Alright, it's that time again -- another gaming PC question. For those of you who do a lot of gaming, what keyboard did you decide to go with? I've been looking at the Microsoft Sidewinder X4 since it has a few features I like. For one, it doesn't look obnoxious, it has a backlit keyboard, extra keys for macros, and it's wired (I'm tired of changing batteries).
What did you decide to go with, and why?
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What is your preferred gaming keyboard?
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Currently using a Sidewinder X6 on the home all-purpose PC. I have a fair few mechanical I recently reviewed here which many dedicated types will say are better choices, but I think while those might be better for typing fast in terms of data entry, etc, in terms of the sort of key action you'd want from a gaming keyboard I think you're better off with a short-throw rubber dome keyboard in the manner of the X6 (and presumably the X4, since the keys appear to be the same), and I also think the ergonomics are better.
Still, YMMV. Like a Mac, many people seem blown away with something a little different with a more 'boutique' image, no matter how not-actually-better it might be ;)
If you feel the burning need to go mechanical, I'd say get a keyboard with Cherry blues since it'll be the most mechanical feeling and therefore the most different - however, prepare for a fry-panning from the spouse/SO if you use it in a shared space. The slightly quieter click-less browns and the rarer clear switches actually behave better IMO for everyday use, but I'd still take the X6 over e.g. a Filco with the Cherry brown switches for a gaming-centric PC. If typing is more prominent than gaming, then I'd look at Logitech's Illuminated keyboard.
Still, YMMV. Like a Mac, many people seem blown away with something a little different with a more 'boutique' image, no matter how not-actually-better it might be ;)
If you feel the burning need to go mechanical, I'd say get a keyboard with Cherry blues since it'll be the most mechanical feeling and therefore the most different - however, prepare for a fry-panning from the spouse/SO if you use it in a shared space. The slightly quieter click-less browns and the rarer clear switches actually behave better IMO for everyday use, but I'd still take the X6 over e.g. a Filco with the Cherry brown switches for a gaming-centric PC. If typing is more prominent than gaming, then I'd look at Logitech's Illuminated keyboard.
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First of all. there are a couple of features common on gaming keyboards - backlighting, mechanical switches, macro keys, and perhaps an LCD screen. I guess it all comes down to what type of games you play and thus what features you'll need. Personally, I think mechanical keyboards are pretty great for gaming (Cherry MX black switches are typically the best for gaming) but again it depends on the key feel you're looking for. I personally use a SteelSeries 6Gv2 for gaming and have used a Das Keyboard but I hear the Razer BlackWidow/BlackWidow Ultimate are pretty popular mechanical keyboards too...
Mechanical keyboard guide - www.overclock.net/keyboards/491752-mechanical-keyb...
Razer's gaming keyboard technology guide (not limited to their keyboards) - www.razerzone.com/keyboardguide/guide.php
Mechanical keyboard guide - www.overclock.net/keyboards/491752-mechanical-keyb...
Razer's gaming keyboard technology guide (not limited to their keyboards) - www.razerzone.com/keyboardguide/guide.php
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I absolutely LOVE my Razer Blackwidow Ultimate. The mechanical keys are fantastic. It's wired, and it has this awesome braided cord that isn't going to fray. It has a built in USB port on the side so that once you plug in the keyboard you can quickly plug something into it if you don't want to reach around your computer. It has five macro buttons and a dedicated "gaming" button that allows you to turn off the Windows key with a keystroke.
Definitely recommend.
Definitely recommend.
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I think it's all personal preference, but I've used all kinds of keyboards with different types of switches. For myself I prefer Cherry brown switches, which are the same ones you'll find in the "silent" version of the Das. The Cherry browns are a nice middle ground in between the loud audible tactile click of the Cherry blues and the super sensitive Cherry reds.
I'm currently using Cherry reds, which are supposed to have a very similar feel to the Cherry blacks and although they're pretty nice, I don't like the low actuation point of the keys. It's just too sensitive, but I can see how that can help with some gamers, since you don't really need a tactile click as the keys are bottoming out, since that just adds to a delay in your next keystroke.
If you're interested in a gaming keyboard that's mechanical, I'd have to give it to the Razer BlackWidow Ultimate, it's cheap, has the ability to macro keys, has USB and audio ports built into the keyboard and is mechanical. The only downsides are that it loves fingerprints (since the base is glossy) and has LEDs, but you can turn the LEDs down.
I'm currently using Cherry reds, which are supposed to have a very similar feel to the Cherry blacks and although they're pretty nice, I don't like the low actuation point of the keys. It's just too sensitive, but I can see how that can help with some gamers, since you don't really need a tactile click as the keys are bottoming out, since that just adds to a delay in your next keystroke.
If you're interested in a gaming keyboard that's mechanical, I'd have to give it to the Razer BlackWidow Ultimate, it's cheap, has the ability to macro keys, has USB and audio ports built into the keyboard and is mechanical. The only downsides are that it loves fingerprints (since the base is glossy) and has LEDs, but you can turn the LEDs down.
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My Razer Lycosa has served me very well. The media controls no longer work and my WoW days wore the WASD down to OOOO, but I have yet to justify replacing it. Have toyed with getting a mechanical one, but there are so many other toys on the list ahead of it.
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I recently bought a Razer Blackwiddow Stealth edition. It uses brown switches so it is a bit quieter and it has a mat finish so fingerprints are not an option. Also the stealth edition is fully anti-ghosted unlike the original Black Widdow.
I love it because it has a reasonable price and doesn't shout GAMING when you see it.
I love it because it has a reasonable price and doesn't shout GAMING when you see it.
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I am using the Sidewinder X6 from Microsoft, no complaints, pretty good in the dark, great buttons, macros and lighting.
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