Firstly, we would like to thank Mountain for offering us a sample of their Everest Max Customizable Modular Mechanical Keyboard for testing and reviewing.

 

 

 

About Mountain:

 

“Mountain creates innovative, premium peripherals with a user-centric design that enables gamers to perform at their best. Their vision is for gamers to have what they need to perform, through uncompromising innovation, pioneering design, supreme quality, and customization.

“Reach Your Summit” is the mantra of Mountain.

 

Much like climbing a Mountain, gaming takes you on a journey that can be fun, challenging and exciting. Some may seek the thrill of climbing the most challenging slopes, while others are perfectly happy with a hike up an easily approachable mountainside. It doesn’t matter what games we play; the ascension creates the experiences and memories that we love to share, our way to the top of the Mountain.

 

Some of us are old school gamers, others are youngsters on the bleeding edge of the gaming industry. From Quakeworld on PC and Samurai Shodown on the Neo Geo to CS:GO and Anno 1800, we’ve played them all. We think that, like the ever-evolving PC hardware industry, competitive and recreational gaming is as much about the journey as it is about the destination.”

 

Media Dock With Display Dial

A whole mountain range of controls and information on top of your keyboard. Also, the first of its kind to feature a display! Apart from easily accessible media controls, the display will enable you to monitor your system, display, or switch profiles.

Numpad Or Not-pad?

If your daily routines include punching in numbers every so often, or you have an elaborate script and hotkey setup, the Numpad is for you. It was designed to fit snugly and securely to Everest and look great while serving alongside its bigger brother, either on the right or the left side of your keyboard.

Customizable Display Keys

To maximize your efficiency, modify the 4 display keys on your numpad to your heart’s desire. Choose your favorite shortcuts, macros or hotkeys and pick an image to make them your own.

Meet Me Just Right

Everest’s unique patent-pending riser feet design enables a secure and sturdy stand that goes beyond the capabilities of flimsy plastic solutions. In addition, a set of spacers allows you to find the perfect height so that Everest will always meet you at the perfect angle.

RGB All The Things

Set your desk ablaze with the widest array of RGB features we can muster. 16.7 million colors and numerous RGB modes are at your disposal. With individual RGB lighting for every individual key and a slick RGB strip around Everest’s entire body, the choice is yours. For additional synchronization we also added Razer Chroma™ RGB support

Extra Smooth

Sound is a crucial aspect of every mechanical keyboard, and Everest goes the extra mile to achieve superiority. Featuring genuine Cherry stabilizers with tight tolerances, factory tuned with Krytox GPL 205 Grade 0. Everest’s stabilizers do away with rattle and noise, placing them in a league of their own.

Switch It Up

We selected the gold standard of mechanical switches. Prefer something different? The modular approach makes it easy for you to replace the stock switches with any other compatible hot-swap variant, no soldering required.

 

Color: Gunmetal Gray/Midnight Black

Switch Type: 3-Pin Cherry MX, hot-swappable

Stabilizer: Cherry (plate-mounted, lubricated)

Layout Standard: ANSI / ISO

Backlight: RGB

Key Rollover: NKRO over USB

Polling Rate: 1000Hz / 1ms

Keycaps: ABS (PBT Optional)

MCU: Cortex M0

Onboard memory: Up to 5 profiles

On-the-Fly System: Through FN Function Key

Connector: USB Type-C

Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 1

Product Dimensions (LxWxH): 265x461x43mm (LxWxH)

Cable length: 2m

Product Dimensions: 265x461x43mm (LxWxH)

Product Weight: 1373g

Materials: Aluminum, ABS (PBT optional)

Media Dock Display: RGB TFT IPS 240x204px

Media Dock keys: 4: media, 1: display control

Display Keys: 4: 72x72px per key TFT LCD

Palm Rest: Magnetic, covered in PU-Leather

Software Support: Base Camp™

Warranty: 2 years

Included Accessories: Keycap & Switch combo removal tool, USB Type-C to C cable (15cm), USB Type-A to C cable (2m); Extra Cherry MX Switch x5, Extra ESC keycap x1, Riser feet

 

In this review we will concentrate upon another interesting peripheral from the young Mountain company founded in July 2018. While the first product we have received for review was the Makalu 67 (first announced in August 2020), the Everest keyboard was announced more recently in March 2020 and funded on Kickstarter in April 2020. The product was refined to iron-out any design issues and now we have it in its final form; the Everest Series line is divided into three main sections:

 

-Everest Core Barebone – the TKL keyboard base without any switch installed or keycaps

-Everest Core TKL – complete TKL keyboard which can be bought with a NumPad accessory, the Media Dock but also the Palm Rest

-Everest Max – the full experience which includes the Core TKL plus all other accessories.

