Gaming Keyboards?

[sgtslacker]

I use my laptop keyboard and it works fine, gaming mouse is a must though.

 

[evilneko]

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).

I'd just like to note that my Model M has outlasted every desktop computer I've had and followed me to the next. It will probably even outlast me.

 

[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).

I'd just like to note that my Model M has outlasted every desktop computer I've had and followed me to the next. It will probably even outlast me.

I really wouldn't doubt that at all - they're built like tanks. There's a guy who tried to destroy one, and he put it through all kinds of crap; he set it on fire, ran it over, hit it with a hammer, etc., but it refused to stop working completely. Impressive stuff, really.

Also, it doubles as quite a handy weapon.

 

[infohippie]

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

Oh hell yes. You can't ask for a finer keyboard, truly.

 

[sir.rutthed]

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?

Gaming keyboards aren't about having more keys on them. On most keyboards, they have it set to where you can't be simultaneously pushing more than two buttons at any one time such as shift+k. Gaming keyboards allow you to hold more down than that so you can execute complicated maneuvers in game. I had lots of shift and CTRL bindings in WOW, along with lots of custom macros so having a gaming keyboard was a huge help because I could hold down my attack buttons while I also spammed my buffs/heals/whatever. Mine also has no slip keys, which are quite handy, and light up keys which are great for late gaming. I have a Razr Lycosa (sp?) and it's done me good for the last 2 years. If you do a lot of PC gaming, it's definitely worth looking into. Just don't get any Logitec crap. I had a gaming keyboard/mouse from them and they were both absolute shit. Speaking of mice, don't get a gaming one unless you play MMO's religiously. I use a $5 Dynex mouse for all my gaming and it does everything I ever need it to do.

 

[CCountZero]

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 .

I've had my first-edition G15 for longer than I can remember, and I almost broke down in tears three months ago when I thought I'd bricked it by pouring half a glass of milk straight onto the media control area.

Luckily, I managed to dry it out, and it seems to be working again.


I once spilled chocolate milk into it as well, after which I was forced to spent four hours with a knife, scraping a sugary residue off of each key, one at a time...

But my G15 is worth it.

 

[Master Kuja]

I just want a nicely priced, desktop size keyboard with laptop style keys, I've grown so used to typing with this laptop's keyboard that I just can't type on anything else, yet I want to build a desktop, in fact I plan on building one.

Gaming keyboards? Pssh, too much money for something that's only worth it if you're an absolute pro, is what I want too much to ask?
Seriously though, does what I want exist?

 

[RevRaptor]

I have a Logitech G110, best keyboard I've ever owned. Even when I'm not gaming typing on it is much more enjoyable than the cheaper keyboards I've owned. It feels great to type on, the back lighting is handy and it has an awesome volume control roller. For me at least it is well worth the extra cost.

 

[SinorKirby]

I love those keyboards. Heck, I thought they just flat-out weren't made anymore until I found my lovely wireless one that I have right now. The flat keys just...feel too flimsy to me.

But yeah, this thing keeps me going. There is no advantage to a gaming keyboard at all, at least none that I can see.

 

[loc978]

I have an old, clattery Belkin F8E885. I love it for the key layout (note the position of the backslash key and the home cluster [http://www.superwarehouse.com/images/products/Belkin_F8E885USB.jpg]), but I wish it could send more than three simultaneous keystrokes. That's the only advantage to a gaming keyboard in my opinion. Five simultaneous keystrokes on up is nice.

...but I don't use wasd if I can help it. Arrow keys have always served me better, and they give me quicker access to more controls.

 

[GWarface]

Can only recommend a G110.. The extra stuff and sleek design is enough reason for me..

 

[Sleekgiant]

To me there is no point in adding extra keys to your keyboard, unless you are an MMO addict there is zero need for more than a basic laptop unless you want to get one of these:

Spoiler: Spoilered for Keyboard sexiness

Look at that dirty little whore <3

 

[EHKOS]

I love the colorful backlights, but you really don't need one. I would love to own one, but I can still pwn with mine.

 

[TheLoneBeet]

As soon as I bought my computer the first thing I went and got as far as accessories was a Logitech illuminated keyboard. I love it. Although I have to change the controls for most games so they don't include any of the function keys since they're all bound to programs. I'm sure you can disable that somehow though I just don't bother because I use them a lot.

 

[Aeshi]

A few extra keys for gaming and a disabled Windows key are usually the only difference.

But if memory serves there was one gaming keyboard that had a tiny screen you could watch Youtube movies on built in to it.

 

[Cazza]

I have a normal keyboard. I think having a custom keyboard with key sizes and spaces to fit your hands and a differnt layout would be awesome.

 

[Aphex Demon]

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.

That thing looks hideous. As for the gaming keyboards I'd quite like one with a display, telling me my CPU temps, or my Kill to Death ratio. Things like that make my geeky mind happy

 

[Eclectic Dreck]

Honestly, all I ask for is raised keys. Sure, I can use a "laptop" style keyboard (I am typing this on one but that is because I am using a laptop) but I just prefer the old style. It actually causes me some problems when playing a Dawn of War 2 and I find myself missing hotkeys whenever I play on a "laptop" style keyboard. I'm certain this is just a matter of preference rather than some glaring indictment of the flaws of laptop keyboards.