DIFFERENCE FROM A NORMAL KEYBOARD TO GAMING
KEYBOARDS
Gaming keyboards often have a variety of programmable keys for use in or
out of game. They are often backlit, and may feature a thicker coating of paint
on the most used gaming keys (w,a,s,d,space). They're also more suitable for
long time use by (usually) being built in a more robust fashion, and are made
so that they won't hurt the user's hands after a period of long use. Gaming
keyboards can also come with a variety of useful features from a windows key
disable switch to a LCD screen.
KEY FEATURES
Programmable Keys - reprogram some
or all keys and make them activate in-game actions or trigger sequences of
moves using macros
Gaming Mode - locks out the
Windows key to stop you accidentally switching back to your desktop
LCD Screen - display in-game
statistics or monitor system performance
Backlighting - mainly cosmetic,
but backlit keys are easy to read in darker environments and it can make the
main gaming keys easier to spot
Multimedia Controls - allows you
to control volume and your MP3 player without having to switch to the desktop
GAMING KEYBOARDS AT A GLANCE
Microsoft Sidewinder X4
The Sidewinder is a big favourite
of mine, and deserves more attention that it gets. It packs all of the features
you need into a relatively stylish case, yet remains quite cheap.
What you get is a set of six macro keys down the left side, dedicated
multimedia keys across the top and red backlighting with adjustable intensity.
Then there is a choice of two gaming modes, anti-ghosting that caters for up to
26 simultanous key presses and onboard memory profiles that can automatically
switch depending on what game you've just launched.
It's a feature list that is common across a lot of gaming keyboards, but
the X4 manages to offer these for under $50. Yes, there are cheaper keyboards,
but they tend to feel cheaper while the Sidewinder X4 manages to exude a
feeling of solidity and offers smooth key movement.
The Sidewinder X4 might not be the best gaming keyboard out there, but it
is certainly one of the best value keyboards you can get. If you don't want to
spend a fortune on a gaming keyboard just get one of these.
Saitek Cyborg
The Saitek Cyborg keyboard is one of the latest gaming keyboards, and it
packs some great features into a distinctive design.
First of all it has 12 special 'Cyborg' keys that can be programmed with
any function (as can all other keys). The Cyborg keys appear down each side of
the keyboard and are easy to reach and use.
Next is the backlighting, which is very clever. There are five zones on the
keyboard, each of which can have its own colour (from a choice of 5 colours)
and brightness level. This means you can set the backlighting to highlight just
the main gaming keys, or colour code them. It's a great system and works well.
The backlighting is controlled from a touch-sensitive panel at the top of the
keyboard.
The keyboard also has a gaming mode that locks out the Windows key. On top
of that, the main gaming keys (WASD and spacebar) are metal-coated to stop them
wearing out.
Other features include multimedia controls, audio sockets for microphone
and headphones, and a USB connection.
A great value keyboard. The styling might not be to everyone's taste and it
is on the large side, but other than that it's difficult to pick faults.
Logitech G15
The Logitech G15 is a long-standing favourite with gamers. It packs lots of
features into a well-built chassis (recently redesigned as the G15 V2).
It has programmable keys, just like the Cyborg above, only this time
they're called G keys and there are six of them. There's more to it than that
though, as there are buttons to toggle between three different key maps,
meaning eighteen possible macros. The principles are the same, you program in
your required function and press the button.
There's also backlighting, in this case it's an orange glow from behind all
keys. Simple, but effective.
The G15's clever trick is its LCD display, built into the top of the
keyboard. It can be programmed to show all manner of information, from system
statistics (CPU load, available RAM) to in-game info (ammo levels, experience
level).
On top of that you can add multimedia controls, a gaming mode switch to
lock out the Windows keys, and two USB 1.1 sockets.
Solidly built with a useful LCD screen, the G15 V2 refreshes and improves
on the original design. This is a keyboard that should be enough for most
gamers.
Razer Tarantula
The Razer Tarantula just oozes style. With its glossy black finish, soft
rubber-coated keys and cool blue backlighting it really does look good.
It's not all show, either, as it packs a host of features into that sexy
black case. As you'd expect there are programmable keys, including ten special
gaming keys down the sides of the keyboard. The Tarantula is particularly good
in this area as it has 32KB of onboard memory that can store up to five key
profiles. This means you can take the keyboard with you, plug it into another
PC and still be able to access your stored key profiles.
The keys also feature special anti-ghosting technology, meaning you can
press up to ten keys simultaneously. On normal keyboards this would be a
maximum of 3 or 4 keys, but why you'd want to press ten keys at the same time
is beyond me.
A clever feature is the ability to remove keys with a special tool
(included) and move them to different positions. For example, if you wanted a
DVORAK key layout you could move the keys into position and then reprogram them
to output the new character. There's also a set of extra keys with gaming
symbols on, so for example you could swap the 'R' key for a button with a
reload icon on it.
Another feature unique to the Tarantula is the BattleDock, a mini-USB
socket that allows utilities to be bolted onto the keyboard. At the moment this
is limited to the BattleLight (an overhead light that shines over the keyboard
to make up for the lack of fully backlit keys) or the BattleEye (a webcam).
