Gaming Keyboard Roundup: Razer, OCZ, and Logitech
primesuspect
Beepin n' BoopinDetroit, MI Icrontian
Matt Jancaitis (Snarkasm) has put three gaming keyboards to the test.
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I like the OCZ macro buttons are arranged vertically as to cut the length down.
How about,
I like the OCZ macro buttons are arranged in such a way to cut down length. As in one column on each end of the board.
Perhaps this is where I mention that the G15 is smaller in width than the Alchemy Elixir. It IS, however, taller, thanks to the GamePanel.
I suppose it's quite obvious I didn't read the reviews thoroughly.
Yes indeed, the former iteration had quite the load of keys. There are pictures of the board in the review and here.
The LCD is excellent, many games will load custom stuff on the panel, also nice to have FRAPS running on the LCD instead of flickering on the monitor.
You really get used to the backlit keys, I'll always have a keyboard with it.
Good review, I like the look of the 2nd gen G15.
I might get one.
Spectre Gamer Keyboard KUT2
Note: I missed that that was a refurb, but there are similar deals for new ones here and here.
The problem is that when then the "touch interface" gets anything on it, it starts to act up. This could be caused just by normal sweat and dirt from your hands, dust or moisture. The keyboard will be working fine one minute, then next thing you know there's a key stuck, or some adverse affect from the touch interface fucking up. It's not always easy to fix either. One would think that wiping off the touch interface with a dust-free cloth would work, but it doesn't. Sometimes you have to reset the keyboard by unplugging it and plugging it back in, but even that doesn't always work. Sometimes a complete reboot is what it takes and I swear to God, sometimes you just have to shelf the bitch for a while and deal with it later. Another problem I have is the keyboard lights won't stay on. They'll either go out on their own, or when it gets real bad, the keys start flickering like christmas tree lights. Sometimes when this happens, they keyboard will hesitate and screw up whatever you were typing.
It has been a nightmare. An $80 nightmare. Tech support won't do anything about it, because the keyboard isn't technically broken just because the touch interface is dirty. Also, what are they going to do? Replace it with another crappy keyboard?
While it may be a little too late, I don't recommend anyone ever buy this keyboard. EVER. I'm wondering though if any of you have had similar problems. To me it just seems like it was poorly designed. I would rather have normal buttons than the touch interface for media and volume controls.
I had a shopping dilemma a few months back, considering what I should do, buy an expensive keyboard laden with features I would never use, or buy an old school heavy duty mechanical keyset.
I went old school, and I am thrilled with my purchase. I'm not knocking gaming keyboards with extra features for macros and custom programs for different games and such, but honestly, I just don't use them. If I want to reprogram controls, I just do it in that particular games control panel. Keys that glow in the dark, not for $100+. I just wanted a keyset that would handle my constant abuses. Only problem is its loud when you type on it, which I love to be honest, but my wife can't stand it when she and I are in the same room together.
That being said, I'm in the market for a new keyboard. Based on my criteria, anyone have any suggestions?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823126043&Tpk=logitech%20illuminated
It goes on sale quite often with an additiona $15-20 promo code, so keep an eye out and subscribe to Newegg if that price bothers you. I got mine for $40, its been as low as $35 in recent weeks AR. Rebate was pretty fast for me, came in about 6 weeks which is good for Logitech.
As for the KB, its tiny, low profile but very sturdy and deceptively heavy given its sleek appearance and tiny footprint. Has laser etched LED illuminated keys that aren't overly gaudy or flashy. Keys use those precision scissor mechanisms and low keystroke travel common in laptop keyboards, very similar to their Logitech DiNovo offerings.
Some problems I've read about include certain key blocking combos (very hit or miss, some claim problems with fast apostrophe combos, I had ctrl-A combo problems, some claim no problems at all. Could be a QA or firmware issue not sure. Also no USB ports on the KB itself, some also have complained about serious power draw on this KB to the point its not compatible with certain mobo.
As for gaming vs. non-gaming keyboards, my take on it is if you use the programmable functionality in games, they're great. If not, they're mostly overkill.
For me, the keys are too big. It looks really cool, and probably functions very well for a gamer, but I just like the way the keys on my laptop work and just want an extended version of that for when I'm hooked up to my docking station.