers’ names. I wasn’t able to find the device’s specifications, but much about its features can be learned through testing and personal experience—that’s what I’ll base my review on.

The Tornado Dark Project comes in a simple, all-black case with a hinged lid. Only two white logos—TORNADO MAX ENERGY and Dark Project—are visible on the side of the case, while the lid features distinctive “eyes” that mirror the device’s screen. Inside, the device is housed in a dense foam core: the circuit board itself is recessed into a foam recess, and two oblong slots on the sides hold two canned energy drinks (Tornado Storm and Tornado Black) as an additional collaboration accessory.

The form factor of the device aspires to a compact workspace layout with a dedicated navigation block and a separate row of function keys at the top. It’s not a full-size device, but it’s not a compressed 60% either—it’s closer to a 75%/TKL layout with additional elements on the right. The outer decorative panel is light silver, likely aluminum, with carefully milled edges. The upper right corner houses an OLED display and a rotary encoder with the TORNADO logo, which controls volume. The cable slot is located in the center of the rear edge, conveniently positioned for desktop installation, allowing the cable to be neatly concealed under a desk.

The highly legible function row is housed in a separate block of red keycaps with a geometric symbol on each key. The arrow keys and several auxiliary keys are also red, emphasizing navigation. The main alphanumeric keys are black keycaps with white lettering. There’s also a custom silver keycap with the “TORNADO – CHARGE YOURSELF!” logo, replacing the right Enter key, and several promotional keys labeled “MAXIMUM ENERGY” (right Shift), Jump (Tab), All Caps (Caps Lock), and Power Up (left Shift).

The inscriptions are printed clearly, with high contrast, and the symbols are easily legible from any viewing angle. The font is functional, without excessive ornamentation, and is close to a consistent sans-serif standard with moderate character height. Cyrillic and Latin inscriptions are consistent in style and do not conflict with each other in terms of legibility. The markings appear to be securely applied.

The main drawback of the Tornado Dark Project is its limited backlighting—the lights are located at the bottom, obscuring the symbols. However, it offers a variety of presets, from a static, single-color glow with a choice of colors to all sorts of rainbow-colored shimmers. Furthermore, the keyboard sorely lacks symbols with shortcuts for FN hotkeys. Fortunately, most of them are standardly located and easy to find or recall from memory.

The keyboard rests on wide silicone feet: the pads are thick, fit snugly against the surface, and provide a stable base for the device. Their width and material ensure reliable damping, minimizing movement during vigorous typing.

Visually, the assembly looks solid, I would even say premium: the gaps between the panels are uniform, the peripheral edging is smooth, the combination of colors and materials is maintained in a single composition.

The keyboard comes with a huge mousepad, measuring 90 x 40 centimeters, capable of covering almost the entire work surface. The mousepad is stitched along the edges, provides a non-slip grip, and is decorated as a control center in the style of the TORNADO MAX ENERGY. The inscriptions on it are rather meaningless. A guide to FN functions could have been included, since there are no tooltips.

Features and impressions

The case of the supposed “Tornado Dark Project” is built around a massive aluminum frame, manufactured, according to the manufacturers, on high-precision CNC equipment. The designers achieved precise geometry and precise, burr-free transitions. The smooth curves of the keyboard case feel like the result of precision machining, not mere decoration. 

The case’s surface appearance isn’t simply a result of paint, but rather a multi-stage hand sanding process. This multi-layer, automotive-grade coating increases the keyboard’s resistance to minor damage, ensuring the case will maintain a consistent texture and color for a long time, even with intensive use. 

The top panel is removable and held in place by magnets, which is somewhat unusual. The magnetic attachment provides sufficient rigidity while still allowing for quick removal if a more industrial look is desired, the keyboard’s weight is reduced, and access to the keycaps and switches is desired. In practical terms, this simplifies maintenance: access to the internal components is tool-free, minimizing the risk of damaging the case. The lower section of the aluminum base is also easily separated from the main keyboard unit, which sits on silicone pins. 

Since there’s a contact panel on the bottom, I suspect this feature is more intended for situations where quick access to the internals or temporary maintenance is needed. However, I wouldn’t recommend disassembling this device too often—the ribbon cable connecting the screen to the keyboard isn’t very securely attached.

The Tornado Dark Project’s dual-layer sound insulation reduces cabinet resonance and softens keystrokes. This is essential for the aluminum model, as metal can amplify vibrations, and without damping materials, the sound would be noticeably louder.

The OLED display, integrated into the case, is a decorative element that responds to user actions in real time. The animated eyes we saw on the keyboard case lid create a “living” interface on the screen. 