 

The switches Everest operates on are Cherry MX Red, Silent Red, Speed Silver, Blue or Brown to accommodate all typing preferences.

 

The sample which was sent to us by Mountain is the Everest Max and considering that it comes with all available accessories, it is quite heavy as well! The packaging is top notch, compact enough, sporting the “Reach your Summit” saying on the top cover:

 

 

 

The box styling is the same as we have seen along with the Makalu 67, with the Mountain logo in the area where the box opens. The flap here is also held secure with magnetic force (besides plastic seals):

 

 

 

On one of the box sides, we will learn that the keyboard sample comes with an US International layout (many other layouts are available as well), and the unit was equipped with the Cherry MX Silent switches as well, which are by far our most favorite combination. The Everest keyboard base can come in Gunmetal Grey or Midnight Black variants, our sample being the Gunmetal Grey flavor:

 

 

 

As with Makalu 67, we will note the product serial number but also the announcement on the partnership with Plastic Bank, assuring that no wasteful materials are used:

 

 

 

A product description is available as well, in multiple languages:

 

 

 

On the bottom area, we will find an a more in-depth description of the main product components, but also the list of package contents and specifications:

 

 

 

After lifting the top cover, we will unveil the TKL part of the Everest Max keyboard, which is also wrapped inside a transparent plastic bag for additional protection:

 

 

 

On the back of the cover, we will find some interesting drawings, showing the keyboard elements during the design stage:

 

 

 

Under the keyboard section, the packaging does feature another layer, looking as a drawer, which includes the rest of the hardware bundle:

 

 

 

Going back to the main section, we will note that the TKL part of the keyboard is also accompanied by a wrist rest:

 

 

 

 

The main keyboard section includes not one but two plates of milled aluminum, which not only look good but also contribute to the sturdiness of the product:

 

 

 

The part where the removable switches are located is a bit recessed and comes with a different finish:

 

 

 

 

In the middle of the top frame, we will find a subtle Mountain logo:

 

 

 

A look from the left side does reveal the two aluminum plates but also the mounting mechanism for the USB-C interface and the area where the magnet will fit when the detachable Numeric Pad is attached:

 

 

 

In the frontal area of the keyboard, we will be able to spot three interfaces, but also multiple routing channels:

 

 

 

A closer look will reveal an USB-C port (for connecting the Media Dock), but also an USB-A port for connecting other devices (supports USB 3.2 Gen1 standard for high-speed data transfer):

 

 

 

An additional Media Dock connector is available near the top left corner:

 

 

 

On the right side of the keyboard, we do have a similar construction:

 

 

 

On the bottom area of the keyboard, we do have multiple routing channels, but also a set of top circular magnetic feet accompanied by more in the lower area:

 

 

 

The USB-C main connector is recessed and is placed in the middle of the base:

 

 

 

The magnetic feet in the corners can be easily removed in order to add more modules (indeed, this keyboard takes modularity to another level!):

 

 

 

Here is also a more detailed look on the non-removable rubber feet:

 

 

 

The included wrist rest includes plush foam on the top, which is covered with leatherette, in order to offer optimal comfort. This is the best combination versus the less expensive models which come with a simple plastic mold or plastic covered by a rubber layer!

 

 

 

The pad features magnets in front, in order to be easily attached/detached from the Everest Core TKL:

 

 

 

The wrist rest does feature a plastic base but also some additional rubber feet:

 

 

 

 

Here is how the Everest Core TKL does look with the wrist rest attached to it:

 

 

 

Time to check out the other modules and rest of accessories!

 

 

 

Here we will also find a small envelope, where the documentation resides:

 

 

 

Besides the Quick Start Guide, we will also receive a nice set of Mountain stickers:

 

 

 

The manual shows the key combinations which can be used if we have not purchased the Media Dock, but we will also learn how to remove the keycaps, the switches and how to attach the Media Dock:

 

 

 

 

Next, we will look at the “Customize” box, which contains some accessories:

 

 

 

Here we will note 5 switches to try out (one of each available Cherry MX variant we can equip Everest Max with), a regular Esc keycap (since the preinstalled Esc keycap is the custom Mountain logo variant), four sets of magnetic riser feet but also a keycap/switch remover:

 

 

 

Here is a closer look at the magnetic riser feet, which can be easily installed/removed:

 

 

 

First, we will remove the pre-installed component from the keyboard, which also comes with the rubber end:

 

 

 

Then, we will install the riser accessory:

 

 

 

Multiple accessories can be installed one after the other:

 

 

 

Do not forget to install the last default riser with the rubber end, so the keyboard won’t scratch the surface you will place it on!

