Gaming Keyboards

Gaming keyboards have special features, customizable keys

Gaming keyboards feature extra customizable keys, so that keys can be programmed to perform game-specific functions, such as shoot, tilt to the right, tilt to the left, etc. In addition, many feature programmable number pads. Many keyboards aimed at gamers are also illuminated keyboards, great for low-light gaming.

There are two different versions of the Logitech G15 Keyboard (*Est. $77), the older of which has been discontinued, although it's still available on eBay and from Amazon resellers and continues to be in relatively high demand. The newer version, released in 2007, drops "Gaming" from the product name and makes a few modifications to the design. The 2007 version of the G15 features an integrated display, rather than the original's pop-up display, although the new display is a bit smaller. Logitech also redesigned the keys on the far left; the original has 18 customizable "G" keys for gamers on the left hand side, while the new version has only six. This is because the new version of the G15 is also about two inches smaller. Most reviewers are ok with a smaller keyboard and don't mind giving up some of the customizable keys. Finally, the backlight is now adjustable, with high, low and off settings.

Most reviewers agree that Logitech hit one out of the park with its original G15 Gaming Keyboard. Early reviews were mixed but Logitech quickly addressed hardware and software concerns and reviewers were thrilled with the resulting product. In September 2007, Logitech released an upgraded version, now simply called the G15 (many reviewers refer to it as version or revision 2, for clarity's sake), inspiring a new flurry of critical attention. Although some reviewers prefer the original G15 Gaming Keyboard (2005) to the new G15 Gaming Keyboard (2007) (*Est. $77), all agree that the newer version is a fine gaming keyboard and definitively superior to the competition.

The Logitech G15 Keyboard (2007) has an enviable feature set. Six programmable keys support up to 18 macros per game. The backlit LCD display shows game information, instant messages, the time and date, media information and more, and has four buttons for display management. The keyboard has an adjustable amber backlight, for low-light gaming, and media control keys. Reviewers are particularly pleased with the G15's software, refined since the original version of the keyboard, which enables keyboard LCD support for many games right out of the box and critical game data will automatically feed to the keyboard's LCD. This improvement is part of a larger overall evolution; widespread community development has resulted in a large number of third-party applets that take advantage of the G15's excellent functionality.

Reviewers say that the G15's (2007) keys are tactile and responsive, the keyboard is simple to install, and the software is easy to use. USB 1.1 ports, rather than the new USB 2, can slow down large data transfers but, in practical use, this doesn't seem to be a concern for reviewers. CNet.com, ExtremeTech.com, CoolTechZone.com, Virtual-Hideout.net and DigitalTrends.com all favor the Logitech G15 keyboard.

Among gaming keyboards, no product is found more consistently lacking than the Reclusa (*Est. $55). Reviewers say the Reclusa, a Microsoft/Razer joint effort, has some nice qualities -- it is solidly built and the keys have a satisfactory feel. But it falls short when compared to practically every other gaming keyboard. Sal Cangeloso, in an XYZComputing review (now archived on Geek.com), writes that Microsoft's expertise in general-use keyboards and Razer's knowledge of gaming keyboards never fully gel in this model, which seemingly attempts to distinguish itself as a hybrid but fails to do anything particularly well. Jeremy Atkinson, of ExtremeTech.com, agrees, saying that it is acceptable for casual gamers but doesn't hold up for intensive gaming.

ExtremeTech.com, which we feel does the best job of comparing computer keyboards, selects the Wolfking Timberwolf ((*Est. $51)) and Ideazon MERC Gaming Keyboard (*Est. $35) as the top choices for gaming. However, other reviews of both keyboards are more restrained. Maximum PC reviews both keyboards. Paul Lilly likes them for gaming, even though they lack many of the options of the G15 gaming keyboard, but pans both for everyday use.

The Razer Tarantula (*Est. $77) is the runner-up for best gaming keyboard. CNet.com gives it an Editors' Choice award, but reviewer Rich Brown only covers its use for gaming. ExtremeTech.com and ComputerShopper.com both include the Tarantula in their "top products" lists. CoolTechZone.com's review is enthusiastic but, again, only covers gaming. Reviewers that test for general use, as well as gaming, tend to be less impressed. In his HardwareLogic.com review, Rich Caporal concludes, "While it performed very well during gaming, it was a real pain...for every day usage." Sal Cangeloso of Geek.com concurs. He cites several specific reasons why he found it adequate, but uncomfortable. Cangeloso notes the similar layout to the keyboard in the Logitech S510 desktop set (*Est. $45), and says the latter is more refined. The Tarantula has 10 programmable macro keys (only the special keys are backlit). The keyboard has 32 Kb of onboard memory to retain programmed settings.

Two review sites, HardwareLogic.com and Virtual-Hideout.net, reference the OCZ Alchemy Elixer (*Est. $40) as a suitable keyboard for gamers on a budget. With 10 macro keys, customizable gaming profiles and media control buttons, the Elixer has a solid feature set. Keys are rubber coated and pleasingly responsive, and the software is easy to use. Both Drew Stevenson and Stygian (of Virtual-Hideout) were pleased with the keyboard, if not ecstatic. Stevenson notes the lack of a USB hub as "a near inexcusable omission." Both had complaints about layout and experienced hand fatigue after extensive use. However, at less than half the price of Logitech's G15, the reviewers endorse the Elixer as a solid gaming keyboard for casual gamers, at a great price.