Gaming keyboards not being made anymore?

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joules2

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Sep 16, 2015
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When I say gaming keyboard, I mean a keyboard with a dedicated gaming pad, such as the SteelSeries Merc Stealth (which just died on me), or the Wolf King Timberwolf or Warrior

The Merc Stealth had the advantages of being extremely ergonomic and providing more buttons within easy reach (three additional for the thumb alone). What retailers seem to be calling "gaming keyboards" these days are just ordinary keyboards with macros and high-polling rates (which really mean nothing). Is anyone making anything comparable?
 
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basroil

basroil

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Oct 19, 2013
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Most "gaming" keyboards are now distinguished by mechanical keys and million actuation testing. Nobody ever really made popular keyboards with gaming pads attached, simply because nobody wanted a monstrosity like that. What you need to consider is something like the Logitech G13 or Razer Tartarus in addition to a regular "gaming" keyboard. Sure it's a bit more cost, but you can also use an ergonomic keyboard of your choice with one of those to help for gaming.
 
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Gam3r01

Gam3r01

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Jan 12, 2013
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Most often, anyone who would buy something branded as "gaming" are comfortable enough with a standard layout keyboard they dont need something as, ah, unique, as an attached game pad.
Modern "gaming" keyboards are characterized by long lasting mechanical switches (or dome/similar such as the deathstalker), with an additional focus on comfort, reliability, and looks. There are standalone pads such as the Razer Orbweaver as well, but I hardly see a need for something like that. Something like the K70 should be more than enough for any "gamer". (I played games 8+ hours a day on a stock gateway keyboard for years)
 
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joules2

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Sep 16, 2015
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The SteelSeries Merc Stealth was immensely popular. In, say, 2007, if you searched for "gaming keyboard", most of your results would be of a keyboard with a gaming keyset. If you search now with Google Images, you'll still see it. It was way more comfortable and advantageous than the regular right-angle keyboard, particularly for FPS's. Mechanical switches et al and million cycle testing is more of a gimmick for non-competitive players than anything that actually improves gameplay. I started playing in the 90's with 12-dollar Logitechs, and never had a problem with "actuation force" or keys dying.

The G13 looks interesting, though it only provides two thumb keys + joystick, with a bunch of non-ergonomic right-angle keys.
 
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basroil

basroil

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Oct 19, 2013
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Basically you're asking too much for such a niche product that I have literally never seen in use. If you must have a certain layout, consider making your own keyboard or repairing the one you have. 99.9% of us are happy enough with a good keyboard and custom key bindings (and in my case, an MMO mouse for productivity purposes, those things are great for programmers and designers), and manufacturers are happy providing those keyboards as they are cheaper to produce and easier to design (and sell better).
 
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joules2

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Sep 16, 2015
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I don't see any use for the Razer Orbweaver either. More right-angle arranged keys and a joystick, which I can't imagine being useful for an FPS. Maybe I was spoiled on the Merc Stealth, but the K70 just wouldn't cut it for me.
 
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