Gaming Keyboards?

[Hoboape]

Is there a point to getting one?
Are they really that different from a normal keyboard (other than a few other buttons)?
Basically do you think I should bother spending the extra money on one or would I be just as good getting a normal keyboard.


To add a bit more discussion if you have a gaming keyboard what is it and are you happy with it?

 

[Syphous]

I have a regular keyboard and I have yet to think "Damn! I need more keys!".

 

[intheweeds]

I use a regular keyboard and I agree with the above poster, you don't need one. Some of them though are made with nicer key press feeling and more sturdy WASD's. I think you don't need one, but a nice keyboard is a luxury i wouldn't turn down if it was offered.

 

[evilneko]

You can pry my IBM Model M from my cold dead hands.

 

[ms_sunlight]

I respectfully disagree.

Old-school, robust clattery keyboards are great.

Some of the letters have worn off my keyboard. I've kept it through my last 3 gaming PCs because I like it. (I also use a regular wired Microsoft optical mouse that I've had for ages just because I really like the feel of it, much more so than so-called gaming mice I've tried out.)

 

[kidd25]

You can pry my IBM Model M from my cold dead hands.

so if i warm them up i'll slide them off.

so sorry bout the pun.

 

[Moonlight Butterfly]

I respectfully disagree.

Old-school, robust clattery keyboards are great.

Some of the letters have worn off my keyboard. I've kept it through my last 3 gaming PCs because I like it. (I also use a regular wired Microsoft optical mouse that I've had for ages just because I really like the feel of it, much more so than so-called gaming mice I've tried out.)

nearly all of the letters have worn of my keyboard now, My mum sat down to write an email and needed me to change the keyboard for her, bless.

I have heard there is no point to buying an expensive keyboard unless it's a mechanical one.

 

[Fishehh]

I have a Logitech G15 and the only reason I bought it is I like to type in the dark but still like to see my keys, backlighting fixes that

 

[Skorpyo]

I just use a comfy old ergonomic clacky-board.

Wasting money on a board that has a display (which is far more convenient on screen), extra buttons, or has some other pointless feature is absurd. The only (arguably) "Gaming" board I ever saw that seemed worthwhile was called the "<a href=http://dansdata.com/deck.htm>Deck Keyboard", and that's only because it's easily modifiable to your particular tastes.

 

[Dirty Hipsters]

The only thing that I would look for in a gaming keyboard is back-lite keys, but other than that, a normal keyboard does me perfectly well. A good mouse is much more important in my mind.

 

[FalloutJack]

Is there a point to getting one?
Are they really that different from a normal keyboard (other than a few other buttons)?
Basically do you think I should bother spending the extra money on one or would I be just as good getting a normal keyboard.


To add a bit more discussion if you have a gaming keyboard what is it and are you happy with it?

I own a particular Logitech one that they sold me at a discount to make up for the fact that the one I had went inoperative when I had been using it with my PS3 before.

Answer to the buying conundrum: Why not? I got mine so I could use the internet on my PS3 easier.

 

[gigastrike]

Gaming keyboards are a waste of money. I got mine for like $10 and I'd choose it over one of those Logitech, WoW things with the thousand buttons that don't do a thing outside the game any day. Mice are worth it, though. Those side buttons are a blessing.

 

[Alfador_VII]

I like my Logitech G15. I like the backlighting the screen thingy is handy, particularly in WoW, for displaying who's talking on vent

 

[Zer_]

I'm using the G510, and they tend to be sturdier. Also, they support more simultaneous keypresses at once. Some keyboards only support 3 or 4 at once, higher end keyboards support up to 10 or more.

 

[Accountfailed]

Gaming boards tend to have a far higher build quality (depending!) and backlighting is great if you like playing in the dark, they are a complete luxury though. you won't need one, but when you buy one and use it you'll see why you'd want one. Also MACRO KEYS! those useful buggers.

logitech g15, had it for years, love it.

 

[sms_117b]

Just get one with laptop-style keys. Anything with keys that are 'taller' than that is just irritating - basically this:

As opposed to this:

Although I wouldn't mind one where the keys are more properly 'gridded' - at least put the WASD ones in line with each other...

Hey, how'd you get a photo of my keyboard...all-be-it a darn site cleaner

As for a gaming keyboard, I don't see the point, unless, unless you're a professional gamer then you just need all the tiny advantages you can get, same with a gaming mouse as far as I'm concerned.

Although I reserve the right to change my mind if I get a set and they're awesome.

 

[Jodah]

I like my Logitech G15. I like the backlighting the screen thingy is handy, particularly in WoW, for displaying who's talking on vent

I liked my G15. It died on me recently though. I "upgraded" to a G19 and regret the decision .

 

[meticadpa]

Okay okay okay.

Before anyone starts spraffing stuff about "GAMING KEYBOARDS WITH LEDS, YEAH!" you need to realise that they're not any higher build quality than your generic USB rubber dome keyboards, and that they're going to feel exactly the same when you're typing. In short, you're paying for the LEDs and keys you're not likely to use terribly often. Where it becomes worth paying more for a keyboard is when you start paying for mechanical key switches. If you've ever heard someone typing on an old, clicky keyboard, this is what you're hearing. These offer far better tactile response than any rubber dome keyboard can ever hope to achieve, and will last for a very, very long time (I think each key is rated for like a million strokes or ten million strokes or something, and most work well after then - search for the IBM Model M).

To summarise: it's worth buying a mechanical keyboard (such as the Razer Black Widow, which is a mechanical keyboard aimed towards gamers), but it's not worth buying a "gaming" keyboard.

If you're looking for more information, I highly recommend looking at the mechanical keyboard thread on www.overclock.net. There are plenty of well-informed individuals there who would be happy to help you find the best keyboard for you.

Edit: there's way more, too; most of them can support a higher number of simultaneous key presses than their rubber dome rivals, which may not sound important, but it can be.

 

[aprildog18]

I don't think a gaming keyboard is that important. Mine right now (not a gaming keyboard) is some generic hp keyboard that can play any game that doesn't require pressing/holding down 6 keys at a time.