While these two utilities don't sound very exciting, others are promised for
the future.
Finally, the Tarantula also has 2 USB sockets (sadly only 1.1) as well as
audio sockets for headphone and microphone.
Expensive, but the quality makes it feel like you're getting your money's
worth. It's got great features, feels really nice to use and looks great. The
driver software is a bit cumbersome, but once you're setup you hopefully won't
have to use it too often. Also, although it offers two extra USB slots, it also
requires two to work.
If you can afford the Razer Tarantula then you should seriously think about
buying one.
Ideazon Merc Stealth
The Ideazon Merc Stealth takes a different approach to the idea of a gaming
keyboard by including a dedicated gaming keypad built into the left-hand side
of the keyboard.
This keypad area groups all of the usual gaming keys into a natural layout
(assuming your mouse is naturally in your right hand), with direction keys
larger than normal. In total there are 34 programmable keys, which can store
macros for your favourite game actions.
The Merc Stealth also features full backlighting of all keys in a choice of
three colours (red, blue and purple) with four levels of brightness (Subtle,
Ambient, Intense and Off). While the backlighting might not be as flexible as
the Saitek Cyborg, it does work well and gives you some choice over the
appearance of your keyboard.
The gaming keys are programmed through Ideazon's Z Engine software, which
is intuitive and easy to use. Once setup, the gaming keys are comfortable to
use with a nice rubber coating, and give good tactile response when you press
them. The layout of the gaming keys really is ideal for FPS games and is much
more intuitive than a normal keyboard.
There are a few downsides to the Merc Stealth. The numeric keypad is a
non-standard layout which takes some getting used to, something that Ideazon
have had to do to keep the width of the keyboard manageable. The width is also
an issue, being significantly wider than a normal keyboard at 22.3 inches
(57cm), so check your desk before you buy. Finally, the tilt of the keyboard is
fixed at 11 degrees, something that Ideazon claim is a 'natural wrist
position', but that might not feel comfortable to everyone.
This is a great keyboard for gamers who don't spend a lot of time in other
Windows applications. The gaming keys are excellent and can be programmed to
suit each game, and they feel comfortable with great tactile response.
Just be aware that the unusual numeric keypad layout might reduce your
productivity in word processing and spreadsheet applications. If that's not a
worry and you play a lot of FPS games then why not give the Ideazon Merc
Stealth a try?
Optimux Maximus
As the most innovative and most expensive keyboard on the market (as far as
I’m aware), I couldn’t help but put the Optimus Maximus keyboard on the list.
Priced at almost $1600.00, this is out of the price range of most gamers, but
you have to take a look at it! It’s the wave of the future. Each key is its own
OLED display, so you can change the keys to a variety of different setups. You
can switch from a Qwerty display to a gaming display. The OLED displays are
color and fully customizable. If you have to have the best out there, then this
is the keyboard for you. At the very least, it will make great conversation the
next time you are with your gaming buddies.
Razer Black Widow
The Razer Black Widow is an affordable mechanical gaming keyboard that
offers an excellent, responsive feel, much better than standard keyboards. It
is made to accommodate adding macros easily and quickly with on-the-fly macro
recording so you can record macros without even taking your eyes off the game.
At $79.99, this keyboard is totally worth checking out. It's comes in both Mac
and PC versions, and would be the perfect addition to any gamer's arsenal.
Logitech G11
With 18 programmable keys and a sleek design, the Logitech G11 is worthy of
being on this top ten list. As a leader in computer peripherals, you can be
sure that you’re getting a quality product. The G11 is backlit and comes with a
wrist rest, although many gamers prefer and gel one. Unlike some of the other
gaming keyboards, this one is a little more inexpensive than some of the more
flashy keyboards on the market. If you’re looking for a good quality gaming
keyboard with programmable buttons, but have a tight budget, definitely take a
look at the G11.
Ideazon
Zboard
The Ideazon Zboard is an extremely versatile keyboard. Basically, this
keyboard has many game keysets available for purchase. The great thing is that
they have keysets available for some of the most popular games on the market,
including ones such as Counter-Strike, World of Warcraft, and Battlefield 2142.
The downside is that you have to buy the keysets, which run $19.99 each.
However, this keyboard offers a level of customization for your favorite games,
and can always be upgraded as new games are released.
Wolf King Timberwolf
Much like the Merc Stealth, the Wolf King Timberwolf offers a very easy to
use hybrid gaming experience. It lacks some of the flash that the Stealth has,
but it is still a great bargain and it functions very well.
Microsoft Sidewinder X6
The Microsoft Sidewinder X6 features 30 programmable keys and two colors
for the backlighting. The most unusual feature to this keyboard is that the
keypad can detach and fit on either side of the keyboard. It also has mode
switching with one button, which is convenient for the transition from a
regular keyboard to a gaming keyboard. It would be nice if the design was a
little more polished and attractive at its price, but that is purely cosmetic.
