Benefits of a gaming keyboard over an ergonomic keyboard?

[Bonecrusher123]

hey guys, i'm thinking about picking up something like this:
http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouseandkeyboard/productdetails.aspx?pid=043

i see a lot of gaming keyboards out there and was wondering how they're better? do they just have more buttons to allow for more macros?

thanks guys

 

[BG-0]

In reality, there is no benefit in any 'gaming' keyboard. If you're a real, real hardcore gamer, you will use the best PS/2 keyboard you can find, usually that pretty much means the 5-year-old $7 board. (USB cannot handle an infinite amount of keystrokes at the same time, as PS/2 can)

 

[loserOlimbs]

Another vote for PS/2 from me... PS/2 also has its own controller, so less CPU interference.

And gaming keyboards are 99% marketing, little benefit for most.

 

[Bonecrusher123]

alright, thanks guys.

i was looking at the sidewinder x6 keyboard:

http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/gaming/productdetails.aspx?pid=102

the detachable numpad seems really handy to me.

 

[Compiler]

I still use an ergonomic keyboard (clone of the MS natural - with some differences I like) from 1997. Its SOOOO Old, its not even a PS/2 Keyboard! Its an AT type, but with a PS/2 Adapter plugged into a 3' PS/2 cable (because the AT+PS/2 adapter is about 4" long and heavy - don't want to break PS/2 port).

You need to:
A - read some reviews on gaming & other keyboards you're looking at.
B - FEEL the keyboard first, before buying.

Much of what MAKES a "gaming" keyboard is the style and that the keys light up. Make sure you actually like the keyboard before you spend $50~2000. Okay, only the LED keyboard is $2000.

C - MS doesn't really design their Sidewinder products, they pay RAZOR to make xbox/Sidewinder looking products.

MS keyboard review: http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=237&Itemid=65 I think the snap-off to either side numeric keypad could be handy.

But the Timberwolf is what I would call a TRUE gamer keyboard: http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=218&Itemid=65 this design is actually over 3 years old. They also make a version with JUST the WASD circular pad.

So you may want to check out recent Logitech and Razer reviews.

But when I play games, I never use WASD to play.