Benefits of a gaming keyboard over an ergonomic keyboard?

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

 

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)

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.