 

 

 

Here is a look on how the final assembly does look like:

 

 

 

The removable Cherry MX switches have a special construction and do not come with LEDs in their chassis (the LEDs are present on the Barebone board:

 

 

 

After removing the keycaps, we will see two small clips, one on the upper side and one on the lower side; these will be pressed by the supplied adapter in order to be able to lift the switch up from its compartment:

 

 

 

 

Here is how the Barebone board area does look like with the switch removed: we do have a central hole for guiding the switch to stay aligned but also two other holes with metallic contacts, where the switch pins will go:

 

 

 

The new switch can be installed in a couple of seconds:

 

 

 

Here is what we will find on the bottom switch area, in order to match the design from the Barebone:

 

 

 

As the keycaps preinstalled on the Everest Max, the Esc key is made of ABS, but a PBT option is available as well as an accessory:

 

 

 

 

Moving on, we will go ahead with the Media Dock:

 

 

 

The modular dock is very light since it is built from plastic and features a dial on the right which houses in the middle a TFT LCD. From this dock we can access various multimedia buttons, while the last one near the dial will help with navigation (single click for accessing the current option, double click for back):

 

 

 

The dock comes with an USB-C connector in the back and two small magnets on the sides; the port on the keyboard supplies power to the whole unit, while data communication is done via SPI interface:

 

 

 

In the back side of the dock, we will note a Mountain logo:

 

 

 

The dock can be easily installed in the designated areas of the top Everest Core TKL frame:

 

 

 

 

 

The numeric pad add-on is next:

 

 

 

This one comes with the same sturdy and professional looking aluminum construction, but also has four dedicated keys with small 72x72 TFT LCD screens which can be programmed from the software interface. These remind us of the Elgato Stream Deck or the Razer Deathstalker Ultimate programmable buttons:

 

 

 

 

On the side of the numeric pad, we will get to see the USB connector with two support rods but also a magnet:

 

 

 

The magnetic feet from the numeric pad can be used for keeping the accessory at the desired angle by using the adapters:

 

 

 

The same type of construction can be spotted on the left side as well:

 

 

 

On the bottom of the numeric pad, we will get to see an additional rubber foot, but this is not the most interesting part! The middle button can slide to the left or to the right in order to eject the interfaces for connecting to the Everest Core TKL, depending on which side we would like to have the NumPad installed:

 

 

 

Two easy steps must be followed for connecting the NumPad to the keyboard: first decide on which side you would like installed it on and then attach it to the Everest Core TKL:

 

 

 

 

Voila, installation completed successfully!

 

 

 

For a less familiar look, the numeric pad can be moved to the left as well:

 

 

 

We are not done yet ????! Next we do have the USB Cable box:

 

 

 

Here we will find a 2m fully-braided cable for connecting the keyboard to our computer but also for making the integrated USB hub functional:

 

 

 

The connectors feature a custom design and are quite compact:

 

 

 

An USB Type-C adapter is offered as well, has 15cm and is used for connecting the NumPad farther than the Everest Core TKL:

 

 

 

 

After connecting the keyboard to our test system, we were quite amazed to see how the whole assembly does look like:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Between the two aluminum layers, there is programmable RGB lighting as well!

 

 

 

We have had experiences with the unified software from Mountain named Base Camp before while taking a look at the Makalu 67 and we can say that now the utility is even more polished and did not get any crash! After we have connected the keyboard to our test computer, it appeared in the dashboard section for configuration purposes:

 

 

 

Base Camp allows working with multiple profiles in order to maximize the number of programmable options:

 

 

 

The Lighting area comes with quite a bit of presets, but we cannot set a different mode than Static when programming per different sets of keys; the other presets are available for all keys and we can also adjust the speed effect, LED brightness or direction (if applicable):

 

 

Static

Color Wave

Tornado

Breathing

Reactive

Matrix

 

The Custom profile not only allows choosing from 16.8 million colors, but also lets the user work with the frame lighting:

 

 

 

The LED lighting can be turned off as well:

 

 

 

Keys can be programmed with other functions as well:

 

 

 

Default Function

Button Disable

OS Commands

Run Program

Run Macro

Media Function

Keyboard Shortcut

Mouse Function

 

When working with the keys with displays, we have an option to choose an image background as well:

 

 

 

Besides the presets, we can upload or own creations as well:

 

 

 

 

The keyboard keys can be programmed with OBS functions as well, which is very handy for streamers and content creators. A plugin must be installed to be able to link Base Camp to OBS and then you will be able to control your broadcast with functions such as Start Streaming/Stop Streaming, like using an Elgato Deck, which we think that it’s really awesome!