The mysterious observer monitors game commands and plays preset animations. During rapid A-D keystrokes, typical for lateral movements, during sprinting (usually assigned to Shift), and when entering stealth mode (i.e., crouching, which is bound to Ctrl in most games), the eyes change behavior. 

The text command response system works on the same principle. The keyboard recognizes short inputs like “GG” or “WTF” and changes the animation behavior according to preset reactions. For example, when typing “GG,” it plays a meme-like emoji with sunglasses. The developers emphasize that some triggers are intentionally hidden to make interaction with the observer more engaging. A functional screen displaying keyboard modes could be implemented instead of the face. 

The keyboard is powered by Dark Project G3MS Aquamarine linear mechanical switches, rated for 80 million keystrokes. Their durability is achieved through a reinforced stem and housing, as well as materials that withstand wear and tear under intensive use. The switches offer smooth, seamless movement, making them ideal for rapid, repeated keystrokes, precise control in dynamic games, and simple typing.

According to the information I found, Dark Project G3MS Aquamarine switches are part of a new generation of premium linear switches, in which the manufacturer emphasizes precision manufacturing and controlled acoustics. Their design is based on a combination of POM, PC, and PA plastics—materials traditionally used in high-end switches due to their stable mechanical properties and predictable behavior under sustained load. 

A key feature of the series is the use of extremely low manufacturing tolerances—just 0.2 mm. This minimizes gaps between the body and stem elements, eliminates play, and ensures controlled switch travel throughout its entire trajectory. The switches offer a crisp, clear touch, without lateral vibration or unwanted noise, which directly impacts both the tactile sensation and the final sound.

Technically, Aquamarine switches are linear switches with a shortened spring, an actuation point of 1.8 mm, and a full travel of 4 mm. The actuation force is approximately 45 g at the actuation point and 55 g at the full actuation point. Factory lubrication reduces friction between the stem and the guides, and the reinforced contact pads are treated with a protective coating to increase durability.

But the main focus here remains the acoustic profile. Aquamarine produces a deeper, heavier keystroke, considered one of the most sought-after by enthusiasts. This was achieved through unique stem geometry and precise component fit: a reduced gap allows the sound to develop without unnecessary resonance, and a shortened spring creates a tighter response. According to official information from Dark Project, this sound character is the key differentiator between Aquamarine and the similarly named Jade series, which, while sharing similar mechanics, emphasizes a different acoustic presentation.

Indeed, the Tornado Dark Project’s keys are distinguished by an unusually quiet and precise sound. There’s no chatter or sudden jumps, and the action is firm and controlled. Tactilely and audibly, they resemble smooth stones that spring slightly under the fingers, click pleasantly, and return to their original position with a gentle feedback. These charming features make the keyboard equally comfortable for both long typing sessions and dynamic gaming scenarios: fingers don’t tire, and the typing rhythm remains steady. 

Hot-swappable support expands customization options. The switches can be removed and installed without soldering. The keycaps themselves are made of PBT plastic. It is abrasion-resistant, does not change color over time, and maintains its matte finish during daily use.

The package includes a detachable connection cable, four spare Aquamarine switches, a keycap puller, and a switch puller. A set of silicone pins holds the main part of the keyboard in place. White and black options allow for customization. Additional springs are also included. The manufacturer also includes a keycap with the TORNADO MAX ENERGY logo. It can be installed on any small key, including the Escape key, to highlight the collaboration’s style. 

Despite all this, the design remains noticeably massive: the device weighs over 960 grams. The nearly kilogram case provides additional stability during intensive typing and reduces the likelihood of the keyboard shifting on the desk. This is expected for a metal model of this caliber, but you’ll likely not want to take it with you on the go. 

Conclusion

It’s a shame the Tornado Dark Project is released in such a limited edition and isn’t available for general sale—surely more than six collector’s edition enthusiasts would be willing to buy such a device. The combination of premium switches, an aluminum case with an automotive-style finish, an animated OLED display, and a themed design makes this keyboard a striking artifact at the intersection of gaming peripherals and branded merch. The included accessories are impressive: spare switches, springs, silicone pins, a huge mousepad, and even energy drinks in cans—a truly powerful collaboration.

Overall, both the keyboard and the keyboard itself are well-made, though not without their flaws. The lack of backlit keys limits use in the dark, the lack of hotkey hints on the FN keys requires searching for a search engine or memorizing combinations, and the unreliable display cable connection forces caution when disassembling. Nevertheless, for fans of the TORNADO MAX ENERGY brand and those who enjoy gaming keyboards with premium mechanical switches, the Tornado Dark Project will be a very cool gadget. That is, if they’re lucky enough to win it.