Trust Gaming has carved out a niche in the entry‑level peripherals market, offering affordable gear that looks and feels more premium than the price suggests. The GXT 856 Torac is a full‑size wired gaming keyboard that aims to deliver durability and style without breaking the bank. With its metal top plate, rainbow LED backlighting, and anti‑ghosting support, it promises a lot for under £30. Does it hold up in practice, though?
Design and Build
The Torac makes a strong first impression thanks to its outsized metal frame. Unlike many budget keyboards that rely entirely on plastic, the aluminium top plate gives it a sturdier, more premium feel. At 913g, it’s not overly heavy, but it feels solid and dependable on the desk. The design is unapologetically gamer‑centric: angular edges, bold branding, and breathing rainbow illumination that cycles through colours. The lighting is fixed‑zone rather than per‑key RGB, but brightness and speed can be adjusted to taste. The keys themselves use membrane switches with a 4mm travel distance, offering a softer, quieter feel than mechanical boards. Rated for 50 million presses, they should last well beyond casual use.
Features and Connectivity
This is a plug‑and‑play USB keyboard, with no software required. That simplicity is a strength for casual users, although it also means limited customisation. You can’t set a single colour — the rainbow effect is permanent — but you can tweak brightness and animation speed. The Torac includes 12 direct‑access media keys, along with a game‑mode switch that disables the Windows key to prevent accidental interruptions mid‑match. Anti‑ghosting is supported across up to eight simultaneous key presses, which is more than enough for most gaming scenarios. The keyboard is also spill‑resistant, a thoughtful addition at this price point, and connects via a 1.8m USB‑A cable.
Everyday Use
Typing on the Torac is surprisingly pleasant for a budget membrane board. The keys have a soft but responsive feel, and the spacing is comfortable for both gaming and general productivity. It’s not as crisp as a mechanical switch, but it avoids the mushiness that plagues many cheap keyboards. The rainbow backlighting is bright and evenly spread, making it easy to see in dim rooms. However, the lack of per‑key control or colour customisation limits its flexibility. For players who like to fine‑tune their setup, this will feel restrictive. Noise levels are low, making it a good fit for shared spaces or late‑night gaming sessions. The full‑size layout, including a number pad, also makes it practical for everyday work.
Performance in Games
In fast‑paced titles, the Torac holds up well. The anti‑ghosting ensures that multiple key presses register reliably, and the Windows lock switch is a thoughtful inclusion. For casual and mid‑level players, it’s more than capable. Competitive gamers, however, may find the lack of mechanical switches and customisation a deal‑breaker. The metal frame helps keep the keyboard stable during intense sessions, and the slightly raised keycaps make it easy to find the right keys without looking down.
Comparisons
Against rivals, the Torac’s biggest strength is its build quality for the price. Many keyboards in this range are all‑plastic, while the Torac’s metal top plate gives it a sturdier, more premium feel. Logitech and Razer offer more advanced lighting and software support, but at significantly higher prices. Compared to Trust’s own line-up, the Torac sits above the most basic entry‑level models thanks to its metal frame and lighting, but below the mechanical GXT boards that offer more precision and customisation.
