I'm in the process of building my dream gaming pc. I have settled on most of the hardware and even bought a bit of it. Yet I can't find a keyboard that suits my needs. All of the gaming keyboards I have looked at are either built for looks (all that ergonomic crap - I'm going to have to relearn typing), have useless gimmicks (like a mini screen for some bs. I don't see how that will help anything), are clunky and slow (with keys that are big and respond slower than a drunken roommate), or use lights and crap to cover up their shoddy construction. I like laptop keyboards better than traditional keyboards (the low profile is a plus) and if there was a good keyboard out there with low profile keys, I would be ever so thankful. Like the mac keyboard. But I cant use that for a pc.
Thanks eh?

ps: I dont really care about stuff like hotkeys. It's more fun to not use them anyway

Since "gaming" keyboard generally suggests some kind of add ons meant for gaming (like those silly LCD screens or a bunch of macro keys), I'd assume that what you're looking for wouldn't usually fall under that category.

I'd guess you're looking for something like these:

http://www.logitech.com/en-us/keyboards/keyboard/devices/47 40

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/78-key-compact-slim-usb-keyboa rd-black-160cm-cable-44378

http://www.funkykit.com/component/content/article/56-accesso ries/6748-review-arctic-cooling-k381-keyboard.html

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823 102028

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823 301006

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823 839006

There are probably a ton more like them though. I myself don't use keyboards like that, so I can't really recommend any of them to you either...in any case, I hope I helped a bit.

Thanks! One of those will probably be good
Yeah though. I dont really need a gaming keyboard per se, just something that responds quickly and is simple

When I saw this topic, my first thought was "Gaming keyboards are usually gimmicky nonsense".

I probably wouldn't have responded, but since you seem to agree, I'll just say "good show, old sport".

I'd just search for "low-profile keyboard" on newegg to find what you're looking for. Good luck!

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Personally I use the logitech G11, which has worked perfectly for me. However, if I had the choice again I would have gone with Das Keyboard. It might not have very many bells and whistles, but it's as indestructible as the old IBM keyboards. The one downside is its price.

Hands down the best keyboard for gaming is a mechanical keyboard:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps& field-keywords=mechanical+keyboard&x=0&y=0

I personally use a Razer Blackwidow.
I did own the Logitech G15 "gaming" keyboard and at the time it was good, but thats because I didn't know anything about what makes a keyboard good for certain task. The gimmicky gaming keyboard by Logitech and other brands that do not use mechanical keys are not really any different than normal keyboards you can by for less than 20 dollars, the only reason why they call it a "gaming" keyboard is because they add gimmicky things like macro keys, lcd screen, back lit keys (I think this is useful for any situations, gaming or not), and other add-ons that are going to be sparingly be used.

Heres a good resource on why mechanical keyboard is preferred for gaming and just normal use overall: http://www.overclock.net/keyboards/491752-mechanical-keyboa rd-guide.html

srsly anything will do, not even the pros of pc gaming scene (korean starcraft player) care too much about it.

unless you play WoW and want to have many hotkey for macros.

better save that money for other fun stuff like logitech g27 steering wheel

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I have to say, getting the "best" keyboard will most likely not improve your game, but getting a mechanical keyboard has its upsides for everyday use. Mesh/membrane keyboard, the type you usually get for free when you buy a new PC from the store, are okay for most people as they are most likely use to it by now, but once you've experience mechanical keyboards you would never want to go back. But then again it all really differs from person to person, but I think most people would not go back to mesh/membrane style keyboards after using mechanical keyboards for awhile. Having the tactile feedback, audio feedback and with conjunction with visual feedback (from the screen) helps a lot. Almost everybody likes the tactile feedback from mechanical keys vs. the mesh/membrane feel. The audio feedback (clicking noise) is a hit or miss with some people, if you don't think you can stand the clicking noise, then there are plenty of models that will subdue the noise. The only other major concern has to do with the price, and it ranges from 70 to 200 dollars or more, and most people would question why spend that amount etc, well I don't know what else to say, but its the quality you are paying for.

One thing starcraft players do care about would be if a keyboard is n-key rollover, this allows multiple simultaneous keys being pressed, you don't want the game or OS (operating system) to not recognize a key press due to the USB limitation of simultaneous input. For the most part, any PS/2 mechanical keyboard will have n-key rollover.

Last edited by quitit at 7:09 pm, May 15 2011

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Like quitit said, go with a mechanical keyboard.
The Razer Blackwidow fits the bill perfectly...except for the low-profile bit.
Low-profile keys are bad.



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I like the mac keyboard. Well, im used to it i guess
Just looking for something that responds fast. If a mechanical keyboard is the way to go, so be it.