 

 

 

 

 

The Macro programming section does allow us to record sequences and apply it do a single key; we can set custom delays as well, select playback mode and more!

 

 

 

 

The display dial of the Media Dock allows us to use it for displaying the current clock in Analog or Digital format, choose the current profile, the lighting mode, set the current volume, adjust the LED brightness, display various PC information, enable APM counter but also work with a Custom mode. In the dedicated area we can set a screensaver after a defined number of seconds in order to avoid display burn-in, when and if the display should turn off, but also set the color of the menu indicator:

 

 

 

 

From the Settings area of the keyboard, we can work with the Game Mode options but also enable/disable the Core indicator LEDs; firmware updates can be performed from here as well but also a full reset to factory defaults:

 

 

 

Base Camp application has a Settings area of its own for even more configurable options:

 

 

 

Thought this is all? Not exactly…Mountain has worked along Razer as well, in order to offer RGB Sync options with other Razer peripherals. After launching Synapse and enabling Razer Chroma RGB Sync in the settings area of Base Camp, we will see Everest Max appearing in Razer Synapse:

 

 

 

We have tried different effects to sync along with the DeathAdder V2 and we haven’t encountered functionality issues:

 

 

 

Mountain Everest Max RGB Lighting Exemplification

 

 

Mountain Everest Max NumPad Buttons

 

 

Mountain Everest Max Media Dock

 

 

Mountain Everest Max Razer Chroma Sync

 

 

The Everest Max is a breath of fresh air in the gaming keyboard segment, also taking modularity quite seriously. This is the first time we are seeing a base keyboard product (Core Barebone), which can be upgraded quite a bit in order to obtain two more SKUs (Core TKL, Max), so people can buy exactly the items they will use. Besides that, we can choose between multiple Cherry MX switches (Red, Silent Red, Speed Silver, Blue, Brown) in order to fit the typing preferences, while NumPad and Media Dock really add quite a bit of functionality to the final product.

 

The Everest Max comes with all accessories, two color flavors can be chosen for the chassis, while the two aluminum plates really offer the keyboard quite a bit of sturdiness and also a professional look. The switches are easily removable by using the included tool and if we need to switch to another type, it is not needed to purchase a separate keyboard! Most of the keyboards also come with regular plastic riser feet but this time we do have circular magnetic feet which can be raised further by using the modular elements, which is really cool!

 

In case we do need to connect other high-speed devices to the Everest Max keyboard, it is worth noting that it comes with an USB 3.2 Gen1 hub port, while most other offerings on the market still employ USB 2.0 ports.

 

The LCD of the Media Dock can be easily controlled via the dial and also features a screensaver in order to avoid burn-in. We can control quite a bit of settings here, thanks to the menus and dedicated buttons, without the need of memorizing hotkeys.

 

One eye-candy feature is the display keys, which can be customized with our favorite icons in order to launch a specific application or perform different tasks; OBS integration is a treat for content creators, streamers because we can launch or stop broadcasts by just pressing the pre-programmed buttons!

 

Mountain team has made sure to build a sturdy mechanism for fitting the NumPad segment to the TKL segment of the keyboard, by using two rods in the USB Type-C connector area but also a magnet further down. The NumPad add-on can be installed on either right or left sides of the keyboard and if we feel adventurous, we can also use the extender USB Type-C cable for moving the NumPad further away!

 

The Base Camp application comes with plenty of configuration options, the only area we think it needs some more work would be the lighting one: we can adjust per-key backlight options but only in Static mode and cannot use the other presets; other available presets are only available for the whole RGB keys though! Speaking of lighting, since Base Camp is a unified software, it can sync RGB effects to other compatible peripherals from Mountain (such as the Makalu 67), but is also compatible with Razer Chroma devices. In order to enable this, we do only have to tick one option in Base Camp and Everest Chroma will be visible in Razer Synapse.

 

The keyboard in its TKL form without any accessories can set you back about 149.99 Euros, which is in-line with other high-end keyboards from other manufacturers sporting Cherry MX switches. You have the option to upgrade the TKL version with the Media Dock, NumPad and Wrist Rest, which will result in a total price of about 294.96 Euros but if you need all this stuff, it is better to purchase right away the Everest Max which is cheaper (249.99 Euros).

 

By accessing the Mountainggshop.com website, we can access even more accessories such as the Mountain Resin Esc Keycaps, the O-Rings KBDfans for even less noise, the Black Pudding keycap set (and a lot more variants), a 72-key switch tester, Kailh switch packs, a cable organizer and so on…

Mountain Everest Max Customizable Modular Mechanical Keyboard is Recommended for:

 

 

We would like to thank again to Mountain for making this review possible!