Are 'Gaming' Keyboards Obsolete? (+advice)

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My old original (and best) G15 is getting very worn and I'm in dire need of a replacement.

I remember term 'gaming keyboard' was used when input lag was an issue and also the fact that many keyboards cannot register more than a few key presses at once.


My question is do other modern day keyboards (ones that aren't branded 'gaming') still suffer from these issues?


I would get the G19 but I want something good to type on and I've heard that keyboards with more low profile keys are better for that.

I'm looking at the Logitech Illuminated keyboard:
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=KB-145-LG

Would this still be suitable for gaming?


Any knowledge on the topic or hands on experience would be appreciated.


Thanks
 
yea no real difference between gaming and normal keyboards these days, though expect more programable keys with a gaming keyboard, and other features that some may find useful.

the only differnce in todays market id say is between a cheap and more expensive keyboard. so you cant really go wrong with the keyboard you have selected. im currently using this one :

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=KB-033-RA&groupid=702&catid=23&subcat=1258

and its a fantastic bit of kit :)
 
Yea mate I remember trying to play racing games split-screen back in the day and me and my mate couldn't turn at the same time :rolleyes:


As far as nowadays goes, the competition and tech convergence makes sure that the distinction between 'gaming' and 'non-gaming' peripherals has been reduced to whether you like 'gaming bling' flashing neon lights and aggressive angles or not.

As a follower of the more subdued, minimalistic and 'clean' look, but still a considerably invested gamer, I've been buying 'non-gaming' keyboards and mice for the past few builds and am perfectly happy with the performance, no issues.


In fact, for my next rig I am considering the same exact keyboard you are mate, It looks fantastic and surely performs admirably for our purposes. Moreover, after having a few 'low-profile' keyboards I can't bear going back, much more comfortable when it comes to prolonged periods of rapid typing.


- Ordokai
 
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Thanks for the replies guys.

@Cat, I'm looking for something more modern and classy looking. Smaller profile on my desk too.

@Ordo, you've hit the nail on the head there, exactly the same views as me. Thanks for your help!
 
phil_c_ said:
yea no real difference between gaming and normal keyboards these days, though expect more programable keys with a gaming keyboard, and other features that some may find useful.

the only differnce in todays market id say is between a cheap and more expensive keyboard. so you cant really go wrong with the keyboard you have selected. im currently using this one :

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=KB-033-RA&groupid=702&catid=23&subcat=1258

and its a fantastic bit of kit :)
Click to expand...

NO! The lycosa is a god awful keyboard. I have one in the back of my cupboard collecting dust because the media keys keep malfunctioning on it (a known issue which razer tried to fix with lame firmware updates that simply wasted time and achieved nothing). Cheap shiny piece of trash. I'm using a microsoft wireless keyboard 6000 v3 now. Nice quality...and better still all the buttons actually work!
 
Yer i bought my G11 a few months ago... apart from the 18 extra keys which i don't use (can only think of WoW where i would even think about using them, though i had problems programming them in)
I hardly see the point of buying a gaming keyboard really. Apart from the nice looks ;)
 
G11 is a steal at that price, be it a little dated it's still a great board in my opinion.

The WASD keys aren't worn out like they were on my old keyboard, put it that way!

I find the function keys useful as macros in word, but have little use for them in games as I don't play the type of games that benefit from those.
 
I like gaming on a cheap Dell keyboard, it has a mechanical feel to it which gives you the feeling that that you have actually pressed a key.

This is compared to a Logitech G15 and Logitech slim keyboard.
 
I just got a dinovo edge, dont know why i ever went for a gaming keyboard i nthe first place now.

I had a g15 v1, and compared to this its horrid and adds nothing usefull.
 
Keyboards do still suffer from only being able to press certain number of keys but you can probably hit more than you used too. If you want a serious keyboard you would have to get a mechanical one but then you're talkinga bout a £100. I know there's a steel series one that has mechanical keys but it's got a slightly irregular key layout which would be annoying for a £100 keyboard.
 
Just out of curiosity, how long did your G15 last you? And why would you say it's wearing out, did buttons stop working or the screen loose clarity???

I've always found Logitec to have the best battery life and connectivity out of all wireless keyboards I've used. My last Logitec is sun died beige and I'm too embarrased to use it anymore. I bought the Microsoft Wireless Desktop for Mac, to use on my PC cos it was on sale for 10 quid... what a bag of utter junk. The batteries lasted a few weeks and I had to keep the receiver so close.

Now-a-days I use my trusty wired Dell SK-8135. It's awesome in gaming, very durable, feels excellent to type, has decent (non-customisable) shortcuts and two USB 2.0 ports on the back.

w6xfn5.jpg
 
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G11 for me, very nice keyboard. I like the "tap tap tap" sound when you type. Really makes me feel connected to my PC. Really though you don't need a gaming keyboard unless you know you need one. I have used the extra macro buttons very little. I'd rather save the cash and get a better mouse.
 
Only reasons to get a gaming keyboard are lights for playing in the dark, anti ghosting (pressing loads of keys at once) and macros for MMOs/easy program launching.

I have my Gkeys on my G11 set so I can run apps that flash up on my other monitor, saves me alt tabbing and running them. Quite useful to have, but not necessary. So depends what you need. At £26, the G11 is a steal, however.
 
I know everyone is saying the G11 but I want something with low profile keys and a smaller profile on the desk. The G11 is pretty much the same size as my G15!

Also I mentioned wanting a more modern and sleek look.


With regard to the macro keys, I used a lot of mine of my G15 for launching programs and inputting email addresses but with the Windows 7 taskbar I find myself using them less and less, so I wont miss them.

With regard to the mechanical keyboards, old school IBM's, DAS, Steelseries etc, I know they're all the rage these days but I don't really want that style of keyboard for the points mentioned above, even though I know they're good for typing. I'm looking for 'silent' key presses too.
 
I'd give another vote for the Razer Lycosa - I've got the mirror edition (apparently markings rub off the normal one) and am really pleased with it.

I've also got an Apple wired keyboard, which I love. :)
 
This might be a nice compromise -

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=KB-140-MS&groupid=702&catid=23&subcat=

I have always liked MS peripherals and have been using my trusty 'Laser Mouse 6000' for a few years now.

Also typing on an MS Reclusa at the moment which is pretty solid.

I reckon my next keyboard will be the above one, but how soon I get it entirely depends on when I next spill cider on my keyboard. Probably in a month or so. :D
 
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