MaximumPC 2007 11

VALUE

At heart, even

the most advanced gaming

keyboard is still just a keyboard.

With the exception of the fancy

macro functionality and some

blingy backlit keys, it performs

just like a standard OEM-

supplied free keyboard or a

moderately priced aftermarket

ergonomic board, yet gaming

keyboards cost as much as

$100. Unless you’re really

going to use the hell out of

that macro functionality, the

value proposition for gaming

keyboards is pretty bleak.

WINNER: STANDARD

KEYBOARD

And the Winner Is...

ERGONOMICS/COMFORT

In much the same way that the last round went

to the gaming planks, this round is a definite win for standard

keyboards. The vast majority of gaming keyboards we’ve tested

are ergonomic nightmares. At best, their uncomfortably flat designs

force you to bend your wrists in unnatural ways. At worst, they

include extra buttons in odd places that make you hold your

keyboard and mousing hands so far apart you’ll suffer shoulder and

neck discomfort as a result. There are exceptions, but as a general

rule, gaming keyboards aren’t as comfortable for extended typing

sessions as standard keyboards.

WINNER: STANDARD KEYBOARD

SPECIAL FEATURES

Here’s where the gaming keyboards really shine.

There’s a gaming keyboard with every feature you could possibly

desire—from info-tastic secondary displays that constantly feed you

in-game telemetry to macros that automate mundane tasks in games

like World of Warcraft. Hell, there are even keyboards customized for

certain games. These keyboards offer so much more than the simple

media playback and application launch buttons on less-advanced

typing implements.

But in many cases, these features aren’t perfect. The software

to create macros is frequently difficult to use, especially if you want

to get the timing between spell casts just right. Other features are

underutilized, or may not work in your favorite game. While the

Logitech G15’s secondary screen is undoubtedly cool, it only works

in a few dozen games.

WINNER: GAMING KEYBOARD

STANDARD KEYBOARD

Keytronics LT Designer

$60, http://www.keytronics.com

GAMING KEYBOARD
Ideazon Merc Stealth
$90, http://www.ideazon.com

T

he relative merits of gaming keyboards is a topic that’s divided the

Maximum PC staff. Some editors feel strongly that gaming key-

boards represent nothing more than the keyboard industry’s attempt to

add $3 worth of hardware to a product in order to justify a massive price

markup. Others feel that the extra price is justifi ed by the game-friendly

features that specialized keyboards deliver. Most don’t care either way

and just want everyone to shut the hell up already. In the end, ourand just want everyone to shut the hell up already. In the end, ourand just want everyone to shut the hell up already. In the end, our two two

entrants split the categories right down the middle, but only you can

decide whether you’d rather have a more comfortable typing experience

or some extra in-game functionality. The choice is yours.

round 3

round 4

NOVEMBER 2007 MAXIMUMPC 21

round 5