1: 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.
2: 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.
3: Merc Stealth
The Merc Stealth is an illuminated gaming keyboard that features a very
easy to use hybrid design. This keyboard is also unique because the user can
choose between three different colors for the backlighting: Blue, red, or
purple. The movement keys are rubberized, which is nice for gameplay. The
keyboard also has many macro features and includes 125 pre-defined mapping
layouts.
4: Razer Tarantula
The Razer Tarantula is one of the most elegant keyboards on the market and
is known for having extremely comfortable keys. This keyboard also comes with
32KB of onboard memory, which is enough to save about 5 custom game layout
profiles. With a wickedly fast response time, this keyboard also includes 10
programmable hotkeys as well as two USB ports (which most gaming keyboards
have).
5: Saitek Cyborg
The Saitek Cyborg is a great upgrade to the popular, backlit Eclipse model.
The Cyborg offers multi-color backlighting and 12 programmable “cyborg” buttons
on the far left and right of the keyboard. Some say that it is hard to get used
to the buttons being so far apart, but that is simply a matter of personal
preference. With this keyboard, you can enter into Cyborg Mode, in which all
windows keys are disabled and it switches to the pre-defined settings with the
click of one button.
6: 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.
7: 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.
8: 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.
9: Logitech G15
The Logitech G15 (version 2) has a lot to offer, even over the first
version of this keyboard. One of it’s most attractive features is an LCD
display built into the top of the keyboard which shows game and system
information. This is a rugged keyboard and have illuminated characters that
offer excellent visibility in low light situations. At $100, you pay a little more
for the LCD screen, but it is cheaper than some of Logitech’s older models with
LCD screens on them.
10: 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.
